Apple's new feature & potential ads business + more HBO Max layoffs & chaos | E1538

Aug 19, 2022

Lon Harris, a streaming expert and writer of the Inside Streaming newsletter, joins the conversation to unpack the latest chaos at HBO Max and its significant layoffs. He discusses Apple's new feature in news audio stories while delving into the company's controversial shift toward an ads business that may compromise user privacy. They also analyze how Warner Bros. Discovery's looming content cuts impact creators and the streaming landscape, and the surprising shift of streaming overtaking cable viewership.

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ANECDOTE

Apple News Audio Stories

Jason Calacanis discovered a new feature in Apple News: audio versions of articles.
He was surprised, as there was no official announcement.

INSIGHT

Apple News' Potential

Apple News could become the dominant news reader due to features like audio stories.
Its success hinges on revenue sharing with publishers and ad strategy.

ADVICE

Transparency in Apple News Ads

Media professionals should share information about Apple News' advertising model.
Email producers at This Week in Startups with details, even anonymously.

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Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.

Run

Blake Crouch

Fire and Blood

George R.R. Martin

Fire & Blood is a detailed historical account of the Targaryen dynasty in the world of Westeros. Written in the style of a historical text, it covers the conquest of Westeros by Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters, the reigns of subsequent Targaryen kings, including the long and complex reign of King Jaehaerys I, and the tumultuous events such as the Dance of the Dragons. The book is illustrated with over seventy-five black-and-white illustrations by Doug Wheatley and includes family trees and other historical details. It is the first volume of a planned two-part history, with the second volume still in the works[1][3][4].

The Hobbit

or There and Back Again

J.R.R Tolkien

Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug. During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible. The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism[2][4][5].

A Song of Ice and Fire

George R.R. Martin

A Song of Ice and Fire is a series of high fantasy novels that takes place in a fictional world where seasons last for years. The story is set primarily in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and follows multiple plotlines, including a civil war for the Iron Throne among several competing families, the threat of the supernatural Others beyond the Wall, and the rise of dragons in the east. The series is known for its complex characters, intricate plots, and detailed world-building, drawing comparisons to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings[2][4][5].

The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].

Mrs. Fletcher

Tom Perrotta

Mrs. Fletcher is a coming-of-age novel that delves into the lives of Eve Fletcher, a recently divorced woman navigating her empty nest, and her son Brendan, a college freshman struggling with his identity. The story explores contemporary sexual politics, identity crises, and moral dilemmas in a witty and provocative manner. As Eve and Brendan navigate their respective worlds, they encounter complex situations that challenge their perceptions of themselves and their place in society.

Fantastic Beasts

J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a guidebook written by J.K. Rowling under the pen name Newt Scamander. It describes 85 magical species found around the world and is an approved textbook at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The book includes notes from Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, adding a personal touch to the magical creatures described.

Summer Camp Island

Med Coloring

Summer Camp Island is an animated series created by Julia Pott, focusing on the adventures of two friends, Oscar and Hedgehog, at a magical summer camp. The series explores themes of friendship, mystery, and personal growth in a fantastical setting.

The Untold History of the Biden Family

Exploring the Family's Complex Past

Adam Entous

Adam Entous delves into the complex financial and personal history of the Biden family, revealing their connections to wealth through marriage and their struggles with alcoholism. The article examines how these factors shaped Joe Biden's life and political career.

Little Ellen

Ellen DeGeneres

Eleanor Michalka

This book, based on Ellen DeGeneres' animated series, follows a young Ellen as she explores her childhood in New Orleans. It encourages children to discover what makes them unique and promotes self-expression and kindness. The story is complemented by vibrant illustrations by Eleanor Michalka.

Close Enough

michal brezinsky

No information available about this book.

Vinyl

Ian Woodward

Dominik Bartmanski

This book provides a refreshing perspective on contemporary vinyl culture, combining cultural sociology with material culture studies. It explores why vinyl has become a cultural icon despite the rise of digital music, examining its history, functionality, production, and consumption. The authors draw on interviews with musicians, DJs, sound engineers, and record store owners to understand vinyl's enduring appeal.

Uncle Grandpa Series

Various Titles

Max Brallier

Brandon T. Snider

Matt London

Roger Price

The Uncle Grandpa book series includes various titles such as 'Good Morning, UG-RV!: An Unfoldable Journey Through the World of Uncle Grandpa', 'Unzipped: Uncle Grandpa's Magical Belly Bag Journal', and 'Uncle Grandpa Mad Libs'. These books capture the whimsical and humorous essence of the animated series, which follows the adventures of Uncle Grandpa and his companions.