NBCUniversal

American media and entertainment conglomerate operating television networks, film studios, theme parks, and streaming services including Peacock.

Company Type

public

Founded

2004

Headquarters

New York City, New York, USA

About NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal operates across multiple business segments: Media (television networks), Studios (film and television production), and Theme Parks. The company employs approximately 35,000 people globally and serves billions of viewers and customers worldwide.

The Media segment includes NBC, Telemundo, USA Network, Bravo, MSNBC, CNBC, and other cable networks. The Studios segment encompasses Universal Pictures film studio, Universal Television, and NBCUniversal Television Production. The Theme Parks segment operates Universal Studios theme parks in the United States, China, and Japan.

NBCUniversal generates revenue through advertising, subscription fees, content licensing, box office receipts, and theme park admissions. The company has invested heavily in streaming through Peacock to compete in the digital entertainment landscape.

History of NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal's origins trace back to the formation of NBC (National Broadcasting Company) in 1926 by Radio Corporation of America (RCA). The television network evolved through various ownership changes, eventually becoming part of General Electric's portfolio.

The modern NBCUniversal was formed in 2004 when General Electric merged its NBC television network with Universal Studios, which GE had acquired from Vivendi Universal. This created a comprehensive media company combining television production, film production, and theme park operations.

In 2009, Comcast began acquiring NBCUniversal from General Electric, initially purchasing a 51% stake. Comcast completed the acquisition of the remaining 49% in 2013, gaining full control of NBCUniversal.

Under Comcast's ownership, NBCUniversal has expanded its digital presence with the launch of Peacock streaming service in 2020, invested in theme park expansions, and strengthened its position in content production across television and film.

Brands Owned by NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal owns 5 brands in our database.

Bravo

Owned by NBCUniversal

American cable television network owned by Comcast Corporation's NBCUniversal division, specializing in lifestyle, reality, and entertainment programming.

televisioncable-networkreality-tv

NBC

Owned by NBCUniversal

American commercial broadcast television network and flagship property of Comcast Corporation's NBCUniversal division.

televisionbroadcastingnetwork

Telemundo

Owned by NBCUniversal

Spanish-language television network owned by Comcast Corporation's NBCUniversal division, providing entertainment, news, and sports programming to Hispanic audiences.

televisionspanish-languagenetwork

Universal Pictures

Owned by NBCUniversal

American film production and distribution company owned by Comcast Corporation's NBCUniversal division, one of the major Hollywood film studios.

film-studiomoviesentertainment

USA Network

Owned by NBCUniversal

American cable television network owned by Comcast Corporation's NBCUniversal division, specializing in drama, action, and entertainment programming.

televisioncable-networkdrama

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Bravo on Amazon

NBC on Amazon

Telemundo on Amazon

NBCUniversal Ownership: Pros & Cons

Advantages

+Diversified revenue streams across multiple entertainment segments
+Strong content library with iconic franchises and characters
+Global reach through television networks, film distribution, and theme parks
+Significant investment in streaming with Peacock platform
+Backing of Comcast's financial resources and distribution capabilities

Considerations

-Dependency on traditional media advertising facing digital disruption
-Intense competition in streaming from Netflix, Disney+, and others
-High capital requirements for content production and theme park operations
-Regulatory scrutiny over media consolidation and market power
-Challenges adapting legacy media businesses to digital consumption habits

Frequently Asked Questions About NBCUniversal

Is NBCUniversal a subsidiary of Comcast?

Yes, NBCUniversal operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Comcast acquired NBCUniversal from General Electric, completing full ownership in 2013.

Is NBCUniversal publicly traded?

NBCUniversal itself is not publicly traded as a separate entity. However, parent company Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) is publicly traded, allowing investors to own shares in Comcast and its media properties.

When was NBCUniversal formed?

NBCUniversal was formed in 2004 when General Electric merged its NBC television network with Universal Studios film studio and theme park operations.

Who owns NBCUniversal?

NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation, a telecommunications conglomerate that acquired NBCUniversal from General Electric in stages between 2009 and 2013.

What is NBCUniversal's market position?

NBCUniversal is one of the world's largest media and entertainment companies, maintaining leading positions in broadcast television, film production, cable networks, and theme parks while expanding into streaming with Peacock.

About NBCUniversal

History of NBCUniversal