NBC will purchase the film and arts cable channel Bravo from Cablevision Systems Corp. for $1.25 billion, the network said today. The purchase expands and strengthens its cable presence and high-end
audience to complement the network and owner General Electric’s other cable properties, including CNBC, MSNBC, the History Channel and A&E. “It has long been our goal to expand NBC’s cable reach into
entertainment. Bravo, with its desirable demographic, is a perfect strategic addition to our portfolio, providing a particularly good fit with NBC’s network and cable viewers,” said Bob Wright,
chairman and CEO of NBC. Bravo, which reaches more than 68 million households nationwide, has one of the most upscale audiences of any cable entertainment network. It had been owned by Cablevision and
MGM. NBC said Bravo’s entry into the fold creates strategic opportunities across many divisions, including multiplatform advertising sales and promotions. On the programming side, NBC Studios and NBC
Enterprises have the opportunity to develop NBC/Bravo crossovers like reality shows, new series and specials. NBC News archives could be used for the creation of documentaries and entertainment
programming, the company said. And there’s greater opportunities for movie acquisitions. “We’re always looking for smart, strategic and financially savvy ways to grow our business. Bravo is a strong
fit with NBC across all functions. By sharing programming and resources, there will be tremendous opportunities for us to build on the network’s success,” said Andrew Lack, president and COO of NBC.
Bravo was launched in December 1980.
