logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2022
52m 16s

Burning Questions on Media: Streaming’s ...

The Ringer
About this episode

Today’s episode is about the entertainment and media industry’s tumultuous summer, the streaming wars, a come-to-Jesus moment for movie theaters, and a dramatic revamp at CNN—which tells a lot about the state of the news industry. My guest is Matt Belloni, host of the Ringer podcast 'The Town' and a founding partner at Puck News. He tells us what he’s hearing from his deep industry sources about the future of the blockbuster, the demise of the romantic comedy, the purge at HBO Max, and the murky path forward for Netflix. He also indulges me as I try to think of restaurant analogies for all of the major streaming companies as they try to differentiate themselves in a crowded field. (If you're not familiar with the amenities of the Tri-State area, this might be a good time to look up "Wawa.")

If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. You can find us on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@plainenglish_

Host: Derek Thompson

Guest: Matt Belloni

Producer: Devon Manze

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Up next
Aug 20
Plain History: How the Transcontinental Railroads Built the Modern World
Today’s pod is about the economic story of the moment. It’s about new technology that supporters claim will transform the U.S. economy, an infrastructure build-out unlike anything in living memory that demands enormous natural resources, fears that corporate giants are overbuildi ... Show More
55m 49s
Aug 13
The Modern World Is Changing America’s Personality For the Worse
According to analysis by Financial Times writer John Burn-Murdoch, something extraordinary has happened to Americans’ personalities in the last decade. Longitudinal tests indicate that we’ve collectively become less extroverted, less agreeable, and more neurotic. The most signifi ... Show More
47m 10s
Aug 6
Will AI Usher In the End of Deep Thinking?
Last week, the Bureau of Economic Analysis published the latest GDP report. It contained a startling detail. Spending on artificial intelligence added more to the U.S. economy than consumer spending last quarter. This is very quickly becoming an AI economy. I’m interested in how ... Show More
58m 13s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2019
Dorsey moves to Africa and streaming platforms trump movie theaters
Welcome to Pivot 2x! Our first twice weekly episode. Kara and Scott talk about the future of Twitter as Jack Dorsey announces he's off to live in Africa. They discuss the streaming wars and how movies fared on on platform versus in movie theaters. In listener mail they talk about ... Show More
37m 6s
Dec 2020
'One Day at a Time' says farewell; inside 'The Stand' TV update; Disney's latest streaming news
The five topics that Lesley and Dan cover in quarantine this week are: Disney drops the mother-load (5:01) Mike Royce and Gloria Calderon Kellett say goodbye to 'One Day at a Time' (25:53) WarnerMedia blowback with Kim Masters (58:56) Showrunner Spotlight: Benjamin Cavell ('The S ... Show More
1h 52m
Jun 2024
Will the Debate Debacle Revive TV News?
Matt is joined by journalist, podcast host, and cofounder of Semafor, Ben Smith, to discuss how last night's dispiriting debate will affect CNN and the TV news landscape as we move towards the 2024 election. Will the debate revive CNN and give it the story it's been looking for? ... Show More
32m 25s
Aug 2023
The Real Housewives of Today, Explained
Taking cues from striking actors and writers, reality TV stars are lobbying for better treatment from networks like Bravo and Netflix.This episode was produced by Siona Peterous and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman an ... Show More
26m 22s
Feb 2022
The Daily Wire Takes On Woke Hollywood
Ben joins Megyn Kelly to discuss Woke Hollywood, and break down the recent fall of CNN and departure of former CEO Jeff Zucker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
12m 40s
Aug 2022
Episode 2058: We Cannot Let Them Steal The State Of Washington; CPAC LIVE: The Final Day
We discuss the Washington race, New Mexico, and more. Our Guests Are: Joe Kent, Richard Baris, Anthony Thornton, Tudor Dixon, Bo Hines, Matt DePernoStay ahead of the censors - Join us warroom.org/joinAired On: 8/06/2022Watch: On the Web: http://www.warroom.org On Gettr: @WarRoom ... Show More
50m 46s
Mar 2023
An Announcement
Big news! In the Dark has a new home and a new team of partners. The podcast now comes to you from The New Yorker—the legendary home of extraordinary journalism.____ In the Dark is a Peabody Award-winning podcast that tells deeply reported stories. Season 1 investigates lapses by ... Show More
11m 1s