What changed in this filing

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

2024-08-08 compared with 2023-08-11 · 116 added, 111 removed, 213 unchanged (52% of the section changed)

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Changes in consumer behavior and evolving technologies and distribution platforms continue to challenge existing business models and may adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

The ways in which consumers view content and technology and business models in our industry continue to rapidly evolve and new distribution platforms and increased competition from new entrants and emerging technologies have added to the complexity of maintaining predictable revenue streams.

The ways in which consumers view content and technology and business models in our industry continue to rapidly evolve.

New distribution platforms and 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 towards SVOD and AVOD services and other direct-to-consumer offerings, and there has been a substantial increase in the availability of content with reduced advertising or without advertising at all.

In addition, the increasing use of time-shifting and advertising-skipping technologies such as DVRs that enable viewers to fast-forward or circumvent advertisements impacts the attractiveness of the Company's programming to advertisers and may adversely affect our advertising revenues.

Consumer preferences have evolved toward SVOD, AVOD and FAST services and other direct-to-consumer offerings.

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, including the development and use of generative AI in our industry, are rapidly evolving, and the advantages and risks associated with its use are largely uncertain.

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 are increasingly turning to lower-cost alternatives, including direct-to-consumer offerings, which has contributed to industry-wide declines in subscribers to MVPD services over the last several years.

Consumers are increasingly turning to direct-to-consumer offerings, which 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 ultimately demand for the programming on its networks, which could lead to lower affiliate fee and advertising revenues.

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 our business, financial condition or results of operations.

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.

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.

However, if the Company fails to protect and exploit the value of its content while responding to, and developing new technology 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.

Declines in advertising expenditures could cause the Company’s revenues and operating results to decline significantly in any given period or in specific markets.

The Company derives substantial revenues from the sale of advertising, and its ability to generate advertising revenues depends on a number of factors.

However, if the Company fails to effectively protect and exploit 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.

The Company derives substantial revenues from the sale of advertising, and declines in advertising expenditures have caused, and could continue to cause, the Company’s revenues and operating results to decline significantly in any given period or in specific markets.

FOX’s advertising revenues have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by factors such as advertising market conditions, changes in consumer behavior, and deficiencies in audience measurement, and they vary substantially due to cyclical sports events and elections.

The strength of the advertising market can fluctuate in response to the economic prospects of specific advertisers or industries, advertisers' spending priorities and the economy in general or the economy of an individual geographic market.

In addition, pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) and other widespread health emergencies, natural and other disasters, acts of terrorism, wars, and political uncertainties and hostilities can also lead to a reduction in advertising expenditures as a result of economic uncertainty, disruptions in programming and services (in particular live event programming) or reduced advertising spots due to pre-emptions.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic some of the Company's advertisers reduced their spending, which had a negative impact on the Company’s advertising revenues, and similar events that adversely affect the Company's advertising revenues could occur again in the future.

In addition, pandemics and other widespread health emergencies, natural and other disasters, acts of terrorism, wars, and political uncertainties and hostilities can also lead to a reduction in

advertising expenditures as a result of economic uncertainty, disruptions in programming (in particular live event programming) or reduced advertising spots due to pre-emptions.

Major sports events, such as the NFL’s Super Bowl and the FIFA World Cup and the state, congressional and presidential election cycles also may cause the Company's advertising revenues to vary substantially from year to year.

Political advertising expenditures are impacted by the ability and willingness of candidates and political action campaigns to raise and spend funds on advertising and the competitive nature of the elections affecting viewers in markets featuring our programming.

Advertising expenditures may also be affected by changes in consumer behavior and evolving technologies and platforms.

There is increasing competition for the leisure time of audiences and demand for the Company's programming as measured by ratings points is a key factor in determining the advertising rates as well as the affiliate rates the Company receives.

In addition, as described above, newer technologies and platforms are increasing the number of media and entertainment choices available to audiences, changing the ways viewers enjoy content and enabling them to avoid advertisements.

These changes could negatively affect the attractiveness of the Company's offerings to advertisers.

The pricing and volume of advertising may also be affected by shifts in spending away from traditional media and toward digital and mobile offerings, which can deliver targeted advertising more promptly, or toward newer ways of purchasing advertising such as through automated purchasing, dynamic advertising insertion and third parties selling local advertising spots and advertising exchanges.

These new methods may not be as beneficial to the Company as traditional advertising methods.

The Company also generates advertising revenues through its Tubi AVOD service.

The market for AVOD advertising campaigns is relatively new and evolving and if this market develops slower or differently than we expect, it could adversely affect our advertising revenues.

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.

As described above, technological changes and the evolution of consumer preferences toward direct-to-consumer offerings has intensified audience fragmentation and reduced viewership through traditional linear distribution models, which has caused ratings and viewership declines for television networks, including ours.

These changes have also given rise to new ways of purchasing advertising, as well as a general shift in advertising expenditures toward digital and mobile offerings, some of which may not be as beneficial to us as traditional advertising methods.

In addition, a number of SVOD services with large subscriber bases and household penetration have introduced advertising supported tiers and there is an increasing number of AVOD services and FAST products available to consumers.

The resulting increase in the amount of digital advertising available in the marketplace has intensified, and may continue to intensify, competition for viewers and 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.

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.

A consistent, broadly accepted measure of multiplatform audiences across the industry remains to be developed.

Although we expect multiplatform measurement innovation and standards to benefit us as the video advertising market continues to evolve, we are still partially dependent on third parties to provide these solutions.

A decrease in advertising expenditures, reduced demand for the Company's programming or the inability to obtain market ratings that adequately measure demand for the Company's content on all platforms could lead to a reduction in pricing and advertising spending, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

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, we are still partially 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.

Because the Company derives a significant portion of its revenues from a limited number of distributors, the failure to enter into or renew affiliation and carriage agreements on favorable terms, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

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’ basic programming tiers 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.

These risks are exacerbated by consolidation among traditional MVPDs, their increased vertical integration into the cable or broadcast network business and their use of alternative technologies to offer their subscribers access to local broadcast network programming, which have provided traditional MVPDs with greater negotiating leverage.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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In recent years, the U.S.

economy has experienced a period of weakness and the financial markets have experienced significant volatility as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, declining economic growth, diminished availability of credit, declines in consumer confidence, concerns regarding high inflation, uncertainty about economic stability and political and sociopolitical uncertainties and conflicts.

economy has experienced a period of weakness and the financial markets have experienced significant volatility as a result of factors including declines in consumer confidence, concerns regarding high inflation, uncertainty about economic stability and political and sociopolitical uncertainties and conflicts, declining economic growth, diminished availability of credit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional factors that have affected economic conditions and the financial markets include higher interest rates, global supply chain disruptions, unemployment rates, changes in consumer spending habits and potential changes in trade relationships between the U.S.

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For instance, the inability of the Company’s counterparties to obtain capital on acceptable terms could impair their ability to perform under their agreements with the Company and lead to negative effects on the Company, including business disruptions, decreased revenues and increases in bad debt expenses.

There can be no assurance that further weakening of economic conditions or volatility or disruption in the financial markets will not occur.

There can be no assurance that weakening of economic conditions or volatility or disruption in the financial markets will not occur.

If they do, it could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

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The Company’s ability to attract viewers and advertisers and obtain favorable distribution depends in part on its ability to provide popular programming and adapt to new technologies and distribution platforms, which are increasing the number of content choices available to audiences.

Consolidation among our competitors and other industry participants has increased, and may continue to do so, further intensifying competitive pressures.

Consolidation, partnerships and other alliances among our competitors and other industry participants have increased, and may continue to do so, further intensifying competitive pressures.

Our competitors include companies with interests in multiple media businesses that are often vertically integrated, as well as 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 important technologies, such as those that use artificial intelligence or competitive information, including customer data.

Our competitors may also enter into business combinations or partnerships that strengthen their competitive position.

Competition for audiences and/or advertising comes from a variety of sources, including broadcast television networks;

These competitors could also have preferential access to competitive information, including customer data, or important technologies, such as those that use AI.

Emerging technologies, including AI, are evolving rapidly and our ability to compete could be adversely affected if our competitors gain an advantage by using them.

Although the Company may also seek to responsibly incorporate AI into the development of new and existing products and services to enhance their value to viewers and advertisers, there can be no assurance that these efforts will be successful.

Competition for audiences and advertising comes from a variety of sources, including broadcast television networks;

cable television systems and networks;

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and print and other media.

Other television stations or cable networks may change their formats or programming, a new station or new network may adopt a format to compete directly with the Company's stations or networks, or stations or networks might engage in aggressive promotional campaigns.

In addition, an increasing number of SVOD services with advertising-supported offerings may intensify competition for audiences and/or advertising.

Other television stations or cable networks may change their formats or programming, a new station or network may adopt a format to compete directly with the Company's stations or networks, or stations or networks might engage in aggressive promotional campaigns.

In addition, the increasing number of SVOD services with advertising-supported offerings, AVOD services and FAST products has intensified competition for audiences and advertising and may continue to do so in the future.

Increased competition in the acquisition of programming may also affect the scope of rights we are able to acquire and the cost of such rights, and the future value of the rights we acquire or retain cannot be predicted with certainty.

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If a sports league declines in popularity or fails to generate fan enthusiasm, this may negatively impact viewership and advertising and affiliate fee revenues received in connection with our sports programming.

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, the MLB's World Series and the FIFA World Cup , which occurs every four years (for each of women and men), and other regular and post-season sports events that air on our broadcast television and cable networks.

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, the MLB’s World Series and the FIFA World Cup , which occurs every four years (for each of women and men), and other regular and post-season sports events that air on our broadcast

television and cable 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 broadcast television and cable 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.

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.

In prior years, a significant number of live sports events were cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which adversely affected our revenues and 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.

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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.

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To the extent our content, in particular our live news and sports programming and primetime entertainment programming, is not compelling to consumers, our ability to maintain a positive reputation may be adversely impacted.

The Company’s brands, credibility and reputation could be damaged by incidents that erode consumer, advertiser or business partner trust or a perception that the Company’s offerings, including its journalism, programming and other content, are low quality, unreliable or fail to attract and retain audiences.

Litigation, governmental scrutiny and fines and significant negative claims or publicity regarding the Company or its operations, content, products, management, employees, practices, advertisers, business partners and culture, including individuals associated with content we create or license, may damage the Company's reputation and brands, even if meritless or untrue.

Furthermore, to the extent our marketing, customer service and public relations efforts are not effective or result in negative consumer reaction, our ability to maintain a positive reputation may likewise be adversely impacted.

The Company’s brands, credibility and reputation have been impacted from time to time, and could be damaged in the future, by incidents that erode consumer, advertiser or business partner trust or a perception that the Company’s offerings, including its journalism, programming and other content, are low quality, unreliable or fail to attract and retain audiences.

The manipulation of content by bad actors, including the creation of “deep fakes” (videos created with AI to realistically impersonate persons such as journalists or political candidates), could erode audience trust by making it difficult to determine what is real.

Additionally, litigation, governmental scrutiny and fines and significant negative claims or publicity regarding the Company or its operations, content, products, management, employees, practices, advertisers, business partners and culture, including individuals associated with content we create or license, impact our reputation and may damage the Company's reputation and brands, even if meritless or untrue.

Furthermore, to the extent

our marketing, cybersecurity, customer service and public relations efforts are not effective or result in negative consumer reaction, our ability to maintain a positive reputation may likewise be adversely impacted.

If we are not successful in maintaining or enhancing the image or awareness of our brands, or if our reputation is harmed for any reason, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our investments in new businesses, products, services and technologies through acquisitions and other strategic investments present many risks, and we may not realize the financial and strategic goals we had contemplated, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We have acquired and invested in, and expect to continue acquiring and investing in, new businesses, products, services and technologies that complement, enhance or expand our current businesses or otherwise offer us growth opportunities.

Such acquisitions and strategic investments may involve significant risks and uncertainties, including insufficient revenues from an investment to offset any new liabilities assumed and expenses associated with the investment;

a failure of the investment or acquired business to perform as expected, meet financial projections or achieve strategic goals;

a failure to further develop an acquired business, product, service or technology;

Acquisitions, investments and other strategic initiatives present many risks, and we may not realize the financial and strategic goals we had contemplated, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We have acquired and invested in, and expect to continue acquiring and investing in, new businesses, products, services, technologies and other strategic initiatives to complement, enhance or expand our current businesses or otherwise offer us growth opportunities.

Such acquisitions and investments may involve significant risks and uncertainties, including insufficient revenues from an investment to offset any new liabilities assumed and expenses associated with it;

failure to perform as expected, meet financial projections, achieve strategic goals or further develop an acquired business, product, service or technology;

unidentified issues not discovered in our due diligence that could cause us to not realize anticipated benefits or to incur unanticipated liabilities;

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the diversion of management attention from current operations;

and compliance with new regulatory regimes.

Because acquisitions and investments are inherently risky and their anticipated benefits or value may not materialize, our acquisitions and investments may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

and legal and regulatory limitations.

Additionally, strategic initiatives may cause potential disruption to our business and operations or unanticipated challenges to or loss of our relationships with new or existing advertisers, distributors, viewers, and others with whom we do business;

and delays in or the cancellation of announced transactions may occur.

Because acquisitions, investments and strategic initiatives are inherently risky and their anticipated benefits or value may not materialize, they may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The loss of key personnel, including talent, could disrupt the management or operations of the Company’s business and adversely affect its revenues.

The Company's business depends on the continued efforts, abilities and expertise of its Chair K.

Rupert Murdoch and Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer Lachlan K.

Murdoch, and other key employees and news, sports and entertainment personalities.

Although we maintain long-term and emergency transition plans for key management personnel, we believe that our executive officers’ unique combination of skills and experience would be difficult to replace and their loss could have a material adverse effect on the Company, including the impairment of its ability to successfully execute its business strategy.

Additionally, the Company employs or independently contracts with several news, sports and entertainment personalities who are featured on programming the Company offers.

The Company's business depends on the continued efforts and abilities of key personnel, including news, sports and entertainment personalities.

The loss of such personnel could disrupt the management or operations of the Company’s business and adversely affect its revenues.

The Company employs or independently contracts with several news, sports and entertainment personalities who are featured on programming the Company offers.

News, sports and entertainment personalities sometimes have a significant impact on the ranking of a cable network or station and its ability to attract and retain an audience and sell advertising.

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Labor disputes may disrupt our operations and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

In a variety of the Company's businesses, the Company and its partners engage the services of writers, directors, actors, musicians and other creative talent, production crew members, trade employees and others whose services are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

Certain of these are industry-wide agreements, and the Company lacks practical influence with respect to the negotiation and terms of collective bargaining agreements.

The writers guild (“WGA”), screen actors guild (“SAG-AFTRA”) and directors guild (“DGA”) collective bargaining agreements expired in 2023.

The WGA members went on strike in May 2023 and the SAG-AFTRA members went on strike in July 2023.

In June 2023, the DGA announced that it had reached a tentative agreement with the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which negotiates with the guilds on behalf of content producers.

When negotiations to renew collective bargaining agreements are not successful or become unproductive, strikes, work stoppages or lockouts have occurred, such as the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in the Spring and Summer of 2023, and further strikes, work stoppages or lockouts could occur in the future.

Such events have caused, and may continue to cause, delays in production and may lead to higher costs in connection with new collective bargaining agreements, which could reduce profit margins and could, over the long term, have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

In a variety of the Company’s businesses, the Company and its partners engage the services of writers, directors, actors, musicians and other creative talent, production crew members, trade and craft employees and others whose services are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

Certain of these are industry-wide agreements negotiated by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (the “AMPTP”) of which the Company is a non-voting member.

The Company is bound by and enjoys the benefits of AMPTP-negotiated collective bargaining agreements, but is not directly involved in negotiating them.

When negotiations to renew collective bargaining agreements are not successful or become unproductive, strikes, work stoppages or lockouts have occurred, such as the Writers Guild of America West (or WGA) and Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (or SAG-AFTRA) strikes in the Spring and Summer of 2023.

Additional strikes, work stoppages or lockouts could occur in the future.

Such events have caused, and may in the future cause, delays in production and may lead to higher costs in connection with new collective bargaining agreements, which could reduce profit margins and could, over the long term, have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

In addition, our broadcast television and cable 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 sports league for which we have the rights to broadcast live games or events 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.

Any labor disputes that occur in any sports league for which we have the rights to broadcast live games or events 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.

The Company could suffer losses due to asset impairment charges for goodwill, intangible assets, programming and other assets and investments.

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 investments and 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.

A downward revision in the fair value of a reporting unit, indefinite-lived intangible assets, programming rights, investments or long-lived assets could result in a non-cash impairment charge.

Any such charge could be material to the Company’s reported net earnings.

Any such charge could be material to the Company’s reported net earnings in a given reporting period.

Risks Relating to Cybersecurity, Piracy, Privacy and Data Protection

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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), terrorist activities or human error, 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 artificial intelligence may intensify cybersecurity risks.

While we and our vendors and partners continue to develop, implement and maintain security measures seeking to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks, including unauthorized access to or misuse of the Systems, such efforts are costly, require ongoing monitoring and updating and may not be successful in preventing these events from occurring.

In addition, the Company’s recovery and business continuity plans may not be adequate to address any cybersecurity incidents that occur.

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 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.

In addition, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, as well as other geopolitical events, including tensions with North Korea, Russia, China and other states, 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).

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.

The Company may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate it for any losses that may occur.

In addition, the

Company’s recovery and business continuity plans may not be adequate to address any cybersecurity incidents that occur, and the Company may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate it for any losses that may occur.

Technological developments may increase the threat of content piracy and signal theft and limit the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights.

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however, policing unauthorized use of the Company’s products and services and related intellectual property is often difficult and the steps taken by the Company may not in every case prevent infringement.

Although no content theft has been material to the Company’s businesses to date, we expect to continue to be subject to content threats and there can be

no assurance that we will not experience a material incident.

Developments in technology, including artificial intelligence, digital copying, file compression technology, growing penetration of high-bandwidth Internet connections, increased availability and speed of mobile data networks, and new devices and applications that enable unauthorized access to content, increase the threat of content piracy by making it easier to create, access, duplicate, widely distribute and store high-quality pirated material.

Although no content theft has been material to the Company’s businesses to date, we expect to continue to be subject to content threats and there can be no assurance that we will not experience a material incident.

Developments in technology, including recent advances in the area of AI, digital copying, file compression technology, growing penetration of high-bandwidth Internet connections, increased availability and speed of mobile data networks, and new devices and applications that enable unauthorized access to content, increase the threat of content piracy by making it easier to create, access, duplicate, widely distribute, display and store high-quality pirated material.

In addition, developments in software or devices that circumvent encryption technology and the falling prices of devices incorporating such technologies increase the threat of unauthorized use and distribution of direct broadcast satellite programming signals and the proliferation of user-generated content sites and live and stored video streaming sites, which deliver unauthorized copies of copyrighted content, including those emanating from other countries in various languages, may adversely impact the Company’s businesses.

The proliferation of unauthorized distribution and use of the Company’s content could have an adverse effect on the Company’s businesses and profitability because it reduces the revenue that the Company could potentially receive from the legitimate sale and distribution of its products and services.

The Company takes a variety of actions to combat piracy and signal theft, both individually and, in some instances, together with industry associations, but the protection of the Company’s intellectual property rights depends on the scope and duration of the Company’s rights as defined by applicable laws in the U.S.

The proliferation of unauthorized reproduction, display, distribution and/or use of the Company’s content could have an adverse effect on the Company’s businesses and profitability because it reduces the revenue that the Company could potentially receive from the legitimate sale and distribution of its products and services.

The legal landscape for new technologies, including AI, remains uncertain, and development of the law in this area could negatively impact the Company’s ability to protect against unauthorized third-party infringing uses or result in intellectual property infringement claims against the Company.

The Company takes a variety of actions to combat piracy and signal theft, but the protection of the Company’s intellectual property rights depends on the scope and duration of the Company’s rights as defined by applicable laws in the U.S.

and abroad and how those laws are construed.

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Further, while piracy and the proliferation of piracy-enabling technology tools continue to escalate, if any laws intended to combat piracy and protect intellectual property are repealed, weakened or not adequately enforced, or if the applicable legal systems fail to evolve and adapt to new technologies that facilitate piracy, we may be unable to effectively protect our rights and the value of our intellectual property may be negatively impacted, and our costs of enforcing our rights could increase.

Third parties may challenge the validity or scope of the Company’s intellectual property from time to time, and such challenges could result in the limitation or loss of the Company’s intellectual property rights.

Even if not valid, such claims may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources that could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operations.

The Company is subject to complex laws, regulations, rules, industry standards, and contractual obligations related to privacy and personal data protection, which are evolving, inconsistent and potentially costly.

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For example, California, Virginia, Utah, Colorado, Connecticut, and several other 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.

The FTC also has initiated a rulemaking proceeding regarding potential rules concerning the collection, use, disclosure and security of personal information.

FTC also has initiated a rulemaking proceeding regarding potential rules concerning the collection, use, disclosure and security of personal information.

In addition, the E.U., the U.K.

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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 privacy and data protection laws, we may be subject to regulatory or other legal action despite these efforts.

Any such action could result in damage to our reputation or brands, loss of customers or revenue, and other negative impacts to our operations.

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.

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Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Matters

Changes in laws and regulations may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Changes in laws and regulations, or the interpretation thereof, may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

The Company is subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which its businesses operate.

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For example, the Company is required to apply for and operate in compliance with licenses from the FCC to operate a television station, purchase a new television station, or sell an existing television station, with licenses generally subject to an eight-year renewable term.

The Company may be subject to investigations or fines under FCC rules and policies, or delays in its renewal and other applications with the FCC.

Our program services and online properties are subject to a variety of laws and regulations, including those relating to issues such as content regulation, user privacy and data protection, and consumer protection.

Further, the United States Congress, the FCC, the FTC and state legislatures currently have under consideration, and may in the future adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters, including technological changes and measures relating to network neutrality, privacy and data security, which could, directly or indirectly, affect the operations and ownership of the Company’s media properties.

From time to time, the FCC considers whether virtual MVPDs should be considered MVPDs (as defined by the FCC) and regulated as such, which could negatively impact the Company’s distribution model.

In particular, the legal and regulatory landscape governing AI remains unsettled, and developments in this area may adversely impact our business.

In addition, from time to time, the FCC considers whether virtual MVPDs should be considered MVPDs (as defined by the FCC) and regulated as such, which could negatively impact the Company’s distribution model.

Any restrictions on political or other advertising may adversely affect the Company’s advertising revenues.

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The threat of regulatory action or increased scrutiny that deters certain advertisers from advertising or reaching their intended audiences could adversely affect advertising revenue.

Similarly, new laws or regulations or changes in interpretations of laws or regulations could require changes in the operations or ownership of our business.

New laws or regulations or changes in interpretations of laws or regulations could also require changes in the operations or ownership of our business.

Furthermore, new laws, regulations and standards related to environmental (including climate), social and governance matters are likely to impose additional costs on us, expose us to new risks and subject us to increasing scrutiny.

Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The Company may be subject to investigations or fines from governmental authorities, including under FCC rules and policies, or delays in our renewal and other applications with the FCC.

FCC rules prohibit the broadcast of obscene material at any time and indecent or profane material on television or radio broadcast stations between the hours of 6 a.m.

The FCC has indicated that, in addition to issuing fines to licensees, it would consider initiating license revocation proceedings for “serious” indecency violations.

We air a significant amount of live news reporting and live sports coverage on our broadcast television stations and networks and a portion of our content is under the control of our on-air talent.

The Company cannot predict whether information delivered by our stations and on-air talent could violate FCC rules related to indecency, which had been found to be unconstitutionally vague by the U.S.

Supreme Court, especially given the spontaneity of live news and sports programming.

Violation of the FCC’s indecency rules could subject us to government investigation, penalties, license revocation, or renewal or qualification proceedings, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

For more information, see Item 1, “Government Regulation.”

The Communications Act and FCC regulations limit the ability of non-U.S.

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television stations.

Under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to as the Communications Act, and the FCC rules, without the FCC’s prior approval, no broadcast station licensee may be owned by a corporation if more than 25% of its stock is owned or voted by non-U.S.

Under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to as the Communications Act, and the FCC rules, without the FCC’s prior approval, no broadcast station licensee may

be owned by a corporation if more than 25% of its stock is owned or voted by non-U.S.

persons, their representatives, or by any other corporation organized under the laws of a foreign country.

The Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the Board of Directors to take action to prevent, cure or mitigate the effect of stock ownership above the applicable foreign ownership threshold, including:

The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Board to take action to prevent, cure or mitigate the effect of stock ownership above the applicable foreign ownership threshold, including:

refusing to permit any transfer of Common Stock to or ownership of Common Stock by a non-U.S.

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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.

Each of the Company’s television stations and cable networks uses studio and transmitter facilities that are subject to damage or destruction.

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 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.

Further, changes in FCC regulations have reduced the availability and use of satellite transmission spectrum.

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federal, state and local, as well as certain international jurisdictions.

Changes in tax laws, regulations, practices or the interpretations thereof (including changes in legislation currently being considered) could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or its tax assets.

Changes in tax laws, regulations, practices or the interpretations thereof could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or its tax assets.

Judgment is required in evaluating and estimating our provision and accruals for taxes.

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Unfavorable litigation or governmental investigation results could require us to pay significant amounts or lead to onerous operating procedures.

We are subject from time to time to lawsuits, including claims relating to competition, intellectual property rights, employment and labor matters, personal injury and property damage, free speech, customer privacy, regulatory requirements, and advertising, marketing and selling practices.

From time to time, we are subject to various legal proceedings (including class action lawsuits, claims, regulatory investigations and arbitration proceedings), involving claims relating to, among other things, competition, intellectual property rights, employment and labor matters, personal injury and property damage,

free speech, data privacy and protection, regulatory requirements, and advertising, marketing and selling practices.

See Note 14, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K for a discussion of certain of these matters.

The Company has incurred significant expenses defending against the defamation and disparagement matters described in Note 14, including the payment of approximately $800 million to settle the Dominion matter and a related lawsuit in April 2023.

The Company continues to believe the Smartmatic and other lawsuits alleging defamation or disparagement as well as related derivative lawsuits are without merit and intends to defend against them vigorously, including through any appeals.However, the outcome of these pending matters is subject to significant uncertainty, and it is possible that an adverse resolution of one or more of these pending matters could result in reputational harm and/or significant monetary damages, injunctive relief or settlement costs.

However, the outcome of these pending matters is subject to significant uncertainty, and it is possible that an adverse resolution of one or more of these pending matters could result in reputational harm and/or significant monetary damages, injunctive relief or settlement costs.

There can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these pending matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Greater constraints on the use of arbitration to resolve certain disputes could adversely affect our business.

We also spend substantial resources complying with various regulatory and government standards, including any related investigations and litigation.

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Risks Relating to Our Ownership Structure

Certain of the Company’s directors and officers may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their equity ownership in News Corp or because they also serve as officers and/or on the board of directors of News Corp.

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 executive officers 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, certain of the Company’s officers and directors also serve as officers and/or as directors of News Corp, including our Chair, K.

Rupert Murdoch, who serves as News Corp’s Executive Chairman, and our Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan K.

Murdoch, who serves as News Corp’s Co-Chairman.

This ownership of or service to both companies may create, or may create the appearance of, conflicts of interest when these directors and officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for News Corp and the Company.

Certain of the Company’s directors and significant stockholders may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their equity ownership in News Corp or because they also serve as directors of News Corp.

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.

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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.

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 of Directors 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:

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:

• a dual class common equity capital structure, in which holders of FOX Class A Common Stock can vote only in very specific, limited circumstances;

• a prohibition on stockholders taking any action by written consent without a meeting (unless there are three record holders or fewer);

• special stockholders’ meeting to be called only by a majority of the Board of Directors, the Chair or vice or deputy chair, or upon the written request of holders of not less than 20% of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock;

• the requirement that stockholders give the Company advance notice to nominate candidates for election to the Board of Directors or to make stockholder proposals at a stockholders’ meeting;

• special stockholders’ meeting to be called only by a majority of the Board, the Chair or vice or deputy chair, or upon the written request of holders of not less than 20% of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock;

• the requirement that stockholders give the Company advance notice to nominate candidates for election to the Board or to make stockholder proposals at a stockholders’ meeting;

• the requirement of an affirmative vote of at least 65% of the voting power of the Company’s outstanding voting stock to amend or repeal our Amended and Restated By-laws;

• restrictions on the transfer of the Company’s shares;

• the Board of Directors to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock and series common stock with such terms as the Board of Directors may determine.

• the Board to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock and series common stock with such terms as the Board may determine.

These provisions could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control of the Company, even in the case where a majority of the stockholders may consider such proposals desirable.

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Rupert Murdoch, however, disclaims any beneficial ownership of these shares.

Rupert Murdoch beneficially owns or may be deemed to beneficially own an additional less than one percent of FOX Class A Common Stock and less than one percent of FOX Class B Common Stock.

Rupert Murdoch beneficially owns or may be deemed to beneficially own an additional less than one percent of FOX Class B Common Stock.

Rupert Murdoch may be deemed to beneficially own in the aggregate less than one percent of FOX Class A Common Stock and 43.96% of FOX Class B Common Stock.

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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.

The Company’s Board of Directors has approved a $7 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’s Board has approved a $7 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.

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Disputes or assessments could arise during future audits by the taxing authorities in amounts that the Company cannot quantify.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Compared sentence by sentence after normalising whitespace, quotation marks, case and digits, so re-formatting and restated figures do not read as changed language. Wording changes appear as one removal and one addition. The current filing and the prior one are authoritative.

What changed 10-K

Item 1A. Risk Factors