The Town with Matthew Belloni Paramount Now Belongs to David Ellison. What Will He Do With It?
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Jul 28, 2025 
Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg media reporter who covers Hollywood, media, and technology, dives into the thrilling changes at Paramount now that David Ellison's Skydance is at the helm. They discuss the potential for exciting collaborations and the evolution of streaming services like Paramount Plus and Pluto TV. Topics also include Paramount's media asset strategy and the public's trust in news reporting amid controversies. To cap off their conversation, they predict the future of a potential 'Happy Gilmore 2,' mixing nostalgia with current market trends.
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Paramount's Streaming Strategy Uncertain
- David Ellison believes Paramount can bring tech innovation to its streaming service without needing a joint venture.
- The likely strategy includes some integration of Paramount Plus and Pluto TV, but a full front-end merger is uncertain due to cost and customer retention concerns.
Ellison's Vision Versus Industry Reality
- David Ellison aims to build a modern media conglomerate using Paramount as the foundation and unlimited family funding.
- Unlike past moguls who entered booming industries, he inherits a shrinking media business, posing unique challenges.
Cable Networks May Be Sold Selectively
- Selling some cable networks like BET and Comedy Central is likely, but Paramount cannot unload all due to revenue dependence.
- Bundling networks with CBS enhances carriage deals and retransmission fees, preserving value in some networks.