Who owns Pluto TV? The internet television service is owned by ViacomCBS, a multinational media conglomerate. ViacomCBS was formed through the merger of CBS Corporation and Viacom, two large media companies, in December 2019. Viacom acquired Pluto TV in January 2019 before this merger, so when Viacom merged with CBS Corporation, Pluto TV’s ownership transferred to the newly established ViacomCBS.
Company History
Pluto TV is a free internet television service, providing content in the form of various channels and on-demand videos. It was founded in 2013 by Tom Ryan, Ilya Pozin, and Nick Grouf in Los Angeles, California. Initially formed as a streaming platform for curated channels and video content, it later expanded to include live streaming of television channels and on-demand services. Throughout its history, Pluto TV has experienced a few significant changes in ownership:
1. Viacom (Now ViacomCBS):
In January 2019, media conglomerate Viacom announced that it would acquire Pluto TV for $340 million. The acquisition was completed in March 2019. This marked a major shift in ownership and further integrated Pluto TV into the media landscape.
2. ViacomCBS:
In August 2019, Viacom and CBS announced a merger, resulting in the formation of ViacomCBS on December 4, 2019. With this merger, Pluto TV became part of the new combined corporation’s portfolio of media assets. In summary, Pluto TV’s ownership has changed from being an independent company to being entirely owned by Viacom, and now it is owned by ViacomCBS. Throughout these changes, the platform has continued to expand its content offerings and user base.
Who was the founder?
Pluto TV was originally founded by Tom Ryan, Ilya Pozin, and Nick Grouf in 2013. Tom Ryan, who served as the CEO, has an extensive background in the digital media and technology industry. Before founding Pluto TV, Tom Ryan was the senior vice president of digital strategy at Barnes & Noble, where he helped launch the company’s Nook eReader and eBook store.
He also held various roles at several technology startups, such as CDuctive, eMusic, Echodisc, Greenfly, and Threadbox. Tom Ryan graduated from Yale University in 1991, where he studied economics and political science. He also holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Throughout his career, Ryan has been dedicated to combining media and technology to create innovative products and services that engage viewers. When founding Pluto TV, Ryan and his co-founders aimed to bring a traditional television experience into the digital world, creating a free online platform with a curated content lineup and customizable channels. This unique idea led to the platform’s rapid growth and adoption by millions of viewers.
In 2019, Viacom (now ViacomCBS) acquired Pluto TV, further expanding its reach and content offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pluto TV
1. Who owns Pluto TV?
Pluto TV is owned by ViacomCBS, a leading global content powerhouse.
2. When was Pluto TV acquired by ViacomCBS?
ViacomCBS acquired Pluto TV in January 2019.
3. What content is available on Pluto TV?
Pluto TV offers over 100 channels and thousands of movies and TV shows on demand from various content providers, including ViacomCBS’s own properties like MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures.
4. Is Pluto TV a free service?
Yes, Pluto TV is a completely free streaming service, supported by advertisements.
5. What platforms support Pluto TV?
Pluto TV is available on various platforms such as web browsers, mobile devices (iOS and Android), streaming devices (Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV), and gaming consoles (PlayStation and Xbox).
6. Can I watch Pluto TV outside of the United States?
Yes, Pluto TV is available in several countries outside of the United States, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Sources for More Information
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