From Microsoft Acquiring Activision to Disney + Hulu, These Deals Shook Up the Media and Entertainment Space in 2023, Plus 2024 Trends to Watch

Forbes contributing author Corey Martin discusses 2023’s transformative transactions in entertainment, including Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, the merger of UFC and WWE into TKO Group Holdings, Disney’s consolidation of Disney+ and Hulu, Lionsgate’s purchase of Entertainment One for $500 million, Quality Control Music’s integration into HYBE for $320 million, and ESPN’s $2 billion partnership with PENN Entertainment. Key trends in 2024 encompass antitrust enforcement, industry consolidation, public companies transitioning to private, and streaming challenges, as conglomerates strive to balance shareholder expectations while addressing strikes and legal issues in the sector.