Cordkillers 517 - The Fozzy Bear Comedy Backlash
Cable TV is in rapid decline, losing millions of subscribers, while providers like DirecTV and Dish explore mergers to survive. Meanwhile, streaming services dominated the 2024 Emmys, and Netflix is ending support for older iOS versions, affecting users on iOS 16.
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Supply Run
The cable industry is in steep decline, losing 4 million subscribers in the first half of 2024 alone, with no signs of slowing down. Analysts predict continued double-digit losses, and the industry is grappling with possible mergers to survive. DirecTV and Dish are discussing another merger, while DirecTV’s partnership with Disney offers slim bundles that include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ as part of select packages. Cable providers may evolve into hubs for multiple streaming services, luring back customers with bundled convenience. This could also break regional barriers and enable national service providers.
• TechDirt
• Reuters
• Deadline
• Variety
Search Party
Streaming services continued their dominance at the 2024 Emmys, with Disney winning 60 awards, led by Hulu/FX’s Shogun and The Bear. Max and Netflix also earned 14 awards each, with Apple TV+ securing 10. Meanwhile, Good Omens season 3 production is halted due to sexual assault allegations against Neil Gaiman. MTV’s 2024 VMAs saw a rise in viewership with 4.08 million tuning in, the biggest audience in four years. The Emmys telecast also saw a boost, drawing 6.87 million viewers, its highest since 2021. Inside Out 2 is set to stream on Disney+ on September 25.
• Engadget
• Variety
Buried Treasure
In this segment, Brian recommends Rebel Ridge on Netflix, while Tom shares that he’s been watching Futurama and keeping up with baseball.
Scanning the Horizon
Netflix is ending support for iOS 16, urging users to upgrade to iOS 17 or higher to keep using the app, which will impact 6.19% of iOS users. The upcoming Venu service, which aims to bundle sports content from ESPN+, Warner Brothers Discovery, and Fox, is delayed due to a lawsuit from FuboTV, alleging antitrust behavior. Meanwhile, NBC and Paramount execs discussed their exclusion from Venu and their focus on multi-genre offerings. Warner Bros. Discovery projects that streamer Max will add 6 million subscribers by the end of the quarter, while Fox plans to invest in FanDuel and avoid entertainment acquisitions.
• Thurrott
• Deadline - Max Subscriber Growth
Chatter
A listener, Kev, writes in to recommend the four-part docuseries 100 Years of Warner Brothers on Max, highlighting the extensive clips from the studio’s catalog. He also suggests Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, also available on Max, where Tucci indulges in Italian cuisine across different regions, leaving viewers hungry for pasta.
Another listener, Shawn, recalls an initiative years ago that targeted cable companies and gyms for shady tactics that made it difficult to cancel services. He humorously shares his experience of never signing up for a gym, thanks to these stories.