Paramount+ content spend; AMC's gold mining investment; Nielsen's buyout offer

Here are the editors' top picks from S&P Global Market Intelligence's technology, media and telecommunications news and Kagan research during the week ended March 18.

Capital Markets

AMC pressures balance sheet with gold mining investment

AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc.'s investment in small gold-mining venture Hycroft Mining Holding Corp. is a fraction of its cash on hand and a lifeline for Hycroft, but AMC's balance sheet is still heavily weighted following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Film & TV Programming

Paramount+ moves to more than double content spend by 2025

Paramount Global's Paramount+ plans to aggressively increase spending on content in the next several years, reaching an estimated $5.6 billion in 2025.

Internet & OTT

State of Nordic OTT video: Subscription

Given the strong content offering from both international and local streaming players coupled with the widespread availability of high-speed broadband, Kagan forecasts over-the-top subscriptions in the region will reach 20.5 million by 2026.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Nielsen's big buyout offer comes at a low moment

A private-equity consortium's bid may prove crucial for TV-ratings company Nielsen Holdings PLC, which is seeking to regain a foothold in the sector after drawing flak for its flaws in audience measurement.

Mobile

3G sunset causing concerns for emergency services, MVNOs, automakers

U.S. wireless carriers have started shutting down their 3G networks as they expand their 4G and 5G offerings. Carriers say the change is long overdue, while other players say it is causing headaches for consumers, alarm services and 911 operators.

Multichannel

2021 US multichannel video declines hit 8.9%, virtual growth slows

In 2021, moderate traction for virtual multichannel services partially offset traditional multichannel declines, but the appeal of the broadband-delivered virtual alternatives was not enough to buoy total subscriptions.

Technology

Tencent poised to lead China's charge into the metaverse

Tencent Holdings Ltd. has several advantages when it comes to developing a metaverse offering, including a hefty cash balance, a leading position in the local gaming industry and a vast social network that gives the company a built-in user base.

Video game publishers' profitability plateaus in 2021

Many top game publishers relied on live services in 2021 as revenue growth slowed, while others were weighed down by large development projects, holding the combined EBITDA margin for the video game pure plays Kagan tracks at 31.2%.

TV Networks

Q4'21 cable network distribution revenue recap

Fourth-quarter earnings results at the major cable network owners in the U.S. show a 5.7% year-over-year increase in reported distribution revenues.