ITV

Tag: TBS

  • FY-2015: Time Warner revenue up 2.8%

    FY-2015: Time Warner revenue up 2.8%

    BENGALURU: Time Warner Inc reported 2.8 per cent growth in revenue for the year ended 31 December, 2015 (current year, FY-2015) at $28,118 million as compared to the $27,349 million in FY-2014. Adjusted Operating Income increased 18.7 per cent in the current year to $6,923 million as compared to $5,833 million while Operating Income increased 14.9 per cent to $6,865 million in the current year as compared to $5,975 million in the previous year.

    Time Warner attributes overall revenue growth to growth across all operating divisions. It says that the growth in Adjusted Operating Income benefited from lower programming charges at Turner and restructuring and severance charges across the company, partially offset by a swing in inter-segment eliminations. It says further that Revenues and Adjusted Operating Income included the unfavourable impact of foreign exchange rate.

    Time Warner chairman and chief executive officer Jeff Bewkes said, “We had another very successful year in 2015, demonstrating once again Time Warner’s ability to deliver strong financial performance as well as creative and programming excellence. Revenues grew three per cent and Adjusted Operating Income was up 19 per cent. All three of our operating divisions increased revenue and profits while also investing to capitalize on the shift to on-demand viewing and growing worldwide demand for the very best video content. Warner Bros. had its best year ever in videogames, led by Mortal Kombat X and Batman: Arkham Knight, and remained the number one supplier of broadcast television programming, including the biggest new hit of the TV season in Blindspot. As we embark on what promises to be a very strong year for Warner Bros. theatrically, Mad Max: Fury Road and Creed received a combined 11 nominations for the 88th Academy Awards.”

    Bewkes continued, “Home Box Office grew subscribers both on its linear networks and through HBO Now, our new stand-alone streaming service. Once again, HBO distinguished itself with the combination of the biggest Hollywood hits and best original programming. In 2015, HBO received 43 Primetime Emmys, the most in a single year by any network in at least 25 years — led by a record 12 Emmys for Game of Thrones. Turner continued to prove its tremendous value to its audiences, distributors, and advertisers with TBS, TNT and Adult Swim all ranking among ad-supported cable’s top 10 networks in primetime among adults 18-49 for the year. CNN was the fastest-growing top 40 cable network in its key demographic in the U.S. for the year, and Cartoon Network was the only top 3 kids network to grow ratings. Further demonstrating our commitment to shareholder returns, during 2015 we returned $4.8 billion to our shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, and this morning announced a 15 per cent increase to our dividend and a new $5 billion share repurchase program.”

    Turner

    Revenues increased 1.9 per cent ($200 million) to $10,596 million in FY-2015 as compared to $10,396 million, benefiting from increases of 16 per cent ($88 million) in Content and other revenues, two per cent ($69 million) in Advertising revenues and one per cent ($43 million) in Subscription revenues. Time Warner says that the increase in Content and other revenues was due to higher subscription video-on-demand revenues, primarily from licensing select Turner original programming to Hulu.

    Advertising revenues benefited from domestic growth, primarily due to Turner’s news business, and local currency growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates. The increase in Subscription revenues was due to higher domestic rates and local currency growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates and lower domestic subscribers.

    Adjusted Operating Income increased 32.3 per cent ($1 billion) to $4,110 million in the current year as compared to $3,106 million primarily due to lower programming and restructuring and severance expenses. Programming costs declined 11 per cent due to a decrease in programming charges ($395 million). Excluding the charges from both years, programming costs declined in the low single digits primarily due to lower syndicated programming expenses as a result of the abandonment of certain programming in 2014 and the absence of NASCAR programming, partially offset by higher costs associated with airing the MLB playoffs.

    Operating Income increased 38.4 per cent ($1,133 million) to $4,087 million. The current and prior years included $17 million and $137 million, respectively, of foreign currency says Time Warner.

    Home Box Office

    Revenues increased four per cent ($217 million) to $5,615 million, due to increases of four per cent ($170 million) in Subscription revenues and six per cent ($47 million) in Content and other revenues. Subscription revenues grew primarily due to higher domestic rates, partially offset by lower international revenues, which included the impact of the transfer to Turner of the operation of HBO’s basic cable network in India. The increase in Content and other revenues primarily reflects higher licensing revenues, partially offset by lower home entertainment revenues.

    Adjusted Operating Income rose 5.2 per cent ($88 million) to $1,878 million in FY-2015 as compared to $1,790 million in FY-2014, reflecting the higher revenues partially offset by increased expenses. The growth in expenses was mainly due to higher marketing and technology costs related to HBO Now, HBO’s stand-alone streaming service, as well as higher programming costs, partially offset by lower restructuring and severance costs. Programming costs grew 3 per cent reflecting higher original programming expenses, including programming charges.
    Operating Income increased 5.2 per cent ($92 million) to $1,878 million in the current year as compared to Rs 1,786 million in the previous year.

    Warner Bros.

    Revenues increased 3.7 per cent ($466 million) to $12,992 million in FY-2015 as compared to $12,576 million, reflecting higher videogames and television revenues, partially offset by lower theatrical and home entertainment revenues as well as the impact of foreign exchange rates.

    The increase in videogames revenues was mainly due to the releases of Mortal Kombat X, LEGO Dimensions and Batman: Arkham Knight. Television revenues increased primarily due to higher licensing revenues, including from the domestic availabilities of 2 Broke Girls, The Big Bang Theory, Person of Interest, Friends and Seinfeld. Theatrical revenues declined as the prior year included revenues from the final two instalments of The Hobbit trilogy as well as The LEGO Movie and Godzilla.

    Adjusted Operating Income increased 15 per cent ($187 million) to $1.4 billion, reflecting higher revenues as well as lower restructuring and severance charges and related cost-savings.

    Operating Income increased 22.2 per cent ($257 million) to $1,416 million. The prior year included a $36 million foreign currency charge related to the re-measurement of Warner says Time Warner.

  • NBC Universal names Turner’s Josh Feldman as EVP, Network Partnerships

    NBC Universal names Turner’s Josh Feldman as EVP, Network Partnerships

    MUMBAI: NBCUniversal has appointed Josh Feldman to the newly created role of executive vice president – network partnerships reporting to NBCUniversal’s Advertising Sales division chief marketing officer John Harrobin.

    Feldman will lead the Network Partnerships group whose goal is to drive revenue across the entire portfolio through strategic sponsorship opportunities. He will be responsible for partnering with the leadership of each NBCUniversal network across every platform to execute client-focused marketing efforts. Feldman will work closely with the Client Partnerships team to develop custom marketing solutions that deliver data-driven insights for each campaign.

    “Josh’s impressive career in entertainment media sales and client relations is exactly what we need as we strengthen our efforts to serve our advertisers better,” said Harrobin. “Josh has a proven track record of consistently delivering some of the most creative ways for marketers to reach consumers, particularly millennials, in meaningful ways. We’re excited to have him on board.”

    Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Feldman served as senior vice president and national sales manager of Turner Emerging Consumer Ad Sales for Turner Broadcasting, overseeing client relationships for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and truTV.

    Previously, Feldman was vice president and New York sales manager for Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. He started his sales career with Turner and worked as an account executive for sister networks TBS and TNT before moving over to the animation group and Turner’s emerging consumer media business.

  • NBC Universal names Turner’s Josh Feldman as EVP, Network Partnerships

    NBC Universal names Turner’s Josh Feldman as EVP, Network Partnerships

    MUMBAI: NBCUniversal has appointed Josh Feldman to the newly created role of executive vice president – network partnerships reporting to NBCUniversal’s Advertising Sales division chief marketing officer John Harrobin.

    Feldman will lead the Network Partnerships group whose goal is to drive revenue across the entire portfolio through strategic sponsorship opportunities. He will be responsible for partnering with the leadership of each NBCUniversal network across every platform to execute client-focused marketing efforts. Feldman will work closely with the Client Partnerships team to develop custom marketing solutions that deliver data-driven insights for each campaign.

    “Josh’s impressive career in entertainment media sales and client relations is exactly what we need as we strengthen our efforts to serve our advertisers better,” said Harrobin. “Josh has a proven track record of consistently delivering some of the most creative ways for marketers to reach consumers, particularly millennials, in meaningful ways. We’re excited to have him on board.”

    Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Feldman served as senior vice president and national sales manager of Turner Emerging Consumer Ad Sales for Turner Broadcasting, overseeing client relationships for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and truTV.

    Previously, Feldman was vice president and New York sales manager for Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. He started his sales career with Turner and worked as an account executive for sister networks TBS and TNT before moving over to the animation group and Turner’s emerging consumer media business.

  • Turner Broadcasting & WME | IMG partner to create eSports League

    Turner Broadcasting & WME | IMG partner to create eSports League

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and WME | IMG have formed a new strategic partnership to create an eSports competitive gaming league.

     

    Through the venture, Turner and WME | IMG will deliver competitive gaming events for all platforms including premium live fan experiences, televised coverage airing exclusively on TBS and extensive, high quality live digital event coverage and content extensions. Turner Studios in Atlanta will become the East Coast epicenter for eSports competitive gaming, serving as the headquarters for the new league and primary operations facility for the live gaming experience.

     

    Video game publisher Valve Corporation’s Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will be the featured game during the league’s first season. Turner Sports will produce the eSports competitions – in association with WME | IMG – and facilitate ad sales and sponsorship opportunities surrounding the new league.

     

    All aspects of the eSports league – including the live event experience – will be jointly managed by Turner Broadcasting and WME | IMG, with Turner Studios providing a state-of-the-art facility specifically created to showcase the live gaming competitions. Slated to begin in 2016, the televised presentation of the competitive gaming events will feature 10 consecutive weeks of programming twice per year – the most extensive commitment to televised eSports programming to date – airing Friday nights on TBS.

     

    In 2016, eSports tournaments will be televised twice per year with each 10-week period including a regular season, playoffs and championship. Both tournaments will include eSports teams facing off in competition while playing Valve’s Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

     

    Additionally, digital coverage will include live daily competitive gaming content distributed Tuesday through Friday during each tournament week, as well as a live digital companion experience on Friday nights offered simultaneously with the TBS presentation. Digital content will also include behind-the-scenes event coverage and profiles on the eSports teams and competitors, with additional eSports coverage available through Bleacher Report’s top-rated Team Stream App.

     

    “eSports is one of the fastest growing entertainment genres among young adults around the world. We’re looking forward to creating a tremendous live event atmosphere, leveraging the infrastructure and expertise within Turner Studios, and presenting the competitions in an innovative way throughout our portfolio of leading brands,” said Turner Sports president Lenny Daniels.

     

    “We are proud to establish a leadership position in this rapidly growing arena, which I see as a tent pole for the next chapter of TBS. The level of rabid fandom and engagement that we see in this world is extraordinary and we aim to up the experience for both the players and fans alike and provide a cutting-edge live experience on both linear and digital TBS platforms,” said Turner chief creative officer and TBS and TNT president Kevin Reilly.

     

    “The eSports environment is purpose-built for a generation that consumes content across multiple platforms and seeks unique live experiences. We’re proud to be partnering with Turner to give competitive gaming a first-of-its-kind platform to meet the needs of the industry’s growing fan base and attract new audiences around the world,” added WME | IMG chief content officer Mark Shapiro. 

     

    “WME | IMG is constantly seeking new ways to help fans enjoy the eSports they love and attract more fans to the sport. This venture is a great example of our commitment to growing the eSports industry, and Turner is the perfect partner to make this a reality. We’ve so enjoyed working with Valve and the teams through this endeavor, and we’re excited for the future,” said WME | IMG’s eSports division head Tobias Sherman.

     

    eSports is a term used to refer to organized, multiplayer video gaming competitions that are rapidly expanding in popularity on a global scale. According to data provided by NewZoo, global eSports viewership is more than 226 million people with the total expected to climb to 323 million by 2018. 

     

    The addition of eSports competitive gaming is one of many live events set to air on TBS in early 2016. The network’s Spring slate will also feature the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Final Four, including TBS’s first-ever telecast of the National Championship game, as well as the iHeartRadio Music Awards. TBS’s upcoming live event programming will also include the first-ever Live Nation Music Awards – co-executive produced with IMG – in June and Turner Sports’ annual coverage of the Major League Baseball Postseason in October.

  • Q2-2015: Warner Bros revenue growth boosts Time Warner revenues by 8.2%

    Q2-2015: Warner Bros revenue growth boosts Time Warner revenues by 8.2%

    BENGALURU: A 14.9 per cent revenue growth in its Warner Bros segment at $3298 million in the quarter ended 30 June, 2015 (Q2-2015) as compared to the $2870 million in Q2-2014 helped boost Time Warner Inc by 8.2 per cent. 

     

    The other two segments – Turner and Home Box Office (HBO) also reported revenue growth to the extent of 2.8 per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively. Time Warner’s revenue in Q2-2015 was $7348 million as compared to the $6788 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Adjusted Operating Income grew 15 per cent to $1862 million due to increases at Turner and Warner Bros., partially offset by a decline at HBO. Operating Income increased 19 per cent to $1859 million.

     

    Company speak

     

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “We had a very strong second quarter, with revenues up 8 per cent and Adjusted Operating Income growing 15 per cent to a quarterly record of $1.9 billion. Our results were led by Turner and Warner Bros and were achieved at a time when we’re investing aggressively to position the company for continued growth, including the successful launch of HBO NOW, our standalone domestic streaming service. HBO and its sister service Cinemax recently received a combined 131 Primetime Emmy nominations, with a record 126 for HBO – the 15th year in a row that HBO has led in nominations. In addition to being nominated for Outstanding Drama Series, Game of Thrones‘ fifth season set a new record for viewers of an HBO series.”

     

    Bewkes continued, “At Turner, TNT and TBS ranked as the #1 and #2 ad-supported cable networks, respectively, in primetime among adults 18-49, and together with Adult Swim claimed the top 3 spots in primetime among adults 18-34. Cartoon Network was again the only top 3 kids network to grow its 6-11 audience during the quarter and claimed the #2 spot for the first time. And CNN grew primetime viewership in its key 25-54 demo 25 per cent with the help of its award-winning original programming. Warner Bros concluded a very successful upfront, with 62 programs slated for the upcoming television season, including 29 on broadcast networks. That includes a record 20 returning shows and makes Warner Bros. the top supplier of broadcast series again this year. In the quarter, Warner Bros games business also shined with releases of Batman: Arkham Knight and Mortal Kombat X helping make it the top videogame publisher for the first half of the year. Reflecting our commitment to provide direct returns to shareholders, we have returned more than $2.6 billion in dividends and share repurchases year-to-date.”

     

    Segment performance

     

    Turner

     

    Revenues increased 2.8 per cent ($77 million) to $2827 million, benefiting from growth of 48 per cent ($69 million) in Content and other revenues and two per cent ($20 million) in Subscription revenues, partially offset by a decline of one per cent ($12 million) in Advertising revenues. The increase in Content and other revenues was due to the licensing of select Turner original programming to Hulu. Subscription revenues grew due to higher domestic rates and local currency growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates. Advertising revenues declined due to the impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by growth at Turner’s domestic businesses and local currency growth at Turner’s international networks. The increase in domestic advertising was due to growth at Turner’s domestic news businesses and the 2015 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship tournament, partially offset by lower delivery at certain domestic networks and the absence of NASCAR programming. Advertising revenue growth was also adversely impacted by fewer NBA playoff games in the quarter.

     

    Adjusted Operating Income increased 20 per cent ($190 million) to $1130 million, due to the increase in revenues and lower expenses, including lower programming costs. Programming costs decreased nine per cent primarily due to the absence of NASCAR programming as well as lower syndicated programming expenses as a result of the abandonment of certain programming in 2014. Operating Income increased 22 per cent ($201 million) to $1130 million.

     

    Home Box Office

     

    HBO revenue increased one per cent ($21 million) to $1438 million, due to an increase of four per cent ($40 million) in subscription revenues, partially offset by a decline of seven per cent ($19 million) in Content and other revenues. Subscription revenues grew due to higher domestic rates, partially offset by lower international revenue, which included the impact of the transfer to Turner of the operation of HBO’s basic cable network in India. The decrease in Content and other revenues reflected lower home entertainment revenues.

     

    Adjusted Operating Income decreased eight per cent ($44 million) to $508 million, as the increase in revenues was more than offset by higher marketing and technology costs, primarily related to the launch of HBO NOW, HBO’s stand-alone streaming service. Operating Income decreased seven per cent ($40 million) to $508 million.

     

    Warner Bros

     

    The revenue increase mentioned above reflects higher videogames and television licensing revenues, partially offset by lower theatrical revenues and the impact of foreign exchange rates. The increase in videogames revenues was primarily due to the releases of Batman: Arkham Knight and Mortal Kombat X. Television licensing revenues benefited from the second-cycle syndication of The Big Bang Theory and the subscription video-on-demand licensing ofSeinfeld. Theatrical revenues decreased primarily due to lower worldwide television licensing revenues of theatrical product and a decline in home entertainment revenues due to the comparison against the release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in the prior year quarter.

     

    Adjusted Operating Income increased 46 per cent ($108 million) to $344 million, due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by associated film and print and advertising costs, as well as higher theatrical valuation adjustments. Operating Income increased 46 per cent ($107 million) to $341 million.

  • DirecTV offers 100+ channels on portable devices in US

    DirecTV offers 100+ channels on portable devices in US

    NEW DELHI: Twenty-two new channels have been added to DirecTV’s mobile app making it possible for American subscribers to see more channels out of home on smartphones and portable devices.

     

    DirecTV already has 90 ‘out-of-home’ channel on its app. The new channels include MTV, Comedy Central, TBS, Spike, OWN and TNT. 

     

    The full list of new DirecTV Everywhere live streaming channels includes BET, Cartoon Network, CMT, CNN, Comedy Central, Galavision, HLN, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon East, OWN, Palladia, Smithsonian Channel, Spike, TBS, TCM, TNT, truTV, TV Land, UniMas, Univision East, and VH1.

     

    Thus, viewers who install the DirecTV free app will now have access to more than one hundred TV channels on portable modes.

     

  • Turner Broadcasting partners Sony for PlayStation Vue

    Turner Broadcasting partners Sony for PlayStation Vue

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. has inked a deal with Sony to offer their entire portfolio of networks on the new PlayStation Vue service. PlayStation Vue offers live and on-demand TV content over the Internet and is available beginning today in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia, starting at $49.99 per month.

     

    Turner Broadcasting believed that with the progression and growth of new viewing options in the expanding distribution universe, it’s important to put its leading brands and content in a position where as many consumers can access them as possible. 

     

    “The more options we give audiences to access content from TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, CNN, Adult Swim and Turner’s other popular networks the greater opportunity we have for exposure and consumption from a variety of audiences. Over-the-top services like Sony’s Playstation Vue create new paths for distributing our leading brands and provide another opportunity to have Turner’s award-winning and highly popular content accessible through a new delivery platform,” the company said.

  • Steve Koonin parts ways with Turner Entertainment Networks

    Steve Koonin parts ways with Turner Entertainment Networks

    MUMBAI: Steve Koonin, the name has become synonymous with Turner, having been with the company for over 14 years. But, news is the president of Turner Entertainment Networks, is leaving the company to take on the role of CEO of the NBA team the Atlanta Hawks.

     

    In his role as president Koonin, was most recently overseeing programming, marketing, scheduling, strategy and operations for the networks TNT, TBS, truTV and Turner Classic Movies. Now, he will be overseeing all business, financial and strategic operations of the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena. He will also acquire an equity position within the ownership group, and represent the owners as the head of the organisation.

     

    Turner Broadcasting Systems president David Levy said in a statement: “By now you’ve heard Steve Koonin’s news that he is leaving Turner Broadcasting for an opportunity outside our company. I imagine your feelings on his decision are like mine: mixed. On one hand, I’ll miss Steve’s vision, creativity and leadership at TNT, TBS, truTV and Turner Classic Movies. Their success is a direct result of his professional and personal investment. I know that many of you would use those same words to describe his influence on you and your work. There’s no better tribute than that.”

     

    “In February 2000, I walked into Turner Broadcasting after being invited to run TNT. I was 42 years old, had a full head of brown hair and dreams of taking the consumer lessons I learned from Coca-Cola and apply them to TV. I am truly gratified in saying that TNT, TBS, TCM and truTV have become familiar and beloved brands to TV viewers all over the USA,” said Koonin on the thought of parting ways with Turner. “It is no secret that I have a passionate love of sports, particularly for our local teams. In the past few months, I was invited to become an investor in the Atlanta Hawks. During our investor conversations, it became quickly apparent that the Hawks needed local leadership as well as a face and voice for the franchise. I have accepted the position of CEO and Part-Owner of the Atlanta Hawks. The job is consistent with my desire to make a difference in my community and finish my career in Atlanta.”

  • TNT bags premier rights to The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    TNT bags premier rights to The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    MUMBAI: Time Warner’s Turner Broadcasting System has bagged the television rights to The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. TNT already has rights to Peter Jackson’s first Hobbit, from New Line and MGM. The movie will premier on TNT in 2016, while the 2012 release The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be aired in 2015.

     

    The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug was acquired by TNT post its huge box office success. Reports suggest that the movie has bagged more than $400 million in worldwide BO and $ 127.5 million domestically, since its release earlier this month.

     

    TNT had first ventured into Tolkien’s Middle Earth with its network television premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in 2004. Since then the network has been acquiring movies like The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers in 2005 and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in 2006.

     

    TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies president, head of programming Michael Wright said in a release, “TNT has been the primary television home to Tolkien’s Middle Earth for nearly a decade, beginning with our network television premieres of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We’re proud to continue our association with these extraordinary and enormously popular epics with the acquisition of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.”

  • Amazon brings instant video service to Japan

    Amazon brings instant video service to Japan

    MUMBAI: Amazon has started to offer its online video distribution service in Japan, allowing customers to purchase or rent films and TV shows from a selection of more than 26,000 titles.

    Shochiku and Toho as well as major broadcasters NHK, TBS and Fuji TV are among the content producers for Amazon Instant Video in Japan. The service offers video downloads for around 100 yen ($1) for rental and 1,000 yen ($10) for purchase.

    Hulu and Apple are both currently operating platforms in the region, adding to the competition that also includes local operators such as GyaO Corp, Tsutaya TV and NotTV. The Japanese cable network JCOM also offers a VOD service that allows for content to be downloaded on multiple devices. With Amazon Instant Video, titles can be streamed to two devices, but only downloaded to one. One of the devices linked with the service is Amazon’s own Kindle tablet.