The Media Odyssey

Raney Aronson-Rath is the Executive Producer of Frontline and Editor-in-Chief of Documentaries at GBH, known for spearheading its digital transformation. In this discussion, she emphasizes that public media must adapt by utilizing platforms like YouTube to thrive and attract younger audiences. Raney highlights how YouTube extends reach without replacing traditional broadcasting. She also outlines Frontline's innovative strategies, including simultaneous releases and a focus on global distribution to ensure impactful storytelling amidst a struggling media landscape.

The hosts assess their 2025 predictions, shining a light on YouTube's rise as the top TV channel and Netflix's bold partnerships, including deals with TF1 and Spotify. They explore how creators are now central to mainstream culture and reflect on the stagnation in the CTV landscape. The duo dives into the dual nature of AI’s influence, delivering backend improvements while hype drives valuations. They also address the challenges ahead in the job market and share career advice for those facing layoffs.

In a surprising twist, Netflix emerges as the leading bidder for Warner Bros. Discovery, igniting discussions on the financial implications and political backlash. California officials may pose the biggest roadblock, complicating approval. The potential acquisition threatens to overshadow mid-budget films as focus shifts to blockbuster franchises. Compounding the situation, HBO Max's international rollout faces chaos amid merger uncertainties. The hosts delve into the broader impact on Hollywood's landscape and the future of streaming.

Holly Graham, Chief Commercial Officer at Little Dot Studios, and Ben Arnold, SVP of Commercial Operations, dive into the evolution of modern media, focusing on fandom and audience engagement. They reveal how Little Dot operates over 1,000 channels with a super-fan strategy to authentically engage audiences. The duo shares insights on case studies featuring Gordon Ramsay and Prime Video, highlighting the importance of trust and creative experimentation. They argue that digital success flows from listening to fans and embracing diverse revenue streams beyond ads.

Pedro Pina, a YouTube executive overseeing EMEA operations, teams up with Jasmine Dawson, SVP of Digital at BBC Studios, to discuss a groundbreaking partnership. They explore how YouTube amplifies global fandom and enhances traditional media, debunking myths about platform competition. Jasmine shares insights on turning BBC properties like Bluey and BBC Earth into fan-driven ecosystems. They emphasize the need for an audience-first approach, the value of creator collaboration, and the importance of experimentation in today's media landscape.

Jen Kavanaugh, Senior VP of Marketing for the Philadelphia Eagles, shares insights on modern sports fandom that transcends game day. She emphasizes how Eagle's culture is nurtured through year-round storytelling, creating emotional connections with fans. Jen reveals how the team transformed its locker room into a relatable ensemble, involved in global brand outreach with initiatives in Australia and beyond. Her approach to measuring fan engagement sidesteps vanity metrics, focusing instead on meaningful interactions that strengthen community bonds.

Rich Bloom, General Manager of Tubi's Creators Program, discusses the groundbreaking creator-first strategy of the streaming service. He explains how Tubi transforms creators into media startups, emphasizing ownership and creative control. Bloom highlights partnerships with popular figures like Kevin Hart and the importance of niche fandoms. He shares insights on rapid production timelines, creator revenue models, and the platform's unique ad strategy. Tubi's focus on empowering creators signals a new era where traditional and creator media converge.

The power dynamic in media has shifted, with audiences now calling the shots rather than executives. Big Tech, especially Apple and Alphabet, dominates the landscape. Generational shifts are reshaping consumption habits, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. YouTube has become a formidable player in the TV realm, even outperforming traditional late-night shows. Creators are now cultural powerhouses, and community-driven metrics are essential for success. Embracing engagement over vanity metrics is crucial for brands to thrive in this new media landscape.

Delve into the cutthroat world of media mergers and acquisitions, where billion-dollar deals often miss the mark. Explore how consolidation has reshaped Hollywood and beyond, examining the fate of Warner Bros. Discovery and the cultural implications of potential buyers like Netflix and Apple. Discover the risks associated with expanding Paramount's influence and the growing presence of private equity in the media arena. With sharp insights and humor, the hosts unpack how creative culture is at risk amid this relentless pursuit of scale.

The new buyer isn’t Netflix, it’s the audience. Live from MIPCOM 2025, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet sit down with Filmhub CEO Alan d’Escragnolle and Vortex Media CEO Justin Rebelo to unpack how independent producers and distributors are reinventing the film business for the creator economy.Recorded at the first-ever The Media Odyssey Podcast live show at MIPCOM, this episode explores how companies like Filmhub are helping producers reach global audiences across AVOD, TVOD, and YouTube “Free with Ads;” and why the future of indie film depends on creators learning to sell directly to viewers, not just to buyers.Key Takeaways:1. A New Kind of Buyer: The AudienceYouTube’s first major presence at MIPCOM signaled a seismic shift: it’s no longer about pitching to networks or streamers, but learning to engage audiences directly. Evan calls this the “B2C revolution” of entertainment, and Filmhub is one of the companies enabling it by connecting rights holders directly to millions of viewers on platforms like Tubi and YouTube.2. Filmhub’s Distribution RevolutionAlan d’Escragnolle breaks down how Filmhub helps creators and distributors license hundreds of films per month through automation, encoding, and royalty tech — cutting out the old, slow, one-deal-at-a-time system. By managing AVOD, TVOD, and FAST distribution at scale, Filmhub gives small producers global reach without the middlemen.3. The YouTube “Free with Ads” OpportunityYouTube’s Free with Ads tier, available in select countries, has become a powerful new home for premium films and TV. Filmhub is one of just a few distributors authorized to place titles there, where CPMs are higher and content appears in a dedicated “Film & TV” section. It’s a way for indie titles to live alongside, and compete with, traditional TV content.4. The Indie Film Playbook Is ChangingJustin Rebelo shares firsthand examples, including his own collaboration with Evan A 90s Christmas and Shapiro’s new microbudget feature Skit, proving that small films can now thrive through smart digital distribution. With lower costs and creator-style marketing, it’s possible to make and monetize films again without waiting for a streamer’s greenlight.5. Power to the CreatorsBoth guests agree: the days of waiting for gatekeepers are over. Whether it’s a $50,000 horror hit (Dream Eater) or a YouTube discovery, creators who control their IP, budgets, and release strategy have the real leverage. As d’Escragnolle puts it: “You don’t entertain anyone by leaving content on a shelf.”Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcastAlan d’Escragnolle - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alandescragnolle/ Filmhub - https://www.linkedin.com/company/filmhub/ Justin Rebelo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-rebelo-8553bb142/ Vortex Media -  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vortexmediainc/