Here are the most read stories of the week.
Data Dispatch: Analysts debate AT&T's M&A strategy as shareholder agitates for change
Activist investor Elliott Management Corp. recently questioned AT&T Inc.'s growth strategy, saying the company should streamline its portfolio and focus on both debt reduction and shareholder returns. While debt analysts agreed AT&T is in a precarious leverage position, they also said its diversification strategy could yield positive outcomes in an evolving media landscape.
Apple's new gaming service to battle subscription fatigue in crowded market
Apple Inc.'s new game subscription service stands to benefit from the company's music and app sales expertise, but analysts said it remains unclear whether it can break out in an increasingly crowded mobile gaming market. Apple Arcade will allow subscribers to play more than 100 games across the company's devices for $4.99 a month.
Comcast CEO: New streaming service plans to 'do something different' than peers
Comcast Corp. believes that the launch of its upcoming streaming service will not have a major impact on the company's overall financial performance next year. The company's programming unit NBCUniversal Media LLC on Sept. 17 announced the Peacock name for the upcoming ad-supported video-on-demand service, which will debut in April 2020. Speaking at an investor conference, Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian Roberts said while the investment in Peacock will be significant, it will not be at a level that will keep "both NBC and the overall company from the historic kind of growth that we've been able to enjoy."
Q&A: Sports streamer fuboTV takes original plunge, expands to other platforms
Following a soft launch in June, fuboTV Inc. has officially taken the wraps off a free-to-view, ad-supported TV channel. S&P Global Market Intelligence recently caught up with Pamela Duckworth, head of Fubo Sports Network and original programming for fuboTV, and fuboTV co-founder and CEO David Gandler to discuss the debut.
Bakish says ViacomCBS will bring key elements to NFL rights negotiating table
Viacom Inc. and CBS Corp. executives want the recombined company to be part of the National Football League's TV rotation in the future. Bob Bakish, president and CEO of Viacom who will lead the combined ViacomCBS entity when the merger closes, said at an investor conference that he has talked in principal to the NFL, which unsurprisingly would like "a larger check."
