Versant
Versant is the brand name for a spin-off company that incorporates Comcast’s cable networks — MS NOW, CNBC, E!, SyFy, USA Network and Golf Channel (but not Bravo) — and certain digital properties like Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes. In January 2026, Versant also acquired Free TV Networks, a multicast operator founded by Jonathan Katz.
Versant is headquartered in New York City. The CEO of Versant is Mark Lazarus.
Skydance dethrones NBC, Versant as largest holder of premium sports rights
With CBS and TNT Sports under one roof, Skydance now owns March Madness — and offers games from three dozen other premium sports organizations.
DATA
MS NOW moves forward with subscription offering
The subscription will cost $8 per month or $80 per year, priced slightly higher than comparable offerings from CNN and Newsmax.
Fox News remains top in cable ratings during July; NewsNation, MS NOW log growth milestones
Fox News Channel led cable news in July, averaging 2.33 million Monday-Sunday primetime viewers and nearly 1.5 million total-day viewers.
RATINGS
Fubo rolls out price increase on NBC-inclusive plans after new carriage deal
The adjusted price accounts for a $11 discount the company rolled out during the NBC dispute, plus a modest bump to account for its new carriage deal.
NBC Universal channels return to Fubo under new deal
Fubo will start carrying Telemundo and other Spanish-language networks this week, with English-language networks from NBC Universal coming in the near future.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Versant platform revenue increases during Q1, total revenue slips
Versant’s first-quarter profit fell as TV distribution and ad revenue weakened, though growth at Fandango, GolfNow and content licensing softened the decline.
EARNINGS REPORT
Philo forges distribution deal with Versant for multicast channels
Three channels from Versant's Free TV Networks are now available on Philo's free programming tier.
Versant brings in $6.7 billion during 2025
Versant executives said 80 percent of its current revenue comes from pay TV providers that distribute its cable networks; MS NOW has seen strong viewership since its rebrand last year.
EARNINGS REPORT
Versant inks Free TV Networks distribution deal with Paramount, Sling
Two Versant-owned multicast networks are now on CBS-owned stations across the country, and a streaming channel is now offered by Sling Freestream.
Paramount ends Fave TV, replaces feeds with Versant multicast networks
Paramount has quietly pulled the plug on Fave TV, its multicast network that served as a barker channel for programming found on its streaming apps.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Comcast revenue weighed by ongoing losses at Xfinity TV, Xfinity Internet; Peacock grows
Comcast posted mixed financial results for its fourth quarter (Q4), beating Wall Street expectations on overall earnings while narrowly missing revenue forecasts from the period.
EARNINGS REPORT
Versant completes acquisition of Free TV Networks
Versant has finalized the acquisition of Free TV Networks, the broadcast-focused media company founded by industry veteran Jonathan Katz.