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Disney has officially become an equity-owning partner in NBCU-Fox venture Hulu. The deal ensures that programming from both ABC and the Disney Channel, amongst other Disney owned networks, will air on the popular streaming site. CEO Robert Iger noted that “Disney and Hulu share a focus on delivering the highest-quality entertainment experience and we look forward to working with Hulu to build value for our consumers, our brands and our shareholders.”
While many company’s are reporting record loses, Comcast noted a 6% increase in for the first quarter. An increase in subscribers, without much of a discount, helped the cable-telco raise the average revenue per subscriber. Analysts are cheering Comcast for being able to both reduce spending and double its cash flow.
Viacom’s profit fell 34% in the last quarter, with its net income falling from $270 million to $177 million year over year. The earnings report was hindered by Paramount, whose loses increased from $63 million to $123 million. In reaction, Chairman Sumner Redstone noted that Viacom is in the preliminary stages of selling its National Amusement chain of movie theaters.
Microsoft released the latest version of Windows yesterday. While it was just a beta release of the new Windows, pundits have noted significant changes to the OS, with Engadget noting that it is “a really cleaned up, streamlined, nicer looking version of Vista.” Microsoft certainly has a long way to go in changing public opinion of Windows after the Vista fiasco, its positive to note that the company is taking action in getting its feet back on the ground.
David Zazlov, CEO of Discovery Communications, has inked a deal with Hasbro to transform Discovery Kids into a JV that will relaunch next year with a new name. Zazlov successfully transformed three other Discovery Networks: Discovery Times turned into Investigation Discovery, Discovery Home become Planet Green and Discovery Health will soon emerge as Oprah’s OWN.