Or Sell Half of the Stations off.
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If they believe there is something to be gained by buying them then its possibly an option - how much interest there is from an overseas buyer in a multi-form media company in a fairly small (and not great performing) market will be interesting to see.
I suspect that any future buyers may seek to dismantle media companies in Australia and part them out
And that will be only if they can see a return to positive performance finance-wise and these firms dont have a great track record in Australia (especially in media)
The evidence is starting to become overwhelming that these larger media companies whoâve gobbled up others along the way are not as sustainable as we originally were told they would be. Market consolidation we were told would keep media alive in a changing landscape, but all it seems to be doing is grouping more stuff together for an almost inevitable firesale
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Being able to own a production company like Seven Studios (assuming itâs not sold over the next few months) could be appealing to a potential overseas buyer
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Comcast/NBCUni itâd make some sense. They have a range of pay-tv channels (like ViacomCBS), they have a small production arm here, they own Peacock and may want more markets to introduce it to, and that would give 7 a paid subscription platform like 9 and 10 have. Itâs also still a very strong network in a country that still watches a decent amount of broadcast television. Plus theyâd get access to Seven Studios which they could fold into Universal Television (production arm)
Theyâd be a good amount of synergy that could be gained for what wouldnât be a massive price.
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The only network that would have a slight chance of purchasing Seven is NBC.
No one in Australia or overseas in-fact will want to purchase Seven. Itâs 2020 now, there is much better options than purchasing a business who hasnât been following digital trends and running a major loss because of poor programming choices and business decisions.
Sorry to say but I think the time is ticking for Channel 7. We will have to see some major restructuring to the network but things might improve when AFL comes on.
If restructures occur, kiss goodbye to Regional QLD/daytime bulletins and the Olympics - expect a similar operation to Channel 10 in terms of news.
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Major loss? It makes money, just too much debt.
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But not enough money to pay off debts and everyone is currently flicking over to Nine and 10 post 7:30.
Not a good look when trying to get advertisers.
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If they do that then they can kiss their network goodbye for real. News is what is keeping them alive right now and if they do something to that then they would be screwed to the point of no return.
Iâve said it before and Iâll say it again. Kerry Stokes needs to sack James Warburton and Angus Ross (as well as all of the overheads) right now and pour some real money into bringing some talented programmers and leaders to the network so that prime time can get some rejuvenation.
Then get rid of some of their most unnecessary sporting events like lawn balling and Bathurs 12 hour, and as well as the cricket. They need to cut ties with everything News Corp related.
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Yes however regional is the first place networks look to cut costs. I wouldnât be shocked if we see 1-2 bulletins go in Regional QLD this year or staff cutbacks, which are probably already happening behind closed doors.
Bringing talented programmers in really wonât help. There is only so much reality tv programs you can make and so many times you can copy Nine.
Bathurst 12 hour and lawn balling can go, but I doubt these are expensive since Fox Sports covers motorsport on their behalf essentially. Should be on Channel 10 though along with the Supercars.
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Does it seriously have to be reality reality reality? A talented programmer wouldnât just do reality like that Angus Ross is doing and copying other networks and what they do. They find a new direction and program accordingly.
Anyway I hope that Kerry Stokes intervenes and cuts the place where necessary like the sports and those stupid New Idea magazine branch.
Yes but itâs what the audience demands. The ratings prove that.
So are you saying they should stick with their same old crap that wonât work? Great idea if what they want to do is to shut the network down.
NBC Universal buying out SWM is possible but only in the event 7 goes into voluntary administration.
NBC-titled programs could appear and Peacock could launch in Australia branded 7 Peacock similar to 10 All Access.
Seven has already lost the Tennis and Perth Australia Day Skyworks to Nine plus the Melbourne Cup to 10 from last year.
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Has there been anything published about NBCU being interested in Seven (apart from on this website) ? It seems like a giant MS hypothetical to me
Seven will survive. I canât think of any FTA networks in the world that have shuttered yet.
Seven is #3 in demos now, but still has the largest revenue share of the ad market (for now)
Sunrise is a cash cow. And 5-7 is still very strong. And AFL. They are not in a great position - and they need to start taking some risks, and make some noise with programming. They need to overhaul their brand - not their graphics - but their brand.
Right now their brand is this oldies suburban heartland safe copycat dating show feel - itâs got a stench about it. Pooch Perfect 2 years Ago on a Sunday would have been a hit. Not now - as I think people are avoiding Seven.
They will survive. But they need to overhaul their brand, their programming and take some risks and reduce costs.
I know every dollar helps - but I canât imagine cutting a Mackay and Townville buttelin would save them, more than $2 million a year. And news is their #1 show right now.
2 episodes of Australian Sparten cost them $2 million. or 500 episodes of local news that sustain them 5 nights a week 52 weeks.
Iâm not sure where they will go - but Seven will survive
They need to take some risks
They need to come out of Tokyo with a new logo, a refreshed brand and re-energized programming slate. They need to take 2 big risks with noisy shows. They need to be bold. The multi channels like 7TWO need an overhaul too. It needs to be a top to bottom re-think. It;'s 3 years overdue.
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SMH reports Morgan Stanley has kicked off a bidding process for Seven Studios, which was valued at about $400 million by UBS analyst Eric Choi.
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Share price down another 25% today. Something has to give.
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Not only that, but shockingly, its share price is now lower than that of its regional partner, Prime Media Group!! 
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Not the only one though.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/08/investing/stock-dow-futures-coronavirus/index.html
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what like KKR?
Been their done that already.
the 12hr brought in good ratings for 7mate, it would be stupid for them to walk away from something that all they do is telecast and make all the ad money on.
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