Streamers vs. TV Networks - Who Will Win the Sports Broadcast War?

Streaming services and traditional TV networks are in a heated competition for audiences and ad dollars. As streamers invest heavily in original content, networks are responding with their own digital platforms and new programming strategies. Andrew Wallenstein for Variety explores how this battle is reshaping the entertainment industry.

TV and streaming ads are shifting toward programmatic models, with advertisers trying to decide between guaranteed deals and those that offer more flexibility. Networks like AMC and TelevisaUnivision are adjusting to give buyers and sellers some balance. Digiday's Tim Peterson dives into these changes and what it means for the future.

Even with the economy being unpredictable, big names like Coca-Cola and Comcast are spending more on TikTok ads this year. TikTok is still the go-to platform for reaching younger audiences with high engagement. According to Krystal Scanlon at Digiday, these brands are sticking with TikTok because they believe it’s essential for building awareness, despite the challenges the economy might pose.

So, YouTube’s cracking down on those AI-made fake movie trailers that have been blowing up, like the Titanic 2 ones. Turns out, they’re a problem for misinformation and copyright, which is why the platform’s stepping in. Joe Berkowitz from Fast Company breaks it down in this piece about the tricky situation.

Sydney Sweeney is jumping on the viral Reddit trend, starring in a movie based on the chilling story "I Pretended to Be a Missing Girl," written by Joe Cote. In this thriller, a drifter poses as a missing girl to rob her family, only to regret it in the end. Warner Bros. snatched up the rights, and Eric Roth, an Oscar-winning screenwriter, is adapting the script. This is just the latest example of Hollywood turning viral stories into films—think Zola and Slender Man. The project is being produced by Sweeney’s Fifty-Fifty Films, and the news was covered by Michael Grothaus for Fast Company, The Independent, and Digital Spy.

Patreon is making some big moves in podcasting by teaming up with Sony and Wondery, just as their subscription numbers hit 7 million. These partnerships are all about giving creators more ways to make money while boosting the quality of the content. Ashley Carman from Bloomberg reports that Patreon is stepping up its game to become a major player in the podcast world.

Visa is offering Apple around $100 million to ditch Mastercard and take over its credit card business. It's a big move in the payments world, and it could give Visa the edge over its competitors. AnnaMaria Andriotis of The Wall Street Journal reports on how this deal could change the game for both companies.

Gen Z doesn’t care about your brand values—they care about where your brand shows up. Antonio Serros explains in Ad Age that this generation is all about the platforms brands use, from social media to new tech. If you want to reach them, it’s all about staying innovative on these platforms, not just pushing values.

Looks like luxury sneakers are no longer the hottest trend. With resale values dropping, the focus is shifting to more classic, subtle styles. The Business of Fashion, Lei Takanashi highlights how brands are now embracing timeless designs over flashy, limited-edition releases.

Vapes aren’t just about nicotine anymore—they’re turning into high-tech toys. With features like LED displays, haptic feedback, and even mini-games, companies are making vaping more interactive than ever. Fast Company’s Henry Chandonnet looks at how this shift raises new questions about addiction and regulation.