Top Rank Boxing will end its media rights deal with ESPN in August and is now seeking multiple distribution partners instead of a single exclusive outlet. CEO Bob Arum says the promotion sees growing demand across digital and streaming platforms,…
From the Archives tracks how Awesomeness transformed from a YouTube startup into a multi-platform Gen Z media brand, reaching a $650 million valuation with backing from DreamWorks, Hearst, and Verizon. After the collapse of go90 and shifting corporate priorities, the…
Andrew Wamugi explores how MLB could use MLB.TV as a strategic asset in upcoming media rights negotiations. With ESPN walking away from its $550 million annual deal after 2025, MLB is leveraging its centralized streaming infrastructure to attract potential partners…
YouTube is considering adding a daily timer to limit how long users can watch Shorts, signaling a major shift in strategy from the platform that perfected doomscrolling. The move isn’t about digital wellness—it’s about rechanneling engagement toward higher-value formats like…
Netflix is testing an OpenAI-powered AI search tool on iOS devices in Australia and New Zealand, allowing users to find content using natural language and mood-based prompts. The tool is opt-in and builds on Netflix’s existing recommendation systems, aiming to…
Australia’s video market is projected to hit $12.3 billion by 2030, driven by digital dominance from YouTube and Netflix. The fight has shifted from subscriber growth to monetization, with ad-supported tiers and sports rights becoming key battlegrounds. Bundling is also…
Netflix has launched Thronglets, a mobile game tied directly to the Black Mirror episode “Plaything,” blurring the line between show and gameplay. Developed by Night School Studio, the game is a narrative extension—not just a promo—mirroring the episode’s emotional depth…
BeReal has begun rolling out in-feed ads and branded takeovers in the U.S. following its €500 million acquisition by Voodoo. The platform, once a holdout against monetization, is now chasing ad dollars from brands like Amazon and Nike, despite falling…
Kirby analyzes how Apple TV+ continues to lag behind in the streaming race, despite an ephemeral bump in market share from 7% to 8% in Q1 2025, driven by the return of Severance. He argues that high ARPU and prestige…
TiVo's latest “Smart TV Nation” report reveals that 55% of smart TV users prefer built-in streaming apps over external devices like dongles or set-top boxes. SVOD remains the top choice for viewing content, with 53% of all video watched via…
