Anthem Sports Expands Media Empire with Hollywood Suite Acquisition

In a strategic move to bolster its premium film offerings, Anthem Sports & Entertainment, led by industry veteran Leonard Asper, has acquired the Canadian independent broadcaster Hollywood Suite. The deal, pending regulatory approvals, will see Anthem add four commercial-free movie channels featuring a diverse selection of Hollywood classics from the 1970s to the 2000s, reaching an audience of 10 million homes across Canada.

Unlocking the Power of Curated Content

Expanding the Anthem Media Ecosystem

Anthem Sports & Entertainment, a holding company with a diverse portfolio of media assets, has been steadily building its presence in the entertainment industry. Led by former Canwest TV executive Leonard Asper, the company has acquired a range of properties, including the independent film distributor Gravitas Ventures, the sports and entertainment network AXS TV, and the wrestling promotions Impact Wrestling and TNA Wrestling.The addition of Hollywood Suite, with its four HD movie channels showcasing a curated selection of iconic films from the past four decades, aligns with Anthem's strategy of providing unique and engaging content to its growing audience. By integrating Hollywood Suite's offerings with Anthem's existing assets, such as HDNet Movies, the company aims to create a comprehensive premium film experience for viewers on both traditional and emerging platforms.

Harnessing Synergies and Expertise

The acquisition of Hollywood Suite is expected to unlock significant synergies for both companies. David Kines, the president and co-founder of Hollywood Suite, will continue to manage the channels, bringing his deep expertise in film curation and programming to the table. Anthem, with its extensive experience in content distribution and marketing, will leverage its resources to amplify the reach and visibility of the Hollywood Suite channels."We're going to draw on our respective curation skills and build and grow better channels across North America," Kines stated, highlighting the potential for the two companies to collaborate and enhance the overall viewing experience for their audiences.

Embracing the Evolving Media Landscape

The transaction also reflects the industry's shift towards embracing fast-growing streaming and on-demand business models. As traditional television platforms face increasing competition from digital platforms, Anthem and Hollywood Suite recognize the need to adapt and capitalize on the changing consumer preferences.By combining their strengths, the two companies aim to position themselves as key players in the evolving media landscape, offering a curated selection of classic and contemporary films that cater to the diverse tastes of modern audiences. This strategic move aligns with Anthem's broader vision of providing "fresh and unique content offerings" to its growing network of passionate fans.

Enriching the Film Viewing Experience

The acquisition of Hollywood Suite will expand Anthem's premium film offerings, allowing the company to leverage its expertise in content curation and distribution to deliver a more comprehensive and engaging viewing experience for its audience.The diverse selection of Hollywood classics, ranging from Tom Cruise's "Cocktail" to the Tom Hanks comedy "Turner & Hooch" and the iconic "The Seven Year Itch" starring Marilyn Monroe, will provide viewers with a nostalgic and captivating journey through the golden eras of cinema.By combining the strengths of Anthem's existing assets, such as HDNet Movies, with the curated content of Hollywood Suite, the company aims to create a unique and compelling film-viewing experience that sets it apart in the increasingly competitive media landscape.