The Internet has uniquely impacted regional sports networks, thanks to the reality of free distribution. Sports leagues will need to adapt.
The Squid Games Breakout, Netflix’s Squid Game Strategy, Disney Franchises versus Netflix Dice
Squid Games is a perfect representation of Netflix’s overall strategy, and why it is different than other services like Disney+.
Disney Earnings, ESPN and Disney’s Streaming Strategy, Flexibility and Residuals
Disney’s results suggest the company should stay the course with its current streaming strategy; however, the way it funds movies may have to change.
Olympic Ratings, Google Earnings, YouTube and Brand Advertising
Google’s results were even better than the rest of the industry, thanks to YouTube.
Netflix Earnings; Netflix and Gaming; Models, Not Mediums
Netflix turned in another quarter of disappointing earnings (as expected); the company’s planned foray into gaming, meanwhile, highlights how digital businesses are different.
ESPN+ Rights Deals, ESPN+ Increases Prices, Black Widow’s Streaming Numbers
Disney’s tactics around ESPN+ are coming into line with streaming’s strategic opportunities; plus, Black Widow streaming numbers show how release windows are changing.
Amazon Buys MGM, The Streaming Opportunity, Anti-Monopoly vs. Antitrust
Amazon’s purchase of MGM makes sense strategically, but also points to bigger ambitions; it also highlights how a lot of antitrust talk is actually anti-monopoly.
Distribution and Demand
Distribution on the Internet is free; what matters is controlling demand. AT&T and Verizon didn’t understand the distinction.
AT&T’s Original Bad Deal, Discovery + WarnerMedia, The Streaming Landscape
AT&T bails on its streaming ambitions; they can’t undo the mistake of buying Time Warner, but merging WarnerMedia with Discovery is a nice recovery.
An Interview with Brad Stone about Amazon Unbound
An interview with Brad Stone about his new book about Amazon, how the company has changed, and his outlook for a post-Bezos future.