The Challenges

Television

MCA hasn’t had a hit since “Coach” and “Murder, She Wrote.” Rival TV executives say MCA seems to be moving in the right direction under its new head, Gregory Meidel. The bigger question is whether MCA will hook up with a network.

Cable

MCA also needs to figure out a strategic move in cable TV, but that’s dependent on its resolution of its current lawsuit against Viacom, which has a joint partnership with MCA on the USA Network. MCA argues that Viacom’s new Nick at Nite’s TV Land cable channel should be launched through the partnership.

Films

MCA must improve profit margins in its motion pictures division. The studio has been overly dependent on Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment for hits. Spielberg has walked off with a huge hunk of profits from the films he’s directed and produced.

Music

MCA has restructured its music division under Doug Morris, bought 50% of Interscope records, and is investing in artists development. With the exception of Live, the company has not broken a major rock act in seven years.