After the rapid pace of media industry consolidation in 2017, companies like Verizon have been pegged as next most likely to go after media M&A. But Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam says not so fast. McAdam admitted that there’s a lot of movement in the space right now but that his company largely ignores any interest.
Verizon Communications is considering merger possibilities to reset the course of the company given the fast-changing structure of the industry, and would be open to talks with Comcast, Disney or CBS, CEO Lowell McAdam said Tuesday.
Is Verizon seriously considering a bid for AOL? Not according to Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam, refuting a Bloomberg story. Despite McAdam’s claims to the contrary, some analysts believe that a VerIzon-AOL deal is indeed in the works.
Given the architecture of both delivery systems, Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam says “it would be hard” for wireless to replace broadcast ‘s big-screen, HD in-home viewing experience. However, between the video streaming capability Verizon does have, and protocol under which “we work out rights issues with local broadcasters,” McAdam says he envisions a streaming service that would let viewers in particular markets vote for the big events they want to see on mobile — and deliver it to them.
13 Tough Questions For Verizon’s McAdam
With the NAB Show slotting an “interview” of Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam by NAB CEO Gordon Smith, I’d like to volunteer some questions guaranteed to liven up the event. ~~~ Also, it looks like FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel wants to give Tom Wheeler a run for the FCC chairmanship.
