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Warner Bros Discovery Announces New Corporate Setup

2024-12-12

Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has recently made a significant announcement regarding its corporate setup. This new structure is aimed at enhancing strategic flexibility and opening up potential avenues to boost shareholder value.

Enhancing Business with a New Structure

Under this fresh corporate framework, Warner Bros. Discovery takes on the role of the parent company for two distinct operating divisions. The first division is the Global Linear Networks, which operates as a linear television business. It encompasses WBD networks that offer a diverse range of programming including news, sports, scripted, and unscripted content. This division focuses on maximizing profitability and generating free cash flow to facilitate the deleveraging process.The second division is the Streaming & Studios. It operates as a globally scaled streaming platform along with renowned film and entertainment studios. This division holds a portfolio of highly celebrated intellectual property. It concentrates on driving growth and achieving returns on the increasing invested capital.The new corporate structure is expected to bring greater clarity and focus. Each division is positioned to fulfill its specific strategic and operational objectives while working on initiatives to advance the key priorities for the consolidated WBD. Global Linear Networks will continue to shine in its efforts to maximize profitability and free cash flow, while Streaming & Studios will be at the forefront of driving growth by crafting the world's most captivating stories.In an ever-evolving media landscape, this new structure also increases the optionality to pursue further value creation opportunities for both divisions. It aligns the organization better and enhances flexibility for potential future strategic endeavors. As WBD President and CEO, David Zaslav, stated, "Since the combination that gave birth to Warner Bros Discovery, we have undergone a remarkable transformation in our business and improved our financial standing. We remain committed to ensuring our Global Linear Networks business is well-positioned to drive free cash flow, while our Streaming & Studios business focuses on growth through storytelling. Our new corporate structure paves the way for us to build on our existing momentum and create opportunities as we explore all means to deliver substantial shareholder value."WBD is all set to commence the foundational steps immediately and aims to complete the implementation of the new corporate structure by mid-2025. Additionally, the company plans to continuously evolve its Board to effectively execute its strategy and drive future shareholder value creation.

DALLAS — The owner of NewsNation, WGN Radio, and a vast collection of broadcast television stations in the U.S. has officially announced its progress in implementing a reduction-in-force initiative. This significant move follows a similar employee trimming action at The CW, which is under the control of Nexstar Media Group. In a statement provided to RBR+TVBR, a Nexstar spokesperson shed light on the situation, stating, "Our broadcasting and sales divisions are undergoing a process of streamlining their organizations. This is aimed at reducing our operating expenses and enhancing collaboration across the company." The statement further elaborated, "Although it is never easy to make such changes, they will have a minimal impact, affecting less than 2% of our workforce. By doing so, we can focus our efforts on the areas of growth that matter most to our viewers, partners, and customers." Nexstar's statement concluded by emphasizing its commitment to managing through this period of unprecedented change in the media industry. The company, which holds the highest stock valuation in its sector (excluding American Tower Corp.), is dedicated to ensuring its continued growth and success for years to come.

Navigating Through Radical Change in the Broadcast Media Industry

Nexstar is not alone in experiencing radical change and budgetary pressures as it navigates through a complex environment. ATSC 3.0 build-out costs, the expansion of newsrooms, and core advertising challenges have all played a role in tempering record political advertising and a retransmission consent scheme that many believe will come to an end in just five years. The E.W. Scripps Co. is also undergoing a major transformation, with its local news teams evolving to meet the demands of today's media landscape. As its Scripps News operation shifts to an internet-only model, executive shifts and departures have added to the complexity.

Details of the Reduction-in-Force at Nexstar

The reduction-in-force initiative at Nexstar is a carefully planned move. It involves a targeted approach to optimize the organization and ensure its long-term viability. By reducing the workforce in specific divisions such as broadcasting and sales, Nexstar aims to streamline operations and allocate resources more efficiently. This decision is not taken lightly, as it affects the livelihoods of employees. However, it is a necessary step in the company's journey towards growth and sustainability. The company is committed to providing support to affected employees during this transition period and is exploring various options to minimize the impact on them.

Comparison with Other Broadcast Media Companies

Nexstar's experience is not isolated in the broadcast media industry. Other companies are also facing similar challenges and are taking proactive measures to adapt to the changing landscape. For example, The CW's elimination of 24 positions in the public relations and scripted programming divisions in November is a clear indication of the industry-wide trend. This shows that all players in the broadcast media arena are having to make difficult decisions to stay competitive and relevant. Nexstar's approach, however, is unique in its focus on reducing operating expenses while maintaining a commitment to growth and customer satisfaction.

Impact on Stock Market and Future Prospects

In pre-market trading on Thursday, NXST was trading at $165.49, showing a 1.16% increase from December 11. This indicates that the market is taking notice of Nexstar's efforts to manage through the period of change. The company's stock valuation remains high, reflecting its position as a leader in the sector. Nexstar's commitment to thriving in the years to come is evident in its strategic decisions and actions. By addressing budgetary pressures and optimizing operations, the company is laying the foundation for a sustainable future. It is expected that these efforts will pay off in the long run, leading to increased profitability and growth.

Samba TV, a pioneer in AI technology for media analytics, has made significant strides by adding two highly experienced industry leaders to its team. Josh Jacobs and Monte Lutz bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will drive the company's growth and innovation in the advertising space.

Samba TV's Leadership Boost for AI-Driven Advertising

Josh Jacobs: Driving Product Innovation with Technical Prowess

Josh Jacobs, the newly appointed chief product officer at Samba TV, is a seasoned executive with a proven track record. He has held leadership roles across major organisations, such as serving as CEO of Omnicom's global programmatic buying business, Accuen, and as the president of OMG's enterprise partnerships group. His technical expertise and leadership background will be instrumental in overseeing product strategy and development at Samba TV. Jacobs has successfully grown and managed nine-figure businesses across ad tech platforms, supply and demand-side businesses like Mode Media, The Arena Group, and Yahoo!. With his leadership, Samba TV aims to create a more efficient and effective advertising ecosystem powered by its first-party TV data and identity solutions. He is committed to leveraging his skills to drive the company's mission forward and bring innovative products to the market.

Monte Lutz: Transforming Marketing with Global Brand Experience

Monte Lutz, the newly appointed chief marketing officer, joins Samba TV with an extensive background in leading marketing for globally recognised brands. He was the vice president and global head of marketing for creative products at Adobe, where he led marketing for Photoshop. His other executive roles include senior vice president of marketing at Activision, executive vice president of social strategy and programming at Edelman Digital, and CMO of Danny Wimmer Presents, a music festival producer. Lutz previously served as a strategic advisor to Samba TV. His extensive experience in marketing will enable Samba TV to deliver impactful campaigns and transform how the industry leverages AI-driven solutions. He is excited to join the team and contribute to Samba TV's AI-backed mission of powering a more scientific model for advertising and enhancing the viewing experience for everyone.

Samba TV's Vision with New Leadership

As Samba AI continues to shape the future of omniscreen advertising and measurement, the addition of Josh Jacobs and Monte Lutz is a significant milestone. Samba TV's commitment to building a trusted and independent data-driven advertising ecosystem resonates deeply with these new leaders. They believe in the power of data and AI-driven insights to connect audiences, drive performance, and measure marketing outcomes. With their expertise, Samba TV is at the forefront of revolutionising advertising as a trusted partner. They are dedicated to delivering transformative solutions for customers and shaping the story of Samba TV at this dynamic moment for the advertising industry.