Quibi — and Shopify! — explain why TikTok is so successful. As always, though, the TikTok story is complicated by the Chinese connection.
HBO Max Launches, Amazon and Roku, Apple in 3rd
HBO Max is confusing because of negotiations with cable carriers, which is expected, and negotiations with OTT resellers, which perhaps was not. Then, is Apple making a move?
Disney Earnings, AMC Versus Universal, Businesses in the Middle
Disney’s earnings were predictably brutal, particularly for its Parks Division, which is the most important division when it comes to understanding Disney. Plus, AMC has nothing to lose.
Capability and Policy Revisited; Isolation and Surveillance; Netflix’s Earnings
Once tech companies have the capability to do what government’s tell them to, they are increasingly willing to comply; that is not a good sign for increased surveillance. Then, Netflix is cautious about its huge earnings.
Amazon Cuts Affiliate Marketing, Google Versus French Publishers, Streaming Services and Movies
Amazon cutting affiliate fees, Google versus French publishers, and movie studios seeking to sell to Netflix are all examples of the same trend: you must own your relationship with your customers.
Apple, Amazon, and Common Enemies
It is tempting — and useful — to look at Apple and Amazon’s deal in a bilateral context. It probably makes more sense, though, in the context of Netflix and the future of video.
Apple and Amazon Make a Deal, Three Angles, Apple vs. Amazon
Apple and Amazon make a deal; I suspect it has been in the works for a long time, including Apple Music being on Alexa.
Studios Go Direct to Consumer, Theaters and Demand, Universal Versus Disney
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?