NBC Universal Buys Oxygen Network - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Pavan · 10-09-2007, 01:23 PM

NBC UNIVERSAL BUYS OXYGEN MEDIA

Expands Company's Successful Cable Entertainment Business

Strengthens NBCU's Position in Fast-Growing Female Category

Seven-Year-Old Female-Targeted Network Reaches 74 Million Homes

NEW YORK - October 9, 2007 - NBC Universal is acquiring Oxygen Media, one of the nation's leading female-focused cable television networks, thus expanding its highly successful cable portfolio. The announcement was made today by Jeff Zucker, President and CEO, NBC Universal.

Under the agreement, NBCU will acquire Oxygen for $925 million. Net of financial assets, the purchase price is approximately $875 million. The network, which is available in more than 74 million homes, has been registering significant growth in both ad sales and viewership, with the just-completed third quarter being the most-watched in the history of the network. Launched in 2000, Oxygen is the only fully distributed entertainment cable channel launched in the last decade.

Zucker said: "In just seven short years, Oxygen has become the crown jewel of independent networks. It's a terrific property with a clear mission, strong brand, and desirable audience. This acquisition increases our foothold in the advertiser-coveted young, upscale, female demographic, and perfectly complements our current roster of cable channels and plays to our strength of running and operating cable networks."

The acquisition by NBC Universal is part of the company's strategy to transform its portfolio and focus on assets with potential for rapid growth. Oxygen joins NBC Universal's fully-owned cable entertainment networks, which include USA Network, the most-watched basic cable network in every key demographic; Bravo, the most upscale basic cable network, which just completed the best third quarter in its history; and SCI FI, the sixth-ranked basic cable entertainment network. Along with CNBC and MSNBC, NBC Universal's cable networks account for 50% of the company's profits, and are experiencing double-digit, year-over-year growth.

Oxygen was founded by current Chairman and CEO Geraldine Laybourne along with talk show host Oprah Winfrey and television producers Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner and Caryn Mandabach.

Commenting on the announcement, Laybourne said: "This deal with NBCU is the best way for Oxygen to grow. In seven years, we built a spectacular brand for women. We built Oxygen from scratch ・we became profitable, grew from zero to 74 million subscribers and produced original programming that resonates with young women everywhere. I couldn't be more proud of my team. Now together with NBCU, Oxygen can become an even bigger brand."

Oxygen will strengthen NBC Universal's position of leadership in upscale, female-focused media. Oxygen's audience complements the viewers of Bravo and the Today show and visitors to iVillage, the leading online site for women. With these rich assets across multiple platforms, NBCU will now have an even more attractive go-to-market position in the fast-growing women's entertainment and lifestyle market.

Upon completion of the transaction, Oxygen will be merged into NBC Universal's Entertainment Cable division, which is managed by Jeff Gaspin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Television Group.

Said Gaspin: "We are very excited to add Oxygen to our portfolio of cable assets. We believe we can take it to the next level by expanding the quality brand that has been created by Gerry and the rest of the team."

The Oxygen purchase will be substantially self-funded through the sale of non-core assets. NBC Universal is selling its two independent Telemundo television stations: KWHY in Los Angeles, one of its two Spanish-language stations in that city, and WKAQ in Puerto Rico.

The Oxygen transaction will be accretive to earnings after the first full year, and is valued at an attractive price per subscriber of less than $12. NBC Universal expects revenue and cost synergies of approximately $35 million in 2008.

The transaction is expected to close in November following the receipt of customary regulatory approvals.

About NBC Universal:
NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.

About Oxygen Media:
Oxygen is currently available in over 74 million homes. The network was launched in 2000 to fill a void in the television landscape -- creating a network targeted to younger women. Oxygen is rewriting the rulebook for women's television, with vast array of unconventional and original programming including The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, The Bad Girls Club, Tori & Dean: Inn Love and Campus Ladies. Geraldine Laybourne, the network's founder, Chairman and CEO, has led the company to be a strong advocate for women. Through programs like The Mentor's Walk, Oxygen's national program for bringing along the next generation, and "Who Cares About Girls," Oxygen's new documentary series -- Oxygen is creating The New Girls Network.

Scoobiedoo30 · 10-09-2007, 02:00 PM

could we see new programming on Oxygen

Dean Winchester · 10-09-2007, 02:49 PM

god no, does this mean Oxygen will now consist of reruns of The Office, Scrubs, Earl and other shows that have nothing to do with female-centric television?

Scoobiedoo30 · 10-09-2007, 02:55 PM

that would be nice

Pavan · 10-09-2007, 03:38 PM

They'll probably encore shows that are female driven, like Bionic Woman, Medium, and the upcoming Lipstick Jungle. More to come, I'm sure.

Scoobiedoo30 · 10-09-2007, 03:44 PM

well what ever they will show is fine with me

Ireneparalegal · 10-09-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Winchester

god no, does this mean Oxygen will now consist of reruns of The Office, Scrubs, Earl and other shows that have nothing to do with female-centric television?

You said what I was thinking. With the Marcy-Carsey team, the network consisted of Roseanne and Different World along with some nice shows. God, I shudder to think we will see reruns of shows that are currently showing on NBC.

JulieSomoski · 10-09-2007, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

You said what I was thinking. With the Marcy-Carsey team, the network consisted of Roseanne and Different World along with some nice shows. God, I shudder to think we will see reruns of shows that are currently showing on NBC.

This would be one of my favorite cable networks if they actually showed all the shows they have on a daily basis. They have Roseanne, A Different World, Grace Under Fire, Living Single, and other shows, yet currently only show their originals, and maybe Roseanne once in awhile.

Let's hope this means more classics and more airings of shows. If the schedule consists of nothing but My Name is Earl 25/7, I will be dropping this network immediately.

friendsfan77 · 10-09-2007, 04:19 PM

^ Yeah, as a good selection of programs they have, I wish they'd get a better way of airing them. For instance, have Ellen on M-F at a regular time again instead of one day a week for 3 hours.

Scoobiedoo30 · 10-09-2007, 04:23 PM

I hope they keep Grace Under Fire

JulieSomoski · 10-09-2007, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobiedoo30

I hope they keep Grace Under Fire

Do they even air GUF anymore? I know they air Roseanne once in a while. I have even seen Living Single po up a few times. It's a shame that they stick to airing their originals most of the day, because this network could be so much more than what it is.

thebloodyscot · 10-10-2007, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roseanne88-97

Do they even air GUF anymore? I know they air Roseanne once in a while. I have even seen Living Single po up a few times. It's a shame that they stick to airing their originals most of the day, because this network could be so much more than what it is.

Yeah, they've got a case of ion-itis. I wish they showed A Different World and Mad About You more often. And I hope A Different World and Mad About You don't go away when the takeover takes effect.

TKMetal · 10-11-2007, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roseanne88-97

Do they even air GUF anymore?

I was channel surfing and happen to catch an airing yesterday, so they still air it. First time I've seen it in awhile though.

10-09-2007, 01:23 PM	#1
Pavan SO News/Reviews Director Administrator Forum Superstar Join Date: Feb 17, 2000 Location: Linden, NJ (Where Hal Linden got his last name from!) Posts: 26,814	NBC Universal Buys Oxygen Network NBC UNIVERSAL BUYS OXYGEN MEDIA Expands Company's Successful Cable Entertainment Business Strengthens NBCU's Position in Fast-Growing Female Category Seven-Year-Old Female-Targeted Network Reaches 74 Million Homes NEW YORK - October 9, 2007 - NBC Universal is acquiring Oxygen Media, one of the nation's leading female-focused cable television networks, thus expanding its highly successful cable portfolio. The announcement was made today by Jeff Zucker, President and CEO, NBC Universal. Under the agreement, NBCU will acquire Oxygen for $925 million. Net of financial assets, the purchase price is approximately $875 million. The network, which is available in more than 74 million homes, has been registering significant growth in both ad sales and viewership, with the just-completed third quarter being the most-watched in the history of the network. Launched in 2000, Oxygen is the only fully distributed entertainment cable channel launched in the last decade. Zucker said: "In just seven short years, Oxygen has become the crown jewel of independent networks. It's a terrific property with a clear mission, strong brand, and desirable audience. This acquisition increases our foothold in the advertiser-coveted young, upscale, female demographic, and perfectly complements our current roster of cable channels and plays to our strength of running and operating cable networks." The acquisition by NBC Universal is part of the company's strategy to transform its portfolio and focus on assets with potential for rapid growth. Oxygen joins NBC Universal's fully-owned cable entertainment networks, which include USA Network, the most-watched basic cable network in every key demographic; Bravo, the most upscale basic cable network, which just completed the best third quarter in its history; and SCI FI, the sixth-ranked basic cable entertainment network. Along with CNBC and MSNBC, NBC Universal's cable networks account for 50% of the company's profits, and are experiencing double-digit, year-over-year growth. Oxygen was founded by current Chairman and CEO Geraldine Laybourne along with talk show host Oprah Winfrey and television producers Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner and Caryn Mandabach. Commenting on the announcement, Laybourne said: "This deal with NBCU is the best way for Oxygen to grow. In seven years, we built a spectacular brand for women. We built Oxygen from scratch ・we became profitable, grew from zero to 74 million subscribers and produced original programming that resonates with young women everywhere. I couldn't be more proud of my team. Now together with NBCU, Oxygen can become an even bigger brand." Oxygen will strengthen NBC Universal's position of leadership in upscale, female-focused media. Oxygen's audience complements the viewers of Bravo and the Today show and visitors to iVillage, the leading online site for women. With these rich assets across multiple platforms, NBCU will now have an even more attractive go-to-market position in the fast-growing women's entertainment and lifestyle market. Upon completion of the transaction, Oxygen will be merged into NBC Universal's Entertainment Cable division, which is managed by Jeff Gaspin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Television Group. Said Gaspin: "We are very excited to add Oxygen to our portfolio of cable assets. We believe we can take it to the next level by expanding the quality brand that has been created by Gerry and the rest of the team." The Oxygen purchase will be substantially self-funded through the sale of non-core assets. NBC Universal is selling its two independent Telemundo television stations: KWHY in Los Angeles, one of its two Spanish-language stations in that city, and WKAQ in Puerto Rico. The Oxygen transaction will be accretive to earnings after the first full year, and is valued at an attractive price per subscriber of less than $12. NBC Universal expects revenue and cost synergies of approximately $35 million in 2008. The transaction is expected to close in November following the receipt of customary regulatory approvals. About NBC Universal: NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi. About Oxygen Media: Oxygen is currently available in over 74 million homes. The network was launched in 2000 to fill a void in the television landscape -- creating a network targeted to younger women. Oxygen is rewriting the rulebook for women's television, with vast array of unconventional and original programming including The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, The Bad Girls Club, Tori & Dean: Inn Love and Campus Ladies. Geraldine Laybourne, the network's founder, Chairman and CEO, has led the company to be a strong advocate for women. Through programs like The Mentor's Walk, Oxygen's national program for bringing along the next generation, and "Who Cares About Girls," Oxygen's new documentary series -- Oxygen is creating The New Girls Network.
	__________________ SitcomsOnline.com News Blog -- The best news out there! SitcomsOnline.com DVD Reviews -- We are #1 in reviews!

10-09-2007, 02:00 PM	#2
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	could we see new programming on Oxygen
	__________________ Who Dat

10-09-2007, 02:49 PM	#3
Dean Winchester Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 14,803	god no, does this mean Oxygen will now consist of reruns of The Office, Scrubs, Earl and other shows that have nothing to do with female-centric television?

10-09-2007, 02:55 PM	#4
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	that would be nice

10-09-2007, 03:38 PM	#5
Pavan SO News/Reviews Director Administrator Forum Superstar Join Date: Feb 17, 2000 Location: Linden, NJ (Where Hal Linden got his last name from!) Posts: 26,814	They'll probably encore shows that are female driven, like Bionic Woman, Medium, and the upcoming Lipstick Jungle. More to come, I'm sure.

10-09-2007, 03:44 PM	#6
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	well what ever they will show is fine with me

10-09-2007, 04:19 PM	#9
friendsfan77 - Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 02, 2004 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 3,165	^ Yeah, as a good selection of programs they have, I wish they'd get a better way of airing them. For instance, have Ellen on M-F at a regular time again instead of one day a week for 3 hours.

10-09-2007, 04:23 PM	#10
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	I hope they keep Grace Under Fire