Latest from Next TV in Universal-studios

Movies Boost Quarterly Profit at NBCU

jon.lafayette@futurenet.com (Jon Lafayette) — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 13:00:00 +0000

NBCUniversal’s TV businesses had a mixed quarter, with cable network profits down and broadcast up, while its movie business posted huge gains. Operating cash flow increased 17% to $1.7 billion in the third quarter, according to parent company Comcast, which reported earnings Tuesday.

Revenue rose 20.8% to $7.2 billion. The jump was powered by a big jump in Universal’s movie business thanks to Jurassic World, and record attendance at the theme parks.

Operating cash flow for NBCU’s cable networks was down 3.9% to $835 million. Revenue rose 7% to $2.4 billion, ad revenue was up 2% and distribution revenue was up 8.6%. But sports programming costs increased sharply, including the acquisition of rights to NASCAR.

Comcast NBCU To Buy 51% Of Universal Studios Japan

jon.lafayette@futurenet.com (Jon Lafayette) — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 11:45:00 +0000

Comcast NBCUniversal said that it agreed to purchase 51% of Universal Studios Japan for $1.5 billion.

The current owners--including Goldman Sachs, Universal Studios Japan CEO Glenn Gumpel, MBK Partners and Owl Creek Asset Management--will retain a minority stake. Universal Studios Japan currently operates as an independent company under license from NBCU.

The purchase will enable Comcast NBCU and its Universal Parks and Resorts division to build a stronger , more direct presence in Japan and grow and evolve the theme park, Comcast said

The park has been growing in attendance and revenue and features classic Universal attractions as well as some specifically designed for Japan.