Thinking Out Loud

The FTC estimates fraud drained as much as $200 billion from the U.S. economy in 2024 alone. And the content and connectivity industry is squarely in the crosshairs. CTAM President & CEO Vicki Lins sits down with Kathy Stokes from AARP's Fraud Prevention and head of the AARP Fraud Watch Network to explore how organized crime syndicates, AI tools, and fake celebrity impersonations are targeting consumers right through the brands they trust. The conversation covers the psychology behind why scams work, the real cost to businesses, and how CTAM's ByeScammer initiative is equipping the industry to fight back together.

Christy Tanner, Chair of Swerve TV, joins CTAM’s Vicki Lins to explore the explosive growth of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV), the power of live sports, and what Gen Z’s media habits mean for the future. From combat sports to women’s leagues, discover how Swerve is reshaping access, engagement, and strategy in the streaming space.

What if you could see exactly where your content appears across every platform, device, and connected TV in the world? From compliance challenges to earned shelf space analytics, this conversation reveals the hidden levers powering success. In this episode, Lucas Bertrand, CEO & Co-founder of Looper Insights discusses how top Hollywood studios and global streamers are using placement analytics to drive performance, negotiate better deals, and win in a crowded, connected TV marketplace. A must-listen for executives looking for the competitive advantage.

In today’s saturated content market, capturing attention is no longer enough, brands must earn participation. In this episode, host Vicki Lins sits down with AMC Networks’ CMO Kim Granito to explore how the company turns fandom into a strategic asset. From franchise-building to cross-platform engagement, Kim reveals how AMC Networks blends data, instinct, and premium storytelling to create brand experiences that drive growth, reduce churn, and strengthen value for AMC Networks and an expanding array of commercial partners. 

Diana Pessin, the marketing leader behind BritBox and host Vicki Lins discuss how BritBox is redefining British television for audiences globally through data-driven decisions to understand viewer preferences, the influence of fandom, how cultivating a passionate viewer base can drive engagement and brand loyalty, and innovative strategies that drive subscriber growth.

Outrageous, the hit BritBox Original, is now playing and exemplifies the kind of bold programming fueling the platform’s success.

Guest Erick Opeka, President & Chief Strategy Officer at Cineverse, details the cutting-edge strategies shaping the future of entertainment. Erick breaks down Cineverse’s role as a full-service entertainment studio, their groundbreaking technology platform that’s revolutionizing content management, and the use of AI to optimize business. Tune in for Erick’s insights on the streaming-forward evolution of the industry and Cineverse’s vision for the future.

In a media landscape overflowing with choices, anime shines through with its distinct storytelling style that strongly resonates with audiences—especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Guest Gita Rebbapragada, Crunchyroll, and host Vicki Lins explore anime's compelling narratives and uncover why this genre creates such profound emotional connections. Discover how anime's storytelling is a powerful gateway to engage a loyal and expanding fanbase across media channels.

Columbia Business School Professor Sheena Iyengar is a leading expert in the study of choice. In this episode, host Vicki Lins delves into how the explosion of streaming services and the era of Peak TV have provided consumers with an unprecedented array of options, often leading to decision paralysis and choice overload. Together, they explore the paradox of choice and discuss ways to validate consumers’ decisions to keep them coming back.

Guest, Marcien Jenckes, president of Xumo shares insights into their holistic approach aimed at captivating audiences and monetizing content through advertising. Xumo's strategy spans the distribution of streaming devices, collaborations with TV manufacturers, and the expansion of FAST channels. Their swift adoption underscores the platform's appeal and effectiveness in addressing the dynamic demands of consumers and operators alike, making Xumo a leader in transforming the streaming experience.

Guest Kristin Dolan, CEO of AMC Networks, explores the dynamic trajectory of AMC Networks. Kristin shares her expertise in navigating the ever-changing media landscape by utilizing new technology, data, and information to engage diverse audiences through innovative distribution methods. Gain valuable perspectives on the challenges posed by content saturation and the influence of consolidation on media brands. Discover the success of the “AMC+ Picks on Max” programming experience, an impactful marketing partnership that not only commanded viewership but also fueled acquisition on AMC+. Join Kristin as she provides a sneak peek into the thrilling future of AMC Networks amid the ever-evolving media landscape.