Maureen Kerr and Claire Tavernier in conversation with Oliver Turnbull discuss topics effecting the media industry. This week the subjects are Elon and Twitter, Netflix's wobble, the C4 buy-out and the "datafication" of music. Quite a lot to pack in!

Season 1

The Media Beat Episode #1

Maureen Kerr and Claire Tavernier in conversation with Oliver Turnbull discuss topics effecting the media industry. This week the subjects are piracy on YouTube, moderation versus curation and the UMG results.

The Media Beat Episode #2

Maureen and Claire talk through the trials of Elon, Netflix getting it on with Mircosoft, talent agencies using AI and musicians becoming slaves to TikTok!

The Media Beat Episode #4

In this special one-off Ep, Maureen and Claire talk through the various subscription models, successful and otherwise, which have emerged and developed along with the development of digital media. Fascinating.

The Media Beat Episode #5

This week Maureen and Claire discuss Apple and advertising, the new AR film from Disney, the failed merger of the two main linear TV broadcasters in France and the fallout from that and how what people want to watch goes in long cycles. We also introduce a new "Rumours" feature where Maureen and Claire dig into some of the whisperings fizzing round the media world.

The Media Beat Episode #8

This time we are looking at the detail of some fascinating studies which dive into viewing habits in the US and listening habits in the UK. Maureen and Claire also take us through changes in live music, strange machinations at Disney and movement at Warner Brothers

The Media Beat Episode #9

Well folks, we have made it to our 10th episode! And to celebrate this milestone, we are testing Maureen and Claire to their very limits by asking them to comment - in under two minutes - on a topic of the day and reply to each other on the same subject in under a minute! And yes, you've guessed it, there are 10 subjects to unpick. See how they get on.... spoiler alert: they do amazingly well!

The Media Beat Episode #10

In another bumper edition of "The Beat", which no one is calling it, Maureen and Claire muse over FAST, Boomerang CEOs and the return of the record label. We also can hardly contain our excitement as we introduce a new game called "Lightening Podmoji". You played it here first folks...

The Media Beat Episode #14

In the last episode of the year Maureen and Claire stare into their crystal balls to see what we are in for in 2023. We cover advertising, AI, Film Studios, M&A, Social Media and all sorts! Have a listen and a very Merry Christmas from the team here at 'The Beat!

The Media Beat Episode #16

A new year brings new developments in the areas of film and original content which Maureen and Claire take us through expertly, as ever. We examine rumours at Disney and Microsoft and the Lightening Fast round descends into a fascinating insight into the world of Maureen's subconscious.

The Media Beat Episode #17

This time we welcome the extraordinary Christy Tanner who, amongst many many other things is credited with transforming CBS News Digital into the #1 streaming news service in the US. Described as a "streaming visionary". Christy is that wonderful combination of media leader who is both a creative force and truly understands the power of digital. She also owns an awesome log cabin in rural Maine from where she joins us.

The Media Beat Episode #26

For those of you who have been living in cave on Mars or trapped under something heavy, there is a writers strike on, so Maureen and Claire do one of their famous "deep dives" to explain what is happening, why everyone is angry and why Claire can't watch Ali McBeal any more with her kids. We do have quite a lot of fun too involving VR headsets, dancing babies and ducks in helmets, which is not a new Christmas delicacy!

The Media Beat Episode #28

Our deep dive this week is into the world of music and how it has been, and will be, affected by the AI revolution. In the news we have analysis of box office figures, struggles at Spotify, the resurgence of live sports and Cannes Lions. Expect more props, price hikes, pop up restaurants and unpaid bills.

The Media Beat Episode #29

This time we shine a light on Disney: the surprising origins of its name, its ups and downs and the challenges it faces in 2023. We also talk women's sports, Twitter (or is it "X"), advertising on Social Media  and the irony of Zoom getting people back in the office with the ferocity of the Bic corporation getting people to start using pencils again. Finally, we are collectively disappointed by one piece of so-called AI which reminds us that we are not going to be replaced by robots. Just yet.

The Media Beat Episode #32

Everyone is talking about AI and so are we! Is it all hype or is it going to change the media landscape forever and where is the real money going? Whose jobs are under threat and what are the opportunities? All is covered in this week's deep dive. TikTok, Amazon and Ubisoft are in the news and we ignore Spain's head of football, cross our fingers for Mark Thompson and laugh at burger hangovers. Enjoy!

The Media Beat Episode #33

We all know "Netflix" right? Well let's find out more with one of TMB's renowned Deep Dives! This time we also ask the questions everyone is afraid to ask: is the Daily Mail cool? Can you have a streaming service with no content? Has the US finally had its chips? And, has AI made NBA stats more or less fathomable? Add to this Marty, Claude, Antoine, and Lachlan and you have an episode to savour.

The Media Beat Episode #36

We all love TikTok! Or at least our kids do! So, what is it, where did it come from and where is it going? We reveal all! Also we discuss streaming trends, Apple getting into hot water again, Maureen's collection of sunglasses and what keeps Claire up at night.

The Media Beat Episode #46

In a week with so much news, it is the Deep Dive which has to be sacrificed. The bumper roundup incudes performance results from Netflix and Meta (with our usual analysis and insights), speculation about how well Apple and Sports broadcasting go together and a detailed look at who is spending what on traditional TV. Maureen has not even bothered to unpack her props for Podmojis BUT fans of our renowned duo are in for a real treat. Stay tuned to find out why!

The Media Beat Episode #48

Well, we have made it to 50 episodes, which, of course, is super awesome! To celebrate we reminisce about how Maureen's idea has bloomed into half a century of insights, news, views and fun! In this special episode we cut to Maureen and Claire's starring performance at the DTG 2024 Conference, where a highly appreciated audience of over 400 media executives and press was lucky enough to witness... The Media Beat... Live!

The Media Beat Episode #50

Maureen and Claire have been in Reykjavik chairing panels, promoting women in leadership, having fun and watching the sun go down in the middle of the day. In the first of two special deep dives, Maureen shares what she learned from chaining a panel on the subject of, guess what, AI! Disney and three and a half mergers make the news and there are some very imaginative podmojis to describe how we feel about naughty Sky, bandwidth stretching Netflix and Bluesky take-up. Also stay tuned to the end when we find out the incredible company that Claire has been keeping! You will NOT be disappointed (and neither was she!)

The Media Beat Episode #60

This time, Claire takes us through the critical importance of story telling recalling her fascinating Reykjavik panel. We also look at Ofcom Online Nation 2024, Amazon Nova, The Content London Conference and what's happening in the world of M&A. Maureen is very happy with the new Captain America casting despite possible production issues and other box office numbers look interesting. We have been very excited to see evidence of serious growth in the podcast from Spotify Wrapped and also proof that the three of us have excellent taste in music!

The Media Beat Episode #61

The Deep Dive jut has to be Deepseek of course and we do not disappoint with a great description of what it is and what it means technically and commercially. Mr Trump is tariffing and Oscar is mulling. Also we have a look at the latest Netflix results, the cost of a Superbowl add and bid a fond farewell to Eurosport.

The Media Beat Episode #65

The Deep Dive this week is a deep as the Mariana Trench as we explore the history and current state of a mysterious business phenomenon known as "Vertical Integration", although we are sure our listeners are savvy enough to know what that means. Add to that business results galore, Spotify turning a profit but The Trade Desk stalling and a fist full of podmojis, then you have classic Media Beat. Enjoy!

The Media Beat Episode #66

With all that is going on in the world of media, we have had to postpone a deep dive until next time to have a bumper "In The News" which covers sports, closures, ends of eras and a focus on UK broadcasters. Podmojis feature NVIDIA and, of course, The Oscars.

The Media Beat Episode #67

Do remember when YouTube was all about sharing your holiday videos? We do. But in addition, Claire remembers how it quickly evolved into a genuine disrupter and threat to conventional TV to where it is now. The service with easily the most streamed minutes on Earth. In this deep dive we go back to the beginning and tell the story of the rise of YouTube. We have results and deals in the news and talk about Agentic AI. When Maureen remembers, we also podmojise Jellyfish, Mickey 17 and Sam Altman.

The Media Beat Episode #68

In this, our first ever "crossover" episode, Maureen and Claire talk to the wonderful Carlo De Marchis, host of the equally wonderful "Retention Zone" podcast, and jam about the state of the nation re sports rights, bundling, emerging viewing habits and, of course AI. Not only this, but we still have time for some podmoji action based around the Netflix drama everyone is talking about, the Samba Report on streaming live sports and one more which Claire attempts to surprise Maureen with!

The Media Beat Episode #69

Claire thrills us this week with a deep dive on Wikipedia and uncovers some interesting facts about our erstwhile digital crib sheet and its founder. Add to that we present detailed reports on the ongoing TikTok saga, the release of Nintendo's Switch 2 and speculation over a possible levy on UK streaming. The podmojis this week make use of some old friends re props and facial expressions!

The Media Beat Episode #70

Another deep dive on a "family favourite" - this time Maureen takes us down memory lane to tell the story of Netflix and its journey to prominence alongside its erstwhile companion Amazon. The news this time covers predictions, Government vs Big Tech and the deal of the year. Quick-fire podmojis force Claire and Maureen to make good use of unicorns and spectacles!

The Media Beat Episode #71

We dive deep into the Box Office this time and ask the question "how healthy is it?" as well as look at Disney, Finsyn and Privacy. Some discipline is introduced into Podmojis with a unique card system.

The Media Beat Episode #72

We all love the BBC! But why? Claire explains all as well as admitting the British Strictly is the best! We also look at the new Google production arm, ITV results and Microsoft advertising. Also find out who owns not one, but two penguins and what fell on whom at Cannes this week.

The Media Beat Episode #73

A Deep Dive for the ages as Maureen reveals four gamechangers in the world of advertising and its use of AI. We talk of dangerous hashtags, new gaming devices and sport on YouTube. We all get grumpy at annoying things but cheer ourselves up when we realised how well the UK is thought of. And Canada!

The Media Beat Episode #74

Maureen Kerr leads Arthur D Little's Media practice and Claire Tavernier is a renowned commentator and advisor on all things media. Oliver is none of these.

The Media Beat with Maureen and Claire

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