RE: I believe this is why AMC is up8 Aug 2020 01:49
With Paramount, Viacom got access rights to many things, but none was more important than the Star Trek franchise. The whole of the Star Trek franchise is now under ViacomCBS control, no longer needing to seek contracts for merchandise and access to the original Star Trek movies - which were controlled by Paramount. (Previously both companies produced Star Trek products, CBS having Star Trek: Discovery and Picard rights, while Paramount could produce any original series Kirk, Spock, or other figurines and materials at will.)
The complete Star Trek rights allow for increased marketing, products, as well as control over characters and storyline - which is why CEO Bakish flaunted that they will use this model with the entire portfolio of brands. Soon after, was an announcement of Star Trek: Lower Decks (a Star Trek themed cartoon which brilliantly can use workers that are social distancing), Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Using the popular Captain Pike, Spock, and Number One introduced in Star Trek: Discovery season 2), a new season of Star Trek: Picard as well as more Star Trek series' (including Star Trek: Prodigy - which appears to be a kid-themed CG-animated series for Nickelodeon) and feature films. Using iconic shows like The Twilight Zone, Mission Impossible and many more… it seems likely a business model that can be replicated for quite a while.
ViacomCBS believes it can use this mold to expand streaming subscribers to 25 million or more within two years. Though not Netflix or Disney numbers, this would be a nearly 65% increase within two years and demonstrate some staying power.
The size of ViacomCBS also gives a potential for a larger company to acquire its content. (Though the massive percentage ownership by the Redstone's make that a bit more difficult.) Still - AT&T, Comcast, Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and a few others are all able to afford a purchase this size and would likely be able to cement a dominant position with a purchase.