Who Brands - Brand Ownership DirectoryWho Brands
HomeBrowse BrandsCategoriesCompaniesCompareBlogQuizAbout
HomeBrowse BrandsCategoriesCompaniesCompareBlogQuizAbout
Who Brands

Your trusted reference for brand ownership information. We provide factual, comprehensive data about who owns the brands you know.

Stay in the know

Get the latest ownership updates delivered to your inbox.

Browse

  • All Brands
  • Categories
  • Companies
  • Countries
  • Compare Brands
  • Blog
  • Brand Quiz
  • RSS Feed

Company

  • About Us
  • Methodology
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Submit a Brand
  • List Your Brand
  • Write for Us

Legal

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Disclaimer

Support Us

☕Buy me a coffee

2026 Who Brands. All information is provided for educational purposes. Brand names and logos are trademarks of their respective owners.

  1. Home
  2. Brands
  3. Media & Entertainment
  4. Oxygen
Oxygen logo
Media & Entertainment

Who Owns Oxygen?

Oxygen is owned by Versant Media Group, a publicly traded American media company spun off from Comcast on January 2, 2026, trading on Nasdaq under ticker VSNT and headquartered in New York. Oxygen launched in 2000 as a women's network co-founded by Oprah Winfrey's Harpo, before NBCUniversal acquired it in 2007 and converted it to a dedicated true crime channel in 2017.

Parent Company

Versant Media Group

Acquired

2026

Status

Publicly Traded

Headquarters

New York City, New York, USA

Oxygen Timeline

2000

Oxygen

Founded by Geraldine Laybourne, Marcy Carsey, Oprah Winfrey (Harpo Productions)

Founded
2026
Acquired by Versant Media Group

Versant Media Group acquired Oxygen

Acquired
mid rangenicheUnited StatesunisexOfficial Website

Who Owns Oxygen?

  • Parent Company: Versant Media Group
  • Ownership Type: Wholly owned
  • Acquisition Year: 2026
  • Company Type: Publicly Traded
  • Stock Ticker: NASDAQ: VSNT
BrandParent CompanyOwnership Type
OxygenVersant Media GroupWholly owned

Where to Buy

Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchases
AmazonOxygen on Amazon

History of Oxygen

  • Founded: 2000
  • Founders: Geraldine Laybourne, Marcy Carsey, Oprah Winfrey (Harpo Productions)
  • Acquired by Versant Media Group: 2026

Oxygen Media launched on February 1, 2000, founded by cable veteran Geraldine Laybourne with producers Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner and Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions. The network targeted women with a mix of original series, talk programming, and lifestyle content, but struggled for scale against established competitors.

NBCUniversal acquired Oxygen in 2007 for approximately $925 million. Under NBCU, the network shifted through reality formats before committing fully to true crime in 2017, a transformation that delivered the brand's strongest ratings era. Franchises like Snapped, Cold Justice, and Killer Couples built a loyal audience, and the true crime pivot proved prescient as the genre surged.

On January 2, 2026, Oxygen moved to Versant Media Group in Comcast's tax-free separation of its cable networks, joining one of cable's largest true crime libraries.

About Versant Media Group

What does Versant own?
Versant owns 12 brands across cable television and digital media. Cable networks include CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network, E!, Syfy, Oxygen, and Golf Channel. Digital assets include Fandango (movie ticketing), Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregation), GolfNow (golf booking), GolfPass (golf subscription), and SportsEngine (youth sports management). All brands were transferred from Comcast as part of the January 2026 spin-off.

Is Versant publicly traded?
Yes. Versant trades on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol VSNT. The company was created through a tax-free spin-off from Comcast Corporation on January 5, 2026. Comcast shareholders received Versant shares in a tax-free distribution. No parent company or controlling shareholder exists.

When was Versant created?
Versant Media Group was created through the spin-off of Comcast Corporation's cable television networks. The planning process began in January 2025, the company was officially named Versant in November 2025, and regular-way trading on Nasdaq began January 5, 2026, under the ticker symbol VSNT.

Who is Versant's CEO?
Mark Lazarus serves as CEO. He previously served as Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group at Comcast. Lazarus was appointed to lead Versant in preparation for the spin-off and is responsible for executing the company's strategy of growing digital revenue while managing the decline of linear cable television.

What is the relationship between Versant and Comcast?
Versant was spun off from Comcast and operates as a completely independent company. Comcast retained NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, Universal Pictures, and the theme park businesses. There is no ongoing ownership relationship between the two companies. Versant and Comcast maintain temporary transition services agreements for shared IT, real estate, and back-office functions.

How many brands does Versant own?
Versant owns 12 brands: seven cable television networks (CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network, E!, Syfy, Oxygen, Golf Channel) and five digital assets (Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, SportsEngine).

What is Versant's revenue?
Versant has not yet published full financial results as an independent company. Estimated annual revenue is approximately $7 billion, based on the revenue generated by these assets while part of Comcast. The company's revenue is split between cable affiliate fees, advertising sales, and digital platform transactions.

Why did Comcast spin off Versant?
Comcast announced the spin-off in January 2025 to separate its declining linear cable television assets from its growth businesses in streaming (Peacock), broadband, and theme parks. Comcast leadership argued that the cable networks would perform better as an independent company with focused management and the ability to pursue its own strategic priorities, including digital expansion and potential acquisitions.

  • Founded: 2025
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, USA
  • Company Type: Publicly Traded
  • Stock: NASDAQ: VSNT
  • Revenue: approximately $7 billion (estimated, 2026)
  • Employees: Approximately 10,000

Visit Versant Media Group website

View full company profile for Versant Media Group

Where Is Oxygen Made / Based?

  • Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
  • Manufacturing / Operations: United States

Oxygen Categories & Tags

TelevisionTrue CrimeCable NetworkDocumentaryCrime Tv

Oxygen Sustainability & Ethics

Oxygen operates under Versant's content standards framework. True crime programming carries genre-specific ethical debates around victim families, sensationalism, and dramatization practices, which the network addresses through editorial guidelines.

Awards & Recognition

Oxygen's true crime series have earned recognition in documentary categories, and Snapped's two-decade run stands as a cable television longevity benchmark in the genre.

Oxygen Recalls & Controversies

Oxygen has faced periodic criticism inherent to true crime programming, including complaints from victims' families about dramatizations of their cases. The network has not faced a major corporate scandal.

Brands Owned by Versant Media Group

CNBCMedia Entertainment

CNBC

Owned by Versant Media Group

American cable business and financial news network owned by Versant Media Group, providing business news and financial analysis. Formerly part of Comcast's NBCUniversal division, CNBC was spun off into Versant in January 2026.

televisioncable-newsbusiness
E!Media Entertainment

E!

Owned by Versant Media Group

Entertainment television network covering celebrity news, pop culture, and red carpet programming, now owned by Versant Media Group following its 2026 spin-off from Comcast.

televisioncelebrityentertainment-news
FandangoMedia Entertainment

Fandango

Owned by Versant Media Group

American movie ticketing and entertainment platform serving 50 million monthly visitors, owned by Versant Media Group (NASDAQ: VSNT) with 25% held by Warner Bros. Discovery.

movie-ticketingstreamingfilm
Golf ChannelMedia Entertainment

Golf Channel

Owned by Versant Media Group

Dedicated golf television network founded in 1995, carrying PGA Tour coverage and now owned by Versant Media Group following the 2026 Comcast spin-off.

televisiongolfsports-network
MS NOWMedia Entertainment

MS NOW

Owned by Versant Media Group

American cable news channel providing progressive news coverage and political commentary, formerly known as MSNBC. Owned by Versant since January 2026.

newscable-newspolitics
Rotten TomatoesMedia Entertainment

Rotten Tomatoes

Owned by Versant Media Group

Movie and television review aggregation website collecting professional critic reviews and audience scores to provide certified fresh ratings for entertainment content.

movie-reviewsreview-aggregationfilm-ratings
View all brands owned by Versant Media Group

Oxygen Ownership: Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • +Single-genre focus built a clear true crime brand identity
  • +Snapped library (20+ seasons) delivers durable catalog value
  • +True crime is among the most reliably performing cable genres
  • +Versant structure concentrates genre management

Considerations

  • -True crime is a crowded segment where ID holds top position
  • -Linear ratings decline affects even strong genre performers
  • -Limited programming diversity beyond the crime niche
  • -Streaming competitors increasingly claim premium crime documentaries

Frequently Asked Questions About Oxygen

Sources & Further Reading

  • [Oxygen Official Website](
  • [Versant Media Group](
  • [Comcast Investor Relations](

Competitors to Oxygen

These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.

BrandParent CompanyCountryFoundedMarket PositionPrimary MarketGender Target
Adult SwimAdult Swim
Warner Bros Discovery
United States
2001
NicheNorth americaAll-ages
BravoBravo
Comcast
United States
1980
Mass marketUnited statesAll Genders
Fox SportsFox Sports
Fox
USA
1994
Mass marketUnited statesAll-ages
E!E!Sister Brand
Versant
USA
1987
Mass marketGlobalUnisex
Golf ChannelGolf ChannelSister Brand
Versant
USA
1995
LeaderGlobalUnisex
SyfySyfySister Brand
Versant
USA
1992
NicheUnited statesUnisex

Learn More About Competitors

Adult SwimMedia Entertainment

Adult Swim

Owned by Warner Bros. Discovery

Late-night programming block and cable network on Cartoon Network, featuring animated comedy and live-action programming for adult audiences, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.

televisionanimationcable-network
BravoMedia Entertainment

Bravo

Owned by Comcast Corporation

American cable television network owned by Comcast Corporation's NBCUniversal division, specializing in lifestyle, reality, and entertainment programming. In June 2026, Comcast announced plans to spin off NBCUniversal (including Bravo) into a separate publicly traded company.

televisioncable-networkreality-tv
Fox SportsMedia Entertainment

Fox Sports

Owned by Fox Corporation

American cable sports network and broadcasting division offering live sports programming, analysis, and coverage of major sporting events.

sportstelevisioncable-network
E!Media Entertainment

E!

Owned by Versant Media Group

Entertainment television network covering celebrity news, pop culture, and red carpet programming, now owned by Versant Media Group following its 2026 spin-off from Comcast.

televisioncelebrityentertainment-news
Golf ChannelMedia Entertainment

Golf Channel

Owned by Versant Media Group

Dedicated golf television network founded in 1995, carrying PGA Tour coverage and now owned by Versant Media Group following the 2026 Comcast spin-off.

televisiongolfsports-network
SyfyMedia Entertainment

Syfy

Owned by Versant Media Group

Science fiction and genre television network launched in 1992, now owned by Versant Media Group following its 2026 spin-off from Comcast.

televisionsci-figenre-tv

Competitive Analysis

Market Positioning: Oxygen competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.

Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.

Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.

Independent Alternatives to Oxygen

Looking for brands with different ownership structures? These similar brands are not owned by Versant Media Group, giving you alternative choices that support different corporate structures.

Among UsMedia Entertainment

Among Us

Owned by InnerSloth

Multiplayer social deduction game developed by InnerSloth, released in 2018, in which players work together to complete tasks while identifying impostors.

social-deductionmultiplayer-gameindie-game
Privately Owned

Among Us is privately owned, unlike Oxygen which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Discovery ZoneMedia Entertainment

Discovery Zone

Owned by Discovery Zone, Inc.

American indoor entertainment center chain featuring arcade games, climbing walls, and family attractions.

arcadeentertainmentfamily-entertainment
Privately Owned

Discovery Zone is privately owned, unlike Oxygen which is under a publicly traded parent company.

FortniteMedia Entertainment

Fortnite

Owned by Epic Games

Free-to-play battle royale, creative sandbox, and live-service video game developed and published by Epic Games, with over 650 million registered accounts globally.

battle-royalevideo-gameepic-games
Privately Owned

Fortnite is privately owned, unlike Oxygen which is under a publicly traded parent company.

India TodayMedia Entertainment

India Today

Owned by India Today Group

Indian English-language news magazine and multimedia brand published weekly since 1975, owned by the India Today Group and covering politics, current affairs, business, and culture.

newsmediajournalism
Privately Owned

India Today is privately owned, unlike Oxygen which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Legacy RecordingsMedia Entertainment

Legacy Recordings

Owned by Sony Music Entertainment

American catalog and reissue label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, specializing in remastering and reissuing classic recordings from Sony's extensive catalog.

record-labelmusiccatalog
Privately Owned

Legacy Recordings is privately owned, unlike Oxygen which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Matador RecordsMedia Entertainment

Matador Records

Owned by Beggars Group

American independent record label founded in 1989 by Chris Lombardi, known for releasing music by Pavement, Interpol, Belle and Sebastian, Queens of the Stone Age, Yo La Tengo, Snail Mail, and boygenius. Part of Beggars Group since 2002, led by President Patrick Amory with uninterrupted ownership by Lombardi, Gerard Cosloy, and Amory for over 25 years.

record-labelindependent-musicamerican-label
Privately Owned

Matador Records is privately owned, unlike Oxygen which is under a publicly traded parent company.

Versant Media Group Stock Information

Jobs at Versant Media Group

Latest News About Oxygen

Related Articles About Oxygen

View more articles
The Hearst Empire: Magazines, TV and Beyond
Company Deep Dive

The Hearst Empire: Magazines, TV and Beyond

Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Harper's Bazaar, Car and Driver, and dozens of TV stations all share one owner: Hearst. Here is how America's largest private media company built its empire over 138 years.

Who Brands StaffMar 9, 2026
HearstMedia BrandsMagazines
Regional Brands That Got Swallowed by Multinationals
Global

Regional Brands That Got Swallowed by Multinationals

La Serenissima is now Arcor/Danone. Innovist is now L'Oreal. Zabka is being bought by Couche-Tard for $8.6B. S Brands is now Wipro. Discover regional brands swallowed by multinationals. Explore our database.

Who Brands StaffSep 26, 2026
GlobalAcquisitionsBrand Ownership
Why Some Global Brands Have Different Names Abroad
Global

Why Some Global Brands Have Different Names Abroad

Lay's is Walkers in the UK. Burger King is Hungry Jack's in Australia. KFC is PFK in Quebec. Mr. Clean is Don Limpio in Spain. Discover why global brands have different names abroad. Explore our database.

Who Brands StaffSep 24, 2026
GlobalInternationalBrand Ownership
View more articles

People Also Searched

Discover popular brands and companies in the Media & Entertainment category and related searches from other users.

4AD
Brandrecord-label

4AD

Influential British independent record label founded in 1979, known for a distinctive visual aesthetic and a roster spanning Cocteau Twins, Pixies, The National, and Grimes.

Brand in Media & Entertainment
independent-musicbritish-label
ABC
Brandtelevision

ABC

Major American broadcast television network with a rich history in news, entertainment, and sports programming, serving as a cornerstone of Disney Entertainment Television within The Walt Disney Company.

Brand in Media & Entertainment
broadcastingnetwork
Activision Blizzard
Brandvideo-games

Activision Blizzard

Video-game publishing identity owned by Microsoft since its $68.7 billion acquisition closed in October 2023.

Brand in Media & Entertainment
game-publishingxbox
Browse All Media & Entertainment

Last reviewed: September 25, 2026 · Reviewed by Who Brands Editorial Team