Inside the Stream - How Streaming Missteps Contributed to Comcast’s Split

Comcast’s decision to split off NBCU highlights the company’s many strategic missteps with streaming video.

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What assets go where in the announced split between Comcast’s technology and content businesses.

Will details some of the missteps and value elimination orchestrated by Comcast’s senior management over the last two decades or so.

One of the biggest strategic mistakes Comcast made was letting its cable business remain its main focus. It handicapped NBCU’s ability to react to and compete effectively in the emerging streaming market.

We discuss the strategic options open to a standalone NBCU going forward. Whether it will become an acquirer of other services or be acquired itself, the options look bleak.

At one point, Comcast had the opportunity to acquire a controlling interest in Hulu. The company decided not to pursue that path, and Disney ultimately became the owner. Will explains why he thinks ownership of Hulu would have radically changed.