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Entertainment

David Ellison Prioritizes ‘Top Gun 3’ and ‘Star Trek’ as Key Projects for Skydance Productions

by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor
written by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor

Nailing down a narrative is paramount for David Ellison. He’s determined to make Paramount a long-term home for storytelling.

Ellison’s strategy to revitalize the struggling entertainment giant involves leaning on a team of seasoned Hollywood executives, many with deep experience across various studios.

Key figures in the new leadership include Jeff Shell, previously of NBCUniversal, now president of the combined Paramount Skydance operation, and Andy Gordon, formerly with redbird Capital, now COO.RedBird is also providing financial backing.

George Cheeks will continue as chair of TV media, overseeing the company’s cable channels. Cindy Holland,formerly of Netflix,will lead streaming services like paramount+ and Pluto,after serving as a Skydance advisor.

Ellison’s long-time collaborator and Skydance’s Chief Content Officer, Goldberg, alongside former Sony Pictures executive Greenstein, will co-chair the new Paramount Pictures studio. Goldberg highlighted family-friendly films such as Goonies and Night at the Museum as guiding lights for the studio’s direction.

Greenstein, for whom this marks a return to Paramount, formed a lasting bond with Ellison and Goldberg during a previous co-production and co-financing deal.

Ellison also addressed rumors regarding a TikTok acquisition and declined to comment on potential new additions to CBS News. He confirmed plans to retain BET, contrary to earlier speculation.

Ellison underscores that technological advancements will be key to Paramount’s success, comparing the situation to a challenge: “Legacy media kind of swam out to the middle of the lake, but wasn’t exactly sure how to get to the other side… [I intend] to get to the other side of the lake.”

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Entertainment

Parametric Partners: Skydance Executives Discuss the Future of Cable Content Production

by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor
written by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor

Paramount Skydance’s top executives aren’t looking to follow moves by NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery to spin off their company’s cable channels into a separate entity. That should not, however, be taken to mean that they’re just fine with the status quo.

“There’s no question that [cable is] a super challenging business,” George Cheeks, chairman of TV media at the newly merged company, said Wednesday during a media session with other members of Paramount Skydance’s C-suite. Cheeks, who was a co-CEO of Paramount and head of CBS prior to the merger, will continue to run the broadcast network while adding the company’s cable outlets to his portfolio.

With streaming taking a dominant position in TV use and cable numbers shrinking, Cheeks and Paramount Skydance president Jeff Shell both acknowledged to reporters that they’ll need to make some changes to the business model. Cheeks also noted that Paramount’s cable channels are home to a number of “iconic franchises” that will be continue to be valuable to the company. He didn’t name-check any particular property, but cable institutions like South Park, The Daily Show, SpongeBob SquarePants and Yellowstone all live on Paramount Skydance channels.

“We’re all seeing the pay cable business shift over to streaming, so there will be a lot of conversations about what iconic franchises we want to continue, maybe shift to streaming, etc.,” he said. “We’re [six] days in, but I do feel like there’s a lot to preserve there.”

Shell added that rather than seeing the cable outlets (BET, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, Smithsonian, TV Land and VH1, plus premium outlet Showtime) as “declining linear assets,” Paramount Skydance will take the approach that they are “brands we have to redefine.”

Responding to a question about BET — which has been the subject of persistent talk about a possible sale in recent years — CEO David Ellison said his intention is to keep the company Skydance and its partner RedBird Capital purchased intact.

“We had this conversation with Shari [Redstone] when we had the first meeting about the company — our intention is to keep the company together and invest through that lens long term,” he said.

How does Skydance approach co-production agreements with cable networks?

Table of Contents

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Parametric Partners: Skydance Executives Discuss the Future of Cable Content Production

the Shifting Sands of Cable: A New Landscape for Content Creation

The cable industry is in the midst of a dramatic transformation.Customary television viewership is declining as streaming services gain momentum. However,this evolving surroundings presents unique opportunities for content creators. Executives from Skydance, a major player in the entertainment industry, recently offered insights into their vision for the future of cable content production, focusing on strategic partnerships and innovative approaches.

The key takeaway from their discussions centers on adapting to change. This includes embracing new distribution models and focusing on high-quality content that resonates with audiences across various platforms. The focus is shifting from simply producing content “for cable” to creating content that works *within* the existing cable infrastructure, but also is nimble enough adapt to the evolving demands of the digital age and streaming media.

Skydance’s Strategic Alliances: The Core of Their Strategy

Skydance emphasizes the importance of strategic alliances in this changing landscape. They recognize that success hinges on collaboration, particularly with established cable networks and emerging digital platforms. Building robust partnerships is crucial to reach the widest possible audience and ensure content longevity. Some ways they are achieving this are:

  • Co-Production Agreements: Skydance teams with cable networks to co-produce shows,sharing risk and leveraging the network’s distribution channels. This partnership allows for greater financial versatility and can improve content quality.
  • distribution Partnerships: Securing distribution deals with various streaming services to ensure content accessibility and maximize revenue streams.
  • Tech Integration: Partnering with technology firms that specialize in content delivery and user experience optimization, improving viewer engagement.

These cable content collaborations are crucial for Skydance to navigate the frequently enough-complex terrain of content distribution.These relationships facilitate the creation of a production ecosystem that encourages growth as more viewers migrate to different platforms.

key Considerations for Cable Content Production in 2025

Skydance executives highlighted several key factors shaping the future of cable content:

  • Data-Driven Insights: Utilizing data analytics to understand audience preferences,customize programming,and measure content performance. The goal is a better understanding of content that will attract the audience.
  • Content Diversity: Creating a diverse lineup of content that appeals to various demographics and interests, crucial for attracting a broad viewership.
  • Innovation in Storytelling: Embracing new storytelling formats, interactive experiences, and virtual reality to engage audiences in exciting ways.
  • Budget Optimization: Implementing more efficient production methods without sacrificing content quality.

The ability to adapt and change is critical in cable content production. This encompasses production styles,distribution and marketing strategies – content producers must be agile and forward-thinking.

building Audience Engagement for the Future

The digital landscape demands higher levels of engagement. Skydane is building for the future, utilizing these strategies:

  • Interactive Content: Integrating interactive elements into their programs, such as choose-your-own-adventure storylines and audience polls.
  • Social Media Integration: Using social media to promote their content, build a community around their shows, and gather feedback from viewers.
  • Personalized recommendations: Using algorithms to provide viewers with tailored content suggestions, increasing viewership and retention. This is especially valuable for cable content creators.

Practical Tips for Cable Content Producers

Based on Skydance’s insights, aspiring content creators can take several steps to thrive in the evolving cable landscape:

  1. understand Your Audience: Research your target demographic’s viewing habits, preferences, and the platforms they use.
  2. Develop a Strong concept: Create original, high-quality content that stands out from the crowd. Focus on story, characters, and production value.
  3. Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with cable networks, cable channels, and digital platforms for distribution.
  4. Embrace Data Analytics: Use data to assess content performance and target audience attention, iterate on your strategies, and optimize your content accordingly.
  5. Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt to changing distribution models and technological developments.

the Future is Dynamic: Skydance’s Vision

Skydance’s vision is built on a foundation of flexibility, data driven

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News

Skydance/CBS News: Ellison Promises Diverse Viewpoints

by James Carter Senior News Editor
written by James Carter Senior News Editor

The FCC’s Paramount-Skydance Standoff: A Harbinger of Politicized Media Regulation?

A $16 million settlement. A reopened investigation into alleged “news distortion.” And a merger hanging in the balance, awaiting FCC approval over a year after the deal was struck. The fate of Paramount Global and Skydance Media’s proposed union isn’t just about business; it’s rapidly becoming a test case for how aggressively the Federal Communications Commission will wade into the murky waters of editorial control and perceived media bias – a shift with potentially seismic consequences for the future of news.

The Stalled Merger and the “60 Minutes” Shadow

The proposed merger, aiming to create Paramount Skydance Corp., has been stalled at the FCC, primarily due to the agency’s review of license transfers for CBS stations. What’s unusual isn’t just the length of the delay, but the context surrounding it. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by former President Trump, unexpectedly reopened a probe into a complaint alleging deceptive editing of a 2020 “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris. This interview became a focal point of criticism from then-President Trump, who even filed a lawsuit against Paramount and CBS – a suit recently settled for a substantial $16 million.

Carr’s public statements have explicitly linked the Trump lawsuit to his concerns about media bias, stating that the former president “was right on these media bias issues.” This application of the FCC’s “news distortion” policy is unprecedented, according to former agency officials, raising questions about whether political considerations are influencing regulatory decisions. The core issue isn’t simply about a past editing dispute; it’s about the FCC potentially establishing a precedent for scrutinizing the editorial choices of news organizations.

Skydance’s Lobbying and the Promise of “Varied Ideological Perspectives”

Facing this hurdle, Skydance CEO David Ellison recently met with Chairman Carr and other FCC commissioners. A key element of Ellison’s pitch, as outlined in a letter filed with the FCC, was a commitment that CBS’s “editorial decision-making reflects the varied ideological perspectives of American viewers.” This pledge appears to be a direct response to Carr’s concerns and a strategic attempt to alleviate fears of a biased news operation. The move highlights the delicate balancing act Skydance faces: assuring regulators of journalistic integrity while navigating a highly charged political environment.

The DEI Factor and Shifting Regulatory Priorities

The situation is further complicated by Chairman Carr’s vocal opposition to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. He views DEI policies as discriminatory. Interestingly, Ellison and his legal counsel emphasized Skydance’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity, signaling an effort to align with Carr’s stated priorities. This suggests a broader trend: companies seeking FCC approval may increasingly feel compelled to address – and potentially downplay – DEI initiatives to secure regulatory clearance. This could have a chilling effect on diversity efforts within media organizations.

What This Means for the Future of Media Regulation

The Paramount-Skydance case isn’t isolated. It’s a bellwether for a potential shift towards more active FCC oversight of news content. If the agency establishes a pattern of investigating alleged “news distortion” or factoring perceived ideological alignment into licensing decisions, it could fundamentally alter the media landscape. This could lead to:

  • Increased Self-Censorship: News organizations might become more cautious in their reporting, fearing regulatory scrutiny.
  • Politicization of Newsrooms: Pressure to demonstrate “balance” could lead to a homogenization of viewpoints and a reluctance to pursue controversial stories.
  • Chilling Effect on Investigative Journalism: Aggressive investigations that challenge powerful interests could be discouraged.

The long-term implications extend beyond CBS. A more interventionist FCC could embolden political actors to weaponize regulatory processes against media outlets they deem unfavorable. This raises serious concerns about the independence of the press and the public’s access to diverse and unbiased information. The stakes are high, and the outcome of the Paramount-Skydance saga will likely set a precedent for years to come.

The future of media regulation is at a critical juncture. Will the FCC prioritize journalistic independence and a diversity of voices, or will it succumb to political pressures and embrace a more interventionist role? The answer will shape the news we consume and the health of our democracy. What role do you think the FCC should play in ensuring journalistic integrity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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