The Town with Matthew Belloni

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter known for his insights into media, joins Ashley Carman, a podcast and music industry expert, to dive into UFC’s monumental $7.7 billion deal with Paramount. They discuss the strategic choice of Paramount for UFC’s broadcasting rights and analyze the implications for the media landscape. The conversation shifts to Amazon's integration of Wondery into Audible, highlighting challenges in podcast monetization. Lastly, they debate contenders who might challenge Joe Rogan's podcast supremacy in this evolving market.

Aamir Khan, the celebrated Indian actor and producer known for 'Stars on Earth,' shares his innovative approach to film distribution by choosing to debut his latest project on YouTube over conventional streaming services. He discusses the creative liberation this brings and the importance of accessibility for diverse audiences. Aamir also highlights the financial and strategic shifts affecting filmmakers, emphasizing a balance between theatrical experiences and digital formats. His insights could reshape the indie film landscape and redefine how audiences engage with cinema.

Joe Pompliano, a sports business reporter and founder of the Huddle Up newsletter, joins the conversation to break down ESPN's new partnership with the NFL. They explore the implications of the NFL acquiring a stake in ESPN, including changes to its streaming offerings. The discussion touches on the challenges of sports media rights negotiations, the future of fan engagement, and the shift towards personalized viewing experiences. Pompliano also shares insights on the competitive dynamics between traditional broadcast and emerging streaming platforms.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to discuss Paramount's new executive team and the surprising nosedive of 'The Fantastic Four' despite favorable reviews. They delve into Peacock’s ongoing struggles with subscriber growth and its pivot toward sports programming. The conversation also touches on YouTube stars Dude Perfect venturing into theaters, highlighting the challenges of traditional cinema in attracting digital audiences, and predicts the future of Netflix's potential hits.

Seth MacFarlane, renowned creator behind Family Guy and the new Naked Gun film, joins to unpack the challenges of making studio comedies today. He discusses the reboot of The Naked Gun and how casting choices influence comedic success. Seth reflects on the evolution of humor in the industry, stressing the difficulties of satisfying modern audiences. The conversation dives into the art of joke-driven comedy and the importance of creative collaboration, leaving listeners hopeful for innovative comedic projects despite current obstacles.

Richard Gelfond, CEO of IMAX, shares insights on how the brand has transformed the movie-going experience. He discusses innovative marketing strategies that make IMAX a must-see for studios, like selling tickets for blockbuster films a year in advance. Gelfond explains the unique technological advantages that set IMAX apart in a shifting cinematic landscape. They also explore the anticipated challenges and excitement surrounding upcoming films, including Gretta Gerwig's Narnia and the nostalgic appeal of ‘The Naked Gun.’

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg media reporter who covers Hollywood, media, and technology, dives into the thrilling changes at Paramount now that David Ellison's Skydance is at the helm. They discuss the potential for exciting collaborations and the evolution of streaming services like Paramount Plus and Pluto TV. Topics also include Paramount's media asset strategy and the public's trust in news reporting amid controversies. To cap off their conversation, they predict the future of a potential 'Happy Gilmore 2,' mixing nostalgia with current market trends.

Michael Lasker, a comedy manager at Mosaic, brings insights into the irreverent new 'South Park' episode that’s causing a stir. He discusses how creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker continue to innovate while navigating comedic boundaries. The conversation shifts to the current state of the comedy market, revealing struggles for theatrical films and sitcoms, yet hints at a resurgence of interest in original scripts. Lasker also weighs in on how emerging comedians are moving away from traditional routes towards focus on personal projects and touring.

Ben Fritz, a Wall Street Journal entertainment reporter and Marvel Comics historian, joins to discuss the intense pressure on 'The Fantastic Four' as Marvel faces superhero fatigue. They analyze Marvel's recent struggles with content oversaturation and fan disengagement, as well as Kevin Feige's role moving forward. The conversation touches on the significance of star power in casting and the contrasting positions of Marvel and DC in the evolving superhero landscape. Predictions for the upcoming film's box office performance add an intriguing twist!

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to dissect the future of late-night television and Stephen Colbert's potential new roles. They also delve into Netflix's latest earnings report, exploring why strong financials didn’t lead to stock gains. Key topics include Netflix's challenges in capturing audience engagement amid rising competition, its bold AI initiatives, and the strategic potential of children's programming. The discussion wraps up with insights on the Murdoch-Trump lawsuit and its media implications.