In a surprise move, Fox is acquiring Roku for $22 billion. Is it a good deal, bad deal, or something in between? We discuss from all angles.

Vionlabs’ Founder Arash Pendari explains how AI-enhanced metadata boosts the value of video assets, fits into business workflows, and improves viewer engagement.

Two horror movies from YouTubers are beating out Disney at the box office. TV OS’s are gaining importance. And Congress is scrutinizing the NFL’s media rights deals.

Netflix has added another big podcast to its roster, YouTube enhances AI disclosures, Roku revamps its home screen, Xfinity offers YouTube TV, and the FCC faces challenges with vMVPDs and NextGenTV. 

You can find a transcript of this podcast here.

New research from Omdia, Hub, and Antenna underscores the growing importance of advertising in streaming, across FASTs and premium SVOD.

New Disney CEO D’Amaro intends to turn Disney+ into a central hub for Disney fans to engage with all the company’s content and experiences, complete with interactivity. ParamountSkydance has a far less expansive view of Paramount+.

YouTube’s Q1 ad revenue approached $10 billion, up 11%, with subscriptions also growing strongly. And Howdy hit 1 million subscribers, as Roku flexes its distribution muscles.

Netflix reported more steady growth in Q1 as it transitions to maturity. But from advertising to gaming, and live sports to video podcasts, Netflix is staying opportunistic.

Roku now reaches 100 million households, but is far from owning the US market. New Hub data shows Roku and Amazon’s growing role in SVOD aggregation and the messy world of over-the-air TV.

Wurl’s GM of EMEA, Keith Bedford, joins us this week, explaining why FASTs have a big opportunity in streaming sports and some of the early success stories.