Strictly Business

Stephanie McMahon, WWE’s chief brand officer, discusses the pro wrestling firm's evolution into a TV and digital content powerhouse over the past decade. The daughter of WWE chairman-CEO Vince McMahon and former WWE chief Linda McMahon details the “circuitous” path she took to learn every aspect of the business in preparation for her current role. She makes no apologies for the company’s forays into markets like Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi to expand the boundaries of what women can do publicly in entertainment and sports settings.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As radio’s reach holds firm among a slew of streaming options, broadcasting veteran John Sykes, president of entertainment enterprises for iHeartMedia, expounds on the importance of curation, looks back at the company’s pandemic pivot and assesses an exploding podcast market, astutely identified by his boss, Bob Pittman, while still in its infancy. Named chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, Sykes also talks about the Class of 2021 class, which includes Tina Turner, Jay-Z and the Foo Fighters, among others. Elsewhere in the iHeart empire: Lisa Worden, brand manager for rock and alternative and program director of Los Angeles radio station Alt. 98.7, reflects on a career spent soundtracking Southern California’s rock-loving airwaves. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid weeks of presentations from media brands to advertisers, there's no better time to check in on the state of the advertising business with Brian Wieser, global president of group intelligence at media-buying giant GroupM. From connected TV to e-commerce, he touches on all the biggest trends shaping how tens of billions of promotional dollars are being spent. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Cuthbert, president of Rock the Bells, discusses the company’s growth plans following its successful recent fundraising round of $8 million. The former BET and Coca-Cola marketing executive sees big potential for the legendary hip hop star’s company to craft a media and lifestyle brand that speaks to a multi-generational swath of consumers. Cuthbert discusses the company’s evolution into e-commerce, content production and live experiences and the importance of working to “uplift the culture.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paula Kerger, longtime president of PBS, says pandemic conditions have underscored the importance of PBS and its mission. Kerger discusses how PBS stations partnered with districts to help with remote learning and how the network known for prestige TV is faring in the chase for top content. Separately, Weigel Broadcasting's Neal Sabin tells the backstory of why the company was so early on the multi-cast boom with channels such as Me TV. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lyor Cohen started his career as a roadie for Run DMC and went on to head Def Jam Records when it was home to the likes of Jay-Z and DMX. With that experience, followed by a chief executive gig at Warner Music Group through 2012, he helped create the soundtrack that would play an important role in propelling hip-hop music from niche to mainstream to everywhere. Now coming up on 5 years as YouTube’s global head of music, Cohen shares his views on the place of record companies today, including who should be running Def Jam, and offers his thoughts on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame contender LL Cool J, the recent passing of rapper DMX and of Cardi B's "Wet Ass P—." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of the popular instructional service discusses the company’s launch in 2015 and how its growth was turbo-charged during lockdown conditions. Rogier details the uphill climb to convince notables such as Dustin Hoffman and Serena Williams to teach the first courses. He offers his wish list for future MasterClass instructors, and the former venture capitalist speaks candidly about the hardest parts of being an entrepreneur. “By nature you’re choosing to do pursue an idea that most people think is impossible,” he says.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of the management-production company behind such series as “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” and “Breeders” discusses the company’s strategic advantages as an independent outfit with roots in the U.K. and U.S. Kennedy addresses the challenges and opportunities that talent representatives have at a time of enormous change for the industry. “We were a talent management company first — that’s really the DNA of the company,” she says. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scripps Co. CEO Adam Symson explains why he doubled down on TV station acquisitions at a time when all eyes are on the transition to streaming media. The leader of the Cincinnati-based media firm with deep roots in mass media discusses the rationale behind the company’s $2.65 billion purchase of Ion Media. He also details how Scripps wound up enlisting Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway as a partner in the transaction. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Wick, head of UTA Ventures, discusses the booming marketplace for talent and business partnerships, from startups to equity ventures. Brands are becoming savvy about making connections with celebrities, influencers and creative talent at a time when millennial consumers are increasingly focused on companies with “founder-led stories.” The alumnus of Maker Studios, MySpace and MP3.com also offers thoughts on the media M&A environment and sectors to watch in the coming year.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.