Home / Arts and Entertainment / Cable Networks Get Second Life Beyond Streaming
Cable Networks Get Second Life Beyond Streaming
3 Dec
Summary
- Val Boreland aims to revive neglected cable channels like USA and E!.
- Versant Entertainment is spinning off from NBCUniversal to focus on linear TV.
- The company will re-emphasize close-ended dramas and live event coverage.
Versant Entertainment is embarking on a strategic revival of its cable networks, including USA, E!, and Oxygen, after a period of de-prioritization in favor of streaming services. President Val Boreland is leading this charge, aiming to re-establish the unique identities of these channels.
The company is set to spin off from NBCUniversal, becoming an independently operated entity. This move allows Versant to reinvest profits directly into its linear networks, focusing on programming that resonates with their established audiences, such as close-ended dramas for USA and live event coverage for E!.
This revitalization includes a renewed emphasis on the USA Network's "Characters Welcome" era with new scripted series and a commitment to E!'s pop culture relevance through expanded awards show broadcasts and digital content. Oxygen will continue its focus on true crime programming, adapting to new distribution models.
