Media & Entertainment

Will Microsoft’s Activision deal close? The acquisition is looking shaky following a report from a UK antitrust watchdog.

It turns out podcast exclusivity may not be the move: Layoffs at Spotify revealed that exclusivity drastically reduced Gimlet Media’s listeners.

On today's episode, we discuss what podcast platforms besides Spotify are doing, how many dollars are being spent on ads, and the main issues facing the podcast world. "In Other News," we talk about the significance of Netflix's new ad measurement partners and what to make of marketers prioritizing promotions over ads this holiday season. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Daniel Konstantinovic.

Netflix’s ad tier causes it to embrace transparency in the UK: The company is joining BARB to give advertisers clarity on audience measurement.

On today's episode, we discuss whether anyone can help Twitter regardless of who owns it, why physical stores could be the next major media channel, how companies are marketing around this year's World Cup, the significance of Google closing its gaming offering Stadia, how to sell a moment, an explanation of how digital grocery buyers are changing, how far an electric vehicle can go on one charge, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our director of forecasting Oscar Orozco and analysts Ross Benes and Blake Droesch.

Meta’s Pro Quest: Mark Zuckerberg wants to replace laptops and smartphones with mixed-reality VR headsets, but he could fragment the metaverse by looking too far into the future.

Another month, another round of WBD layoffs: The merged company needs to put greater focus on its streaming future.

The World Cup gives ad spending an end-of-year-boost: The soccer (or is it football?) tournament is a hot spot for ad spend, but isn’t without its serious controversies.

Extra, extra, read all about it: Newsletters and the platforms that house them have had a strong few years. But with churn and tech layoffs, can they keep up?

TikTok’s videos are ideal vehicles for misinformation: Misleading short-form videos are going viral on TikTok and competing platforms, proving that video is difficult to regulate.

Biden tries to keep an EU-US splinternet at bay: An executive order could help ease regulatory risk for companies transferring data between Europe and the US, if the EU agrees.

More than 80% of video game developers worldwide were making games for PCs as of May 2022. For console and mobile games, that figure was closer to 40%.

Heavy EVs could be weighing down the industry: Truckers are struggling to transport EVs due to weight limits. More battery R&D could help and boost safety.

Thanks to Netflix, “Out” is in: The popular “Knives Out” film’s sequel will show up in major chains, and both sides of the equation stand to benefit.

It looks like gambling is coming to ESPN: Disney is reported to be close to striking a deal with sportsbook DraftKings.

Expect a transformation at Twitter over the next few years: We outline where the platform will and won’t change once Elon Musk’s purchase goes through.

Four consecutive months of automaker TV advertising cuts: The industry spent 22% less in September, marking a third of the year.

Brand safety helps grow Spotify’s ad power: The app acquired a content moderation company while competitors flounder under controversies.

The Roku Channel takes first place in value among free ad-supported TV services. Among US users of these services, 84% said it provides excellent or good value. The CBS app holds the No. 2 spot, cited by 80%.

Designed in California, made in India: AirPods join iPads and iPhones as the next products to be made in India. The acceleration away from China opens up opportunities for alternative manufacturing hubs.