MediaTalk: Recent Episodes
S&P Global Market Intelligence
S&P Global Market Intelligence analysts and reporters take a deep dive into issues facing the evolving media landscape. Tune in for interviews with industry insiders and analysts as well as brief outlooks for the TMT sector.
If you are interested in learning more about TMT/SPGMI offerings, please visit https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/campaigns/tmt
In an age of ongoing cord-cutting, "MediaTalk" sits down with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Brian Bacon to break down who is subscribing to what video service and why based on the latest insights from the Kagan Consumer Insights survey.
The numbers tell an interesting story: overall US TV satisfaction jumped from 34% to 39% year-over-year, with virtual providers like YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV leading the pack. But here's where it gets intriguing — Charter's Seamless Entertainment hybrid model, bundling traditional cable with ad-supported streaming services, is showing promising satisfaction rates among subscribers who use the included SVOD options.
The conversation also explores the rise of "virtual basic cable" — internet-only TV packages from operators like Charter, Comcast, and Cox that blur the lines between traditional and streaming services. With sports content remaining the ultimate satisfaction driver and bundling becoming increasingly complex, the media landscape is evolving faster than ever.
The episode explores:
- Are subscribers willing to juggle multiple streaming platforms to catch all their favorite sports, or is there a breaking point?
- Could hybrid bundles that combine traditional TV with streaming services be the future of cable — or just a temporary bridge?
More S&P Global content:
- Virtual options provide a new take on basic cable TV
- MediaTalk | Season 4 | Ep. 28 - How NCTC Helps Small Operators Compete in a Consolidating Market
Featured experts:
- Brian Bacon, research analyst on the Consumer Insights team within S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was a resounding commercial triumph, setting a new benchmark for global sporting events. The tournament shattered revenue expectations, with projections climbing from $11 billion to a record $15 billion for the cycle. This success was driven by several factors that worked exceptionally well across geographies.
What Worked:
- Unprecedented Viewership & Attendance: The tournament saw near-100% stadium occupancy. In the US, the final became the most-watched soccer match ever, delivering massive ratings for rights holders Fox and Telemundo. Viewership was also incredibly strong in Europe and the APAC region, despite challenging time zones.
- Aggressive Monetization: The introduction of in-game "hydration breaks" proved to be a financial windfall for US broadcaster Fox, contributing to a combined ad sales total of nearly $1.2 billion with Telemundo. Furthermore, FIFA's global partnerships with YouTube and TikTok successfully extended engagement and created new content opportunities.
What Didn't Work So Well:
- Fan & Broadcaster Friction: While a commercial success in the US, the hydration breaks received a less favorable fan reaction globally, with some feeling it disrupted the game's flow. European and some APAC broadcasters were unable to monetize these breaks due to tighter advertising regulations.
- Technical & Logistical Hurdles: The integration of VAR technology remained a point of controversy, especially in terms of some key goals. In Europe, streaming latency continues to be an issue, diminishing the live viewing experience for audiences seconds behind the broadcast feed.
Ultimately, the 2026 World Cup showcased a powerful and evolving commercial model, but also highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing monetization and technology with the global fan experience.
More S&P Global content:
MediaTalk | Season 4 | Ep. 23 - FIFA World Cup 2026: Global Media Rights, Ads vs. Sponsors, and Streaming Wars
The Business of Sports
Frequently Asked Question: Can Hosting the World Cup Move the Economic Needle?
Featured experts:
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Victor Heng, associate research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
JP O'Sullivan, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
As the media industry experiences a whirlwind of M&A activity, S&P Global Ratings' Naveen Sarma sits down with "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds to explain what is driving the spike in activity.
From Nexstar-Tegna's legal limbo to Charter's $34.5 billion Cox acquisition, and Paramount Skydance's blockbuster play for Warner Bros. Discovery, consolidation is reshaping the industry. The driving force? Scale. Companies need scale in content, global reach, and distribution to compete in an increasingly globalized streaming world.
But there's a catch: leverage. These mega-deals are being fueled by a combination of debt and private credit, and Sarma warns that high leverage ratios could impact credit ratings and long-term viability. Meanwhile, Comcast's potential NBCU spin-off signals the end of vertical integration in US media and distribution — a strategy that captured CEO imaginations for two decades.
With foreign investment, state attorneys general and strategic repositioning all in play, the next year will be critical for media companies navigating this transformation.
More S&P Global content:
Comcast Ratings Placed On CreditWatch Negative Following Announcement Of Split
The Ratings Implications of Paramount's Proposed Capital Structure
Featured experts:
- Naveen Sarma, S&P Global Ratings Managing Director and Sector Lead, Media and Telecom, North America
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
In this MediaTalk episode, NCTC CEO Lou Borrelli highlights the mounting challenges smaller and independent operators face amidst industry consolidation, slowing broadband growth, and escalating retransmission costs. Borrelli noted that consolidation pressures can impact member morale and reduce organizational scale, as larger members are acquired.
While broadband remains the leading product, NCTC members face fierce competition even in smaller markets. Borrelli discussed how NCTC tries to help by enabling innovative solutions like broadband TV and mobile bundles, and AI solutions.
Borrelli notes that for smaller operators, NCTC remains a vital ally, helping members navigate industry shifts, manage costs, and deliver value to local customers.
More S&P Global content:
MediaTalk | Season 4 | Ep. 22 - Kagan Media & Telecom Summit Preview: Streaming, Sports Rights, Broadband, M&A Outlook for 2026
Featured experts:
- Lou Borrelli, CEO of the National Content & Technology Cooperative
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
The gaming landscape is shifting fast. In this episode of "MediaTalk," S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Neil Barbour breaks down the sector's biggest stories: Chinese mega-publishers like Tencent and NetEase are crushing it with smart live-service strategies, while Xbox struggles under the weight of $800 console price tags and shrinking margins. Meanwhile, Nintendo's Switch 2 is dominating hardware sales even without a blockbuster Mario or Zelda title.
But it's not all consoles and controllers. Neil explores what PC gaming growth means and why Roblox's safety measures could slow its meteoric increases.
The conversation takes a futuristic turn at the Augmented World Expo, where Neil test-drives the latest smart glasses from Meta, Snap, XReal, and the sleeper hit Raven Prism — revealing which devices might actually make it into our daily lives.
Are $800 consoles pricing out the next generation of gamers?
Will consumers adopt smart glasses in public if they solve real problems?
More S&P Global content:
Data & Dimensions | Ep. 6 - An Investment Insider's Look at Gaming in 2026
Data & Dimensions | Ep. 13 - What Xbox could learn from Atari
Featured experts:
- Neil Barbour, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
In this episode of "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds and S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts Peter Leitzinger and Jessica Cahill explore why podcasting continues to accelerate — from growing monthly listener numbers to shifting audience segments by age, gender, and genre. They break down what's driving adoption, including video podcasting — and how platforms like YouTube and Spotify are changing discovery — plus where listeners are tuning in most often. The conversation also turns to monetization: why advertisers value highly engaged, loyal podcast audiences and what that could mean for ad revenue through 2031.
Beyond the numbers, the episode highlights how podcast content remains highly segmented, from politics to true crime to sports — and how platform choice shapes reach.
More S&P Global content:
Podcasts from S&P Global Market Intelligence
Featured experts:
- Jessica Cahill, analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Peter Leitzinger, analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
This "MediaTalk" episode breaks down the early trading days following SpaceX's historic IPO on June 12, exploring why the stock surged, why it later cooled, and what investors are really buying into. The conversation connects SpaceX's valuation metrics to lessons from past IPO booms, including the dotcom era, while also unpacking how today's AI story is reshaping market appetite across sectors. The guests discuss how retail participation, IPO "bumps," and subsequent volatility can influence expectations — and they also dig into major developments after going public, including the Cursor acquisition, a bond sale and new computing power arrangements. From space launch demand and satellite supply dynamics, this episode ties big-picture market forces to company-level execution.
What matters more for SpaceX's next chapter: AI-driven growth or satellite infrastructure fundamentals?
And will the year of the AI IPO accelerate or stall as trading volatility continues?
More S&P Global content:
S&P Global Ratings Webinar: Launching S&P's Ratings on SpaceX
Featured experts:
- John Fletcher, principal research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Iuri Struta, tech capital markets reporter at S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds sits down with Kagan's Justin Nielson and Seth Shafer to break down some of the major themes reshaping media right now, including Fox's purchase of Roku, advertising-based video on demand's (AVOD's) continued ascent, the migration of sports rights and the maturation of the streaming market.
First, they unpack Fox's acquisition of Roku, framing it as a strategic advertising and connected TV expansion. With Roku already heavily driven by ad revenue, the deal signals how Fox is chasing ad dollars — and audience scale — without taking on the full burden of streaming subscription competition.
Next, the conversation turns to AVOD growth. Nielson and Shafer highlight why ad-supported models are gaining traction as consumers face rising streaming costs. AVOD is increasingly becoming a durable revenue engine, even as ad spend patterns continue to evolve.
Finally, they explore sports streaming maturity: rights are shifting, but linear still dominates many live events. As more sports move to streaming, how much migration is actually happening versus what still remains stubbornly linear — and what does that mean potential regulatory and legislative efforts?
More S&P Global content:
Kagan Research
Kagan Media & Telecom Summit Preview: Streaming, Sports Rights, Broadband, M&A Outlook for 2026
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, head of Kagan Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
- Seth Shafer, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
Producer/Editor: Sarah James
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and S&P Global Kagan analysts unpack what's driving the business of the FIFA 2026 Men's World Cup — far beyond matches on the pitch. The episode explores how broadcast and streaming rights are shaping FIFA's revenue, including the scale of global coverage and multi-market deals. From Fox and Telemundo in the US to major commitments in China and India, the discussion highlights how media rights are evolving toward multiplatform distribution.
The episode also breaks down how advertisers and sponsors are positioning around the tournament's expanded footprint — covering sponsorship tiers, premium ad inventory, and why brand exposure is becoming more tightly managed. Finally, we look at streaming competition and what it could mean for future rights cycles, with global platforms likely to play a larger role.
The episode answers:
- How does consumption vary across global markets when it comes to watching games on the big screen vs. mobile?
- How will concerns about ticket pricing and transportation impact this year's tournament?
More S&P Global content:
The Business of Sports
Frequently Asked Question: Can Hosting the World Cup Move the Economic Needle?
The Decisive | Season 6 | Ep.9 - From Free Trade to Managed Trade: The Next Phase of USMCA
Featured experts:
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Bruno do Amaral, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Ariel Thomas Rodriguez, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Richard Berndes, associate media analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds provides a preview of the Kagan Media & Telecom Summit 2026 on June 9 at The Commons in Midtown Manhattan. The episode spotlights what attendees can expect across the media value chain — streaming's continued rise, the evolving economics of sports rights, and how broadband infrastructure and advertising technology are shaping what viewers and advertisers can access next.
Along the way, speakers preview multiple sessions: an advertising outlook focused on whether TV can win back advertisers and fuel new growth; a sports media panel that breaks down how deal structure, valuation, monetization, and capital/technology are reshaping the ecosystem; and a broadband discussion on closing adoption gaps through fixed wireless and satellite internet.
The conversation also turns to deal-making, with a merger mania segment exploring why media M&A is heating up and what's driving changing valuations and financing mechanisms.
What role is foreign money playing in media M&A? Has the expected wave of deregulation happened?
More S&P Global content:
Kagan Media & Telecom Summit 2026
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, head of Kagan Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
- Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Seth Shafer, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- John Fletcher, principal research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Sarah James, TMT News Lead at S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
Producer/Editor: Sarah James
Hollywood loves a sequel and so do we. As "MediaTalk" takes a Memorial Day weekend break, we present a reprise of our summer box office outlook. S&P Global's box office experts, Wade Holden and Mac Mathews, point to a slate packed with major franchises and originals — from The Devil Wears Prada 2 to Supergirl, a new Spider-Man entry, and Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey — as key reasons the market could push past the $4 billion summer threshold.
We'll be back next week with a new episode previewing our upcoming Kagan Media & Telecom Summit, followed the week after with an episode about the FIFA World Cup 2026.
More S&P Global content:
Kagan Media & Telecom Summit 2026
Featured experts:
Wade Holden, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Mac Mathews, associate director of editorial, design and publishing at S&P Global
Credits:
Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
Producer/Editor: Sarah James
Following a spring box office rebound, the latest "MediaTalk" episode highlights why the industry is entering summer 2026 with real momentum. S&P Global's box office experts, Wade Holden and Mac Mathews, point to a slate packed with major franchises and originals — from The Devil Wears Prada 2 to Supergirl, a new Spider-Man entry, and Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey — as key reasons the market could push past the $4 billion summer threshold.
The conversation also underscores a meaningful audience shift: Gen Z is increasingly shaping theatrical performance, especially around low-budget horror, event films, and rediscovered catalog IP that gained traction through streaming. At the same time, the success of female-skewing sequels and musical biopics suggests the box office is becoming less dependent on superhero titles alone.
Is the 2026 box office recovery starting to look structural rather than cyclical?
And will wider theatrical windows become the new expectation — even for streaming-native studios?
More S&P Global content:
Kagan Media & Telecom Summit 2026
Featured experts:
Wade Holden, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Mac Mathews, associate director of editorial, design and publishing at S&P Global
Credits:
Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
Producer/Editor: Sarah James
In this episode of "MediaTalk," the S&P Global Market Intelligence team brings together reporters from around the globe to unpack the seismic shifts underway in the space technology sector. With SpaceX's highly anticipated IPO on the horizon, the team explores how this historic event could reshape not just the space industry, but the broader IPO market.
Key insights include the changing dynamics between SpaceX and the US government, with Defense Department contracts now outpacing NASA's. The team examines how these factors complicate investor visibility and legal protections — especially as SpaceX considers waiving traditional lock-up periods.
The episode also spotlights Starlink's rapid growth and its first-mover advantage in the US satellite internet market, as well as Amazon's strategic moves with its Globalstar acquisition. Space technology M&A activity is surging in 2026, even as the rise of mega constellations prompts questions about market capacity and competition.
As the space tech sector enters a new orbit, MediaTalk asks:
Will SpaceX's IPO set a new standard for tech listings, or drain capital from smaller players?
Are mega constellations and vertical integration the keys to long-term dominance, or will new entrants disrupt the status quo?
More S&P Global content:
Kagan Media & Telecom Summit 2026
Featured experts:
- Stefan Modrich, tech policy reporter for S&P Global Market Intelligence
- Nick Lazzaro, capital markets reporter at S&P Global Market Intelligence
- Ikrama Ranjha, newswriter at S&P Global Market Intelligence
- Mark Gubagaras, newswriter at S&P Global Market Intelligence
- Iuri Struta, tech capital markets reporter at S&P Global Market Intelligence
- Sarah James, TMT News Lead at S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
The 2026 upfront season has arrived, when media companies showcase their upcoming content and advertisers seize the opportunity to secure prime placement in front of millions of viewers. This strategic period sets the stage for the entire TV season, influencing buying decisions and gauging the health of the advertising ecosystem.
In this episode, Mike Reynolds sits down with Sean Cunningham, President and CEO of the Video Advertising Bureau, to explore how the media landscape is transforming. From streaming giants reshaping consumer expectations to the rise of connected TV, the conversation reveals why premium video content — defined by professional production, emotional engagement, brand safety, and transparency — remains the gold standard for marketers, regardless of platform.
But there's a catch: questions about long-accepted currencies have created measurement instability, particularly for cable entertainment and key demographics. Cunningham discusses whether first-party data from media companies might be the next solution to the industry's currency crisis.
Will this year's upfront finally bring stability to video advertising, or are we headed for another round of marketplace uncertainty? And as non-human traffic dominates the internet, how will marketers ensure their premium video investments actually reach real consumers?
More S&P Global content:
Kagan Media & Telecom Summit 2026
Featured experts:
- Sean Cunningham, VAB CEO and President
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
After decades of playing second fiddle to cable and satellite, the broadcast industry is back in a big way. Station groups are getting bigger, sports rights deals are getting more expensive and the line between broadcast and streaming content is blurring. In this "MediaTalk" episode, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan's Justin Nielson and Scott Robson unpack what they saw on the ground at the NAB Show and a parallel sports tech conference in Las Vegas.
First: Are traditional broadcasters back in the live sports game? The answer is yes — but differently. Station groups are stepping into the vacuum left by regional sports networks, picking up local NBA, MLB and NHL games, while ATSC 3.0, or next-gen TV, deployments in markets like Brazil and the Caribbean showcase how broadcast is evolving into a hybrid, data-rich IP platform.
Second: Where are the new revenue and profit engines? Political and sports remain core, but experimentation is happening around alternative game casts, ultra-low latency streaming for in-game betting and AI-driven creative. At the same time, transformational M&A deals, including a potential SiriusXM-iHeartMedia combination, offer opportunities for synergies. For media, tech and advertising leaders, this episode is a concise tour of where the next wave of sports, news and ad dollars is likely to flow.
More S&P Global content:
MediaTalk | Season 4 | Ep. 16 - Betting on the Future: How Prediction Markets Are Changing the Game
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, head of Kagan Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
- Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and S&P Global Market Intelligence tech policy reporter Stefan Modrich dive into the rapidly evolving world of prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. They explore how these platforms, which allow users to wager on everything from political events to sports outcomes, are blurring the lines between traditional betting and financial markets. The conversation covers regulatory challenges, particularly the ongoing debate between state and federal oversight led by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and highlights the platforms' growing influence in mainstream media and professional sports leagues. The episode also addresses concerns around market manipulation, insider trading, and the ethical boundaries of prediction markets, especially as they intersect with AI and controversial "death contracts." As these platforms expand and attract partnerships with major leagues and media organizations, their regulatory future remains uncertain.
More S&P Global content:
Prediction markets create insider trading loophole as enforcement lags
Featured experts:
- Stefan Modrich, tech policy reporter for S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
With the 2026 US midterms shaping up to be a major windfall for political advertising, this "MediaTalk" episode unpacks how media companies should position for it.
Control of Congress is up for grabs, with a handful of "toss-up" Senate and House races. On top of that are the gubernatorial races. Taken together, record-level spending is expected. Local broadcast remains a cornerstone, with estimates of $4 billion in political revenue for local TV. Meanwhile, connected TV is no longer incremental — it's becoming a primary budget line thanks to targeting and reach beyond shrinking pay TV. The conversation also highlights how station groups with heavy exposure in battleground states — and potentially a reshaped landscape if major consolidation proceeds — could disproportionately benefit.
The episode considers how local broadcasters should package linear and connected TV to defend pricing power. Also, which states and ad markets will drive the most spending?
More S&P Global content:
Technology, Media, & Telecoms
Featured experts:
- Steve Passwaiter, president of Silver Oak Political
- Peter Leitzinger, analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
Sports media is entering a period of rapid change: rights costs keep climbing, distribution is splintering, and leagues are rethinking how to reach fans who no longer live in a single bundle. In this "MediaTalk" episode, S&P Global Market Intelligence's Kagan team unpacks the globalization of sports rights, the shift of local games from collapsing regional sports networks to broadcast stations, and the accelerating move to direct-to-consumer streaming that promises reach but tests pricing tolerance. The conversation also flags how 2026-era mega-events and the rapid evolution of sports betting and prediction markets are adding new revenue streams — and new complexity — for media companies trying to balance scale, exclusivity, and profitability.
If fragmentation is the new normal, who will win the customer relationship: leagues, platforms, or aggregators?
How much more will fans pay before "must-have" sports becomes a subscription breaking point?
More S&P Global content:
- Navigating the Chaos of Sports Media Rights Fragmentation
- Maximizing Sports Media Rights Value: Benchmarking, Negotiation, & Market Intelligence in 2026
Featured experts:
Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
The Masters may be a tradition unlike any other, but its media rights strategy is evolving in a very modern way as more coverage migrates to streaming. Starting in 2026, Augusta National adds Amazon Prime Video as a new domestic partner, giving Prime two exclusive hours of live coverage on Thursday and Friday before ESPN's afternoon coverage begins. CBS remains the weekend broadcast home.
This "MediaTalk" episode explores whether the streaming expansion will enhance the Masters' mystique — or dilute the scarcity that makes it so valuable?
The conversation turns to PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp's proposed structural overhaul—fewer but bigger events, more presence in major U.S. markets, and even promotion/relegation — framing it as a bid to increase competitive intensity and year-round narrative. If the PGA Tour adopts relegation and fewer "bigger" events, does that strengthen the product — or risk alienating core fans and sponsors?
Also discussed is Versant's evolving sports portfolio, streaming's expanding role across rights packages, LIV's uneven US traction despite wider distribution, and the outlook for TGL/WTGL.
More S&P Global content:
- Navigating the Chaos of Sports Media Rights Fragmentation
- Maximizing Sports Media Rights Value: Benchmarking, Negotiation, & Market Intelligence in 2026
Featured experts:
Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" delves into the ins and outs of baseball media rights, distribution disruption, and the business model pressure points shaping MLB's next decade. The episode unpacks how MLB's new ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) challenge system adds a layer of on-field strategy without fully replacing human umpires, reflecting a broader theme: incremental tech adoption with high-stakes outcomes.
From there, the conversation pivots to the World Baseball Classic's breakout viewership, underscoring how premium events can generate outsized audience demand and advertiser value. The biggest story, though, is structural: the collapse and restructuring of the regional sports network (RSN) ecosystem and MLB's expanding role in local production and direct-to-consumer distribution. With top franchises still collecting massive local rights fees while others face uncertainty, the episode highlights widening competitive imbalance — fueling concerns that the next labor fight could center on caps, floors, and revenue sharing.
Will MLB successfully centralize local streaming by 2028 — or will big-market teams block the model to protect premium RSN economics?
Finally, the episode examines why Netflix and NBC want curated MLB inventory and what that signals about sports' role in reducing churn and owning "appointment" windows.
As streamers cherry-pick tentpole games, what's the next must-have rights package that will reshape sports media valuations?
More S&P Global content:
- Navigating the Chaos of Sports Media Rights Fragmentation
- Maximizing Sports Media Rights Value: Benchmarking, Negotiation, & Market Intelligence in 2026
Featured experts:
Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
March Madness is a case study in how premium sports rights stand to be repackaged and monetized in an increasingly fragmented TV-and-streaming ecosystem. This "MediaTalk" episode highlights the long-running CBS and TNT Sports partnership as an unusually durable co-rights model — one that blends broadcast reach with cable affiliate economics and modern streaming distribution. With the looming possibility of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery becoming corporate teammates, the episode explores what consolidation could mean for rights strategy, brand architecture and platform rationalization.
A key theme: distribution optionality is now paramount. Between March Madness Live, Paramount+ and HBO Max, the tournament demonstrates how major events can drive authentication, subscriptions, and ad sales across multiple endpoints. However, this also raises the question of whether three parallel digital destinations is sustainable long-term. The episode also connects tournament scheduling and expansion chatter to broader sports calendar realities and ad inventory constraints.
Beyond rights, the episode digs into NIL and federal policy proposals (including the SCORE Act and College Sports Competitiveness Act) as forces that could reshape cost structures, conference leverage, and the long-run economics underpinning media deals. Finally, the episode frames sports betting — including prediction markets — as an increasingly material engagement layer, especially in non-legal betting states.
More S&P Global content:
- Navigating the Chaos of Sports Media Rights Fragmentation
- Maximizing Sports Media Rights Value: Benchmarking, Negotiation, & Market Intelligence in 2026
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
Broadband is behaving more like a true utility, with churn holding near a remarkably low 1% per month for fixed broadband, comparable only to mobile phone providers. Moves remain the top driver of customer loss, followed by the hunt for lower prices and frustrations with service quality, especially among older households, families with children, and higher-income users who are more intolerant of outages. Speed, while important, ranks further down the list of reasons to switch.
At the same time, competitive pressure is intensifying. Fixed wireless access is scaling quickly in both rural and suburban/urban markets, and Starlink's aggressive pricing and rapid growth are reshaping satellite broadband economics ahead of a potential IPO. Fiber leaders like Verizon Fios and Frontier show the lowest churn, and cable operators are leaning on deep bundles to lock in customers for five to 10 years.
As broadband matures, will pricing and service quality outweigh speed as the decisive factors in retention? Can incumbents hold the line against fixed wireless and LEO satellite challengers?
More S&P Global content:
- US Broadband monthly churn hits 1.3%
- Fixed wireless subscribers by state
Featured experts:
- John Fletcher, principal research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Brian Bacon, research analyst on the Consumer Insights team within S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
Funding for the generative AI sector has shattered records in just two months of 2026, surpassing all of 2025. OpenAI's staggering $120 billion funding round, alongside Anthropic's $30 billion and X.AI's $20 billion, signals unprecedented confidence in AI's transformative potential.
But the story extends beyond foundation models. As traditional venture capital firms find themselves priced out of mega-rounds, capital is flowing into the application and infrastructure layers, particularly code generation — currently AI's most proven use case. Meanwhile, the SaaS sector faces an existential reckoning as investors question whether AI-native businesses can deliver superior customer value at lower marginal costs.
The infrastructure race intensifies as hyperscalers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google compete for AI supremacy, driving data center valuations into the stratosphere. Yet power constraints loom large — 2026 may mark the first year a data center project fails purely due to energy shortages. With gas turbine manufacturers booked through 2030, the question isn't just about capital availability, but physical infrastructure capacity.
This episode explores what happens when unprecedented capital deployment for AI funding collides with fundamental resource constraints and energy supply reality.
More S&P Global content:
- GenAI VC Funding: A 2026 Outlook
- Datacenter Dealmaking: Can the Record-Breaking Momentum Continue in 2026?
Featured experts:
- Iuri Struta, senior reporter at S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds sits down with Mike Donoghue, CEO and co-founder of Subtext, to discuss how AI is reshaping brand-consumer relationships in today's cluttered digital landscape. Subtext, a short message service marketing platform, recorded remarkable growth last year, notching a more than 100% revenue increase in 2025.
Donoghue emphasized that while AI is inevitable, its proper application is critical. Rather than replacing human voices, Subtext uses AI to analyze consumer responses and generate actionable insights. "People want to talk through machines, not to machines," he explained, highlighting that brands foregoing genuine human connection risk losing relevance in an increasingly automated world.
As email marketing faces AI-driven disruption similar to what search experienced, more publishers are turning to SMS to maintain direct audience relationships without big tech gatekeepers. This episode explores what the balance between AI efficiency and human connection will look like in 2026 and 2027, and how brands are preparing for the AI-driven transformation of traditional communication channels. Are direct, unfiltered connections an essential strategy to stand out in an increasingly automated world?
More S&P Global content:
Technology, Media, & Telecoms
GenAI VC Funding: A 2026 Outlook
Featured experts:
Mike Donoghue, CEO and co-founder of Subtext
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by three analysts from S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan to discuss the evolving landscape of mobile and broadband markets across the US and Europe in 2026. The discussion highlighted how connectivity has become the central focus for telecommunications providers, with streaming service aggregation emerging as the new strategic approach for traditional operators seeking to maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
The conversation revealed contrasting trends in pay TV markets, with the US showing some resilience in 2025 after years of decline, particularly through virtual providers like YouTube TV. European markets have experienced less dramatic subscriber losses due to stronger bundling strategies and robust free-to-air options that continue to satisfy consumer demand. These regional differences underscore how market structures and consumer preferences continue to shape telecommunications business models differently across geographies.
The analysts emphasized how the convergence of fixed and mobile services is fundamentally reshaping competition in the telecommunications sector. T-Mobile's strategic expansion into fiber, cable companies' growing mobile service offerings, and the acceleration of fixed wireless access are creating new competitive dynamics that blur traditional industry boundaries. Meanwhile, the media landscape continues to transform as telecommunications companies increasingly divest content assets that are being consolidated by dedicated media companies. These shifts suggest a fundamental restructuring of how telecommunications services will be packaged, marketed and delivered to consumers in the coming years.
More S&P Global content:
Technology, Media, & Telecoms
Fixed wireless subscribers by state
Featured experts:
- Lynnette Luna, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
John Fletcher, principal research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Mohammed Hamza, principal research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
For better or worse, the domestic box office is changing. While the pre-pandemic film calendar was dominated by super hero movies, the current box office calendar has more room for director auteurs and A-list actors to make their marks.
This episode explores how expectations around theatrical windows are changing — as "Zootopia 2" enjoys an especially long and lucrative run in theaters. Meanwhile, Netflix is trying to buy Warner Bros. while simultaneously flip-flopping on a 7 vs. 17 vs. 45-day window for films in theaters.
This "MediaTalk" episode makes the case for the unique role that theaters play for audiences and filmmakers. What will 2026 bring? How are studios adapting their release and marketing strategies in a streaming-first world?
More S&P Global content:
MediaTalk | Season 2 EP 14 - The Summer Box Office Begins - https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/mediatalk-s2-ep-14
Featured experts:
Wade Holden, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Mac Mathews, associate director of editorial, design and publishing at S&P Global
Credits:
Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
Producer/Editor: Sarah James
Super Bowl 60 is not just the biggest NFL game of the year — it is arguably the single biggest media and advertising event on the sports calendar. "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by a panel of S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts to unpack how NBC's presentation of the big game across NBC, Telemundo and Peacock turns the matchup into a cross-platform showcase designed to maximize reach and ad yield.
The episode examines the NFL's strong regular-season audience and how recent Nielsen measurement changes — especially "Big Data + Panel" and expanded out-of-home tracking — matter when interpreting year-over-year growth. The discussion also touches on streaming's continued momentum and how premium live sports can scale outside traditional TV, even as linear remains the dominant mass-reach environment.
On the ad side, the headline is pricing: the most expensive 30-second spots reportedly fetched $10 million this year, with the average around $8 million. Advertisers remain willing to pay up for the cultural impact and attention that is hard to replicate elsewhere. The group also flags the expected surge of AI-themed Super Bowl advertisers and debates whether this year can match last season's 127.7 million record audience.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
- Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, head of Kagan Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
- Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
With the Winter Olympics quickly approaching, expectations are high — both in terms of the potential US medal count and the viewership and revenue opportunities for US rightsholder NBCUniversal.
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by Gary Zenkel, president of NBC Olympics to discuss his outlook for this year's Winter Games. NBC anticipates strong audience interest, robust advertiser participation, and a Peacock experience that converts Olympic demand into sustained streaming usage.
The network says Olympic ad inventory was sold out about a month before opening day, reinforcing the Games' status as a scarce, brand-safe property and extending the momentum NBC saw in Paris.
Operationally, Zenkel describes a large-scale, efficiency-driven production model that blends on-site coverage in Italy with expanded remote production from Stamford, Connecticut. The approach reflects pandemic-era acceleration of technology-enabled workflows, designed to control costs while still delivering comprehensive coverage across platforms.
Peacock is positioned as the centerpiece of the consumer experience and the growth engine for streaming engagement. NBCUniversal plans to offer the broadest access through Peacock — live events, replays, sport deep dives, and curated viewing options — while using NBC's prime-time show as a story-forward package that drives mass reach and daily buzz. Zenkel notes that total distribution across streaming and linear will exceed 3,000 hours, underscoring Peacock's role in delivering breadth and personalization.
More S&P Global content:
How Sports Media Rights Are Changing the Game for Fans and Networks
Featured experts:
- Gary Zenkel, President, NBC Olympics
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts Seth Shafer and Michail Chandakas to explore the streaming landscape in the US and Europe as we look ahead to 2026. The conversation explores how leading platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Paramount+ are evolving amid market saturation, M&A activity and shifting consumer habits.
Seth Shafer highlights the maturation of the US streaming market, where growth is slowing and consolidation is becoming a strategic necessity. He points to the increasing role of bundled offerings and the challenge of sustaining subscriber growth as households juggle multiple services.
Michail Chandakas provides a European perspective, noting Netflix's dominant market share and the launch of HBO Max in new territories. He observes that partnerships between US streamers and local broadcasters are becoming more aggressive, helping both sides reach broader audiences and meet local content quotas.
Sports streaming is another hot topic, with both analysts agreeing that live sports rights are crucial for driving engagement — but also create fragmentation as fans chase content across platforms. The rise of ad-supported streaming is a key driver of growth, particularly in Europe, though monetization remains a challenge.
More S&P Global content:
- Implications of the Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery deal for the APAC region
Featured experts:
- Seth Shafer, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Michail Chandakas, analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" listeners get an insider's view of the CES 2026 through the eyes of S&P Global Market Intelligence's Neil Barbour and Stefan Modrich. The pair provide an in-depth look at the latest advancements in robotics and AI showcased at the annual consumer tech trade show. The discussion highlights the capabilities and limitations of the newest robots, which can perform tasks like serving coffee, playing ping pong, and even taking Polaroid snapshots. Despite these advancements, the episode questions whether robots are ready to enter our homes, noting they remain slow, clunky, and prone to errors, making them more suited for industrial settings for now.
On the policy front, the episode explores the evolving landscape surrounding AI, touching on federal and state-level debates over regulation. What are the implications of the AI executive order and the federal preemption of state laws? How will policies impact tech giants like Nvidia, especially regarding international trade and semiconductor supply chains? This episode offers a critical look at how policy and technology intersect, shaping the future of AI and robotics in 2026 and beyond.
More S&P Global content:
- Data & Dimensions | Ep. 1 -The Future of XR Hardware at Work and Play
Featured experts:
- Neil Barbour, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst
- Stefan Modrich, tech policy reporter for S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
The first "MediaTalk" episode from 2026 explores the shifting media landscape expected in the coming year, focusing on the sports, cable and broadcast sectors. Major sports leagues — including the NBA, MLB, and UFC — are reshaping their media rights strategies, with deals that increasingly prioritize streaming platforms alongside traditional broadcasters. These moves aim to broaden audience reach but also introduce new cost considerations for fans, such as higher monthly fees to access comprehensive coverage.
The cable business remains profitable, but subscriber erosion continues. The launch of direct-to-consumer offerings from ESPN and Fox, plus genre-specific streaming bundles from YouTube TV, reflect a response to changing viewer habits and the decline of the traditional pay-TV bundle. Consolidation is a key theme, with ongoing mergers and acquisitions in both the US and Europe, as companies seek scale and operational efficiencies to compete with global streaming giants.
Looking ahead, marquee events like the FIFA World Cup and Winter Olympics are expected to drive temporary spikes in viewership and ad spending in 2026. However, the long-term outlook for cable and broadcast networks is uncertain, as industry players navigate evolving consumer preferences, regulatory challenges, and the continued rise of digital platforms.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
- Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, head of Kagan Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
- Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- JP O'Sullivan, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
With the holidays upon us, "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and producer Sarah James are taking a bit of a break. A new season of the podcast will return in January with previews of what 2026 may hold across the various media, telecom and tech sectors. Until then, we wish you and yours the best of the holidays and a great start to 2026!
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
Using proprietary consumer data from S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan, "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and Kagan analyst Brian Bacon explore how platforms are navigating the evolving sports media landscape.
Netflix, known for its eclectic selection of sports content, is gradually expanding its portfolio with offerings like the WWE Raw franchise and select MLB games. Yet, it remains a platform where sports are not the primary draw. How does this strategy impact its subscriber base, especially when only a quarter of users cite sports as a crucial factor for subscribing?
In contrast, Peacock leverages a more robust sports lineup, including NHL games and Olympic coverage, aiming to replicate the success of NBC Sports. Despite this, the survey reveals a split among users on the importance of sports content, as the bulk of Peacock's sports rights remain available on Comcast's linear TV networks.
The episode also delves into demographic insights, revealing intriguing gender and age preferences in sports fandom. The Kansas City Chiefs top the list among female respondents, possibly hinting at broader cultural influences. Meanwhile, younger viewers (18-44) favor NBA teams like the Lakers, highlighting generational shifts in sports preferences.
The episode explores how these strategies and demographic insights are shaping the future of sports streaming. Are these platforms meeting the diverse needs of their audiences, or is there room for growth?
More S&P Global content:
Top 10 US pro sports teams, 2025
Featured experts:
Brian Bacon, research analyst on the Consumer Insights team within S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by S&P Global Market Intelligence tech policy reporter Stefan Modrich to explore the complex world of US export controls on NVIDIA and other chipmakers. The conversation covers the latest developments in AI chip exports, including the US government's evolving stance on allowing NVIDIA's H200 GPUs to reach select customers in China, while still blocking access to advanced Blackwell chips.
What does this mean for the future of American innovation and global competitiveness? How are these policies shaping the delicate balance between national security and free-market ambitions?
The episode also explores the ripple effects on global supply chains, particularly in countries like Japan and Korea, and raises critical questions about the US's energy infrastructure and AI regulation. Meanwhile, at the state level, politicians are fighting against a federal AI regulation pre-emption. And local governments are debating the role of driverless vehicles and AI-powered tools in schools. Tune in to hear the tech policy debates that will shape discussions at the international, domestic, state and local level in the year to come.
More S&P Global content:
Examining the broader impact of changing chip export controls
AI preemption debate reignites concerns over cost, safety
Featured experts:
- Stefan Modrich, tech policy reporter for S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
In this episode of "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds and a panel of Kagan research analysts delve into the M&A whirlwind reshaping the media landscape. With major players like Paramount Skydance, Comcast, Netflix, Nexstar, and Sinclair making bold moves, what does the future hold for traditional and streaming media? The discussion highlights the recent bids for Warner Bros. Discovery, the implications of Nexstar's $6.2 billion offer for TEGNA, and Sinclair's unsolicited bid for E.W. Scripps.
As the media industry navigates this transformative phase, the episode explores critical questions: How will these mergers affect content creation and distribution? Will consolidation lead to a more competitive streaming environment or stifle innovation? What challenges might arise in securing regulatory approval for these massive deals?
Join us as we explore the potential outcomes of these landmark transactions and their impact on viewers and industry stakeholders alike.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
- Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, head of Kagan Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
- Seth Shafer, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
In this special Thanksgiving edition of "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds revisits insightful discussions with four prominent executives in the media industry, each sharing their perspectives on topics ranging from evolving distribution deals, sports rights and AI. The episode features Tom Montemagno from Charter Communications, John Lasker from ESPN, Brad Ramsey from TEGNA, and Mark Penn from Stagwell, offering a blend of strategic insights and industry trends.
Tom Montemagno discusses Charter's shift towards a hybrid model that combines traditional linear programming with streaming options. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to customer preferences and the need for transformative deals, particularly highlighting the successful negotiation with Disney/ESPN that allowed for seamless integration of streaming services.
John Lasker focuses on ESPN's direct-to-consumer strategy, particularly the launch of the ESPN DTC enhanced app. He underscores the goal of simplifying the content offering for sports fans, making it easier for them to access a comprehensive range of ESPN content through a single subscription, appealing to both traditional viewers and new audiences.
Brad Ramsey shares insights into TEGNA's approach to local sports rights, having secured deals with multiple professional sports teams. He notes the resurgence of local broadcasting in sports, driven by changes in the RSN space, and emphasizes the company's commitment to reaching more fans through accessible game coverage.
Mark Penn outlines Stagwell's vision as a digital-first marketing network, discussing the integration of advanced technology and AI in marketing strategies. He highlights the company's growth ambitions through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, while also emphasizing the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing marketing landscape.
This episode reflects on the challenges and opportunities that defined this year's media environment .
More S&P Global content:
MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 45 - How TEGNA Tailors Sports Rights Deals Across Leagues, Markets for Maximum Reach
MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 34 - How ESPN Aims to Change the Game with New Streaming App
MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 28 - Stagwell CEO Mark Penn Talks The Future of Marketing Amid AI Revolution
MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 25 - Charter's Gambit to Revive Linear Pay TV with Seamless Streaming Strategy
Featured experts:
- Tom Montemagno, Executive Vice President of Programming Acquisition at Charter Communications
- John Lasker, Senior Vice President of ESPN DTC
- Brad Ramsey, Senior Vice President and Head of Sports Rights for TEGNA
- Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
The latest episode of "MediaTalk" explores the fall and winter box office landscape, including the lukewarm fall season, which narrowly missed the $1 billion mark. Despite strong performances from "The Conjuring: Last Rites" and "Demon Slayer," the fall season struggled due to several underperforming films and postponed releases like the "Mortal Kombat" sequel.
The episode also explores the impact of streaming strategies on box office performance. Films like "KPop Demon Hunters" have thrived due to repeat viewings on platforms like Netflix, showcasing the evolving dynamics between theatrical releases and streaming services.
The conversation shifts to the winter season, highlighting potential blockbusters like "Wicked: For Good," "Zootopia 2," and the third installment of "Avatar." Expectations are high for "Wicked: For Good," with record-breaking pre-sales and extensive cross-promotional campaigns. Meanwhile, "Zootopia 2" and the upcoming "Avatar" film are also poised to drive significant box office revenue.
More S&P Global content:
MediaTalk | Season 2 EP 14 - The Summer Box Office Begins - https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/mediatalk-s2-ep-14
Featured experts:
Wade Holden, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Mac Mathews, associate director of editorial, design and publishing at S&P Global
Credits:
Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
Producer/Editor: Sarah James
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds delves into the dynamics of holiday spending for 2025, featuring insights from industry experts Zach Ciampa of 451 Research and Brian Scheid from Market Intelligence. As the holiday season approaches, what trends are emerging in consumer behavior? With an average spending forecast of $890.49 per person in the US, how will inflation and economic uncertainties shape this year's shopping habits?
Zach shares findings from 451's recent surveys, revealing a notable shift towards online shopping, where 50% of consumers plan to make their purchases digitally. Are consumers prioritizing convenience over traditional in-store experiences? Meanwhile, Brian highlights the complexities of inflation and the potential impact of tariffs on consumer spending. With the Fed's target for inflation set at 2%, how will rising costs affect holiday budgets?
As businesses prepare for the holiday rush, how can they adapt their strategies to meet evolving consumer expectations? Will AI-generated content enhance or hinder brand engagement this season? The episode also explores the ongoing debate around the use of AI in advertising — do consumers prefer authentic, human-driven marketing, or are they open to AI-generated content? Join us as we unpack these pressing questions and more.
More S&P Global content:
Generative AI shows rapid growth but yields mixed results
Featured experts:
Zach Ciampa - analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence 451 Research
Brian Scheid - senior reporter on global markets at S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds sits down with Brad Ramsey, senior vice president of media operations at TEGNA, about the increasingly important role that broadcasters are playing in delivering local sports programming to fans. TEGNA has secured local rights deals with 14 NBA, NHL, MLB, and WNBA teams, marking a significant shift in the sports broadcasting landscape. Ramsey emphasizes that the company's varied agreements, which include full season rights and targeted game packages, allow TEGNA to reach a broader audience, offering value to viewers and advertisers alike.
The conversation highlights the transformation of the regional sports network (RSN) space, especially following Diamond Sports' bankruptcy. Ramsey notes that local broadcasts have significantly outperformed previous RSN audiences, showcasing the effectiveness of their strategy.
Listeners will find themselves contemplating critical questions: How are local broadcasters redefining sports viewership in a digital age? What does the future hold for sports rights as teams explore new partnerships? And how can advertisers leverage the resurgence of local sports broadcasting to maximize their reach?
Tune in to discover how TEGNA and other broadcasters are reshaping the sports media landscape to make something long considered old new again.
More S&P Global content:
MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 43 - Navigating the New NBA and WNBA Media Landscape
Social media followers for top professional sports teams, May 2025
Featured experts:
- Brad Ramsey, Senior Vice President and Head of Sports Rights for TEGNA
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
The latest episode of "MediaTalk" delves into the dynamic landscape of mobile and broadband markets in the Americas with Kagan analysts John Fletcher, Lynette Luna, Tomás Sarmiento and Bruno do Amaral. As they explore the mobile markets, intriguing questions arise: How does the mobile penetration rate exceed 100% with a billion phones for 880 million people in the Americas? Why is Peru emerging as the fastest-growing market?
The discussion highlights the contrasting growth patterns between the US and Latin America. While the US leads in revenue and ARPU, Latin America's prepaid market, particularly in Mexico, dominates with 83% of the market. Bruno Do Amaral sheds light on the potential shift from prepaid to postpaid, especially in Brazil. Will this trend reshape the market dynamics?
The analysts also tackle the burgeoning 5G landscape. Despite its presence in countries like Brazil and Mexico, 5G adoption is slower than anticipated. Could upcoming spectrum auctions accelerate its growth?
Turning to broadband, John Fletcher emphasizes the US' unique reliance on cable due to historical early adoption. With fixed wireless gaining traction, could this be the key to achieving near-complete broadband penetration in the US by 2031? Meanwhile, Tomás Sarmiento points out the rapid fiber adoption in Latin America, driven by small and mid-sized ISPs. How will this affect future market dynamics?
As the episode concludes, each analyst shares their focus for the upcoming years, from spectrum challenges in the US to the evolving operator landscape in Latin America. With the potential for broadband price wars and increased convergence in services, what lies ahead for the telecom industry in the Americas?
More S&P Global content:
Technology, Media, & Telecoms
Fixed wireless subscribers by state
Featured experts:
- Lynnette Luna, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
John Fletcher, principal research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Tomás Sarmiento, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Bruno do Amaral, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
As the NBA kicks off its 2025-2026 season, significant changes in media rights and distribution strategies are reshaping how fans engage with the league. This episode of "MediaTalk" discusses the implications of the new NBA national rights deals, including the return of NBC Sports and the entry of Amazon Prime Video. How will these shifts impact viewership and fan engagement? Will streaming platforms help the league reach audiences that are either younger or more international in scope?
The episode also explores the WNBA's evolving media landscape, with record attendance and ratings alongside a substantial increase in rights fees. With the collective bargaining agreement ending later this month, what does the future hold for player salaries and league profitability? How does the rise of the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled impact the power balance between players and the league?
Join "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and a panel of S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts as they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing both leagues in this dynamic media environment.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
- Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" explores the growing importance of sports investments, which have evolved from vanity purchases to a legitimate asset class. Record-breaking transactions in leagues like the NBA and NFL underscore this transformation.
A key focus is why sports teams are considered a durable asset class that will hold their value and continue to grow not just for the next five or 10 or 20 years, but possibly for the next 100. Unlike other investments, sports teams enjoy inelastic demand—fans remain loyal regardless of team performance, ensuring steady revenue. These unique characteristics make sports teams more attractive than even Big Tech stocks, which may not guarantee the same long-term stability and loyalty.
The episode emphasizes the unparalleled ability of sports to captivate audiences, as seen with events like the Paris Olympics and the World Cup. This enduring appeal solidifies sports teams as valuable investments.
The podcast also explores the role of US investors in global sports investments, especially in European soccer clubs. Over half of the Premier League teams have American owners, highlighting a strong US presence in the UK soccer scene.
The conversation shifts to the impact of social media and technology. Social media enhances fan engagement and drives sponsorship values, while the sports technology sector sees growth in areas like sports analytics and collectibles.
Finally, the episode touches on the burgeoning interest in women's sports, with rapid growth in valuations for women's sports teams. As the episode concludes, the guests discuss whether the sports investment market is in a bubble. While some believe it is, others see it as a period of price discovery, with valuations likely to rise before stabilizing.
More S&P Global content:
- Scoring Profits: The Dual Benefits of Investing in Sports
Featured experts:
- Iuri Struta, senior reporter at S&P Global Market Intelligence
- Richard Berndes, associate media analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"Media Talk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan, to discuss the opportunities and challenges faced by TV and radio broadcasters in 2025.
Radio is experiencing a bifurcation, with traditional ad revenues declining while podcasting and streaming drive growth. Nielson emphasizes that radio remains a local medium, fostering community relationships, but faces pressure from national advertisers shifting budgets towards platforms like Spotify and SiriusXM. While certain sectors, including healthcare and professional services, are thriving, others like retail and automotive are struggling due to economic pressures.
On the television side, the outlook for 2025 appears challenging, particularly in an odd year without major events like the Summer Olympics or a presidential election. Additionally, the podcast discusses the M&A landscape, noting that the TV sector faces duopoly and national ownership cap rules that could impact transactions. Recent deals, namely Nexstar's potential purchase of TEGNA, will test the current limits.
The podcast also explores the impact of technological advancements, including AI and the transition to ATSC 3.0, which promises new revenue opportunities but faces hurdles in consumer adoption.
Overall, while both radio and TV navigate a complex environment marked by digital competition and economic uncertainty, there are still promising avenues for growth, particularly at the local level, alongside an evolving M&A landscape that could reshape the industry.
More S&P Global content:
Technology, Media, & Telecoms
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
In the latest episode of “MediaTalk,” host Mike Reynolds and S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Neil Barbour discuss the implications of Electronic Arts' $57 billion going-private deal. Notably, while the multiples on this deal rival those of Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard in 2021, the industry is in a very different phase of growth.
The conversation also looks at the current M&A landscape, delving into why the the anticipated wave of consolidation failed to materialize after Microsoft's Activision Blizzard deal. Will regulatory hurdles and a cautious market environment continue to stifle potential deals?
The health of the video game market raises further questions. With Microsoft reporting a rise in content revenue from previously Xbox-exclusive titles now available on PlayStation, can this momentum be sustained? How will Nintendo navigate software sales following its Switch 2 hardware launch? And what factors are driving Roblox's impressive user engagement, especially around titles such as Steal a Brainrot and Grow a Garden?
This episode prompts listeners to consider the future of the gaming industry and the potential paths for major players, asking what strategies companies should adopt to stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic market.
More S&P Global content:
- Video game industry sheds jobs to protect margins
- MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 22 - Gaming Outlook Complicated by GTA Delay, Metaverse Momentum
Featured experts:
- Neil Barbour, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Michael Johnson recently returned from Front Office Sports' "Tuned In" conference in Manhattan, where media and league executives talked about the rapidly evolving landscape of sports media.
One of the key highlights was the MLB's new rights agreements, which have not been formally announced. They are expected to include NBC securing Sunday night games, ESPN handling local rights, and Netflix stepping in for the Home Run Derby. This diversification of platforms underscores the strategic pivot towards streaming services, aiming to capture a wider audience and cater to changing viewer preferences.
The NBA is also making strides, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discussing potential expansions into Europe, supported by heavyweights like JP Morgan and the Raine Group. This not only signifies the NBA's global ambitions but also highlights the importance of regulatory navigation and infrastructure development in international markets.
Amazon's entry into the Masters golf tournament further illustrates the growing influence of streaming giants in traditional sports broadcasting. With their robust sports portfolio, Amazon is positioning itself as a formidable player, potentially eyeing future marquee events like the Super Bowl.
These developments are complemented by NBC's ambitious plans to provide 50 weeks of live Sunday night sports annually. Such initiatives reflect the increasing importance of sports in the broadcasting realm, as networks strive to maintain relevance and viewer engagement in a competitive market.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
- Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market
Featured experts:
- Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by S&P Global Market Intelligence tech policy reporter Stefan Modrich to discuss the evolving regulatory landscape for tech and media companies during the second Trump administration. The episode explores AI regulation, BEAD funding and broadcast mergers.
The discussion highlights the increasing complexity of AI legislation across the United States, with over 1,300 bills introduced at the state level that address AI's role in various sectors, including healthcare and election security. As companies and consumers navigate this regulatory patchwork, concerns about AI-generated content in political campaigns remain a hot topic.
The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, aiming to provide over $42 billion for high-speed broadband deployment, faces scrutiny as the Trump administration revamps funding criteria. The conversation touches on the political dynamics that could influence how these funds are allocated, with some states potentially needing to choose between AI regulation and BEAD funding.
In the broadcast sector, M&A stands to reshape the landscape. Nexstar's $6.2 billion bid to acquire TEGNA is under the spotlight, shining a light on both the FCC's deregulatory stance and the changing ways in which Americans are consuming news.
More S&P Global content:
GenAI funding hits record in 2024 boosted by infrastructure interest
Featured experts:
- Stefan Modrich, tech policy reporter for S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by two in-house movie experts — Wade Holden and Mac Mathews — to explore how the reduced theatrical window has reshaped audience behavior and summer box office outcomes. Traditionally, films enjoyed a 90-day exclusive run in theaters; but post-pandemic, this has been shortened to an average of less than seven weeks. This shift allows studios to capitalize on positive word-of-mouth quickly and reduce advertising costs by transitioning films to streaming platforms sooner. However, it also means that films need to make a significant impact in a shorter timeframe to be deemed successful.
Despite these challenges, certain films managed to outperform expectations. "Lilo and Stitch" and "How to Train Your Dragon" were notable successes, drawing in family audiences with their nostalgic appeal and quality storytelling. On the other hand, Pixar's "Elio" was a box office disappointment, failing to capture the audience's imagination.
Meanwhile, movies based on video games scored big, with "Minecraft" exceeding expectations and contributing to a strong spring box office. This trend of video game adaptations performing well is something studios are eager to leverage, as evidenced by Warner Bros. moving the release of the new "Mortal Kombat" movie to next spring to capitalize on audience interest.
Despite some successes, the summer box office was also affected by superhero fatigue. Films in this genre, which once reliably hit the $1 billion mark, are now performing in the $500 million–$600 million range worldwide. Titles like "Fantastic Four" did not meet expectations, suggesting a potential oversaturation or a shift in audience preferences.
More than ever, this summer proved it is a new world for studios and theater owners. And this fall promises to be more of the same as some of the most highly anticipated movies have the shortest theatrical windows.
More S&P Global content:
- A Box Office Season of Sequels, Side Quests and 'Sinners'
Featured experts:
- Wade Holden, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Mac Mathews, associate director of Editorial, Design and Publishing at S&P Global
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
While live sports media rights have been moving to streaming platforms for years, the 2025/26 season marks a pivotal shift in how NFL fans can access content. For the first time, every game will be available through one streaming platform or another following the launches of ESPN's enhanced direct-to-consumer app and Fox One. Coupled with existing streaming services like Paramount+, Netflix and Amazon Prime, US football fans will undoubtedly be watching more games on more platforms than ever before.
Ahead of the kick off of the 2025/26 season, "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by a trio of S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts to discuss how traditional broadcasters like NBC, CBS, and Fox are adapting to this new media environment. While network owners have previously expressed concerns about fragmentation, they now appear to be leaning in to multiplatform audiences and ad sales.
Even on the linear side, the numbers remain strong, with "Sunday Night Football" on NBC maintaining its reign as the top-rated series for 14 consecutive years. Local broadcast stations remain important partners for building in-market support for NFL teams. With this in mind, the panel discusses potential shifts in media rights post-2029, with the possibility of more games moving to streaming platforms as existing deals expire.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
- Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
Ahead of the upcoming '25/'26 college football season, "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds discusses the changing dynamics of college football media rights with Kagan analysts Justin Nielson, Scott Robson, and Michael Johnson.
As the second season of the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) begins, the analysts explore the significant changes and potential future playoff scenarios. With the Big Ten and SEC realignments altering the college football landscape, the discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities for top-ranked teams like the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State.
The podcast examines the growing rivalry between "College GameDay" and "Big Noon Kickoff," noting the addition of key personalities. The analysts also discuss the rise of streaming services such as ESPN's enhanced DTC app and Fox Sports One, and their implications for traditional linear TV.
A key — and somewhat controversial — development is the NCAA's recent settlement, which allows for revenue sharing with D1 athletes, potentially shifting college sports into a more professional domain. The conversation touches on how this change could affect competition and player transfers.
As the discussion turns to the future of college football playoffs, the panel considers the potential expansion from 12 to as many as 28 teams, reflecting on its impact on the sport's landscape and the tradition of bowl games.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
- Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
The new ESPN app is here and "MediaTalk" has a sneak peek at all of the functionalities. "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds sits down with John Lasker, senior vice president of ESPN DTC, to discuss the Aug. 21 launch of the new enhanced app. The app marks a significant milestone for ESPN, aiming to serve sports fans anytime, anywhere, by integrating extensive features and functionalities into a single platform. It also marks a significant moment for the pay-TV industry at large, as live sports have long been viewed as the glue that held the multichannel market together.
The app will offer content from all of ESPN's linear networks and access to 47,000 live events for $29.99 a month. Lasker highlights the personalized experience with the introduction of "SportsCenter for You," which tailors content to individual preferences using AI technology. Other notable features allow fans to sync their mobile devices with their TV for enhanced stats and data, and multi-view options for watching multiple games simultaneously.
Targeting cord-cutters and younger audiences, the app is designed to be accessible to both traditional pay-TV subscribers and streaming customers. ESPN plans to bundle the DTC product with Disney+ and Hulu, in the hopes of creating a compelling entertainment package. Lasker emphasizes that this launch is not the final product but rather the beginning of an evolving platform that will continue to innovate and engage sports fans.
With a robust marketing campaign featuring notable personalities, this episode offers a first-hand look at how ESPN aims to redefine the viewing of live sports.
More S&P Global content:
MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 19 - Disney's Upfront Unveiled: Navigating the Future of Sports and Streaming
Featured experts:
- John Lasker, Senior Vice President of ESPN DTC
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds sits down with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Lynnette Luna to dive into the US wireless market. At the national level, they focus on the second-quarter performance of the top three operators: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. T-Mobile continues to lead in subscriber growth and service revenue, showcasing its strong momentum in the market. AT&T is leveraging its convergence strategy, integrating fiber and wireless services to enhance customer retention and drive growth. Meanwhile, Verizon is navigating challenges in retaining postpaid subscribers, yet is stabilizing its performance through prepaid offerings and value-added bundles.
Utilizing proprietary Kagan survey data, they also look at what is happening at a city-level, including which players are gaining share. Specifically, the discussion also highlights the increasing influence of cable operators like Charter and Comcast, who are aggressively expanding their mobile services. This episode sheds light on the importance of bundling services to enhance customer loyalty and the emerging opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses in the wireless sector.
More S&P Global content:
Technology, Media, & Telecoms
Featured experts:
- Lynnette Luna, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Principal Analyst Justin Nielson to discuss the resilience and challenges faced by AM/FM radio in the digital age.
Radio advertising remains predominantly local, with 80% of ad buys coming from local businesses, such as car dealerships and restaurants. Despite softness in the national ad market, local markets with vibrant economies continue to perform well. However, larger metro areas face stiff competition from streaming services and podcasts. To counteract this, companies like iHeart Media and Cumulus are expanding their digital offerings and leaning into live events to boost revenue.
On the regulatory front, the radio industry is advocating for the relaxation of local ownership caps, which limit the number of stations a company can own in a market. This could pave the way for strategic acquisitions and regional consolidation, similar to trends seen in the TV industry. Such changes could attract new investors and foster synergies across growing markets, particularly in the Southeast.
Overall, while radio faces challenges from digital competitors and technological shifts, its local focus and adaptability continue to make it a viable platform for advertisers and investors alike. As the industry navigates these changes, it remains a crucial part of the media landscape, offering unique opportunities for growth and innovation.
More S&P Global content:
Technology, Media, & Telecoms
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
With earnings season in full swing, “MediaTalk” host Mike Reynolds is joined by Melissa Otto, head of Visible Alpha research at S&P Global Market Intelligence. Together, they explore the strategic shifts and content developments among major media conglomerates like Walt Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Global and Fox.
Fox's recent fiscal achievements are underscored by its success with the Super Bowl, showcasing the enduring power of live sports in driving viewer engagement and advertising revenue. Otto emphasizes the transformative impact of free streaming platforms such as Tubi, which are reshaping viewing habits and challenging traditional models by offering diverse content without subscription fees.
Disney is poised for exciting developments with its enhanced ESPN offering, reflecting the company's focus on integrating sports into its streaming strategy. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery is navigating the evolving media landscape by separating its streaming and studio operations, a move that could redefine its approach to content distribution. The conversation touches on Warner’s strong theatrical lineup, with films like “Superman” and “F1” capturing audience interest through compelling storytelling and star power. However, it also raises questions about rising production budgets.
Throughout the podcast, Otto provides insights into how these media giants are leveraging content to adapt to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. As the industry continues to evolve, the strategies employed by these companies in content creation, integration, and distribution will be crucial in shaping the future of media.
More S&P Global content:
Apple earnings preview: iPhone expectations continue to move lower
Amazon earnings preview: Fiscal Q2 2025
Featured experts:
- Melissa Otto, Head of Visible Alpha Research at S&P Global
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
“MediaTalk” host Mike Reynolds is joined by West Riggs, Head of Equity Capital Markets at Truist Securities, to discuss the dynamic landscape of the tech IPO market in 2025. Despite a soft start to the year, tech IPOs are now gaining steam with a robust pipeline of public offerings ahead. Amid continued volatility in the stock market, the discussion highlights the need for companies to be prepared for rapid market shifts and the importance of optimizing pricing strategies.
Riggs shares insights on the trends driving market activity, including a move toward profitability among companies going public, as well as the rise of generative AI. With companies of all sizes increasingly integrating AI into their business models, the episode touches on the burgeoning opportunities for smaller and mid-market players amidst the dominance of the "Magnificent Seven" tech giants. And outside the tech sector, energy-related companies are tapping into equity markets to support the infrastructure demands of AI-driven growth.
Finally, Riggs notes a surge in convertible bond issuance and hints at several high-profile IPOs on the horizon, including tech giants like Stripe and Databricks. This episode underscores the vibrant and rapidly evolving nature of the IPO landscape this year.
More S&P Global content:
Tech IPOs on track for 2025 rebound from post-pandemic slump
Where Does the IPO Market Go in 2025?
Featured experts:
- West Riggs, Head of Equity Capital Markets at Truist Securities
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds joins S&P Global Market Intelligence reporter Iuri Struta to talk about generative AI, exploring its profound impact on various sectors and the staggering investment trends driving its growth. Over $78 billion was invested in GenAI companies in just the first half of the year, a figure that is already approaching $100 billion when third-quarter investments are included. Major players like OpenAI and Meta are leading the charge, but a diverse range of startups are also making waves in the application layer, fine-tuning existing models to create innovative solutions.
The conversation shifts to a recent webinar on the topic, where experts debated whether the current funding levels indicate a bubble. While many participants expressed concerns about high valuations, they also anticipated that companies would grow into these figures, reflecting the robust demand for AI solutions.
The episode not only sheds light on the current state of GenAI funding but also touches on the regulatory landscape, competition for talent, and the sustainability of business models across different regions. Tune in to gain insights into this dynamic sector and understand what lies ahead in the world of Generative AI.
More S&P Global content:
- H1 Review of GenAI Funding: Can the Market Keep Up with Record Volumes?
- AI supercharged emergence of AI neoclouds despite hazy long-term outlook
Featured experts:
- Iuri Struta, senior reporter at S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds sits down with Mark Penn, chairman and CEO of Stagwell, to discuss what sets Stagwell apart in the realm of marketing networks. Stagwell is a digital-first global marketing network that thrives on innovation, creativity, and technology. With a presence across 45-plus countries and an impressive workforce of 13,000 employees, Stagwell is redefining the marketing landscape by offering scalable and seamless solutions that merge top-tier creativity with cutting-edge technology.
One of the standout features of Stagwell is its pioneering use of artificial intelligence in marketing. Mark highlights how Stagwell has been at the forefront of AI integration long before it became mainstream. The company's Marketing Cloud is a testament to this, offering a suite of tech-enabled tools that drastically reduce the time required for tasks such as writing news releases and media monitoring, making them efficient and highly effective. Stagwell's innovative approach includes AI-based global media monitoring, influencer marketing platforms, and automated brand tracking, all designed to enhance the precision and impact of marketing campaigns.
Moreover, Stagwell's commitment to AI is further underscored by the appointment of John Kahan as the inaugural Chief AI Officer, overseeing the infusion of AI across the company's products and services. By combining human ingenuity with AI, Stagwell is not only saving costs but also elevating the quality of advertising, making it more personalized and impactful. As Mark puts it, Stagwell's goal is to become the next great marketing company, leveraging AI to deliver the right ad to the right person at the right time.
More S&P Global content:
MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 19 - Disney's Upfront Unveiled: Navigating the Future of Sports and Streaming
MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 18 - NBCU Ad Exec Previews 'The Greatest Collection of Content Assembled by One Media Company'
Featured experts:
- Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
Ahead of July 4th, "MediaTalk" is taking a holiday break. Today, we’re encoring a special edition of "MediaTalk" in celebration of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament. On the first two days of the tournament upsets abounded. Among the women, No. 2 seed and French Open champion Coco Gauff and fellow American Jessica Pegula, the No. 3 seed were eliminated. The fifth seed Zheng Qinwen and ninth seed Paula Badosa were also ousted in their opening matches. All told, the combined eight top 10 seed losses were the most ever for the first two days.
In short, The Championships are setting up for an exciting fortnight on the grass courts. Those who want to find out a little about the economics behind the All England Club, including media rights fees and other revenues sources, should give this episode of "MediaTalk" a listen. Kagan research analysts Mike Johnson and JP O'Sullivan not only talk about Wimbledon financials, but how the digital age is reshaping traditions for players and viewers alike. The episode concludes with some predictions about who will raise the trophies as the gentlemen’s and ladies' singles champions. All that and more in this encore episode of "Wimbledon: Where tennis tradition meets technology."
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
- Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market
Featured experts:
- JP O'Sullivan, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
In our latest episode of "MediaTalk," we dive deep into the world of Wimbledon and its impact on the media landscape. Join host Mike Reynolds as he engages with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts JP O'Sullivan and Michael Johnson to explore the evolving dynamics of this iconic tournament.
From the introduction of cutting-edge AI technologies and electronic line calling systems to the strategic shifts in match scheduling, this episode offers invaluable insights for media executives seeking to understand how innovation is reshaping traditional sports events.
Discover how Wimbledon is not only preserving its rich heritage but also adapting to the attention economy by reaching younger audiences through digital platforms. With discussions on media rights valuations, viewership trends, and sponsorship strategies, this episode explores how Wimbledon is preserving traditions while also staying on the top of its game.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
- Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market
Featured experts:
- JP O'Sullivan, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds sits down with Tom Montemagno, who leads Spectrum’s programming strategy at Charter Communications. With over 35 years of experience, Tom leads negotiations with major media companies, sports leagues and streaming services.
In this episode, Tom shares insights on how Charter is reviving linear pay TV by blending traditional programming with innovative streaming deals. Charter's hybrid carriage deal with Walt Disney was considered a watershed moment for the industry at large. Disney secured affiliate fee gains for its top networks, but Charter dropped Disney's more niche fare. On the streaming side, Disney's ad-supported streaming offerings became part of the broader pay TV bundle. Similar hybrid deals quickly followed with other major programmers, and Charter is now starting to ramp up marketing about its bundled streaming offerings. Tune in to gain insights about the new strategies that are shaping the future of pay TV.
More S&P Global content:
Charter, Cox to merge mobile, business strategies in largest US cable company
Charter to push direct-to-consumer streaming offerings in H1'25, CEO says
Featured experts:
- Tom Montemagno, Executive Vice President of Programming Acquisition at Charter Communications
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
In the latest episode of "MediaTalk," Mike Reynolds and Richard Berndes delve into the exciting summer of soccer in 2025, highlighting key tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup, Women's Euros, and CONCACAF Gold Cup. The FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, aims to enhance FIFA's role in club football and generate substantial revenue. At the same time, it also raises concerns about player performance due to an extended season. The Women's Euros, showcasing the growth of women's soccer, will be broadcast on major networks like BBC and ITV in the UK, and Fox Sports in the US. Meanwhile, the CONCACAF Gold Cup will see significant coverage from Fox and Televisa Univision. As streaming services increasingly dominate sports broadcasting, the episode emphasizes the growing commercial interest and audience engagement in soccer, particularly in women's competition.
More S&P Global content:
Kagan Media & Telecom Summit 2025
Featured experts:
- Richard Berndes - associate media analyst within S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
Join Mike Reynolds, senior reporter at S&P Global Market Intelligence, as he hosts an insightful discussion with industry leaders ahead of the highly anticipated Kagan Media & Telecom Summit 2025 on June 10. This episode features expert insights from Justin Nielson, Seth Shafer, Scott Robson, John Fletcher and Sarah James, covering the dynamic shifts in media and telecom.
- Explore the rise of streaming as a dominant content distributor and its impact on traditional media.
- Dive into the transformation of sports rights and how it's shaping the way we consume sports today and tomorrow.
- Understand the competitive landscape of broadband and its vital role in our digital lives.
- Get the latest on M&A trends in media and telecom, with significant deals on the horizon.
Whether you're attending the Summit or keen to stay informed, this episode promises a comprehensive preview of the topics that will shape the industry in 2025.
More S&P Global content:
Kagan Media & Telecom Summit 2025
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Seth Shafer, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
John Fletcher, analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Sarah James, TMT News Team Lead at S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Neil Barbour explore the latest trends in video games, connected devices and streaming operating systems.
One major topic is the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI, which has shifted expectations for console shipments and an overall market recovery to 2026. Neil discusses how this delay, coupled with ongoing tariff impacts, is reshaping investment strategies in the gaming sector.
The episode also covers the trends driving gaming M&A, especially overseas, and the notable year-over-year increase in metaverse funding seen in the first quarter. Looking ahead, Neil provides a forecast for streaming operating system platforms, predicting substantial growth driven by advertising and subscription revenue.
More S&P Global content:
- MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 8 - How AI is Reshaping Gaming and Consumer Tech
Featured experts:
- Neil Barbour, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
Ahead of Memorial Day, join "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds as he talks to S&P's Wade Holden and Mac Mathews about their expectations for this year's summer box office. Family-friendly hits like Disney's live-action "Lilo and Stitch" and DreamWorks' "How to Train Your Dragon" are expected to lead the charge and draw families to theaters. Meanwhile, superhero fans are eagerly awaiting the release of "Superman," which could redefine the DC universe under James Gunn's direction.
The podcast also highlights the potential impact of new franchises, such as Ryan Coogler's "Sinners," the "John Wick" spinoff "Ballerina" and Brad Pitt's high-octane Formula One film. Driven by a mix of nostalgia, fresh content and blockbuster sequels, Wade forecasts this summer could surpass the $4 billion box office mark — so long as studios and moviegoers can avoid the very real threat of franchise fatigue.
More S&P Global content:
MediaTalk | Season 2 EP 14 - The Summer Box Office Begins - https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/mediatalk-s2-ep-14
Featured experts:
Wade Holden, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Mac Mathews, associate director of editorial, design and publishing at S&P Global
Credits:
Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
Producer/Editor: Sarah James
Ahead of the May 15 announcement of the Chip Security Act, Rep. Bill Foster of Illinois discussed the pressing issue of AI chip smuggling. Following news about DeepSeek, reports have emerged of advanced AI chips being smuggled outside of the US in violation of existing export controls. To address this, Foster is reaching across the aisle with new legislation that would require chip manufacturers to incorporate location verification mechanisms within their products. This would allow datacenters to verify the presence of chips via cryptographic challenges, leveraging existing technology in chips to prevent unauthorized movements.
Foster, Congress’ only PhD physicist, highlighted the impact of government funding freezes on scientific research, particularly at Argonne National Laboratory. He also advocated for the Keep STEM Talent Act, designed to retain top tech talent by granting permanent residency to advanced degree holders.
Finally, the discussion also touched on deepfakes and the need for secure digital identities with digital driver's licenses. Foster called for a proactive approach to safeguarding technological advancements amid evolving challenges.
More S&P Global content:
GenAI funding hits record in 2024 boosted by infrastructure interest
Featured experts:
- Rep. Bill Foster, D-Illinois
- Stefan Modrich, tech policy reporter for S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
As Walt Disney gears up for its upcoming upfront presentation, "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds sits down with Adam Monaco, executive vice president of sales at Disney Advertising. Monaco highlights the dynamic ad landscape, emphasizing the sustained growth in sports and streaming platforms. He notes the unique value proposition of Disney's live sports, including the NBA, the Super Bowl and women's sports. Monaco shares that Disney is focusing on strategic, multi-year partnerships, and anticipates a positive upfront season.
Additionally, Monaco discusses the upcoming ESPN flagship direct-to-consumer offering and how that will benefit both consumers and advertisers. He highlights Disney's commitment to innovation in ad tech, including the launch of Magic Words, which targets emotional moments in real-time, and other enhancements like interactivity and shopability.
As the advertising landscape evolves, Disney aims to automate 75% of its addressable business by 2027, while maintaining strong relationships with agencies. Despite the competitive online ad market, Disney leverages its storytelling and technology to differentiate itself. Monaco remains optimistic about the upcoming upfront presentation, promising a star-studded event that attendees won't want to miss.
More S&P Global content:
How Sports Media Rights Are Changing the Game for Fans and Networks
Featured experts:
- Adam Monaco, executive vice president of sales at Disney Advertising
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
Programmers and advertisers are preparing for the most exciting time of year: the upfronts, when media companies showcase their upcoming content and advertisers seize the opportunity to secure prime placement in front of millions of viewers. This strategic period sets the stage for the entire TV season, influencing buying decisions and gauging the health of the advertising ecosystem.
Ahead of this year's presentations, "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds sat down with Gina Reduto, Executive Vice President of Strategy for Advertising and Partnerships at NBCUniversal. Amid a mixed ad environment, Gina highlights the power of NBCU's sports, streaming and linear properties, emphasizing both reach and measurement advances. The discussion covers NBCU's robust lineup of tentpole events, including the Super Bowl, Winter Olympics, and FIFA Men's World Cup, all of which are driving advertiser excitement and engagement. The episode also explores Peacock's massive scale and unique audience, with 70% of its viewers not found on other streaming platforms.
Tune in to get a sneak peek as NBCU gears up for its May 12 upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall.
More S&P Global content:
How Sports Media Rights Are Changing the Game for Fans and Networks
Featured experts:
- Gina Reduto, Executive Vice President of Strategy, Advertising & Partnerships at NBCUniversal Media
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
In the latest episode of "MediaTalk," Mike Reynolds and Iuri Struta delve into the burgeoning world of AI neoclouds, a new breed of cloud service providers that have emerged from the remnants of the crypto mining industry. These neoclouds rent out GPU capacity to support AI workloads. This pivot has attracted significant investment, with over $10 billion funneled into the sector in 2024 alone.
CoreWeave, a leader in this space, exemplifies the rapid growth potential. CoreWeave's success is bolstered by a strategic partnership with NVIDIA, highlighting the intricate relationships between chipmakers and neocloud providers. However, challenges such as potential tariff impacts, reliance on a couple of major customers, and the need to avoid commoditization loom large. Following CoreWeave's public debut earlier this year, Iuri discusses the uncertain IPO landscape and the need for consolidation within the neocloud sector. As the industry evolves, neoclouds must navigate these complexities to sustain growth and remain competitive in the dynamic tech landscape.
More S&P Global content:
- AI supercharged emergence of AI neoclouds despite hazy long-term outlook
Featured experts:
- Iuri Struta, senior reporter at S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
Facing both an uncertain advertising market and regulatory environment, TV and radio station owners gathered in Las Vegas this month for the annual NAB Show. Put on by the National Association of Broadcasters, the event focused on emerging technologies such as AI, advertising advancements, and NextGen TV.
S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts Justin Nielson and Peter Leitzinger, who both attended the event, discuss how core advertisers are adopting a cautious "wait and see" approach due to economic insecurities, particularly concerning tariffs and inflation. This hesitance is evident as advertisers are holding back on increasing budgets, impacting spending across key categories like automotive and retail.
Additionally, the conversation covers the industry's push for deregulation, particularly with regards to the national 39% ownership cap. This dual focus on navigating current market uncertainties while seeking regulatory relief underscores the evolving challenges and opportunities within the broadcast sector as the industry adapts to changing market dynamics.
More S&P Global content:
US political ad spending soars as election looms
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
- Peter Leitzinger, analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
Once a year, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts issue their major Sports Report, delving into the business of sports media. In tandem with that report, the analysts hold an hour-long webinar to answer a wide range of questions, including why sports rights remain critical for TV networks, pay-tv operators and streamers, and what the future of the local sports rights business will look like.
In this week's "MediaTalk," join Mike Reynolds and a panel of experts as they delve into the intricacies of the sports media landscape in the wake of S&P Global's recent webinar, "Moneyball: The Impact of Sports Media Rights on the US Video Market." The episode explores the escalating costs of sports media rights, the challenges faced by RSNs and the shift back toward traditional broadcasters and streaming services. With projections indicating a significant rise in media rights spending, the panel addresses the implications for fans navigating a fragmented viewing experience.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
- Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
William Mao, senior vice president of media rights consulting at Octagon
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
In the latest episode of S&P Global's "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds and S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts Justin Nielson, Scott Robson and Mike Johnson delve into the upcoming Masters golf tournament, highlighting its unique status in the sports landscape. The Masters, renowned for its rich history and picturesque setting at Augusta National, captivates audiences not just for the competition but also for its distinct broadcasting model — CBS and ESPN air the event without a media rights fee, a rarity in today’s sports media. On top of that, they keep to a very limited advertising slate.
The discussion touches on the financial dynamics of golf, comparing the Masters' revenue streams — including merchandise sales, food pricing and international media rights — to other major tournaments. The analysts explore ongoing changes in the sport, including the potential merger between the PGA and LIV Golf. They also explore innovative formats like the Tomorrow's Golf League (TGL), aimed at attracting younger viewers. As the Masters approaches, predictions are made about the future of golf, both on and off the putting green.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
- Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
As the Major League Baseball season kicks off, the way fans access their favorite teams is undergoing a seismic shift. In the latest episode of "MediaTalk," we discuss the changing distribution strategies that teams are implementing as many move away from traditional regional sports networks (RSNs) to embrace a mix of broadcast and streaming options. Outside the RSN market, the conclusion of MLB's longstanding relationship with ESPN after this season opens the door for new players like Amazon, Apple and others to potentially enter the market. Taken all together, these changes are creating an exciting and competitive environment for sports broadcasting. The episode explores the implications of these shifts on fan engagement, revenue generation, and the overall landscape of local sports media.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
- Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
From buzzer beaters to brackets, "MediaTalk" is once again diving into the intersection of sports and business that is March Madness. Discover how the unique partnership between CBS Sports and TNT Sports, now in its 14th year, has transformed the landscape for media giants Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery. Now, March Madness generates over $1 billion in ad sales, underscoring the vital role of live sports in the linear TV ad market. This episode highlights why marquee sporting events like this are indispensable for networks, especially as other ad markets face challenges. Learn about the significant boost in retransmission consent rates for CBS, licensing fees for TBS, TNT and TruTV, and subscriber growth for the networks' related streaming platforms. Plus, discover the rising financial stakes in women's sports, highlighted by a recent ESPN deal that reflects the growing value and excitement surrounding the women's college basketball tournament.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
In the latest episode of "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds dives into all things FinTech with two in-house experts: Sophia Furber and Iuri Struta from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Together, they explore the evolution of FinTech, from its early days as a venture capital darling to its current maturity and challenges, including regulatory hurdles and slower innovation.
Sophia explains the diverse applications of FinTech, highlighting the growing importance of account-to-account (A2A) payments and the potential for local payment methods to thrive in Europe. As fraud becomes increasingly sophisticated, Sophia also underscores the need for innovative solutions, particularly those leveraging AI.
Meanwhile, Iuri provides insights into the current state of FinTech M&A, noting robust demand amid declining valuations and a maturing market segment.
More S&P Global content:
- Fintech funding falls in 2024, but mega rounds show tentative signs of optimism
- 451 Research: 2025 Trends in FinTech
Featured experts:
- Sophia Furber, analyst in the 451 Research fintech research and consulting group within S&P Global Market Intelligence
- Iuri Struta, senior reporter at S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
The latest episode of “MediaTalk” features insights from a recent S&P Global Market Intelligence webinar, "A New Era for Video Distribution," outlining how the years-long slide in pay TV subscribers is now shaping M&A strategies and profit margins within the evolving media industry.
The webinar featured a trio of S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan principal analysts: Scott Robson discusses the historical high valuations of cable networks, which have significantly declined due to cord-cutting and reduced buyer interest. Seth Shafer highlights the strategic focus on content production and library assets as the true crown jewels in media acquisitions. And Justin Nielson discusses the pressures facing broadcasters, including regulatory hurdles and plateauing retransmission fee growth. Overall, the podcast underscores the strategic recalibrations media companies must undertake to navigate the challenges of declining traditional revenues and the opportunities presented by digital transformation.
More S&P Global content:
- New Era for Video Distribution
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
Seth Shafer, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds welcomes Steve Lanzano, president and CEO of the Television Bureau of Advertising, to discuss how local broadcast television is adapting and thriving in today’s shifting video landscape. Lanzano highlights how broadcasters continue to benefit from the power of live sports programming and local news, making it a trusted platform for both advertisers and viewers.
The episode also explores key advertising categories, including political in 2024 and expectations for automotive in 2025 amid the risk of new tariffs. The conversation also touches on the potential for M&A under the new administration as station groups look to consolidate. This shift could enhance operational efficiencies and expand audience reach, positioning local broadcasters favorably in a competitive video market.
More S&P Global content:
- New Era for Video Distribution
Featured experts:
- Steve Lanzano, President and CEO of TVB
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
In this episode of "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds is joined by Neil Barbour, a Kagan analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, to explore the dynamic landscape of the gaming and tech industries. They discuss the resurgence of smart devices through AI integration, which is breathing new life into products like smart glasses and smartphones. Barbour emphasizes that AI is not just a trend but a transformative force, enabling consumers to interact with devices using natural language, potentially unlocking greater value.
The conversation also examines the current M&A environment in gaming following a downturn in 2024 due to regulatory challenges and economic factors. Despite these hurdles, investment in the metaverse is experiencing a significant rebound, with funding up 42.9% in 2024, driven by innovations in AI and immersive experiences. As the episode wraps up, Reynolds and Barbour speculate on the future of AR/VR technologies, stressing the importance of compelling software to ignite consumer interest and engagement.
More S&P Global content:
- MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 3 - Biggest takeaways from CES 2025
- Generative AI
Featured experts:
- Neil Barbour, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds is joined by S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Mau Rodriguez to discuss the current and future state of the US broadband industry. New technologies are changing the ways Americans connect and a new administration is raising questions about a major federal subsidy program. Fiber and fixed wireless were the primary drivers of growth last year, but that could change going forward depending on the competitive landscape of satellite broadband. The episode examines the performance of existing satellite providers, including Elon Musk's Starlink, and the potential impact of new entrants like Amazon's Project Kuiper. Also, the episode looks at the status of BEAD, a $42 billion federal subsidy program established under the Biden administration that aims to build out broadband infrastructure in underserved communities across America.
More S&P Global content:
Fixed wireless subscribers by state - https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/research/fixed-wireless-subscribers-by-state
MediaTalk | Season 2 EP 20 - Wireless Outlook for 2024 as Carriers, Cable Compete
Featured experts:
Mau Rodriguez - S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst
Credits:
Host/Author: Mike Reynolds Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
Ahead of this year's Super Bowl on Feb. 9, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds is joined by three S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts to talk about the upcoming clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. As the Chiefs aim to score a historic three-peat, analysts Justin Nielson, Scott Robson, and Michael Johnson discuss whether this year's game can set a new audience record despite a slight decline in NFL viewership during the regular season. Meanwhile, rights-holder Fox is anticipating record-breaking ad revenues, with some 30-second spots having sold for as much as $8 million. Whether you're tuning in for the touchdowns or the commercials, Super Bowl 2025 promises to be a game-changer in the media landscape.
More S&P Global content:
- The Business of Sports
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, Principal Analyst, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
- Scott Robson Senior Research Analyst, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
- Michael Johnson, Analyst, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
www.spglobal.com
www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence
With award season in full swing, it’s back to the box office for S&P Global Market Intelligence’s "MediaTalk." Host Mike Reynolds is joined by two in-house movie experts to discuss why the domestic box office fell in 2024 and what it means for 2025. In particular, the team highlights which franchises hit with audiences — including "Inside Out 2" and "Deadpool and Wolverine" — and which disappointed, such as "Joker: Folie à Deux."
As they look forward to 2025, the conversation shifts to anticipated releases, including a new Superman movie directed by James Gunn and the next installment of "Avatar." The team also speculates on the potential for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to rebound after recent disappointments. Finally, with the Oscars on the horizon, they analyze the competitive landscape of this year's nominees and the narratives shaping the awards.
In this episode of "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds delves into the changing ways that brands — including news publishers, podcasters, enterprises and retailers — are connecting with consumers amidst the chaos of information overload, much of which is influenced by AI. Joining him are Mike Donoghue and Sarah Schmidt from Subtext, a platform that enables bilateral, two-way communication between publishers, creators and their audiences through text messaging. Joining the episode are S&P Global Market Intelligence 451 Research analysts Raúl Castañón and Zach Ciampa. Together, the group discusses the challenges brands face due to media fragmentation and algorithm shifts on social platforms, emphasizing the power of SMS with its uniquely high open rate. The conversation also touches on the role of AI, highlighting its potential for understanding consumer sentiment while stressing the importance of maintaining a human touch in interactions. The episode concludes with insights on how brands can avoid being perceived as spam and the growing significance of personalized messaging in the digital age.
S&P Global Market Intelligence was on the ground for CES 2025 in Las Vegas, the Consumer Technology Association’s annual trade show. S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Neil Barbour, who focuses on consumer tech, and MI tech policy reporter Stefan Modrich join MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds to share their experiences and discoveries from the biggest tech industry event of the year. From NVIDIA's groundbreaking AI advancements to the evolution of smart glasses and intriguing smart home technologies, this episode covers the cutting-edge trends shaping the tech landscape. Explore the impact of AI in advertising, the rise of repair kits for consumer devices, and innovative health tech products. Discover how cities across the globe are positioning themselves as tech hubs and learn about the regulatory challenges facing Big Tech under a new US administration.
The new year promises to bring further changes to the streaming, broadband and wireless markets as incumbent operators and new entrants turn to next-generation technologies to compete for subscribers. MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds is joined by a trio of S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts: Seth Shafer explores how major players like Netflix and Amazon are navigating the ad-supported video-on-demand landscape; John Fletcher reveals the growing consumer satisfaction with fixed wireless services and the implications for traditional cable operators; and Lynette Luna emphasizes the significance of standalone 5G as a gateway to enhanced services and the pivotal role of AI in optimizing network operations. Tune in to learn what trends to watch in 2025.
Join Mike Reynolds and a trio of S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts in the latest episode of "MediaTalk," where they dive into the future of broadcast stations, cable networks and the sports business for 2025. As the media landscape continues to evolve, this episode offers critical insights into the potential for M&A activity, the impact of new FCC regulations, and the ongoing shift from traditional TV to streaming platforms. Discover how major players like ESPN, Amazon and NBC Sports are reshaping the sports viewing experience, including the upcoming launch of ESPN's direct-to-consumer flagship product and its implications for cord-cutting. The episode also explores new ventures like the indoor virtual golf league and the three-on-three women's basketball gambit, Unrivaled. Tune in for an episode packed with valuable information and predictions to get you ready for the New Year.
Streaming, broadband and wireless used to be three distinct subsectors within media and communications. But increasingly, they are interconnected. In 2024, cable operators, led by Charter, began bundling direct-to-consumer streaming offerings into their video and broadband services. At the same time, cable operators continued to push into wireless. Meanwhile, streaming services prioritized profits over expanding content libraries, and wireless carriers sought to add lines among existing subscribers. All three subsectors showed signs of maturity in 2024, but they also found new ways to grow, setting the stage for fresh innovation in 2025.
With 2024 winding to a close, MediaTalk invites three S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts to talk us through the stories that shaped the media and entertainment market. From broadcast's ascent to the evolving dynamics of cable networks to the impact of more ad-supported streaming services to the near disintegration of the regional sports network business model, 2024 was a year that brought a great deal of transformation. More, it set the stage for further changes in 2025. Listen to the full episode to stay informed and gain valuable perspectives on the future of media.
MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds and fellow S&P Global Market Intelligence reporter Iuri Struta discuss the future of technology and innovation, exploring key insights from the recent Web Summit held in Lisbon. The summit brought together over 70,000 attendees and covered the evolving landscape of AI, humanoid robots, and the competitive dynamics of the tech industry. Iuri shares his observations on the open-source vs. closed-source debate in AI, the surge of new startups challenging established players like Google, and the exciting developments in robotics. Iuri also highlights the importance of data integration in maximizing AI's potential across various sectors. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and business.
As the holiday season approaches, consumer spending is set to take center stage in 2024. Insights from the latest MediaTalk podcast highlight a cautiously optimistic outlook, with increased confidence among consumers across all income groups. Despite lingering concerns about inflation and rising debt, many consumers are ready to embrace holiday shopping with a renewed spirit as they not only buy gifts but also leverage holiday sales for everyday necessities. With e-commerce continuing to thrive, the integration of omnichannel shopping experiences is becoming crucial. Learn how consumers plan to balance holiday shopping between online and in-store this year. Happy Holidays!
Dive into the dynamic world of sports betting with our latest episode of MediaTalk. Join host Mike Reynolds as he chats with Dave Forman, vice president of research at the American Gaming Association, to explore the rapid evolution of legal sports betting since the Supreme Court's pivotal 2018 decision. With 39 states now embracing this booming industry, discover how Missouri's recent legalization could impact the market and the anticipated revenue growth as we head into a busy sports season. From the explosive rise of online betting to the implications of new legislation, this episode offers crucial insights for investors and enthusiasts alike. Don't miss out on understanding the future of sports betting in America.
MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds chats with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Principal Analyst Justin Nielson about the evolving landscape of the US TV and radio broadcast industry. Nielson unpacks his forecast for total TV station ad revenue to hit $25 billion this year, bolstered by political advertising and major events like the Paris Olympics. However, the radio sector faces challenges, struggling to recover from pandemic impacts while competing with streaming giants. Discover insights on local vs. national advertising trends, the rise of digital marketing, and the future of retransmission consent revenues. Tune in now!
In this Halloween episode of MediaTalk, host Mike Reynolds and Kagan Research Analyst Peter Leitzinger dive into the hotly contested 2024 US elections. With political ad spending projected to jump 17% to $4.1 billion, local TV stations are set to reap the rewards as candidates ramp up their campaigns in swing states like Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania. The stakes are high, with pivotal races for the White House and control of Congress unfolding against a backdrop of pressing issues such as the economy and reproductive rights. Tune in as they break down the ad spending strategies of both parties, the key battlegrounds to watch and the potential for surprises in the final stretch. Join us for insights that are as thrilling as a Halloween night!
The US wireless industry has largely reached the point of saturation, making continued growth difficult. As carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile report third-quarter results this week, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Lynnette Luna talks us through where future wireless service and device revenue increases will come from in the next decade — whether that is additional lines for individuals with personal and professional phones, 6G services or the introduction of AI-enabled devices and services.
With the NBA season tipping off Oct. 22, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds is stepping up to the three-point line with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Principal Analyst Scott Robson, who tracks US TV networks and sports; Kagan Research Analyst Michael Johnson; and Lee Burke, principal of consultancy LHB Sports, Entertainment and Media. Together they talk about the changes afoot nationally for the '25/'26 NBA season, as well as evolving local rights strategies amid the collapse of the RSN model.
The sports video market is in the midst of a historic shift. When it comes to local rights, myriad teams are abandoning regional sports networks in favor of broadcast and streaming offerings. On the national side, more and more rights are migrating to streaming from pay TV. Standing in the middle of it all is FuboTV, the sports-centric virtual multichannel service. Fubo has been making headlines of late with its legal battle against Venu, the proposed sports-oriented streaming joint venture from Walt Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery. On this episode of MediaTalk, host Mike Reynolds sits down with Fubo co-founder and CEO David Gandler to discuss the ever-evolving sports media landscape and the company's progress in its effort to secure a more equitable playing field for distributors.
Though the video game market is eagerly looking ahead toward the holiday sales market, it is facing myriad headwinds. Console shipments are struggling both as the market waits for a new Nintendo Switch and consumers digest the price tag of the new PlayStation 5 Pro. This episode of MediaTalk brings back S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Neil Barbour, who leads video game coverage for the consumer technology team. Then, Neil and fellow Kagan analyst Richard Berndes weigh in on the top video games from the sports arena and the eSports market.
In this episode, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds sits down again with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst John Fletcher, who specializes in multichannel and broadband. With funding for a key federal subsidy having ended, cable operators and telcos both reported heavy fixed broadband subscriber losses in the second quarter, with further declines expected in the third quarter. At the same time, fixed wireless is continuing to drive subscriber growth for the broadband industry as a whole, especially when combined with subscriber additions from newer satellite services like Starlink. Will fixed wireless continue to gain share? What markets are seeing the most fixed wireless growth? And what do fixed wireless customers have to say about their experience with the service? Mike and John dial into these questions and more.
In this episode, MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Senior Research Analyst Wade Holden, who specializes in the movie business, and Mac Mathews, associate director of editorial, design and publishing at S&P Global and film aficionado. Wade and Mac discuss the performance of the summer box office, touching on the films that most resonated with moviegoers and films where viewers opted to wait until the streaming release. Spoiler alert: while franchise films and long-awaited sequels did well, a number of originals failed to find their audiences -- at least in theaters. Looking forward, they also talk about the biggest films coming out this fall. Grab some popcorn, sit back and enjoy!
With lawmakers back from the August recess and the US presidential election heating up, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds sits down with S&P Global Market Intelligence policy reporter Stefan Modrich. Together, they discuss some of the biggest issues facing the tech, media and telecom segments, including regulating AI, privacy, cybersecurity, antitrust and M&A.
With the start of the NFL season on Sept. 5, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds joins three S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts to talk about the 2024/25 professional football season. While the NFL thrives on broadcast, it continues to increase its streaming presence with Thursday night games on Amazon Prime, NBC games on Peacock, CBS games on Paramount+, "NFL Sunday Ticket" on YouTube and even a couple of games on Netflix this year. Though the streaming services are good partners for the NFL and will likely grow the amount of exclusive NFL games they carry over time, the Kagan analysts believe broadcast still remains the best platform for the NFL in terms of reach — at least for the time being.
More S&P Global content:
- Business of Sports
Featured experts:
- Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
- Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan
- Michael Johnson, analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence
Credits:
- Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
- Producer/Editor: Sarah James
With both political parties having wrapped up their conventions, MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Analyst Peter Leitzinger, who specializes in the broadcast industry with expertise in political advertising. Joining the conversation is Market Intelligence tech policy reporter Stefan Modrich. After broadcasters recently upped their estimates for political ad revenue, Peter shares his outlook for the 2024 election cycle, projecting an "all-out ad blitz" between now and Election Day. Peter and Stefan discuss not only the battle for the White House, House of Representatives and Senate, but also the battle occurring between traditional and digital video platforms as broadcast stations, TV networks and social media companies all look to scoop up as much ad revenue as possible.
With August winding down, it is time for college football. MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds joins three S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts to talk about the 2024/25 college football season, which has a number of major changes, including conference realignments and a 12-team College Football Playoff. Together, they talk about the demise of the Pac-12, the expansion of the Big 10, the dominance of the SEC and the chances for the ACC. It promises to be a wild year with big rights fees, big ratings and big stories.
With the Summer Olympics behind us, it is time to turn to the Premier League. Considered by many soccer/football fans to be the best of all leagues around the world, the Premier League is the NFL of the UK — by far its most popular sport. This episode pits MediaTalk host and Arsenal-fan Mike Reynolds against an entire family of season ticket holders for the Tottenham Hotspurs, led by S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Richard Berndes. Together, they discuss existing and future rights deals for the Premier League in the US , UK and EU; the role of streaming in growing fandom; and the potential for more games to be played in the US. Finally, they tackle the prospects for new and old Premier League teams.
For the first time in years, the Kagan Media & Telecom Summit was back as an in-person event in New York. Listen in as MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds and S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan principal analysts Justin Nielson, Scott Robson and Seth Shafer recount the main takeaways from the event. Justin discusses the outlook for political advertising and retransmission consent fees for broadcasters. Scott talks about sports rights shifting from TV networks to streaming services and the implications of the recent NBA rights deal, including the ongoing question over whether Amazon or Warner Bros. Discovery will end up with the NBA's "C" package. Seth also touches on the importance of live sports, while noting that advertisers and consumers are no longer delineating between traditional video like broadcast, cable or even Netflix and user-generated content sites like YouTube and TikTok. Content is still king, but content comes in many forms across many platforms.
This summer brought two separate but significant events that proved one thing: spending on cloud security is set to soar. In July, Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz walked away from a $23 billion deal with Google, choosing instead to bet on its own growth and pursue an IPO. Around the same time, CrowdStrike released a faulty security update, causing an outage that left flights grounded and IT systems hobbled. This MediaTalk episode explores the effects of these two events and how spending on cloud security — both in terms of enterprise IT budgets and potential M&A — is expected to increase in the coming months and years.
Just ahead of the Opening Ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games — the first Games in history with a 50/50 split between female competitors — this MediaTalk episode looks at the rise of women's sports among fans, advertisers, network owners and investors. The episode builds on a two-part report recently published by S&P Global that reviews more than a century of milestones in women's sports. After touching on the then, the episode also gets into the now, outlining media rightsholders' plans for covering women's sports in the US, UK and EU, with a special focus on the Olympics, basketball and soccer. The episode also highlights the burgeoning revenue, marketing and investment opportunities in women's sports as valuations for teams reach record levels.
Last week, MediaTalk spoke to NBC about their plans for Olympics coverage in the US. This week, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds chats with Scott Young, group senior vice president of content, production and business operations at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe. Warner Bros. Discovery is the rights holder across Europe for the Games, with Paris representing the first for the combined company. With roughly one week to go before the Opening Ceremony on July 26, Scott gives us some insights on Warner Bros. Discovery's production, distribution and advertising plans for the Paris Olympics. He then goes on to describe not only what the Games mean for Warner Bros. Discovery, but what they mean for the world at large. Let the Games begin!
The Summer Games are almost upon us, with the Opening Ceremony set for July 26. Gary Zenkel, president of NBC Olympics, joins MediaTalk to discuss all the work that has gone into preparing for this year's Olympic Games. Between the Opening Ceremony on the Seine to competition locations at the Eiffel Tower and Versailles, these Summer Games promise to be historic. Gary details NBC's 7,000 hours of coverage, including 1,500 hours on linear, and the importance of Peacock as NBC's hub of Paris Olympic coverage in the US.
On one hand, the wireless industry is entering a phase where it gets to enjoy the fruits of its 5G labors. Capital expenditures are going down while subscriber totals continue to climb. On the other, the industry is also seeing increased competition from cable operators and their MVNO offerings. S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Lynnette Luna gives her outlook for the US wireless industry in 2024.
Worldwide annual video game console shipments are set to fall by almost 50% between 2023 and 2028, according to the most recent outlook from S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan. What is driving that decline? This episode of MediaTalk seeks to answer that question with help from Kagan analyst Neil Barbour, who leads video game coverage for the consumer technology team. Neil explains why the newest consoles from Microsoft and Sony have been slower to catch on, and he describes how Nintendo's Switch is gearing up to exit the market. The forecast is not entirely grim, however. While hardware sales are down, software sales remain strong thanks to device-agnostic entities like Roblox and Fortnite.
The summer of sports is underway, and soccer fans across the globe are ready to root for their favorite teams and players. Together, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds of New York and S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Research Analyst John Paul O'Sullivan from London share their thoughts about a couple of major international soccer tournaments: UEFA's Euro 2024, which starts on June 14 from Germany, and 2024 Copa América, which begins in the US on June 20. The pair talk viewership, advertising and availability across three continents, and then share their best guesses as to which teams will win their respective tournaments.
After months of negotiating, Paramount Global started this week looking as though it was on the cusp of a deal. Now, in an unexpected turn of events, Paramount Global Chair Shari Redstone ended talks to sell her controlling stake in the media company to Skydance Productions. Instead, Redstone is reportedly eyeing the sale of Paramount's parent company, National Amusements. The news sent Paramount Global shares tumbling, raising questions about what comes next for the storied media giant. Will Redstone sell her NAI shares and exit the business that her father, the late Sumner Redstone, built? Does Paramount Global need to be sold? Are the parts at this point more valuable than the whole? And are there other suitors ready to jump in? Listen in as S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan principal analysts Justin Nielson, Scott Robson and Seth Shafer answer these questions and more.
In this episode, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds sits down with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Seth Shafer, who specializes in the streaming industry. They discuss the performance of the US streaming market, including 13.3% revenue growth in 2023. This increase was driven by price hikes rather than new subscriptions, raising a questions about the sustainability of this growth rate. Thus far, operators like Netflix, Disney, Warner Brothers Discovery, Paramount and Comcast have been aggressive in raising prices to drive profitability. Despite these price increases, consumers still feel they are getting good value and have not dropped their SVOD services. To attract price-sensitive customers, some operators are exploring ad-supported tiers to generate additional revenue, though these tiers are still in the early stages. Listen in to learn how streaming services are seeking to balance lower-cost ad-supported offerings with higher-cost ad-free subscription services.
In this episode, MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to Peter Olsen, president of ad sales at A&E Networks. While not the biggest network owner, A&E is home to some of the most recognizable brands in the media business, notably the History Channel, A&E and Lifetime, among others. Peter discusses the national ad market, talks about A&E's distribution strategy in the streaming age and weighs in on the upfront, in which content providers look to sell linear and digital schedules to agencies and their clients ahead of the 2024/2025 TV season. A&E, like other network owners, is facing changing currencies in the ad market, competition from online video and a sluggish ad market. Find out how the company is responding and how the TV advertising market is evolving.
In this episode, MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Senior Research Analyst Wade Holden, who specializes in the movie business, and Mac Mathews, associate director of editorial, design and publishing at S&PGlobal and film aficionado. Wade and Mac discuss the almost 25% decline registered during the spring box office season and their expectations for the summer. Will the mix of franchise plays and originals resonate? Will anything match the excitement seen by last year's "Barbenheimer" phenomenon? What is going on with direct-to-streaming releases that bypass theaters entirely? Together, Mike, Mac and Wade explore these questions and more, before finally settling the long-running internet debate over who is the better Ryan: Gosling or Reynolds. (Spoiler alert: one of them votes for a Hugh.)
The metaverse means different things to different people. But to S&P Global Market Intelligence 451 Research analyst Ian Hughes, the metaverse is the long-term vision for the next phase of the internet. It will feature a single shared immersive and persistent 3D virtual space where humans and machines interact with one another and with data. It will not replace the physical world, so much as enhance it. While AI has taken up a great deal of oxygen in the tech investment space, the metaverse cannot be ignored. The first quarter saw a record amount of investment in metaverse technologies. Saudi Arabia is spending $500 billion on a new city that begins with designs in the metaverse. Manufacturers are creating digital twins for new factories. And enterprises are coalescing around the OpenUSD standard, opening the door for a path to true interoperability. Join MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds to learn everything you need to know about the metaverse — in just 15 minutes.
In this episode, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds sits down again with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst John Fletcher, who specializes in multichannel and broadband. John shares his outlook on how the broadband industry is set to grow in both the near and distant future. On one hand, funding for a key federal subsidy is set to end this month and legislators have yet to agree on a plan to extend it. As a result, tens of millions of low-income households could once again be priced out of broadband. On the other hand, fixed wireless is continuing to roll out across the country, driving subscriber growth for the broadband industry as a whole. What do both of these things mean for the cable industry? And what do they mean for efforts to close the digital divide? And where do low-earth orbiting satellites fit into all of this? Mike and John dig into these questions and more.
In this episode, MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Principal Analyst Justin Nielson and Kagan Analyst Peter Leitzinger, who both specialize in the broadcast industry. Peter and Justin recently attended the National Association of Broadcasters' convention in Las Vegas, where they heard about and spoke about how the broadcast industry is changing. Cord-cutting is sending viewers back over the air, and sports teams are experimenting with new broadcast packages as the RSN model stumbles. At the same time, retransmission revenue growth is slowing, forcing station owners to look for their next big growth engine. Is datacasting the answer? What role can AI play? And what is going on with NextGen TV? Justin and Peter give us the inside scoop from the NAB Show 2024 on these topics and more.
In this episode, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds sits down with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst John Fletcher, who specializes in multichannel and broadband. John shares his thoughts on which broadband providers — cable, telco, satellite or fixed wireless — still have room for growth in an age where broadband has very much become a utility. More, he discusses how US providers plan to further close the digital divide, especially as federal dollars begin flowing into the system.
In this episode, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds sits down with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Brian Bacon, who sits on the Consumer Insights team. Together, they talk about how consumers are navigating the ever expanding number of streaming services. While the major streamers like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime still dominate, viewers also have a growing number of FAST services to choose between. How are streamers differentiating? What are consumers really watching? And, the big question, how many streaming services is too many? Using Kagan's consumer survey data, Brian answers all these questions and more.
In this episode, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds talks with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Analyst Scott Robson, who specializes in TV networks. Together, they discuss the myriad things that make the Masters special, including its unique media rights deal with CBS, its limited commercial load and its notorious green jacket. The pair also take on the pending merger between the PGA and LIV Golf, and the various efforts from the sport to bring in younger audiences, especially in the US.
In this episode, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds talks with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Neil Barbour, who leads video game coverage for the consumer technology team. Neil shares his thoughts on the gaming industry's performance in 2023 while providing an early read on what we might expect in 2024 and beyond. He also assesses where some of the key players stand and explains why the newest consoles from Microsoft and Sony both exited their growth phase sooner than expected.
In this episode, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds sits down with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Seth Shafer, who specializes in the streaming industry. Together, they talk about which streaming services — Netflix, Disney+, Peacock, Max, Paramount+ — gained or lost ground in 2023 in terms of subscribers. They also discuss changing strategies around advertising, password sharing, international rollouts and prioritizing profits over growth. Seth also gives a preview of Kagan projections around streaming ad revenue growth, and what those numbers mean for linear TV networks.
March Madness has arrived and MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds is in the paint with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts Justin Nielson and Scott Robson. Together, they talk about the ongoing popularity of the tournament, both among viewers and advertisers, and the successful partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global in terms of carrying the men's games. They also discuss the growing popularity of the women's tournament, especially given the excitement around not only Caitlin Clark, but also this year's undefeated South Carolina team. Finally, they get into their own brackets and who they expect for the men's Final Four. So have a listen and join us in the Madness.
MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Analyst Peter Leitzinger, who specializes in the broadcast industry with expertise in political advertising. Peter shares his thoughts on the 2024 election cycle, including the rematch for the White House, battles for control of the House and Senate, and a number of ballot issues that are expected to raise interest and dollars. Together, Mike and Peter go through projections for seven swing states, including those where races in 2020 were decided by a single percentage point or less.
In this episode, MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Analyst Scott Robson, who specializes in TV networks. Scott shares his thoughts on the evolving pay TV business as sports rights and viewers shift to streaming services — and what these trends mean for traditional cable networks. The pair take on the media rights negotiations for the NBA and just how big of an increase the league could get. Continuing with sports, Scott weighs in on the upcoming streaming joint venture from Fox, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery, as well as the ongoing Diamond Sports bankruptcy proceedings. Finally, he touches on the ongoing speculation around further consolidation among US media giants.
In this episode, MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Senior Research Analyst Wade Holden, who specializes in the movie business. Wade shares his thoughts on the box office performance in 2023 as the industry continues its recovery from the pandemic. Touching on everything from big films that hit to big films that flopped, Wade discusses how studio windowing strategies may be affecting consumer behavior and box office results. Finally, Wade looks ahead to what summer will bring for all of us at the theaters. So grab some popcorn and have a listen!
In this episode, MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Principal Analyst Justin Nielson about his outlook for the broadcast industry in 2024. The conversation touches on everything from cord-cutting to advertising, including expected impacts from the presidential election cycle and the Paris Summer Olympics. Speaking of sports, Justin weighs in on the sports-oriented joint venture between Disney, Fox, and Warner Brothers Discovery and its potential impact on the media ecosystem. The pair also discuss how broadcasters are embracing artificial intelligence and the prospects for Next Gen TV.
In 2024, S&P Global's podcast focused on the media and communications sectors is back with a new look and feel, releasing weekly episodes. As MediaTalk kicks off, we're going to provide our outlook for the broadcast, streaming, TV network, movie and gaming spaces, as well as the presidential election cycle. There will also be talk around the widening world of sports media.
Amazon, Target and Walmart are cutting back on capital expenditures and fixed costs while increasing promotional activity to spur demand from inflation-weary consumers. In this episode of MediaTalk, S&P Global Market Intelligence reporter Katie Arcieri speaks to Michael Nocerino, an analyst with 451 Research, and Arun Sundaram, an analyst with CFRA Research, about the state of the e-commerce industry, how retailers are positioning themselves for growth, and consumer sentiment during the holiday season.
Telemundo Deportes President Ray Warren and Kagan analyst Richard Berndes join host S&P Global Market Intelligence reporter Mike Reynolds to discuss advertising and potential audiences for the FIFA's tournament from Qatar, as well as opportunities with the 2023 Women's World Cup and beyond.
The increasing cost of capital combined with a growing aversion to risk is weighing heavily on technology M&A volumes in 2022, even as historic valuations are still being logged. S&P Global Market Intelligence reporter Joseph Williams and 451 Research M&A analyst Melissa Incera unpack the evolving tech M&A landscape in the latest MediaTalk episode, covering everything from private equity trends to the Adobe-Figma deal.
Hot button topics like rising food costs, sports betting and reproductive rights are manifesting through a surfeit of political ads. S&P Global Market Intelligence Senior Reporter Mike Reynolds sat down with Kantar Media's Steve Passwaiter, TVB's Steve Lanzano and Kagan analyst Peter Leitzinger to learn which media platforms are set to earn that largest share of the ad spending pie as Election Day approaches.
In this episode of "MediaTalk," S&P Global Market Intelligence tech reporter Anser Haider and Kagan analyst Neil Barbour discuss how gaming companies are grappling with a range of hurdles, including ongoing hardware component shortages, disruptions to game development cycles caused by the pandemic and an increasingly hostile regulatory landscape.
The 2022 box office results are outstripping most expectations despite the permanent changes to the business brought on by the pandemic. In this episode of "MediaTalk," S&P Global Market Intelligence reporter Joseph Williams talks to Kagan box office analyst Wade Holden and Box Office Pro chief analyst Shawn Robbins about the films that are driving consumers back to theaters, even as exhibitors face shorter exclusive theatrical windows and increased competition from streaming services.
S&P Global Market Intelligence reporter David DiMolfetta spoke to 451 Research analyst Jordan McKee and Cleve Mesidor, a policy adviser with The Blockchain Association, about who is using cryptocurrencies today and how they might use them in the future. Investing in cryptocurrencies can offer equal opportunities to groups of people who historically have experienced discrimination in their efforts to access legacy banking systems. Banks and regulators must launch more digital asset outreach and education to avoid creating a new digital divide between those who can access the cryptocurrency market — estimated by the White House at $3 trillion — and those who cannot.
Over the past 4 years, sports betting has gone from being a somewhat taboo, offshore business to now becoming "a mainstream entertainment platform," PointsBet USA CEO Johnny Aitken said on the latest episode of "MediaTalk," a podcast by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The nascent industry's rise and the host of sportsbook operators chasing the action are leading to increased levels of engagement and viewing with sports telecasts.
In this episode of S&P Global Market Intelligence's "MediaTalk" podcast, Kagan analyst Neil Barbour delves into the various trends that the video game industry is increasingly eyeing in efforts to establish new revenue streams. This includes a rash of M&A activity, the metaverse and the use of NFTs and cryptocurrency for in-game transactions.
While state privacy laws in California, Virginia and Colorado have helped lay the groundwork for a national privacy standard, there is still work to be done on figuring out exactly what an omnibus privacy bill should look like. In this episode of MediaTalk, we talk with two experts -- Alexandra Reeve Givens, president and CEO at the Center for Democracy and Technology, and Sheryl Kingstone, head of customer experience and commerce at 451 Research -- who provide insights on privacy legislation in the U.S., how online companies are storing our data, and growing concerns among consumers about privacy in the wake of the pandemic.
As companies accelerate digital transformation moves in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are also driving diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Discovery Inc. is gearing up for its upfront, in which media companies look to sell linear and digital schedules to media buyers and their agencies ahead of the upcoming TV season. Ahead of its May 18 virtual presentation to advertisers, S&P Global Market Intelligence recently caught up with Discovery Chief U.S. Advertising Sales Officer Jon Steinlauf to discuss the company's new streaming service, Discovery+, and the ad market amid COVID-19. Steinlauf also addresses the programmer's burgeoning TV Everywhere business and opportunities beyond linear TV's traditional demographics.
S&P Global Market Intelligence's tech reporter Anser Haider, Kagan Research's Neil Barbour and Panjiva's Chris Rogers discuss the state of video game hardware, including continuing stock shortages for the new consoles released by Microsoft and Sony last year.
CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus discusses production difficulties posed by the pandemic, sell-through and pricing levels for the NFL championship game, and the integral role sports will play in driving subscriptions for streaming service Paramount+.
S&P Global Market Intelligence reporters from the company’s technology, media and telecom news team review and preview key developments impacting various TMT sectors. Disclaimer: This podcast was taped on December 15. Since then, several developments related to regulatory and legal activities against one or more tech companies have occurred.
In this episode, we'll focus on the current state of the global video game industry, which is on the cusp of a brand-new generation of hardware, software and services. We'll also talk about the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the industry, which experienced significant growth as stay-at-home orders saw many consumers turn to gaming.
In Part 2 of the episode focusing on broadcasters, we zoom in on the latest broadcast technology as well as trends in retransmission consent, a major part of the broadcasters’ revenue streams. Justin Nielson, a Kagan analyst tracking the broadcast and media industry, and Davis Hebert, a senior high-yield research analyst at Wells Fargo, are in the house again.
In Part 1 of this episode, hear from Justin Nielson, an analyst tracking the broadcast and media industries at Kagan, a research unit within S&P Global, and Davis Hebert, a senior high yield research analyst at Wells Fargo, on how broadcast ad sales have suffered during what has been projected to be a banner year for the presidential election cycle.
U.S. antitrust enforcement agencies could file lawsuits against big tech companies such as Facebook, Google and Amazon as soon as this summer. A former DOJ antitrust official talks to us about how the summer and fall might bring a movement from "talk to action" on antitrust issues.
Sheltering in home has led to a surge in internet usage.
In this episode, John Fletcher, a media analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Research; and Craig Matsumoto, senior analyst at 451Research, a research unit now within S&P Global Market Intelligence, talk to us about how higher streaming media consumption and increase use of collaboration applications have impacted network infrastructure. We will also delve into what might happen if there was a second wave of the virus come fall.
S&P Global Market Intelligence acquired 451 Research in December. The acquisition expands S&P Global's intelligence research offerings and technologies such as AI, IoT, information security, data centers, cloud and DevOps.
The coronavirus pandemic has put unprecedented stress in the media sector. Since early March, in the media sector alone, S&P Global Ratings has updated ratings outlook on close to 75% of its covered companies. In this episode, we will discuss with two S&P Global Ratings analysts on how has COVID-19 impacted theater operators’ operations and finances as they prepare to reopen in the U.S. and U.K. This episode was recorded on May 27.
In this episode, we talk to Discovery Communications ad sales chief and our own media analyst on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on advertising, on traditional and digital media properties. We'll also talk about programming plans for the summer, including the impact of the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics and the upfront selling season ahead of whatever this whole season will bring.
The latest addition of MediaTalk will examine the substantial impact that COVID-19 pandemic has had on the film industry from theater closings and the disappearance of box office receipts to the rescheduling of theatricals and the halt in production that can further reshape the schedule for 2021 and beyond. Will the film industry ever really be the same?
Co-hosts S&P Global Market Intelligence reporters Mike Reynolds and Joe Williams are joined by Wade Holden, an analyst at Kagan, a research group within S&P Global Market Intelligence, and Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at Boxoffice Pro.
In the latest version of Media Talk, S&P Global Market Intelligence senior reporter covering the media industry Mike Reynolds is joined by Macquarie analyst Tim Nollen and Seth Shafer, an analyst at Kagan, a research group within S&P Global Market Intelligence, to discuss the expansion of the streaming landscape, in light of the coronavirus.
The battle of the streaming platforms has started long before the coronavirus pandemic.
There was the launch of Apple TV+ last November and the much anticipated Disney + debut. Making the market even more crowded, short-form mobile platform QUIBI premiered April 6, ad-supported service Peacock from Comcast NBCUniversal entered the market on April 15, and AT&T's HBO MAX is expected in May.
Now with self-isolation in many parts of the nation and around the world, more people are streaming content at home.
Turner and CBS, the rights holders of this year’s March Madness, sold out their ad inventory for the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament in record time. S&P Global Market Intelligence’s senior media reporter Mike Reynolds talks to Turner Sports Executive Vice President Jon Diament, and Scott Robson, an analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence’s Kagan research team, about ad strategies for the tournament and sports ad spending trends in other properties such as the NFL, NBA, MLB and pro-wrestling.
With key races heating up, 2020 is deemed to be an important year for political advertising. S&P Global Market Intelligence’s senior media reporter Mike Reynolds talks to two senior advertising executives and Peter Leitzinger, media equity research analyst with Kagan, a media market research group within S&P Global Market Intelligence's TMT offering, about projections for ad spending in the 2020 election cycle. They also discuss main races, fund-raising activities, key political issues that might impact ad spending, as well as popular states in presidential races. Beyond broadcast and pay-TV, social media and other digital platforms are expected to impact the overall pie. Listen to the episode to learn more, and subscribe to MediaTalk to catch future episodes. (Photo: AP)
Kids content has emerged as a key cornerstone for many subscription video offerings, with Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu each investing heavily in both original and licensed programming geared towards children. Kids content may reduce churn and is typically less expensive to license or produce compared to other exclusive tentpole programming for OTT services.
In this episode, senior research analyst Justin Nielson and research analyst Peter Leitzinger discuss Kagan's analysis around US political advertising on TV in 2018 and outlook for 2020. If you are interested in learning more about Kagan/SPGMI offerings, please visit www.spglobal.com/marketintelligen…en/campaigns/tmt
In this episode, research director Jeff Heynen and senior research analyst Justin Nielson discuss Kagan's thinking behind some of the biggest, high-level trends in networking technology. If you are interested in learning more about Kagan/SPGMI offerings, please visit https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/campaigns/tmt
In this episode, senior research analysts Justin Nielson and Tony Lenoir discuss our thinking behind forecasts and analysis recently published for the U.S. TV station and multichannel sectors. If you are interested in learning more about Kagan/SPGMI offerings, please visit https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/campaigns/tmt
In this episode, senior research analysts Justin Nielson and Tony Lenoir discuss the upcoming FIFA World Cup, to be held in Russia June 14-July 15, and what soccer's biggest international stage means for the U.S. TV ecosystem. If you are interested in learning more about Kagan/SPGMI offerings, please visit https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/campaigns/tmt
Kagan is introducing MediaTalk, a podcast on our coverage of the quickly evolving media landscape. In this first episode, Senior Research Analysts Justin Nielson and Tony Lenoir zoom in on the ongoing metamorphosis of the TV ecosystem and the ramifications for the broadcast and multichannel sectors. If you are interested in learning more about Kagan/SPGMI offerings, please visit https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/campaigns/tmt