Fox Corp
For the period ended Jun 30, 2026. Filed Aug 6, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2026 · Filed Aug 6, 2026
FOXA$66.64-1.5%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-06-30; filed 2025-08-06.
0001628280-25-038077
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2026-06-30; filed 2026-08-06.
0001628280-26-053960
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 89 previous paragraphs and 107 current paragraphs.
58 unchanged; 25 reworded; 23 added; 5 removed; 1 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (23)
Current report
The Roku Transaction may not be completed or may be delayed if the closing conditions in the Merger Agreement are not satisfied, and the Merger Agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms.
Current report
On June 14, 2026, FOX and Roku entered into the Merger Agreement pursuant to which Roku will become a wholly owned subsidiary of FOX. The completion of the Merger is subject to several closing conditions, including requisite FOX and Roku stockholder approvals, clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, the receipt of consents or approvals under certain other antitrust laws and certain investment screening laws and other customary conditions. The regulatory approval process (including if regulatory or governmental authorities seek to impose any terms, conditions, obligations or restrictions as a condition to approval) may lead to lengthy negotiations, jeopardize or delay completion of the Merger or negatively impact its anticipated benefits. The failure to satisfy all required conditions could prevent the Merger from being completed or delay its completion for a significant period of time. Such a delay could result in a failure to realize some or all of the anticipated benefits of the Merger on the expected timeline, or at all. There can be no assurance that the conditions in the Merger Agreement will be satisfied or waived or that the Merger will be consummated.
Current report
The Merger Agreement also contains customary termination rights and provides that each party is required to pay the other a termination fee of approximately $866 million if the Merger Agreement is terminated in certain circumstances, including due to a change in the recommendation of its board of directors or if the Merger is not consummated by the termination date specified in the agreement. In addition, the Company will be required to pay Roku a termination fee of approximately $1.2 billion if the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances related to the failure to obtain certain regulatory approvals or upon the entry of a permanent restraint under certain antitrust laws or investment screening laws. FOX has also agreed to reimburse Roku for up to $70 million for reasonable third-party costs and expenses incurred by Roku in connection with the Merger if the Company is unable to obtain the requisite FOX stockholder approval in connection with the transaction.
Current report
If the Transaction is significantly delayed or is not completed, it could have an adverse effect on FOX’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
Current report
Entry into the Merger Agreement could have a variety of negative impacts on FOX and the market prices of the Common Stock.
Current report
The Company is subject to a number of risks in connection with its entry into the Merger Agreement, including:
Current report
•negative reactions from the financial markets, including negative impacts on the market prices of the Common Stock;
Current report
•negative reactions from FOX’s customers, suppliers, distributors, employees, or other business partners;
Current report
•significant costs relating to the Merger, including financial advisory, legal, financing, accounting and other transaction costs and additional expenses related to combining the operations of the two companies;
Current report
•restrictions on the conduct of FOX’s business prior to completion of the Merger set forth in the Merger Agreement, including pursuing alternatives to the Merger, which could discourage a potential third party from making an alternative transaction proposal or prevent the Company from making other acquisitions or taking other actions that would have been beneficial to FOX; and
Current report
•the commitment of substantial time and resources by FOX management, which otherwise could have been directed toward the Company’s operations and pursuit of other beneficial opportunities.
Current report
If the Merger is not consummated, in addition to failing to realize it benefits, FOX may experience adverse impacts to its ongoing business, financial condition, results of operations or on the market prices of the Common Stock. For example, the Company could be subject to litigation related to a failure to complete the Merger or an enforcement proceeding seeking to require FOX to perform its obligations under the Merger Agreement. The cost of defending against such litigation and proceedings may be significant. Similarly, if there are delays in the completion of the Merger, they could, among other things, result in additional transaction costs, loss of revenue or other negative effects associated with uncertainty about completion of the Merger.
Current report
Business uncertainties and contractual restrictions on FOX while the Merger is pending could adversely affect FOX’s business and operations.
Current report
Uncertainty regarding the completion of the Merger may cause some customers, suppliers, distributors, vendors, strategic partners and other parties to delay or defer making business decisions concerning the Company or entering into agreements with FOX, and may cause them to seek to terminate or renegotiate their existing arrangements with the Company. If this occurs, it could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows or on the market prices of the Common Stock, regardless of whether the Merger is completed. The Merger Agreement also restricts the Company from making certain other acquisitions or issuing additional equity in excess of certain limitations without Roku’s prior consent, which may prevent FOX from pursuing attractive business opportunities or strategic transactions that arise prior to the completion of the Merger.
Current report
The market price of the Common Stock may decline as a result of the Merger.
Current report
The market price of the Common Stock may decline as a result of the Merger, and holders of the Common Stock, including Roku stockholders who become holders of Class A Common Stock as a result of the Merger, could lose the value of their investment in the Common Stock if, among other things, the Company is unable to achieve the expected growth in earnings, the anticipated benefits from the Merger are not realized, the transaction costs are greater than expected or any transaction-related financing is on unfavorable terms. The market price of the Common Stock also may decline if FOX does not achieve the perceived benefits of the Merger as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial or industry analysts or if the effect of the Merger on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations is not consistent with analyst expectations. The issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock in the Merger could independently have the effect of depressing the market price for the Common Stock. In addition, Roku stockholders may choose or (in the case of some stockholders such as funds with limitations on permitted stockholdings) be required to sell the Class A Common Stock they receive as a result of the Merger. Any such sales of Class A Common Stock could depress the market price for the Common Stock.
Current report
The Company or its Board of Directors may be the target of Merger-related lawsuits that result in substantial costs or delay or prevent the completion of the Merger.
Current report
Securities class action and derivative lawsuits are often brought against public companies that have entered into merger agreements. Even if the lawsuits are without merit, defending against or otherwise resolving these claims can result in substantial costs and divert management time and resources and an adverse judgment could result in monetary damages, which could have a negative financial impact on FOX. In addition, if a plaintiff successfully obtains an injunction prohibiting the consummation of the Merger, it could prevent the Merger from being completed on the expected timetable, or at all.
Current report
The Company may be unable to successfully integrate the businesses of FOX and Roku and realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger.
Current report
The Merger involves the integration of Roku and FOX’s businesses -- a complex, costly and time-consuming process. Many of the difficulties inherent in the process are outside FOX’s control and could result in delays, increased costs, decreases in expected revenues and diversion of management time and attention. In addition, post-closing, FOX will have significantly more systems, assets, investments, businesses, customers and employees than it did prior to the Merger, and FOX will operate new lines of business. The combined company’s success will depend in part on the Company’s ability to successfully combine the businesses and realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger.
Current report
FOX’s post-Merger indebtedness may have a significant negative impact on its business, financial condition or results of operations.
Current report
FOX is incurring a significant amount of debt in connection with the Merger, which could have significant consequences, including: increasing the Company’s vulnerability to adverse changes in economic or industry conditions; reducing its ability to effectively compete and respond to business or industry changes; creating competitive disadvantages compared to companies with lower debt levels; increasing FOX’s borrowing costs and requiring it to dedicate a greater amount of cash to debt payments at the expense of operating needs, capital expenditures, strategic initiatives or general corporate purposes; limiting the Company’s ability to return capital to stockholders; and impeding its ability to borrow additional funds in the future. Additionally, rating agencies may take negative actions against FOX’s credit ratings because of the Merger, which would increase its borrowing costs. Following completion of the Merger, if the Company is required to arrange additional financing or refinancing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, or other general corporate purposes, its ability to do so will depend on many factors, including market conditions and other factors beyond its control. There can be no assurance that FOX will be able to arrange additional financing or refinancing on acceptable terms or at all.
Current report
In addition, all of the shares of FOX Class A Common Stock and the majority of the shares of FOX Class B Common Stock formerly held by the Murdoch Family Trust have been transferred to LGC Holdco, a Delaware limited liability company owned by certain Murdoch family trusts (collectively, the “LGC Family Trusts”). LGC Holdco beneficially owns less than one percent of the outstanding FOX Class A Common Stock and approximately 38.8% of the FOX Class B Common Stock. The voting and disposition of the shares of FOX Class A Common Stock and FOX Class B Common Stock held by LGC Holdco is, subject to certain limited exceptions, decided solely by a managing director of LGC Holdco’s sole manager who is appointed, and may be replaced, by Lachlan K. Murdoch. As a result, Lachlan K. Murdoch may be deemed the beneficial owner of the shares owned by LGC Holdco. Lachlan K. Murdoch, however, disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
Removed paragraphs (5)
Previous report
Further, as a result of his ability to appoint certain members of the board of directors of the corporate trustee of the Murdoch Family Trust, which beneficially owns less than one percent of the outstanding FOX Class A Common Stock and 43.39% of FOX Class B Common Stock, K. Rupert Murdoch may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the shares beneficially owned by the Murdoch Family Trust. K. Rupert Murdoch, however, disclaims any beneficial ownership of these shares. Also, K. Rupert Murdoch beneficially owns or may be deemed to beneficially own an additional less than one percent of FOX Class B Common Stock. Thus, K. Rupert Murdoch may be deemed to beneficially own in the aggregate less than one percent of FOX Class A Common Stock and 43.90% of FOX Class B Common Stock.
Previous report
The indemnification arrangements the Company entered into with 21CF in connection with the Transaction may require the Company to divert cash to satisfy indemnification obligations to 21CF. The indemnification from 21CF may not be sufficient to insure the Company against the full amount of liabilities that have been allocated to 21CF.
Previous report
Pursuant to the agreements the Company and 21CF entered into in connection with the Transaction, 21CF will indemnify the Company for certain liabilities and the Company will indemnify 21CF for certain liabilities. Payments pursuant to these indemnities may be significant and could negatively impact our business. Third parties could also seek to hold the Company responsible for any of the liabilities of the businesses that were retained by 21CF in connection with the Transaction. 21CF has agreed to indemnify the Company for such liabilities, but such indemnity from 21CF may not be sufficient to protect the Company against the full amount of such liabilities, and 21CF may not be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations. Moreover, even if the Company ultimately succeeds in recovering from 21CF any amounts for which it is held liable, the Company may be temporarily required to bear these losses itself. These risks could negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Previous report
The Company could be liable for income taxes owed by 21CF.
Previous report
Each member of the 21CF consolidated group, which, prior to the Transaction, included 21CF, the Company and 21CF’s other subsidiaries, is jointly and severally liable for the U.S. federal income and, in certain jurisdictions, state tax liabilities of each other member of the consolidated group for periods prior to and including the Transaction. Consequently, the Company could be liable in the event any such liability is incurred, and not discharged, by any other member of what was previously the 21CF consolidated group. The tax matters agreement entered into in connection with the Transaction requires 21CF and/or Disney to indemnify the Company for any such liability. Disputes or assessments could arise during future audits by the taxing authorities in amounts that the Company cannot quantify.
Reworded paragraphs (25)
Previous wording
Risks Related to the Company’s Separation from 21CF
Previous wording
The ways in which consumers view content and technology and business models in our industry continue to rapidly evolve. New distribution platforms and offerings, increased competition from new entrants and emerging technologies have added to the complexity of maintaining predictable revenue streams. Technological advancements have driven changes in consumer behavior as consumers now have more control over when, where and how they consume content and have increased advertisers' options for reaching their target audiences. Consumer preferences have evolved toward direct-to-consumer offerings such as SVOD, AVOD and FAST services. An increasing number of FAST and SVOD services that have introduced advertising-supported tiers has intensified competition for digital advertising and may continue to do so in the future. In addition, the increasing use of time-shifting and advertising-skipping technologies that enable viewers to fast-forward or circumvent advertisements impacts the attractiveness of the Company's programming to advertisers and may adversely affect its advertising revenues. Other new technological developments are rapidly evolving in our industry such as the development and use of generative AI, including large language model applications, and the advantages and risks associated with its use are largely uncertain.
Current wording
The ways in which consumers view content and technology and business models in our industry continue to rapidly evolve. New distribution platforms and offerings, increased competition from new entrants and emerging technologies have added to the complexity of maintaining predictable revenue streams. Technological advancements have driven changes in consumer behavior as consumers now have more control over when, where and how they consume content and have increased advertisers' options for reaching their target audiences. Consumer preferences have evolved toward direct-to-consumer offerings such as SVOD, AVOD and FAST services, as well as connected TV devices and operating systems and gaming and other consoles. An increasing number of FAST services and SVOD services that have introduced advertising-supported tiers has intensified competition for digital advertising and may continue to do so in the future. In addition, the increasing use of time-shifting and advertising-skipping technologies that enable viewers to fast-forward or circumvent advertisements impacts the attractiveness of the Company's programming to advertisers and may adversely affect its advertising revenues. Other new technological developments, such as the development and use of generative AI, including large language model applications, are rapidly evolving and increasingly being incorporated into business operations and content generation, and AI may be used in ways that could reduce demand for our content, products and services. The advantages and risks associated with the use of generative AI are largely uncertain.
Previous wording
Changes in consumer behavior and technology have also had an adverse impact on MVPDs that deliver the Company's broadcast and cable networks to consumers. Consumers’ increasing viewership through direct-to-consumer offerings has contributed to industry-wide declines in subscribers to MVPD services over the last several years. These declines are expected to continue and possibly accelerate in the future. If consumers increasingly favor alternative offerings over MVPD subscriptions, the Company may continue to experience a decline in viewership and demand for the programming on its networks. The Company’s affiliate fee and advertising revenues have been negatively impacted by these trends, and these negative effects could continue and accelerate in the future. Changing distribution models may also negatively impact the Company's ability to negotiate affiliation agreements on favorable terms, which could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations. Our affiliate fee and advertising revenues also may be adversely affected by consumers' use of antennas (and their integration with set-top boxes or other consumer devices) to access broadcast signals to avoid subscriptions.
Current wording
Changes in consumer behavior and technology have also had an adverse impact on MVPDs that deliver the Company's broadcast and cable networks to consumers. Consumers’ increasing viewership through direct-to-consumer offerings has contributed to industry-wide declines in subscribers to MVPD services over the last several years. These declines are expected to continue and possibly accelerate in the future. If consumers increasingly favor alternative offerings over MVPD subscriptions, the Company may continue to experience a decline in viewership and demand for the programming on its networks. The Company’s distribution and advertising revenues have been negatively impacted by these trends, and these negative effects could continue and accelerate in the future. Changing distribution models may also negatively impact the Company's ability to negotiate affiliation agreements on favorable terms, which could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations. Our distribution and advertising revenues also may be adversely affected by consumers' use of antennas (and their integration with set-top boxes or other consumer devices) to access broadcast signals to avoid subscriptions.
Previous wording
To remain competitive in this evolving environment, the Company must effectively anticipate and adapt to new market changes. The Company continues to focus on investing in and expanding its digital distribution offerings and direct engagement with consumers, including through Tubi, FOX Nation, FOX Weather and other offerings such as the FOX One direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service expected to launch by the Fall of 2025. However, if the Company fails to effectively safeguard and monetize the value of its content while responding to, and developing new technologies and business models to take advantage of, technological developments and consumer preferences, it could have a significant adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
Current wording
To remain competitive in this evolving environment, the Company must effectively anticipate and adapt to new market changes. The Company continues to focus on investing in and expanding its digital distribution offerings and direct engagement with consumers, including through Tubi, the FOX One direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service, FOX Nation, FOX Weather and other offerings. However, if the Company fails to effectively safeguard and monetize the value of its content while responding to and developing new technologies and business models to take advantage of, technological developments and consumer preferences, it could have a significant adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
Previous wording
The evolution of consumer preferences toward direct-to-consumer streaming offerings and other digital products and the increasing number of entertainment choices has intensified audience fragmentation and reduced viewership through traditional linear distribution models. This has caused ratings and viewership declines for television networks, including some of our networks. These changes have also given rise to new ways of purchasing advertising, as well as a general shift in advertising expenditures toward streaming and other digital offerings, some of which may not be as beneficial to us as traditional advertising methods. In addition, increased digital advertising available in the marketplace due to the proliferation of advertising-supported direct-to-consumer offerings has intensified, and may continue to intensify, competition for viewers and advertising. Periods of economic weakness also could accelerate industry-wide shifts in advertising expenditures from linear to digital advertising. There can be no assurance that we can successfully navigate the evolving digital advertising market or that the digital advertising revenues we generate will offset the declines in advertising revenues generated by our traditional linear networks.
Current wording
The evolution of consumer preferences toward direct-to-consumer streaming offerings and other digital products and the increasing number of entertainment choices has intensified audience fragmentation and reduced viewership through traditional linear distribution models. This has caused ratings and viewership declines for television networks, including some of our networks. These changes have also given rise to new ways of purchasing advertising, as well as a general shift in advertising expenditures toward streaming and other digital offerings, some of which may not be as beneficial to us as traditional advertising methods. In addition, increased digital advertising available in the marketplace due to the proliferation of advertising-supported direct-to-consumer offerings has intensified, and may continue to intensify, competition for viewers and advertising. The use of AI tools in advertising technology also is becoming more prevalent and if our competitors are able to adopt the use of these tools more effectively than we are, it could negatively impact our advertising revenues. Periods of economic weakness also could accelerate industry-wide shifts in advertising expenditures from linear to digital advertising. There can be no assurance that we can successfully navigate the evolving digital advertising market or that the digital advertising revenues we generate will offset the declines in advertising revenues generated by our traditional linear networks.
Previous wording
Advertising sales also largely depend on audience measurement and could be negatively affected if measurement methodologies do not accurately reflect actual viewership levels. Although Nielsen’s statistical sampling method is the primary measurement methodology used for our linear television advertising sales, we measure and monetize our digital platforms based on a combination of internal and third-party data, including demographic composite estimates. The industry is transitioning to a multiplatform measurement environment in an effort to more completely measure viewership and advertising across linear and digital platforms, but has not yet established a consistent, broadly accepted measure of multiplatform audiences. Although we expect multiplatform measurement innovation and standards to benefit us as the advertising market continues to evolve and are actively working to improve our internal measurement capabilities, we are still largely dependent on third parties to provide these solutions. Declines in advertising revenues may also be caused by regulatory intervention or other third-party action that impacts where and when advertising may be placed. If negative impacts on advertising revenues continue or accelerate, they could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
Current wording
Advertising sales also largely depend on audience measurement and could be negatively affected if measurement methodologies do not accurately reflect actual viewership levels. Although Nielsen’s statistical sampling method is the primary measurement methodology used for our linear television advertising sales, we measure and monetize our digital platforms based on a combination of internal and third-party data, including demographic composite estimates. The industry is transitioning to a multiplatform measurement environment in an effort to more completely measure viewership and advertising across linear and digital platforms, but has not yet established a consistent, broadly accepted measure of multiplatform audiences. Although we expect multiplatform measurement innovation and standards to benefit us as the advertising market continues to evolve and are actively working to improve our internal measurement capabilities, we are still largely dependent on third parties to provide these solutions. In addition, measurement providers may change their methodologies, data sources and panel/“big data” mixes, which could result in a discontinuation of or volatility in reported ratings and audience metrics (including declines in reported ratings) that may not correspond to actual changes in audience behavior. Declines in advertising revenues may also be caused by regulatory intervention or other third-party action that impacts where and when advertising may be placed. If negative impacts on advertising revenues continue or accelerate, they could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
Previous wording
The Company depends on affiliation and carriage arrangements that enable it to reach a large percentage of households through MVPDs and third party-owned television stations. There can be no assurance that these agreements will be renewed in the future, or renewed on favorable terms, including terms related to pricing, programming tiers and bundles, and the types of rights we grant distributors. The inability to enter into or renew MVPD arrangements on favorable terms, or at all, or the loss of carriage on MVPDs’ most widely distributed programming tiers or their targeted, genre-focused programming tiers (sometimes referred to as “skinny bundles”) could reduce the distribution of the Company’s owned and operated television stations and broadcast and cable networks, which could adversely affect the Company’s revenues from affiliate fees and its ability to sell national and local advertising time. The loss of favorable MVPD packaging, positioning, pricing or other marketing opportunities could also negatively impact the Company’s revenues from affiliate fees. Consolidation among MVPDs, their increased vertical integration into the cable or broadcast network business or their use of alternative technologies to offer their subscribers access to local broadcast network programming could increase their negotiating leverage. Competitive pressures faced by MVPDs, particularly in light of evolving consumer viewing patterns and distribution models, could adversely affect the terms of our contract renewals with MVPDs. In addition, our strategic initiatives could negatively impact our ability to renew our MVPD agreements on terms that are favorable to all our networks. If the Company and an MVPD reach an impasse in contract renewal negotiations, the Company's networks and owned and operated television stations could become unavailable to the MVPD’s subscribers (i.e., “go dark”), which, depending on the length of time and the size of the MVPD, could have a negative impact on the Company's revenues from affiliate fees and advertising.
Current wording
The Company depends on affiliation and carriage arrangements that enable it to reach a large percentage of households through MVPDs and third party-owned television stations. There can be no assurance that these agreements will be renewed in the future, or renewed on favorable terms, including terms related to pricing, programming tiers and bundles and the types of rights we grant distributors. The inability to enter into or renew MVPD arrangements on favorable terms, or at all, or the loss of carriage on MVPDs’ most widely distributed programming tiers or their targeted, genre-focused programming tiers (sometimes referred to as “skinny bundles”) could reduce the distribution of the Company’s owned and operated television stations and broadcast and cable networks, which could adversely affect the Company’s distribution revenues and its ability to sell national and local advertising time. The loss of favorable MVPD packaging, positioning, pricing or other marketing opportunities could also negatively impact the Company’s distribution revenues. Consolidation among MVPDs, their increased vertical integration into the cable or broadcast network business or their use of alternative technologies to offer their subscribers access to local broadcast network programming could increase their negotiating leverage. Competitive pressures faced by MVPDs, particularly in light of evolving consumer viewing patterns and distribution models, could adversely affect the terms of our contract renewals with MVPDs. In addition, our strategic initiatives could negatively impact our ability to renew our MVPD agreements on terms that are favorable to all our networks. If the Company and an MVPD reach an impasse in contract renewal negotiations, the Company's networks and owned and operated television stations could become unavailable to the MVPD’s subscribers (i.e., “go dark”), which, depending on the length of time and the size of the MVPD, could have a negative impact on the Company's distribution and advertising revenues.
Previous wording
The Company also depends on the maintenance of affiliation agreements and license agreements with third party-owned television stations to distribute the FOX Network and MyNetworkTV in markets where the Company does not own television stations. Consolidation among television station group owners could increase their negotiating leverage and reduce the number of available distribution partners. There can be no assurance that these affiliation and license agreements will be renewed in the future on terms favorable to the Company, or at all. The inability to enter into affiliation or licensing arrangements with third-party owned television stations on favorable terms could reduce distribution of the FOX Network and MyNetworkTV and the inability to enter into such affiliation or licensing arrangements for the FOX Network on favorable terms could adversely affect the Company's affiliate fee revenues and its ability to sell national advertising time.
Current wording
The Company also depends on the maintenance of affiliation agreements and license agreements with third party-owned television stations to distribute the FOX Network and MyNetworkTV in markets where the Company does not own television stations. Consolidation among television station group owners could increase their negotiating leverage and reduce the number of available distribution partners. There can be no assurance that these affiliation and license agreements will be renewed in the future on terms favorable to the Company, or at all. The inability to enter into affiliation or licensing arrangements with third-party owned television stations on favorable terms could reduce distribution of the FOX Network and MyNetworkTV and the inability to enter into such affiliation or licensing arrangements for the FOX Network on favorable terms could adversely affect the Company's distribution revenues and its ability to sell national advertising time.
Previous wording
If the number of subscribers to MVPD services continues to decline or such declines accelerate, the Company’s affiliate fee and advertising revenues could be negatively affected.
Current wording
If the number of subscribers to MVPD services continues to decline or such declines accelerate, the Company’s distribution and advertising revenues could be negatively affected.
Previous wording
As described above, changes in technology and consumer behavior have contributed to industry-wide declines in the number of subscribers to MVPD services over the last several years, which have had a negative impact on the number of subscribers to the Company’s networks. These industry-wide subscriber declines are expected to continue and possibly accelerate in the future. The majority of the Company’s affiliation agreements with MVPDs are multi-year contracts that provide for payments to the Company that are based in part on the number of MVPD subscribers covered by the agreement. If declines in the number of MVPD subscribers are not fully offset by affiliate rate increases, the Company’s affiliate fee revenues will be negatively affected. Because MVPD subscriber losses could also decrease the potential audience for the Company’s networks, which is a critical factor affecting both the pricing and volume of advertising, future MVPD subscriber declines could also adversely impact the Company’s advertising revenues.
Current wording
As described above, changes in technology and consumer behavior have contributed to industry-wide declines in the number of subscribers to MVPD services over the last several years, which have had a negative impact on the number of subscribers to the Company’s networks. These industry-wide subscriber declines are expected to continue and possibly accelerate in the future. The majority of the Company’s affiliation agreements with MVPDs are multi-year contracts that provide for payments to the Company that are based in part on the number of MVPD subscribers covered by the agreement. If declines in the number of MVPD subscribers are not fully offset by affiliate rate increases, the Company’s distribution revenues will be negatively affected. Because MVPD subscriber losses could also decrease the potential audience for the Company’s networks, which is a critical factor affecting both the pricing and volume of advertising, future MVPD subscriber declines could also adversely impact the Company’s advertising revenues.
Previous wording
The composition of our competitors has evolved in recent years with the entrance of new participants, including companies in adjacent sectors with significant financial, marketing and other resources, greater efficiencies of scale, fewer regulatory burdens and more competitive pricing. These competitors could also have preferential access to competitive information such as customer data or important technologies such as generative AI technologies, including large language model applications. Generative AI may enable new competitors to rapidly produce large volumes of content and replicate or imitate our proprietary content without authorization, attribution or compensation. This could dilute the value of our content, reduce audience engagement or lead to negative impacts on our revenues. In addition, our ability to compete could be negatively affected if our efforts to enhance the value of our offerings with these technologies are not successful. Our competitors also include companies with interests in multiple media and entertainment businesses that are vertically integrated. The media and entertainment industry is undergoing a period of rapid and significant change, with several industry participants in the midst of transformative transactions that may further complicate the competitive environment. Industry consolidation and alliances among industry participants have also increased, and may continue to do so, intensifying competitive pressures.
Current wording
The composition of our competitors has evolved in recent years with the entrance of new participants, including companies in adjacent sectors with significant financial, marketing and other resources, greater efficiencies of scale, fewer regulatory burdens and more competitive pricing. Additionally, new technological developments, including the development and use of generative AI technologies, including large language model applications, are rapidly evolving. If our competitors gain an advantage by using such technologies to create, market, target or distribute content more efficiently or effectively, our ability to compete effectively could be adversely impacted. Our competitors also include companies with interests in multiple media and entertainment businesses that are vertically integrated. The media and entertainment industry is undergoing a period of rapid and significant change, with several transformative transactions that may further complicate the competitive environment. Industry consolidation and alliances among industry participants have also increased, and may continue to do so, intensifying competitive pressures.
Previous wording
Programming distribution is a speculative business since the revenues derived from the distribution of content depend primarily on its acceptance by the public, which is difficult to predict. Low public acceptance of the Company's content will adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. The commercial success of our programming also depends on the quality and acceptance of other competing programming, the growing number of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure activities, general economic conditions and their effects on consumer spending and other tangible and intangible factors, all of which can change and cannot be predicted with certainty. Moreover, we must often invest substantial amounts in programming and the acquisition of sports rights before we learn the extent to which the content will earn consumer acceptance and, as described below, competition for popular content, particularly sports and entertainment programming, is intense. A decline in the ratings or popularity of the Company’s news, sports or entertainment programming or the Company's failure to obtain or retain rights to popular content could adversely affect the Company’s advertising revenues in the near term and, over a longer period of time, its affiliate fee revenues.
Current wording
Programming distribution is a speculative business since the revenues derived from the distribution of content depend primarily on its acceptance by the public, which is difficult to predict. Low public acceptance of the Company's content will adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. The commercial success of our programming also depends on the quality and acceptance of other competing programming, the growing number of alternative forms of entertainment and leisure activities, general economic conditions and their effects on consumer spending and other tangible and intangible factors, all of which can change and cannot be predicted with certainty. Moreover, we must often invest substantial amounts in programming and the acquisition of sports rights before we learn the extent to which the content will earn consumer acceptance and, as described below, competition for popular content, particularly sports and entertainment programming, is intense. A decline in the ratings or popularity of the Company’s news, sports or entertainment programming or the Company's failure to obtain or retain rights to popular content could adversely affect the Company’s advertising revenues in the near term and, over a longer period of time, its distribution revenues.
Previous wording
Our sports business depends on the popularity and success of the sports franchises, leagues and teams for which we have acquired broadcast and cable network programming rights. If a sports league declines in popularity or fails to generate fan enthusiasm, this may negatively impact our sports programming viewership and advertising and affiliate fee revenues. Our operating results may be impacted in part by special events, such as the NFL’s Super Bowl, which is broadcast on the FOX Network on a rotating basis with other networks, and the FIFA World Cup, which occurs every four years, and other regular and post-season sports events that air on our networks. Our advertising and affiliate fee revenues are subject to fluctuations based on the dates of sports events and their availability for viewing on our networks and the popularity of the competing teams. For example, any decrease in the number of post-season games played in a sports league for which we have acquired broadcast programming rights, or the participation of a smaller-market sports franchise in post-season competition could result in lower advertising revenues for the Company. There can be no assurance that any sports league will continue to generate fan enthusiasm or provide the expected number of regular and post-season games for advertisers and customers, and the failure to do so could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. A shortfall in the expected popularity of the sports events for which the Company has acquired rights or in the volume of sports programming the Company expects to distribute could adversely affect the Company’s advertising revenues in the near term and, over a longer period of time, its affiliate fee revenues.
Current wording
Our sports business depends on the popularity and success of the sports franchises, leagues and teams for which we have acquired broadcast and cable network programming rights. If a sports league declines in popularity or fails to generate fan enthusiasm, this may negatively impact our sports programming viewership and advertising and distribution revenues. Our operating results may be impacted in part by special events, such as the NFL’s Super Bowl, which is broadcast on the FOX Network on a rotating basis with other networks, and the FIFA World Cup, which occurs every four years, and other regular and post-season sports events that air on our networks. Our advertising and distribution revenues are subject to fluctuations based on the dates of sports events and their availability for viewing on our networks and the popularity of the competing teams. For example, any decrease in the number of post-season games played in a sports league for which we have acquired broadcast programming rights, or the participation of a smaller-market sports franchise in post-season competition could result in lower advertising revenues for the Company. There can be no assurance that any sports league will continue to generate fan enthusiasm or provide the expected number of regular and post-season games for advertisers and customers, and the failure to do so could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. A shortfall in the expected popularity of the sports events for which the Company has acquired rights or in the volume of sports programming the Company expects to distribute could adversely affect the Company’s advertising revenues in the near term and, over a longer period of time, its distribution revenues.
Previous wording
The inability to renew programming rights, particularly sports programming rights, on sufficiently favorable terms, or at all, could cause the Company’s advertising and affiliate fee revenues to decline significantly in any given period or in specific markets.
Current wording
The inability to renew programming rights, particularly sports programming rights, on sufficiently favorable terms, or at all, could cause the Company’s advertising and distribution revenues to decline significantly in any given period or in specific markets.
Previous wording
We enter into long-term contracts for both the acquisition and distribution of media programming and products, including contracts for the acquisition of programming rights for sports events and other content, and contracts for the distribution of our programming to content distributors. Programming rights agreements, retransmission consent agreements, carriage contracts and affiliation agreements have varying durations and renewal terms that are subject to negotiation with other parties, the outcome of which is unpredictable. The negotiation of programming rights agreements for popular licensed programming, and popular licensed sports programming in particular, is complicated by the intensity of competition for these rights. An increasing number of companies bidding for sports programming in recent years has also driven increases in the cost of such programming. Moreover, the value of these agreements may be negatively affected by factors outside of our control, such as league agreements and decisions to alter the number, frequency and timing of regular and post-season games played during a season. We may be unable to renew existing, or enter into new, programming rights agreements on terms that are favorable to us and we may be outbid by third parties and therefore unable to obtain the rights at all. The loss of rights or renewal on less favorable terms could negatively impact the quality or quantity of our programming, in particular our sports programming, and could adversely affect our advertising and affiliate fee revenues. These revenues could also be negatively impacted if we do not obtain exclusive rights to the programming we distribute. Our results of operations and cash flows over the term of a sports programming agreement depend on a number of factors, including the strength of the advertising market, our audience size, the timing and amount of our rights payments and our ability to secure distribution from and impose surcharges or obtain carriage on MVPDs for the content. If escalations in programming rights costs (together with our production and distribution costs) are not offset by increases in advertising and affiliate fee revenues, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Current wording
An increasing number of companies bidding for sports programming in recent years has also driven increases in the cost of such programming. Moreover, the value of these agreements may be negatively affected by factors outside of our control, such as league agreements and decisions to alter the number, frequency and timing of regular and post-season games played during a season. We may be unable to renew existing, or enter into new, programming rights agreements on terms that are favorable to us and we may be outbid by third parties and therefore unable to obtain the rights at all. The loss of rights or renewal on less favorable terms could negatively impact the quality or quantity of our programming, in particular our sports programming, and could adversely affect our advertising and distribution revenues. These revenues could also be negatively impacted if we do not obtain exclusive rights to the programming we distribute. Our results of operations and cash flows over the term of a sports programming agreement depend on a number of factors, including the strength of the advertising market, our audience size, the timing and amount of our rights payments and our ability to secure distribution from and impose surcharges or obtain carriage on MVPDs for the content. If escalations in programming rights costs (together with our production and distribution costs) are not offset by increases in advertising and distribution revenues, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Previous wording
In addition, our networks have programming rights agreements of varying scope and duration with various sports leagues to broadcast and produce sports events, including certain college football and basketball, NFL and MLB games. Any labor disputes that occur in any such league may preclude us from airing or otherwise distributing scheduled games or events, resulting in decreased revenues, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Current wording
In addition, our networks have programming rights agreements of varying scope and duration with various sports leagues to broadcast and produce sports events, including certain college football and basketball, NFL and MLB games. Any labor disputes that occur in any such league (such as any dispute following the expiration of the MLB collective bargaining agreement in December 2026) may preclude us from airing or otherwise distributing scheduled games or events, resulting in decreased revenues, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Previous wording
The Company performs an annual impairment assessment of its recorded goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including FCC licenses. The Company also continually evaluates whether current factors or indicators, such as the prevailing conditions in the capital markets, require the performance of an interim impairment assessment of those assets, as well as other long-lived assets. Any significant shortfall, now or in the future, in advertising revenue and/or the expected popularity of our programming could lead to a downward revision in the fair value of certain reporting units. The Company holds investments in marketable and non-marketable equity securities. These investments are recorded either at fair value and measured on a recurring basis based on quoted prices in active markets or on a non-recurring basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The occurrence of certain events or circumstances has resulted in, and could continue to result in, a downward revision in the fair value of a reporting unit, indefinite-lived intangible assets, programming rights, investments or long-lived assets that could result in a non-cash impairment charge. Any such charge could be material to the Company’s reported net earnings in a given reporting period. During fiscal 2025, in connection with the Company’s annual impairment assessment, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge for intangible assets of approximately $70 million at the Television segment primarily related to FCC licenses. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K for further discussion.
Current wording
The Company performs an annual impairment assessment of its recorded goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including FCC licenses. The Company also continually evaluates whether current factors or indicators, such as the prevailing conditions in the capital markets, require the performance of an interim impairment assessment of those assets, as well as other long-lived assets. Any significant shortfall, now or in the future, in advertising revenue and/or the expected popularity of our programming could lead to a downward revision in the fair value of certain reporting units. The Company holds investments in marketable and non-marketable equity securities. These investments are recorded either at fair value and measured on a recurring basis based on quoted prices in active markets or on a non-recurring basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The occurrence of certain events or circumstances has resulted in, and could continue to result in, a downward revision in the fair value of a reporting unit, indefinite-lived intangible assets, programming rights, investments or long-lived assets that could result in a non-cash impairment charge. Any such charge could be material to the Company’s reported net earnings in a given reporting period. During fiscal 2025 and 2026, in connection with the Company’s annual impairment assessments, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges for intangible assets of approximately $70 million and approximately $64 million, respectively, at the Television segment primarily related to FCC licenses. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K for further discussion.
Previous wording
Cloud services, content delivery and other networks, information systems and other technologies that we or our vendors or other partners use, including technology systems used in connection with the production and distribution of our content (the “Systems”), are critical to our business activities, and shutdowns or disruptions of, and cybersecurity attacks on, the Systems pose increasing risks. Disruptions to the Systems, such as computer hacking and phishing, theft, computer viruses, ransomware, worms or other destructive software, process breakdowns, denial of service attacks or other malicious activities, as well as power outages, natural or other disasters (including extreme weather), human error, terrorist and/or nation state-sponsored activities and insider threats (including actions by persons linked to hostile foreign governments, and/or organized criminal groups), may affect the Systems and could result in disruption of our services, misappropriation, misuse, alteration, theft, loss, leakage, falsification, and accidental or premature release or improper disclosure of confidential or other information, including intellectual property and personal data (of third parties, employees and users of our streaming services and other digital properties) contained on the Systems. The techniques used to access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems change frequently and continue to become more sophisticated and targeted, and the increasing use of AI may intensify cybersecurity risks. In addition, ongoing tensions with China, North Korea, Russia and other nation states, conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, and other geopolitical events may lead to cyberattacks or other actions that could lead to a disruption of services, improper disclosure of personal data or other confidential information, or otherwise negatively impact the Systems (including supply chain disruption and attacks). The Company’s high-profile sports and entertainment programming and its extensive news coverage of elections, sociopolitical events and public controversies subject us to heightened cybersecurity risks. From time to time, the Company experiences cybersecurity threats and attacks. Although no cybersecurity incident has been material to the Company’s businesses to date, we expect to continue to be subject to cybersecurity threats and attacks and there can be no assurance that we will not experience a material incident. Any cybersecurity incidents could result in a disruption of our operations, customer or advertiser dissatisfaction, damage to our reputation or brands, regulatory investigations, claims, lawsuits or loss of customers or revenue, and the Company may also be subject to liability under relevant contractual obligations and laws and regulations protecting personal data and may be required to expend significant resources to defend, remedy and/or address any incidents. While we and our vendors and partners continue to develop, implement and maintain sec…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Current wording
Cloud services, content delivery and other networks, information systems and other technologies that we or our vendors or other partners use, including AI-enabled technologies and technology systems used in connection with the production and distribution of our content (the “Systems”), are critical to our business activities, and shutdowns or disruptions of, and cybersecurity attacks on, the Systems pose increasing risks. Disruptions to the Systems, such as computer hacking and phishing, theft, computer viruses, ransomware, worms or other destructive software, process breakdowns, denial of service attacks or other malicious activities, as well as power outages, natural or other disasters (including extreme weather), human error, terrorist and/or nation state-sponsored activities and insider threats (including actions by persons linked to hostile foreign governments and/or organized criminal groups), may affect the Systems and could result in disruption of our services, misappropriation, misuse, alteration, theft, loss, leakage, falsification and accidental or premature release or improper disclosure of confidential or other information, including intellectual property and personal data (of third parties, employees and users of our streaming services and other digital properties) contained on the Systems. The techniques used to access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems change frequently and continue to become more sophisticated and targeted, and the increasing use of AI may intensify cybersecurity risks and the volume of attacks. In addition, ongoing tensions with China, North Korea, Russia and other nation states, conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, and other geopolitical events may lead to cyberattacks or other actions that could lead to a disruption of services, improper disclosure of personal data or other confidential information, or otherwise negatively impact the Systems (including supply chain disruption and attacks). The Company’s high-profile sports and entertainment programming and its extensive news coverage of elections, sociopolitical events and public controversies subject us to heightened cybersecurity risks. From time to time, the Company experiences cybersecurity threats and attacks. Although no cybersecurity incident has been material to the Company’s businesses to date, we expect to continue to be subject to cybersecurity threats and attacks and there can be no assurance that we will not experience a material incident. Any cybersecurity incidents could result in a disruption of our operations, customer or advertiser dissatisfaction, damage to our reputation or brands, regulatory investigations, claims, lawsuits or loss of customers or revenue, and the Company may also be subject to liability under relevant contractual obligations and laws and regulations protecting personal data and may be required to expend significant resources to defend, remedy and/or address any incidents. While we and our vendors and part…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Previous wording
We are subject to U.S. federal and state laws and regulations, as well as those of other countries, relating to the collection, use, disclosure and security of personal information. The number and complexity of these laws and regulations continues to increase. For example, more than a dozen states have passed legislation imposing broad obligations on businesses’ collection, use, handling and disclosure of personal information of their respective residents and imposing fines for noncompliance. In addition, the E.U., the U.K. and other countries have privacy and data security legislation with significant penalties for violations that apply to certain of the Company’s operations. New privacy and data protection laws and regulations continue to be introduced and interpretations of existing privacy laws and regulations, some of which may be inconsistent with one another, continue to evolve. As a result, significant uncertainty exists as to their application and scope. Compliance with these laws and regulations may be costly and could require the Company to change its business practices, including in connection with data-driven targeted advertising. Although the Company expends significant resources to comply with data privacy and protection laws, we have been and may continue to be subject to legal claims and may be subject to regulatory action despite these efforts. Any such actions could result in damage to our reputation or brands, loss of customers or revenue, and other negative impacts to our operations. The Company may also be subject to liability under relevant contractual obligations and may be required to expend significant resources to defend, remedy and/or address any claims. The Company may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate it for any losses that may occur. For more information, see Item 1, “Business – Government Regulation – Privacy and Information Regulation.”
Current wording
We are subject to U.S. federal and state laws and regulations, as well as those of other countries, relating to the collection, use, disclosure and security of personal information. The number and complexity of these laws and regulations continues to increase. For example, many states have passed legislation imposing broad obligations on businesses’ collection, use, handling and disclosure of personal information of their respective residents and imposing fines for noncompliance. In addition, the E.U., the U.K. and other countries have privacy and data security legislation with significant penalties for violations that apply to certain of the Company’s operations. New privacy and data protection laws and regulations, including in connection with children and teens, continue to be introduced and interpretations of existing privacy laws and regulations, some of which may be inconsistent with one another, continue to evolve. As a result, significant uncertainty exists as to their application and scope. Compliance with these laws and regulations may be costly and could require the Company to change its business practices, including in connection with the use of AI-enabled technologies and data-driven targeted advertising. Although the Company expends significant resources to comply with data privacy and protection laws, we have been and may continue to be subject to legal claims and may be subject to regulatory action despite these efforts. Any such actions could result in damage to our reputation or brands, loss of customers or revenue, and other negative impacts to our operations. The Company may also be subject to liability under relevant contractual obligations and may be required to expend significant resources to defend, remedy and/or address any claims. The Company may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate it for any losses that may occur. For more information, see Item 1, “Business – Government Regulation – Privacy and Information Regulation.”
Previous wording
The Company uses satellite systems to transmit its broadcast and cable networks to affiliates. The distribution facilities include communications satellites, uplinks, downlinks, and studio and transmitter facilities. Transmissions may be disrupted or degraded as a result of local disasters, extreme weather, power outages, terrorist attacks, cyberattacks or other events that impair on-ground uplinks or downlinks or studio and transmitter facilities, or as a result of an impairment of a satellite. Currently, there are a limited number of communications satellites available for the transmission of programming. If a disruption occurs, failure to secure alternate distribution facilities in a timely manner could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations. In the event of a business disruption of the Company’s television station and cable network studio and transmitter facilities, a failure to restore such facilities in a timely manner could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s businesses and results of operations. In 2020, the FCC reallocated sixty percent of a band of satellite transmission spectrum known as the “C-Band” used by the television industry to transmit programming in order to free up spectrum for the next generation of commercial wireless broadband services. This has reduced the availability and use of satellite transmission spectrum for the television industry. In February 2025, the FCC began a proceeding to explore whether the remaining C-Band should be, in whole or in part, reallocated for commercial wireless and/or broadband services. On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law, directing the FCC to conduct within two years an auction of at least 100 MHz of C-Band spectrum. The decreased availability of satellite transmission spectrum could diminish the quality of and increase interference to our transmissions, which could significantly hinder the Company’s ability to deliver its programming to broadcast affiliates and traditional MVPDs.
Current wording
The Company uses satellite systems to transmit its broadcast and cable networks to affiliates. The distribution facilities include communications satellites, uplinks, downlinks and studio and transmitter facilities. Transmissions may be disrupted or degraded as a result of local disasters, extreme weather, power outages, terrorist attacks, cyberattacks or other events that impair on-ground uplinks or downlinks or studio and transmitter facilities, or as a result of an impairment of a satellite. Currently, there are a limited number of communications satellites available for the transmission of programming. If a disruption occurs, failure to secure alternate distribution facilities in a timely manner could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations. In the event of a business disruption of the Company’s television station and cable network studio and transmitter facilities, a failure to restore such facilities in a timely manner could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s businesses and results of operations. In recent years, the FCC has reallocated a large portion of satellite transmission spectrum known as the “C-Band” used by the television industry to transmit programming to free up spectrum for the next generation of commercial wireless broadband services. This has reduced the availability and use of satellite transmission spectrum for the television industry, and the FCC is reallocating additional spectrum in the future. For more information, see Item 1, “Business – Government Regulation – The Communications Act and FCC Regulation.” The decreased availability of satellite transmission spectrum could diminish the quality of and increase interference to our transmissions, which could significantly hinder the Company’s ability to deliver its programming to broadcast affiliates and traditional MVPDs.
Previous wording
In June 2013, Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. completed the separation of its businesses into two independent publicly traded companies by distributing to its shareholders shares of a new company called News Corporation (“News Corp”). Certain of the Company’s directors and significant stockholders own shares of common stock of News Corp, and the individual holdings may be significant for some of these individuals compared to their total assets. In addition, FOX’s Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan K. Murdoch, also serves as the Chair of News Corp. This ownership of or service to both companies may create, or may create the appearance of, conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for News Corp and the Company. In addition to any other arrangements that the Company and News Corp may agree to implement, the Company and News Corp have agreed that officers and directors who serve at both companies will recuse themselves from decisions where conflicts arise due to their positions at both companies.
Current wording
In June 2013, 21CF completed the separation of its businesses into two independent publicly traded companies by distributing to its shareholders shares of a new company called News Corporation (“News Corp”). Certain of the Company’s directors and significant stockholders own shares of common stock of News Corp, and the individual holdings may be significant for some of these individuals compared to their total assets. In addition, FOX’s Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan K. Murdoch, also serves as the Chair of News Corp. This ownership of or service to both companies may create, or may create the appearance of, conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for News Corp and the Company. In addition to any other arrangements that the Company and News Corp may agree to implement, the Company and News Corp have agreed that officers and directors who serve at both companies will recuse themselves from decisions where conflicts arise due to their positions at both companies.
Previous wording
Certain provisions of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, amended and restated by-laws, Delaware law and the ownership of the Company’s Common Stock by the Murdoch Family Trust may discourage takeovers and the concentration of ownership will affect the voting results of matters submitted for stockholder approval.
Current wording
Certain provisions of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Amended and Restated By-laws, Delaware law and the ownership of the Company’s Common Stock by LGC Holdco, LLC may discourage takeovers and the concentration of ownership will affect the voting results of matters submitted for stockholder approval.
Previous wording
The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws contain certain anti-takeover provisions that may make more difficult or expensive a tender offer, change in control, or takeover attempt that is opposed by the Company’s Board or certain stockholders holding a significant percentage of the voting power of the Company’s outstanding voting stock. In particular, the
Current wording
The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws contain certain anti-takeover provisions that may make more difficult or expensive a tender offer, change in control, or takeover attempt that is opposed by the Company’s Board or certain stockholders holding a significant percentage of the voting power of the Company’s outstanding voting stock. In particular, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws provide for, among other things:
Previous wording
This concentration of voting power could discourage third parties from making proposals involving an acquisition of the Company. Additionally, the ownership concentration of FOX Class B Common Stock by the Murdoch Family Trust increases the likelihood that proposals submitted for stockholder approval that are supported by the Murdoch Family Trust will be adopted and proposals that the Murdoch Family Trust does not support will not be adopted, whether or not such proposals to stockholders are also supported by the other holders of FOX Class B Common Stock.
Current wording
This ownership concentration of FOX Class B Common Stock by LGC Holdco and associated concentration of voting power could discourage third parties from making proposals involving an acquisition of the Company. Additionally, such ownership concentration increases the likelihood that proposals submitted for stockholder approval that are supported by LGC Holdco will be adopted and proposals that are not supported by LGC Holdco will not be adopted, whether or not such proposals to stockholders are also supported by the other holders of FOX Class B Common Stock. LGC Holdco’s interests may be different from, or conflict with, the interests of the Company’s other stockholders and, as a result, this concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change in control of the Company and may negatively affect the market price of its common stock.
Previous wording
The Company’s Board has approved a $12 billion stock repurchase program for the FOX Class A Common Stock and FOX Class B Common Stock, which has and in the future could increase the percentage of FOX Class B Common Stock held by the Murdoch Family Trust. The Company has entered into a stockholders agreement with the Murdoch Family Trust pursuant to which the Company and the Murdoch Family Trust have agreed not to take actions that would result in the Murdoch Family Trust and Murdoch family members together owning more than 44% of the outstanding voting power of the shares of FOX Class B Common Stock or would increase the Murdoch Family Trust’s voting power by more than 1.75% in any rolling 12-month period. The Murdoch Family Trust would forfeit votes to the extent necessary to ensure that the Murdoch Family Trust and the Murdoch family collectively do not exceed 44% of the outstanding voting power of the Class B Common Stock, except where a Murdoch family member votes their own shares differently from the Murdoch Family Trust on any matter.
Current wording
The Board has approved a $12 billion stock repurchase program for the FOX Class A common stock and FOX Class B common stock, which has and in the future could increase the percentage of FOX Class B Common Stock held by LGC Holdco. The Company has entered into a stockholders agreement with LGC Holdco and the LGC Family Trusts pursuant to which the parties have agreed not to take actions that would result in LGC Holdco and the LGC Family Trusts owning, collectively with Lachlan K. Murdoch and certain of his family members (collectively, the “Murdoch Individuals”), more than 44% of the outstanding voting power of the shares of FOX Class B Common Stock (the “Ownership Threshold”). LGC Holdco and the LGC Family Trusts would forfeit votes to the extent necessary to ensure that they and the Murdoch Individuals collectively do not exceed the Ownership Threshold, except where a Murdoch Individual votes his or her own shares differently from the others on any matter.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
We enter into long-term contracts for both the acquisition and distribution of media programming and products, including contracts for the acquisition of programming rights for sports events and other content, and contracts for the distribution of our programming to content distributors. Programming rights agreements, retransmission consent agreements, carriage contracts and affiliation agreements have varying durations and renewal terms that are subject to negotiation with other parties, the outcome of which is unpredictable. The next significant sports programming rights package that is up for renewal is the FIFA World Cup package. The negotiation of programming rights agreements for popular licensed programming, and popular licensed sports programming in particular, is complicated by the intensity of competition for these rights.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws provide for, among other things: