Baseline StudioSystems: A History of Entertainment Databases
In the world of cinema and television, data is the backbone of production and distribution. One of the most influential tools in this space is Baseline StudioSystems, a comprehensive entertainment database that has undergone a complex journey of ownership and integration over several decades.
The Origins of Baseline
The story began in 1982 when James Monaco founded Baseline. The company focused on aggregating critical industry data, leading to the official launch of its primary entertainment database in 1985. This tool became a vital resource for professionals seeking accurate information on film and television projects.
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A Cycle of Acquisitions and Mergers
Following James Monaco's departure in 1992, the company entered a period of frequent ownership changes. Paul Kagan Associates purchased Baseline in 1993, and by 1999, the database was acquired by Big Entertainment, which subsequently rebranded itself as Hollywood.com.
The Rivalry and Integration of The Studio System
While Baseline was growing, a rival database known as The Studio System—founded in 1987—was also competing for market share. In 1999, Creative Planet acquired The Studio System from Brookfield Communications. This rivalry ended in 2004 when Hollywood Media, the parent company of Hollywood.com, purchased The Studio System and merged the two databases into a single, more powerful entity.
Corporate Transitions and Modern Ownership
The merged entity, now known as Baseline StudioSystems, continued to change hands. In 2006, The New York Times Company purchased the service and integrated it into NYTimes.com. However, this arrangement was temporary, and the company was sold back to Hollywood.com in 2011.
The landscape shifted again in 2014 when Gracenote, a subsidiary of Tribune Media, acquired Baseline to strengthen its competitive position against Rovi. The final major transition occurred in 2017, when Tribune sold Gracenote, including the Studio System, to Nielsen Holdings.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1982 by James Monaco.
- Primary Product: An entertainment database launched in 1985.
- Major Merger: Baseline and The Studio System (founded 1987) merged in 2004.
- Current Owner: Nielsen Holdings (via the acquisition of Gracenote in 2017).
| Year | Owner/Acquirer | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | James Monaco | Company founded |
| 1993 | Paul Kagan Associates | Acquisition of Baseline |
| 1999 | Big Entertainment (Hollywood.com) | Acquisition of Baseline |
| 2004 | Hollywood Media | Merged Baseline with The Studio System |
| 2006 | The New York Times Company | Integration into NYTimes.com |
| 2011 | Hollywood.com | Re-acquisition of the database |
| 2014 | Gracenote (Tribune Media) | Acquisition to compete with Rovi |
| 2017 | Nielsen Holdings | Acquisition of Gracenote |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Baseline?
Baseline was founded by James Monaco in 1982, with its main entertainment database launching in 1985.
What was The Studio System?
The Studio System was a rival entertainment database founded in 1987 that was eventually merged with Baseline in 2004.
Did The New York Times Company own Baseline?
Yes, The New York Times Company purchased Baseline StudioSystems in 2006 and integrated it into its website before selling it back to Hollywood.com in 2011.
Who currently owns the Baseline database?
The database is currently owned by Nielsen Holdings, which acquired it as part of the purchase of Gracenote from Tribune Media in 2017.
Why did Gracenote acquire Baseline in 2014?
Gracenote acquired Baseline to better compete against its industry competitor, Rovi.