Ankler Agenda

In this special bonus Ankler Agenda episode, Richard Rushfield chats with Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-chairs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy about their journey to Warners, their record-breaking year at the box office and why their strategy paid off on hits from ‘Sinners’ to ‘Superman’ — all in the face of relentless negative headlines about their bold and risk-taking slate. With a combined 70 years of making movies, these two have seen it all — hits and flops, unexpected wins and surprising losses. But even now, with so many signs pointing to the contrary — and the fate of their studio in doubt, as it's officially up for sale — they both retain a sense of hope and wonder for the best that Hollywood can be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this discussion, Erik Barmack, former head of international originals at Netflix and now CEO of Wild Sheep Content, shares insights on AI's looming impact on Hollywood. He highlights how big tech’s ambitions threaten creative jobs, revealing which roles may become obsolete. Barmack warns that the traditional apprenticeship model for filmmakers is at risk. As AI technology grows, it could democratize content creation, yet it simultaneously dismantles crucial industry roles. The future of drama in theaters and streaming services also faces critical challenges.

Lachlan Cartwright, co-founder of Breaker Media and a media reporter, dives into the media landscape's transformation. He discusses the rise of 'newsfluencers' overshadowing traditional cable news, with viewers' ages skewing older. Lachlan shares insider insights on Bari Weiss's controversial leadership at CBS News, including staff concerns and her unconventional style. The conversation also touches on the challenges of attracting younger audiences, the future of MSNOW, and the impact of recent political shifts on media trust.

The podcast dives into the alarming economic indicators plaguing Hollywood, spotlighting significant job losses at major studios and a worrisome decline in shoot days. A guest shares insights from his nationwide theater tour, revealing changing moviegoing habits and rising costs. The discussion shifts to the exodus of productions due to attractive tax incentives elsewhere. Concerns also arise over skyrocketing streaming prices leading to churn, while a new segment critiques the dwindling presence of female directors in major releases, revealing harsh industry realities.

Elaine Low introduces a dynamic new format that dives into Hollywood's latest trends and the evolving creator economy. Co-hosts Sean McNulty, Natalie Jarvey, and Richard Rushfield join her to analyze the headlines shaping entertainment. Expect expert insights and lively discussions about creativity and culture. With new content on YouTube every Thursday, this podcast is your backstage pass to the business of showbiz!

Join entertainment reporter Natalie Jarvey as she dissects the implications of Warner Bros. Discovery putting itself up for sale. Natalie dives into which potential buyers could reshape Hollywood, suggesting a Paramount merger might finally rival Netflix. The hosts also explore the strategic fallout of a sale, touching on whether consolidation is the industry’s future or a recipe for disaster. From tech giants to piecemeal asset sales, the conversation heats up as they draft coveted assets like HBO and DC Comics, pondering the fate of a storied studio.

A show filmed in real time, airing almost daily, and pulling in billions of viewing minutes a week? Prestige TV could never. But Love Island USA and other reality juggernauts are proving America is enamored again with the once declining genre. Elaine Low, Natalie Jarvey and Sean McNulty break down the market forces leading to this TV plot twist worthy of The Traitors: the genres working, what Netflix has to do with it and why it’s thriving when scripted isn’t. Plus: Ankler writer Matthew Frank joins to preview Crowd Pleaser, our upcoming Letterboxd collaboration, and his ambitious plan to visit more than 50 movie theaters across the country in just two weeks. And Elaine and Natalie unpack what SAG-AFTRA’s new microdrama contract could mean for the booming world of vertical video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lesley Goldberg, a TV reporter and Ankler colleague, joins to share her insights on the most influential showrunners shaping today's television landscape. She reveals how industry execs and agents helped curate the ranking and discusses surprising omissions. The group also digs into the increasing adoption of GPT-5 by writers and producers, contemplating its potential to reshape creative roles and how guilds prepare for the evolving landscape of AI-generated content. Their analysis highlights the balance between market influence and traditional creative storytelling.

The hosts dive into the impact of Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films and the blurry definition of what constitutes 'Made in America.' They discuss how Gen Z discovers content differently, favoring clips and streaming over traditional schedules. Taylor Swift's box-office showdown with Hollywood heavyweights highlights generational blind spots in audience engagement. The conversation also touches on how clip channels fuel discovery and how delayed viewing shapes audience ratings, reshaping the entertainment landscape.

Richard Rushfield, an entertainment insider and founder of The Ankler, and Sean McNulty, a media business analyst, delve deep into the six days that turned Disney and late-night TV upside down. They discuss Jimmy Kimmel's controversial return and the implications for free speech amid FCC threats. The duo analyzes political pressures from figures like Trump and their impact on affiliate deals. They explore Disney's internal decision-making and how these events might reshape talent relationships and Kimmel's future at ABC.