Strictly Business

In today's episode, Rebecca Rubin analyzes week 2 of "Fantastic Four: First Steps" and three new wide releases: "Bad Guys 2," "The Naked Gun" and "Together." Host Cynthia Littleton journeys deep into K-pop fandom at the KCON festival, and TV critic Aramide Tinubu explains why she's so high on Jason Momoa's new drama "Chief of War."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob Steiner, an analyst at Luminate Intelligence and author of a pivotal report on the music industry, dives into the future of music in 2025. He discusses the slow growth of major streaming platforms and the cooling concert scene. Steiner highlights the increasing tensions between major and indie labels, while exploring AI's rise and its potential to disrupt traditional roles in music. The conversation sheds light on the challenges new artists face, heightened ticket prices, and evolving dynamics that could reshape how fans engage with music.

In today’s episode, Tatiana Siegel, Variety’s executive editor of film and media, details her interview with actor Dean Cain, who bucks the trends in Hollywood in more ways the one. And Brian Steinberg, senior TV editor, gives detail on upfront ad sales as Disney, NBCUniversal and Fox call it a wrap on advance advertising commitments for the coming season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Cover Story segment features Variety's Angelique Jackson, senior entertainment writer, telling all about her experience interviewing Harrison Ford about the sweep of his career as he celebrates his first-ever Emmy nomination, for Apple TV+ comedy "Shrinking." Todd Spangler, business editor, also analyzes the latest moves in the cable TV divorces pending at NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Brent Lang, Variety's executive editor, analyzes the recent executive moves and Sony Pictures and Paramount, and he discusses the mood in the broader film business amid encouraging signs from the summer box office. And host Cynthia Littleton offers a tutorial on Variety's famous "slanguage," starting with "tubthump."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marvel gets off on the good foot with the opening weekend of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Michael Schneider breaks down four days of Comic Con that had more cosplay and less big Hollywood news than in recent years. He explains why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Bernath, General Manager of the Americas at Wurl, dives into the shifting landscape of the streaming ad market. He highlights the imbalance between audience migration to streaming and ad spending, emphasizing the need for standardized measurement in connected TV. He discusses the impact of YouTube’s dominance on big-screen viewership and how platforms can innovate to compete. Additionally, Dave addresses the evolution of FAST channels towards curation and the importance of quality content for advertisers seeking greater reach.

In today's episode, Todd Spangler, Variety business editor, breaks down Skydance's deal pledges to the FCC as it seeks to close the Paramount Global deal. And music chief Jem Aswad explains why UnitedMasters founder Steve Stoute was the choice for Variety's Music Mogul of the Year honor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel D'Addario, Variety chief correspondent, details his reporting on FX's massive bet on the sci-fi series  "Alien: Earth," tapping into the franchise launched with the 1979 Ridley Scott film "Alien." Adam B. Vary, senior entertainment writer, offers a curtain-raiser on what to expect — and what not to expect — at San Diego Comic Con this year. He also discusses Marvel chief Kevin Feige's mea culpa to fans for getting overextended with movies and TV series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Venice Film Festival lineup is making waves, featuring Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' and Dwayne Johnson in 'The Smashing Machine.' The rivalry with Cannes is heating up as both festivals vie for Hollywood awards contenders. With a focus on diversity, the festival showcases underrepresented voices alongside star power. Festival chief Alberto Barbera aims to elevate Venice as a premier launchpad for global cinema. Upcoming collaborations spark excitement over the melding of Hollywood and European film culture.