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Jeffrey Gilbert Joins The Show
(A new bundle stickier than Netflix, Elizabeth Warren calls for DOJ investigation and the MLB/ESPN break up)
Eric Traub
March 02, 2025
What's On Tap
This Week’s Episode (Jeffrey Gilbert)
Watch The Episode Here! Leave a comment under the video!
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Episode Highlights
Right now big tech wins the content battle
I think churn is a good thing…If you don’t have a certain amount of churn that means you’re not reaching the casual viewers
Yeah I don’t think there is any conspiracy going on behind the scenes. I think it’s [Disney-Fubo merger] very simple
The Host Weighs In
Grateful to have Jeffrey on the show this week.
Now to the news
Gif by digitalspy on Giphy
Netflix is the king of streaming. We all know that.
So, to try and catch up, other streaming services are pulling out an old media trick: bundling.
The WSJ reported last week that the Disney x Max bundle, which launched in July ‘24, is retaining customers (80% over the first three months) at a higher rate than Netflix (74% retention).
While Netflix still reigns king, analysts expect other streamers to push further into bundling after these promising early results. God bless the streaming wars!
On another front, Elizabeth Warren asked the DOJ this week to investigate the Disney - Fubo merger, claiming that the merger would increase prices for consumers and illustrates Disney’s attempt to unfairly corner the sports streaming market.
Warren credited the Biden administration for “pushing back” against Disney’s attempt to launch Venu Sports, which is now dormant. Unfortunately for Warren, I don’t think the DOJ is looking to continue that effort.
Finally, could the MLB be headed to Amazon Prime?
Jeffrey Gilbert, who spent time working for MLBAM (MLB Advanced Media), the streaming side of the MLB, thinks Amazon could be in prime (no pun intended) position to become the new home for Major League Baseball.
It was reported last week that the MLB and ESPN will be ending their 35 year broadcasting partnership after the 2025 season, marking a significant shakeup in the sports media landscape, as ESPN prepares to launch their own streaming service this fall.
As sports broadcasting rights continue to get more expensive, ESPN was unwilling to pay up for the MLB in a new deal, leaving the door open for large pocketed streamers, especially Amazon.
Amazon has already showed their willingness to pay up for live sports with Thursday Night Football. Maybe the MLB is next!
That’s all for this week. I’m taking this next week off, but will be back the week after with another episode!
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