In this episode, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds talks with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Analyst Scott Robson, who specializes in TV networks. Together, they discuss the myriad things that make the Masters special, including its unique media rights deal with CBS, its limited commercial load and its notorious green jacket. The pair also take on the pending merger between the PGA and LIV Golf, and the various efforts from the sport to bring in younger audiences, especially in the US.

In this episode, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds talks with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Neil Barbour, who leads video game coverage for the consumer technology team. Neil shares his thoughts on the gaming industry's performance in 2023 while providing an early read on what we might expect in 2024 and beyond. He also assesses where some of the key players stand and explains why the newest consoles from Microsoft and Sony both exited their growth phase sooner than expected.

In this episode, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds sits down with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Seth Shafer, who specializes in the streaming industry. Together, they talk about which streaming services — Netflix, Disney+, Peacock, Max, Paramount+ — gained or lost ground in 2023 in terms of subscribers. They also discuss changing strategies around advertising, password sharing, international rollouts and prioritizing profits over growth. Seth also gives a preview of Kagan projections around streaming ad revenue growth, and what those numbers mean for linear TV networks.

March Madness has arrived and MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds is in the paint with S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts Justin Nielson and Scott Robson. Together, they talk about the ongoing popularity of the tournament, both among viewers and advertisers, and the successful partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global in terms of carrying the men's games. They also discuss the growing popularity of the women's tournament, especially given the excitement around not only Caitlin Clark, but also this year's undefeated South Carolina team. Finally, they get into their own brackets and who they expect for the men's Final Four. So have a listen and join us in the Madness.

MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Analyst Peter Leitzinger, who specializes in the broadcast industry with expertise in political advertising. Peter shares his thoughts on the 2024 election cycle, including the rematch for the White House, battles for control of the House and Senate, and a number of ballot issues that are expected to raise interest and dollars. Together, Mike and Peter go through projections for seven swing states, including those where races in 2020 were decided by a single percentage point or less.

In this episode, MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Analyst Scott Robson, who specializes in TV networks. Scott shares his thoughts on the evolving pay TV business as sports rights and viewers shift to streaming services — and what these trends mean for traditional cable networks. The pair take on the media rights negotiations for the NBA and just how big of an increase the league could get. Continuing with sports, Scott weighs in on the upcoming streaming joint venture from Fox, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery, as well as the ongoing Diamond Sports bankruptcy proceedings. Finally, he touches on the ongoing speculation around further consolidation among US media giants.

In this episode, MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Senior Research Analyst Wade Holden, who specializes in the movie business. Wade shares his thoughts on the box office performance in 2023 as the industry continues its recovery from the pandemic. Touching on everything from big films that hit to big films that flopped, Wade discusses how studio windowing strategies may be affecting consumer behavior and box office results. Finally, Wade looks ahead to what summer will bring for all of us at the theaters. So grab some popcorn and have a listen!

In this episode, MediaTalk Host Mike Reynolds speaks to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Principal Analyst Justin Nielson about his outlook for the broadcast industry in 2024. The conversation touches on everything from cord-cutting to advertising, including expected impacts from the presidential election cycle and the Paris Summer Olympics. Speaking of sports, Justin weighs in on the sports-oriented joint venture between Disney, Fox, and Warner Brothers Discovery and its potential impact on the media ecosystem. The pair also discuss how broadcasters are embracing artificial intelligence and the prospects for Next Gen TV.

In 2024, S&P Global's podcast focused on the media and communications sectors is back with a new look and feel, releasing weekly episodes. As MediaTalk kicks off, we're going to provide our outlook for the broadcast, streaming, TV network, movie and gaming spaces, as well as the presidential election cycle. There will also be talk around the widening world of sports media.

Amazon, Target and Walmart are cutting back on capital expenditures and fixed costs while increasing promotional activity to spur demand from inflation-weary consumers. In this episode of MediaTalk, S&P Global Market Intelligence reporter Katie Arcieri speaks to Michael Nocerino, an analyst with 451 Research, and Arun Sundaram, an analyst with CFRA Research, about the state of the e-commerce industry, how retailers are positioning themselves for growth, and consumer sentiment during the holiday season.