As the Major League Baseball season kicks off, the way fans access their favorite teams is undergoing a seismic shift. In the latest episode of "MediaTalk," we discuss the changing distribution strategies that teams are implementing as many move away from traditional regional sports networks (RSNs) to embrace a mix of broadcast and streaming options. Outside the RSN market, the conclusion of MLB's longstanding relationship with ESPN after this season opens the door for new players like Amazon, Apple and others to potentially enter the market. Taken all together, these changes are creating an exciting and competitive environment for sports broadcasting. The episode explores the implications of these shifts on fan engagement, revenue generation, and the overall landscape of local sports media.

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

From buzzer beaters to brackets, "MediaTalk" is once again diving into the intersection of sports and business that is March Madness. Discover how the unique partnership between CBS Sports and TNT Sports, now in its 14th year, has transformed the landscape for media giants Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery. Now, March Madness generates over $1 billion in ad sales, underscoring the vital role of live sports in the linear TV ad market. This episode highlights why marquee sporting events like this are indispensable for networks, especially as other ad markets face challenges. Learn about the significant boost in retransmission consent rates for CBS, licensing fees for TBS, TNT and TruTV, and subscriber growth for the networks' related streaming platforms. Plus, discover the rising financial stakes in women's sports, highlighted by a recent ESPN deal that reflects the growing value and excitement surrounding the women's college basketball tournament. 

More S&P Global content:

• The Business of Sports 

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

In the latest episode of "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds dives into all things FinTech with two in-house experts: Sophia Furber and Iuri Struta from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Together, they explore the evolution of FinTech, from its early days as a venture capital darling to its current maturity and challenges, including regulatory hurdles and slower innovation.

Sophia explains the diverse applications of FinTech, highlighting the growing importance of account-to-account (A2A) payments and the potential for local payment methods to thrive in Europe. As fraud becomes increasingly sophisticated, Sophia also underscores the need for innovative solutions, particularly those leveraging AI.

Meanwhile, Iuri provides insights into the current state of FinTech M&A, noting robust demand amid declining valuations and a maturing market segment. 

More S&P Global content:

• Fintech funding falls in 2024, but mega rounds show tentative signs of optimism
• 451 Research: 2025 Trends in FinTech

Featured experts:

• Sophia Furber, analyst in the 451 Research fintech research and consulting group within S&P Global Market Intelligence

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

Credits:

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

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

The latest episode of “MediaTalk” features insights from a recent S&P Global Market Intelligence webinar, "A New Era for Video Distribution," outlining how the years-long slide in pay TV subscribers is now shaping M&A strategies and profit margins within the evolving media industry.

The webinar featured a trio of S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan principal analysts: Scott Robson discusses the historical high valuations of cable networks, which have significantly declined due to cord-cutting and reduced buyer interest. Seth Shafer highlights the strategic focus on content production and library assets as the true crown jewels in media acquisitions. And Justin Nielson discusses the pressures facing broadcasters, including regulatory hurdles and plateauing retransmission fee growth. Overall, the podcast underscores the strategic recalibrations media companies must undertake to navigate the challenges of declining traditional revenues and the opportunities presented by digital transformation.

More S&P Global content:

• New Era for Video Distribution

Featured experts:

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

  Scott Robson, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan.

  Seth Shafer, 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

"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds welcomes Steve Lanzano, president and CEO of the Television Bureau of Advertising, to discuss how local broadcast television is adapting and thriving in today’s shifting video landscape. Lanzano highlights how broadcasters continue to benefit from the power of live sports programming and local news, making it a trusted platform for both advertisers and viewers.

The episode also explores key advertising categories, including political in 2024 and expectations for automotive in 2025 amid the risk of new tariffs. The conversation also touches on the potential for M&A under the new administration as station groups look to consolidate. This shift could enhance operational efficiencies and expand audience reach, positioning local broadcasters favorably in a competitive video market.

More S&P Global content:

• New Era for Video Distribution

Featured experts:

• Steve Lanzano, President and CEO of TVB

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 is joined by Neil Barbour, a Kagan analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, to explore the dynamic landscape of the gaming and tech industries. They discuss the resurgence of smart devices through AI integration, which is breathing new life into products like smart glasses and smartphones. Barbour emphasizes that AI is not just a trend but a transformative force, enabling consumers to interact with devices using natural language, potentially unlocking greater value.

The conversation also examines the current M&A environment in gaming following a downturn in 2024 due to regulatory challenges and economic factors. Despite these hurdles, investment in the metaverse is experiencing a significant rebound, with funding up 42.9% in 2024, driven by innovations in AI and immersive experiences. As the episode wraps up, Reynolds and Barbour speculate on the future of AR/VR technologies, stressing the importance of compelling software to ignite consumer interest and engagement. 

More S&P Global content:

• MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 3 - Biggest takeaways from CES 2025
• Generative AI

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 is joined by S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Mau Rodriguez to discuss the current and future state of the US broadband industry. New technologies are changing the ways Americans connect and a new administration is raising questions about a major federal subsidy program. Fiber and fixed wireless were the primary drivers of growth last year, but that could change going forward depending on the competitive landscape of satellite broadband. The episode examines the performance of existing satellite providers, including Elon Musk's Starlink, and the potential impact of new entrants like Amazon's Project Kuiper. Also, the episode looks at the status of BEAD, a $42 billion federal subsidy program established under the Biden administration that aims to build out broadband infrastructure in underserved communities across America.

More S&P Global content:

Fixed wireless subscribers by state -  https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/research/fixed-wireless-subscribers-by-state

MediaTalk | Season 2 EP 20 - Wireless Outlook for 2024 as Carriers, Cable Compete

Featured experts:

Mau Rodriguez - S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst

Credits:

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

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

Ahead of this year's Super Bowl on Feb. 9, MediaTalk host Mike Reynolds is joined by three S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analysts to talk about the upcoming clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. As the Chiefs aim to score a historic three-peat, analysts Justin Nielson, Scott Robson, and Michael Johnson discuss whether this year's game can set a new audience record despite a slight decline in NFL viewership during the regular season. Meanwhile, rights-holder Fox is anticipating record-breaking ad revenues, with some 30-second spots having sold for as much as $8 million. Whether you're tuning in for the touchdowns or the commercials, Super Bowl 2025 promises to be a game-changer in the media landscape. 

More S&P Global content:

• The Business of Sports

Featured experts:

• Justin Nielson, Principal Analyst, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan 
• Scott Robson Senior Research Analyst, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan 
• Michael Johnson, Analyst, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan 

Credits:

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

www.spglobal.com

www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

With award season in full swing, it’s back to the box office for S&P Global Market Intelligence’s "MediaTalk." Host Mike Reynolds is joined by two in-house movie experts to discuss why the domestic box office fell in 2024 and what it means for 2025. In particular, the team highlights which franchises hit with audiences — including "Inside Out 2" and "Deadpool and Wolverine"  — and which disappointed, such as "Joker: Folie à Deux."

As they look forward to 2025, the conversation shifts to anticipated releases, including a new Superman movie directed by James Gunn and the next installment of "Avatar." The team also speculates on the potential for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to rebound after recent disappointments. Finally, with the Oscars on the horizon, they analyze the competitive landscape of this year's nominees and the narratives shaping the awards.

In this episode of "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds delves into the changing ways that brands — including news publishers, podcasters, enterprises and retailers — are connecting with consumers amidst the chaos of information overload, much of which is influenced by AI. Joining him are Mike Donoghue and Sarah Schmidt from Subtext, a platform that enables bilateral, two-way communication between publishers, creators and their audiences through text messaging. Joining the episode are S&P Global Market Intelligence 451 Research analysts Raúl Castañón and Zach Ciampa. Together, the group discusses the challenges brands face due to media fragmentation and algorithm shifts on social platforms, emphasizing the power of SMS with its uniquely high open rate. The conversation also touches on the role of AI, highlighting its potential for understanding consumer sentiment while stressing the importance of maintaining a human touch in interactions. The episode concludes with insights on how brands can avoid being perceived as spam and the growing significance of personalized messaging in the digital age.