Sony Apollo Paramount Merger Wouldn’t Reduce Theatrical Output, Though TV & Streaming Assets Would Be Shed

Sony and Apollo's potential acquisition of Paramount Global would maintain the current rate of theatrical releases but plans to cut TV and streaming assets, including selling off CBS and MTV. Despite ongoing negotiations, Sony has not yet shared detailed plans with Paramount. The merger faces regulatory scrutiny due to Sony being foreign-owned, which complicates ownership of U.S. broadcast stations.

Concerns rise in Hollywood about the impact of a Sony-Paramount merger on film output, drawing parallels to the Disney-Fox merger that led to reduced film production. However, Sony aims to increase its output to compete with streaming services, projecting about 20 wide releases annually. The merger, still in preliminary stages, would require approval from several regulatory bodies, reflecting the Biden administration's cautious stance on mergers.