The Streaming Wars

People Inc.'s licensing revenue jumped 49% to $52.7 million in Q3, helping offset a nearly 70% decline in Google search referrals over two years. Apple News and AI licensing deals are driving growth while increasing the publisher's dependence on platforms…

Versant’s platform businesses added $33 million in comparable Q3 revenue, falling short of a $57 million decline in linear distribution. Fandango led the gains, and Versant’s betting on Fandango1 to turn nearly 3,000 cinema relationships into recurring software and payments…

Borrell Associates, a local advertising research firm, says video has overtaken search as the largest local ad category, with spending projected to hit $30.8 billion in 2027. As YouTube, Amazon, and Roku make video advertising easier for small businesses to…

Netflix's rolling out AI Discover, a new TV feature that lets subscribers choose mood-based themes and refine recommendations in real time. With viewing hours up just 2% in H1 2026 and $20 billion in planned content spending, Netflix's looking to…

Skip examines how 13 NBA teams and seven NHL teams are replacing lost RSN revenue through streaming subscriptions, free broadcasts, and distribution partnerships. The shift creates new opportunities for fan engagement and monetization, but teams face smaller guaranteed payments, higher…

Disney's considering thousands of job cuts, with some managers tasked with finding up to 20% in annual cost savings. CEO Josh D'Amaro aims to redirect spending toward high-value franchises, streaming, and Experiences, concentrating investment on fewer projects while raising the…

Looper Insights' Francesca Pezzoli identifies a critical ownership gap in CTV merchandising that leaves streaming services unable to verify promised home-screen placements, often mistaking weak exposure for poor marketing performance. She calls for a single accountable owner and real-time monitoring…

Fox One returned Fox to subscriber growth, with 97% of new subscribers coming from outside the cable bundle. After an estimated 2.8 million World Cup sign-ups in June, retention, acquisition costs, and distribution fees will determine profitability and shape Fox's…

Roku's advertising business drove 76% of its Q3 platform gross profit growth, with ad margins expanding to 63.2%, while subscription margins fell and device losses doubled. The results underscore advertising's importance to Roku's profitability as FOX prepares to acquire the…

DAZN has reportedly secured an exclusive option for global streaming rights to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, sidelining rival bidders as it evaluates the return on its $1 billion 2025 investment. FIFA gains a potential buyer but no guaranteed…

DoorDash's planned $17 billion Instacart acquisition would combine businesses representing 77% of tracked delivery retail-media ad impressions and expand purchase-based targeting and measurement across CTV. The deal could strengthen DoorDash's position against Amazon and Walmart while giving it greater influence…

Roblox plans to test skippable pre-roll ads during game loads, creating new advertising inventory across its platform without requiring developer integration. The company will share revenue with creators and exempt Plus subscribers, but undisclosed payout terms and frequency limits leave…