The Powers That Be: Daily Can YouTube Save the Oscars?
Dec 18, 2025
Matt Belloni, a veteran Hollywood journalist and host of The Town, joins to discuss the Oscars' bold move to YouTube in 2029 after dwindling ratings. He argues this could revive interest, despite the risks of losing older viewers. Belloni also shares insights from his interview with Senator Elizabeth Warren, highlighting her concerns over antitrust issues surrounding a potential Netflix-Warner Bros. merger. They debate how these industry shifts could impact consumer choices and the future of film awards.
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Warren Opposes Big Hollywood Roll-Ups
- Warren pushes to block big media deals and seeks recusals when she suspects conflicts of interest.
- She argues Warner should fend for itself or pursue smaller deals instead of letting executives profit from big roll-ups.
Warren Defines The Market Narrowly
- Elizabeth Warren frames the market for antitrust as subscription video, excluding platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
- That definition shapes her opposition to mergers like Netflix acquiring Warner Bros.', focusing on subscriber concentration.
Weigh Consumer Choice In Merger Reviews
- Consider how combined streaming-studio deals may reduce consumer choice by bundling content under one subscription.
- Regulators should weigh price increases and lost opt-out options when evaluating mergers like Netflix acquiring HBO.