The Town with Matthew Belloni

Matt is joined by Rich Paul, the founder and CEO of Klutch Sports Group, as well as co-head of UTA Sports, to discuss why Klutch made a deal with UTA, the upcoming NBA media rights deal, Lionel Messi’s unique deal with MLS, LeBron James’s business interests and players becoming team owners, financial literacy with athletes, his relationship with Adele, and much more.For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.comHost: Matt BelloniGuest: Rich PaulProducer: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast discusses the live concert boom post-pandemic, historic ticket prices, fans' dedication to seeing favorite artists, future of live music, rise of concert movies, 'the sphere' technology, and the success of stand-up comedy specials on streaming platforms.

Travis Kelce, a professional football player, discusses his media career and post-NFL plans. Other interesting topics include negotiations between actors and studios, the market for music documentaries, the future of streaming services, reimagining award categories, and challenges faced by Hello Sunshine and the streaming industry.

Howard King, music industry expert and trial lawyer, discusses the complexities of copyright infringement in the music industry and the importance of songwriting credits. They explore cases like George Harrison's 'My Sweet Lord' and the motivations behind Taylor Swift's involvement in copyright disputes. They also touch on sampling in hip-hop music and the prevalence of copyright infringement in the industry. The podcast also includes a review of the Taylor Swift Eras tour movie and box office predictions.

The podcast explores the increasing cost of streaming services, the emergence of a class system within the industry, and the potential consequences of price hikes. It also delves into Netflix's advertising initiatives and challenges, discusses a recent event at Nia Studios and the opening of the Sphere in Vegas, and explores the new concert experience known as the Sphere.

Matt is joined by JB Perrette, president and CEO of global streaming and games at Warner Bros. Discovery, to discuss WBD's simulcasting live sports option on its streaming platform, Max; growing direct to consumer without turning their back on linear channels; maintaining a relationship with cable carriers; how this will affect Warner Bros. Discovery's bid for NBA rights; and more.

Taylor Lorenz, journalist and author, joins Matt to discuss the relationship between Hollywood and digital creators, the strike's impact on influencers, the best platforms for monetization, the evolution of YouTube and TikTok, and the controversial Naked Attraction show.

Discussion on challenges and shifts in the TV industry after the writer's strike. Impact of strike on contracts and overall deals for writers. Funding potential and strategies for movies by Apple and Amazon. Analysis of 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and challenges in the movie market. Potential long-term effects of the track on Hollywood. Comparison of Taylor Swift and Beyonce movies in terms of box office potential.

Former NBC executive and producer, Warren Littlefield, discusses the heyday of the 'Must-See TV' era, including the competitive landscape, the bold move that propelled NBC to the top, shooting pilots, creating events in the era of streaming, and the impact of FinCin rules on the creative ecosystem.

Writer and TV host Adam Conover joins Matt to discuss the details and victories of the WGA negotiation, including success-based streaming residuals, AI restrictions, and minimum staffing for writers rooms. Matt also predicts the impact of Taylor Swift's appearance on NFL ratings.