Comcast has confirmed it’s exploring the creation of a separate company for its cable networks and would also consider partnerships in streaming.
In an investor call, President Mike Cavanagh said the US cable giant was preparing to commence a study on “whether there is a good idea in the idea of creating a new well-capitalized company that would go to our shareholders … comprised of our cable portfolio networks.”
Cavanagh said he wasn’t talking about direct-to-consumer streaming service Peacock or broadcast, such as NBC, but wanted to announce the possibility to make the process as transparent as possible.
However, ‘cable’ channels MSNBC, USA, CNBC, Oxygen and Syfy would potentially be a part of the new company. Bravo which is behind reality hits including the Real Housewives franchise, would remain a part of Comcast. The separation of CNBC from NBC News may also present potential problems.
“I think we’ve got a very strong hand given the strength of the businesses,” said Cavanagh. “There may be some smart things to do, and we want to study that.”