The news: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) plans to split into two separate public companies by 2026, one focused on streaming and studios and the other on global cable networks, the company announced. Its streaming company will include HBO Max and WBD’s movie properties, while the global networks company will include TNT Sports, Discovery, and CNN. Our take: WBD’s move emphasizes that sticking with a one-size-fits-all model is no longer viable given traditional TV declines and the rise of streaming. Managing decline while pursuing growth requires two fundamentally different playbooks.

The news: AMC Theaters has made a deal with National CineMedia (NCM) that will see the biggest US theater chain run additional ads before showings. Beginning July 1, AMC showings will include a “platinum spot” right before a film starts. Our take: AMC’s deal emphasizes that getting moviegoers back in theater seats and boosting ticket sales isn’t enough to keep the industry afloat—theaters need to diversify revenue streams through tactics like expanded advertising to remain competitive.

The news: The NBA held steady at 4,668 brand sponsors between 2023 and 2024, but total sponsorship revenues rose 8% to $1.62 billion, thanks to jersey patch deals, venue launches like the Intuit Dome, and record-breaking player endorsements. The Golden State Warriors alone brought in over $200 million, and rookie Jared McCain set a league record with 30 personal brand deals. Our take: The NBA is deepening its value to advertisers, not just expanding reach. With media rights deals and Amazon integration elevating its commercial footprint, the league is fast becoming one of the most lucrative platforms for modern marketers.

The news: The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) gave a glimpse of the TV (CTV) advertising’s future at its IAB Tech Lab event—and proved that pause ads are leading the way. Advertising leaders said they offer the best user experience, were most likely to scale with standardization, and provided the greatest increase in ad spend. Our take: The future of CTV advertising will rely on whether advertisers can implement non-intrusive formats that capture attention. Pause ads are positioned to drive action—but advertisers must reimagine their creative strategy to capitalize on this potential.

Disney introduces perks programs for Disney+, Hulu: The programs aim to entice new subscribers and keep existing subscribers around if budgets tighten.

Fubo debuts biddable pause ads: The move is the first time a CTV platform has offered biddable pause ads, but will require rapid scaling to remain effective.

“Lilo & Stitch,” “Mission Impossible” shatter Memorial Day weekend records: The box office hits prove that theaters still have a place amid the shift to streaming.

NBCU looks to secure MLB rights after ESPN backs out: The deal would position NBCU as a one-stop shop for sports, enhancing its value for advertisers.

Amazon Music’s AI push is promising but fumbles the execution: Explore brings deeper fan engagement, but a clunky interface may keep it from stealing share from Spotify or YouTube Music.

Most consumers accept ads in streaming: An Attest study highlighted the growing preference for ad-supported options as streaming proves sustainable.

Netflix's ad tier reaches 94 million as it looks to genAI to continue its trajectory: The data suggests Netflix is positioned for sustained streaming market leadership.

YouTube strikes deal to broadcast first game of the NFL season: The move responds to fans embracing digital for sports and presents an opportunity for advertisers.

FAST shows no signs of slowing down: From the Roku Channel to Tubi, FAST continues a path of acceleration that will be bolstered by economic uncertainty.

NBCU highlights sports, streaming at Upfront event: The presentation outlined NBCU’s plan to offset declining traditional TV revenues.

Mercado Libre’s retail business is thriving: Advertising revenues rose 50% YoY in Q1, and there’s ample room for growth.

Studio and linear remain a dark cloud for WBD and Paramount: Revenues were down YoY for both companies, but streaming remains a beacon of hope.

Insights from IAB NewFronts: Streaming and AI innovation are transforming marketing—but in a period of rapid change and economic unrest, adaptation is key.

Netflix remains a revenue leader in the streaming space, however tariff concerns and tightening budgets for both consumers and advertisers have increased the pressure across all providers to stand out.

Spotify’s play counts and YouTube’s two-person plan signal a fierce fight for viewers in the podcast space’s visual future.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how ready Netflix is for a potential recession, if video podcasts and content creators fit nicely into its offering, and whether AI can help improve search for the streaming giant. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Analyst Ross Benes, and Vice President of Content Paul Verna. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.