Hot List: Follow The Money, Use The Data, Save Democracy?
“You have the power because you have the money. Support journalism. It's important, and it doesn't work without you” - Jimmy Kimmel (as covered by TVREV at Disney’s Upfront
When I was a young whippersnapper working at C-SPAN, I would come in at dawn to feel the adrenaline rush of political news breaking while watching the sun rise over the Capitol. I quickly discovered that if I got to my desk by 6:45, I’d catch the founder Brian Lamb in time to elicit his take on the seven newspapers and two radio shows he had already consumed.
He had this sophisticated way of turning my questions into more questions, of providing historical context without opinion, and when I would try my best to corner him on why something was taking place he always had the same answer: “Follow the money, Jazz”.
I’m reminded of that phrase in reading Alan Wolk’s Upfront takeaways, especially as he points to the under-hyped power of Amazon in the TV space.
Following the money is a subtext for why people are excited about their innovations in our series of What’s Possible interviews.
Following the money answers why, as Jesse Redniss points out, data is such a big deal at this year’s Upfront, because only data can prove the value, find audiences in fragmentation, and serve as a differentiator when there is so much choice for advertisers today. (see VIZIO, Samsung and LG Ads’ meteoric rise in the last five years and the recent outcomes at scale movement launched by iSpot/Paramount).
Or as Jon Lafayette puts it, It’s All Fun And Games Until Someone Mentions KPIs in one of a few exclusive Upfront pieces posted to our new Industry News section.
We’re following the $20 billion ARR in B2B (1/3rd of the TV ad market) all the way to CTV in a special report and content series. Starting with this interview with LinkedIn’s Jessy Jacques, and this Alan Wolk reflection on the battle for the Head and the Heart.
Heads and hearts are something MLB had better watch out for, not just as it competes for attention against other sports, but as resident analyst John Cassillo points out, The Savannah Bananas mockery is scoring points worth watching.
Back to C-SPAN, the non-profit TV network funded by cable. While YouTubeTV and Hulu so far refuse to pony up a few cents a month to give its subscribers access, Tim Hanlon argues that broadcasters using the public spectrum should carry C-SPAN because access is clearly in the public interest. (I am biased towards unbiased content, and wholly agree). Who else would launch a show called Cease Fire and foster dialogue across the aisle?
To wit, there is evidence our divisions may be overhyped: on YouTube 42% of people watch both CNN and FOX (For perspective Ms. Rachel beats FOX News and Mr Beast on YouTube for watch time.)
CANNES WE KICK IT? YES WE CAN.
BUT FIRST: We’re programming the opening sessions at Stream TV in Denver June 11 - Our special TVREV event, The Future Of Streamonomics is free for registered attendees, but you do need to sign up. So get on it, because everyone loves a TVREV show and space is limited.
Connect with us before Cannes if you’d like to be a part of everything we’ve got going on there—video and more!
And yes, we will be rolling out a third season of Explain it to a Teenager if you want to be covered or sponsor, let us know.
And holler if you’re thinking about events and dinners this fall, we’ve got some exciting stuff planned and can help you.
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