NBCUniversal owns several cable networks, including Bravo, E!, MSNBC and USA, which have faced declines in traditional TV viewership. NBC, its broadcast network, has lost viewers for its prime-time programming.
While not the biggest movie studio in Hollywood, Universal Pictures is the most successful. 2022’s highlights include “Jurassic World: Dominion” and “Minions: Rise of the Crew.” “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” opened this year as the company’s highest-grossing animated film in its history, closing in on $900 million in ticket sales worldwide after three weekends in theaters.
Other highly anticipated films coming out this year include the 10th iteration of the “Fast and Furious” franchise and Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated “Oppenheimer,” about the legendary nuclear physicist. The studio has also embarked on a flexible distribution strategy, using a staggered release between theaters and its streaming service Peacock for big films. Smaller titles like Jennifer Lopez-starrer “Marry Me,” and last year’s horror film “Firestarter,” have simultaneous theatrical and streaming debuts.
The company’s theme parks have also been a bright spot, with higher attendance and guest spending leading to record profits last year. The company plans to open theme parks in Las Vegas and Frisco, Texas in the next few years.
NBCUniversal’s news group, which includes MSNBC, NBC News and CNBC, is trying to offset sector-wide declines in traditional viewership, including an ad-supported news streaming service, NBC News Now, and new products for subscribers, the CNBC Pro service. . It has had some programming hits, including “Inside with Jen Saki,” a new Sunday show hosted by the former White House press secretary.
The company is set to report quarterly earnings this week, and the ensuing conference call is likely to be closely scrutinized.
