Core Viewpoint - Paramount is facing significant challenges in the competitive media landscape, particularly in streaming, where it has fewer subscribers and lower revenue per subscriber compared to competitors [1][2] Group 1: Paramount's Position and Challenges - Paramount has a rich historical library but is competing from a subscale position, which affects its market competitiveness [1] - The productivity of Paramount's film and TV studio has been lower than that of other Hollywood studios over the past 10 to 20 years, impacting its recent performance [2] - There is a strong motivation for Paramount to complete a merger with Warner to address its scale deficits and improve its market position [2][3] Group 2: Merger Implications - Winning the merger would provide Paramount with more optionality and upside potential, but it also introduces significant risks, including increased debt and execution challenges [4] - The merger scenario presents a greater degree of risk and opportunity, as it would require management to navigate uncharted territory [4] Group 3: Streaming Market Outlook - The streaming business is expected to remain fragmented, contrary to the belief that it will become a winner-takes-all market dominated by Netflix [6] - The renegotiation of NFL broadcasting rights in 2026 is anticipated to be a significant event that could impact the distribution landscape [6] Group 4: Investment Opportunities in Live Entertainment and Music - Live entertainment and music are viewed as promising sectors, with companies like Live Nation identified as top investment ideas due to their ability to capitalize on the increasing value of live events [7][10] - The value of music and concert tickets is expected to rise, driven by the enhanced reach and engagement provided by streaming and social media [9][10] - Spotify is also highlighted as a favorable investment, benefiting from the improved experience and shareability of music in the current market [10][11]

Sununo is basically chat GPT for audio generation. You don't even have to submit your your lyrics. All you need to do is make a voice memo on your phone.So, I did just that. I played this little chorus. [singing and music] >> It's giving like what if Johnny Cash had like a really good day.[laughter] >> That's not good music. This is where I can describe what style song we want this demo to turn into. Uh, you said something in the style of Johnny Cash.A dirt road, blue skies, we drive [laughter] [music] to o ...

One music manager described a holiday hit as a ‘little ATM machine.’ https://t.co/us37xEKMbR ...

Business Strategy & Subscription Model - The Verge's subscription business aims for significant growth in year two, focusing on user retention and engagement [1] - The Verge is adjusting its paywall strategy to offer more free content, aiming for a Spotify-like model where the free service is valuable and drives premium subscriptions [1] - The Verge emphasizes ethical journalism and independence from brand deals and investor influence as core values for subscribers [2] Industry Trends & Competitive Landscape - The podcast discusses potential acquisitions and mergers in the media industry, specifically Netflix's interest in Warner Brothers and Paramount's hostile takeover bid, highlighting the complexities and regulatory hurdles involved [3][4] - The media industry is seeing a trend of splitting companies into profitable and less profitable parts, with private equity firms targeting the latter [5][6] - The rise of AI in music production is transforming the industry, with tools like Suno enabling rapid prototyping and vibe coding of songs, but also raising concerns about copyright and artistic integrity [15][16] Technology & Product Development - The podcast reviews Matter over Thread smart shades, highlighting their ease of use and integration with smart home ecosystems [2] - Google's Disco browser experiments with AI-powered "Gen Tabs" to create custom web applications on the fly, aiming to enhance the browsing experience [30][31] - Chamberlain Group's attempts to monopolize the garage door opener market by restricting third-party access are discussed, highlighting the challenges for smart home integration [51][52] Content Strategy & User Engagement - The Verge is hosting live events at CES in Las Vegas, including a live Vergecast and Decoder show, to engage with its audience [1] - The podcast explores the use of AI in music, including AI-generated covers and voice replacements, and debates the impact on artistic value and listener experience [15][16] - The podcast discusses the importance of user input and data in improving AI systems, particularly in the context of Google's Disco browser [38][39]

How do we dare come in second to Russia, an alleged country led by a desperate, when they do a better job of paying our king of rock and roll, and we're going to stand by and not pay today's artists and future artists. Because let's face it, our children are tomorrow's stars. You got to change this now for our children and our children's children.And I know you will. The president will sign this once all you guys respectfully get your act together and put this across the board. Let's do the right thing.God ...

Singer recounts rushed recording sessionSpeaking on the sets of Return to studio before completing travelUdit said he received another call soon after reaching the airport. “‘You only have a line or two left,’ the recording team said, calling me right back to the studio,” he recalled. With his luggage still on the aircraft, he returned to finish the remaining lines and made it back to the airport in time for the flight. Reflecting on the incident, he quoted Vivekananda, saying, “If you want to make history, ...

How do we dare come in second to Russia, an alleged country led by a desperate, when they do a better job of paying our king of rock and roll, and we're going to stand by and not pay today's artists and future artists because let's face it, our children are tomorrow's stars. You got to change this now for our children and our children's children. And I know you will.The president will sign this once all you guys respectfully get your act together and put this across the board. Let's do the right thing. God ...

You spent the week in Washington. Thanks for making us part of it. Well, it's my pleasure.And people are shocked. I'll try to encapsulate what all of this is for. And oh, that's a big word like gymnasium.Look, I don't care what kind of music you listen to, but the American music. Let's just stop at that point. American music means we created and invested, invented the music of planet Earth, rock and roll, blues, jazz, hip hop, country and western, all invented and created.Here. Our stars are the stars of pl ...

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amaze Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: AMZE) (“Amaze”) a global leader in creator-powered commerce, today announced a strategic partnership agreement with Op3N LLC (“OpenWav.AI”), the all-in-one platform built for independent artists to earn meaningfully from their music, and its affiliated entities. The collaboration will enable both companies to accelerate monetization opportunities for artists, expand international product fulfillment capabilities, a ...

As electronic dance music gains momentum in the U.S., DJ and producer John Summit is showing how artists are evolving entrepreneurs—running labels, festivals and even their own brands. https://t.co/dUn2rd3xmK (Photo: Art by Goldie) https://t.co/9ukPdFlTOw ...