Thinking Out Loud

Guest Erick Opeka, President & Chief Strategy Officer at Cineverse, details the cutting-edge strategies shaping the future of entertainment. Erick breaks down Cineverse's role as a full-service entertainment studio, their groundbreaking technology platform that's revolutionizing content management, and the use of AI to optimize business. Tune in for Erick's insights on the streaming-forward evolution of the industry and Cineverse's vision for the future.

In a media landscape overflowing with choices, anime shines through with its distinct storytelling style that strongly resonates with audiences—especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Guest Gita Rebbapragada, Crunchyroll, and host Vicki Lins explore anime's compelling narratives and uncover why this genre creates such profound emotional connections. Discover how anime's storytelling is a powerful gateway to engage a loyal and expanding fanbase across media channels.

Columbia Business School Professor Sheena Iyengar is a leading expert in the study of choice. In this episode, host Vicki Lins delves into how the explosion of streaming services and the era of Peak TV have provided consumers with an unprecedented array of options, often leading to decision paralysis and choice overload. Together, they explore the paradox of choice and discuss ways to validate consumers' decisions to keep them coming back.

Guest, Marcien Jenckes, president of Xumo shares insights into their holistic approach aimed at captivating audiences and monetizing content through advertising. Xumo's strategy spans the distribution of streaming devices, collaborations with TV manufacturers, and the expansion of FAST channels. Their swift adoption underscores the platform's appeal and effectiveness in addressing the dynamic demands of consumers and operators alike, making Xumo a leader in transforming the streaming experience.

Guest Kristin Dolan, CEO of AMC Networks, explores the dynamic trajectory of AMC Networks. Kristin shares her expertise in navigating the ever-changing media landscape by utilizing new technology, data, and information to engage diverse audiences through innovative distribution methods. Gain valuable perspectives on the challenges posed by content saturation and the influence of consolidation on media brands. Discover the success of the “AMC+ Picks on Max” programming experience, an impactful marketing partnership that not only commanded viewership but also fueled acquisition on AMC+. Join Kristin as she provides a sneak peek into the thrilling future of AMC Networks amid the ever-evolving media landscape.

Stephanie Fried, CMO of Fandom, reveals the behind-the-scenes strategies that have elevated Fandom to a global enthusiast hub. Learn about successful collaborations and how Fandom is reshaping the landscape of interactive fan experiences. This episode delves into cultivating engagement, leveraging fan-driven content for unique marketing opportunities, and exploring the dynamic intersection of community building and marketing. Explore Fandom's impactful partnerships with media and entertainment companies and how they foster a mutually beneficial relationship for fans and the industry.

In this episode, Colin Brady, Chief Creative Officer, AMGI studios, a visionary executive who has not only left his mark at Pixar, working on beloved classics like Toy Story and A Bug's Life, but has now ventured into the realm of gaming, bringing a groundbreaking new style of animation with him. We also explore the exciting frontier of using AI to craft personalized and immersive experiences, where technology becomes a tool to weave intricate and dynamic narratives tailored to each individual. Our conversation delves into strategic partnerships forming between brands and TV shows, unlocking new possibilities to extend and complement their narratives through gaming and other communal experiences. It's a fascinating exploration of how different forms of media can converge to create richer, more interconnected worlds.

Get ready for a fascinating exploration of the intersection between influencers, television, brands, and technology that's shaping the future of entertainment. In this thought-provoking episode, host Vicki Lins and guests Jonathan Chanti and Paul Telner dive into how Viral Nation harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to protect both content creators and the brands they represent. And discover how influencers lend their unique perspectives, authenticity, and relatability to television content, breathing new life into traditional formats.

What does it take to succeed in an over-saturated streaming world? According to guest Michael Wright, head of MGM+, it's focusing on quantity, quality, and value. Michael asserts today's sophisticated audience determines within five minutes whether they will keep a subscription after the free trial by quickly assessing three important things. Host Vicki Lins and guest Michael Wright discuss chasing people over profit, their recent acquisition by Amazon, and how Amazon's resources and enthusiasm will guide awareness and subscriber growth.

Guest Stacy Jolna has a long career in changing how people watch TV. He was a founding executive for TiVo and most recently, the founder and CMO of Clix, a multi-platform streaming model. Jolna applies the three C's to create new viewing experiences for the consumer – choice, control, and convenience. In our discussion, he explains how through human editorial curation and AI machine learning, Clix is providing a personal viewing experience for the consumer, exciting new advertising opportunities and partnerships across the streaming ecosystem.   

As the Streaming Wars evolved, we witnessed business models pull apart, sending parties to their respective corners, all trying to figure out what's next. It became clear global scale is necessary to stay competitive, making co-productions a priority. Host Vicki Lins and guest Rebecca Glashow, CEO of Global Distribution for BBC Studios, discuss several topics including how through co-productions and partnerships, we are witnessing a resurgence of competitors also being colleagues, where working together can benefit individual businesses.

Guest Tom Rutledge, chairman and chief executive officer of Charter Communications, has 45-plus years of industry knowledge and experience. A few of Tom's many leadership accomplishments include successfully merging four legacy cable companies, creating the game-changing Triple Play bundle, and most recently, announcing a joint venture with Comcast to create a new video platform. This insightful conversation covers what it takes to lead through change, how to execute a vision to win in a competitive marketplace, how to drive value to customers, and the challenges of aligning an organization post-merger, new technologies, the streaming business and more.

The streaming wars have become a global battleground to reach broader audiences, increase engagement and reduce churn. The major streamers expect half of their revenue to come from the international marketplace within the next few years. Guest Teresa Phillips, Co-Founder & CEO, Spherex, explains why culture plays an integral part in successfully globalizing content and how Spherex's unique AI supports the ecosystem to help create content that culturally adapts to meet the compliance needs in various countries while maintaining the integrity of storytelling. 

Erin Schmidt, chief product placement officer, BEN, is behind some of the most iconic brand placements, including James Bond switching his favorite drink to a Heineken, Ant-Man working in a Baskin Robbins, and Steve and Nancy from Stranger Things eating KFC's finger-lickin'-good fried chicken. Erin and host Vicki Lins discuss how entertainment drives cultural conversations and how brand placements are supporting the creator economy. Erin details the value and impact of product partnerships between content development and brands and how the right product placement allows a brand to be an authentic part of the conversation. Join us to explore the dynamics behind several successful integrations, where marrying content and brand ultimately enhanced the viewer experience.

Peak TV has hit a new peak where different points of convergence are driving diverse programming for consumption and streaming platforms have created a space to connect with new audiences. Guest Catherine Tait, the CEO of CBC, provides a glimpse into Canadian viewing habits, examples of how their content has successfully crossed borders, and how collaborations allow them to continue to compete in the content race.

President & Chief Media Analyst of Variety's Intelligence Platform, Andrew Wallenstein, recaps the trending topics of 2021 and predictions for 2022. Wallenstein and host Vicki Lins discuss navigating the three-dimensional metaverse experience; and its potential within entertainment, recent pandemic release strategy experimentations, what competing streaming services will have to do to get ahead and recent findings from Variety Intelligence Platform's market research reports. 

For 20-years, Redbox has built a deep relationship with its 40 million customers. Their unique customer base, known for being late adopters of technology and 71% of them identifying as deal hunters, is devotedly following Redbox into a new world filled with endless entertainment options. In this conversation, host Vicki Lins explores how Redbox is almost effortlessly taking its customer base on a pilgrimage into the digital world. Galen Smith, CEO, Redbox, explains how their simplified, seamless process helps these late adopters shift to new offerings by having everything in one place from the latest movies On Demand, free live TV channels, add supported On Demand and subscription channels all in one place.

Struum's first-of-its-kind credit-based subscription streaming service enables users to sample content from dozens of participating streaming services from around the globe in one centralized platform. Struum, founded by accomplished Disney and Discovery executives, combines their passion for technology, storytelling, and research to create a leading-edge approach to monetizing assets. Struum's “ClassPass” model serves consumers as the ultimate complimentary subscription with access to interest-based content.  Guest Lauren DeVillier, co-founder, Struum joins host Vicki Lins to explain how the platform's subscription model is reimagining the SVOD model to bring value to brands and viewers.

Peter Csathy, founder and chairman, CREATV Media delivers his performance scorecard of the media landscape with strategic predictions about the top streamers, recent M&A deals, and important trends. Peter defines a “great reopening” by detailing how companies are reimagining their business around IP franchising and applying transformational technology that enables improved content production efficiencies and localization for international markets like never before.

David Smyth, Founder and CEO, YouLook.tv, joins host Vicki Lins to outline the development and marketing behind launching the United Kingdom's first independent AVOD service.   As VOD consumption grows globally, media companies and entrepreneurs are recognizing a shift to AVOD allows content to reach a highly engaged audience, connecting both viewers and advertisers with a model that delivers more relevant ads and a better customer experience. David expands on his background as a TV executive at Sky Media and 20th Century Fox, his entrepreneurial vision for YouLook.tv, and shares insights about the market dynamics happening across the pond and how he intends to scale the business for long term success.

The intersection of technology and entertainment has had a fundamental impact on the evolution of TV, transforming the way audiences consume content and how media companies compete for consumers' time and attention. Host Vicki Lins sits down with guest Jon Giegengack to discuss Hub Entertainment Research findings on consumer awareness, understanding, and perceptions of the top players across the TV ecosystem—including both TV distribution platforms and TV networks as well as examining the impact of these brand perceptions on which services consumers use and viewing decisions. 

2020 kicked off the streaming decade, but the growth of streaming skyrocketed faster than even those at the front seat initially predicted. Guest Tedd Cittadine, VP, Content Partnerships, Roku Inc. unpacks what this transformational shift in viewing behavior means for content makers looking to connect with engaged audiences on TV streaming. Tedd discussed the growth opportunities that the Roku platform can offer both AVOD and SVOD services from user acquisition, customer retention, brand marketing, advertising, ad technology and more. Tedd also details the marketing strategy behind the success of the free AVOD service The Roku Channel, the acquisition of Quibi’s multimillion-dollar portfolio original programming and what the growth of streaming means for advertisers, content providers, consumers and the television industry at large.

Guest Will Pearson details the evolution of podcasts from a medium bound by Q&A formats, into a safe space for creators to develop uncaged storytelling, and where larger brands can harvest IP and reach diverse, untapped audiences. The television industry has certainly taken notice as evidenced by iHeartRadio's partnerships with talent, creatives and media giants like ViacomCBS and WarnerMedia to develop TV and streaming series into podcast franchises. Host Vicki Lins and Will explore the nuances of podcast content discovery, ad strategy and what’s on the horizon of the podcasting landscape.

Guest Kevin Beggs details an “undefined” television landscape that is creating a new breadth of programming. Known for the production of brand-defining shows such as Mad Men, Orange is the New Black and Weeds, Beggs describes an upside to the industry’s disruption. Consolidation and new distribution platforms have rejuvenated traditional programming, creating a world of opportunity for new voices, genres, and storytelling that can be heard anywhere, anytime. 

As gaming, viewing and social interaction increasingly become a single experience, there are more opportunities for broadcasters to develop consumer touchpoints using business intelligence to deliver customized viewing experiences and drive monetization, subscriptions and advertising. On this episode of Thinking Out Loud, host Vicki Lins sits down with Miheer Walavalkar, CEO and Co-Founder of LiveLike, an audience engagement platform, for an insightful conversation on emerging technology and the next era of content consumption: social, immersive viewing.

Real game-changers are not necessarily individuals with recurrent “aha” moments, but rather, leaders who effectively make space for new perspectives and solve problems by creating working environments where diverse ideas thrive. In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, host Vicki Lins sits down with Harvard Business School professor Dr. Linda Hill to discuss her research on some of the world’s most successful companies and how organizations can develop cultures that promote “collective genius”.

Uncertainty is nothing new to the television industry. Yet critical events of 2020 and the resulting protocols could permanently change the way we all TV. In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, host Vicki Lins sits down with Alan Sepinwall, chief TV critic at Rolling Stone to make sense of the trickledown effect of the pandemic on TV production, the impact of TV show “unrenewals” on viewer behavior and the role of the television critic to make sense of the chaos.

Mathew Ball, Analyst, Venture Capitalist and CEO of Epyllion Industries  explores the waves of competition in media, the stimuli that have changed the industry landscape over time, the strategies that have won the loyalty of consumers and the keys that will win in the future.

Mathew Ball, Analyst, Venture Capitalist and CEO of Epyllion Industries  explores the waves of competition in media, the stimuli that have changed the industry landscape over time, the strategies that have won the loyalty of consumers and the keys that will win in the future.

On this episode, Tom Ryan, CEO and co-founder of Pluto TV opens up on the relationship with ViacomCBS and why PlutoTV's unique position among competitors has made it a value add for both streamers and traditional TV viewers. 

Networks and content creators have wrestled with shifting viewer trends and bloated content offerings for decades. Disruptors to short and long term planning like new social networks and the onset of the pandemic have only accelerated the need for sound strategies that include not only drawing people in to linear offerings but expanding out to find viewers where they already are. On this episode of Thinking Out Loud, host Vicki Lins sits down with Nancy Daniels, Chief Brand Officer, Discovery & Factual to talk social networking and discuss Discovery’s strategy to attract non-traditional consumers, connect with younger audiences and address programming in the near term, during the pandemic and beyond.

As the world continues to adjust to the impact of COVID-19 and social distancing, the time at home and subsequent increase in the use of mobile, digital and social platforms offer marketers more touch-points to reach young Millennials and Gen Z audiences. In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, host Vicki Lins sits down with Mark McIntire, Head of Marketing at Fuse Media, Inc. for a fascinating conversation about why Fuse’s social responsibility initiatives resonate with young, socially conscious, multicultural audiences.

In this special edition of Thinking Out Loud, Vick Lins flips the script and has a host-to-host conversation with Tracy Swedlow, editor in chief of Interactive TV Today and host of Televisionation. Vicki and Tracy discuss the impact of COVID-19, how its changed consumer behavior and the various ways the TV industry has proved to be particularly nimble as the nation practices social distancing. 

Consumers are compelled by socially conscious documentary programming like never before. BBC America’s Seven Worlds, One Planet reached new heights when AMC Networks premiered it across BBCA, AMC, IFC and SundanceTV. Guest Jonny Keeling, Executive Producer of Seven Worlds, One Planet talks about its appeal, his decades of experience developing documentary films and how advancements in technology have enhanced the viewer experience.

As content choices increasingly flood the landscape, Spectrum Originals places a few bets on bringing a new type of value proposition to fickle viewers. On this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Host, Vicki Lins sits down with Katherine Pope, Head of Spectrum Originals to explore the strategy for building customer value through a robust library of premium content in an ad-free, VOD portal. Quality, exclusivity and convenience are a few of the drivers Pope recognizes as levers to keep up with …

In the dynamic world of television, the ability for brands to balance between relevancy and integrity within the framework of creating compelling, captivating and entertaining content can be challenging. In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Vicki Lins sits down with Courteney Monroe, President of National Geographic Global Television Networks to discuss how National Geographic continues to satisfy consumers and advertisers while maintaining its status as the world's leading destination for premium, factual storytelling.

Dan Cesareo, founder of Big Fish Entertainment has created a myriad of successful unscripted programs, most notably with Live PD. Live PD’s hit a high of 2.4 million live viewers garnering A&E the lead among adults 25-to-54 demographic. Continuing to feed the consumer's appetite for unscripted programming, A&E and Big Fish Entertainment are set to launch a new competition series that promises to appeal to a built-in fan base of 48million + households in late 2019. The competition series will showcase civilian dogs alongside their handlers as tackle the most difficult K-9 courses. Join host Vicki Lins as she taps into what’s so compelling about live television, the technology behind filming it and what’s next in the unscripted programming world.

Guest Brett Weitz, general manager of TBS, TNT & truTV oversees the creative development for these now WarnerMedia networks. In this episode, he discusses taking risks to give audiences unexpected and exceptional programming, the importance of fostering the creative process, his strategy for rising above the crowded landscape and the necessity of creating multiple and unique touchpoints for consumers.

From the emergence of the 24-hour news cycle to the Internet boom and rapid rise of digital media, C-SPAN has held true to its reputation of providing an unfiltered view of Washington and politics. Founded as a public service and funded by cable television, C-SPAN has kept to its mission and maintained its uniqueness and integrity by providing 40 years of impartial, unfiltered coverage of the workings of the U.S. Congress. In this conversation, Vicki Lins and C-SPAN’s President and co-CEOs Susan Swain and Rob Kennedy discuss the current political climate and how C-SPAN has adapted to industry growth and new technologies to become a game changer.

Technology advancements are transforming our connected lifestyles and are a vital part of today’s consumer experiences. Learn the latest trends in technology and how it can shape and influence a marketers go-to-market strategy.

The Rise in Consumer Consciousness: Some could say it’s the golden age of documentaries. Hits like Surviving R. Kelly are resonating with viewers. In this conversation, Vicki Lins and Surviving R. Kelly Executive Producers Joel Karsberg & Jesse Daniels explore why viewers are gravitating to docu-series and the future of documentary programming.

Ending his two-year tenure as President of Television Critics Association (TCA), Dan discusses the unique opportunity the TCA Tour provides and why it’s so important to the industry. In typical Dan style, we also review the highs and lows of a transforming industry.

Consumers want a seamless TV viewing experience, and that includes advertising. As the TV industry evolves, brands, programmers, and operators are becoming increasingly thoughtful in how they're positioned within the consumer’s viewing experience. New technology is making it possible to deliver a seamless, personalized, and measurable ad experience across screens. In this episode, find out how Google enables advertisers, programmers and operators to provide the best ad experience everywhere people are watching.

Margaret Dean is the Head of Studio for Crunchyroll, the world's most popular anime brand with over 50 million registered users, 2 million subscribers, and more than 30 million followers across social.In this conversation, host Vicki Lins and Dean discuss anime’s potential in North America, providing more opportunities for women in animation and how the new studio will bolster both missions and more.

Visionary, cable pioneer and founder of Curiosity Stream, John Hendricks takes listeners on an incredible journey through television's migration from linear to cable and onto streaming services. He shares his vision for the next decade and what the changing consumer will expect.

Wharton Professor Kartik Hosanger dives into AI, and what both performing and underperforming can have on the trust people place in recommendation engines and other applications.

Kathleen Finch, Chief Lifestyle Brands Officer, Discovery Inc. oversees an astonishing 11 network brands. On this episode of Thinking Out Loud, host Vicki Lins sits down with Kathleen to discuss Discovery’s strategic plan to keep, grow and push viewers from one network to another through co-branded shows, fun talent mashups and tactical program scheduling.

On this episode, host, Vicki Lins explores the role of a television critic during times of disruption and summarizes the best of the 2019 Television Critics Tour with Daniel Fienberg, TV Critic, THR and President of the TCA. From binge-worthy breakout hits to digital shorts consumed in minutes; current, new and emerging players are pushing the envelope to create a successful model with cultural influence and impact. In this conversation, Dan shares his thoughts, themes, and ideas for what’s next in television.

Technology is dramatically changing the way consumers engage. On this episode, host Vicki Lins and Jill Rosengard Hill, EVP, Magid, reveal key discoveries from their recent study on how technology is changing consumer behavior. The conversation offers insights to anyone looking for a future-forward read on the preferences and expectations of tomorrow's consumer.

Managing a company’s brand in a connected world: Host Vicki Lins, president & CEO of CTAM and Chris LaPlaca, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, ESPN discuss how today’s connected environment, consumer’s brand expectations and the 24-hour social media cycle have transformed how companies communicate. Chris shares his experienced perspectives on the importance of being transparent, staying aligned with corporate values, and assessing if a speedy response is the best option.

In this episode, Vicki explores the world of data science with Wared Seger, Co-Founder and CEO, Parrot Analytics. They cover how the company uses stats and facts to empower media companies, brands, and agencies by providing “the most comprehensive measure of the popularity of TV content around the world.” This includes understanding the difference between measuring demand and aggregating demand, and how technology fuels science commercialization.