Media Monday: NFL’s Amazon Romance & TV’s Trump-Induced Nosedive
Nov 18, 2024
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The podcast dives into the NFL's surprising partnership with Amazon, raising eyebrows about the future of traditional TV networks. It highlights the dramatic decline in ratings for CNN and MSNBC since Trump’s election, sparking discussions about the viability of conventional news media. The hosts examine the evolution of viewer habits, as streaming platforms gain traction in the sports sector. Amidst these changes, the need for innovation in media is emphasized, pointing to a shifting landscape where new talents will emerge.
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Quick takeaways
The NFL's partnership with Amazon signifies a strategic shift towards streaming services, challenging traditional networks like CBS and NBC.
CNN and MSNBC's declining viewership post-Trump's victory highlights a significant transformation in media consumption towards digital platforms.
Deep dives
The NFL's Shift Towards Streaming Partnerships
The NFL is increasingly favoring streaming services over traditional broadcasters, a development that has sparked concern among executives at networks like CBS and NBC. Recent notable matchups, such as Bengals vs. Ravens and Eagles vs. Commanders, have been allocated to Amazon's Thursday Night Football, leaving lesser games for traditional channels. This strategic pivot indicates the NFL's long-term vision to engage with streaming platforms, aligning itself with Amazon and potentially other services like Netflix and YouTube TV. The ratings for these premier streaming games suggest a growing acceptance and viewership for NFL content outside the conventional TV landscape.
Declining Viewership for Traditional Cable News
CNN and MSNBC have recently experienced a significant drop in viewership, hitting record low ratings not seen in decades. Following Donald Trump's election victory, the interest in cable news has waned, leading to concerns about whether these networks can recapture their audiences as political circumstances evolve. The ratings decline signals a shift in media consumption preferences, with many viewers gravitating toward digital and alternative platforms such as podcasts and social media. This transition presents challenges for traditional cable networks, which may need to reinvent their approaches to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape.
The Future of News Media and Its Challenges
The media industry is facing transformational changes as the model of news distribution shifts from traditional broadcasts to more niche, affinity-driven platforms. As audiences seek out more personalized content, the economic dynamics for news organizations are becoming increasingly difficult, pressuring them to adapt quickly. With significant layoffs and cost-cutting measures growing more common, the future of legacy news broadcasters appears uncertain as they strive to remain competitive. Nonetheless, this turmoil may also lead to innovative approaches in news reporting and storytelling, creating opportunities for the next generation of media professionals to redefine the landscape.
Jon Kelly reunites with Peter to discuss the latest dramas underpinning the media industry: why TV execs believe the traditional networks are being sidelined in the NFL-Amazon partnership, the plummeting ratings of CNN and MSNBC in the ’wake of Trump’s victory, and much, much more.