The Town with Matthew Belloni
Who's to Blame for the ESPN Blackout?
Sep 3, 2024
Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter with deep insights into media dynamics, joins for a riveting discussion on the Disney-DirecTV carriage dispute. They tackle the far-reaching impact of this conflict, particularly on sports fans missing key events like the U.S. Open. As the conversation unfolds, they explore shifting power dynamics in media negotiations and the role of subscriber habits in shaping content demands. Shaw also weighs in on Disney's sports leverage and hints at the future of controversial cinema related to Trump.
33:28
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The ongoing dispute between Disney and DirectTV reflects a shifting power dynamic in TV carriage negotiations as viewer demand changes.
- DirectTV's push for niche programming packages challenges Disney's traditional bundling strategy, highlighting evolving consumer preferences in content delivery.
Deep dives
The Changing Landscape of TV Carriage Disputes
Current negotiations between DirectTV and Disney highlight a significant shift in the dynamics of TV carriage disputes. In the past, channel owners typically held substantial leverage over distributors due to viewer demand for popular content like sports. However, as cord-cutting grows and the balance of power evolves, distributors like DirectTV are starting to push back, arguing they should not subsidize Disney's transition to streaming while being charged for content that is increasingly unavailable in traditional bundles. This change complicates negotiations, as both parties must navigate a landscape where fans are less reliant on specific providers and more inclined to leave for alternatives.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
