Glen Kyne, a media and entertainment expert, dives into the recent strategic win for Sky with the addition of Max to its Neon platform, discussing how it impacts the New Zealand streaming landscape. He explores the competitive edge gained by taking a potential rival off the table and the associated risks. The conversation also touches on Amazon's new ad tier launch and its implications for TVNZ and Three. Additionally, they discuss the shock resignation of NZ Rugby's commercial head and its effect on broadcasting negotiations.
Sky's partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery introduces the Max channel to Neon, affecting the competitive streaming landscape in New Zealand.
Amazon's launch of an ad tier in NZ could significantly shift subscription models and increase competition for advertising among streaming services.
Deep dives
Innovative Education Models
The episode highlights the diverse ways families in New Zealand are embracing education beyond traditional classroom settings. It explores unique environments for learning, such as dahlia farms, converted buses, and forests that provide rich educational experiences. This approach emphasizes experiential learning and the personal connections that arise when education is rooted in community and family involvement. By showcasing six families, the episode illustrates the joys and challenges they face while navigating these unconventional educational paths.
Strategic Partnerships in Streaming
A significant portion of the podcast discusses the strategic partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Sky in New Zealand, unveiling the launch of the Max brand through Neon. This collaboration allows WBD to establish itself in a smaller market without the high costs associated with independent launches, providing immediate revenue through Sky’s existing customer base. The deal promises a vast array of beloved content, enhancing the viewing options available on Neon and enabling Sky to mitigate subscriber churn. This partnership not only benefits the two companies but also reshapes the competitive landscape of streaming services in New Zealand.
The Impact of Amazon Prime's Ad Tier
The introduction of an ad tier for Amazon Prime in New Zealand signifies a notable shift in the local streaming landscape. This development could lead to a cheaper subscription option while simultaneously increasing competition for ad inventory among various platforms, such as TVNZ Plus and FreeNOW. The strategy could further expand Amazon's reach and leverage its vast data on consumer preferences to tailor advertisements effectively. The potential for Prime to become a consolidated hub for streaming services indicates an evolving market where traditional models are challenged by hybrid offerings.
Challenges in New Zealand Rugby's Future
The announcement of Craig Fenton's departure from New Zealand Rugby Commercial during critical negotiations with Sky raises questions about the organization's strategic direction. This timing suggests underlying tensions regarding revenue expectations from the Sky deal, especially as there is concern over maintaining or increasing income in a challenging sports rights landscape. The focus on international revenue growth contrasts with the domestic market's constraints, emphasizing the complexities faced by New Zealand Rugby in monetizing its valuable assets. This situation illustrates the delicate balance between traditional sports negotiations and the evolving dynamics of media partnerships.
This week Sky announced it had secured the rights to run Max as a channel within Neon, bringing one of the strongest and deepest TV catalogues to its streaming service, and taking a potential competitor off the map (for now, at least). Glen Kyne joins Duncan Greive to discuss the implications of the deal, why it's great for Sky now, and what risks it contains for the future. They also discuss Amazon launching its ad tier into NZ, and how that impacts TVNZ and Three. There's also the shock resignation of NZ Rugby Commercial head Craig Fenton, and an intriguing new wrinkle to the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill saga.