12 Comments
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Rich Wingerter's avatar

The huge disadvantage of unifying content and distribution is that it kills freedom. On the creative side, you have a narrow path to get your work out. On the consumer side, the distribution channel narrows what you can get to what they want to deliver. And overall, it reduces competition in the industry, potentially jacking up prices.

I have yet to understand the logic. Really, the government should own the last mile and allow everyone to compete on the content side. This eliminates a natural monopoly and levels the playing field.

Kkilgore's avatar

I’m also watching World Cup on Peacock. Ole !!!

James Ackerman's avatar

So, how long until Netflix buys out NBCUniversal after it spins off?

Sonny Bunch's avatar

It’s … possible. But Netflix doesn’t want a broadcast network and I’m not sure the parks business fits in with their theory of live experiences. And their stock still hasn’t recovered from trying to buy WB!

James Ackerman's avatar

All true...but they will want control over the NBCU library. Plus, with their moving into live sports in recent years, the NBC rights have to look tempting, with everything they have now

Sonny Bunch's avatar

And you also take a player off the board when it comes to negotiating sports rights, which could help keep costs down. I saw someone suggest Netflix could partner with Peacock for a fee, which is an interesting theory: pay a couple billion a year to have Peacock as an ad-supported tile on Netflix? Maybe?

James Ackerman's avatar

I mean, it's not the worst idea. And would certainly be a better model IMO than whatever it is Disney is now doing with Disney+ and Hulu

Shelfie's avatar

1000%. I have not been able to access my PAID subscription HULU since the "merger." While Disney+, meanwhile does not recognize me as part of the new duo, either. While I keep being charged for HULU. I get why the business models among the giants keep forcing shotgun weddings. To please owners/investors and eyeing greater $$$ potential I get that. But at some point, where is the paying peon customer being taken into account? Right? FFS.

Susanne G.'s avatar

Great episode, I am a finance and markets nerd. Indepth discussion on markets, strategy, spinout regulations and the cherry on top, 🍒, our never ending frustration or confusion on cable!

Connectivity is a utility looking for a growth story.

jpg's avatar
Jul 3Edited

The current lax regulatory environment has to be a motivator for this spin-off. Odds are that starting in 2029 it will be much more difficult to merge the Comcast assets with other large players.

Carole Nicholson's avatar

I get Peacock free as a Comcast/Xfinity cable customer.

Can I assume Peacock will be dropped from Xfinity?

Sonny Bunch's avatar

I would guess the answer is yes, though it’ll probably take a year or two.