"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds delves into the dynamics of holiday spending for 2025, featuring insights from industry experts Zach Ciampa of 451 Research and Brian Scheid from Market Intelligence. As the holiday season approaches, what trends are emerging in consumer behavior? With an average spending forecast of $890.49 per person in the US, how will inflation and economic uncertainties shape this year's shopping habits?

Zach shares findings from 451's recent surveys, revealing a notable shift towards online shopping, where 50% of consumers plan to make their purchases digitally. Are consumers prioritizing convenience over traditional in-store experiences? Meanwhile, Brian highlights the complexities of inflation and the potential impact of tariffs on consumer spending. With the Fed's target for inflation set at 2%, how will rising costs affect holiday budgets?

As businesses prepare for the holiday rush, how can they adapt their strategies to meet evolving consumer expectations? Will AI-generated content enhance or hinder brand engagement this season? The episode also explores the ongoing debate around the use of AI in advertising — do consumers prefer authentic, human-driven marketing, or are they open to AI-generated content? Join us as we unpack these pressing questions and more.

More S&P Global content:

Generative AI shows rapid growth but yields mixed results

Featured experts:

Zach Ciampa - analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence 451 Research

Brian Scheid - senior reporter on global markets at S&P Global Market Intelligence

Credits:

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

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds sits down with Brad Ramsey, senior vice president of media operations at TEGNA, about the increasingly important role that broadcasters are playing in delivering local sports programming to fans. TEGNA has secured local rights deals with 14 NBA, NHL, MLB, and WNBA teams, marking a significant shift in the sports broadcasting landscape. Ramsey emphasizes that the company's varied agreements, which include full season rights and targeted game packages, allow TEGNA to reach a broader audience, offering value to viewers and advertisers alike.

The conversation highlights the transformation of the regional sports network (RSN) space, especially following Diamond Sports' bankruptcy. Ramsey notes that local broadcasts have significantly outperformed previous RSN audiences, showcasing the effectiveness of their strategy.

Listeners will find themselves contemplating critical questions: How are local broadcasters redefining sports viewership in a digital age? What does the future hold for sports rights as teams explore new partnerships? And how can advertisers leverage the resurgence of local sports broadcasting to maximize their reach?

Tune in to discover how TEGNA and other broadcasters are reshaping the sports media landscape to make something long considered old new again.

More S&P Global content:

MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 43 - Navigating the New NBA and WNBA Media Landscape

Social media followers for top professional sports teams, May 2025

Featured experts:

• Brad Ramsey, Senior Vice President and Head of Sports Rights for TEGNA

Credits:

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

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

The latest episode of "MediaTalk" delves into the dynamic landscape of mobile and broadband markets in the Americas with Kagan analysts John Fletcher, Lynette Luna, Tomás Sarmiento and Bruno do Amaral. As they explore the mobile markets, intriguing questions arise: How does the mobile penetration rate exceed 100% with a billion phones for 880 million people in the Americas? Why is Peru emerging as the fastest-growing market?

The discussion highlights the contrasting growth patterns between the US and Latin America. While the US leads in revenue and ARPU, Latin America's prepaid market, particularly in Mexico, dominates with 83% of the market. Bruno Do Amaral sheds light on the potential shift from prepaid to postpaid, especially in Brazil. Will this trend reshape the market dynamics?

The analysts also tackle the burgeoning 5G landscape. Despite its presence in countries like Brazil and Mexico, 5G adoption is slower than anticipated. Could upcoming spectrum auctions accelerate its growth?

Turning to broadband, John Fletcher emphasizes the US' unique reliance on cable due to historical early adoption. With fixed wireless gaining traction, could this be the key to achieving near-complete broadband penetration in the US by 2031? Meanwhile, Tomás Sarmiento points out the rapid fiber adoption in Latin America, driven by small and mid-sized ISPs. How will this affect future market dynamics?

As the episode concludes, each analyst shares their focus for the upcoming years, from spectrum challenges in the US to the evolving operator landscape in Latin America. With the potential for broadband price wars and increased convergence in services, what lies ahead for the telecom industry in the Americas?

More S&P Global content:

Technology, Media, & Telecoms

Fixed wireless subscribers by state

Featured experts:

• Lynnette Luna, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.

  John Fletcher, principal research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.

  Tomás Sarmiento, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.

  Bruno do Amaral, 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

As the NBA kicks off its 2025-2026 season, significant changes in media rights and distribution strategies are reshaping how fans engage with the league. This episode of "MediaTalk" discusses the implications of the new NBA national rights deals, including the return of NBC Sports and the entry of Amazon Prime Video. How will these shifts impact viewership and fan engagement? Will streaming platforms help the league reach audiences that are either younger or more international in scope?

The episode also explores the WNBA's evolving media landscape, with record attendance and ratings alongside a substantial increase in rights fees. With the collective bargaining agreement ending later this month, what does the future hold for player salaries and league profitability? How does the rise of the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled impact the power balance between players and the league?

Join "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and a panel of S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts as they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing both leagues in this dynamic media environment.

More S&P Global content:

• The Business of Sports
• Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market

Featured experts:

• Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.

  Scott Robson, 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

"MediaTalk" explores the growing importance of sports investments, which have evolved from vanity purchases to a legitimate asset class. Record-breaking transactions in leagues like the NBA and NFL underscore this transformation.

A key focus is why sports teams are considered a durable asset class that will hold their value and continue to grow not just for the next five or 10 or 20 years, but possibly for the next 100. Unlike other investments, sports teams enjoy inelastic demand—fans remain loyal regardless of team performance, ensuring steady revenue. These unique characteristics make sports teams more attractive than even Big Tech stocks, which may not guarantee the same long-term stability and loyalty.

The episode emphasizes the unparalleled ability of sports to captivate audiences, as seen with events like the Paris Olympics and the World Cup. This enduring appeal solidifies sports teams as valuable investments.

The podcast also explores the role of US investors in global sports investments, especially in European soccer clubs. Over half of the Premier League teams have American owners, highlighting a strong US presence in the UK soccer scene.

The conversation shifts to the impact of social media and technology. Social media enhances fan engagement and drives sponsorship values, while the sports technology sector sees growth in areas like sports analytics and collectibles.

Finally, the episode touches on the burgeoning interest in women's sports, with rapid growth in valuations for women's sports teams. As the episode concludes, the guests discuss whether the sports investment market is in a bubble. While some believe it is, others see it as a period of price discovery, with valuations likely to rise before stabilizing.

More S&P Global content:

• Scoring Profits: The Dual Benefits of Investing in Sports

Featured experts:

• Iuri Struta, senior reporter at S&P Global Market Intelligence

• 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

"Media Talk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by Justin Nielson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan, to discuss the opportunities and challenges faced by TV and radio broadcasters in 2025.

Radio is experiencing a bifurcation, with traditional ad revenues declining while podcasting and streaming drive growth. Nielson emphasizes that radio remains a local medium, fostering community relationships, but faces pressure from national advertisers shifting budgets towards platforms like Spotify and SiriusXM. While certain sectors, including healthcare and professional services, are thriving, others like retail and automotive are struggling due to economic pressures.

On the television side, the outlook for 2025 appears challenging, particularly in an odd year without major events like the Summer Olympics or a presidential election. Additionally, the podcast discusses the M&A landscape, noting that the TV sector faces duopoly and national ownership cap rules that could impact transactions. Recent deals, namely Nexstar's potential purchase of TEGNA, will test the current limits.

The podcast also explores the impact of technological advancements, including AI and the transition to ATSC 3.0, which promises new revenue opportunities but faces hurdles in consumer adoption.

Overall, while both radio and TV navigate a complex environment marked by digital competition and economic uncertainty, there are still promising avenues for growth, particularly at the local level, alongside an evolving M&A landscape that could reshape the industry.

More S&P Global content:

Technology, Media, & Telecoms

Featured experts:

• Justin Nielson, principal 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 and S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Neil Barbour discuss the implications of Electronic Arts' $57 billion going-private deal. Notably, while the multiples on this deal rival those of Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard in 2021, the industry is in a very different phase of growth.

The conversation also looks at the current M&A landscape, delving into why the the anticipated wave of consolidation failed to materialize after Microsoft's Activision Blizzard deal. Will regulatory hurdles and a cautious market environment continue to stifle potential deals?

The health of the video game market raises further questions. With Microsoft reporting a rise in content revenue from previously Xbox-exclusive titles now available on PlayStation, can this momentum be sustained? How will Nintendo navigate software sales following its Switch 2 hardware launch? And what factors are driving Roblox's impressive user engagement, especially around titles such as Steal a Brainrot and Grow a Garden?

This episode prompts listeners to consider the future of the gaming industry and the potential paths for major players, asking what strategies companies should adopt to stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic market.

More S&P Global content:

• Video game industry sheds jobs to protect margins
• MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 22 - Gaming Outlook Complicated by GTA Delay, Metaverse Momentum

Featured experts:

• Neil Barbour, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst

Credits:

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

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Michael Johnson recently returned from Front Office Sports' "Tuned In" conference in Manhattan, where media and league executives talked about the rapidly evolving landscape of sports media.

One of the key highlights was the MLB's new rights agreements, which have not been formally announced. They are expected to include NBC securing Sunday night games, ESPN handling local rights, and Netflix stepping in for the Home Run Derby. This diversification of platforms underscores the strategic pivot towards streaming services, aiming to capture a wider audience and cater to changing viewer preferences.

The NBA is also making strides, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discussing potential expansions into Europe, supported by heavyweights like JP Morgan and the Raine Group. This not only signifies the NBA's global ambitions but also highlights the importance of regulatory navigation and infrastructure development in international markets.

Amazon's entry into the Masters golf tournament further illustrates the growing influence of streaming giants in traditional sports broadcasting. With their robust sports portfolio, Amazon is positioning itself as a formidable player, potentially eyeing future marquee events like the Super Bowl.

These developments are complemented by NBC's ambitious plans to provide 50 weeks of live Sunday night sports annually. Such initiatives reflect the increasing importance of sports in the broadcasting realm, as networks strive to maintain relevance and viewer engagement in a competitive market.

More S&P Global content:

• The Business of Sports
• Moneyball: The impact of sports media rights on the US video market

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

"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by S&P Global Market Intelligence tech policy reporter Stefan Modrich to discuss the evolving regulatory landscape for tech and media companies during the second Trump administration. The episode explores AI regulation, BEAD funding and broadcast mergers.

The discussion highlights the increasing complexity of AI legislation across the United States, with over 1,300 bills introduced at the state level that address AI's role in various sectors, including healthcare and election security. As companies and consumers navigate this regulatory patchwork, concerns about AI-generated content in political campaigns remain a hot topic.

The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, aiming to provide over $42 billion for high-speed broadband deployment, faces scrutiny as the Trump administration revamps funding criteria. The conversation touches on the political dynamics that could influence how these funds are allocated, with some states potentially needing to choose between AI regulation and BEAD funding.

In the broadcast sector, M&A stands to reshape the landscape. Nexstar's $6.2 billion bid to acquire TEGNA is under the spotlight, shining a light on both the FCC's deregulatory stance and the changing ways in which Americans are consuming news.

More S&P Global content:

GenAI funding hits record in 2024 boosted by infrastructure interest

Featured experts:

• Stefan Modrich, tech policy reporter for S&P Global Market Intelligence

Credits:

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

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by two in-house movie experts — Wade Holden and Mac Mathews — to explore how the reduced theatrical window has reshaped audience behavior and summer box office outcomes. Traditionally, films enjoyed a 90-day exclusive run in theaters; but post-pandemic, this has been shortened to an average of less than seven weeks. This shift allows studios to capitalize on positive word-of-mouth quickly and reduce advertising costs by transitioning films to streaming platforms sooner. However, it also means that films need to make a significant impact in a shorter timeframe to be deemed successful.

Despite these challenges, certain films managed to outperform expectations. "Lilo and Stitch" and "How to Train Your Dragon" were notable successes, drawing in family audiences with their nostalgic appeal and quality storytelling. On the other hand, Pixar's "Elio" was a box office disappointment, failing to capture the audience's imagination.

Meanwhile, movies based on video games scored big, with "Minecraft" exceeding expectations and contributing to a strong spring box office. This trend of video game adaptations performing well is something studios are eager to leverage, as evidenced by Warner Bros. moving the release of the new "Mortal Kombat" movie to next spring to capitalize on audience interest.

Despite some successes, the summer box office was also affected by superhero fatigue. Films in this genre, which once reliably hit the $1 billion mark, are now performing in the $500 million–$600 million range worldwide. Titles like "Fantastic Four" did not meet expectations, suggesting a potential oversaturation or a shift in audience preferences.

More than ever, this summer proved it is a new world for studios and theater owners. And this fall promises to be more of the same as some of the most highly anticipated movies have the shortest theatrical windows.

More S&P Global content:

• A Box Office Season of Sequels, Side Quests and 'Sinners'

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

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence