American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres

American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres, Inc. (AB-PT) was a significant entity in the history of American television, radio, and theatre. Formed from the merger of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and Paramount Theatres, the company played a crucial role in the development of television broadcasting and the movie theatre business in the United States.

History

The origins of American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres trace back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of Paramount Pictures and the later formation of the American Broadcasting Company. Paramount Pictures, founded in 1912, was one of the first and most successful Hollywood movie studios. ABC, on the other hand, emerged in 1943 from the former NBC Blue Network, a radio network that was sold off by NBC under government pressure to ensure competition in the broadcasting industry.

In 1953, the merger between ABC and Paramount Theatres, a chain of movie theatres owned by Paramount Pictures, marked the creation of American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres. This merger was part of a broader trend of consolidation in the entertainment industry, as companies sought to integrate different aspects of film production, distribution, and exhibition.

Impact on the Entertainment Industry

The formation of AB-PT represented a significant shift in the entertainment landscape. By combining a major television network with a leading chain of movie theatres, AB-PT was positioned to influence both the small screen and the big screen. This integration allowed for cross-promotion and distribution of content across different platforms, setting a precedent for future media conglomerates.

AB-PT also played a pivotal role in the early days of television broadcasting. ABC, under the umbrella of AB-PT, became a major player in the television industry, competing with NBC and CBS. The company invested heavily in television programming and was instrumental in bringing popular shows to American audiences.

Divestiture and Legacy

In the 1970s, regulatory pressures and changes in the entertainment industry led to the divestiture of the theatre operations from the broadcasting operations. This separation marked the end of American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres as a combined entity. The broadcasting arm continued as ABC, which would later become part of The Walt Disney Company, while the theatre operations were spun off into a separate entity.

The legacy of American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres lives on through its impact on the entertainment industry. The company's early investments in television helped shape the future of broadcasting, and its integration of different entertainment mediums set the stage for the media conglomerates that dominate the industry today.

See Also

• Paramount Pictures
• American Broadcasting Company
• Television in the United States
• Hollywood
• Media conglomerate