In the inaugural episode of The Media Odyssey, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet delve into the evolving dynamics of the global media landscape. With Evan representing the U.S. perspective and Marion providing insights from Europe, this podcast explores the intersections and contrasts of media trends on both sides of the Atlantic. In this episode, Evan and Marion review and rate their media predictions for 2024. Marion elaborates on her forecast regarding European broadcasters' increasing adoption of AVOD (Ad-supported Video on Demand) and FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) hubs, such as “M6’s collaboration with Pluto TV, JOIN’s extensive AVOD catalog in Germany, and ITVX’s expansion in the UK.” Evan adds U.S. parallels, discussing Sling and DirecTV’s moves in FAST, and the broader implications of these shifts for content distribution strategies. A major theme in the discussion is the convergence of media models, with AVOD, FAST, and subscription-based services blending to meet changing consumer expectations. Yet, there are challenges and opportunities presented by these transformations, including the influence of platforms like YouTube as a dominant service. An ongoing trend is the convergence of media and tech. Evan argues that Oracle's financial influence on Paramount signifies the beginning of a broader trend, with potential for more tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft to make significant acquisitions in the media space. The conversation expands to consider Netflix’s potential ventures into gaming or music, showcasing the strategic evolution of major players in the entertainment industry. Reflecting on surprises from 2024, Evan highlights Spotify’s unexpected profitability and operational resilience, plus the ongoing battle over sports rights, while Marion celebrates France’s thriving media market, citing examples like TF1 Plus, M6’s streaming relaunch, and the innovative coverage of the Paris Olympics. These reflections, AND MANY MORE included in the episode, underscore the diverse developments shaping global media. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next installment, where the hosts will make bold predictions for 2025.