* Viacom is a media conglomerate that owns brands like MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, Comedy Central, and Paramount Pictures.
* Time Warner was a media conglomerate that was acquired by AT&T in 2018.
These two companies have different channel arrangements with consumers. Here's a breakdown:
Viacom
* Distribution Channels: Viacom primarily reaches consumers through cable and satellite television providers, streaming services (like Paramount+), and their owned websites.
* Direct Consumer Relationship: Viacom has a direct consumer relationship through their streaming platform, Paramount+, where they offer a subscription-based service.
* Channel Arrangements: Viacom negotiates carriage agreements with cable and satellite companies to ensure their channels are available to subscribers. These agreements involve fees that cable providers pay to Viacom for access to their content.
Time Warner (now Warner Bros. Discovery)
* Distribution Channels: Warner Bros. Discovery distributes its content through cable and satellite television providers, streaming services (like HBO Max), theatrical releases, and their owned websites.
* Direct Consumer Relationship: Similar to Viacom, Warner Bros. Discovery has a direct consumer relationship through their streaming platform, HBO Max.
* Channel Arrangements: Warner Bros. Discovery also negotiates carriage agreements with cable and satellite companies for their channels. Like Viacom, they charge fees for these agreements.
Note: Both companies may also distribute their content through other platforms, such as digital distribution deals with Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku.
In summary: The channel arrangement between these companies and consumers is a complex system involving various distribution methods, direct-to-consumer offerings, and negotiations with cable providers to ensure content availability.