The Streaming Wars

Basics of Streaming explains why live sports delivery costs rise with viewership, potentially reaching $112,500 per hour for one million concurrent viewers. CDN optimization, efficient streaming technology, and revenue per viewer-hour are critical to protecting profitability as audiences grow.

Kirby examines how the bundle boom is reshaping streaming economics as premium SVOD bundle signups reached 20 million in Q4 2025. The analysis breaks down why subscriber growth doesn't always translate into incremental revenue, and how customer acquisition, migration, wholesale…

Snap will eliminate regional DAU and ARPU disclosures starting with Q1 2027 results, shifting to global MAU-based metrics. North America generated 59% of Q3 revenue despite a 6% decline in daily users, making it harder for investors to distinguish audience…

From the Archives traces Showtime's shift from pay-TV authentication to standalone streaming and its eventual integration into Paramount+. Skydance's consolidation plans reinforce how aggregation can lower costs, improve subscriber retention, and preserve the value of premium programming without maintaining separate…

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…