GE Innovation NBCU Feature: Media, Cable
skip to secondary navigation
Realizing that the best way to grow its business amid shifting media consumption habits was to adjust its model, the team at NBC Universal launched a significant transformation effort.
By implementing a diversification strategy that includes aggressive cable acquisition, global expansion, investment in film, and the development of innovative digital distribution, NBC Universal now has multiple ways to grow.
NBC Universal’s cable business, in particular, is driving fast growth, accounting for more than 60 percent of total earnings in 2008.
NBC Universal's strength comes from the diversification of its media assets. There are two broadcast networks, numerous international television channels, Universal Film group, a DVD business and a cable portfolio that includes four primary brands: USA, Syfy, Bravo and Oxygen.
NBCU’s cable networks include Bravo, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, Syfy and USA Network. Psych, now in its fourth season on USA Network, saw double-digit growth in total viewers in 2008.
In 2008, USA Network finished as the No. 1 network in basic cable for the third straight year. It delivered more viewers in the 25 to 54 and 18 to 49 age groups than any other cable network.
The total reach for the combined cable networks of NBCU is 244 million total viewers, accounting for 97 percent of all cable television households in the United States.
On air since 2002, the comedy series Monk is popular with critics and fans alike. The show, now in its eighth and final season, attracts around 5 million total viewers per episode.
USA Network debuted the crime drama In Plain Sight in 2008. The pilot episode drew 5.3 million viewers, making it USA Network’s highest-rated series premiere of the year.
In Plain Sight is filmed and based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. NBCU Cable Studios began production on season two of the show in October 2008.
NBCU cable networks are committed to original scripted productions like In Plain Sight. Other original shows on USA Network include Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Burn Notice.
Syfy premiered Warehouse 13, an original drama series, in 2009. Beyond reaching 92 million homes across the U.S., Syfy has an award-winning web site and print magazine.
Bravo’s Top Chef is the No. 1 food show on cable TV. The program enjoyed its highest-rated season in 2008, drawing an average of 1.81 million viewers per episode.
In 2008, Bravo broadcast 15 original series with more than one million total viewers each. A Top Chef spin-off, Top Chef Masters, premiered on Bravo in 2009.
Explore other media-related initiatives at GE:
Public Awareness
NBC Universal is committed to bringing an environmental perspective to its networks, its programs and its audiences.
Digital Media
Having changed the way people watch shows online, Hulu™ was named one of TIME's best inventions of 2008.
The Digital Olympics
NBC's coverage of the 2008 Beijing Games included an unprecedented 2,200 hours of live streaming video.
High-resolution images and contact information for NBC Universal:
Additional high-resolution images are available on request.
On location for the filming of Psych, a hit show on USA Network.
Monk star, Tony Shalhoub with guest star, Brad Garrett on set.
Mary McCormack, star of the new crime drama, In Plain Sight, with guest star, Richard Schiff.
In the kitchen of Top Chef, the No. 1 food show on cable TV.
An enhanced version of this page is available for users who have flash installed and javascript turned on within their browser preferences.
Get Adobe Flash Player
