WBD rethinks forcing ‘Max’ on Discovery+ users: It will keep offering the service as a standalone rather than alienate and churn subscribers.
Atmosphere secures another $65 million to corner the unskippable ad market: The connected TV enterprise provider powers screens at your favorite bars and gyms.
On today's episode, we discuss the significance of Google's ChatGPT rival Bard, whether Instacart's shoppable TV QR codes can be a hit, if Fanatics can crack the US livestream shopping code, whether Twitter allegedly shedding users is a short-term issue, where (and how) we listen to music, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our director of reports editing Rahul Chadha and analysts Blake Droesch and Evelyn Mitchell.
US-EU trade spat has consequences for tech: The EU might retaliate or file a complaint over the US’ green subsidy law. The governments’ failure to agree could exacerbate geopolitical tensions.
After a shaky 2022, CTV advertising is ramping up: A study shows consumers are more likely to engage with unique CTV ad formats that offer advertisers personalization.
Penske hopes its event-focused model can keep Vox alive: The media giant recently invested $100 million into Vox, which has seen repeated layoffs.
ES: EU, UK, and US antitrust approaches are aligning: Microsoft’s $70 billion acquisition of Activision could face tougher pushback now that various regulators are on the same page.
Despite a tightening ad market, the Super Bowl powers on: Fox has sold out spots for Sunday’s game, with prices stabilizing after last year’s jump.
Pressure to drop TikTok from app stores intensifies: Following the removal of TikTok from various government and educational institutions, US senators are urging app stores to drop the controversial app.
Meta’s vow of efficiency marks renewed optimism: Meta shares rally after analysts upgrade stock due to Meta’s new, leaner direction. Meanwhile, the company continues to spend billions on an unrealized metaverse pivot.
Spanish Twitch streams are seeing explosive growth: Usage is high, and the underdeveloped ad market supporting the platform has room to mature.
Netflix is making progress on serving ads and clamping down on account sharing: On both fronts, the streamer needs to tread carefully to ensure customer experience remains paramount.
Apple’s 10-year bet on the MLS has begun: The company is asking advertisers to help build a following for sport with no viewership promises.
Spotify’s $20 billion podcasting dream is a long way off: Despite a strong quarter for revenue and user growth, investments will take longer than expected to pay dividends.
RIP Showtime—as a standalone brand, that is: Paramount+ and the premium cable TV network are merging, the first of many expected streaming mergers.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s balance sheet is forcing it to play the licensing game: It’s a win for Roku and Tubi. For HBO Max subscribers, not so much.
US, allies put pressure on China’s chipmaking efforts: Key producers of equipment critical for advanced chip design won’t be exported to China, which could lead to reprisal or wider geopolitical retaliation.
UK streaming subscribers picked up at end of 2022: Prime Video was a main beneficiary, but data suggests economy still pressuring consumers.
Meta pulls plug on contracts with gamers: Austerity measure could lead Facebook Gaming streamers to defect.
Doctors use entertainment as education: Video games keep physicians’ skills sharp long past medical school.