Highlights from Recode Media interviews of Warner Media’s John Stankey and Disney’s Kevin Mayer, including an extended discussion on sports.
The Google Squeeze Follow-up, Disney+ Launch, Instagram Influencer Follow-Up
Google’s approach to travel mirrors its approach to Shopping, which, correctly or not, was already ruled to be illegal in Europe. Then, Disney+ rolls out like a movie, and fails like a service. Plus, more on Instagram and influencers.
China Cultural Clash Follow-Up, Disney and Blizzard, Choosing Customers
More on TikTok, then Disney and Blizzard demonstrate how expensive customers can be, while Google and Facebook benefit.
Disney’s Bundle, Huawei’s HarmonyOS, Uber Earnings
Disney’s bundle is compelling both for Disney and also Hulu, then Huawei’s new OS doesn’t make sense commercially but does make sense geopolitically. Plus, Uber’s earnings have been unfairly represented even as they are very concerning.
Disney Takes Full Control of Hulu, Disney’s Organization, The Streaming Struggle
Disney has acquired control of Hulu, and has structured itself to take full advantage. Other streaming services, though, are not nearly as well-positioned.
Disney and the Value of the Consumer Relationship, Disney’s Consolidation of Hulu, Comcast and AT&T
Follow-up on Disney and the Future of TV, including why Disney as a whole will gain so much from Disney+. Then, AT&T sells out of Hulu, and Comcast probably will too, and why Comcast appears in better shape.
Disney and the Future of TV
TV is moving from a world where distribution dictates business models to one where business models need to fit the jobs consumers want done. That is the best way to understand Disney’s latest announcement.
Alexa’s Human Listeners, New Questions, Disney’s Presentation
Why Bloomberg’s article about Alexa was both scare-mongering and a missed opportunity, plus why Disney’s 2015 plummet in the stock market was a blessing in disguise.
Changes at HBO, AT&T’s Strategic Rationale, HBO’s Differentiation
There are changes afoot at HBO, driven by AT&T’s desire to compete with Netflix; that, though, risks HBO’s differentiation.
Netflix Flexes
Netflix is an Aggregator, with a value chain that lets it drive demand, raise prices, and dismiss competition.