The Media Odyssey

This discussion dives into the TikTok controversy, examining possible buyers and national security concerns. Insights into Netflix’s recent earnings reveal a controversial decision to stop reporting subscriber numbers, raising questions about their market strategy. The hosts explore Netflix's potential acquisition of TikTok and its shift toward a creator-led ad-supported model. They also consider the implications of live sports and how the company is navigating a rapidly changing media landscape. Plus, an exciting announcement for their first live podcast event!

Dive into the intense world of streaming as Fubo and Hulu merge, shaking up the media landscape! Learn how Disney navigates rivalries and international markets, especially in France. Discover the complexities behind corporate acquisitions like Roku and the looming competition with tech giants. The gaming scene heats up with Microsoft's Activision deal, while broadcasting struggles to adapt in the digital age. Tune in to explore strategies and the need for collaboration among media companies against the backdrop of big tech!

In 2025, brands like McDonald's and Chick-fil-A may become top creators in the media landscape. The discussion highlights AI's transformative role in advertising and the growing appetite for live content. The rise of in-game advertising signals changes in traditional media approaches. Additionally, challenges for connected TV platforms are explored, revealing the competitive dynamics in streaming. The Creator Economy is evolving, demonstrating that individual creators now hold significant power over audience engagement.

Martha & Mergers & Media, Oh My! From the market maneuvers of Fubo and Disney to Evan's presentation alongside Martha Stewart and much much more. In this BONUS EPISODE, Marion and Evan chat all things CES. WATCH THE VIDEO POD ON OUR YOUTUBE - https://youtu.be/yoRsQk15ryAInterested 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 Initial Impressions of CES (00:30) - Media Presence and General Observations (01:08) - Key Announcements and Predictions (01:31) - AI in Television and Personal Experiences (03:10) - Disney, Fubo, and Industry Movements (04:43) - Meeting Martha Stewart and Presentation Highlights (06:58) - Parties, Tattoos, and Networking (08:27) - Curated Dinners and Final Thoughts

Curious about the future of media? The hosts dive into YouTube’s rise as a dominant choice for viewers, rivaling traditional TV. They discuss a need for innovation in streaming, spotlighting partnerships that might reshape the landscape. There's talk about major corporate shifts among media giants and how tech companies could capitalize on entertainment opportunities. Listeners can expect a look at Xbox's role in streaming and the growing trend of combining services for better subscriber retention. It's an engaged exploration of what's next!

In the inaugural episode of The Media Odyssey, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet delve into the evolving dynamics of the global media landscape. With Evan representing the U.S. perspective and Marion providing insights from Europe, this podcast explores the intersections and contrasts of media trends on both sides of the Atlantic. In this episode, Evan and Marion review and rate their media predictions for 2024. Marion elaborates on her forecast regarding European broadcasters' increasing adoption of AVOD (Ad-supported Video on Demand) and FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) hubs, such as “M6’s collaboration with Pluto TV, JOIN’s extensive AVOD catalog in Germany, and ITVX’s expansion in the UK.” Evan adds U.S. parallels, discussing Sling and DirecTV’s moves in FAST, and the broader implications of these shifts for content distribution strategies. A major theme in the discussion is the convergence of media models, with AVOD, FAST, and subscription-based services blending to meet changing consumer expectations. Yet, there are challenges and opportunities presented by these transformations, including the influence of platforms like YouTube as a dominant service. An ongoing trend is the convergence of media and tech. Evan argues that Oracle's financial influence on Paramount signifies the beginning of a broader trend, with potential for more tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft to make significant acquisitions in the media space. The conversation expands to consider Netflix’s potential ventures into gaming or music, showcasing the strategic evolution of major players in the entertainment industry. Reflecting on surprises from 2024, Evan highlights Spotify’s unexpected profitability and operational resilience, plus the ongoing battle over sports rights, while Marion celebrates France’s thriving media market, citing examples like TF1 Plus, M6’s streaming relaunch, and the innovative coverage of the Paris Olympics. These reflections, AND MANY MORE included in the episode, underscore the diverse developments shaping global media. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next installment, where the hosts will make bold predictions for 2025.

Announcing The Media Odyssey, a podcast with Evan Shapiro & Marion Ranchet. Each week, two of media’s most influential thinkers take on the hottest media topics with their hottest takes, helping their audience chart a course through the maelstrom that is today’s Media Odyssey.The Media Odyssey debuts on January 2nd, 2025. Subscribe to get our 1st episode as soon as it comes out. Cheers, Marion & Evan