It’s Christmas 1993. The bidding war for Paramount is underway and QVC is far out in front.
But Viacom owner Sumner Redstone’s not giving in. He’s trying to engineer a merger with Blockbuster that will arm him with the billions he needs to catch up with QVC.
But Blockbuster chairman Wayne Huizenga isn’t about to roll over, and with the deadline for final o ... Show More
Aug 2022
The Battle for Paramount Pictures | Reinventing an Empire | 5
<p>Can the former crown jewel of Hollywood keep up in the age of the streaming giants? To understand Paramount’s future, you’ve got to understand its past. So today, we’re throwing it back with Doug Herzog, a former executive at Paramount’s parent company Viacom. Doug greenlit so ... Show More
38m 57s
Sep 2022
Best of Business Wars Daily | An Unfinished Song | 6
<p>While music streaming platforms have exploded, many critics argue the status quo isn't working for artists. We're taking a deep dive into the music industry, exploring the relationship between artists, labels, fans and the internet. On this episode, we're joined by music journ ... Show More
39m 9s
Aug 2023
Building Lego | Out of the Ashes | 1
<p>A small Danish toy company survives World War Two thanks to its quality craftsmanship, but behind the scenes all is not well. Despite its good reputation, Lego teeters on the edge of bankruptcy, and a choice to change production methods threatens to tear the family-owned compa ... Show More
35m 40s
Jul 2023
The Disappearance of General Magic | The Pocket Crystal | 1
<p>Almost two decades before the launch of the iPhone, Apple Executive Marc Porat launches a project to develop the world’s first smartphone. But to fulfill his ambitions, he will have to launch his own company: General Magic. There, he will assemble a team of brilliant engineers ... Show More
34m 33s
Aug 2022
Will Smith: Fresh Prince to Fallen King | Made In America | 126
<p>Will Smith is everyone’s guy. He went from multi-platinum rapper, to primetime sweetheart, to one of the world’s most bankable movie stars. And all while being a husband and father. Will’s reputation as a charming, easy going guy has shaped his whole career. Until now. In this ... Show More
49m 43s
Apr 2024
Rapid Response: How Star Trek prospers against Netflix and Disney+, w/Executive Producer Alex Kurtzman
<p>The streaming wars have reached a new inflection, as Netflix and Disney+ jostle for position, and in the process disrupt post-strike Hollywood. Paramount+ invested heavily in blockbuster veteran Alex Kurtzman to turn Star Trek into a distinguishing franchise. Now Kurtzman talk ... Show More
28m 19s