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VideoNuze Report Podcast #114 - Sports Rights Fees and OTT
I'm pleased to be joined once again by Colin Dixon, senior partner at The Diffusion Group, for the 114th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for Dec. 16, 2011. In today's podcast Colin and I discuss the escalation in sports rights fees, player salaries, sports networks' affiliate fees and pay-TV rates.
Earlier this week I wrote about the massive, $254 million contract baseball slugger Albert Pujols signed with the Angels and how a new 20-year, $3 billion deal with Fox Sports enabled the team to afford the deal. But that's already old news, because since then the NFL signed $28 billion worth of deals with CBS, Fox and NBC (on top of the $15.2 billion renewal with ESPN agreed to in September), and ESPN forked over another $500 million for broader rights with NCAA.
Why does all this matter? Because as I've said repeatedly throughout the year, these deals are largely funded by non sports fans, through their ever-higher monthly pay-TV bills. As Colin and I agree, it's an unsustainable trend that's largely being enabled by consumers' ignorance and inertia about what they're paying for. Coincidentally, just today the NY Times has an article on this topic, the first one I've seen from a mainstream newspaper. The byproduct of escalating pay-TV rates is that they're opening the door for OTT alternatives to thrive. Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (16 minutes, 11 seconds)
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The VideoNuze Report is available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Cable Networks, Podcasts, Sports
Topics: CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC, NCAA, NFL
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #113 - Verizon and the OTT Market
I'm pleased to be joined once again by Colin Dixon, senior partner at The Diffusion Group, for the 113th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for Dec. 9, 2011. In today's podcast Colin and I discuss this week's rumors of Verizon potentially launching an OTT subscription video service outside its market areas. As I wrote earlier this week, I'm skeptical of their ability to succeed, but Colin is more sanguine.
Adding to this week's intrigue was a separate report suggesting that Verizon intends to team up with Redbox on the initiative. Meanwhile Verizon isn't willing to talk about any of this, and these days you can't be sure what to believe. Beyond Verizon, in the podcast we also discuss other players' role in the OTT space such as YouTube, Dish, Amazon and Vudu, and how they're each positioned. Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (16 minutes, 27 seconds)
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The VideoNuze Report is available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Aggregators, Podcasts, Telcos
Topics: Amazon, DISH, Podcast, Verizon, VUDU, YouTube
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #112 - Facebook's Video Opportunities
I'm pleased to be joined by Colin Dixon, senior partner at The Diffusion Group, for the 112th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for Dec. 2, 2011. Today Colin and I discuss how Facebook has become a leader in online video and the range of opportunities it has ahead. Earlier this week I reported how Facebook was ranked as the #2 video site in October by comScore, with nearly 60 million viewers. Though YouTube is still by far the biggest online video site, Facebook has made huge progress over the past year. Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (16 minutes, 25 seconds)
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The VideoNuze Report is available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Podcasts, Social Media
Topics: comScore, Facebook, Podcast
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #111 - Boxee's Live TV Dongle
Daisy Whitney and I are pleased to present the 111th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for Nov. 18, 2011. This week, Daisy and I discuss Boxee's new Live TV dongle and broader trends around pay-TV cord-cutting. The range of devices and video choices is opening up interesting new opportunities to segment consumers out of traditional pay-TV bundles, but change will unfold over the long-term. Listen in to learn more!
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(Note: After 111 great podcasts together, Daisy and I are going to take a break for now. We hope you've enjoyed!)
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #110 - OTT Distributors' Strategies
Daisy Whitney and I are pleased to present the 110th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for Nov. 4, 2011. This week, Daisy and I discuss major over-the-top (OTT) distributors' content strategies and how these companies are each trying to position themselves in the market. As I wrote earlier this week, while Netflix has recently gained a lot of attention, Hulu, Amazon, YouTube and others have been plenty busy as well. Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (15 minutes, 5 seconds)
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The VideoNuze Report is available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Aggregators, Podcasts
Topics: Podcast
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #109 - Netflix Q3 Results - Oct. 28, 2011
Daisy Whitney and I are pleased to present the 109th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for Oct. 28, 2011.
In this week's podcast, Daisy and I discuss Netflix's Q3 '11 results which it reported earlier this week. There's been a lot of coverage of Netflix's 800K subscriber loss in the U.S. in Q3, plus its dismal Q4 forecast, and we try to get behind the numbers to assess what they mean and where Netflix goes from here. Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (16 minutes, 33 seconds)
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The VideoNuze Report is available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Aggregators, Podcasts
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #108 - TV Everywhere's 5 Challenges
Following a short break, Daisy Whitney and I are pleased to be back to present the 108th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for Oct. 21, 2011.
In this week's podcast, Daisy and I discuss TV Everywhere and the 5 key things that are holding back its rollout as I described earlier this week (where there are some great reader comments too). Since its introduction almost 3 years ago, TV Everywhere has been hailed as the pay-TV industry's most critical initiative to combat the rise of over-the-top competition. But while there have been a number of great TV Everywhere implementations, widespread deployment is delayed by a number of important challenges. Daisy and I delve deep into these and offer our predictions on TV Everywhere's future success. Listen in to learn more!
Click here or below to listen to the podcast (13 minutes, 17 seconds)
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The VideoNuze Report is available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Podcasts, TV Everywhere
Topics: Podcast, TV Everywhere
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #108: Deep Dive Into Branded Entertainment
More than ever brands are trying to break through the clutter of traditional advertising by leveraging online video and social media to create their own "branded entertainment" properties. On today's VideoNuze Report podcast, we take a deep dive into this burgeoning area with two experts, Russ Axelrod, Director, Branded Entertainment and Experiences at Microsoft and Mike Wiese, Director of Branded Entertainment at JWT, a large agency based in New York, who have worked with clients such as Toyota, Macy's, J&J, Rolex and others on branded entertainment projects.
Russ and Mike explain more about why branded entertainment projects are being pursued, how these efforts fit with the traditional marketing mix, specific projects they've worked on and the metrics used to measure their success and what the future holds for branded entertainment.
If you're interested in learning more, Russ and Mike will be part of the full-day program at the NATPE Brand Innovation Summit, next Thursday, September 22, in NYC. Discounted registration of $195 is available using the code "INNOVATE" when prompted.
Click here to listen to the podcast (25 minutes, 32 seconds)
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The VideoNuze Report is available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Branded Entertainment, Podcasts
Topics: JWT, Microsoft, NATPE, Podcast
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Here's the Real Story Behind Pay-TV's Record Q2 '11 Subscriber Losses and the Role of Cord-Cutting
Today I'm pleased to present a special 2-part VideoNuze Report podcast with guest Bruce Leichtman, who is president and principal analyst of Leichtman Research Group. Bruce has been doing primary consumer research on the pay-TV industry for 15 years and is one of the foremost industry authorities.
In part 1 of the podcast, Bruce gives a detailed analysis of the industry's record Q2 '11 loss of over 300K subscribers among its 14 largest providers. Bruce explains the industry's historical context, drills down on which companies had the biggest year-over-year change and what accounted for this. Importantly, Bruce focuses on larger macro and micro-economic factors that are influencing the industry's results in a bigger way than new technologies and innovation which often take center stage.
Then in part 2 we turn our attention to the role of cord-cutting on the industry and the influence of Netflix specifically. First, Bruce clarifies the difference between non-video subscribers and "cord-cutters," a crucial distinction which he believes has recently been overlooked by many. Bruce shares his research on how many actual cord-cutters there are, which types of pay-TV subscribers are most vulnerable to cord-cutting and what role Netflix is playing. We wrap up by discussing what's ahead and how concerned industry CEOs should be about the threat of cord-cutting.
Categories: Cable TV Operators, Podcasts, Satellite, Telcos
Topics: Leichtman Research Group
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #107 - CTAM/Nielsen Research - Aug 5, 2011
Daisy Whitney and I are pleased to present the 107th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for August 5, 2011.
In this week's podcast, Daisy and I discuss research released earlier this week by CTAM and Nielsen which found, among other things, that 85% of video app users are watching the same or more regularly scheduled TV. In addition, the research found that around 75% of video app usage on mobile devices actually occurs in the home. Daisy and I talk about the implications of the research, and additional data points we've seen that reinforce its conclusions.
Click here to listen to the podcast (11 minutes, 13 seconds)
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Topics: CTAM, Nielsen, Podcast
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #106 - Fox's 8-Day Pay Window and Netflix's Q3 Churn - July 29, 2011
Daisy Whitney and I are pleased to present the 106th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for July 29, 2011.
In this week's podcast, Daisy and I dive into two topics - Fox's new exclusive 8-day authentication window, and Netflix's Q3 '11 subscriber churn. Regarding Fox, this week the network announced that it would limit online access to programs in the first 8 days following their airing to viewers who are authenticated as pay-TV subscribers (or are Hulu Plus subscribers). As I wrote, I think the move has significant implications for Hulu, and the broader online video landscape. We discuss Fox's motivations, the role of retransmission consent fee payments and what might be coming next.
We then shift to discuss estimates of Netflix's Q3 '11 subscriber churn, due to its recent price change. By my calculations, Netflix itself is estimating it could lose approximately 6.5 million subscribers in the U.S. in Q3, which would be a record for the company. The amount attributable solely to the price change could be in the 2.5 - 3 million subscriber range. In the wake of all the speculation about how subscribers will react, Daisy discloses the surprising decision she and her family have made with regard to their Netflix subscription. Listen in to find out!
Click here to listen to the podcast (14 minutes, 34 seconds)
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The VideoNuze Report is available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Aggregators, Broadcasters, Podcasts
Topics: FOX, Hulu, Netflix, Podcast
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #105 - Coldwell Banker's On Location - July 22, 2011
Daisy Whitney and I are pleased to present the 105th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for July 22, 2011.
In this week's podcast, Daisy and I broaden our focus beyond how media companies are using online video by discussing Coldwell Banker's "On Location" YouTube channel, which I wrote about earlier this week. The customized mapping unit in On Location allows home buyers to easily find and play videos about homes that meet their criteria as a starting point in their search process. Daisy notes that On Location is another example of how consumers are able to take better control and use online tools to educate themselves. Smart companies like Coldwell Banker are using online video to reinvent the way they do business and stay relevant in the changing digital world.
Click here to listen to the podcast (11 minutes, 56 seconds)
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The VideoNuze Report is available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Brand Marketing, Podcasts
Topics: Coldwell Banker, Podcast, YouTube
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #104 - Netflix Pricing Debate - July 15, 2011
Daisy Whitney and I are pleased to present the 104th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for July 15, 2011.
In this week's podcast Daisy and I debate Netflix's decision to separate streaming and DVD-by-mail pricing. The topic has been widely covered this week, and we try to address some of the major questions swirling around (e.g. why did they do it? what are the implications? what choice will subscribers make? And more). One point I continue to make is that if Netflix's goal was to kill off the DVD business, as some have suggested this week, that seems pre-mature to me. DVDs still have a huge amount of strategic value to Netflix because they offer so much more choice than today's streaming catalog.
More of VideoNuze's coverage below (including great commentary from readers):
Sorting Through the 4 Tough Choices Most Netflix Subscribers Now Face
Netflix Makes a Surprising Left Turn With New Pricing Approach
Click here to listen to the podcast (17 minutes, 47 seconds)
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Categories: Aggregators, Podcasts
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #103 - Q2 '11 Financings - July 8, 2011
Daisy Whitney and I are pleased to present the 103rd edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for July 8, 2011.
In this week's podcast, Daisy and I discuss private online and mobile video company financing in Q2 '11. Earlier this week I reported that $84 million was raised, which was the lowest quarterly amount in the last 2 years. Daisy and I consider what that means and also where things might be heading from here. Listen in to learn more.
Click here to listen to the podcast (11 minutes, 1 second)
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Categories: Deals & Financings, Podcasts
Topics: Deals and Financings, Podcast
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #102 - HBO GO's Opportunities - July 1, 2011
Daisy Whitney and I are pleased to present the 102nd edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for July 1, 2011.
In this week's podcast, Daisy and I discuss HBO GO, the online/mobile service from HBO. As I said in my review yesterday, I'm very impressed with HBO GO, and believe it is a strong new asset for the company. The big question is what exactly will HBO do with it - maintain it as a primarily defensive value-add to subscribers, or pivot to broader online distribution partnerships and possibly even direct-to-consumer initiatives? Daisy and I contemplate the options and risks.
Click here to listen to the podcast (11 minutes, 13 seconds)
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Categories: Cable Networks, Devices, Podcasts
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #100 - Cable Show Review - June 17, 2011
Categories: Cable Networks, Cable TV Operators, Podcasts
Topics: Cable Show, Netflix
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #99 - May 20, 2011
I'm pleased to present the 99th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for May 20, 2011.
In this week's podcast, Daisy Whitney and I discuss the new "Bud United Presents: The Big Time" contest which was announced earlier this week. The contest resonated with me because it really showed how brands can take full control by leveraging social media and online video. Daisy and I discuss the implications and what it might mean for other brands. Listen in to learn more.
Click here to listen to the podcast (8 minutes, 39 seconds)
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The VideoNuze Report is available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Advertising, Podcasts
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #98 - May 5, 2011
I'm pleased to present the 98th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for May 5, 2011.
In this week's podcast, Daisy Whitney and I discuss YouTube's forecast that by 2015, 50% of video ads will include cost-per-view video, which I wrote about earlier this week. If the forecast pans out, it would cause a huge transformation in the way the online video ad market works, since virtually all of today's in-stream video ads don't have any performance aspect.
As we discuss, the move isn't that surprising, as it attempts to re-shape the video ad market to look more like the search advertising market, which Google dominates. By aligning engagement with advertiser payments, there's clearly more efficiency. But it would be a radical departure from the way TV advertising has traditionally been bought, so it would take a concerted effort by brands and agencies to adapt to the model. Listen in to learn more.
Click here to listen to the podcast (13 minutes, 18 seconds)
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The VideoNuze Report is available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Advertising, Podcasts
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #97 - Apr. 29, 2011
I'm pleased to present the 97th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for April 29, 2011.
In this week's podcast, Daisy Whitney and I discuss Netflix's robust Q1 '11 results announced earlier this week. Netflix added 3.6 million subscribers in Q1, which is almost double the 1.7 million subscribers it added a year earlier in Q1 '10. Of the total, 3.3 million were in the U.S. bringing Netflix to a virtual tie with Comcast at 22.8 million subscribers (though as I always note, Comcast generates at least 5-6 times as much revenue per video subscriber as does Netflix). Still, with the Q1 growth, Netflix has grown by over 12 million subscribers in the past 6 quarters, an amazing stretch by any measure.
In the podcast we also discuss the more conciliatory tone Netflix struck toward the pay-TV industry, with CEO Reed Hastings going out of his way to tamp down concerns about imminent cord-cutting. We also comment on how Netflix appears to be adopting Apple's approach to under-promising and over-delivering quarterly results.
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The VideoNuze Report is available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Aggregators, Podcasts
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VideoNuze Report Podcast #96 - Apr. 22, 2011
I'm pleased to present the 96th edition of the VideoNuze Report podcast, for April 22, 2011.
In this week's podcast, Daisy Whitney and I discuss 2 new video ads that I recently wrote about, the Desperados Tequila Flavored Beer ad on YouTube, and the Evian "Baby Inside" ad. I thought they were both highly creative and offered great opportunities for viewers to become involved. On the other hand, Daisy did not like either one, the Desperados ad because it required too many actions, and the Evian ad because she's averse to the images of adult heads on babies' bodies. As Daisy explains, often she just wants to enjoy ads as entertainment, rather than be required to act.
Daisy draws an interesting distinction between "interactivity" and "engagement," two concepts that are often used interchangeably. But as Daisy points out, many ads incite deep engagement while not requiring any interactivity. I can relate to the point as I found myself very engaged with "The Force" Super Bowl ad from Volkswagen, though it didn't include any interactivity. The larger point is that even though opportunities now abound for brands to immerse users in online experiences, more than ever they need to strike the right balance between pure entertainment vs. requiring to users to act.
Click here to listen to the podcast (12 minutes, 20 seconds)
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Categories: Advertising, Podcasts
Topics: Desperados Tequila Flavored Beer, Evian, Podcast, YouTube