Julia Alexander argues that the streaming industry is consolidating and moving towards a model akin to traditional cable, driven by content acquisition, diversified revenue streams like advertising, and the bundling of services. This episode explores how distribution methods influence content creation, the increasing exclusivity of live sports on streaming, and the challenges faced by both legacy media and new streaming ventures in this evolving landscape. Operators should consider how content exclusivity and platform consolidation will impact their strategies for reach and engagement.
Key takeaways
The
Streaming services are increasingly acquiring exclusive content and sports rights, mirroring traditional cable models where specific content drives subscriptions. Businesses should evaluate the impact of this content fragmentation on target audience reach and consider partnerships or diversified distribution strategies.
Diversification of revenue streams, including advertising and gaming, is becoming critical for streaming platforms as subscriber growth plateaus. Content creators and marketers should prepare for a more ad-supported streaming ecosystem and explore new avenues for audience engagement beyond subscriptions.
Consolidation of streaming platforms (e.g., HBO Max and Discovery Plus merger) indicates a move towards larger, more comprehensive bundles. Businesses should monitor these consolidations to understand shifts in market power and potential changes in content accessibility and pricing.
The method of media distribution profoundly shapes the media itself. Content strategies should adapt to the unique characteristics and business models of streaming platforms, considering factors like data-driven content decisions and platform-specific innovation in addition to traditional creative risk-taking.
Legacy media companies are struggling with internal pressures and strategic shifts in adapting to the streaming era, while even new ventures like CNN Plus face challenges in a crowded market. Companies should learn from these examples to navigate their own digital transformations effectively.
Julia Alexander was the perfect guest to come on our show and talk about the state of the streaming industry – we’re a couple years into the huge shift to streaming entertainment in Hollywood, and it’s clear the streamers are here to stay. Apple just won the Oscar for Best Picture for a film it bought out of Sundance called Coda. Amazon now owns MGM. Netflix is investing in games and hinting at advertising for the first time. One idea that comes up on Decoder again and again is that how we distribute media has a huge influence on the media itself – and we talked about what kinds of movies and shows are getting made now that the streamers are here to stay. Links:
Downstream Podcast
‘Extremely awkward’: Bob Chapek and Bob Iger had a falling out, they rarely talk — and the rift looms over Disney’s future
Pixar staff speaks out against Disney moving its films to streaming only: ‘It’s hard to grasp’
HBO Max and Discovery Plus will merge into one app
Apple and Major League Baseball to offer “Friday Night Baseball”
Yankees will have 21 games only available on Amazon Prime
Prime Video unveils logo for 'Thursday Night Football'
CNN Plus launches with Reddit-like interactive Q&As Transcript:
https://www.theverge.com/e/22774600 Credits:
Decoder is a production of The Verge, and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Today’s episode was produced by Creighton DeSimone and Jackie McDermott and it was edited by Callie Wright.
The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Our Sr Audio Director is Andrew Marino and our Executive Producer is Eleanor Donovan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Streaming services are increasingly acquiring exclusive content and sports rights, mirroring traditional cable models where specific content drives subscriptions. Businesses should evaluate the impact of this content fragmentation on target audience reach and consider partnerships or diversified distribution strategies.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Diversification of revenue streams, including advertising and gaming, is becoming critical for streaming platforms as subscriber growth plateaus. Content creators and marketers should prepare for a more ad-supported streaming ecosystem and explore new avenues for audience engagement beyond subscriptions.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Consolidation of streaming platforms (e.g., HBO Max and Discovery Plus merger) indicates a move towards larger, more comprehensive bundles. Businesses should monitor these consolidations to understand shifts in market power and potential changes in content accessibility and pricing.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
The method of media distribution profoundly shapes the media itself. Content strategies should adapt to the unique characteristics and business models of streaming platforms, considering factors like data-driven content decisions and platform-specific innovation in addition to traditional creative risk-taking.
