NBCU Consolidates International TV Units Under Universal Brand

No, it doesn't have anything to do with the rumored Comcast buyout: NBC Universal is rebranding its international television portfolio -- consolidating nine units into five -- to strengthen global recognition and increase revenue. 

The rebrand comes as the company announces that it will fall short of its ambitious plan to double revenue, from $2.5 to $5 billion, by 2010. 

The five new niche units will be organized under the umbrella of the Universal Networks Int'l brand (formerly NBC U Global Networks): Universal Channel, for general entertainment; 13th Street Universal, for crime and suspense; SyFy Universal, the former Sci-Fi Channel; Diva Universal, featuring female-focused entertainment; and Studio Universal, hosting made-for-television and big-screen films from Universal Pictures. The new channels will reach 130 countries and over 150 million households by the end of 2010.Continue reading...