PRO Tip Sheet: 5 Insights From This Week

This week we reported on Apollo’s $11 billion bid for Paramount Global’s studios, on MediaLink’s future without founder Michael Kassan at UTA, on how viral moments are fueling awards shows and on how a TikTok ban could benefit its competitors. 5Insights From WrapPRO]( This week Apollo Global Management's $11 billion offer sparked a bidding war for Paramount Global's studios. We also reported on how advertising executives view MediaLink’s future without founder Michael Kassan at UTA, showed how viral moments like John Cena’s near-streaking incident have fueled ratings bumps for awards shows, explained how a TikTok ban could benefit Meta, Alphabet and Snap, and delved into the high expectations and pressure surrounding Netflix’s “3 Body Problem.” 1. [Apollo's $11 Billion Bid for Paramount Ignites Bidding War | Analysis]( By Manfredi and Alexei Barrionuevo | Source:WrapPRO]( - Apollo Global Management's $11 billion bid for Paramount Global's film and television assets has sparked a potential bidding war, positioning the private equity firm as a serious contender to David Ellison-backed Skydance Media. - Paramount's majority owner, Shari Redstone, faces a critical decision on whether to sell the studio, balancing the legacy of her father with the fiduciary responsibility to create maximum value for shareholders. - Analysts view Apollo as a strategic buyer with a track record for turning around distressed assets, suggesting that their no-nonsense approach could lead to a successful bid and restructuring of Paramount's assets. [Keep Reading]( 2. [Hollywood Brawl Intensifies: Michael Kassan Plots New Venture as Insiders Weigh MediaLink's Future Without Founder]( By Emily Smith | Source: [WrapPRO]( - MediaLink founder Michael Kassan's departure from UTA amidst a bitter dispute raises questions about the future of MediaLink and its ability to retain clients and employees without him, highlighting the importance of his relationships and expertise in the industry. - Kassan's plans to start a new company and UTA's accusations of misappropriation of funds and breach of contract suggest a complex legal battle ahead. - Despite Kassan's central role as a connector within MediaLink, some insiders believe the firm could continue without him, citing its experienced teams and established brand in media strategy consulting. [Keep Reading]( 3. [From Taylor Swift to John Cena, Viral Moments Fueled Awards Show Ratings Successes]( By Loree Seitz | Source:WrapPRO]( - Viral moments and star power, like Ryan Gosling's Oscars' performance and Miley Cyrus' Grammy's ad-lib, have driven a resurgence in awards show viewership post-pandemic. - Despite declines in linear viewership, awards shows have seen double-digit percentage increases in ratings, leveraging social media buzz and surprising moments to attract broader audiences. - The 2024 awards season, marked by nostalgic reunions and surprise performances, demonstrates a renewed interest in live events, hinting at a potential rebound for the industry amid changing media consumption habits. [Keep Reading]( 4. [TikTok Ban Could Create Financial Windfall for Meta, Alphabet and Snap | Analysis]( By Lucas Manfredi | Source:WrapPRO]( - The potential ban of TikTok in the U.S. presents an opportunity for competitors Meta, Alphabet, and Snap Inc., with analysts estimating they would see a revenue windfall and market cap appreciation. - Analysts predict a ban could result in Meta capturing a substantial portion of TikTok's U.S. revenue, with Snap Inc. seeing the most significant impact on its user base due to overlap. - A ban is not that likely, and potential buyers face hurdles including the need for deep pockets, approval from the Chinese government, and concerns over TikTok's algorithm source code, which could drastically impact its valuation and sale prospects. [Keep Reading]( 5. [Inside Netflix's Big ‘3 Body Problem’ Bet: High Expectations, Heady Sci-Fi and a Beloved Book]( By Kayla Cobb | Source: [WrapPRO]( - “3 Body Problem” presents a unique challenge for its creators, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff, and Alexander Woo, who are under pressure to deliver a successful adaptation following the controversial conclusion of “Game of Thrones.” - Netflix's $200 million deal with Benioff and Weiss underscores the streaming giant's need for high-quality original content to maintain viewer engagement amid the looming end of other popular genre series. - Adapting Liu Cixin's intricate sci-fi trilogy for television requires a delicate balance between honoring the source material's complexity, navigating logistical challenges such as international settings and languages, while incorporating modern themes. [Keep Reading]( With a focus on delivering actionable intelligence, the PRO Tip Sheet empowers readers to stay ahead of the game in the industry. Want to go deeper? [Explore WrapPRO today](. TheWrap | 2034 Armacost Ave Los Angeles, CA 90025 [Unsubscribe](