Updated: 10/06/2025 13:02:47
Paramount
Paramount — operating as Paramount Skydance in 2025 — is a global media and entertainment company that creates, distributes and monetizes premium content across film studios, broadcast networks, streaming services and free ad-supported platforms. Its core segments include Filmed Entertainment, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. Paramount's brand portfolio (Paramount Pictures, CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Showtime, BET, Comedy Central, Paramount+, Pluto TV and Skydance divisions) supports a multi-tier streaming strategy (premium and AVOD), broad linear distribution, and an expanding news strategy highlighted by the October 6, 2025 acquisition of The Free Press and the appointment of Bari Weiss to a senior editorial role within CBS News.
Brand portfolio and studios
Paramount's portfolio spans major studios and consumer-facing brands including Paramount Pictures (a library of theatrical films), Showtime, BET, MTV, Nickelodeon and other network brands that feed linear, streaming and theatrical distribution. [1]
Broadcast networks, TV Media and sports
Paramount's TV Media segment includes CBS Entertainment networks and a range of cable and youth brands. CBS Sports and associated partnerships (e.g., Skydance Sports) provide live sports rights and distribution across linear and streaming platforms, creating cross-platform programming opportunities. [2]
Careers, inclusion, sustainability and corporate responsibility
The company publishes resources for recruiting, employee benefits and career opportunities, and maintains dedicated inclusion, impact and sustainability initiatives designed to improve representation, social responsibility and environmental performance across its operations. [3]
Company overview and 2025 rebranding
Paramount is presented as an integrated global media company focused on premium content development, distribution and multiplatform monetization. In 2025 the company adopted the Paramount Skydance branding after a strategic alignment with Skydance Corporation, positioning itself as a next-generation media group with three primary business segments: Filmed Entertainment, Direct-to-Consumer and TV Media. [4]
Compliance, ethics and supplier policies
Paramount enforces a Global Business Conduct Statement, supplier compliance policies and an OPENLINE reporting helpline to support ethics, compliance and whistleblowing across its global operations. [5]
Corporate strategy and distribution channels
Paramount leverages theatrical releases, linear television, subscription streaming and ad-supported platforms to reach billions of viewers worldwide. The company frames acquisitions and partnerships as ways to modernize content delivery and increase multiplatform engagement across news, sports and entertainment. [6]
Investors, governance and financial reporting
Paramount provides investor relations resources including quarterly results, SEC filings and webcasts. As part of the Skydance-era corporate structure (Nasdaq: PSKY in disclosures), the company emphasizes transparency for shareholders and market participants. [7]
News operations and The Free Press acquisition (Oct 6, 2025)
Paramount announced the acquisition of The Free Press on October 6, 2025, integrating the outlet with CBS News while preserving The Free Press's independent brand and operations. Founder Bari Weiss will join CBS News as editor-in-chief, reporting to David Ellison and partnering with CBS News President Tom Cibrowski (who reports to George Cheeks). Paramount highlighted The Free Press's recent growth — ~82% revenue growth and ~86% subscriber growth, reaching about 1.5 million users and 170,000+ paid subscribers — and ran a temporary paywall lift ('Free Week') to broaden access. [8]
Strategic rationale for acquisitions and platform integration
Recent deals — exemplified by The Free Press acquisition — demonstrate Paramount’s strategic focus on combining trusted journalism and distinct editorial voices with CBS’s scale to expand reach across Paramount’s distribution network (broadcast, streaming and digital) while allowing editorial independence on integrated properties. [9]
Streaming strategy: Paramount+ and Pluto TV
Paramount pursues a layered streaming approach: Paramount+ serves as the premium, subscription-based direct-to-consumer product (including live sports and news), while Pluto TV operates as the company’s free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST/AVOD) service to reach broader, cost-conscious audiences. [10]
References:
Additional Sources:
11. Paramount — About (company overview and resources) [https://www.paramount.com/about]
12. Paramount — Brands hub (Studios, Networks, Platforms) [https://www.paramount.com/about/brands]
13. Paramount — Official website (home) [https://www.paramount.com]
14. Paramount Business Conduct Statement / OPENLINE [https://bcs.paramount.com/]
15. Paramount Careers [https://www.paramount.com/careers]
16. Paramount Investor Relations [https://ir.paramount.com/]
17. Paramount press release — Acquisition of The Free Press (Oct 6, 2025) [https://www.paramount.com/press/paramount-announces-deal-to-acquire-the-free-press]
18. Paramount+ — Direct-to-consumer streaming [https://www.paramountplus.com/]
19. The Free Press (thefp.com) [https://thefp.com]