Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw joins Matt to discuss deregulation in Hollywood, M&A possibilities, and the impact of the election results on media companies. They also check-in on the 2024 Box Office Draft, exploring potential collaborations and tech company partnerships in the entertainment industry.
Deregulation in Hollywood may lead to mergers and acquisitions to enhance competitiveness against tech giants.
Election outcomes spark discussions on regulatory changes and potential winners and losers in the media industry.
Deep dives
Media Mogul's Views on Deregulation and M&A
Media mogul David Zaslav's comments at the Allen & Company Mogul Conference hint at a desire for deregulation to enable media companies to consolidate and improve. This reflects a broader sentiment among industry leaders facing challenges with big M&A deals under the Biden administration. Zaslav's stance suggests a need for a change in regulatory environment to facilitate corporate strategies like mergers and acquisitions, potentially to bolster competitiveness against tech giants.
Election's Impact on Hollywood and Media
The upcoming election sparks discussions in Hollywood about its influence on big media, mergers and acquisitions, and the industry's winners and losers. Industry insiders, including moguls and top executives, weigh the implications of potential regulatory changes based on the election outcome. Views vary on whether a looser regulatory environment would benefit companies aiming for consolidation or if the status quo under the Biden administration is preferable.
Box Office Draft Game and Film Releases
The podcast hosts engage in a playful box office draft game, analyzing the impact of anticipated movie releases on their competition. The discussion delves into the challenges posed by films like 'Horizon 2' being taken off the release calendar, prompting strategic reflections on movie selections and box office outcomes. Insights into the dynamics of film releases, draft strategies, and the competitive spirit among participants add a lighthearted touch to the podcast episode.
Challenges and Strategy in Media Industry
The conversation explores the complexities facing media companies in a shifting landscape, where regulatory scrutiny and strategic decision-making play crucial roles. The analysis touches on the ramifications of consolidation as a response to industry challenges and the interplay between regulatory environment, deal-making, and company growth strategies. Discussions around media company performance, deal failures, and the evolving competitive dynamics shape the strategic outlook for industry players.
Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s latest comments from the Sun Valley conference, during which he advocated for less regulation in Hollywood. They unpack his statement and speculate how the election results might affect the regulatory environment for media companies, which companies would benefit the most from M&A possibilities, and why a company like Netflix might not mind consolidation (03:07). We finish the show with a mid-year check-in of the 2024 Box Office Draft (23:16).
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