The Powers That Be: Daily cover image

The Powers That Be: Daily

Infidels at the Gates

Jan 3, 2025
Bill Cohan, a financial journalist and expert in media deals, chats about the shifting landscape of Hollywood's mergers and acquisitions. He discusses how tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet are reshaping the strategies of legacy TV networks such as Disney and Comcast. The conversation covers the evolving regulatory climate, the challenges of valuing declining assets in private equity, and the implications of 'everything on the table' for future media deals. Cohan's insights shed light on the industry's uncertain yet fascinating future.
24:37

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The anticipated shifts in regulation are expected to drive increased M&A activity across Hollywood's major entertainment companies.
  • The trend of separating streaming assets from traditional TV holdings illustrates the industry's adaptation to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Deep dives

The Impact of Regulatory Changes on M&A Activity

Anticipated shifts in the regulatory environment are expected to promote increased mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in Hollywood. The departure of key figures from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the perception of a more accommodative atmosphere under the Trump administration contribute to this sentiment among executives. In the past, aggressive regulatory actions from the Biden administration curtailed M&A opportunities, even when stock market values peaked. As executives now express renewed confidence in potential deals, the industry faces an influx of speculation regarding future acquisitions.

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