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VideoNuze Podcast #379: Connected TVs Grow in Importance
I’m pleased to present the 379th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
On this week’s podcast Colin and I discuss recently released data from Nielsen, Parks Associates and Roku, which all underscore the growing momentum of connected TVs.
Colin’s analysis of Nielsen’s data shows that across all viewers, connected TV device viewing has increased from .4 hours per week in Q1 ’14 to 2 hours 30 minutes per week in Q1 ’17. Zeroing in specifically on users with connected TVs, the view time nearly quadruples.
The Parks data reinforces these trends, finding that 50% of U.S. broadband users are watching video on TV, using their connected TV devices (separate industry data has indicated over 70% of U.S. homes actually have at least one connected TV). The big 3 services (Netflix, Amazon and Hulu) continue to dominate, but Parks noted that certain niche SVOD services are gaining real traction.
Finally, Colin shares his analysis of Roku’s new data on times spent with the device. Roku’s numbers are noteworthy because they’re the only connected TV device that self-reports any usage data.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (22 minutes, 34 seconds)
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Topics: Nielsen, Parks Associates, Podcast, Roku
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VideoNuze Podcast #378: Turner Classic Movies Emphasizes Community; AMC Premiere’s Opportunity
I’m pleased to present the 378th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
First up this week, Colin shares reactions to a presentation he attended by Jennifer Dorian, GM of Turner Classic Movies and FilmStruck about how TCM is focusing on its core fans to build community and strengthen its brand. Colin was very impressed with the range of initiatives TCM is taking as examples of how a traditional cable TV network can deepen its relationships with viewers.
We then transition to discuss AMC Premiere, the new $4.99 per month service recently launched by AMC and Comcast allowing ad-free viewing of current season programs. I really like the fact that the companies are experimenting with a new business model, but as I wrote, based on other similar services, I’m not super-confident that there is huge pent-up demand to pay extra to avoid ads, especially since the programming available is limited.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (19 minutes, 20 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Advertising, Cable Networks, Podcasts
Topics: AMC, Comcast, Podcast, TCM
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VideoNuze Podcast #377: NBC’s Premier League Pass; Sinclair’s ATSC 3.0 Vision
I’m pleased to present the 377th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
This week we start by discussing NBC Sports’ new “Premier League Pass,” which I wrote about a couple days ago. Colin and I agree that Premier League Pass is a clever way for NBC Sports to provide access to cord-cutters and cord-nevers. Going forward, we both like the idea of an “Olympics Pass” as well. Combined with AMC Premiere, which Comcast and AMC announced yesterday, it’s clear established media companies are innovating to offer more flexible access to viewers.
Colin then shares his reactions to an interesting presentation by Chris Ripley, President and CEO of Sinclair Broadcast Group, on the company’s ATSC 3.0 vision. I’ll admit this is not a topic I’ve followed too closely, but as Colin explains, Sinclair sees ATSC 3.0 as an entirely new delivery infrastructure it can use to deliver all kinds of services. Important to keep in mind, all of this is still very long-term.
(Note, the audio quality is a bit low this week with Colin being out of office when we recorded)
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (24 minutes, 42 seconds)
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Topics: NBC Sports, Podcast, Sinclair
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VideoNuze Podcast #376: Proving Value of Streaming Quality; Apple’s Video Mystery
I’m pleased to present the 376th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
This week we start by discussing research Akamai released this week with Sensum, proving in how streaming video delivered in high quality results in improved satisfaction. Colin and I wrote about it here and here. It’s further evidence of how viewers’ expectations have been set by TV’s quality. Viewers clearly react to quality deficiencies.
Then we transition to talking about Apple and its hiring late last week of 2 producers who were formerly presidents of Sony Pictures Television. On Monday I wrote how this is a positive step, but still missing was any sense of Apple’s overall video strategy or business model. We debate what Apple might do, and also wonder about what private assurance may have been given to the producers to induce them to move to Apple.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (24 minutes, 40 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Topics: Akamai, Apple, Podcast
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VideoNuze Podcast #375: Interview With FreeWheel’s Mike Lawlor on Q1 VMR
I’m pleased to present the 375th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
This week we’re excited to have Mike Lawlor, FreeWheel’s SVP of Client Services, join us to dig into the company’s Q1 ’17 Video Monetization Report, which it released on Wednesday at the VideoNuze Ad Summit.
First up, we talk about the meteoric growth in OTT devices, which when coupled with set-top box video, means nearly half of all ad views in premium video now occur on TVs. FreeWheel calls this the “new living room” and Mike describes the drivers of this growth and what it means for programmers and advertisers.
Overall, it was the 25th straight quarter of double digit percentage growth for online video, and we discuss whether this amazing streak will continue. We cover a lot of other ground, including what types of programming viewers are watching, what role programmatic is playing for premium video, the importance of improving the viewers’ ad experiences and much more.
FreeWheel’s VMR continues to be an incredibly valuable piece of research, helping industry analysts and executives better understand how disruption is playing out. The VMR is available as a complimentary download.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (25 minutes, 37 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Advertising, Devices, Podcasts
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VideoNuze Podcast #374: Digging Into Cisco’s Video Forecast; Video Apps Need Merchandising Mindset
I’m pleased to present the 374th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
This week we start by digging into Cisco’s Visual Networking Index forecast which both Colin and I covered this week (here and here). As usual, Cisco believes that video will dominate all Internet traffic, but now also sees live as poised to account for 13% of overall video. We explore this and other facets of the forecast.
We then turn our attention to how developers of video apps must have more of a “merchandising mindset” to dynamically customize experiences based on viewers’ preferences and business objectives Colin recently published a white paper on the topic and we discuss some of the highlights as well as the challenges of creating and updating apps across numerous platforms.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (24 minutes, 32 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Apps, Live Streaming, Podcasts
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VideoNuze Podcast #373: BBC-Twitter, More On Facebook’s Video Plans
I’m pleased to present the 373rd edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
First up this week, Colin shares his thoughts on the BBC’s new partnership with Twitter to stream coverage of the upcoming U.K. election. We agree this seems strategic for both companies and picks up on Twitter’s work in the U.S. election. As Colin points it, Twitter gives BBC access to critical younger audiences. For Twitter, the BBC deal also follows its recently announced partnership with Bloomberg.
Then we turn our attention back to Facebook video, which we discussed on last week’s podcast. News that A&E, MTV and WGN are all cutting back on scripted originals in the face of SVOD companies’ mounting investments got us wondering exactly what Facebook will get for its $250K per episode (which Mike Shields at BI also raised). Given the middling success AOL, YouTube and others have had with originals, the question of how Facebook will differentiate is intriguing.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (20 minutes, 40 seconds)
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Topics: BBC, Facebook, Podcast, Twitter
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VideoNuze Podcast #372: Weekly Wrap-up: Viacom’s Skinny Bundle, Facebook TV, Amazon Channels Goes International, Snapchat Shows Gain
I’m pleased to present the 372nd edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
This week we discuss 4 stories that caught our attention in recent days. First, Viacom’s plan to anchor an entertainment-only skinny bundle without sports or news networks. Colin and I are intrigued, but for a variety of reasons are skeptical Viacom is the right company to lead this.
Next we turn to Facebook, which has made no secret of its interest in pursuing longer-form video. This week brought news of its initial partnerships and potential business models.
We then discuss Amazon Channels expansion into the UK and Germany this week, building on the US model for Prime users to easily subscribe to various SVOD services. Both of us have been very bullish on Channels for a while and see lots of potential for it in other geographies.
Finally we dig into Snapchat Shows, the fast-growing social network’s plan to enlist multiple media companies to make vertical videos. Variety did a really good roundup of all the activity earlier this week, which suggests substantial progress.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (21 minutes, 48 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Cable Networks, Podcasts, Skinny Bundles, Social Media, SVOD
Topics: Amazon, Facebook, Podcast, Snapchat, Viacom
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VideoNuze Podcast #371: Pay-TV Losses Are Being Driven By More Than Just Cord-Cutting
I’m pleased to present the 371st edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
The persistent media narrative around pay-TV cord-cutting has gained a lot of traction in the past few weeks as it became clear that the industry lost 700,000-800,000 traditional multichannel video subscribers in Q1 ’17, the first time a first quarter loss has ever occurred.
But pay-TV’s losses are attributable to key factors beyond cord-cutting as our guest this week, Bruce Leichtman, president of Leichtman Research Group, and a premier industry analyst, explains. Bruce reveals why the Q1 loss in fact has more to do with specific pay-TV providers (primarily Dish Network) cutting back on new subscriber promotions. This reduction in “top of the funnel” additions ultimately flows into the net subscriber numbers.
While cord-cutting is indeed ticking up, Bruce walks us through his analysis of why the industry’s dynamics are more nuanced than most media reports suggest. We also dig into the role of connected TVs, the prospects for skinny bundles, SVOD’s impact and how Comcast in particular is bucking industry trends using X1. Bruce also discusses the significance of there now being more broadband subscribers than video subscribers in the U.S.
(Apologies in advance, the recording is a bit scratchy as we were in 3 locations and had some WiFi challenges.)
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (24 minutes, 57 seconds)
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Topics: Leichtman Research Group, Podcast
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VideoNuze Podcast #370: On the Cusp of a Video Explosion
I’m pleased to present the 370th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
Earlier this week, in “A World Awash in Video - Part 2,” I argued that we are on the cusp a massive explosion in the amount of video being produced, as major companies across the ecosystem put video at the top of their strategic priorities.
In today’s podcast, Colin and I explore the topic further, specifically digging into how multiple business models are driving the video boom. Colin shares recent data points focused on how well Google and Facebook monetize their users, which feeds into why video is so central to both companies’ plans.
Many of the monetization topics will be discussed in depth at our 7th annual VideoNuze Online Video Ad Summit on Wed., June 14th in NYC. Early bird discounted registration is available, save $100 now!
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (22 minutes, 43 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Advertising, Podcasts, SVOD
Topics: Podcast
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VideoNuze Podcast #369: First Impressions of Hulu With Live TV
I’m pleased to present the 369th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
First, we’d like to thank this week’s podcast sponsor Brightcove, which has their annual PLAY conference coming up in Boston the week of May 22nd. It’s a great show with lots of valuable sessions. I’ll be interviewing Stacey Shepatin, EVP, Director of National Video Investments at Trillia / Hill Holliday in a spotlight session focusing on the changing world of premium video ad buying. Learn more here and note, the first 50 visitors receive a Brightcove PLAY t-shirt!
Earlier this week, Hulu With Live TV launched in beta, a year after initial reports about it surfaced. On today’s podcast we discuss some of the pros and cons of Hulu With Live TV and how it compares in the ultra-crowded skinny bundle market. Colin was also able to take Hulu With Live TV for a quick spin and shares his initial impressions of the service, particularly how it stacks up against DirecTV Now, which he’s been using for a while.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (25 minutes, 55 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Podcasts, Skinny Bundles
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VideoNuze Podcast #368: Debriefing NABShow
I’m pleased to present the 368th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
Colin and I were both at the NABShow in Las Vegas earlier this week and on this week’s podcast we share some of our observations. Colin sees the industry moving from blocking and tackling to a focus on making digital business models work and he provides a number of examples.
I observed a similar theme, especially in recent research data that I highlight which shows the new normal of video consumption. I also share points from a keynote interview I did at NAB with Jim Lanzone, Chief Digital Officer of CBS, in which Jim explained how the company has transitioned from its broadcast roots to being a digital media powerhouse with its All Access and CBSN services leading the way.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (23 minutes, 34 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Podcasts, Technology
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VideoNuze Podcast #367: Netflix Falls Short in Q1; Data Comes to TV Ads
I’m pleased to present the 367th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
Once again, we’d like to thank our podcast sponsor Akamai Technologies, which will show its Media Acceleration capabilities and range of cloud-based solutions at the NABShow in Las Vegas, in booth SL3324. There's still time to schedule a meeting.
First up on this week’s podcast we discuss Netflix’s Q1 earnings which were released earlier this week. Netflix came up a bit short of its own forecasts for both domestic and international subscribers. Colin provides his analysis of what happened and what might be ahead for Netflix in 2017.
Then we shift gears to discuss how TV advertising is increasingly about data-enablement. I share further details on my post yesterday on Videology’s research, and also explain iSpot.tv’s new conversion solution. TV is in a race to provide improved targeting and better ROI to advertisers who are being avidly pursued by Google, Facebook and other digital competitors.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (24 minutes, 26 seconds)
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Topics: iSpot.tv, Netflix, Podcast, Videology
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VideoNuze Podcast #366: Are More Online TV Services Coming Soon?
I’m pleased to present the 366th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
Once again, we’d like to thank our podcast sponsor Akamai Technologies, which will show its Media Acceleration capabilities and range of cloud-based solutions at the NABShow in Las Vegas, in booth SL3324. Click here to schedule a meeting.
This week rumors of two more online TV services surfaced on Bloomberg - one is an alliance of AMC, Discovery and Viacom and the other, from NBCU, would include programs from the company’s broadcast and cable TV networks. Both services appear to be in the mold of CBS All Access, with the AMC/Discovery/Viacom service being positioned as a sports-free and offered by pay-TV providers. Bloomberg said it was too early to tell whether sports or a linear feed of NBC would be included in the second.
At first blush, Colin and I are intrigued by both as they appear to target “entertainment-only” viewers who don’t care about sports. Netflix and Amazon, among others have been super-successful targeting this entertainment-onlys and we both believe there’s still growth available for additional services. We discuss the opportunity as well as potential stumbling blocks in this week’s podcast.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (21 minutes, 35 seconds)
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Topics: AMC, Discovery, NBCU, Podcast, Viacom
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VideoNuze Podcast #365: Exploring Amazon Prime’s Vast Potential in Video
I’m pleased to present the 365th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
First, we’d like to thank our podcast sponsor Akamai Technologies, which will show its Media Acceleration capabilities and range of cloud-based solutions at the NABShow in Las Vegas, in booth SL3324. Click here to schedule a meeting.
On this week’s podcast, Colin and I discuss Amazon’s burgeoning role in video and how Amazon Prime’s unique model gives the company unprecedented advantages. Prime’s power was on full display earlier this week when Amazon nabbed the rights to the NFL’s Thursday Night Football package for $50 million, 5 times more than what Twitter paid last season.
Colin and I agree that Amazon’s ability to view video investments as drivers for Prime membership retention/acquisition and ultimately increased commerce is a huge threat to everyone in the industry. Colin shares research on how the world is starting to wake up to this, though we believe that Amazon’s video potential is nowhere close to being fully appreciated yet.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (21 minutes, 59 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Commerce, Podcasts, Sports
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VideoNuze Podcast #364: Top Takeaways from Industry Conferences
I’m pleased to present the 364th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
First, Colin and I are proud to announce our very first podcast sponsor, Akamai Technologies, which will show its Media Acceleration capabilities and range of cloud-based solutions at the NABShow in Las Vegas, in booth SL3324. Click here to schedule a meeting.
Colin was in London for the TV Connect show earlier this week and on today’s podcast, he shares his 3 top takeaways. Meanwhile earlier this week I was in NYC for the Advanced Advertising conference and I then share my 3 top takeaways.
As you’ll hear, data was on both of our lists. Interestingly though, our conversation reveals a very different approach to how users’ data is being treated. Colin elaborates on the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which will enforce minimum collection standards on Internet companies in Europe, whereas just this week, the U.S. House voted to repeal the broadband privacy rules.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (24 minutes, 3 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Advertising, Data, Podcasts, Technology
Topics: Akamai, Podcast, YouTube
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VideoNuze Podcast #363: Interview With FOX Sports’ SVP Clark Pierce
I’m pleased to present the 363rd edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
This week Colin and I interview Clark Pierce, who is SVP, TV Everywhere and Special Projects at FOX Sports. Online delivery of sports has become a big driver of video consumption, as FreeWheel’s Video Monetization Report for 2016 highlighted earlier this week. As Clark explains, FOX Sports has fully embraced streaming sports, including 2 different Super Bowls, the World Series, multiple soccer tournaments, professional golf, NASCAR and more.
Clark details how Fox Sports has focused on the authenticated TV Everywhere model for sports streaming to an ever-growing array of connected and mobile devices. He shares insights about how FOX Sports approaches delivery quality, with detailed modeling of live audiences. Clark also talks a lot about how FOX Sports is continuing to innovate the viewer experience, incorporating data, multiple streams, audio and much more.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (30 minutes, 6 seconds)
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Topics: Fox Sports, Podcast
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VideoNuze Podcast #362: Connected Devices Go Mainstream
I’m pleased to present the 362nd edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
It’s no secret that we’re all using all kinds of connected devices these days to consume video. To help illustrate just how mainstream a behavior this has become, this week Colin and I review data from a number of recent research reports that have hit our radar. The takeaway is that consumers are taking advantage of the myriad choices they now have. See how your own video consumption aligns with the key trends.
Listen in to learn more!
(Note, we had a little problem with audio quality which we’ll hopefully fix for next week)
Click here to listen to the podcast (22 minutes, 10 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Topics: Podcast
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VideoNuze Podcast #361: Pay-TV’s Woes Illustrated in TiVo’s Research
I’m pleased to present the 361st edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
This week Colin and I discuss TiVo’s 16th quarterly Video Trends Report, which we both covered this week (here and here). We agree that the pay-TV industry has painted itself into a high-cost corner. The consequences of this are increases in cord-cutting, cord-shaving and adoption/use of SVOD, reduction in perception of per channel values and budding interest in new skinny bundles.
All of this is bad news for the industry and the report illustrates the specifics of each of these trends.
The report is available as a complimentary download here.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (20 minutes, 38 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Cable TV Operators, Podcasts, Satellite, Telcos
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VideoNuze Podcast #360: YouTube TV’s Pros and Cons
I’m pleased to present the 360th edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
Earlier this week, YouTube took the wraps off its skinny bundle, YouTube TV. In today’s podcast, Colin and I explore the pros and cons of YouTube TV and also revisit our debate over skinny bundles’ value proposition. We’re both somewhat skeptical about YouTube TV, given the sheer number of popular cable TV networks missing from its lineup. But with YouTube’s massive user base and promotional opportunity, we both believe YouTube TV will attract an audience.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (23 minutes, 51 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!Categories: Podcasts, Skinny Bundles
Topics: Podcast, YouTube TV