Andrew deWaard

Andrew deWaard, a media scholar and author, returns to dissect the seismic shifts in Hollywood. He explores Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and its implications on media economics. The conversation delves into how conglomeration and financialization have reshaped the industry, the effects of zero interest rates on asset inflation, and the decline of traditional cable. DeWaard also examines the cultural impacts of streaming platforms and the growing influence of tech giants like Spotify and Amazon on media strategies.

Andrew deWaard, Assistant Professor of Media and Popular Culture at UC San Diego, delves into how Wall Street influences cultural production. He critiques the rise of derivative media, revealing how financial motivations damage creativity in film and music. DeWaard discusses the impact of hedge funds on media narratives and job security, using examples like '30 Rock' and the evolution of hip hop. He emphasizes the need for a critical understanding of media's financialization to protect original content in an increasingly corporate landscape.

Andrew deWaard, Assistant Professor of Media and Popular Culture at UC San Diego, dives into how Wall Street's financial interests are reshaping popular culture. He argues that the surge in derivative media—like reboots and franchises—stems not from audience demand but from corporate greed. DeWaard explores the detrimental effects of financialization on creativity and storytelling, critiquing the dominance of licensing and the prioritization of recognizable properties over original content. He highlights the cultural consequences of viewing art as mere financial assets in today's media landscape.