nScreenNoise – Jeff Shultz, Paramount Global exec interviewnScreenMedia

In this interview with Paramount executive Jeff Shultz, he explains Paramount+ and Pluto TV’s joint strategy, three innovative distribution deals, and why FASTs are not cable TV 2.0.

Jeff Shultz, CBO, CBDO Paramount Streaming

Over the last three years, US broadcasters NBC, ABC, and Fox have become fully engaged in the direct-to-consumer streaming TV market. But CBS recognized the opportunity and jumped into the market nearly a decade ago when it launched CBS All Access. In 2019, Viacom bought five-year-old FAST pioneer Pluto TV and merged with CBS later that year. Jeff Shultz, who had been Pluto TV’s Chief Business Office, came along with the Pluto acquisition and is now Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Business Development Officer for Paramount Streaming at Paramount Global.

Today’s podcast is my interview with Jeff, recorded onstage at the StreamTV Show in Denver on June 14^th, 2023. In the interview, Jeff discusses how Paramount+ and Pluto TV continue to set the pace in the streaming TV market, the Showtime integration with Paramount+, and the company’s innovative distribution strategy with partners like Verizon, Delta Airlines, and Walmart.

Thanks to Questex and the StreamTV Show for allowing me to bring you this interview in its entirety. But first…

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Now, back to the interview with Jeff Shultz, Chief Strategy Officer, and Chief Business Development Officer for Paramount Streaming at Paramount Global.

Paramount+ and Pluto TV positioning (3:25)

A core part of Paramount Global’s strategy is keeping Paramount+ and Pluto TV as separate products. I asked Jeff to outline how Paramount+ and Pluto TV are operating in the streaming TV market now that it is in its second innings.

Integration of Showtime into Paramount+ (8:15)

Paramount Global recently announced that Showtime –a standalone direct-to-consumer app- would be rolled into Paramount+. I asked Jeff to explain why the company decided to shut down the standalone Showtime app and combine it with Paramount+.

How Paramount+ and Pluto TV cross-promote each other (10:40)

Jeff explains that when there is a new season of a franchise show – like 1893 or Picard – the series is showcased on Pluto TV.

Three innovative distribution moves by Paramount Global (13:25)

If there is one thing that shows D2C is in its second innings, it is the emergence of more sophisticated distribution strategies. I asked Mr. Shultz to explain three recent moves by his company.