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110 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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WHO WILL WIN 2026?
8 januari 2026 · 51 min
The media industry isn’t heading for a clean recovery but bracing for another year of pressure, recalibration, and structural change. Lees meer
Welcome back to The Media Odyssey Podcast with a special thanks to Spectrum Reach! In this first part of their 2026 predictions, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet lay out what the coming year will likely bring for media, technology, and entertainment. They cover ongoing layoffs, fragile ad markets, the rise of global distribution strategies, and a new phase of AI-driven discovery. 2026 will test which companies have truly adapted and which are still relying on outdated assumptions.
2026 is not a breakout year, but a proving ground, where survival depends on cost discipline, platform fluency, and the ability to monetize audiences directly rather than through legacy intermediaries.
Key Takeaways:
1. 2026 Will Be Another Brutal Year for Media Economics
Evan predicts that advertising markets will remain soft, public service media will continue to face funding pressure, and layoffs will persist across the industry. There will be no broad recovery, only isolated winners and many organizations forced to do more with less.
2. Discovery Will Matter More Than Content Volume
Marion predicts that success in 2026 will be defined by distribution and discoverability, not by how much content companies produce. Media organizations that don’t adapt to YouTube, FAST, social, and AI-driven discovery will struggle to reach audiences at all.
3. The AI Bubble Will Pop
Both predict that generative AI and large language models will reshape discovery, navigation, and search long before they meaningfully change creative workflows. The biggest short-term impact of AI will be invisible but existential for traffic-driven media, but the hype and direct-to-consumer models are unsustainable.
4. GEO Will Undermine Traditional SEO-Based Media Models
Evan predicts that Generative Engine Optimization will replace classic SEO as search engines move from links to…
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REGIFTED: THE CTO PLAYBOOK FOR SURVIVING FRAGMENTATION
1 januari 2026 · 46 min
Happy New Year from The Media Odyssey podcast! Lees meer
We're regifting this episode hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet recorded live from IBC with Simon Farnsworth (ITV) and Adde Granberg (SVT), two CTOs (or as they call it, “Chief Transformation Officers”) reshaping European public broadcasting. The conversation explores how legacy broadcasters can adapt to a digital-first, fragmented world while facing off against trillion-dollar tech giants.
They discuss the shift from “doing digital” to “being digital,” how generative AI and cloud-based workflows can unlock beyond-human-scale production, and the biggest challenge broadcast is facing is mindset. Both guests stress that the real battle is cultural, not technical: broadcasters must abandon outdated standards, embrace platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and put audience needs, not legacy processes, at the center.
Key Takeaways:
From Tech to Transformation
For Farnsworth and Granberg, a CTO’s role is less about gadgets and more about changing mindsets—translating the power of technology to boards and teams, and shifting organizations from “doing digital” to truly “being digital.”Cloud, AI, and Beyond-Human Scale
Generative AI, cloud production, and 5G enable content creation and distribution at scales humans can’t manage alone. From using AI to cast Love Island more efficiently, to producing Sweden’s iconic Vasaloppet ski race with drones over 5G, both ITV and SVT show how tech can cut costs, lower carbon footprints, and improve the creative product.Break the Walled Gardens
Too many broadcasters still cling to the idea that their own platform is the only destination. Farnsworth argues that distribution on YouTube, TikTok, and even Disney+ is additive, not cannibalistic—and essential to reaching younger audiences.Mindset Over Standards
The biggest barrier isn’t tech, it’s culture. Both CTOs stress the need to ditch outdated broadcast standards and industry obsessions with hardware, replacing them with audience-fi… -
REGIFTED: TURNING STRUGGLE INTO SCALE WITH DHAR MANN
25 december 2025 · 47 min
Happy holidays from The Media Odyssey podcast! Lees meer
We're regifting this episode where hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro sit down with Dhar Mann, one of the most successful independent creators in the world, to unpack what it really means to build an owned-and-operated media empire in the age of platforms. With over 70 billion views across social media, Dhar has mastered the art of storytelling at scale without relying on traditional Hollywood systems.
In a sharp, insightful conversation, Dhar shares the mechanics behind his studio’s meteoric rise, the values that drive his content, and why creators should think like CEOs. From data-driven production to brand-safe storytelling, this episode offers a rare look into what it takes to succeed at the intersection of commerce, creativity, and community.
Key Takeaways:
1. Dhar Mann Studios Operates Like a Scalable, Independent Media Company
Dhar built his studio from scratch with full vertical integration: in-house scripting, production, post, and distribution. Producing more than 100 episodes a year with over 100 full-time employees, he’s proving that creator-led companies can compete with and outperform traditional studios.2. Storytelling is Engineered for Impact
The key to Dhar’s success is emotional storytelling. Every script is optimized through data, test reads, and feedback loops. His team analyzes performance daily, adjusts thumbnails, titles, and narrative arcs in real time and shoots with Shorts and long-form in mind across YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and beyond.3. Brand Safety Doesn’t Mean Boring
Dhar Mann’s content is deeply family-friendly and advertiser-safe, which makes it attractive to brands. But it’s not sanitized—it tackles real issues like bullying, poverty, and prejudice through emotionally resonant narratives that audiences connect with.4. Platform Diversification is Strategic
From Facebook and YouTube to Snapchat, TikTok, and even theatrical releases, Dhar doesn’t rely on one platform. His t… -
FRONTLINE PUTS PBS ON YOUTUBE
18 december 2025 · 49 min
Public service media isn’t outdated, instead, it’s fighting for relevance, trust, and survival in a fractured global information ecosystem. Lees meer
Welcome back to The Media Odyssey Podcast. In this episode, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet sit down with Raney Aronson-Rath, Executive Producer of Frontline and Editor-in-Chief of Documentaries at GBH, for a conversation on the future of public media. From political pressure and funding cuts to platform expansion and audience trust, the discussion explores why public broadcasters must be everywhere audiences are without sacrificing journalistic integrity.
Through Frontline’s transformation into a broadcast-plus-streaming powerhouse, the episode examines how YouTube, social video, theatrical releases, and global distribution have become essential tools for sustaining factual storytelling in an era of misinformation and declining institutional trust.
Key Takeaways:
1. Public Media’s Survival Depends on Platform Expansion, Not Retrenchment
Public broadcasters can no longer rely solely on linear TV. To stay relevant and trusted, they must meet audiences on YouTube, social platforms, streaming, and in theaters. They need to be wherever public conversation is happening.2. YouTube Is Additive, Not Cannibalistic for Public Service Media
Frontline’s experience shows that YouTube doesn’t replace broadcast audiences. In fact, YouTube extends reach over time, attracts younger viewers, and builds long-tail viewership that linear TV alone cannot sustain.3. Streaming Requires a Long-Term Mindset Shift
Unlike broadcast’s appointment viewing, streaming rewards longevity. Frontline films often grow for years, accumulating millions of views with high watch time, forcing teams to think beyond premiere-night metrics.4. Community and Trust Are the Core Competitive Advantages
Public media’s strength isn’t scale but credibility. Building engaged, thoughtful communities around factual content is essential in a media ecosystem flooded with mi… -
GRADING 2025: WERE WE RIGHT?
11 december 2025 · 57 min
Media is not shifting, it’s revealing which predictions actually mapped the year and which trends will define what comes next. Lees meer
Welcome back to The Media Odyssey Podcast! In this special “Predictions Wrapped” episode, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet revisit the forecasts they made a year ago and grade themselves on accuracy. They discuss YouTube’s explosive rise on CTV, Netflix’s unexpected innovation, creator-driven cultural dominance, the slow grind of CTV fragmentation and more. They break down the bets they nailed and the ones that missed the mark.
The conversation also surfaces the biggest forces shaping 2025: global broadcaster collaboration, a reshaped M&A landscape, a creator economy that has become central to mainstream media, and an AI boom that is both overhyped and quietly transformative behind the scenes.
Key Takeaways:
1. YouTube’s Transformation Into the No. 1 TV Channel Was the Prediction of the Year
Evan’s call that YouTube would finally be recognized as true television proved spot-on: it became the #1 TV channel in the U.S. for months, dominated industry conversation, and strengthened global partnerships. Lean-back YouTube viewing is now mainstream.
2. Netflix Proved More Open and Innovative Than Expected
Marion’s prediction that Netflix needed to evolve beyond its walled garden came true through major deals with TF1, Spotify, creators, and new M&A exploration. The company is clearly signaling a shift toward becoming a broader entertainment hub.
3. 2025 Really Was the Year of the Creator
Creator-led programming defined industry conversations everywhere from MIPCOM to Cannes Lions. Big media invested heavily in creator partnerships and creators like MrBeast built full-blown media empires. Creators are sitting at the center of the cultural and business agenda.
4. Some Big Bets Didn’t Materialize
Marion’s expectation of an aggressive, high-stakes fight among CTV operating systems didn’t happen. Instead, the space stagnated: incremental part…
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BREAKING NEWS: Netflix x WBD
6 december 2025 · 21 min
Hollywood isn’t just consolidating, it’s entering a new era where politics, regulation, and financial pressure determine who survives. Lees meer
Welcome back to The Media Odyssey Podcast! In this emergency episode, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet break down the stunning news that Netflix has emerged as the leading bidder for Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming divisions. They unpack why the offer makes financial sense, why it’s already triggering political backlash, and how the deal could reshape theatrical windows, global streaming strategy, and the balance of power in Hollywood.
Key takeaways:
1. Netflix’s Bid Makes Financial Sense but Faces Political Turbulence
While Netflix’s all-cash offer is firm on the numbers, political reaction (especially in California) creates real uncertainty about whether the deal can actually close.
2. California Is the Biggest Obstacle, Not Classic Antitrust Law
State officials argue the acquisition would hurt jobs and local production, making Sacramento a more immediate threat to approval than Washington.
3. A Deal Would Accelerate Hollywood’s Shift Toward Blockbusters
If Netflix gains WBD’s film assets, mid-budget movies and secondary franchises risk being sidelined in favor of tentpole IP and global retention drivers.
4. Max’s International Launch Is Colliding With Merger Chaos
WBD’s major European rollouts are happening at the worst possible moment, creating instability for teams and confusion around the service’s future.
5. Even in the Best Case, the Path Ahead Is Long and Painful
Hearings, investigations, and political battles would dominate the next year — and Netflix leadership would be pulled deep into the process.
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Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/
The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odysse…
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FANDOM > AUDIENCE
4 december 2025 · 52 min
Modern media isn’t just transforming, it’s rebuilding itself around fandom, experimentation, and platform-native storytelling. Lees meer
Welcome back to The Media Odyssey Podcast! In this episode, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet sit down with Holly Graham, Chief Commercial Officer, and Ben Arnold, SVP of Commercial Operations, of Little Dot Studios, one of the most influential digital operators in global entertainment.
With more than 1,000 channels across YouTube, FAST, TikTok, and social platforms, plus a massive network of owned brands, Little Dot has become a blueprint for how media companies build fandom, monetize digital ecosystems, and reinvent themselves for a two-way, audience-driven world.
From Gordon Ramsay’s 13-year rise into a digital-first global brand to Prime Video’s fandom-led multi-IP strategy, Holly and Ben break down why scale, creative experimentation, and audience listening now outperform legacy programming instincts. They also show why digital success requires trust, patience, and a willingness to let creators and fans shape how IP lives across platforms.
Key Takeaways:
1. Fandom Is the Strategy, Not the Output
Little Dot builds everything around fandom, treating it as the engine that drives reach, creativity, and long-term engagement. Their teams are staffed with true super-fans who understand the language, culture, and behavior of each IP, making authenticity the core ingredient of every channel they run. This approach transforms digital from a promotional outlet into a genuine community hub.
2. YouTube Has Become Television on CTV
Two-thirds of Little Dot’s YouTube viewing now happens on connected TVs, turning long-form uploads, compilations, and multi-episode drops into lean-back viewing experiences. For audiences, YouTube isn’t competing with television anymore because it is television, except that it also offers personalization, lower ad loads, and a two-way feedback loop that traditional TV never did.
3. Scale and Experimentation Outperf…
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BBC STUDIOS + YOUTUBE A PARTNERSHIP CASE STUDY
26 november 2025 · 28 min
Global media isn’t just transforming, it’s reorganizing itself around fandom, creators, and direct-to-audience ecosystems. Lees meer
Welcome back to The Media Odyssey Podcast! In this special episode from MIPCOM Cannes, Evan Shapiro sits down with Pedro Pina, VP of YouTube in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and Jasmine Dawson, SVP of Digital at BBC Studios, for a panel on BBC Studios’ success on YouTube and how traditional media and creator platforms are rewriting the rules of international entertainment. From YouTube’s rise as a global television network to BBC Studios’ creator-native reinvention, Pedro and Jasmine reveal why the next era of growth will be driven by companies that think and act like creators.
The conversation unpacks how YouTube fuels global fandom, how BBC Studios turned brands like Bluey, BBC Earth, and Top Gear into multi-format ecosystems, why audience-first strategy now beats commissioner-first strategy, and how experimentation is becoming the most valuable competency in modern media.
Key Takeaways:
1. Fandom Is the New Distribution Strategy
BBC Studios no longer thinks about audience in terms of reach, but in terms of fandom. YouTube has become a hub for building that fandom globally, which in turn boosts performance everywhere else: CTV, streaming partners, traditional broadcast, consumer products, and even e-commerce.
2. YouTube Isn’t Replacing TV, It’s Expanding It
The panel debunks a persistent myth: YouTube doesn’t cannibalize TV. BBC Earth and Bluey grow viewership across broadcast and streaming as their YouTube fandom grows. It’s incremental, not competitive, where YouTube acts as a widening funnel for premium IP.
3. The Audience Is the Buyer, Not the Commissioner
Evan frames the shift perfectly: the market’s new “buyer class” is the consumer themselves. Instead of pitching to gatekeepers, studios can reach fans directly, monetize them in dozens of ways, and use feedback loops to continuously experiment, refine, and grow.
4. Hiri…
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FLYING WITH THE EAGLES
20 november 2025 · 46 min
Sports fandom isn’t just evolving, it’s becoming one of the most powerful engines of modern storytelling and audience engagement. Lees meer
Welcome back to the Media Odyssey Podcast! This week, hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro sit down with Jen Kavanaugh, SVP of Marketing and Media for the Philadelphia Eagles, for a masterclass in how today’s most successful teams build culture, narrative, and multi-generational fandom. From global expansion to creator-style content production, Jen reveals why the Eagles have become one of the most influential brands in sports and a case study for every marketer navigating the attention economy.
The conversation unpacks how the Eagles turned their locker room into a lovable ensemble cast, how they measure true fan connection, why global fandom is redefining American football, and how sports franchises are becoming full “cinematic universes” that live far beyond game day.
Key Takeaways:
1. Fandom as a 365-Day Relationship
Jen explains that Eagles fandom is multi-generational, emotional, and deeply cultural which gives the team both a privilege and a responsibility. Fans want access, intimacy, and storytelling year-round, not just on Sundays. The Eagles’ strategy centers on “giving fans the keys to the kingdom,” fueled by trust, organizational support, and a culture that prioritizes openness and connection.
2. Building a Global, Culturally Fluent Brand
The Eagles’ reach now extends far beyond Philadelphia, with fan-development programs across Australia, Ghana, New Zealand, and Brazil. Rather than relying on football knowledge alone, the team connects through music, fashion, food, creators, and personality-driven storytelling to reach global audiences through cultural touchpoints that transcend the sport itself.
3. The Eagles’ Locker Room as a Cinematic Universe
The Eagles’ content ecosystem rivals a scripted series: recurring characters, running jokes, ensemble dynamics, and emotionally resonant moments. Importantly, the biggest …
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TUBI PUTS CREATORS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
13 november 2025 · 49 min
The line between Hollywood and the creator economy is disappearing…Tubi is leading the charge. Lees meer
Welcome back to the Media Odyssey Podcast! In this episode, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet are joined by Rich Bloom GM, Creators Program & EVP, Business Development at Tubi, to unpack how the Fox-owned streaming service is redefining the creator economy and the very meaning of “creator media.” With over 100 million monthly users, a 95% on-demand model, and a growing library of creator-driven programming, Tubi is blurring the line between traditional entertainment and creator-led storytelling.
The conversation explores how Tubi is empowering creators to become full-fledged media startups by giving them creative control, ownership, and distribution on a major ad-supported platform. From collaborations with Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat, Kinigra Deon, and Joey Graceffa, to ESHAP's own upcoming creator-led film Skit, the episode reveals how Tubi is building an entirely new bridge between Hollywood and the creator economy.
Key Takeaways:
1. Tubi’s Creator Strategy Redefines the Streaming Model
While most streamers are trimming costs, Tubi is investing in a creator-first ecosystem that values experimentation and agility over legacy production cycles. Rich Bloom’s new division sits at the center of that vision, building products and programs specifically for creators rather than simply licensing content.2. From “Licensing Creators” to “Partnering with Creators”
Tubi’s approach goes beyond one-off deals. The company now co-develops original and exclusive content with creators, providing funding, marketing, and creative freedom without Hollywood’s notorious “rounds of notes.” Projects like SafeSpace (KevOnStage), Bald Brothers, and Escape the Night (Joey Graceffa) reflect a new hybrid of creator autonomy and professional polish.3. Fast Turnaround, Real Ownership
Creators at Tubi can move from greenlight to launch in as little as three months, a pace unthinkable in tradition… -
THE AFFINITY ECONOMY: A MASTERCLASS
6 november 2025 · 50 min
The rules of media have changed and the user is now in charge. Lees meer
Welcome back to the Media Odyssey Podcast! In this live episode presented with PreciseTV, Evan Shapiro breaks down the shift from the gatekeeper era of top-down media control to the new user-centric era, where audiences, not executives, dictate what succeeds. Using his signature “media cartographer” maps and data-driven storytelling, Evan unpacks how Big Tech overtook traditional media, how generational shifts are transforming consumption habits, and why the creator economy is now the true center of cultural power.
From the “churn apocalypse” in streaming to YouTube’s dominance on the TV screen, he shows why brands and publishers must abandon vanity metrics and embrace fandom, engagement, and community as the real measures of success. The conversation, featuring voices from Angel Studios, BBC Studios, and the PreciseTV audience, delivers both sharp insight and practical direction for anyone trying to navigate the new media landscape.
Key Takeaways:
1. Big Tech Has Taken Over Media and the User Holds the Remote
Evan traces how Apple and Alphabet have become the “remote controls of our lives,” controlling nearly 100% of the smartphone market. Yet while tech companies provide the infrastructure, the audience now makes the decisions. The power dynamic has flipped and media is no longer pushed from the top down; it’s driven from the user up.2. The Fear of Finding Out Is Media’s Existential Crisis
Many legacy executives, Evan argues, are paralyzed by a fear of finding out — unwilling to face the data showing that audience habits and demographics have permanently shifted. Millennials and Gen Z now make up nearly 70% of the global population and the majority of the workforce. Still, many companies make decisions using outdated “farming-era” metrics like 18–49 demos that no longer reflect reality.3. Streaming’s “Churn Apocalypse”
The streaming boom has turned into a churn crisis. In 2024, SVODs added 174… -
WHO WILL BUY DISCO BROS?
30 oktober 2025 · 46 min
When billion-dollar deals make more noise than sense, who really wins? Lees meer
In this episode of The Media Odyssey podcast, hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro pull back the curtain on the relentless cycle of media mergers and acquisitions where massive buyouts, strategy, and political agendas collide. With characteristic humor and precision, they trace how decades of dealmaking have reshaped, and even broken, the entertainment business, from Hollywood to Europe.
The conversation spans the latest shake-ups at Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Netflix, and Apple, while examining Media For Europe’s pan-European expansion and Canal+’s global ambitions following its merger with MultiChoice. Marion and Evan unpack who’s really benefiting from consolidation, who’s losing creative control, and why the next phase of M&A might look very different — with tech platforms turning into studios.
It’s a look at how Wall Street, ego, and geopolitics are driving an industry that’s learning, the hard way, that scale doesn’t always mean success.
Key Takeaways:
1. Wall Street Keeps Breaking Media
Decades of consolidation, from Fox–Disney to Warner Bros.–Discovery, have destroyed more value than they’ve created. “Growth through merger” remains a Wall Street fantasy, enriching executives and bankers while hollowing out creative culture and long-term strategy.2. Warner Bros. Discovery May Be Next on the Block
Reports suggest Warner Bros. Discovery could split its assets, separating HBO Max and the studio from legacy cable channels. Potential buyers include Paramount, Netflix, and Apple. Netflix could be the best cultural fit, but Apple has the money and global intent to make the boldest move.3. The Ellisons’ Expanding Power Raises New Questions
With Skydance now owning Paramount, Evan warns that David and Larry Ellison are amassing outsized influence. If future acquisitions extend to TikTok or CNN, their reach could reshape how global audiences receive news and entertainment, a sign … -
WHY YOU'RE NOT GETTING FILM DISTRIBUTION
26 oktober 2025 · 31 min
The new buyer isn’t Netflix, it’s the audience. Lees meer
Live from MIPCOM 2025, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet sit down with Filmhub CEO Alan d’Escragnolle and Vortex Media CEO Justin Rebelo to unpack how independent producers and distributors are reinventing the film business for the creator economy.
Recorded at the first-ever The Media Odyssey Podcast live show at MIPCOM, this episode explores how companies like Filmhub are helping producers reach global audiences across AVOD, TVOD, and YouTube “Free with Ads;” and why the future of indie film depends on creators learning to sell directly to viewers, not just to buyers.
Key Takeaways:
1. A New Kind of Buyer: The Audience
YouTube’s first major presence at MIPCOM signaled a seismic shift: it’s no longer about pitching to networks or streamers, but learning to engage audiences directly. Evan calls this the “B2C revolution” of entertainment, and Filmhub is one of the companies enabling it by connecting rights holders directly to millions of viewers on platforms like Tubi and YouTube.2. Filmhub’s Distribution Revolution
Alan d’Escragnolle breaks down how Filmhub helps creators and distributors license hundreds of films per month through automation, encoding, and royalty tech — cutting out the old, slow, one-deal-at-a-time system. By managing AVOD, TVOD, and FAST distribution at scale, Filmhub gives small producers global reach without the middlemen.3. The YouTube “Free with Ads” Opportunity
YouTube’s Free with Ads tier, available in select countries, has become a powerful new home for premium films and TV. Filmhub is one of just a few distributors authorized to place titles there, where CPMs are higher and content appears in a dedicated “Film & TV” section. It’s a way for indie titles to live alongside, and compete with, traditional TV content.4. The Indie Film Playbook Is Changing
Justin Rebelo shares firsthand examples, including his own collaboration with Evan A 90s Christmas and Shapiro’s new microbudget feature… -
BREAKING DOWN THE CREATOR ECOSPHERE
16 oktober 2025 · 39 min
Who really runs the media world now — creators, corporations, or algorithms? Lees meer
In this episode of the Media Odyssey Podcast, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet unpack the newly released Creator Ecosphere Map, a first-of-its-kind visual of the entire creator economy, created in partnership with Shira Lazar (What’s Trending) and InfluencerMarketing.Ai.
Recorded just after MIPCOM, they explore how creators, brands, and traditional media now share the same ecosystem — and what the data reveals about who actually drives engagement, fandom, and revenue online.
From TikTok to Substack, YouTube to Patreon, the hosts break down what EQ (Engagement Quality) really means, why followers don’t equal fans, and how new creator-led studios like Whalar, Filmhub, and Dropout are quietly building the next generation of media companies.
Key Takeaways
Mapping the Creator Universe
The Creator Ecosphere Map charts the full scope of the creator economy, from platforms, to studios, agencies, and tools, for the first time in one place. The Creator Ecosphere Map tracks not only follower counts but EQ (Engagement Quality), revealing who actually moves audiences to act.Followers do not equal Fans
The data shows a massive gap between reach and resonance. While megastars like Khaby Lame boast billions of views, creators like Billie Eilish drive exponentially higher engagement. Shapiro calls EQ “the difference between followers and fandom” — a key metric for understanding real influence and avoiding wasted ad spend.The Platform Paradox
TikTok and YouTube dominate scale, but engagement varies wildly. YouTube’s average EQ sits around 0.1%, while creators like MrBeast outperform entire media conglomerates thanks to community-driven engagement. Meanwhile, legacy brands like ESPN or Nike still treat social as marketing, not programming and it shows in their red (low-EQ) metrics.The Creator Economy Goes Corporate
The line between creator and company is vanishing. Platforms like Patreon and … -
MEET THE MINDS BEHIND RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE
9 oktober 2025 · 1 uur
What happens when a niche fandom becomes a global streaming powerhouse? Lees meer
In this episode of the Media Odyssey Podcast, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet sit down with World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, the creative minds behind RuPaul’s Drag Race, and a streaming empire built on fandom. They explore how World of Wonder transformed drag culture into an international media brand spanning 17 territories, while redefining what “community-first” streaming looks like in the era of algorithmic sameness.
The conversation dives into how WOW thrives outside traditional Hollywood logic through owning its IP, embracing global fandoms, and turning social engagement into subscription loyalty. The founders share how RuPaul’s Drag Race became a template for modern, participatory media and how WOW’s next frontier lies in audience-driven global storytelling that stays defiantly weird.
Key Takeaways:
1. From Subculture to Global Brand
World of Wonder built its empire by championing authenticity over mass appeal. Instead of chasing algorithms, they built a streaming platform for passionate fans—and let those fans drive expansion into over a dozen localized Drag Race editions worldwide.2. DTC Before DTC Was Cool
Long before YouTube or Netflix, WOW pioneered a direct-to-consumer model on Manhattan Cable in the early 1990s—building a loyal audience through raw, participatory storytelling that bypassed traditional TV gatekeepers. That same spirit lives on in WOW Presents Plus, which now connects millions of subscribers directly to the creators and culture they love.
3. The Power of Ownership and Community
WOW’s success comes from owning its IP and nurturing a direct-to-fan relationship. By combining strong brand identity, event culture, and social storytelling, the company has created a flywheel that sustains both fandom and revenue across platforms and formats.4. Streaming Against the Grain
While major platforms chase scale, WOW proves that specific… -
HOW DISNEY KILLED BROADCAST WITH KIMMEL
2 oktober 2025 · 52 min
Jimmy Kimmel is at the center of the conversation where politics, free speech, and billion-dollar mergers collide. Lees meer
In this episode of the Media Odyssey Podcast, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet unpack the dramatic suspension and reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel—a flashpoint that highlights the collision of politics, regulation, and the crumbling power of broadcast TV. Shapiro explains the FCC’s limited authority, why Chair Brendan Carr’s threats crossed constitutional lines, and how Disney’s rapid cave-in to political pressure triggered a fierce backlash.
The discussion broadens to late-night’s decline, the chilling precedent for free speech in U.S. broadcasting, and the looming wave of media consolidation involving Paramount, Warner Bros Discovery, and possibly Netflix. Marion draws contrasts with Europe’s regulatory environment, where broadcasters face different pressures but free expression is protected in opposite ways.
Key Takeaways:
The Kimmel Affair and FCC Overreach
Kimmel was suspended after discussing how MAGA has used activist Charlie Kirk’s killing for political gain, despite committing no FCC violation. Shapiro details how FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who is aligned with Project 2025 and pending affiliate mergers, used threats to coerce Disney and affiliates into action. The result: a blatant clash between politics and the First Amendment, costing Disney billions in market value before Kimmel’s reinstatement.Broadcast’s Dying Grip
The controversy underscored how fragile broadcast TV has become. Kimmel’s late-night audience is under 2 million, dwarfed by his YouTube reach—and by Joe Rogan’s podcast empire. Shapiro argues that Kimmel and others should abandon dying formats and embrace direct-to-consumer platforms where free speech and financial upside are greater. Marion warns that it is not an easy, overnight transition.Media Oligarchs and Consolidation
The hosts connect Kimmel’s ordeal to broader maneuvers by billionaires like Larry and David Elli… -
WTF IS A MEDIA CTO TODAY?
25 september 2025 · 46 min
In this episode of the Media Odyssey Podcast, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet record live from IBC with Simon Farnsworth (ITV) and Adde Granberg (SVT), two CTOs (or as they call it, “Chief Transformation Officers”) reshaping European public broadcasting. The conversation explores how legacy broadcasters can adapt to a digital-first, fragmented world while facing off against trillion-dollar tech giants. Lees meer
They discuss the shift from “doing digital” to “being digital,” how generative AI and cloud-based workflows can unlock beyond-human-scale production, and the biggest challenge broadcast is facing is mindset. Both guests stress that the real battle is cultural, not technical: broadcasters must abandon outdated standards, embrace platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and put audience needs, not legacy processes, at the center.
Key Takeaways:
From Tech to Transformation
For Farnsworth and Granberg, a CTO’s role is less about gadgets and more about changing mindsets—translating the power of technology to boards and teams, and shifting organizations from “doing digital” to truly “being digital.”Cloud, AI, and Beyond-Human Scale
Generative AI, cloud production, and 5G enable content creation and distribution at scales humans can’t manage alone. From using AI to cast Love Island more efficiently, to producing Sweden’s iconic Vasaloppet ski race with drones over 5G, both ITV and SVT show how tech can cut costs, lower carbon footprints, and improve the creative product.Break the Walled Gardens
Too many broadcasters still cling to the idea that their own platform is the only destination. Farnsworth argues that distribution on YouTube, TikTok, and even Disney+ is additive, not cannibalistic—and essential to reaching younger audiences.Mindset Over Standards
The biggest barrier isn’t tech, it’s culture. Both CTOs stress the need to ditch outdated broadcast standards and industry obsessions with hardware, replacing them with audience-first, software-driven, cross-platf… -
IS WHALE TV TV'S BEST KEPT SECRET?
18 september 2025 · 41 min
In a special episode recorded live from IBC in Amsterdam, the Media Odyssey Podcast brings together hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet with Whale TV’s Teresa Lopez and Chris Hock. Once a white-label operating system hidden inside millions of TVs, Whale TV has rebranded and stepped into the spotlight. Lees meer
The discussion dives into the shifting economics of TV hardware, why operating systems are now the key battleground for audience attention, and how Whale TV’s profit-sharing model, Whale TV Profit Sharing, offers a different path than big tech rivals.
The group also explores broader industry themes—from Europe’s need for greater collaboration, to the generational divides slowing change, to the critical role of user experience in Connected TV.
Key Takeaways:
From White Label to Global Brand
Formerly known as Zeasn, Whale TV powered tens of millions of smart TVs without consumers even knowing. With 44M monthly active TVs worldwide, Whale TV has rebranded to claim its space, offering not just a Connected TV OS but also Whale TV Plus, a FAST service integrated directly into the home screen.Whale Profit Sharing (WPS)
Instead of charging TV makers upfront, Whale TV gives its OS away for free and shares revenue on the backend. OEM partners get cash bounties upfront and recurring revenue streams as advertising and subscriptions flow in. This partnership model contrasts sharply with big tech’s “take it all” approach.Advertising at the Heart of the Living Room
Whale TV positions the TV home screen, and the living room as a whole, as the most valuable real estate in media. With innovative ad formats—pause ads, L-shapes, and integrated discovery units—it promises advertisers premium inventory without breaking the viewer experience. Categories from luxury goods to QSRs are already leaning in.4. Collaboration vs. Fragmentation
Both hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro and Whale TV execs stress that the industry suffers from too many competing OS platforms and a lack of… -
HOW ANGEL IS REVOLUTIONIZING ENTERTAINMENT
11 september 2025 · 1 uur 10 min
After raising $55M in commitments in just 18 days, Angel is ringing the bell on Wall Street and the three founding brothers come on this special episode of The Media Odyssey Podcast for the first time ever! Lees meer
In this episode, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet sit down with the Harmon brothers—Neal, Jeff, and Jordan, founders of Angel—to explore how they’ve turned an outsider’s vision into one of the most disruptive forces in global entertainment. What started as a family-driven mission to create values-based content has evolved into a studio powered by its audience, financed by its community, and structured to give creators a fairer share of success.
The conversation unpacks Angel’s radically different approach to greenlighting, where fans—not executives—decide which films and series move forward. It dives into how the studio has managed to outperform industry peers at the box office without relying on nine-figure budgets, and how its data-driven distribution gives it a marketing edge even the majors haven’t built. Along the way, the Harmons share why they believe cinema is still central to culture, how Angel is preparing to go public under ticker ANGX, and what a future of truly community-owned media could look like.
Key Takeaways: TakeawaysTakeaways
Going Public Today
Angel officially lists under ticker ANGX, marking a major milestone in its journey from a community-funded experiment to a fully public studio. This IPO signals not just growth, but the next step in building a media company owned and guided by its audience, with a model that blends traditional box office, streaming, and fan-driven funding.From Fans to Gatekeepers
Angel’s 1.5M+ Guild members vote on which projects get made, flipping the Hollywood power structure on its head. This audience-led model ensures that projects are chosen by the very people most likely to support them, resulting in a slate that consistently resonates and drives strong audience scores.Sustainable Box Office Hits
Wit… -
NEPO PRINCES, KILL LISTS, AND C4 SUCCESSION
4 september 2025 · 48 min
Welcome back to the Media Odyssey Podcast!
In the first episode of Season 2, hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro return from summer break to unpack the biggest stories shaping the media landscape on both sides of the Atlantic.
They cover everything from NBCUniversal’s cable spin-off and MSNBC rebrand, to European consolidation led by MFE and ProSiebenSat.1, and the growing dominance of YouTube on TV screens. They also examine Roku’s pivot into subscription video and debate who should take the reins as Channel 4’s next CEO. Lees meerKey Takeaways:
1. NBCUniversal’s Strategy Vacuum
Evan critiques Comcast/NBCUniversal’s decision to spin off cable networks into a new entity, Versant, and rebrand MSNBC as “MSNow”—calling it mismanaged, brand-confusing, and emblematic of leadership by “nepo babies” failing upwards. He recalls their costly misstep with The Office and Netflix, underscoring the company’s lack of coherent long-term strategy.“Nepo baby” is shorthand for industry leaders who inherit power or rise through connections rather than merit. In this case, Evan points to executives like Comcast CEO Brian Roberts as examples of privilege trumping strategy.
2. The “Kill List” Era of Media Layoffs
At Paramount, new president Jeff Shell used the term “kill list” to describe a planned round of 3,000 layoffs. Evan calls this emblematic of poor leadership, where executives fail upward while employees bear the brunt of their mistakes. Marion and Evan stress that professionals must prepare for disruption by owning their personal brands on platforms like LinkedIn and being ready to pivot careers.
3. European Media Consolidation Accelerates
Marion highlights MFE’s (Media for Europe) successful bid to take majority control of ProSiebenSat.1. This move positions MFE as a pan-European broadcaster across Italy, Spain, and Germany. While cultural differences and political scrutiny present execution challenges, the consolidation trend mirrors moves in the U.S. and could expand further… -
SEASON 1 FINALE
31 juli 2025 · 22 min
Some quotes are memorable because they’re insightful, others because they come on a tin coffee cup. Lees meer
Welcome to the season finale of The Media Odyssey Podcast, where hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro close out season one by sharing their last favorite clips – and the behind-the-scenes stories that came with them. From public spats with self-aware CEOs to surprising platform performance data and perfectly ripe metaphors, this episode is both a celebration of what they’ve learned and a preview of what’s next.
A sendoff for a season that redefined how we think about creators, broadcasters, platforms, and the future of television.
Key Takeaways:
1. Trade Desk’s OS Play Was the Curveball of the Year
Marion and Evan revisit their early skepticism about The Trade Desk’s Ventura OS – a move that felt like a left-field land grab. But after a live episode at StreamTV with Ventura chief Matthew Henick, Marion admits she’s convinced. The takeaway: even the boldest tech plays can make sense when they challenge broken systems.
2. CBC Proved YouTube and Public Broadcasting Can Coexist
Paul McGrath of CBC shares how prioritizing long-form YouTube content not only grew audience and watch time, but surprisingly lifted engagement on their owned streaming service. His key stat: 20% of their content (20+ mins) now drives nearly half of total usage.
3. Connected TV Is Fueling Long-Form Growth
With up to 50% of CBC’s watch time now coming from connected TVs, the myth that YouTube means short-form is unraveling. Long-form is thriving, especially in living room contexts—and for public broadcasters, it’s creating younger, distinct audiences.
4. The Loch Ness Monster of Cannibalization Isn’t Real
Paul McGrath debunks the long-standing fear that publishing full episodes on YouTube cannibalizes streaming services. The data showed the opposite: cross-platform release boosted both. As Evan puts it, “Everyone talks about it, but no one’s ever seen it.”
5. FAST in Europe Has Hit Pea…
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OUR TOP PODCAST MOMENTS SO FAR
24 juli 2025 · 31 min
On this special episode of The Media Odyssey Podcast, hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro discuss their favorite moments from Season 1. Lees meer
Evan and Marion select standout clips that capture the biggest themes, surprises, and insights from across the year. It’s a thoughtful, high-energy wrap-up on the state of media through the lens of prediction, collaboration, tech disruption, and creator evolution.
This isn’t just a recap, it’s a snapshot of the tectonic shifts reshaping the global content economy, from bundling to content discovery to fandom as KPI.
Key Takeaways:
1. Europe Is Driving Media Innovation
In a moment of validation for Marion’s early prediction that 2024 would be the year of France, the episode revisits a conversation with Bedrock CEO Jonas Engwall. His vision of a shared pan-European tech platform reflects a new path forward: regional collaboration and infrastructure investment over a singular SVOD champion.2. Bundling Is the New Normal, but Not Just for Video
Bango’s Anil Malhotra explores how telcos, retailers, and even social media apps are bundling subscriptions in new, creative ways. Gen Z is paying not just for Netflix, but also for AI tools and retail. The subscription economy is no longer just about entertainment; it’s a trillion-dollar convergence.3. Discovery Fatigue Is Real—and Fixable
Content discovery is one of the industry’s most overlooked problems. Calle Sjönell of Swipefinder shares a startling stat: 20 minutes spent searching per streaming session, with 20% of users giving up entirely. Fixing discovery isn’t a UI tweak—it’s central to retention, monetization, and consumer loyalty.4. Traditional Studios Must Think Like Creators
The BBC’s Jasmine Dawson breaks down how a legacy studio can reorient KPIs toward fandom, not views. Alongside creator Amelia Dimoldenberg, she illustrates how creators and institutions alike must evolve together and adopt flexible metrics, platform-specific content, and pure-play IP strategies.5. …
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REDEFINING CREATORS with Dhar Mann
17 juli 2025 · 47 min
Welcome to a new episode of The Media Odyssey Podcast, where we explore the people and ideas reshaping the media landscape. Hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro sit down with Dhar Mann, one of the most successful independent creators in the world, to unpack what it really means to build an owned-and-operated media empire in the age of platforms. With over 70 billion views across social media, Dhar has mastered the art of storytelling at scale—without relying on traditional Hollywood systems. Lees meer
In a sharp, insightful conversation, Dhar shares the mechanics behind his studio’s meteoric rise, the values that drive his content, and why creators should think like CEOs. From data-driven production to brand-safe storytelling, this episode offers a rare look into what it takes to succeed at the intersection of commerce, creativity, and community.
Key Takeaways:
1. Dhar Mann Studios Operates Like a Scalable, Independent Media Company
Dhar built his studio from scratch with full vertical integration: in-house scripting, production, post, and distribution. Producing more than 100 episodes a year with over 100 full-time employees, he’s proving that creator-led companies can compete with—and outperform—traditional studios.2. Storytelling is Engineered for Impact
The key to Dhar’s success is emotional storytelling. Every script is optimized through data, test reads, and feedback loops. His team analyzes performance daily, adjusts thumbnails, titles, and narrative arcs in real time—and shoots with Shorts and long-form in mind across YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and beyond.3. Brand Safety Doesn’t Mean Boring
Dhar Mann’s content is deeply family-friendly and advertiser-safe, which makes it attractive to brands. But it’s not sanitized—it tackles real issues like bullying, poverty, and prejudice through emotionally resonant narratives that audiences connect with.4. Platform Diversification is Strategic
From Facebook and YouTube to Snapchat, TikTok, and even theatrical releases,… -
CHANGING TV ON YOUTUBE with Pedro Pina
10 juli 2025 · 39 min
Welcome to a special edition of The Media Odyssey Podcast from the Croisette at Cannes Lions! Hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro sit down with Pedro Pina, Vice President of YouTube EMEA, for a sharp and forward-looking conversation about creators, monetization, and YouTube’s role in the evolving media landscape. As YouTube celebrates its 20th anniversary, the platform is no longer just a distribution tool—it’s a full-fledged ecosystem reshaping how content is created, monetized, and valued. Lees meer
Pina shares candid insights on how YouTube is adapting to the needs of both creators and legacy media players, what’s holding some studios back, and why this Cannes Lions marks a turning point in the creator–brand relationship.
From auction-based CPMs to theatrical YouTube crossovers, it’s a masterclass in what it means to follow the audience.
Key Takeaways:
1. Creators Have Moved from “Why” to “How”
At Cannes, the conversation around creators has matured. Legacy brands are no longer asking why they should work with creators—they’re urgently asking how. YouTube’s role is now to connect creators, agencies, and advertisers at scale, turning what was once a fragmented process into a global growth engine.2. YouTube’s Partner Sales Program Is Evolving
Studios and publishers can set their own CPMs and sell directly on YouTube via the Partner Sales Program. But Pedro acknowledges the current system is friction-filled and underinvested—YouTube plans to improve training, tooling, and support to help partners succeed at selling in the platform-native environment.3. Open Call Streamlines Creator–Brand Collabs
YouTube’s new Open Call tool enables brands to post creative briefs that thousands of creators can respond to with custom videos. It’s a tech-forward answer to the biggest pain point in influencer marketing: scale, speed, and quality control—all on-platform.4. CPMs Are Rising on the Big Screen
YouTube CPMs on CTV are now comparable to or higher than cable TV in many matur… -
THINKING LIKE A CREATOR with BBC Studios, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Kiell Smith-Bynoe
3 juli 2025 · 44 min
Welcome to a special edition of The Media Odyssey Podcast from the buzzing beachfront of Cannes Lions! Hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro explore the collision of traditional media, streaming giants, and the creator economy in an environment buzzing with brand activations and bold narratives. With viewership migrating to digital but ad dollars lagging behind, the episode dives into how media organizations are rethinking measurement, monetization, and storytelling. Lees meer
They’re joined by three influential voices leading that transformation: Jasmine Dawson, SVP Digital at BBC Studios; Kiell Smith-Bynoe, actor on Ghosts and digital-native performer; and Amelia Dimoldenberg, creator of Chicken Shop Date and founder of Dimz Inc. Each brings a unique perspective on how legacy brands, emerging talent, and creator-first studios are navigating the fast-changing content and advertising landscape.
It’s a candid, energetic discussion about creator influence, IP ownership, and the evolving rules of engagement across platforms.
Key Takeaways:
1. Fandom is the KPI That Matters
BBC Studios has redefined success around fandom, not just views—focusing on watch time, user-generated content (UGC), sentiment, and engagement to drive deeper audience value and commercial return.2. Thinking Like a Creator Drives Growth
With hits like Bluey, BBC Studios is behaving more like a creator: producing platform-native content, partnering with creators, and customizing formats across YouTube, TikTok, and TV—resulting in a 110% YoY revenue jump.3. Owning IP is a Power Move
Amelia Dimoldenberg built Chicken Shop Date independently after being rejected by broadcasters. By keeping full control of her brand and monetizing separately, she turned it into a cultural touchstone and launched her own production company.4. Creators Aren’t Just Influencers—They’re Partners
BBC Studios’ Talent Works program reflects a shift from hiring creators as ad vehicles to co-creating content with them. This partn… -
MEASURING CANNES LIONS
26 juni 2025 · 26 min
Welcome to a special edition of The Media Odyssey Podcast from the heart of the Croisette at Cannes Lions! Hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro dive into the evolving mood and key narratives emerging from the industry’s most vibrant gathering. From linear TV’s staying power in Europe to the acceleration of addressable advertising and first-party data, they set the stage for a candid, high-energy conversation on the state of the market. Lees meer
Joining them are two major voices shaping media’s future: Dan Callahan, newly appointed SVP and CRO at Spectrum Reach, and Dave Campanelli, President of Global Investments at Horizon Media. The group unpacks the dominance of sports in the upfronts, the murky waters of multi-currency measurement, and how AI is transforming both creative and campaign performance. It’s a sharp, forward-looking dialogue about attention, collaboration, and the tectonic shifts reshaping how we define effectiveness in a converging media world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Sports is the Anchor of Upfronts
Sports content is driving upfront media buys more than ever, with brands aggressively securing placements around high-impact events like the Super Bowl well ahead of schedule.2. Multi-Currency Measurement is a Work-in-Progress
The transition away from a single dominant currency (Nielsen) toward a fragmented, multi-currency ecosystem is proving complex and inconsistent. A lack of sell-side standardization remains a major hurdle to scalable adoption.3. Creative + Context = Future of TV Advertising
With AI accelerating creative production and optimization, there's growing emphasis on aligning ad tone and mood with surrounding content. Matching emotional context is becoming a new frontier for premium video advertising effectiveness.4. The Programmatic Model is Under Pressure
As CTV gains ground, legacy programmatic models—filled with intermediaries and "ad tech tax"—are being questioned. With a more finite set of publishers, buyers are increasingly seeking direc… -
DISSECTING STREAMING: Live from StreamTV
19 juni 2025 · 41 min
Evan and Marion take The Media Odyssey Podcast live at Stream TV's Media Universe Summit, joined by two special guests shaking up the content discovery game. Matthew Henick of Ventura TV OS, revealed how Ventura is building a new kind of CTV OS: one that puts transparency, user experience, and publishers first. Then Alan d’Escragnolle, CEO of Filmhub, showed us what a true distribution machine looks like, connecting indie creators and major studios alike to over 100 territories and thousands of licensing deals, with hits like Bounce Patrol leading the charge. Lees meer
From the chaos of fragmentation to the future of platform-personalized content, this episode dives deep into who really owns discovery, and what it takes to stand out in a sea of screens. It’s no longer enough to simply have great content; you need the tools, tech, and strategy to
ensure it’s seen. Whether you’re building an OS, distributing niche documentaries and films, or trying to reach Gen Alpha with serialized vertical video, the future belongs to those who can cut through the noise and deliver meaningful, personalized viewer experiences. Spoiler: it’s not just about eyeballs—it’s about building engines that find, serve, and grow loyal audiences.Key Takeaways:
1. Discovery is broken, and both platforms and publishers must fix it.
Content discovery is fragmented, biased, and often user-hostile. Platforms must prioritize content over apps, while publishers need to invest in tools, data, and partnerships to help their content surface and thrive.2. Filmhub is building the distribution engine indie creators need.
With over 6,300 rights holders and 320,000 licenses delivered, Filmhub is using proprietary tech, AI-assisted curation, and human relationships to give creators access to 100+ platforms—scaling discoverability across a deeply fragmented ecosystem.3. Personalization is the next frontier in discovery.
With massive libraries and fragmented audiences, platforms that master smart, personalized re…
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CHATTING AT GEMA: Pierluigi Colantoni | RAI
17 juni 2025 · 13 min
In this episode of "Chatting at GEMA", Marion Ranchet interviews Pierluigi Colantoni, Creative Director at RAI, Italy’s national broadcasting company, about creative packaging, branding and promotion, and the growing role of data in media. Colantoni speaks to how data informs creative decisions and the delicate balance between creative instincts and data while warning that data may become too central and rising concerns over privacy. Colantoni highlights the importance of sincerity and localization in creative processes, especially in the age of AI, and what can be lost in the race for efficiency. Lees meer
Pierluigi Colantoni is the Creative Director at RAI. Since 2014, Colantoni and the RAI team have received more than 100 international awards (Clio Awards, Promax, Global BDA, Ebu Connect), including the prestigious Best Creative Team of the Year award. He was nominated Director of the New Formats Development Department in 2020, where among other projects he produced the documentary series Sogno Azzurro, before becoming Creative Director in 2023.
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Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/
The Media Odyssey - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast/
Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
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CHATTING AT GEMA: Unai Iparragirre | EITB
17 juni 2025 · 19 min
In this episode of "Chatting at GEMA", Marion Ranchet interviews Unai Iparragirre, Head of Channels & OTT at EITB, the public broadcaster in the Basque Country, about being able to adapt to a changing landscape, brave content, and the intersection of public service and entertainment. Iparragirre explains the importance of EITB beyond entertainment to preserve the Basque culture, identity, and language while serving the Basque community across the globe. EITB’s I Need Help, a series about the mental health challenges teenagers faced as a result of the COVID pandemic, underlines Iparragirre’s commitment to public service and social responsibility while navigating the decline of traditional television formats. Lees meer
As Head of Channels at EITB, Unai Iparragirre is responsible for the TV portfolio as well as the OTT services at the Basque Public Broadcasting Corporation. This includes four local FTA networks, a pan-regional network as well as the recently launched streaming service, Primeran, which has received the prestigious 2023 Digital Award from the Association of Basque Journalists. Iparragirre’s journey in the broadcasting sector is marked by a dynamic and passionate leadership style. With extensive experience managing cross-functional teams across several EMEA markets during his tenure at Discovery Communications. Now at EITB, Iparragirre’s focus is on developing and implementing channel strategies that align with our business and strategic goals while exploring new opportunities, and on strengthening the role of EITB as a public media group that gives back to society through the content we produce. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Basque.
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Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/
The Media Odyssey - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast/
Newsletters:
Marion Ranch…
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CHATTING AT GEMA: Emmanuelle Lacaze | Gédéon Communications
17 juni 2025 · 20 min
In this episode of "Chatting at GEMA", Marion Ranchet interviews Emmanuelle Lacaze, President and Owner of Gédéon Communications, about television design, the Olympics, and innovative collaboration. Lacaze explains how Gédéon Communications, a design agency known for its work on media branding in France and internationally, contributed to the rise of television design with new ways of thinking about creativity and concept. Lacaze also speaks to how Gédéon Communications was responsible for designing the 2024 Paris Olympic emblem as well as their elaborate pitch strategy and the five-year-long process of preparing for the Opening Ceremony. Lees meer
Emmanuelle Lacaze is the President of Gédéon, a design agency known for its work on media branding in France and internationally. She has managed award-winning projects across multiple countries, including branding for Paris 2024, where her agency played a key role in the games’ visual identity, campaigns, and opening ceremony. Emmanuelle also has a background in film production, having produced the movie La Vie d’une Autre and developed the digital series Joy for Canal+. She is an active board member of the French AD Club and a partner of the mentoring program Media Club Elles in France.
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Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/
The Media Odyssey - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast/
Newsletters:
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WRAPPING H1 2025 IN MEDIA
12 juni 2025 · 26 min
This week on The Media Odyssey Podcast, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet roll up their sleeves to recap the tumultuous first half of 2025. From mass layoffs at Disney, ITV, and Warner Bros. Discovery to a sports rights meltdown in Europe, they dig into the biggest media headlines of the season, and what they truly reveal about the state of the business. Evan and Marion dissect the difference between strategy and reactive chaos, while highlighting where leadership is stepping up, or falling apart. Lees meer
They also explore the rising relevance of public service broadcasters, the challenges of entering new markets with overvalued rights, and why diversifying your business, whether you're a global company or a solo entrepreneur, is no longer optional, it’s survival. If you’re navigating the volatility of today’s media landscape, this is your spring reset.
Key Takeaways:
The Season of Acting vs. Reacting: Spring 2024 revealed a stark divide between companies with proactive strategies—like Disney and ITV, reallocating resources with intent—and those stuck in reactive mode, like Warner Bros. Discovery and NBCUniversal, whose repeated layoffs reflect short-term panic over long-term planning. In a turbulent market, the difference between surviving and shrinking comes down to whether leadership chooses to lead—or scramble.
Sports rights are inflating, and unraveling: As streaming platforms chase high-profile sports content, deals are becoming unsustainable. The case of PSG’s lost broadcaster in France highlights how inflated rights, poor local brand recognition, and fan backlash can destabilize even elite clubs and disrupt fan access.
Public broadcasters are poised for a resurgence: With commercial networks cutting back on scripted content and reallocating funds to live events and sports, public service media (like the BBC and France Télévisions) may step into the void, assuming they can secure the funding and infrastructure to deliver.
In uncertain times, diversification wins…
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TRANSFORMING MEDIA WITH AI
5 juni 2025 · 46 min
AI: fear it or figure it out? This week on The Media Odyssey Podcast, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet sit down with David Rudnick, CTO of LG Ad Solutions, to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping connected TV, from creative optimization to real-time personalization. They tackle big questions: Is AI replacing jobs or removing the boring parts? How can marketers catch viewers in their moments of interest? And what happens when your content strategy is as adaptive as your audience? Lees meer
From “cutting the fat” to building trust in algorithms, this episode breaks down the hype and the hope surrounding AI in the media. Whether you’re a technophobe, a curious skeptic, or already deep in prompt engineering, Rudnick’s insights will challenge how you think about ad targeting, content curation, and the next era of storytelling. Tap in, and maybe even wake up a little more “AI curious.”
Thank you David Rudnick for joining the pod!
David Rudnick: LinkedInKey Takeaways:
AI isn't replacing jobs, instead, it’s refining them: Rather than eliminating roles, AI is streamlining tedious tasks, freeing up creatives and technologists to focus on higher-value, more fulfilling work.
CTV needs AI to compete with digital: To catch up with the personalization and precision of walled garden platforms, connected TV must adopt AI-driven strategies that match viewer intent in real time.
Moments matter more than profiles: LG Ads is shifting from static user profiles to moment-based targeting, using AI to identify and act on fleeting interests and purchase intent as they happen.
Infrastructure is everything: Embracing AI at scale requires serious backend investment—centralized data, scalable cloud compute, and a test-and-learn mindset that blends proprietary tools with smart partnerships.
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Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin… -
OPTIMIZING IP ON SOCIAL
29 mei 2025 · 39 min
This week on The Media Odyssey podcast, Evan and Marion join to delve into the fast-evolving world of digital content distribution, with a behind-the-scenes look at one of YouTube’s most powerful enablers: Merzigo. Joining the show is Dilip Bala, SVP & GM of Merzigo U.S., to unpack how the company helps IP owners—from broadcasters to studios—unlock serious revenue and global reach through platform-specific strategy, content optimization, and data-driven localization. Lees meer
From reviving old dramas with fresh life to proving that YouTube can actually boost TV ratings, this episode is packed with surprising insights and real-world case studies—including why Facebook might just be the industry's best-kept secret. If you're navigating the future of media, this is one conversation you don't want to miss.
Thank you Dilip for joining the pod!
Dilip Bala: LinkedInKey Takeaways:
YouTube is an Undervalued Powerhouse:
Traditional broadcasters still hesitate to fully embrace YouTube, but as Merzigo’s success shows, the platform offers massive global reach and revenue potential—especially when content is tailored to platform-specific behaviors.Localization Unlocks Global Growth:
Merzigo’s strategic dubbing and cultural adaptation of content—especially for diasporas in high-CPM markets—has turned back-catalog shows into unexpected global revenue drivers.Facebook is a Sleeper Opportunity:
Often overlooked, Facebook still offers massive scale. With the right short-form strategy, content can thrive—especially in reality and game show formats optimized for sharing and mobile-first viewing.Same Content, Different Audiences:
The exact same show can reach entirely different demographics across platforms—YouTube often captures younger viewers that traditional TV and even FAST channels struggle to reach, highlighting the need for multi-platform distribution strategies.Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
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BREAKING ADS w/ Dan Callahan
22 mei 2025 · 55 min
This week on The Media Odyssey Podcast, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet reunite to tackle one of the hottest debates in advertising: Which ads actually work—and why? Joined by Dan Callahan, GVP of National Advertising Sales at Spectrum Reach, they dive deep into the evolving world of addressable advertising, the rise of zero-party data, and why transparency and performance now rule the media landscape. From the addressable table of elements, to the return of the bundle, and the future of targeting, this episode is a must-listen for folks looking to understand today's must-have strategy in ad sales. Lees meer
Thank you Dan for joining the pod!
Dan Callahan: LinkedInKey Takeaways:
Not all data is created equal:
Deterministic, "zero-party" data from providers like Spectrum Reach (collected directly from subscribers) is proving more accurate and valuable than probabilistic sources like IP addresses or outdated email data.Addressable is how, not what:
Addressable advertising is evolving from a niche tactic to a foundational strategy, defined by how data and targeting are applied across both linear and streaming environments. To explore the Addressability Periodic Table, visit: https://eshap.substack.com/p/addressabletableCollaboration beats competition:
Initiatives like Go Addressable, where rivals join forces to standardize and promote addressable advertising, highlight how cooperation is key to scaling and educating the market.The return of the bundle:
As fragmentation and churn plague streaming, cable and MVPDs are regaining appeal by offering aggregated access, greater convenience, and robust data-backed advertising options.Visit https://goaddressable.com/report/addressable-tv-advertisings-growing-role-in-the-upfronts/ for more info on their recent event, "Go Addressable."
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PIVOTING CAREERS IN MEDIA with Jazz Pitcairn and Katrina Craigwell
15 mei 2025 · 37 min
Double duty! This week, Evan sits down with Katrina Craigwell, head of products at JP Morgan Chase, and acclaimed writer/director Jazz Pitcairn to discuss building resilient careers, making bold pivots, and the power of curiosity, networks, and hustle in a rapidly shifting industry. Lees meer
Whether you’re looking to make a career transition, advance in your current field, or just stay ahead of the curve, Katrina and Jazz offer actionable advice to help you thrive in today’s fast-paced world. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how to turn challenges into opportunities and keep your career evolving.
Thank you Jazz for joining the pod!
Jazz Pitcairn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazz-pitcairn/
Check out Jazz’s website here: www.jazzpitcairn.comCheck out Ivan, Jazz’s directorial debut, here: Ivan website: www.theivanfilm.com
Thank you Katrina for joining the pod!
Katrina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinacraigwell/Check out Katrina’s podcast “Am I On Mute” here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/am-i-on-mute/id1676637019
Key Takeaways:
Transferable skills are power: Recognizing and leveraging core strengths—like storytelling, communication, and strategic thinking—enabled both Katrina and Jazz to navigate across industries and roles with confidence.
Networks open doors: Strong professional relationships and consistent, genuine outreach led to career-defining opportunities and long-term support.
Adaptability is essential: From layoffs to visa challenges to switching industries, success comes from embracing uncertainty, learning quickly, and staying open to change.
Timing matters: Seizing opportunities quickly—like responding to job leads right away or being the first to follow up—proved crucial in standing out and moving forward.
Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newslet…
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KIDDING ABOUT TV with Jo Redfern
8 mei 2025 · 30 min
Jo Redfern, a kids media veteran and Founder of Futrhood Media, joins the pod this week for a deep dive into the future of youth content and the evolving business models shaping it. From launching Peppa Pig and leading BBC Children’s brands to advising global sports leagues and creators, Jo brings decades of frontline insight into the radical transformation of how young audiences engage with content. They unpack the rise of YouTube and Roblox, the creator economy’s growing dominance, and why IP owners must now think like marketers, developers, and distributors across every platform. Lees meer
Learn why attention spans aren’t dying—they’re evolving—and how hits like Bluey, Miss Rachel, Amazing Digital Circus, and Kid Cowboy signal a shift from traditional commissioning to iterative, audience-first storytelling. It’s a masterclass in kids content, creator strategy, and the business of staying relevant in a fractured, always-on media ecosystem.
Thank you Jo for joining the pod! https://www.linkedin.com/in/joredfern/?originalSubdomain=uk
Check out her podcast, "Kids Media Club" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kids-media-club-podcast/id1573404550Key Takeaways:
Interest Spans > Attention Spans: Kids don’t lack attention—they lack interest in outdated formats. When content is relevant, their engagement is deep and sustained, especially on platforms like YouTube and Roblox.
YouTube is Now 'Prime Time' for Kids: For Gen Z and Gen Alpha, YouTube is the default TV. It’s their entertainment source, search engine, and learning platform—often consumed on connected TVs, not just phones.
Fluid, Platform-Agnostic Consumption: Young audiences navigate seamlessly across YouTube, TikTok, Roblox, Netflix, and Disney+. Barriers like subscriptions or clunky interfaces lose them fast.
YouTube is a Launchpad for Franchises: Hits like Cocomelon, Amazing Digital Circus, and Mighty Little Bheem started on YouTube, proving it’s the new R&D lab for global IP development.
Studios Must Think…
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WAGING THE CTV OS WARS with Alan Wolk
1 mei 2025 · 34 min
In this episode of The Media Odyssey, host Marion Ranchet welcomes Media Analyst and TVREV Co-Founder Alan Wolk for a deep dive into the ever-evolving Connected TV landscape. Marion and Alan dissect the current lull in CTV innovation, the strategic missteps of new entrants like The Trade Desk, and the rising competition among legacy OS manufacturers, big tech players, and fast-growing indie platforms like Titan and TiVo. They also explore how fast channels, contextual advertising, and shoppable TV are shaping the industry's future—and why measurement, monetization, and buyer confusion remain major hurdles. From Roku’s platform revenue power play to Amazon and Google’s growing ambitions, this candid conversation maps out the power dynamics defining the TV OS wars. Lees meer
Thank you Alan for joining the pod!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanwolk/For more on TVREV: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tv-r-ev/
Alan Wolk:
Alan Wolk is Co-Founder and Lead Analyst at the legendary media analyst firm TVREV. Wolk has established himself as one of the industry's most influential thought leaders, especially noted for his deep understanding of the intersection of streaming and advertising. What sets Wolk apart is his unique ability to demystify complex ideas in a manner that's easily understandable yet never oversimplified. This talent makes him a sought-after writer, speaker, and consultant, striking a rare balance between depth and accessibility
in his communications. He regularly speaks about the future of television, both at conferences and to anyone who’ll listen.Key Takeaways:
The Trade Desk’s failed attempt to enter the TV OS space highlights just how tough it is to crack a market dominated by legacy players and bundled ecosystems.
Without consolidation, the fragmented TV OS landscape—spanning big tech, OEMs, and indie platforms—risks stalling innovation and confusing consumers.
CTV still hasn’t delivered on its promise of precision targeting, with broken measurement stand…
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TESTING & LEARNING: The CBC Case Study
24 april 2025 · 38 min
In this episode of The Media Odyssey, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet sit down with Paul McGrath, Senior Director of Entertainment Strategy and Audience Development at CBC, to explore how Canada’s public broadcaster is navigating the shift from linear to digital media. Paul shares the inside story of CBC’s strategic pivot toward YouTube as a major distribution and engagement platform. From launching CBC Gem to building out a portfolio of 50+ YouTube channels, McGrath explains how his team grew total watch time by 65%, with long-form content (20+ minutes) accounting for nearly half of total usage despite being only 20% of the uploads. Lees meer
Key takeaways:
CBC’s test-and-learn approach to windowing content across platforms
Why fears of YouTube cannibalizing CBC Gem proved unfounded
The data-backed “flywheel strategy” that drives younger audience reach and monetization
CBC’s collaboration with YouTube and their evolving FAST and OTT revenue model
Thank you Paul McGrath for joining the pod!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pfmcgrath/Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/(00:00) - Introduction and Myth Busting
(00:58) - Welcoming the Special Guest: Paul McGrath
(01:30) - Understanding CBC's Strategy and Operations
(03:01) - Funding Model and Streaming Focus
(03:59) - The YouTube Strategic Bet
(06:58) - Challenges and Concerns: Cannibalization
(09:47) - Implementation and Initial Steps
(11:50) - Content Strategy and Publishing
(15:30) - Analyzing the Results and Impact
(28:18) - Future Plans and Final Thoughts
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STREAMING EUROPE
17 april 2025 · 53 min
In this episode of The Media Odyssey, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet travel to Lyon, France to sit down with Bedrock CEO Jonas Engwall to explore how European broadcasters are quietly leading a streaming transformation. From free, ad-supported platforms to collaborative infrastructure, the trio unpacks why Bedrock’s tech backbone is helping legacy media compete with global giants — and why Europe’s streaming future may lie in radical cooperation over direct competition. Lees meer
For more on Bedrock...
https://bedrockstreaming.com/Thank you Bedrock CEO Jonas Engwall for joining this week's pod!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-engwall/?originalSubdomain=frInterested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/(00:00) - Introduction and License Fee Discussion
(00:28) - Welcome to the Media Odyssey Podcast
(00:45) - European Streaming Landscape
(02:37) - Public Broadcasting vs. Commercial Streaming
(03:49) - Challenges and Innovations in European Streaming
(05:13) - The Role of Local Broadcasters
(10:55) - Generational Shifts and Streaming Habits
(22:18) - Importance of User Experience in Streaming
(23:13) - Introducing Jonas and Bedrock Streaming
(23:53) - Evolution of Streaming Content in Europe
(25:10) - The Birth of Bedrock
(27:05) - Challenges and Strategies for European Broadcasters
(29:37) - The Bedrock Platform: A Unified Approach
(33:00) - Collaborative Innovation and Growth
(38:29) - Future of Pan-European Streaming
(47:42) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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PREDICTING THE UPFRONTS
10 april 2025 · 40 min
Is Digital Still A Safe Bet?
From economic uncertainty to the rise of connected TV, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet predict a more cautious, data-driven Upfronts season where flexibility trumps tradition. With brands holding back big commitments, digital giants like YouTube, Meta, and Amazon stand to gain as safer, more measurable bets.Evan forecasts a continued move away from chunky upfront deals in favor of platforms that offer agility and proven ROAS. The Media Odyssey welcomes Ioanna Protogiannis (Sr. Director, Measurement and Reporting Solutions at LG Ad Solutions) who highlights the growing importance of first-party data, smart segments, and real-time measurement in campaign planning. Lees meerThank you Ioanna Protogiannis for joining this week's pod!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioanna-protogiannis/Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/(00:00) - Introduction and Debate Teaser
(00:28) - Welcome to The Media Odyssey
(00:36) - Discussing the Upfront Season
(01:33) - Spotter's Unique Approach
(02:09) - Spotter's Focus on Creators
(02:48) - YouTube as the New TV
(05:13) - Advertising Trends and Strategies
(10:54) - The Role of Big Tech in Advertising
(15:32) - The Upfront Buying Process
(18:49) - Locking in Prices and Tent Pole Programming
(20:06) - The Historical Context of Upfronts
(21:17) - Predictions for the Ad Economy
(25:13) - Interview with Ayana Proteges
(25:39) - The Role of Data in CTV Advertising
(28:34) - The Importance of Third-Party Partnerships
(37:10) - The Future of Measurement and AI in Advertising
(39:33) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT: Comcast & Canal+
3 april 2025 · 27 min
In Episode 14 of The Media Odyssey, Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro conduct a deep dive on the evolving strategies of Canal+ and Comcast. Canal+ stands out for its global expansion—especially in Asia and Africa—despite challenges with high content costs and navigating a digital shift. Comcast, on the other hand, is facing broadband stagnation and controversy over its decision to spin off low-margin cable networks into a new company, raising concerns about long-term growth. Both companies reflect the broader struggle of legacy media adapting to a user-driven, digital-first world. Check out this week's episode to hear more! Lees meer
Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/(00:00) - Introduction and Strategic Advice
(00:28) - Welcome to the Media Odyssey Podcast
(01:07) - Case Study: Canal Plus
(01:46) - Canal Plus: Global Reach and Growth
(03:58) - Canal Plus: Revenue and Profit Analysis
(05:38) - Challenges and Digital Transformation
(10:10) - Case Study: Comcast
(11:53) - Comcast: Revenue and Profit Breakdown
(12:31) - Comcast: Spin-off Strategy
(21:03) - Comparing Canal Plus and Comcast
(23:49) - Conclusion and Viewer Engagement
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FIXING TV'S UX
27 maart 2025 · 40 min
In this episode of The Media Odyssey podcast, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet dive into the frustrating user experience of streaming platforms and the growing crisis in content discoverability. With insights on interface design, consumer behavior, and the rise of super apps, Marion and Evan explore how platforms like Roku and Amazon are the new gold standard in the entertainment landscape. In a very special segment, guest Calle Sjönell introduces Swipefinder, a Tinder-style app that helps users find what to watch faster—while unlocking new monetization opportunities for streamers. Lees meer
To learn more about Swipefinder - https://www.swipefinder.com/
Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/(00:00) - Introduction and Podcast Welcome
(00:30) - Nerding Out on User Interface and Experience
(01:03) - Panel Discussion Insights and Data
(02:19) - Consumer Frustrations with Streaming Services
(03:32) - App Usage and Viewing Habits
(05:53) - Linear vs On-Demand Viewing
(13:09) - The Role of AI in Media
(15:27) - Monetizing the Home Screen
(17:54) - Introducing Swipe Finder with Callie Chanel
(20:15) - Introduction to Swipe Finder
(20:19) - How Swipe Finder Works
(20:52) - User Experience and Features
(21:49) - White Label Product for Streamers
(22:06) - Revenue Opportunities with Swipe Finder
(26:14) - Business Model and Integration
(27:58) - Expanding Swipe Finder to Other Markets
(31:46) - The Future of Entertainment Platforms
(35:12) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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SIZING THE CONTENT ECONOMY - Live from MIP London!
20 maart 2025 · 31 min
In this FIRST EVER live recorded episode of The Media Odyssey at MIP London, Evan and Marion dive into the evolving landscape of the content economy, the impact of streaming giants pivoting towards sports, shifts in streaming investment, and the growing influence of AVOD and FAST platforms. They also welcome Ryan Afshar (VP, Publishers & Platforms at LG Ad Solutions) for a deep dive into the FAST ecosystem and how television manufacturers like LG are reshaping the way audiences discover and consume content. Lees meer
Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ -
CHATTING AT SXSW: Nicki Sheard | BBC Studios
16 maart 2025 · 7 min
In this episode of "Chatting at SXSW", Evan Shapiro speaks with Nicki Sheard, CEO of Brands and Licensing at BBC Studios, about how the company monetizes its vast content library globally. Sheard highlights the success of Bluey, which was the most-streamed TV show in the U.S. in 2024 and has grown into a massive franchise with consumer products, stage shows, a movie in development, and upcoming integration into Disney parks. BBC Studios strategically distributes its brands, including Doctor Who, Top Gear, and BBC Earth, across multiple platforms—linear TV, streaming, social media, and YouTube, where it now has 90 active channels. Sheard discusses how digital-first content can fuel traditional broadcast deals and how multi-platform exposure is essential for building lasting franchises. While some kids' brands originate online and transition to traditional media, she notes that long-term success still depends on content quality and authenticity. Lees meer
Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Introduction
(00:17) - Role and Responsibilities at BBC Studios
(00:49) - Exploring BBC Brands and Bluey's Success
(02:06) - Bluey's Distribution and YouTube Strategy
(03:52) - Building a Global Brand
(04:35) - Challenges in Children's Media
(05:16) - Future of Kids' Brands and Conclusion
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CHATTING AT SXSW: Mike Sid | Ateliere
16 maart 2025 · 9 min
Mike Sid (Senior Business Acceleration Office at Ateliere) joins Evan Shapiro at SXSW 2025! The conversation touches on the evolving media landscape, emphasizing how creators must adapt to multi-platform distribution and fast-paced content demands. Ateliere helps do just that. Mike Sid highlights how Ateliere’s technology enables both small creators and large production companies to improve workflow efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate content delivery. Their tools allow remote collaboration, real-time editing, and rapid content turnaround, making professional-grade production more accessible. Lees meer
Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/(00:00) - Introduction and Event Overview
(00:29) - Introducing Atelier and Its Products
(00:40) - Live Production Revolution
(01:30) - Simplifying Content Distribution
(01:59) - Empowering Creators with Atelier
(03:00) - Professional Grade Production for All
(03:33) - Customization and Flexibility in Production
(04:06) - Panel Discussion Preview
(05:14) - Reality TV and Modern Content Challenges
(07:05) - Remote Production Innovations
(08:10) - Conclusion and Thanks
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CHATTING AT SXSW: Ruth Berry | ITV Studios
16 maart 2025 · 10 min
In this episode of "Chatting at SXSW", Evan Shapiro interviews Ruth Berry, President of Global Partnerships & Zoo 55 at ITV Studios, about the network's evolving content strategy. Berry explains how ITV Studios, which operates in 13 markets with 60 production companies, is adapting to changing viewer habits by expanding into digital platforms through Zoo55, ITV’s digital studio. Zoo55 helps repurpose existing content—like Love Island, Hell’s Kitchen, and River Monsters—to reach new, younger audiences on platforms such as YouTube, gaming, and FAST channels. She highlights how audiences now consume long-form content in non-traditional ways, with YouTube on connected TVs becoming a significant distribution method. Berry also emphasizes the importance of experimenting with digital engagement, noting that ITV's approach is to "test and learn" without fear of cannibalizing traditional television viewership. This strategy allows ITV to maximize the value of its content while staying ahead of industry shifts. Lees meer
Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ -
CHATTING AT SXSW: Lydia Daly | Paramount
16 maart 2025 · 9 min
In this episode of "Chatting at SXSW", Evan Shapiro speaks with Lydia Daly, EVP, Head of Advertising Research and Insights at Paramount, about how brands navigate the rapidly evolving cultural landscape. Daly's team studies audience behaviors, market trends, and cultural shifts to help advertisers make informed, data-driven decisions. She highlights the increasing velocity of cultural change, where trends emerge and disappear quickly, making it challenging for brands to determine when and how to engage. Daly emphasizes that brands must develop social listening capabilities, understand trend cycles, and establish clear brand guidelines to navigate this fast-moving space effectively. She also notes that partnering with established content creators or platforms can help brands stay relevant without taking on the full burden of trend management alone. Lees meer
Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Introduction
(00:22) - Role and Responsibilities at Paramount
(01:29) - Audience Insights and Cultural Trends
(02:03) - Generational Studies and Creative Strategy
(03:11) - Velocity of Culture and Brand Adaptation
(04:15) - Brand Strategies and Social Listening
(05:24) - Understanding Trends and Signals
(06:23) - Importance of Brand Guidelines
(07:03) - Working with Publishers and Content Creators
(07:38) - Panel Discussion and Closing Remarks
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CHATTING AT SXSW: Steve Bagdasarian | Comscore
16 maart 2025 · 9 min
On this episode of "Chatting at SXSW", Evan Shapiro sits down with Steve Bagdasarian, Chief Commercial Officer of Comscore. They discuss the shift from traditional broadcast measurement to cross-platform, the increasing role of programmatic advertising and psychographic-based targeting, as well as the evolving landscape of media measurement and advertising, focusing on multi-currency vs. multi-measurement models and how Comscore differentiates itself with its granular, locally-driven measurement approach. Lees meer
Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Introduction
(00:18) - Role and Responsibilities of a Chief Commercial Officer
(00:57) - Measurement and Cross-Platform User-Centric View
(01:12) - Panel Discussion on User-Centric Era
(01:22) - CommScore's Differentiation in the Market
(01:31) - Future of Measurement and Media Buying
(03:26) - Granular Data and Programmatic Media
(03:46) - Market Intelligence and Future Predictions
(05:44) - Optimization and Personalization in Media
(07:00) - Investment Strategies for Upfronts and New Fronts
(07:45) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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SUPER BUNDLING
13 maart 2025 · 35 min
HOW IS BUNDLING RESHAPING MEDIA TODAY?
In this episode of The Media Odyssey, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet dive deep into the world of subscription bundling with special guest Anil Malhotra, co-founder of Bango. They explore how the digital subscription economy is evolving, why consumers are increasingly turning to indirect subscription bundles, and how bundling can drive brand loyalty and lower churn rates. From streaming services to AI tools and retail subscriptions, Anil shares fascinating insights from Bango’s latest research report, Subscriptions Assemble, revealing key trends shaping the bundle economy. Learn more about how telcos, retailers, and even social media platforms are becoming key bundlers, and why the "digital vending machine" is revolutionizing the way subscriptions are managed. Lees meerCheck out Bango's, "Subscription's Assemble" HERE (tap to go).
Anil Malhotra (Co-Founder, Bango):
Anil is responsible for Bango’s global marketing activities and partnerships with app store, OEMs and global network operators. Anil has extensive experience of creating successful partnerships between fast-moving innovators and major market players. Before co-founding Bango, Anil developed global partnerships for Cyberlife Technology, one of Europe’s leading computer games technology developers, which resulted in the licensing of the company’s AI technology to the world’s leading games publishers including Warner and Hasbro. Before that he worked with Bango Exec Chair Ray Anderson at IXI, establishing a technology called X.desktop as the global user interface standard for networked computers.Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/(00:00) - Introduction to Subscription Bundlin…
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MEASURING TV TODAY
6 maart 2025 · 27 min
WHAT ARE THE METRICS THAT MATTER NOW?
Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet dive into cross-platform measurement, the top priority for ad buyers in 2025 and a growing challenge worldwide. They explore how fragmented data, inconsistent standards, and a lack of collaboration between broadcasters and platforms are making it harder to track audiences across TV, streaming, mobile, and more. The conversation highlights why standardized, transparent measurement is critical for advertisers and the industry’s future. They debate whether having multiple competing measurement systems sparks innovation — or just adds confusion — as the media landscape rapidly evolves. Lees meerInterested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8
Connect with us on Linkedin:
Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/
Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:
Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/
Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/(00:00) - Introduction and Greetings
(00:33) - Special Episode Announcement
(00:38) - Importance of Cross-Platform Measurement
(00:49) - U.S. Data Insights
(01:29) - European Perspective on Measurement
(02:14) - Big Data Solutions for TV Measurement
(03:27) - Streaming vs. Broadcast TV
(05:33) - Four-Screen Viewing in the UK
(07:19) - Challenges in Cross-Platform Measurement
(11:08) - Future of TV and Digital Advertising
(23:57) - Conclusion and Farewell