MediaTalk

"MediaTalk" delves into the ins and outs of baseball media rights, distribution disruption, and the business model pressure points shaping MLB's next decade. The episode unpacks how MLB's new ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) challenge system adds a layer of on-field strategy without fully replacing human umpires, reflecting a broader theme: incremental tech adoption with high-stakes outcomes. From there, the conversation pivots to the World Baseball Classic's breakout viewership, underscoring how premium events can generate outsized audience demand and advertiser value. The biggest story, though, is structural: the collapse and restructuring of the regional sports network (RSN) ecosystem and MLB's expanding role in local production and direct-to-consumer distribution. With top franchises still collecting massive local rights fees while others face uncertainty, the episode highlights widening competitive imbalance — fueling concerns that the next labor fight could center on caps, floors, and revenue sharing. Will MLB successfully centralize local streaming by 2028 — or will big-market teams block the model to protect premium RSN economics? Finally, the episode examines why Netflix and NBC want curated MLB inventory and what that signals about sports' role in reducing churn and owning "appointment" windows. As streamers cherry-pick tentpole games, what's the next must-have rights package that will reshape sports media valuations? More S&P Global content: Navigating the Chaos of Sports Media Rights Fragmentation Maximizing Sports Media Rights Value: Benchmarking, Negotiation, & Market Intelligence in 2026 Featured experts: 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

March Madness is a case study in how premium sports rights stand to be repackaged and monetized in an increasingly  fragmented TV-and-streaming ecosystem. This "MediaTalk" episode highlights the long-running CBS and TNT Sports partnership as an unusually durable co-rights model — one that blends broadcast reach with cable affiliate economics and modern streaming distribution. With the looming possibility of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery becoming corporate teammates, the episode explores what consolidation could mean for rights strategy, brand architecture and platform rationalization. A key theme: distribution optionality is now paramount. Between March Madness Live, Paramount+ and HBO Max, the tournament demonstrates how major events can drive authentication, subscriptions, and ad sales across multiple endpoints. However, this also raises the question of whether three parallel digital destinations is sustainable long-term. The episode also connects tournament scheduling and expansion chatter to broader sports calendar realities and ad inventory constraints. Beyond rights, the episode digs into NIL and federal policy proposals (including the SCORE Act and College Sports Competitiveness Act) as forces that could reshape cost structures, conference leverage, and the long-run economics underpinning media deals. Finally, the episode frames sports betting — including prediction markets — as an increasingly material engagement layer, especially in non-legal betting states. More S&P Global content: Navigating the Chaos of Sports Media Rights Fragmentation Maximizing Sports Media Rights Value: Benchmarking, Negotiation, & Market Intelligence in 2026 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

Broadband is behaving more like a true utility, with churn holding near a remarkably low 1% per month for fixed broadband, comparable only to mobile phone providers. Moves remain the top driver of customer loss, followed by the hunt for lower prices and frustrations with service quality, especially among older households, families with children, and higher-income users who are more intolerant of outages. Speed, while important, ranks further down the list of reasons to switch. At the same time, competitive pressure is intensifying. Fixed wireless access is scaling quickly in both rural and suburban/urban markets, and Starlink's aggressive pricing and rapid growth are reshaping satellite broadband economics ahead of a potential IPO. Fiber leaders like Verizon Fios and Frontier show the lowest churn, and cable operators are leaning on deep bundles to lock in customers for five to 10 years. As broadband matures, will pricing and service quality outweigh speed as the decisive factors in retention? Can incumbents hold the line against fixed wireless and LEO satellite challengers? More S&P Global content: US Broadband monthly churn hits 1.3% Fixed wireless subscribers by state  Featured experts: John Fletcher, principal research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan. 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

Funding for the generative AI sector has shattered records in just two months of 2026, surpassing all of 2025. OpenAI's staggering $120 billion funding round, alongside Anthropic's $30 billion and X.AI's $20 billion, signals unprecedented confidence in AI's transformative potential. But the story extends beyond foundation models. As traditional venture capital firms find themselves priced out of mega-rounds, capital is flowing into the application and infrastructure layers, particularly code generation — currently AI's most proven use case. Meanwhile, the SaaS sector faces an existential reckoning as investors question whether AI-native businesses can deliver superior customer value at lower marginal costs. The infrastructure race intensifies as hyperscalers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google compete for AI supremacy, driving data center valuations into the stratosphere. Yet power constraints loom large — 2026 may mark the first year a data center project fails purely due to energy shortages. With gas turbine manufacturers booked through 2030, the question isn't just about capital availability, but physical infrastructure capacity. This episode explores what happens when unprecedented capital deployment for AI funding collides with fundamental resource constraints and energy supply reality.  More S&P Global content: GenAI VC Funding: A 2026 Outlook Datacenter Dealmaking: Can the Record-Breaking Momentum Continue in 2026? Featured experts: 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

"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds sits down with Mike Donoghue, CEO and co-founder of Subtext, to discuss how AI is reshaping brand-consumer relationships in today's cluttered digital landscape. Subtext, a short message service marketing platform, recorded remarkable growth last year, notching a more than 100% revenue increase in 2025. Donoghue emphasized that while AI is inevitable, its proper application is critical. Rather than replacing human voices, Subtext uses AI to analyze consumer responses and generate actionable insights. "People want to talk through machines, not to machines," he explained, highlighting that brands foregoing genuine human connection risk losing relevance in an increasingly automated world. As email marketing faces AI-driven disruption similar to what search experienced, more publishers are turning to SMS to maintain direct audience relationships without big tech gatekeepers. This episode explores what the balance between AI efficiency and human connection will look like in 2026 and 2027, and how brands are preparing for the AI-driven transformation of traditional communication channels. Are direct, unfiltered connections an essential strategy to stand out in an increasingly automated world? More S&P Global content: Technology, Media, & Telecoms GenAI VC Funding: A 2026 Outlook Featured experts: Mike Donoghue, CEO and co-founder of Subtext Credits: Host/Author: Mike Reynolds Producer/Editor: Sarah James www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

"MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds is joined by three analysts from S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan to discuss the evolving landscape of mobile and broadband markets across the US and Europe in 2026. The discussion highlighted how connectivity has become the central focus for telecommunications providers, with streaming service aggregation emerging as the new strategic approach for traditional operators seeking to maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The conversation revealed contrasting trends in pay TV markets, with the US showing some resilience in 2025 after years of decline, particularly through virtual providers like YouTube TV. European markets have experienced less dramatic subscriber losses due to stronger bundling strategies and robust free-to-air options that continue to satisfy consumer demand. These regional differences underscore how market structures and consumer preferences continue to shape telecommunications business models differently across geographies. The analysts emphasized how the convergence of fixed and mobile services is fundamentally reshaping competition in the telecommunications sector. T-Mobile's strategic expansion into fiber, cable companies' growing mobile service offerings, and the acceleration of fixed wireless access are creating new competitive dynamics that blur traditional industry boundaries. Meanwhile, the media landscape continues to transform as telecommunications companies increasingly divest content assets that are being consolidated by dedicated media companies. These shifts suggest a fundamental restructuring of how telecommunications services will be packaged, marketed and delivered to consumers in the coming years. 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. Mohammed Hamza, principal 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

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

In this special Thanksgiving edition of "MediaTalk," host Mike Reynolds revisits insightful discussions with four prominent executives in the media industry, each sharing their perspectives on topics ranging from evolving distribution deals, sports rights and AI. The episode features Tom Montemagno from Charter Communications, John Lasker from ESPN, Brad Ramsey from TEGNA, and Mark Penn from Stagwell, offering a blend of strategic insights and industry trends. Tom Montemagno discusses Charter's shift towards a hybrid model that combines traditional linear programming with streaming options. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to customer preferences and the need for transformative deals, particularly highlighting the successful negotiation with Disney/ESPN that allowed for seamless integration of streaming services. John Lasker focuses on ESPN's direct-to-consumer strategy, particularly the launch of the ESPN DTC enhanced app. He underscores the goal of simplifying the content offering for sports fans, making it easier for them to access a comprehensive range of ESPN content through a single subscription, appealing to both traditional viewers and new audiences. Brad Ramsey shares insights into TEGNA's approach to local sports rights, having secured deals with multiple professional sports teams. He notes the resurgence of local broadcasting in sports, driven by changes in the RSN space, and emphasizes the company's commitment to reaching more fans through accessible game coverage. Mark Penn outlines Stagwell's vision as a digital-first marketing network, discussing the integration of advanced technology and AI in marketing strategies. He highlights the company's growth ambitions through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, while also emphasizing the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing marketing landscape. This episode reflects on the challenges and opportunities that defined this year's media environment . More S&P Global content: MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 45 - How TEGNA Tailors Sports Rights Deals Across Leagues, Markets for Maximum Reach MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 34 - How ESPN Aims to Change the Game with New Streaming App MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 28 - Stagwell CEO Mark Penn Talks The Future of Marketing Amid AI Revolution MediaTalk | Season 3 | Ep. 25 - Charter's Gambit to Revive Linear Pay TV with Seamless Streaming Strategy Featured experts: Tom Montemagno, Executive Vice President of Programming Acquisition at Charter Communications John Lasker, Senior Vice President of ESPN DTC Brad Ramsey, Senior Vice President and Head of Sports Rights for TEGNA Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell Credits: Host/Author: Mike Reynolds Producer/Editor: Sarah James www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

The latest episode of "MediaTalk" explores the fall and winter box office landscape, including the lukewarm fall season, which narrowly missed the $1 billion mark. Despite strong performances from "The Conjuring: Last Rites" and "Demon Slayer," the fall season struggled due to several underperforming films and postponed releases like the "Mortal Kombat" sequel. The episode also explores the impact of streaming strategies on box office performance. Films like "KPop Demon Hunters" have thrived due to repeat viewings on platforms like Netflix, showcasing the evolving dynamics between theatrical releases and streaming services. The conversation shifts to the winter season, highlighting potential blockbusters like "Wicked: For Good," "Zootopia 2," and the third installment of "Avatar." Expectations are high for "Wicked: For Good," with record-breaking pre-sales and extensive cross-promotional campaigns. Meanwhile, "Zootopia 2" and the upcoming "Avatar" film are also poised to drive significant box office revenue.   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

"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