How NBCU’s new head plans to keep viewers watching across screens

A wider role at NBCU

Matt Strauss now leads NBCUniversal Media Group, after previously overseeing direct-to-consumer services including Peacock. The group includes the NBC broadcast network, Bravo, Peacock, NBC Sports, NBC News and Telemundo.

The change followed Comcast’s spinoff of most NBCU cable channels into Versant. Comcast is also spinning off the NBCU business as a standalone company, adding to a period of organizational change.

Broadcast and streaming together

Strauss said NBCU recognized that its remaining assets work better when operated together. He described NBC’s reach as a megaphone that has helped Peacock grow. Strauss said broadcast ratings are growing even as viewing becomes more fragmented. He also said Peacock attracts people who may not have watched NBC or its cable networks, and can direct them back to NBC and Bravo.

Sports as a streaming asset

Peacock has only recently become profitable, and the article says it remains far from Netflix’s scale. Live sports, however, are a major strength for NBCU and its streaming service.

Sports helped sustain cable and broadcast for years, and they are now seen as a potential advantage for streaming. The conversation focused on how NBCU can use its sports and other media assets to keep audiences engaged.