On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how much the merger with xAI can move the needle for X, if the social platform can recoup the kinds of ad dollars it was making before Elon Musk bought them, and where X users have migrated to (if anywhere). Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, and Analysts Marisa Jones and Emmy Liederman. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
Indy 500 hits viewership record in its first time airing on Fox: The event highlights the ongoing battle for media companies to secure sports rights.
YouTube’s hiring of ESPN veteran Justin Connolly triggers a Disney lawsuit: The clash underscores rising tensions over live sports streaming supremacy.
NBCU looks to secure MLB rights after ESPN backs out: The deal would position NBCU as a one-stop shop for sports, enhancing its value for advertisers.
Most consumers accept ads in streaming: An Attest study highlighted the growing preference for ad-supported options as streaming proves sustainable.
YouTube expands Premium Lite to more countries: The lower-cost tier aims to attract price-sensitive users without hurting ad revenues.
Ad-supported streaming now drives most new subscriptions: Platforms are embracing ads as a primary monetization strategy, not a fallback.
YouTube introduces new offerings for ads, podcasts: The platform aims to highlight its ability to reach audiences with unmatched versatile content options.
Charter Communications and Cox will merge: Though the deal could face regulatory scrutiny, it promises to revitalize the ad landscape, if successful.
TelevisaUnivision is doubling down on young Hispanic audiences: With music festivals, microdramas, and dual-language content built for mobile.
Netflix's ad tier reaches 94 million as it looks to genAI to continue its trajectory: The data suggests Netflix is positioned for sustained streaming market leadership.
New features let brands display shoppable feeds and target ads during key video moments, capitalizing on YouTube's rising share of streaming time.
YouTube strikes deal to broadcast first game of the NFL season: The move responds to fans embracing digital for sports and presents an opportunity for advertisers.
HBO Max is back after a lengthy branding misstep: The pivot reflects the enduring power of HBO’s cultural and commercial identity.
TikTok debuts AI Alive, an image-to-video generation tool: The feature is part of TikTok’s push to maintain dominance in a competitive short-form market.
FAST shows no signs of slowing down: From the Roku Channel to Tubi, FAST continues a path of acceleration that will be bolstered by economic uncertainty.
Shorts now dominate prime screen space on connected TVs, signaling YouTube’s bid to normalize mobile-first formats in the living room—whether users like it or not.
Amazon debuts three new CTV ad formats: The updates are part of Amazon’s Prime Video ads push and promise to help brands reach highly engaged audiences.
ESPN’s new platform marks a bold digital pivot: Meanwhile, Fox is launching Fox One to stay competitive in the streaming era.
YouTube introduces creator marketing updates: The changes aim to position YouTube as an influencer marketing hub amid social media uncertainty.