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In an annual tradition, anonymous executives from the media and entertainment sectors have shared their predictions for 2025, providing insights into the direction of the industry. This collection of forecasts comes as the executives weigh in without attributing their names, allowing for candid reflections on what lies ahead.
Reviewing the predictions made for 2024 reveals a mixed bag of outcomes. While some expectations fell flat, there were notable instances of accuracy. For example, Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max and Disney did indeed collaborate, contrary to an earlier expectation of a broader streaming bundle that included other companies. Additionally, regional sports rights acquisition continued apace as anticipated, although some significant shifts in company ownership and rights distribution diverged from expectations. The much-discussed merger involving Paramount Global and RedBird Capital was partially realized through a consortium partnership instead of a straightforward acquisition.
Looking forward, the predictions for 2025 offer a look into what some insiders believe might transpire:
Executive 1: Comcast to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets
After significant restructuring, this executive predicts that Comcast will merge Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets with its NBCUniversal division, hinting at a strategic consolidation in response to changing market demands.
Executive 2: Comcast may pursue Charter and initiate further spin-offs
There’s speculation that Comcast will attempt to acquire Charter, echoing past ambitions to consolidate their dominance in the cable industry despite regulatory hurdles faced a decade ago when they sought to purchase Time Warner Cable.
Executive 3: Fox could expand by acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery’s portfolio
Another bold prediction suggests that Fox might significantly ramp up its position in the media landscape by purchasing HBO, Turner networks, and other assets from Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape once again.
Executive 4: Changes in leadership at Disney may lead to Dana Walden’s departure
As Disney contemplates its future leadership, this executive anticipates that Dana Walden might leave the company if she is not appointed as the new CEO, pointing to the careful selection process following prior leadership transitions.
Executive 5: Jeff Bezos might divest The Washington Post
With ongoing scrutiny surrounding the publication’s operations, this executive predicts that Bezos may consider selling The Washington Post, particularly if it starts affecting his other ventures adversely.
Executive 6: Financial strain may spur sales among TV station groups
Executives foresee several traditional broadcast groups possibly selling their stations due to financial pressures, as the shift toward digital viewing continues to challenge conventional revenue models.
Executive 7: Major networks may acquire their affiliate stations
This prediction reflects the notion that relaxation in ownership regulations might encourage CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox to buy their affiliate stations, consolidating their local and national operations.
Executive 8: Paramount Global could target Lionsgate
As Paramount Global navigates its future post-merger with Skydance Media, aspirations may lead to acquiring Lionsgate after its expected spin-off from Starz.
Executive 9: A big tech firm may purchase Electronic Arts
After previous flirtations with possible acquisitions, a major tech company might move in to acquire Electronic Arts, following the trend of consolidation seen with Microsoft’s recent Activision purchase.
Executive 10: A more tempered view on M&A activity
This executive is skeptical about the prevalence of impending mergers and acquisitions, suggesting that expectations of a wave of consolidations might be overblown as the sector confronts deeper, systemic challenges.
Executive 11: Potential bundling of streaming services
As industry leaders contemplate efficiency in streaming services, executives predict that Paramount+, Peacock, and Max could be bundled together, enhancing offerings for consumers and creating competitive advantages.
Executive 12: Uncertain future for the Venu sports streaming service
Despite positive initial buzz, executives are predicting that the planned sports streaming service, Venu, may never launch, with the involved companies possibly choosing to license content to ESPN’s burgeoning streaming platform instead.
Executive 13: Possible change in leadership at Lucasfilm
With Kathleen Kennedy’s long tenure at Lucasfilm, speculation arises about her potential departure, inviting discussions about new leadership for the franchise as it seeks to adapt to evolving audience expectations.
As 2025 approaches, the industry buzz continues unabated, and only time will reveal the accuracy of these forecasts. Happy holidays to all as we embark on another year of change and innovation in media!
Disclosure: Comcast owns NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC.
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