Highlights from Recode Media interviews of Warner Media’s John Stankey and Disney’s Kevin Mayer, including an extended discussion on sports.
The China Cultural Clash
The NBA controversy in China highlights a culture clash that both tech companies and the U.S. government need to take to heart. Plus, why Tiktok being Chinese is increasingly a problem.
The Athletic Reaches 500,000 Subscribers, Brute-Forcing the Bundle, Local Bundles
The Athletic has 500,000 subscribers and continues to pursue growth over profitability. It’s an approach that makes sense, and the demise of local bundles helps explain why.
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.
Amazon’s Reported RSN Bid, The Future of Sports Rights, Apple in the Supreme Court
Amazon probably isn’t buying 22 RSNs; sports rights don’t really make sense for streaming services. Then, Apple is in the Supreme Court in a case that is hugely important for the entire tech industry.
Happy Thanksgiving, Tencent Earnings, Fox Sports MLB Deal
Happy Thanksgiving! Tencent’s earnings and impressive diversification, and the impact on Apple, plus why MLB’s new deal with Fox shows that sports are as valuable as ever.
Disney and the Resilient Cable Bundle, Disney’s Streaming Plans, ESPN+ and Serie A
Disney has had a difficult three years, particularly from a stock perspective, but things aren’t as bad as feared, and there is a strategy for the future.
Apple’s Map Reset; CarPlay, Waze, and Google Maps; Disney Acquisition of 21st Century Fox Approved
Apple Maps is getting a reset; what is more encouraging is the company inviting competition. Then, Disney gets approval for its purchase of 21st Century Fox, and it raises questions about the entire process.
Sports Gambling Defederalized, Amazon Channels
Sports gambling is defederalized, and the opportunity is likely larger than people think: then, Amazon Channels is another manifestation of the company’s “first customer” strategy.
The Athletic Raises $20 Million, Four Stories on Tech and Politics
The Athletic is right to go for it, and raise more VC money. Then, tech and politics is only becoming more complicated as national security concerns enter the debate.