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The Varsity

The DirecTV Gambit & Bundle Extinction Events

Sep 4, 2024
Jon Kelly, co-founder of Puck and a keen observer of media and sports, dives into the intense Disney-DirecTV showdown impacting NFL fans. He discusses the shifting sands of cable bundling, emphasizing how streaming options are reshaping viewer preferences. Jon also highlights Amazon’s evolving strategies for its Thursday Night Football broadcasts, focusing on subscriber retention. The talk further touches on the growing influence of private equity in NFL ownership and the implications for future team valuations and franchises.
31:34

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The ongoing disputes between DirecTV and Disney reflect a major shift in cable distribution towards more tailored subscriber experiences.
  • Amazon's streaming of Thursday Night Football signifies a transformative approach in sports media, emphasizing the rise of digital platforms for viewers.

Deep dives

The Shift in Cable Distribution Dynamics

Recent disputes between DirecTV and Disney highlight an ongoing evolution in cable distribution. Historically, cable companies have avoided conflicts to maintain subscriber bases, but there's a shift as they attempt to provide a more streamlined offering. ESPN's move to shift some of its programming outside of traditional bundles signifies a new era where channels may lose their exclusivity. This deconstruction of the cable model is predicted to continue, highlighting a need for both legacy media companies and distributors to adapt to a landscape where programming is increasingly tailored to specific viewer demands.

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