The Town with Matthew Belloni

Joining the conversation is Alex Sherman, a media and sports reporter for CNBC, who dives deep into the recent legal setbacks for the Venu sports streaming service. They explore the implications of a federal judge's injunction and how it affects competition in the live sports broadcasting landscape. Different perspectives are shared on winners and losers from this ruling and its impact on consumers. The discussion wraps up with thoughts on the upcoming ratings for the Democratic National Convention, highlighting the ever-evolving media landscape.

Brian Raftery, a podcaster and journalist, dives into the 10-year legacy of the Sony hack, revealing how it transformed Hollywood's media landscape. He dissects the fallout from the leak of private emails and how it exposed vulnerabilities among Hollywood elites. The discussion explores conspiracy theories surrounding North Korea's alleged involvement and the emotional toll on Sony employees. They also reflect on the evolution of storytelling in Hollywood, with a nod to the upcoming Alien film and its box office prospects.

Tara Palmeri, a senior political correspondent known for her expertise at the intersection of politics and media, joins to explore Kamala Harris's Hollywood connections. They discuss her friendship with Disney's Dana Walden and how these ties could influence her 2024 campaign. The duo delves into the contrasting strategies of Biden and Harris around celebrity endorsements and the challenges they pose. They also highlight the potential risks and rewards of Hollywood’s influence on voter perceptions, especially among younger demographics.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg analyst specializing in media, joins Hollywood heavyweights Brad Pitt and George Clooney to dissect Apple's puzzling film strategy, particularly regarding their latest project, 'Wolfs.' The trio delves into the company's wavering commitment to theatrical releases versus streaming, the impact of budget cuts, and the challenges of catering to both star-driven content and audience engagement. They also explore how the competition from established platforms like Netflix is reshaping Apple's approach to filmmaking.

Rich Greenfield, a media analyst at LightShed, dives into the ongoing crisis in linear TV as major networks like Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount grapple with billion-dollar losses. They discuss the timing of these company's realizations about their TV assets and debate the wisdom of hefty investments in NBA rights for 2025. The conversation also touches on the pressures facing David Zaslav and insights into Apple Studios' future. Greenfield's expert perspective sheds light on the shifting landscape of television and streaming.

Brooks Barnes, a New York Times staff reporter specializing in entertainment, joins to unpack Disney's recent financial struggles. They dive into the reasons behind declining park attendance and rising customer dissatisfaction due to price hikes. The conversation explores streaming profitability, expected price increases for Disney+ and Hulu, and Bob Iger's reputation among fans. They also tease the exciting developments anticipated at the upcoming D23 conference, alongside a discussion on the box office prospects for 'Borderlands' and 'It Ends With Us'.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg journalist specializing in music industry trends, joins to dissect the recent dip in Universal Music Group's stock and what it means for the future. They explore whether the slowdown in streaming revenue is a temporary hiccup or a new reality. The conversation dives into the competitive landscape, highlighting the rise of indie labels and the industry's dependency on tech giants like Spotify. They also touch on innovative pricing strategies to better monetize music and cater to passionate fans.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter who specializes in the entertainment industry, joins Matt to dive deep into the future of intellectual properties in Hollywood. They revisit past franchise selections and strategize their new picks, emphasizing financial viability over artistic value. Expect insights into the evolving dynamics of major franchises like Marvel and Harry Potter, lively debates on animated hits like Despicable Me versus Avatar, and thoughts on the tricky terrain of video game adaptations. It's a fun and engaging take on what may shape entertainment's future!

Asad Ayaz, Disney’s chief brand officer and president of marketing, chats about the groundbreaking release of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ Disney's first R-rated Marvel film. He dives into innovative marketing strategies, balancing edginess with broader audience appeal. The conversation includes the art of teasing without spoilers and the unique challenges of marketing within the MCU. Plus, they reflect on the evolving film landscape and share insights on igniting interest in upcoming releases like M. Night Shyamalan's latest endeavor.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins to dive deep into the broadcasting rights clash between Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA. They dissect WBD’s lawsuit after the NBA rejected its matching offer and weigh the strengths of both sides. The discussion highlights the shifting dynamics between traditional cable and streaming services, and the challenges of sports viewership in a rapidly evolving landscape. Shaw also reflects on the strategic public relations maneuvers impacting the narrative around this high-stakes battle.