MediaTalk

Scripps Sports is positioning broadcast television as a broad-reach alternative to traditional pay-TV and regional sports networks.

What is the strategy? Scripps has assembled national and local rights across women's sports, college athletics, hockey and basketball, using ION, local stations and streaming channels to make games available on free over-the-air television and digital platforms.

Why emphasize women's sports? Scripps identified limited visibility and inconsistent distribution as barriers to audience growth. Its WNBA and NWSL agreements created regular national programming, while partnerships with other properties have expanded the portfolio. The company says audience growth has been strong among men as well as women.

How is the local strategy developing? Scripps has become a major local broadcast partner for NHL teams, including the Golden Knights, Panthers, Lightning, Mammoth and Predators, and has added the Detroit Pistons. The model combines local game rights, station promotion and streaming access.

What comes next? Scripps plans to continue adding women's sports and will carry the Women's World Volleyball Championship.

More S&P Global content:

Technology, Media, & Telecoms

Featured experts:

• Brian Lawlor, President, Scripps Sports

Credits:

• Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
• Producer/Editor: Sarah James

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

NAB Show New York 2026 is in the books. From Oct. 20-22, some 6,700 event attendees in Manhattan were able to catch up on the latest video system and equipment advances. "MediaTalk" reviews the most important takeaways from the show:

What will shape local TV's future: live sports, streaming, or both? In this episode of "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds and Kagan research director Justin Nielson discuss how broadcasters are adapting as audiences and advertising shift toward streaming. Live sports remain a powerful draw, while local partnerships, over-the-air games, and digital distribution could help stations preserve relevance and expand fan engagement.

How strong will TV station advertising be in 2026 and 2027? The hosts examine the impact of political advertising, the Winter Olympics, and the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and what that means for 2027, especially amid continued growth in digital and retransmission revenue.

What other forces are reshaping the industry? Reynolds and Nielson explore artificial intelligence in newsrooms, potential media consolidation, the future of ATSC 3.0, and the challenge of reaching younger audiences who increasingly turn to social media for news. They also consider whether major streamers could pursue additional studio and broadcast assets.

More S&P Global content:

Technology, Media, & Telecoms

Featured experts:

• Justin Nielson, head of Kagan Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Credits:

• Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
• Producer/Editor: Sarah James

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

What will define the NBA's next season—and reshape its media business?

Did the new national rights deal deliver? Yes. Broadcast networks and streaming platforms generated strong viewership, with NBC, ESPN, ABC, Peacock, and Prime Video each playing distinct roles. Prime Video stood out for reaching younger, more affluent audiences, while NBC benefited from high-profile matchups and major-market teams.

What does this mean for the NBA's media strategy? The league is emphasizing broad distribution across broadcast, cable, and streaming, including expanded coverage of "Inside the NBA" and continued experimentation with technology and betting-related data.

Could expansion be next? Las Vegas and Seattle are leading candidates in the United States, while NBA Europe could launch as early as 2027, potentially creating a 16-team international competition.

Is the US regional sports network model finished? The collapse of Main Street Sports is accelerating a shift toward free over-the-air broadcasts, direct-to-consumer streaming, and hybrid local-rights agreements.

The episode also explores MSG Sports' planned separation of the Knicks and Rangers as stocks and features predictions for the NBA Finals.

More S&P Global content:

• The Business of Sports
• US prediction market trades are predominantly sports-based

Featured experts:

• Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
• Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
• Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan

Credits:

• Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
• Producer/Editor: Sarah James

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

In the latest episode of "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds sits down with Carlos Mendez, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Crayhill Capital Management, to explore why assets tied to iconic franchises like "South Park" and top music labels deliver uniquely resilient, long-term cash flows.

What makes media assets so attractive to institutional investors? Mendez explains the science behind "seasoned" royalties, how predictable decay curves beat passive financial aggregation.

Is AI truly disrupting creative content—or just the business behind it? While AI is transforming production workflows, scheduling, and dynamic ad targeting, Mendez emphasizes that it still lacks the hit-making greatness required to engage audiences and generate enduring value.

What is the biggest risk facing media finance today? It's not tech disruption — it's the cost of capital. Higher interest rates are repricing long-dated assets and squeezing over-leveraged buyers, unlocking fresh opportunities for disciplined lenders.

More S&P Global content:

S&P Global Kagan Media & Telecom

Featured experts:

• Carlos Mendez, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Crayhill Capital Management

Credits:

• Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
• Producer/Editor: Sarah James

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

The 2026 US midterm elections are shaping up to be one of the most consequential cycles in recent history. Americans will head to the polls to vote for House, Senate, gubernatorial, and local candidates, as well as decide on a host of ballot issues. With control of both chambers of Congress at stake and a slate of competitive races across the country, the political advertising landscape is in overdrive.

The episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the mechanics of political advertising, blending data-driven forecasts with real-world strategy. Listeners will learn:

• How billions of dollars are spent and tracked across platforms.
• Why certain markets and station groups dominate the ad landscape.
• Which issues are shaping voter sentiment—and how campaigns respond.
• How technology, from CTV to AI, is transforming political messaging.
• What historical analogies can teach us about community engagement and campaign strategy.

More S&P Global content:

CTV, Broadcast, and the Battle for Political Dollars: Kagan Research Forecasts the 2026 Midterms

Featured experts:

• Steve Passwaiter, president of Silver Oak Political
• Samantha Osborne, vice president of political sales at Nexstar
• Peter Leitzinger, analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
• Justin Nielson, head of Kagan Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Credits:

• Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
• Producer/Editor: Sarah James

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

The 2026–'27 NHL season has become a turning point for hockey in the US. In this episode, "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Michael Johnson break down the key moments and business impacts shaping the league's momentum.

What drove record-breaking viewership and attendance? The US men's gold medal win and the Carolina Hurricanes' Stanley Cup fueled a surge in fan engagement, boosting ratings for ESPN and TNT Sports.

Why are media rights negotiations and expansion generating so much buzz? With lucrative rights renewals on the horizon and new expansion markets like Houston, Atlanta, and Phoenix in play, the NHL is poised for growth both nationally and globally. At the same time, innovative streaming partnerships and centralized production models are reshaping fan access and revenue streams.

What's next for NHL revenue and leadership? With revenue projections reaching $8 billion and new financial products like futures contract trading, the business side of hockey is evolving fast. Tune in for actionable insights on the intersection of sports, media, and business — and discover why this NHL season is one for the record books.

More S&P Global content:

• Navigating the Chaos of Sports Media Rights Fragmentation
• Maximizing Sports Media Rights Value: Benchmarking, Negotiation, & Market Intelligence in 2026

Featured experts:

• Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.

Credits:

• Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
• Producer/Editor: Sarah James

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

What's fueling the explosive growth of AI data centers — and who's paying the price?

In this episode of "MediaTalk," S&P Global Market Intelligence reporters Mike Reynolds, Stefan Modrich, and editor Sarah James unpack the critical questions facing the tech and business world: How are leading companies like Microsoft and Amazon balancing massive investments in AI infrastructure with sustainability goals? The discussion highlights the growing scrutiny around clean energy purchases, revealing that sustainability claims often face skepticism regarding their real-world impact.

The episode also delves into shifting state policies, as Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, and others pause or repeal tax incentives for data center development. Local opposition is intensifying, especially in Virginia's Data Center Alley, prompting new regulations and accountability frameworks. The team covers the financial and operational implications for data center developers, emphasizing how evolving incentives and environmental standards are reshaping the industry. With insights from industry leaders and policymakers, "MediaTalk" provides a comprehensive look at the intersection of AI, energy, and regulation, offering business professionals a timely perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead for digital infrastructure.

More S&P Global content:

Next in Tech | Ep. 286: Resilient Digital Infrastructure

Next in Tech | Ep. 283: Sustainable Energy and Data Center Demand

Featured experts:

• Stefan Modrich, tech policy reporter for S&P Global Market Intelligence
• Sarah James, TMT News Lead at S&P Global Market Intelligence

Credits:

• Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
• Producer/Editor: Sarah James

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

The summer box office delivered a blockbuster performance, generating $4.64 billion domestically — the second-highest total ever. On this episode of "MediaTalk," Mike Reynolds is joined by Kagan Senior Research Analyst Wade Holden and Mac Mathews to unpack what powered the surge.

The discussion explores how "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "The Odyssey" helped push the market past $4 billion, while a record 331 films contributed to the season's unusually broad release slate. The experts also examine the surprising struggles of several high-profile, mid-range and superhero releases, including "Supergirl," "Masters of the Universe," "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" and the live-action "Moana." Their underperformance contrasted sharply with breakout successes such as "Obsession" and "The Backrooms," highlighting how strong word of mouth and cultural buzz can outweigh a film's budget or franchise pedigree.

Looking ahead, the conversation turns to the fall lineup and what it may reveal about the theatrical recovery. Can the fall slate sustain the box office momentum? What lessons will studios draw from this summer's unexpected winners and disappointments?

More S&P Global content:

Gen Z and Nostalgia: New Power Players to Lift 2026 Summer Box Office Past $4B

Featured experts:

Wade Holden, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan

Mac Mathews, associate director of editorial, design and publishing at S&P Global

Credits:

Host/Author: Mike Reynolds

Producer/Editor: Sarah James

What does the future of global media look like as traditional pay TV declines, streaming matures and sports rights become more valuable than ever?

In this episode of "MediaTalk," S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts examine the forces reshaping the technology, media and telecom sectors across the United States and Europe. The discussion covers telcos divesting content businesses, bundling Netflix and other OTT services, mobile and fiber consolidation, the slower adoption of 5G, and the financial benefits of replacing copper networks with fiber.

The episode also explores why live sports remain a powerful advertising engine and how leagues are monetizing digital and social-media rights. As streaming growth shifts from subscriber acquisition to profitability, are ad-supported plans and telco bundles becoming the next major growth drivers?

Listen for insights on the global advertising outlook, sports-rights negotiations, AI applications in media and the trends likely to dominate conversations at IBC and an upcoming Kagan London briefing.

More S&P Global content:

• Navigating the Chaos of Sports Media Rights Fragmentation
• Maximizing Sports Media Rights Value: Benchmarking, Negotiation, & Market Intelligence in 2026

Featured experts:

• Justin Nielson, head of Kagan Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
• Mohammed Hamza, principal research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
• Georgia Jordan, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
• Michail Chandakas, analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
• Richard Berndes, associate media analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan

Credits:

• Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
• Producer/Editor: Sarah James

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

The 2026-27 NFL season offers a compelling case study in media strategy and valuation growth. The league is accelerating its international footprint, with nine games abroad this season — including its first-ever broadcast from Australia via Netflix — and plans to expand to 10 international games next year. This global push, paired with strong streaming momentum (Amazon's Thursday Night Football viewership is up 16% year-over-year), signals a gradual narrowing of the gap between streaming and traditional broadcast audiences.

On the linear side, incumbents remain formidable: NBC's Sunday Night Football has held the top primetime slot for 15 consecutive years, while CBS and FOX both posted their strongest NFL viewership in nearly a decade. Meanwhile, ESPN's inaugural Super Bowl telecast, to be simulcast on ABC, sold out its advertising inventory by August — the earliest in the event's history — with 30-second spots commanding an estimated $8 million to $9 million. Will the broadcast break viewership records across linear and digital platforms?

These trends underscore a broader reality: media rights and franchise valuations continue to climb. The NFL isn't just America's most-watched sport — it's an increasingly global media and business enterprise.

More S&P Global content:

• Navigating the Chaos of Sports Media Rights Fragmentation
• Maximizing Sports Media Rights Value: Benchmarking, Negotiation, & Market Intelligence in 2026

Featured experts:

• Justin Nielson, head of Kagan Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
• Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
• Michael Johnson, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
• Iuri Struta, tech capital markets reporter at S&P Global Market Intelligence

Credits:

• Host/Author: Mike Reynolds
• Producer/Editor: Sarah James

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence