It's Showtime! (NYC Subway Straphangers Get This). Paramount CEO Says He Won't Ditch The Brand

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Paramount Chief Executive Officer Bob Bakish called reports the entertainment giant is considering shutting down its Showtime streaming service as “just a rumor” while addressing investors at the Goldman Sachs + Technology conference Wednesday.

He said the rumor came from discussions Paramount had with one of its distributors as part of renewing a contract, not a broader strategic decision that’s currently under consideration. He added that his management team is always looking for ways to help the company evolve, and of course will constantly be exploring different paths forward.

“If we weren’t having that conversation, then you should fire all of us,” Bakish said. “I guarantee you we’ll continue to evolve, our product line will evolve, and I guarantee we will continue to work with distributors on what’s best for consumers.”

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that Paramount, citing sources familiar with the matter, was planning to shift Showtime content — including the hit series “Yellowjackets” and “Billions” — to Paramount+.