Production

Is Hollywood Worth Saving? The Harsh Reality Facing L.A. in 2025

Hollywood is facing an existential crisis as production declines, jobs vanish, and competition intensifies from regions offering better incentives. Wildfires have further destabilized the industry, while creative stagnation persists. Tax incentives may not suffice to reclaim prominence. 2025 holds critical potential for reform, or Hollywood may falter irreparably.

Streaming

Beyond Binge Watching: Ads, Sports, and Telecoms Are Steering Streaming Back to Cable’s Playbook

The U.S. streaming market is saturated, with 96% of households subscribed to services, prompting a shift from acquisition to retention strategies. Ad-supported models are gaining traction as affordability overshadows uninterrupted viewing. Live sports and telecom partnerships are key growth areas, while brand ecosystems are vital for subscriber retention in this maturing landscape.

Streaming

One Platform to Rule Them All: Aggregation Will Alter Streaming Markets in 2025

Standalone SVOD services are experiencing a shift as consumers grapple with rising costs and subscription stacking. Many are turning to video aggregators, which simplify access but risk escalating prices. The market may soon consist of fewer standalone players alongside aggregators, highlighting the necessity for service bundling to reduce churn and enhance consumer convenience.

Distribution

2024 in Review: Netflix Reigns, Roku Rises, Theaters Falter, and Trends Shaping 2025

In 2024, the media industry faced significant challenges, with domestic box office revenues falling sharply due to delays and a lack of original content. Contrarily, free ad-supported streaming platforms like Roku gained traction, indicating a shift towards cost-effective viewing. The industry grapples with evolving strategies amid ongoing mergers and the rise of library content.