Read our latest daily deep dives, hot takes, and exciting updates about the entertainment world. Check out the latest insight from your favourite analyst, or search by coverage areas - music, entertainment and fandom, creator economy and social.

The social reckoning is nigh: The Haugen testimony and Facebook blackout hint at imminent regulatory changes

Cover image for The social reckoning is nigh: The Haugen testimony and Facebook blackout hint at imminent regulatory changes
Hanna Kahlert
The race between social media (and broader tech) innovation and governmental regulation has been a bit of a hare and the tortoise situation for the past decade-plus. However, the digital-first transition as a result of; COVID-19 lockdowns; several election and voting processes being impacted by social media misinformation; and viral vaccine scepticism currently threatening our return to ‘ normal ’ is finally pushing regulation to catch-up.
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What YouTube TV’s stand-off with NBCU reveals about phase 2 of D2C disruption

Cover image for What YouTube TV’s stand-off with NBCU reveals about phase 2 of D2C disruption
Tim Mulligan
YouTube TV’s stand-off with NBCU is approaching decision-making time, as tomorrow, September 30th, is the cut-off point for the streaming platform to meet the distribution terms of NBCU. If no agreement is reached, then YouTube TV subscribers will lose access to a wide range of NBCU channels, from regional sports networks to NBC, SyFy, USA, and Bravo, among others.
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Why digital fandom has outgrown the Emmys

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Tim Mulligan
With the progressive move back into in real life (IRL) following mass global Covid vaccinations, hyped-up in-person award ceremonies have returned to business as usual in 2021. This Sunday the Emmys was aired on CBS, the broadcast arm of media major ViacomCBS – which is in itself busy playing catch up with the D2C disruptors class of 2019/20, with its recently launched Paramount+ streaming subscription service.
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Axing exclusive music licenses in China will drive new local music cultures

Cover image for Axing exclusive music licenses in China will drive new local music cultures
Srishti Das
As a result of the new guidelines set out by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), record labels are no longer allowed to issue exclusive licenses to music services. Previously, music services in China were able to secure exclusive deals with record labels which meant that these services could then sub-license to other platforms in the region for an additional licensing fee.
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Could HBO Max disrupt Europe?

Cover image for Could HBO Max disrupt Europe?
Tim Mulligan
On October 26th, HBO Max will establish its European beachhead, which is launching inSweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Spain and Andorra. The D2C video service will then roll out in 2022 into Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
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