
Joel R. Glucksman
Partner
201-896-7095 jglucksman@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Author: Joel R. Glucksman
Date: June 17, 2016

Partner
201-896-7095 jglucksman@sh-law.comIt was recently announced that Core Media Group, the company that produces “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. According to the New York Times, the company cited low ratings for “American Idol,” its flagship franchise, in its decision to file for bankruptcy protection.
“American Idol” recently ended its 14-year run after its ratings began to decline significantly from 30 million viewers in 2006 to only 13.3 million this year. With its ratings drop, the show failed to maintain its financial performance as well, which led to the Fox Network cancelling the show this year.
In its court documents, the company also stated that its advertising revenues had fallen due to major sponsors such as Coca-Cola and AT&T pulling out of the show. American Idol also saw a precipitous drop in its re-broadcast fees as the result of a significant reduction in airtime with its initial collapse in ratings.
As a result of these recent financial struggles, American Idol lost $35.6 million in 2015, compared to 2014. This was particularly problematic because the show had dropped $15 million in 2014 versus 2013.
According to its bankruptcy petition, the company listed $73 million in assets and $512 million in liabilities, including $398 million owed for loans and back payments to former employees and investors. In turn, $400 million of the company’s debt belongs to two loans made by secured creditors, which included $209 million in a senior loan debt provided by Tennenbaum Capital Partners LLC, Bayside Capital Inc. and Hudson Bay Capital Management LP as well as a $189 million second-lien loan debt to Crestview Media Investors LP, according to a Variety report cited by Reality TV World. The bankruptcy papers also listed Sony Music Entertainment and CBS as debtholders.
Are you a creditor in a bankruptcy? Have you been sued by a bankrupt? If you have any questions about your rights, please contact me, Joel Glucksman, at 201-806-3364.
For more posts dealing with media companies filing for Bankruptcy, check out:
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Case law following the 2010 amendments to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 offers guidance on how courts are likely to address whether an expert witness’s AI records are subject to discovery. Key Takeaways Rule 26 Expert Discovery After the 2010 Amendments This article addresses the question courts and lawyers have faced in recent cases: […]
Author: Chris Seelinger

“Show how 3M is 0% at fault.” The absurd tale of how a 350-page ChatGPT history for 3M’s expert witness was produced during a deposition is more likely than you think. It’s an inevitable trend, and an unsettled question for federal courts as experts make generative AI part of their workflow. Key Takeaways Expert Witness […]
Author: Chris Seelinger

Screenshots have changed the risks of electronic communications. The screenshot problem is that messages intended for one person or a small group can be copied, forwarded, preserved, and ultimately presented to opposing counsel, regulators, journalists, customers, or a jury. Businesses should recognize that a truly private digital conversation is increasingly unreliable and ensure their policies, […]
Author: Sean M. Pena

Developers, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, and equipment suppliers each play a critical role in completing a BESS project. However, when equipment costs rise, deliveries are delayed, or regulations change, determining who bears the financial consequences can become contentious. Well-drafted project agreements are essential to sound risk allocation. Key Takeaways This article is Part […]
Author: Nicholas Wall

IP infringement occurs when someone uses your intellectual property without your permission or beyond the scope of the permission you granted. Common examples of IP infringement include copying a product’s patented features or using a trademarked logo in a way that is likely to confuse consumers about the source or affiliation of goods or services. […]
Author: Michael Mietlicki

When facing public allegations of wrongdoing, companies should not let the speed of the public conversation dictate the speed of an investigation. An investigation designed to confirm a preferred narrative rather than establish the facts can create serious problems later, particularly if litigation, regulatory scrutiny, or employment claims follow. Key Takeaways When public allegations surface […]
Author: Sean M. Pena
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!