A+E Global Media, the parent company of A&E Network, History, and Lifetime, is now up for sale. This move comes as part of a trend in the industry where cable channels are being divested by their parent companies. NBCUniversal is set to divest MSNBC, CNBC, USA Network, and several other linear channels, while Warner Bros. Discovery is also planning to separate from a number of cable assets including CNN, TNT, and Discovery.
A+E Global Media, previously known as A+E Networks, is jointly owned by Walt Disney Co. and Hearst as a 50-50 venture. The owners have enlisted Wells Fargo’s investment banking arm to handle the sale process, although there is no certainty whether the company will be sold entirely or in parts. The assets of A+E Global Media include lifestyle and unscripted outlets such as Lifetime Movie Network, FYI, and Vice TV, as well as content units like A+E Studios, A+E Factual Studio, and A&E IndieFilms.
One of the unique aspects of A+E Global Media is that it is a privately held media company, with its financial results not being disclosed to the public. Representatives for A+E, Disney, Hearst, and Wells Fargo have declined to comment on the sale process. The decision to sell A+E’s properties comes at a time when traditional cable channels are facing challenges due to cord-cutting and the rise of streaming platforms.
NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery are also streamlining their assets by spinning off cable channels to focus on their core businesses. A+E Global Media’s well-known brands could be attractive to potential buyers looking to enhance their competitive positions in the market. Disney, on the other hand, has been utilizing its linear TV assets to drive content to its streaming platforms, including Disney+ and Hulu.
A+E Network, Lifetime, and History have maintained strong programming budgets despite the changing landscape of cable television. Lifetime has increased its original telefilms, while History has focused on high-quality documentaries and series. Under the leadership of president Paul Buccieri, A+E has expanded its reach through FAST channels and licensing programs globally.
The roots of A+E Global Media can be traced back to the early 1980s when A&E Network and Lifetime were launched, followed by History Channel in 1995. The company has seen various spinoffs over the years and has a deep library of content. With the sale process underway, it will be interesting to see who will acquire A+E Global Media and how it will impact the future of the company’s channels and assets.
