Multi-Platform Distribution and Monetization Strategies Key for Media Companies' Future Success, Says S&P CreditWeek Special Report

Multi-Platform Distribution and Monetization Strategies Key for Media Companies' Future Success, Says S&P CreditWeek Special Report

S&P Ratings and Equity Research Analysts Examine Future of the Television Industry

NEW YORK, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In a comprehensive report on the future of the media industry, to be published today in CreditWeek, Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services says that traditional media companies will need to develop multiple content distribution platforms to exploit the growth of digital and wireless opportunities, as well as the growth of online advertising in order to grow their businesses.

In "Emerging Digital Strategies For Branded Entertainment" Standard & Poor's Media and Entertainment Equity Analyst, Tuna N. Amobi, explores the intersection of different digital growth strategies for traditional media companies. While in "Old Media and New Media-Friends, Not Foes," Scott Kessler, Standard & Poor's Internet Software & Services Equity Analyst, examines how traditional media companies could and should monetize their content via partnerships with online media firms.

"If traditional media and content companies want to grow their businesses and maintain their relevance in the ever-changing entertainment landscape, they need to quickly devise and systematically execute new media strategies that are highly responsive to the digital entertainment revolution," says Tuna Amobi. "Regardless if it's through acquisition, partnership or organic growth, these companies need to leverage the growth associated with online advertising and video, as well as the various paid content, wireless and video game channels or risk the perils of a continued audience fragmentation across these emerging platforms."

According to Scott Kessler, "Given the exciting opportunities and notable challenges constituted by this new Internet age, traditional media companies need to think big, and think differently. They will be best served by partnering with new media companies with specialized assets and competencies, rather than going it alone to monetize their content."

These and other articles on related television topics produced by Standard & Poor's ratings and equity analysts, appear in the November 1 issue of Standard & Poor's CreditWeek, the investment research and opinion leader's weekly publication on credit risk. An online version of these articles as well as video commentary by the authors will be available, beginning October 31, on http://www.standardandpoors.com/.

To view a video clip of Standard & Poor's equity analyst Tuna Amobi discussing the Media and Entertainment sector, please click mms://a1802.v19724b.c19724.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1802/19724/v0001/streamlogics.download.akamai.com/25711/S_and_P/ht-tv-2006-3.wmv

To view a video clip of Standard & Poor's equity analyst Scott Kessler discussing the convergence of broadcast and Internet advertising, please click mms://a1802.v19724b.c19724.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1802/19724/v0001/streamlogics.download.akamai.com/25711/S_and_P/ht-tv-2006-4.wmv

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The equity research reports and recommendations provided by Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services are performed separately from any other analytic activity of Standard & Poor's. Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services has no access to non- public information received by other units of Standard & Poor's. Standard & Poor's does not trade on its own account. The analytical and ethical conduct of Standard & Poor's equity analysts is governed by the firm's Research Objectivity Policy, a copy of which may also be found at http://www.standardandpoors.com/.

Source: Standard & Poor's

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Communications,
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Edward_sweeney@standardandpoors.com

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