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G4 is shutting down — again.
Comcast Spectacor, the cable and entertainment giant’s sports and esports division, told G4 TV employees Sunday that the gaming network was shutting down effective immediately. The decision has resulted in 45 staff members of G4 TV losing their jobs.
In a memo, obtained by Variety, Comcast Spectacor chairman and CEO Dave Scott cited low viewership and said the network had not achieved “sustainable financial results.”
“Over the past several months, we worked hard to generate that interest in G4, but viewership is low and the network has not achieved sustainable financial results,” Scott wrote. “This is certainly not what we hoped for, and, as a result, we have made the very difficult decision to discontinue G4’s operations, effective immediately.“
Comcast Spectacor in July 2020 said it would reboot G4 TV, which NBCUniversal shut down in 2013 (after the network first launched in 2002). Russell Arons, the former Warner Bros.,...
Comcast Spectacor, the cable and entertainment giant’s sports and esports division, told G4 TV employees Sunday that the gaming network was shutting down effective immediately. The decision has resulted in 45 staff members of G4 TV losing their jobs.
In a memo, obtained by Variety, Comcast Spectacor chairman and CEO Dave Scott cited low viewership and said the network had not achieved “sustainable financial results.”
“Over the past several months, we worked hard to generate that interest in G4, but viewership is low and the network has not achieved sustainable financial results,” Scott wrote. “This is certainly not what we hoped for, and, as a result, we have made the very difficult decision to discontinue G4’s operations, effective immediately.“
Comcast Spectacor in July 2020 said it would reboot G4 TV, which NBCUniversal shut down in 2013 (after the network first launched in 2002). Russell Arons, the former Warner Bros.,...
- 10/16/2022
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
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Exclusive: Russell Arons, an experienced digital executive who joined G4 TV last September as president, has exited the recently revived network.
Arons, who has previously held senior-level positions at Warner Bros, Machinima and Electronic Arts, left her G4 post in July, multiple insiders confirmed to Deadline. Her departure came less than a year after her arrival was announced, and the exact circumstances remain unclear. Arons and Comcast Spectacor, the Philadelphia-based entertainment and sports division of Comcast that runs G4, both declined to comment.
Joe Marsh, an executive with extensive gaming-related experience at Comcast Spectacor, is expanding his role to encompass many of Arons’ former duties, according to a person familiar with the transition. Marsh is currently serving as CEO of T1, an international esports joint venture between Comcast Spectacor and Korea’s Sk Telecom. Marsh was previously chief business officer for the Philadelphia Fusion, an esports team formed by Comcast...
Arons, who has previously held senior-level positions at Warner Bros, Machinima and Electronic Arts, left her G4 post in July, multiple insiders confirmed to Deadline. Her departure came less than a year after her arrival was announced, and the exact circumstances remain unclear. Arons and Comcast Spectacor, the Philadelphia-based entertainment and sports division of Comcast that runs G4, both declined to comment.
Joe Marsh, an executive with extensive gaming-related experience at Comcast Spectacor, is expanding his role to encompass many of Arons’ former duties, according to a person familiar with the transition. Marsh is currently serving as CEO of T1, an international esports joint venture between Comcast Spectacor and Korea’s Sk Telecom. Marsh was previously chief business officer for the Philadelphia Fusion, an esports team formed by Comcast...
- 8/31/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
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Reanimated video game culture hub G4 will return to linear TV on November 16, with carriage deals in place on Verizon FiOS, Cox, Xfinity TV and Philo.
In announcing its return, the network also said it will also have a multi-year promotional and commercial partnership with Twitch. It also plans to continue putting out channel-specific content on social media and YouTube.
G4 originally launched in 2002 and was created by former Disney TV exec Charles Hirschhorn, who saw it as a successor to MTV in its ability to tap into youth culture. A number of notable personalities appeared on the network as hosts, among them Olivia Munn, Chris Hardwick, Kevin Pereira and Grace Helbig. G4 went dark in 2014 as its place on the dial was taken over by the Esquire Network, which would prove to be a short-lived branding exercise. Amid a groundswell of enthusiasm on social media, new owner Comcast Spectacor...
In announcing its return, the network also said it will also have a multi-year promotional and commercial partnership with Twitch. It also plans to continue putting out channel-specific content on social media and YouTube.
G4 originally launched in 2002 and was created by former Disney TV exec Charles Hirschhorn, who saw it as a successor to MTV in its ability to tap into youth culture. A number of notable personalities appeared on the network as hosts, among them Olivia Munn, Chris Hardwick, Kevin Pereira and Grace Helbig. G4 went dark in 2014 as its place on the dial was taken over by the Esquire Network, which would prove to be a short-lived branding exercise. Amid a groundswell of enthusiasm on social media, new owner Comcast Spectacor...
- 10/12/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
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G4, the gaming TV network that NBCUniversal shut down in 2013, is coming back to cable.
The content studio and network, revived by Comcast Spectacor more than a year ago, will officially return to linear television on Nov. 16, 2021. At launch, G4 will debut linearly on the channel lineups of Comcast’s Xfinity TV, Verizon Fios, Cox Communications, and internet streaming service Philo.
G4 also said it will “collaborate” with Twitch on a multiyear promotional and commercial partnership through the network’s official channel. G4 also plans to continue to create platform-specific digital content for social media and YouTube, as it has been doing in the months since Comcast Spectacor teased its return.
The G4 programming slate at launch will include reboots editions of fan-favorite legacy G4 shows like “Attack of the Show!” and “Xplay.”
“We made a promise to fans that we would build this network with their input and are...
The content studio and network, revived by Comcast Spectacor more than a year ago, will officially return to linear television on Nov. 16, 2021. At launch, G4 will debut linearly on the channel lineups of Comcast’s Xfinity TV, Verizon Fios, Cox Communications, and internet streaming service Philo.
G4 also said it will “collaborate” with Twitch on a multiyear promotional and commercial partnership through the network’s official channel. G4 also plans to continue to create platform-specific digital content for social media and YouTube, as it has been doing in the months since Comcast Spectacor teased its return.
The G4 programming slate at launch will include reboots editions of fan-favorite legacy G4 shows like “Attack of the Show!” and “Xplay.”
“We made a promise to fans that we would build this network with their input and are...
- 10/12/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
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Comcast Spectacor Monday named longtime digital entertainment executive Russell Arons president of G4, the content studio and network for comedy, gaming and pop culture fandoms.
It said Arons, most recently general manager of Machinima, a division of Warner Bros. Digital Networks, will usher in a new phase of G4 when it officially returns on linear, Ott, and streaming channels later this year. Comcast Spectator is the sports and entertainment division of Comcast Corp. Its CEO Dave Scott called Arons “exceptionally poised to lead the launch and growth of the return of G4 with a new, digital-first approach.
She will oversee all key business functions including advertising sales, programming and content, operations, marketing, finance, It and Hr. And she will manage the launch, growth and day-to-day operations of the network through content licensing, programming and production, development of content distribution and partnership deals.
“I’m thrilled to join the team at...
It said Arons, most recently general manager of Machinima, a division of Warner Bros. Digital Networks, will usher in a new phase of G4 when it officially returns on linear, Ott, and streaming channels later this year. Comcast Spectator is the sports and entertainment division of Comcast Corp. Its CEO Dave Scott called Arons “exceptionally poised to lead the launch and growth of the return of G4 with a new, digital-first approach.
She will oversee all key business functions including advertising sales, programming and content, operations, marketing, finance, It and Hr. And she will manage the launch, growth and day-to-day operations of the network through content licensing, programming and production, development of content distribution and partnership deals.
“I’m thrilled to join the team at...
- 9/27/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
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Gaming and media industry veteran Russell Arons has joined G4 as president, ahead of its official return to linear TV and streaming channels later this year.
At L.A.-based G4, Arons — who previously worked at companies including Warner Bros., Machinima, EA and Mattel — will oversee all key business functions, including advertising sales, programming and content, operations, marketing, finance, It and Hr. Additionally, she will manage the launch, growth, day-to-day operations of the network through content licensing, programming and production, development of content distribution and partnership agreements.
The game-focused G4 cable channel launched in 2002; NBCUniversal wound it down starting in 2012. The brand was revived last year, housed within Comcast Spectacor, the cable and entertainment giant’s sports and esports division whose main businesses are the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center arena. Spectacor Gaming’s portfolio of gaming and esports assets include Overwatch League’s Philadelphia Fusion and T1 Entertainment & Sports.
At L.A.-based G4, Arons — who previously worked at companies including Warner Bros., Machinima, EA and Mattel — will oversee all key business functions, including advertising sales, programming and content, operations, marketing, finance, It and Hr. Additionally, she will manage the launch, growth, day-to-day operations of the network through content licensing, programming and production, development of content distribution and partnership agreements.
The game-focused G4 cable channel launched in 2002; NBCUniversal wound it down starting in 2012. The brand was revived last year, housed within Comcast Spectacor, the cable and entertainment giant’s sports and esports division whose main businesses are the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center arena. Spectacor Gaming’s portfolio of gaming and esports assets include Overwatch League’s Philadelphia Fusion and T1 Entertainment & Sports.
- 9/27/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Machinima has ceased operations and laid off most of its staff roughly one month after the gamer-focused digital network was subsumed under the Otter Media umbrella amid the reorganization of parent company At&T’s digital properties.
Machinima reportedly laid off 81 of its roughly 100 staffers in mid-January, though the company told Variety that a “select number” of employees have remained on board -- either to assist with Machinima’s transition or to join other divisions within the WarnerMedia empire. Therefore, rather than creating content under the Machinima name, the division is now “actively providing services to supercharge the combined portfolio of Otter Media,” an Otter spokesperson said.
Russell Arons -- who was named Gm of Machinima in March 2017 after its acquisition by Warner Bros. and who subsequently oversaw a re-brand early last year -- “remains with Machinima and is assisting with transitional activities as she explores new opportunities,” the Otter rep said.
Machinima reportedly laid off 81 of its roughly 100 staffers in mid-January, though the company told Variety that a “select number” of employees have remained on board -- either to assist with Machinima’s transition or to join other divisions within the WarnerMedia empire. Therefore, rather than creating content under the Machinima name, the division is now “actively providing services to supercharge the combined portfolio of Otter Media,” an Otter spokesperson said.
Russell Arons -- who was named Gm of Machinima in March 2017 after its acquisition by Warner Bros. and who subsequently oversaw a re-brand early last year -- “remains with Machinima and is assisting with transitional activities as she explores new opportunities,” the Otter rep said.
- 2/4/2019
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Machinima, which rose to prominence as an influential and lucrative multi-channel network catering to gamer culture, has laid off 81 employees and ceased operations. The company, which was acquired by Warner Bros in 2016 and at the beginning of 2019 was folded into WarnerMedia’s Otter Media, confirmed the moves Friday.
“A select number of Machinima employees remain with the company, which is now actively providing services to supercharge the combined portfolio of Otter Media,” a Machinima spokesperson said. “Machinima has ceased its remaining operations, which includes layoffs. Russell Arons remains with Machinima, and is assisting with transitional activities as she explores new opportunities.”
The 81 layoffs were confirmed via a California Employment Development Department Warn Report filing. It said they were enacted last week and take effect March 16.
Machinima on January 1 became a part of Otter Media as parent At&T has been looking to align its related digital assets after its $81 billion acquisition of Time Warner.
“A select number of Machinima employees remain with the company, which is now actively providing services to supercharge the combined portfolio of Otter Media,” a Machinima spokesperson said. “Machinima has ceased its remaining operations, which includes layoffs. Russell Arons remains with Machinima, and is assisting with transitional activities as she explores new opportunities.”
The 81 layoffs were confirmed via a California Employment Development Department Warn Report filing. It said they were enacted last week and take effect March 16.
Machinima on January 1 became a part of Otter Media as parent At&T has been looking to align its related digital assets after its $81 billion acquisition of Time Warner.
- 2/2/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Otter Media laid off about 10% of its staff today in a sweeping reorganization of its digital properties intended to make these assets more competitive and profitable.
CEO Tony Goncalves sent an email to staff today outlining changes that he said would better position the digital media company to capitalize on the opportunities in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Otter’s consumer brands would be consolidated under the Ellation division, which operates the anime-focused Crunchyroll and the subscription service Vrv. Gamer-focused Rooster Teeth will be folded into the Ellation business unit, together with WarnerMedia-owned Machinima, which Deadline previously reported would become part of Otter Media on Jan 1.
Fullscreen, the one-time multi-channel network that has evolved into an influencer marketing and branded-content agency, will be divided into three independent divisions: creator services, the brand studio and brand services. Otter also will consolidate shared services like legal and human resources.
“As a result of these changes,...
CEO Tony Goncalves sent an email to staff today outlining changes that he said would better position the digital media company to capitalize on the opportunities in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Otter’s consumer brands would be consolidated under the Ellation division, which operates the anime-focused Crunchyroll and the subscription service Vrv. Gamer-focused Rooster Teeth will be folded into the Ellation business unit, together with WarnerMedia-owned Machinima, which Deadline previously reported would become part of Otter Media on Jan 1.
Fullscreen, the one-time multi-channel network that has evolved into an influencer marketing and branded-content agency, will be divided into three independent divisions: creator services, the brand studio and brand services. Otter also will consolidate shared services like legal and human resources.
“As a result of these changes,...
- 12/4/2018
- by Dawn C. Chmielewski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: WarnerMedia-owned Machinima is expected to become part of Otter Media early next year, as At&T looks to align its related digital assets, sources tell Deadline.
Machinima will retain its brand and online presence, sources say, though Otter will steer business operations and look to apply its expertise in content delivery and audience targeting to grow the gamer lifestyle brand.
Negotiations have been going on for months and some elements have yet to formalized, sources say. It is unclear, for example, whether Machinima Studios — which has produced such original series as Mortal Kombat: Legacy and Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist — would be combined with another Otter Media asset with a similar audience, Rooster Teeth.
Machinima’s content marketing operations may well become integrated with Fullscreen, a one-time multi-channel network that has evolved into an influencer marketing and branded-content agency.
It is unclear how the combination will impact Machinima employees.
The...
Machinima will retain its brand and online presence, sources say, though Otter will steer business operations and look to apply its expertise in content delivery and audience targeting to grow the gamer lifestyle brand.
Negotiations have been going on for months and some elements have yet to formalized, sources say. It is unclear, for example, whether Machinima Studios — which has produced such original series as Mortal Kombat: Legacy and Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist — would be combined with another Otter Media asset with a similar audience, Rooster Teeth.
Machinima’s content marketing operations may well become integrated with Fullscreen, a one-time multi-channel network that has evolved into an influencer marketing and branded-content agency.
It is unclear how the combination will impact Machinima employees.
The...
- 11/21/2018
- by Dawn C. Chmielewski and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Machinima is teaming up with Greg Russo, who wrote the upcoming Mortal Kombat and Resident Evil reboots for New Line Cinema and Screen Gems, to develop a live-action adaptation of the survival horror video game F.E.A.R. They will also be working on several other projects together that have yet to be announced. Machinima General Manager Russell Arons had this to say in a statement:
"Greg is an inspired screenwriter who clearly loves gaming. To be able to bring his talents to Machinima Studios provides us an amazing opportunity to tackle action-packed series that are certain to appeal to our legions of millennial gamers and fans around the world."
Russo added:
"As a lifelong gamer, it’s an absolute honor to partner with Machinima, the preeminent provider of digital content to gamers worldwide. F.E.A.R. holds a special place in my heart. I’m excited to...
"Greg is an inspired screenwriter who clearly loves gaming. To be able to bring his talents to Machinima Studios provides us an amazing opportunity to tackle action-packed series that are certain to appeal to our legions of millennial gamers and fans around the world."
Russo added:
"As a lifelong gamer, it’s an absolute honor to partner with Machinima, the preeminent provider of digital content to gamers worldwide. F.E.A.R. holds a special place in my heart. I’m excited to...
- 5/14/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Machinima has named media sales veteran Steve Reed VP of brand partnerships. In his new role, Reed will lead the company’s U.S. ad sales operations.
Reed will report directly to Machinima’s Svp and general manager Russell Arons. “Machinima’s brand has never been stronger and this is an incredible time for brands to partner with us in order to take advantage of our incredible reach with millennial gamers,” Arons said in a statement. “Steve comes to Machinima with a reputation for innovation and the ability to develop unique large-scale brand experiences, connecting audiences with products in a way that is creative, compelling, and entertaining.”
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Reed will report directly to Machinima’s Svp and general manager Russell Arons. “Machinima’s brand has never been stronger and this is an incredible time for brands to partner with us in order to take advantage of our incredible reach with millennial gamers,” Arons said in a statement. “Steve comes to Machinima with a reputation for innovation and the ability to develop unique large-scale brand experiences, connecting audiences with products in a way that is creative, compelling, and entertaining.”
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- 3/8/2018
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
In November 2016, Warner Bros agreed to acquire Machinima, the digital media company known for its gamer and pop culture content. A few months later, Russell Arons became Machinima's Gm after the departure of former CEO Chad Gutstein. We haven't heard much from the company since that wave of activity, but now, Machinima is putting forth a new look. The company's rebranding efforts include a new logo and increased activity on platforms like Twitch and Facebook.
While Machinima was once known as one of the foremost multi-channel networks in the online video industry, its current focus is on content production. Its recently-launched Twitch channel is active 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it recently launched its first Facebook Watch series, Co-Op Connection. Two more Watch shows -- the self-explanatory Gaming Rap Battles and a Minecraft game show called Win, Mine, or Die -- are coming soon.
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While Machinima was once known as one of the foremost multi-channel networks in the online video industry, its current focus is on content production. Its recently-launched Twitch channel is active 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it recently launched its first Facebook Watch series, Co-Op Connection. Two more Watch shows -- the self-explanatory Gaming Rap Battles and a Minecraft game show called Win, Mine, or Die -- are coming soon.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 2/14/2018
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Machinima, the gaming-centric multi-channel network, is hitting the reset button, rebranding on Wednesday to focus on promoting content across several platforms, as well as moving its relationship with Warner Bros. to the forefront. In an interview with TheWrap, Machinima Gm Russell Arons said the “supercharged” company has been built a “symbiotic” relationship with WB, where theatrical releases will be augmented by Machinima videos. The rebrand comes 15 months after after Warner Bros. acquired the company. “We take a company with a great legacy and evolve it for what’s coming next in terms of platforms, content, and partners,” said Arons, who took the...
- 2/14/2018
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
Machinima, the gaming-centric multi-channel network, is hitting the reset button, rebranding on Wednesday to focus on promoting content across several platforms, as well as moving its relationship with Warner Bros. to the forefront. In an interview with TheWrap, Machinima Gm Russell Arons said the “supercharged” company has been built a “symbiotic” relationship with WB, where theatrical releases will be augmented by Machinima videos. The rebrand comes 15 months after after Warner Bros. acquired the company. “We take a company with a great legacy and evolve it for what’s coming next in terms of platforms, content, and partners,” said Arons, who took the...
- 2/13/2018
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
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