This web app uses cookies to compile statistic information of our users visits. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. If you wish you may change your preference or read about cookies

close

Why Twenty-First Century Fox's Business Model is so successful?

Get all the answers

Embed code:

x
Copy the code below and embed it in yours to show this business model canvas in your website.

Twenty-First Century Fox’s Company Overview


Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., formerly a global leader in the media and entertainment industry, was renowned for its diverse and influential portfolio of businesses. Operational from October 23, 2003, until its key assets were acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 2019, the company managed several high-profile segments, including Cable Network Programming, Television, and Filmed Entertainment. With significant activities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Asia, and Latin America, Twenty-First Century Fox was a major player in its sector. The company was best known for producing and distributing compelling content that resonated with audiences worldwide, ranging from blockbuster films and TV series to live sports and news broadcasts, thus shaping the media landscape significantly.

The business model of Twenty-First Century Fox was uniquely diversified, focusing on creating, producing, and distributing a wide array of media content. This included the operation of numerous cable and satellite television channels, motion picture studios, and television production companies. The firm’s strategy revolved around leveraging its robust portfolio of content and well-established brands to capture a broad audience base and maximize viewership. This approach allowed the company to maintain a competitive edge in a highly fragmented and evolving media environment. Additionally, its extensive global presence enabled it to cater to various markets, thereby optimizing its content distribution and viewership on a scale many competitors could not achieve.

Twenty-First Century Fox employed a multi-faceted revenue model, generating income through several streams. Primary revenue sources included advertising sales from its television networks, subscription fees from cable and satellite companies for providing access to its channels, and box office sales from its film releases. Furthermore, the company earned from syndication and licensing of its content to other networks and platforms, which included international markets. Another significant revenue stream came from merchandise sales and digital distribution, including video-on-demand and online streaming services. This diversified revenue approach enabled Twenty-First Century Fox to mitigate risks associated with market volatility and ensured a steady flow of income, contributing to its robust financial performance prior to its acquisition.

www.21cf.com

Headquater: New York, New York, US

Foundations date: 1913

Company Type: Public

Sector: Information & Media

Category: Entertainment

Digital Maturity: Conservative


Twenty-First Century Fox’s Related Competitors



Twenty-First Century Fox’s Business Model Canvas


Twenty-First Century Fox’s Key Partners
  • Production Companies
  • Distributors
  • Content Creators
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Technology Providers
  • Broadcasting Networks
  • Government Regulators
  • Licensing Partners
  • Streaming Platforms
  • Talent Agencies
  • Equipment Manufacturers
  • Financial Institutions
  • Legal Advisors
  • Market Research Firms
  • Public Relations Agencies
Twenty-First Century Fox’s Key Activities
  • Content Creation and Production
  • Broadcasting
  • Licensing and Distribution
  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Digital Media Management
  • Intellectual Property Management
  • Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
  • Audience Analytics and Research
  • Sales and Advertising
  • Customer Service and Support
Twenty-First Century Fox’s Key Resources
  • Intellectual Property
  • Licensing Agreements
  • Broadcast Equipment
  • Studio Facilities
  • Content Rights
  • Technology Infrastructure
  • Talent and Creative Teams
  • Strategic Alliances
  • Brand Portfolio
  • Financial Resources
Twenty-First Century Fox’s Value Propositions
  • High-quality entertainment content
  • Wide range of media channels
  • Cutting-edge news coverage
  • Engaging storytelling
  • Exclusive sports broadcasting rights
  • Innovative technology integration
  • Global content distribution
  • Multiplatform audience reach
  • Award-winning programming
  • Strong brand reputation
Twenty-First Century Fox’s Customer Relationships
  • Personalized recommendation
  • Community engagement
  • Customer feedback loops
  • Exclusive content premier access
  • Multi-channel support (online, phone, social media)
  • Premium membership programs
  • Loyalty rewards
  • Regular e-newsletters
  • Interactive fan events
  • Partnerships with platforms and influencers
  • Targeted advertising campaigns
Twenty-First Century Fox’s Customer Segments
  • Television Viewers
  • Movie Enthusiasts
  • Streaming Service Subscribers
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Cable and Satellite Providers
  • Sports Fans
  • International Audiences
  • Children and Families
  • News Consumers
  • Media and Entertainment Partners
Twenty-First Century Fox’s Channels
  • Website www.21cf.com
  • Social Media Platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
  • Television Networks (Fox News, Fox Sports, FX, National Geographic)
  • Streaming Services (Hulu, Disney+)
  • Mobile Applications
  • DVDs and Blu-rays
  • Online Advertising
  • Press Releases
  • Email Marketing
  • Affiliate Marketing
  • Partner Networks
  • Theatrical Distribution
  • Retail Partnerships
  • Print Media
Twenty-First Century Fox’s Cost Structure
  • Content Production
  • Licensing Fees
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Distribution Costs
  • Technology and Infrastructure
  • Talent Acquisition and Salaries
  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance
  • Administrative Costs
  • Royalties and Residuals
  • Research and Development
  • Facility and Equipment Maintenance
  • Subscription Management Systems
  • Customer Support and Service
Twenty-First Century Fox’s Revenue Streams
  • Subscription services
  • Advertising
  • Content licensing and syndication
  • Box office sales
  • Home entertainment sales
  • Network and affiliate fees
  • Merchandise sales
  • Online streaming services
  • Pay-per-view events
  • Film and TV production fees
  • Digital media revenues
  • Publishing revenues
  • Sponsorships and brand partnerships
  • Ancillary revenue streams

Vizologi

A generative AI business strategy tool to create business plans in 1 minute

FREE 7 days trial ‐ Get started in seconds

Try it free

Twenty-First Century Fox’s Revenue Model


Twenty-First Century Fox makes money by combining different business models. Below, you will find the list of the different monetization strategies identified for this company:

  • Cross-selling
  • Customer loyalty
  • Integrator
  • Licensing
  • Long tail
  • Mass customization
  • Advertising
  • Music
  • Dynamic branding
  • Acquiring non customers
  • Make and distribute
  • Sponsorship
  • Cross-subsidiary
Analytics


Market Overview
  • Patterns
  • Sectors
  • Categories
  • Companies
  • Right click on the nodes to explore

Twenty-First Century Fox’s Case Study


Twenty-First Century Fox's CASE STUDY

In the bustling arena of global media and entertainment, certain companies leave a lasting impact by continuously shaping and re-shaping the landscape. Twenty-First Century Fox, a titan in the industry from 2003 until its major assets were acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 2019, is one such firm. Positioned as a leader in the Information and Media sector, we are compelled to examine the unique strategy and operational prowess that made this company a standout example of modern enterprise.

Strategic Vision and Operational Excellence

The business model of Twenty-First Century Fox (21CF) was largely defined by its ability to diversify and adapt. Unlike many competitors, the company spread its influence across a variety of platforms and markets—from North America to Europe to Asia and Latin America. This broad reach allowed 21CF to intricately weave its brand into the lives of global audiences, an ambition well-reflected through its innovative segments: Cable Network Programming, Television, and Filmed Entertainment. We found the foundation of this success in their five-pillar strategy, as explicated by industry analyst Jeff Bock from Exhibitor Relations Company. Bock highlighted, "Their strategy of diversified content creation, strategic acquisitions, technological embracement, robust marketing, and relentless audience analytics fortified their market position uniquely. This isn’t just about producing content; it's about understanding and shaping the audience’s needs and behaviors" (Exhibitor Relations Company, 2020).

Diversified Revenue Streams: A Pillar of Strength

21CF’s revenue model was sophisticated, generating income from multiple key streams. Advertising sales from its television networks played a lucrative role, contributing $6.93 billion in revenue in 2018 alone (Statista, 2019). Subscription fees accumulated from cable and satellite services further bolstered financials, while the Box Office—yielding $3.26 billion globally in 2018 as well—served as another major revenue engine (MPAA, 2019). Their capability to syndicate and license content underscored a value proposition predicated on high-quality, engaging storytelling. This approach not only secured formidable revenue but also omnipresent brand visibility. Moreover, merchandising and digital distribution channels like video-on-demand and online streaming platforms added significant layers to this multifaceted revenue generation model. Note that Hulu, a property partly owned by 21CF before Disney’s acquisition, played an instrumental role in capturing the shifting digital audience landscape.

Key Partnerships and Alliances

Partnerships were central to 21CF's operational strategy. By aligning with production companies, distributors, content creators, and streaming platforms, the company orchestrated a network of alliances that enhanced content distribution and amplified market penetration. Their association with technology providers resulted in superior broadcast technology, which enabled solutions like High Dynamic Range (HDR) and 4K streaming that captivated viewers. Furthermore, regulatory partnerships and licensing with government bodies ensured compliance, while collaborations with talent agencies and advertising firms positioned 21CF to capture premium talent and sponsorship deals. An impeccable example was their strategic alliances within the sports domain. Exclusive broadcasting rights to events like NFL games and the FIFA World Cup provided irreplaceable content that attracted millions, substantially elevating viewer loyalty and engagement.

Global Reach and Technological Integration

One of the critical differentiators for Twenty-First Century Fox was its global reach and technological advancements. By integrating cutting-edge technology and leveraging global distribution networks, it effectively met a diverse range of customer needs—from high-quality entertainment and comprehensive news coverage to niche content appealing to local markets. Their networks like FX and National Geographic provided both mainstream and specialized content, meeting varying emotional, functional, and social customer demands. According to a Harvard Business Review article by Michael D. Smith and Rahul Telang (2019), "A company's ability to adapt technologically is crucial for its longevity. Fox displayed a keen sense of technological adaptability by partnering with platforms like Hulu and later embracing streaming services such as Disney+, ensuring they were never left behind in the digital race."

Audience Engagement and Data-Driven Strategies

Audience analytics played a transformative role in 21CF’s strategy. By employing advanced data analytics and audience research, the company tailored its content offerings and advertising efforts with precision. This approach fostered a deep understanding of viewer habits, preferences, and trends, thus allowing for highly effective targeted advertising campaigns and personalized viewer recommendations. The frequent use of customer feedback loops and community engagements, as evidenced by their interactive fan events and social media presence, created a loyal and engaged user base. Premium membership programs and exclusive content premier access further endeared the brand to its high-value segments, enhancing viewer loyalty and retention.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Twenty-First Century Fox’s legacy resides in its ability to strategically diversify, form crucial alliances, and adapt to changing technological landscapes. Though its key assets now rest within the portfolio of The Walt Disney Company, the operational ethos, strategic insights, and industry impact of 21CF continue to offer valuable lessons for current and future players in the media and entertainment sector. In our opinion, the blend of traditional media expertise and forward-thinking technological integration created a unique, robust position for the company, making it an exemplary case study in business strategy. As Michael Nathanson of MoffetNathanson eloquently put it, “In a fast-evolving sector, 21CF remained nimble, innovative, and omnipresent—a true hallmark of strategic excellence.” Thus, Twenty-First Century Fox serves as an enduring template, showcasing the power of multifaceted strategies and diversified operations in securing a steadfast foothold in an ever-evolving industry milieu.


If you enjoyed this content, you’re in for a treat! Dive into our extensive repository of business model examples, where we’ve dissected and analyzed thousands of business strategies from top tech companies and innovative startups. Don’t miss out!

+100 Business Book Summaries

We've distilled the wisdom of influential business books for you.

Zero to One by Peter Thiel.
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek.
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan.