by Matt Raub, Sep 16 2011 // 2:19 PM
In a time when digital HD, cable, and satellite TV bring us thousands (that’s right: thousands) of different channels to choose from in our day-to-day viewing schedule, doesn’t it make sense that one of those channels should be dedicated to one of the most popular animated sitcoms in American TV history?
That’s what News Corp. is thinking, as they’re toying with the idea of bringing us an entire channel dedicated to The Simpsons. Here’s the speculative report from LA Times.
Noting that “The Simpsons” shows no sign of slowing down as it prepares to start its 23rd season on News Corp.’s Fox network, News Corp. Chief Operating Officer Chase Carey said the company is starting to have internal discussions about how to create additional revenue streams for the animated hit that goes beyond reruns on TV stations and DVD sales.
Any effort at creating a platform just for “The Simpsons” may have to wait for the show to stop producing new episodes. Because the show is still in production after more than two decades, the rerun deals done years ago are still in effect. Once the show ends, so-called second cycle sales of repeat episodes can be sold. Although some shows might seem stale after 20 years, “The Simpsons” continues to be a solid performer.
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Posted in: 20th Century Fox · Animation · Announcements · Comedy · News · TV
Tagged: 20th Century Fox, Animation, Bart Simpson, Chase Carey, Fox, Homer Simpson, Lisa Simpsons, News Corp., Simpsons, The Simpsons
by Sebastian Suchecki, Nov 4 2010 // 8:00 AM
For those who made the switch over to Facebook years ago, you more than likely abandoned your Myspace account either immediately or shortly thereafter. After that, the social networking site has gone through tons of facelifts and revamps in order to retain what little followers the site has. Those were all thanks to the site’s owner, News Corp, who purchased the Facebook competitor back in 2005.
Now, it seems that the media corporation may be pulling the plug on the site by the end of next years, says president Chase Carey. From THR.
Discussing online social network MySpace, Carey said he is happy with a just-launched redesign, but said that “current losses are not accceptable or sustainable.” He said the redesigned MySpace has the “potential to be an exciting business, but needs to show real progress in the coming quarters, not years, mainly by growing traffic and revenue and “a clear path to profitability.” \
Observers took this as a signal that News Corp. could look for a buyer if MySpace shows no real progress. The networking site’s revenue declined by $70 million in the latest quarter compared to the same period a year earlier.
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Posted in: 20th Century Fox · Announcements · Comedy · Deals and Dealmaking · News · Social Networking · Web
Tagged: Chase Carey, Facebook, Fox, Friendster, MySpace, News Corporation