Studios go direct-to-consumer out of necessity; Disney has the most potential, even if they should use Universal’s model.
An Interview with Eugene Wei About the Half-Life of Information
In this Daily Update Interview Eugene Wei and I explore the idea of the half-life of information, and what that means for the value of Netflix, YouTube, Disney, and more.
Working From Home with Kids, What About Pay TV?, An NBA Proposal
Some tips for working from home, then wondering what the lack of sports means for pay TV. Might the NBA come to the rescue?
An Interview with Matthew Ball About Disney and Bob Iger
An interview with Matthew Ball about Bob Iger’s exit; Disney, Netflix, and streaming; and how metaverses are digital theme parks.
Bob Iger Steps Down From Disney, Why Now?, Why Bob Chapek?
It was a huge surprise that Bob Iger was stepping down as Disney’s CEO, but the rationale makes a lot of sense, as does the timing and replacement.
Netflix Earnings; Self-Production, Cash Flow, and Margin; Netflix’s New Rung
Netflix’s earnings were mostly more of the same, but management’s comments helped explain an interesting connection between cash flow and margin, and showed how Netflix has evolved again.
CES Concepts, Verizon Drops Bundles, Technology and TV
CES is boring, because no one knows what is next. Then, Verizon is dropping Internet and TV bundles, which is a rational response to the changing nature of pay-TV. It also shows how much tech disruption is still to come.
TV Advertising Falls; The Sports Linchpin, Revisited; NBA Ratings
TV Advertising is down, as price increases finally overwhelm the decline in viewers. It’s important to note, though, that sports still matter. This is something the NBA may not completely understand.
Recode Recap: John Stankey of WarnerMedia, Kevin Mayer of Disney
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.