The Powers That Be: Daily CBS’s Post-Settlement Era & The Great Sports Rebundling
Jul 3, 2025
John Ourand, author of Puck's Varsity Newsletter, joins Julia Alexander to discuss the implications of Paramount's recent $16 million settlement with Trump on CBS Sports. They dive into how this might reshape CBS under Jeff Shell’s leadership. The conversation also unpacks the rise of skinny bundles, the fierce competition for sports rights, and Amazon Channels’ advantages. With the future of TV hanging in the balance, they explore the evolving dynamics of sports broadcasting, audience engagement, and the shift towards simplified subscription models.
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July 4th Birthday Tradition
- John Ourand shares how July 4th is a special birthday celebration in his family.
- For 26 years, their tradition includes ice cream cakes, balloons, and backyard grilling.
CBS Sports Steady Amidst Upheaval
- CBS Sports remains stable and well-run despite CBS's overall upheaval.
- Jeff Schell's history shows he relies on sports to grow media businesses effectively.
CBS Sports Year-Round Importance
- CBS covers sports year-round with NFL, college football, NCAA, and PGA rights.
- Its sports roster makes the network vital to distributors, ensuring access to key programming.