The Media Odyssey

The hosts explore Canal+'s ambitious global expansion in Asia and Africa while battling high content costs. They discuss the company's innovative subscription models and strategic shifts, including app enhancements. In contrast, Comcast faces challenges with stagnant broadband and a controversial spin-off of low-margin cable networks. The analysis highlights the broader struggle of legacy media adapting to a digital-first world, revealing insights on how both companies navigate their respective market environments.

Callie Chanel, Founder of SwipeFinder, shares her innovative vision for transforming streaming experiences. The discussion highlights the frustrations users face with content discoverability on various platforms. Callie introduces her Tinder-style app that simplifies the search for what to watch next while exploring fresh monetization pathways for streamers. The conversation also delves into the impact of user interface design on viewer engagement and the rise of super apps as essential players in the entertainment landscape.

Join Ryan Afshar, VP at LG Ad Solutions, as he reveals how television manufacturers are transforming the content landscape. He discusses the rising influence of Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) and how it shapes viewing behaviors. The conversation dives into the shift from traditional advertising to connected TV investments, highlighting new opportunities for content creators and advertisers. Ryan also touches on the nostalgic elements driving audience engagement and the importance of adaptation in this evolving media economy.

Mike Sid (Senior Business Acceleration Office at Ateliere) joins Evan Shapiro at SXSW 2025!  The conversation touches on the evolving media landscape, emphasizing how creators must adapt to multi-platform distribution and fast-paced content demands. Ateliere helps do just that. Mike Sid highlights how Ateliere’s technology enables both small creators and large production companies to improve workflow efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate content delivery. Their tools allow remote collaboration, real-time editing, and rapid content turnaround, making professional-grade production more accessible. 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/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Event Overview (00:29) - Introducing Atelier and Its Products (00:40) - Live Production Revolution (01:30) - Simplifying Content Distribution (01:59) - Empowering Creators with Atelier (03:00) - Professional Grade Production for All (03:33) - Customization and Flexibility in Production (04:06) - Panel Discussion Preview (05:14) - Reality TV and Modern Content Challenges (07:05) - Remote Production Innovations (08:10) - Conclusion and Thanks

On this episode of "Chatting at SXSW", Evan Shapiro sits down with Steve Bagdasarian, Chief Commercial Officer of Comscore. They discuss the shift from traditional broadcast measurement to cross-platform, the increasing role of programmatic advertising and psychographic-based targeting, as well as the evolving landscape of media measurement and advertising, focusing on multi-currency vs. multi-measurement models and how Comscore differentiates itself with its granular, locally-driven measurement approach.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/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:18) - Role and Responsibilities of a Chief Commercial Officer (00:57) - Measurement and Cross-Platform User-Centric View (01:12) - Panel Discussion on User-Centric Era (01:22) - CommScore's Differentiation in the Market (01:31) - Future of Measurement and Media Buying (03:26) - Granular Data and Programmatic Media (03:46) - Market Intelligence and Future Predictions (05:44) - Optimization and Personalization in Media (07:00) - Investment Strategies for Upfronts and New Fronts (07:45) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of "Chatting at SXSW", Evan Shapiro speaks with Lydia Daly, EVP, Head of Advertising Research and Insights at Paramount, about how brands navigate the rapidly evolving cultural landscape. Daly's team studies audience behaviors, market trends, and cultural shifts to help advertisers make informed, data-driven decisions. She highlights the increasing velocity of cultural change, where trends emerge and disappear quickly, making it challenging for brands to determine when and how to engage. Daly emphasizes that brands must develop social listening capabilities, understand trend cycles, and establish clear brand guidelines to navigate this fast-moving space effectively. She also notes that partnering with established content creators or platforms can help brands stay relevant without taking on the full burden of trend management alone.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/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:22) - Role and Responsibilities at Paramount (01:29) - Audience Insights and Cultural Trends (02:03) - Generational Studies and Creative Strategy (03:11) - Velocity of Culture and Brand Adaptation (04:15) - Brand Strategies and Social Listening (05:24) - Understanding Trends and Signals (06:23) - Importance of Brand Guidelines (07:03) - Working with Publishers and Content Creators (07:38) - Panel Discussion and Closing Remarks

In this episode of "Chatting at SXSW", Evan Shapiro speaks with Nicki Sheard, CEO of Brands and Licensing at BBC Studios, about how the company monetizes its vast content library globally. Sheard highlights the success of Bluey, which was the most-streamed TV show in the U.S. in 2024 and has grown into a massive franchise with consumer products, stage shows, a movie in development, and upcoming integration into Disney parks. BBC Studios strategically distributes its brands, including Doctor Who, Top Gear, and BBC Earth, across multiple platforms—linear TV, streaming, social media, and YouTube, where it now has 90 active channels. Sheard discusses how digital-first content can fuel traditional broadcast deals and how multi-platform exposure is essential for building lasting franchises. While some kids' brands originate online and transition to traditional media, she notes that long-term success still depends on content quality and authenticity.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/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:17) - Role and Responsibilities at BBC Studios (00:49) - Exploring BBC Brands and Bluey's Success (02:06) - Bluey's Distribution and YouTube Strategy (03:52) - Building a Global Brand (04:35) - Challenges in Children's Media (05:16) - Future of Kids' Brands and Conclusion

In this episode of "Chatting at SXSW", Evan Shapiro interviews Ruth Berry, President of Global Partnerships & Zoo 55 at ITV Studios, about the network's evolving content strategy. Berry explains how ITV Studios, which operates in 13 markets with 60 production companies, is adapting to changing viewer habits by expanding into digital platforms through Zoo55, ITV’s digital studio. Zoo55 helps repurpose existing content—like Love Island, Hell’s Kitchen, and River Monsters—to reach new, younger audiences on platforms such as YouTube, gaming, and FAST channels. She highlights how audiences now consume long-form content in non-traditional ways, with YouTube on connected TVs becoming a significant distribution method. Berry also emphasizes the importance of experimenting with digital engagement, noting that ITV's approach is to "test and learn" without fear of cannibalizing traditional television viewership. This strategy allows ITV to maximize the value of its content while staying ahead of industry shifts.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/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/

Anil Malhotra, co-founder of Bango and expert in global marketing, dives into the evolving landscape of subscription bundling. He reveals how consumer demand for flexible options is reshaping media. The conversation highlights the transition from traditional cable to on-demand subscriptions and the role of social media platforms. Anil shares insights from Bango’s research on 'super bundling,' discussing utility combined with entertainment and the importance of simplifying user experiences to avoid subscription fatigue.

Delve into the world of cross-platform measurement, a hot topic for ad buyers. Discover the challenges of fragmented data and inconsistent standards that complicate audience tracking. Debate whether competing measurement systems fuel innovation or create confusion in the rapidly changing media landscape. Explore global perspectives on TV measurement and the impact of streaming services on viewership. The necessity for collaboration among industry players to improve measurement tools and address evolving competition is a focal point.