An interview with Michael Nathanson about a tumultuous year in media, including Disney, streaming, sports, and lessons learned by both the industry and also us as analysts.
Spotify Layoffs, Lessons From Spotify, Ek’s Letter and Spotify’s Debt
Spotify is conducting big layoffs, thanks in part to debt it took out in a zero-interest rate environment. What is more problematic is that the company has little to show for its spending.
An Interview with Roblox CEO David Baszucki About Advertising and AI
An interview with Roblox CEO David Baszucki about advertising, AI, and expanding the business in the wake of the pandemic.
Google’s Apple Payments; Apple Services: Narrative vs. Reality; Google’s Motivation
The juiciest detail yet came out of the Google antitrust case: how much the company pays Apple. This isn’t just a function of Apple’s leverage, but also Google’s strategic foresight.
Meta and Amazon, Meta Shops and ATT, Amazon Logistics and the Anti-Amazon Alliance
Meta and Amazon have made a deal that represents the major shift in the e-commerce landscape that has happened over the last four years, thanks to ATT and Amazon’s shift away from being an Aggregator.
Disney Earnings, Disney 3.0, Streaming and Sports
Disney’s earnings reveal the plan for Disney 3.0; it’s a plan that makes sense, and sports still plays a role.
An Interview with Spike Eskin About Radio, Podcasts, and Internet Stars
An interview with WFAN’s Spike Eskin about the radio business, how it is different than podcasts, and how stars are made on the Internet.
Amazon Earnings, The Logistics Virtuous Cycle, Amazon Aggregator Ads
Amazon’s cloud business doesn’t seem to have AI lift yet, but it’s early; then Amazon’s virtuous cycle in logistics ultimately is paid off with ads.
Meta Earnings; Reels Reaches Revenue Neutral; The Temu and Shein Effect
Meta’s crushed earnings again, but some of the company’s recovery over the last year should be attributed to Temu and Shein subsidies.
Netflix Earnings, Netflix’s Licensing Pitch, Netflix Gaming Revisited
Netflix’s earnings seemed targeted at other Hollywood Studios losing money on streaming; then, why gaming isn’t a completely terrible idea (and how it works in the App Store)