For better or worse, the domestic box office is changing. While the pre-pandemic film calendar was dominated by super hero movies, the current box office calendar has more room for director auteurs and A-list actors to make their marks.

This episode explores how expectations around theatrical windows are changing — as "Zootopia 2" enjoys an especially long and lucrative run in theaters. Meanwhile, Netflix is trying to buy Warner Bros. while simultaneously flip-flopping on a 7 vs. 17 vs. 45-day window for films in theaters.

This "MediaTalk" episode makes the case for the unique role that theaters play for audiences and filmmakers. What will 2026 bring? How are studios adapting their release and marketing strategies in a streaming-first world?

More S&P Global content:

MediaTalk | Season 2 EP 14 - The Summer Box Office Begins - https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/mediatalk-s2-ep-14

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

Super Bowl 60 is not just the biggest NFL game of the year — it is arguably the single biggest media and advertising event on the sports calendar. "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by a panel of S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts to unpack how NBC's presentation of the big game across NBC, Telemundo and Peacock turns the matchup into a cross-platform showcase designed to maximize reach and ad yield.

The episode examines the NFL's strong regular-season audience and how recent Nielsen measurement changes — especially "Big Data + Panel" and expanded out-of-home tracking — matter when interpreting year-over-year growth. The discussion also touches on streaming's continued momentum and how premium live sports can scale outside traditional TV, even as linear remains the dominant mass-reach environment.

On the ad side, the headline is pricing: the most expensive 30-second spots reportedly fetched $10 million this year, with the average around $8 million. Advertisers remain willing to pay up for the cultural impact and attention that is hard to replicate elsewhere. The group also flags the expected surge of AI-themed Super Bowl advertisers and debates whether this year can match last season's 127.7 million record audience.

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, 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.

Credits:

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

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

With the Winter Olympics quickly approaching, expectations are high — both in terms of the potential US medal count and the viewership and revenue opportunities for US rightsholder NBCUniversal.

"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by Gary Zenkel, president of NBC Olympics to discuss his outlook for this year's Winter Games. NBC anticipates strong audience interest, robust advertiser participation, and a Peacock experience that converts Olympic demand into sustained streaming usage.

The network says Olympic ad inventory was sold out about a month before opening day, reinforcing the Games' status as a scarce, brand-safe property and extending the momentum NBC saw in Paris.

Operationally, Zenkel describes a large-scale, efficiency-driven production model that blends on-site coverage in Italy with expanded remote production from Stamford, Connecticut. The approach reflects pandemic-era acceleration of technology-enabled workflows, designed to control costs while still delivering comprehensive coverage across platforms.

Peacock is positioned as the centerpiece of the consumer experience and the growth engine for streaming engagement. NBCUniversal plans to offer the broadest access through Peacock — live events, replays, sport deep dives, and curated viewing options — while using NBC's prime-time show as a story-forward package that drives mass reach and daily buzz. Zenkel notes that total distribution across streaming and linear will exceed 3,000 hours, underscoring Peacock's role in delivering breadth and personalization.

More S&P Global content:

How Sports Media Rights Are Changing the Game for Fans and Networks

Featured experts:

• Gary Zenkel, President, NBC Olympics

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 Kagan analysts Seth Shafer and Michail Chandakas to explore the streaming landscape in the US and Europe as we look ahead to 2026. The conversation explores how leading platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Paramount+ are evolving amid market saturation, M&A activity and shifting consumer habits.

Seth Shafer highlights the maturation of the US streaming market, where growth is slowing and consolidation is becoming a strategic necessity. He points to the increasing role of bundled offerings and the challenge of sustaining subscriber growth as households juggle multiple services.

Michail Chandakas provides a European perspective, noting Netflix's dominant market share and the launch of HBO Max in new territories. He observes that partnerships between US streamers and local broadcasters are becoming more aggressive, helping both sides reach broader audiences and meet local content quotas.

Sports streaming is another hot topic, with both analysts agreeing that live sports rights are crucial for driving engagement — but also create fragmentation as fans chase content across platforms. The rise of ad-supported streaming is a key driver of growth, particularly in Europe, though monetization remains a challenge.

More S&P Global content:

• Implications of the Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery deal for the APAC region

Featured experts:

• Seth Shafer, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.
• Michail Chandakas, 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" listeners get an insider's view of the CES 2026 through the eyes of S&P Global Market Intelligence's Neil Barbour and Stefan Modrich. The pair provide an in-depth look at the latest advancements in robotics and AI showcased at the annual consumer tech trade show. The discussion highlights the capabilities and limitations of the newest robots, which can perform tasks like serving coffee, playing ping pong, and even taking Polaroid snapshots. Despite these advancements, the episode questions whether robots are ready to enter our homes, noting they remain slow, clunky, and prone to errors, making them more suited for industrial settings for now.

On the policy front, the episode explores the evolving landscape surrounding AI, touching on federal and state-level debates over regulation. What are the implications of the AI executive order and the federal preemption of state laws? How will policies impact tech giants like Nvidia, especially regarding international trade and semiconductor supply chains? This episode offers a critical look at how policy and technology intersect, shaping the future of AI and robotics in 2026 and beyond.

More S&P Global content:

• Data & Dimensions | Ep. 1 -The Future of XR Hardware at Work and Play

Featured experts:

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

The first "MediaTalk" episode from 2026 explores the shifting media landscape expected in the coming year, focusing on the sports, cable and broadcast sectors. Major sports leagues — including the NBA, MLB, and UFC — are reshaping their media rights strategies, with deals that increasingly prioritize streaming platforms alongside traditional broadcasters. These moves aim to broaden audience reach but also introduce new cost considerations for fans, such as higher monthly fees to access comprehensive coverage.

The cable business remains profitable, but subscriber erosion continues. The launch of direct-to-consumer offerings from ESPN and Fox, plus genre-specific streaming bundles from YouTube TV, reflect a response to changing viewer habits and the decline of the traditional pay-TV bundle. Consolidation is a key theme, with ongoing mergers and acquisitions in both the US and Europe, as companies seek scale and operational efficiencies to compete with global streaming giants.

Looking ahead, marquee events like the FIFA World Cup and Winter Olympics are expected to drive temporary spikes in viewership and ad spending in 2026. However, the long-term outlook for cable and broadcast networks is uncertain, as industry players navigate evolving consumer preferences, regulatory challenges, and the continued rise of digital platforms.

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, 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.
• JP O'Sullivan, 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

With the holidays upon us, "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and producer Sarah James are taking a bit of a break. A new season of the podcast will return in January with previews of what 2026 may hold across the various media, telecom and tech sectors. Until then, we wish you and yours the best of the holidays and a great start to 2026!

Credits:

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

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

Using proprietary consumer data from S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan, "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds and Kagan analyst Brian Bacon explore how platforms are navigating the evolving sports media landscape.

Netflix, known for its eclectic selection of sports content, is gradually expanding its portfolio with offerings like the WWE Raw franchise and select MLB games. Yet, it remains a platform where sports are not the primary draw. How does this strategy impact its subscriber base, especially when only a quarter of users cite sports as a crucial factor for subscribing?

In contrast, Peacock leverages a more robust sports lineup, including NHL games and Olympic coverage, aiming to replicate the success of NBC Sports. Despite this, the survey reveals a split among users on the importance of sports content, as the bulk of Peacock's sports rights remain available on Comcast's linear TV networks.

The episode also delves into demographic insights, revealing intriguing gender and age preferences in sports fandom. The Kansas City Chiefs top the list among female respondents, possibly hinting at broader cultural influences. Meanwhile, younger viewers (18-44) favor NBA teams like the Lakers, highlighting generational shifts in sports preferences.

The episode explores how these strategies and demographic insights are shaping the future of sports streaming. Are these platforms meeting the diverse needs of their audiences, or is there room for growth?

More S&P Global content:

Top 10 US pro sports teams, 2025

Featured experts:

Brian Bacon, research analyst on the Consumer Insights team within 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 explore the complex world of US export controls on NVIDIA and other chipmakers. The conversation covers the latest developments in AI chip exports, including the US government's evolving stance on allowing NVIDIA's H200 GPUs to reach select customers in China, while still blocking access to advanced Blackwell chips.

What does this mean for the future of American innovation and global competitiveness? How are these policies shaping the delicate balance between national security and free-market ambitions?

The episode also explores the ripple effects on global supply chains, particularly in countries like Japan and Korea, and raises critical questions about the US's energy infrastructure and AI regulation. Meanwhile, at the state level, politicians are fighting against a federal AI regulation pre-emption. And local governments are debating the role of driverless vehicles and AI-powered tools in schools. Tune in to hear the tech policy debates that will shape discussions at the international, domestic, state and local level in the year to come.

More S&P Global content:

Examining the broader impact of changing chip export controls

AI preemption debate reignites concerns over cost, safety

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

In this episode of "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds and a panel of Kagan research analysts delve into the M&A whirlwind reshaping the media landscape. With major players like Paramount Skydance, Comcast, Netflix, Nexstar, and Sinclair making bold moves, what does the future hold for traditional and streaming media? The discussion highlights the recent bids for Warner Bros. Discovery, the implications of Nexstar's $6.2 billion offer for TEGNA, and Sinclair's unsolicited bid for E.W. Scripps.

As the media industry navigates this transformative phase, the episode explores critical questions: How will these mergers affect content creation and distribution? Will consolidation lead to a more competitive streaming environment or stifle innovation? What challenges might arise in securing regulatory approval for these massive deals?

Join us as we explore the potential outcomes of these landmark transactions and their impact on viewers and industry stakeholders alike.

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, head of Kagan Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
• Seth Shafer, 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