Streaming Blizzard Provides Visual Variety, Blinds Some, Stirs Wolves - December 1, 2022
The appeal of streaming video services has not slowed. Despite boisterous declarations of critics the big providers have not collapsed from post-coronavirus user retreat. OK, some are reviewing their spreadsheets, cutting expenses, either raising rates, embracing advertising or both. Investors understand the workings of money, crypto bros notwithstanding, and weigh subscription rates with leveraged production costs. It’s a tough business, but aren’t they all.

The Streaming Temptation Suits But A Few - November 16, 2022
There was a time when streaming video services were king of the media mountain. Not only were viewers signing up in droves, quite often to more than one service, but the “streamers” - as they are known - took command of the production capitals. After all, cranking out new and different films and series had a certain appeal for viewers looking for more, not to forget bigger. There have been blockbusters. All of this attracted investors, always looking for earth shaking returns. The coronavirus pandemic hit and the streaming video business just got mammoth. Then it all got real.

Competition Authority Fears Bigness More Than Foreign Competitors - September 19, 2022
The world of mergers and acquisitions is bigger than ever. Investors, shareholders and individuals are still fat with cash from years of easily available low or no interest financing bolstered by recurring revenues. Acquisition remains the preferred means of corporate expansion. It’s relatively cheap and easy. But bigness is not necessarily beautiful in certain quarters.

More Than Economics Drive The Quest For Scale - September 8, 2022
In many enterprises executives relish the dream of bigness. The big reward from bigness is, naturally, big money. This includes big bonuses for the executives and probably a few lawyers and accountants. Bigness also allows seeing off pesky competitors. What’s not to like?

Listeners Pare Down Choices, Scan More Local Stations - April 28, 2022
The media world continues scanning every possible data point for evidence that recovery from the coronavirus and resulting business disruptions has arrived. Facts can be troubling. There’s streaming, social media and, even, Elon Musk. It’s all so exhausting. Typically focused on local markets, radio broadcasters are something of an exception. Their world, too, faces challenges.

Legislators Offer Many Media Reform Ideas, Awaiting Next Meeting - April 4, 2022
Media regulation is, as it has been, a patchwork. Unlike old school physics there is no grand unifying design. In recent years it has morphed from crazy quilt to slow dance. Different aspects are tackled separately by lawmakers, tossed to courts for tests of compatibility then to stakeholders for appropriate advice and back to lawmakers. There is no big bang.

Acquisition Frenzy Driving Billionaires To Distraction, Regulators Sigh - February 23, 2022
With mergers and acquisitions in the media world rampant opinions abound on consolidation, concentration and competition. Most legal frameworks in those directions are meant to blunt monopolies, always viewed negatively. The rise and rise of digital media and related technologies continues to confound rule makers, still getting their regulatory sea-legs together after a generation. Add to that the vast sums of money involved. Then, too, there are the culture wars.

Media in France

French audiences are moving fast to every new platform. Mobile and Web media challenges the old guard while rule makers seek new directions. Media life in France... and a few secrets. includes updated Resources 147 pages PDF (November 2011)

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