The Media Odyssey

Evan Shapiro & Marion Ranchet
  • 4.6 (9)
  • TV & FILM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Each week, two of media’s most influential thinkers, Evan Shapiro & Marion Ranchet, take on the hottest media topics with their hottest takes, helping their audience chart a course through the maelstrom that is today’s Media Odyssey. Based in the US, Evan Shapiro is the Media Industry’s official Cartographer, known for his well-researched and provocative analysis of the entertainment ecosystem in his must read treatises on Media’s latest trends and trajectories. Marion Ranchet, French expat based in Amsterdam, has become the industry’s go-to expert in all things streaming, building a following for turning even the most complex problems into easily digestible and actionable insights. Ranchet and Shapiro are known for their sharp-yet-accessible content on Media consumption, audience trends, and the shifting fundamentals of the business itself. Even during the toughest of topics, they each make talking about Media fun. Together every week, these two will offer entertaining, often humorous, and always educational content on today’s Media Odyssey.

  1. 5D AGO

    TUBI PUTS CREATORS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

    The line between Hollywood and the creator economy is disappearing…Tubi is leading the charge. Welcome back to the Media Odyssey Podcast! In this episode, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet are joined by Rich Bloom GM, Creators Program & EVP, Business Development at Tubi, to unpack how the Fox-owned streaming service is redefining the creator economy and the very meaning of “creator media.” With over 100 million monthly users, a 95% on-demand model, and a growing library of creator-driven programming, Tubi is blurring the line between traditional entertainment and creator-led storytelling. The conversation explores how Tubi is empowering creators to become full-fledged media startups by giving them creative control, ownership, and distribution on a major ad-supported platform. From collaborations with Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat, Kinigra Deon, and Joey Graceffa, to ESHAP's own upcoming creator-led film Skit, the episode reveals how Tubi is building an entirely new bridge between Hollywood and the creator economy. Key Takeaways: 1. Tubi’s Creator Strategy Redefines the Streaming ModelWhile most streamers are trimming costs, Tubi is investing in a creator-first ecosystem that values experimentation and agility over legacy production cycles. Rich Bloom’s new division sits at the center of that vision, building products and programs specifically for creators rather than simply licensing content. 2. From “Licensing Creators” to “Partnering with Creators”Tubi’s approach goes beyond one-off deals. The company now co-develops original and exclusive content with creators, providing funding, marketing, and creative freedom without Hollywood’s notorious “rounds of notes.” Projects like SafeSpace (KevOnStage), Bald Brothers, and Escape the Night (Joey Graceffa) reflect a new hybrid of creator autonomy and professional polish. 3. Fast Turnaround, Real OwnershipCreators at Tubi can move from greenlight to launch in as little as three months, a pace unthinkable in traditional TV. In exchange for an exclusive window, they retain IP ownership and share in revenue with a structure that incentivizes both creative and financial success. 4. Fandom and Niche Power Drive Tubi’s GrowthTubi embraces the “rabbit holes of fandom” that others fear. Its algorithm surfaces niche genres and creator content alongside Hollywood films, encouraging viewers to flow freely between the two. The result: higher retention, younger audiences (55% Gen Z and millennial), and deeper engagement across its 300,000-title library. 5. Advertising with AuthenticityAs an AVOD pioneer, Tubi combines low ad loads (4–6 minutes of advertising per hour) with precise targeting. Brands are already showing strong interest in the new “Creatorverse,” where curated creator content offers premium inventory with built-in communities and authentic engagement, a sweet spot for advertisers seeking trust and scale. 6. A New Independent Era: “Skit” and BeyondEvan and Rich also announce the launch of Skit, a creator-led indie comedy premiering exclusively on Tubi. Made for just $65,000, it represents the new generation of creator-driven storytelling with small teams, big ideas, and direct fan relationships. Both hosts liken the movement to the independent film revolution of the 1990s, positioning Tubi as a catalyst for a new creator-powered renaissance. Thank you Rich Bloom for joining the pod! Rich Bloom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ribloom/  Tubi: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tubi-tv/  Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8 Connect with us on Linkedin: Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/ Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/ The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast (00:00) - Introduction to The Media Odyssey Podcast (00:31) - The Melding of Traditional Media and the Creator Economy (02:37) - Tubi's Unique Approach to Media (03:42) - Interview with Rich Bloom from Tubi (04:01) - Tubi's Creator Program and Its Impact (05:42) - Tubi's Audience and Content Strategy (08:17) - Success Stories and Future Projects (10:40) - Working with Professional Creators (19:38) - Tubi's Competitive Edge and Distribution (24:49) - Advertising Strategies and Creator Opportunities (27:02) - New Series and Creator Content (29:54) - Elevated Production and Creator Authenticity (33:25) - Exclusive Creator Projects and Marketing (40:46) - Future Plans and Creator Integration (42:31) - Question of the Week: Hollywood and Creators (45:24) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    49 min

  2. NOV 6

    THE AFFINITY ECONOMY: A MASTERCLASS

    The rules of media have changed and the user is now in charge.  Welcome back to the Media Odyssey Podcast! In this live episode presented with PreciseTV, Evan Shapiro breaks down the shift from the gatekeeper era of top-down media control to the new user-centric era, where audiences, not executives, dictate what succeeds. Using his signature “media cartographer” maps and data-driven storytelling, Evan unpacks how Big Tech overtook traditional media, how generational shifts are transforming consumption habits, and why the creator economy is now the true center of cultural power. From the “churn apocalypse” in streaming to YouTube’s dominance on the TV screen, he shows why brands and publishers must abandon vanity metrics and embrace fandom, engagement, and community as the real measures of success. The conversation, featuring voices from Angel Studios, BBC Studios, and the PreciseTV audience, delivers both sharp insight and practical direction for anyone trying to navigate the new media landscape. Key Takeaways: 1. Big Tech Has Taken Over Media and the User Holds the RemoteEvan traces how Apple and Alphabet have become the “remote controls of our lives,” controlling nearly 100% of the smartphone market. Yet while tech companies provide the infrastructure, the audience now makes the decisions. The power dynamic has flipped and media is no longer pushed from the top down; it’s driven from the user up. 2. The Fear of Finding Out Is Media’s Existential CrisisMany legacy executives, Evan argues, are paralyzed by a fear of finding out — unwilling to face the data showing that audience habits and demographics have permanently shifted. Millennials and Gen Z now make up nearly 70% of the global population and the majority of the workforce. Still, many companies make decisions using outdated “farming-era” metrics like 18–49 demos that no longer reflect reality. 3. Streaming’s “Churn Apocalypse”The streaming boom has turned into a churn crisis. In 2024, SVODs added 174 million subscribers but lost 148 million — a revolving door that Evan calls “a shitty business.” Serial churners (users who sign up and cancel three or more services a year) now represent 40% of new subscribers. Even as Pay TV collapses, streaming platforms are discovering that infinite choice creates fragile loyalty. 4. YouTube Is Television, and It’s WinningYouTube now commands a larger share of total TV viewing than Disney, NBCUniversal, and Paramount combined. 73% of its viewing time is on content 30 minutes or longer, proving that long-form thrives on digital platforms. YouTube has become the bridge between younger and older audiences as the only platform uniting both ecosystems of media consumption. 5. From the Creator Economy to the “Affinity Economy”Evan introduces the concept of the Affinity Economy: a world where success is measured not by scale but by passion, community, and fandom. Examples include Angel, where 1.5 million members greenlight projects, and BBC Studios, which redefined KPIs to measure engagement, and loyalty instead of raw views. In this model where fandom is the new currency, the Key Passion Index replaces the outdated Key Performance Indicator. 6. Why Brands Must Follow the Fans In a closing exchange with the audience and PreciseTV, Evan emphasizes that brands must “go where the hearts are.” YouTube and creator-led ecosystems provide better data, transparency, and engagement than traditional CTV. Fear, generational and institutional, remains the main barrier. The solution: invest in platforms where the audience actually lives, build communities, and stop chasing metrics that only make quarterly reports look good. Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8 Connect with us on Linkedin: Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/ Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/ The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast (00:00) - Introduction and Audience Engagement (00:09) - The Evolution of Media Mapping (01:31) - Big Tech's Dominance in Media (04:05) - The User-Centric Era (05:35) - Generational Shifts and Media Consumption (09:33) - The Streaming Service Dilemma (12:40) - The Fragmented Media Landscape (15:04) - The Rise of YouTube and Creators (24:39) - Inoxtag: The Mr. Beast of France (25:10) - Angel: Community-Driven Content (27:34) - Dhar Mann: Scripted Content Giant (28:36) - The Power of Cross-Platform Content (30:34) - Measuring Passion in the Affinity Economy (35:33) - Brand Engagement and Fandom (39:29) - Navigating the Creator Economy (46:26) - Future of Media and Technology

    50 min

  3. OCT 30

    WHO WILL BUY DISCO BROS?

    When billion-dollar deals make more noise than sense, who really wins? In this episode of The Media Odyssey podcast, hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro pull back the curtain on the relentless cycle of media mergers and acquisitions where massive buyouts, strategy, and political agendas collide. With characteristic humor and precision, they trace how decades of dealmaking have reshaped, and even broken, the entertainment business, from Hollywood to Europe. The conversation spans the latest shake-ups at Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Netflix, and Apple, while examining Media For Europe’s pan-European expansion and Canal+’s global ambitions following its merger with MultiChoice. Marion and Evan unpack who’s really benefiting from consolidation, who’s losing creative control, and why the next phase of M&A might look very different — with tech platforms turning into studios. It’s a look at how Wall Street, ego, and geopolitics are driving an industry that’s learning, the hard way, that scale doesn’t always mean success. Key Takeaways: 1. Wall Street Keeps Breaking MediaDecades of consolidation, from Fox–Disney to Warner Bros.–Discovery, have destroyed more value than they’ve created. “Growth through merger” remains a Wall Street fantasy, enriching executives and bankers while hollowing out creative culture and long-term strategy. 2. Warner Bros. Discovery May Be Next on the BlockReports suggest Warner Bros. Discovery could split its assets, separating HBO Max and the studio from legacy cable channels. Potential buyers include Paramount, Netflix, and Apple. Netflix could be the best cultural fit, but Apple has the money and global intent to make the boldest move. 3. The Ellisons’ Expanding Power Raises New QuestionsWith Skydance now owning Paramount, Evan warns that David and Larry Ellison are amassing outsized influence. If future acquisitions extend to TikTok or CNN, their reach could reshape how global audiences receive news and entertainment, a sign of how family dynasties are replacing traditional media conglomerates. 4. Europe’s Consolidation Wave Gains SteamMarion highlights Media for Europe’s (MFE) takeover of ProSiebenSat.1 and its bid to form a pan-European broadcast giant spanning Italy, Spain, and Germany. The ambition: to counterbalance U.S. streamers with continental scale. But both hosts warn that the cultural cost will be a more uniform, less diverse creative market. 5. Canal+ and MultiChoice Signal Global AmbitionCanal+’s purchase of MultiChoice expands its footprint into 70 countries, blending African and European pay-TV operations. Beyond the operational complexity, Canal+’s digital strategy of streaming-first, global in scope is a rare model of smart transformation amid the M&A chaos. 6. The Next Wave: Platforms Buying StudiosEvan predicts the next M&A era will flip the script: platforms acquiring studios. Streamers like Netflix or Apple may target production powerhouses such as Banijay or Lionsgate to control their own pipelines. After years of financial engineering, this could mark a shift toward owning creativity instead of just distributing it. Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8 Connect with us on Linkedin: Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/ Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/ The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast (00:00) - Introduction and Opening Remarks (00:19) - Gambling and Vegas Anecdotes (01:08) - Mergers and Acquisitions Overview (01:45) - Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount (05:32) - Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery Rumors (07:42) - Apple and Amazon's Potential Moves (14:11) - Private Equity and Saudi Investment Fund (16:40) - European Media Mergers and Acquisitions (20:24) - Global Media Competition (21:25) - Regulatory Challenges in Media Mergers (22:53) - Impact of Media Consolidation (28:00) - Gaming Industry Mergers and Acquisitions (31:43) - Canal+ and MultiChoice Merger (36:33) - Future of Media Production and Acquisitions

    46 min

  4. OCT 26

    WHY YOU'RE NOT GETTING FILM DISTRIBUTION

    The new buyer isn’t Netflix, it’s the audience.  Live from MIPCOM 2025, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet sit down with Filmhub CEO Alan d’Escragnolle and Vortex Media CEO Justin Rebelo to unpack how independent producers and distributors are reinventing the film business for the creator economy. Recorded at the first-ever The Media Odyssey Podcast live show at MIPCOM, this episode explores how companies like Filmhub are helping producers reach global audiences across AVOD, TVOD, and YouTube “Free with Ads;” and why the future of indie film depends on creators learning to sell directly to viewers, not just to buyers. Key Takeaways: 1. A New Kind of Buyer: The AudienceYouTube’s first major presence at MIPCOM signaled a seismic shift: it’s no longer about pitching to networks or streamers, but learning to engage audiences directly. Evan calls this the “B2C revolution” of entertainment, and Filmhub is one of the companies enabling it by connecting rights holders directly to millions of viewers on platforms like Tubi and YouTube. 2. Filmhub’s Distribution RevolutionAlan d’Escragnolle breaks down how Filmhub helps creators and distributors license hundreds of films per month through automation, encoding, and royalty tech — cutting out the old, slow, one-deal-at-a-time system. By managing AVOD, TVOD, and FAST distribution at scale, Filmhub gives small producers global reach without the middlemen. 3. The YouTube “Free with Ads” OpportunityYouTube’s Free with Ads tier, available in select countries, has become a powerful new home for premium films and TV. Filmhub is one of just a few distributors authorized to place titles there, where CPMs are higher and content appears in a dedicated “Film & TV” section. It’s a way for indie titles to live alongside, and compete with, traditional TV content. 4. The Indie Film Playbook Is ChangingJustin Rebelo shares firsthand examples, including his own collaboration with Evan A 90s Christmas and Shapiro’s new microbudget feature Skit, proving that small films can now thrive through smart digital distribution. With lower costs and creator-style marketing, it’s possible to make and monetize films again without waiting for a streamer’s greenlight. 5. Power to the CreatorsBoth guests agree: the days of waiting for gatekeepers are over. Whether it’s a $50,000 horror hit (Dream Eater) or a YouTube discovery, creators who control their IP, budgets, and release strategy have the real leverage. As d’Escragnolle puts it: “You don’t entertain anyone by leaving content on a shelf.” Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8 Connect with us on Linkedin: Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/ Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/ The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast Alan d’Escragnolle - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alandescragnolle/  Filmhub - https://www.linkedin.com/company/filmhub/  Justin Rebelo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-rebelo-8553bb142/  Vortex Media -  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vortexmediainc/

    31 min

  5. OCT 16

    BREAKING DOWN THE CREATOR ECOSPHERE

    Who really runs the media world now — creators, corporations, or algorithms? In this episode of the Media Odyssey Podcast, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet unpack the newly released Creator Ecosphere Map, a first-of-its-kind visual of the entire creator economy, created in partnership with Shira Lazar (What’s Trending) and InfluencerMarketing.Ai.  Recorded just after MIPCOM, they explore how creators, brands, and traditional media now share the same ecosystem — and what the data reveals about who actually drives engagement, fandom, and revenue online. From TikTok to Substack, YouTube to Patreon, the hosts break down what EQ (Engagement Quality) really means, why followers don’t equal fans, and how new creator-led studios like Whalar, Filmhub, and Dropout are quietly building the next generation of media companies.  Key Takeaways Mapping the Creator UniverseThe Creator Ecosphere Map charts the full scope of the creator economy, from platforms, to studios, agencies, and tools, for the first time in one place. The Creator Ecosphere Map tracks not only follower counts but EQ (Engagement Quality), revealing who actually moves audiences to act. Followers do not equal FansThe data shows a massive gap between reach and resonance. While megastars like Khaby Lame boast billions of views, creators like Billie Eilish drive exponentially higher engagement. Shapiro calls EQ “the difference between followers and fandom” — a key metric for understanding real influence and avoiding wasted ad spend. The Platform ParadoxTikTok and YouTube dominate scale, but engagement varies wildly. YouTube’s average EQ sits around 0.1%, while creators like MrBeast outperform entire media conglomerates thanks to community-driven engagement. Meanwhile, legacy brands like ESPN or Nike still treat social as marketing, not programming and it shows in their red (low-EQ) metrics. The Creator Economy Goes CorporateThe line between creator and company is vanishing. Platforms like Patreon and Substack prove that creator media can sustain real businesses, while independent studios like Dropout and First We Feast rival Hollywood models with strong IP and loyal communities. Even legacy broadcasters must eventually “lean in” or risk irrelevance. No One-Size-Fits-All StrategyThe map underscores that there’s no single best platform. Every creator or brand must build where their audience already lives. Marion suggests a “rule of three” strategy (LinkedIn, Substack, YouTube/Podcast) as a sustainable model, while Shapiro stresses that success in media now means asking better questions, not chasing every trend.View the full Creator Ecosphere: https://open.substack.com/pub/eshap/p/the-ecosphere-is-here?r=10qe8j&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8 Connect with us on Linkedin: Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/ Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/ The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast (00:00) - Introduction and Hosts (00:33) - Creator Economy at MCOM (00:56) - Interviews and Collaborations (02:26) - Mapping the Media Universe (03:30) - Data Collection and Analysis (05:24) - Engagement Metrics Explained (10:31) - YouTube and Platform Comparisons (15:43) - Podcasting and Creator Economy (18:43) - Introduction to Substack and Creator Media (19:39) - The Rise of Influential Creators (20:17) - Engagement Quality and Market Indicators (20:41) - Corporate vs. Personality-Led Media (21:37) - Brands on TikTok and Social Media Strategies (22:44) - Monetizing Video Content (24:51) - The Role of Community Platforms (25:46) - Expanding the Map: New Platforms and Metrics (28:39) - Choosing the Right Platforms for Growth (32:21) - Employment Opportunities in the Creator Economy (34:52) - Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

    39 min

  6. OCT 9

    MEET THE MINDS BEHIND RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE

    What happens when a niche fandom becomes a global streaming powerhouse? In this episode of the Media Odyssey Podcast, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet sit down with World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, the creative minds behind RuPaul’s Drag Race, and a streaming empire built on fandom. They explore how World of Wonder transformed drag culture into an international media brand spanning 17 territories, while redefining what “community-first” streaming looks like in the era of algorithmic sameness. The conversation dives into how WOW thrives outside traditional Hollywood logic through owning its IP, embracing global fandoms, and turning social engagement into subscription loyalty. The founders share how RuPaul’s Drag Race became a template for modern, participatory media and how WOW’s next frontier lies in audience-driven global storytelling that stays defiantly weird. Key Takeaways: 1. From Subculture to Global BrandWorld of Wonder built its empire by championing authenticity over mass appeal. Instead of chasing algorithms, they built a streaming platform for passionate fans—and let those fans drive expansion into over a dozen localized Drag Race editions worldwide. 2. DTC Before DTC Was Cool Long before YouTube or Netflix, WOW pioneered a direct-to-consumer model on Manhattan Cable in the early 1990s—building a loyal audience through raw, participatory storytelling that bypassed traditional TV gatekeepers. That same spirit lives on in WOW Presents Plus, which now connects millions of subscribers directly to the creators and culture they love. 3. The Power of Ownership and Community WOW’s success comes from owning its IP and nurturing a direct-to-fan relationship. By combining strong brand identity, event culture, and social storytelling, the company has created a flywheel that sustains both fandom and revenue across platforms and formats. 4. Streaming Against the Grain While major platforms chase scale, WOW proves that specificity is the new mainstream. Their model rooted in community, creativity, and unapologetic individuality shows how small, focused streamers can thrive even as the broader industry consolidates. 5. A Blueprint for Creator-Led MediaBailey and Barbato’s approach blurs the line between creator and audience. By empowering talent and fans alike, WOW Presents Plus anticipates a media future where participation, not programming, drives value. Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8 Connect with us on Linkedin: Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/ Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/ The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast Fenton Bailey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fenton-bailey-4270204/ Randy Barbato - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-barbato-866a1146/ World of Wonder - https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-of-wonder/ (00:00) - Chapter 1 (00:00) - The Origins of Drag Race (01:14) - Meeting the Founders of World of Wonder (01:59) - The Early Days: Film School and Beyond (03:58) - Starting World of Wonder (06:10) - From Public Access to Channel 4 (10:19) - The Rise of RuPaul (17:36) - Creating Drag Race (23:08) - International Success and Adaptations (30:56) - The Early Days of Newsletters and Online Communities (31:21) - The Rise of RuPaul's Drag Race and Direct-to-Consumer Strategy (32:33) - The Genesis of WOW Presents Plus (35:11) - Challenges and Successes of WOW Presents Plus (37:28) - New Projects and Collaborations (48:56) - Advice for Producers and the Future of Media (58:43) - Conclusion and Gratitude

    1 hr

  7. OCT 2

    HOW DISNEY KILLED BROADCAST WITH KIMMEL

    Jimmy Kimmel is at the center of the conversation where politics, free speech, and billion-dollar mergers collide. In this episode of the Media Odyssey Podcast, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet unpack the dramatic suspension and reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel—a flashpoint that highlights the collision of politics, regulation, and the crumbling power of broadcast TV. Shapiro explains the FCC’s limited authority, why Chair Brendan Carr’s threats crossed constitutional lines, and how Disney’s rapid cave-in to political pressure triggered a fierce backlash. The discussion broadens to late-night’s decline, the chilling precedent for free speech in U.S. broadcasting, and the looming wave of media consolidation involving Paramount, Warner Bros Discovery, and possibly Netflix. Marion draws contrasts with Europe’s regulatory environment, where broadcasters face different pressures but free expression is protected in opposite ways. Key Takeaways: The Kimmel Affair and FCC OverreachKimmel was suspended after discussing how MAGA has used activist Charlie Kirk’s killing for political gain, despite committing no FCC violation. Shapiro details how FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who is aligned with Project 2025 and pending affiliate mergers, used threats to coerce Disney and affiliates into action. The result: a blatant clash between politics and the First Amendment, costing Disney billions in market value before Kimmel’s reinstatement. Broadcast’s Dying GripThe controversy underscored how fragile broadcast TV has become. Kimmel’s late-night audience is under 2 million, dwarfed by his YouTube reach—and by Joe Rogan’s podcast empire. Shapiro argues that Kimmel and others should abandon dying formats and embrace direct-to-consumer platforms where free speech and financial upside are greater. Marion warns that it is not an easy, overnight transition.  Media Oligarchs and ConsolidationThe hosts connect Kimmel’s ordeal to broader maneuvers by billionaires like Larry and David Ellison, whose influence over FCC approvals and mergers (Paramount-Skydance, Warner Bros Discovery) shows how free speech is increasingly transactional. Late-night hosts like Colbert and Oliver may be next in line as consolidation reshapes who controls the cultural narrative. Europe’s Contrasting PathMarion highlights how European regulators tackle misconduct differently—punishing hosts who spread disinformation or incite harm, rather than silencing dissent. The comparison underscores a widening gap: in the U.S., politics is shrinking the space for speech on broadcast, while in Europe, regulation is trying to protect it. Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8 Connect with us on Linkedin: Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/ Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/ The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast (00:00) - Introduction and Episode Overview (01:05) - Jimmy Kimmel Controversy Explained (03:43) - FCC Regulations and Enforcement (08:40) - Impact and Backlash (11:24) - Comparisons with Other Media Figures (16:36) - Jimmy Kimmel's Return and Future Speculations (22:55) - Broader Implications on Free Speech (24:34) - Controversial TV Hosts and Their Impact (26:52) - Success Stories of Media Personalities (31:02) - The Future of Public Broadcasting (32:26) - Media Mergers and Acquisitions (41:28) - The Decline of Broadcast TV (47:01) - Concluding Thoughts on Media Evolution

    52 min

  8. SEP 25

    WTF IS A MEDIA CTO TODAY?

    In this episode of the Media Odyssey Podcast, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet record live from IBC with Simon Farnsworth (ITV) and Adde Granberg (SVT), two CTOs (or as they call it, “Chief Transformation Officers”) reshaping European public broadcasting. The conversation explores how legacy broadcasters can adapt to a digital-first, fragmented world while facing off against trillion-dollar tech giants. They discuss the shift from “doing digital” to “being digital,” how generative AI and cloud-based workflows can unlock beyond-human-scale production, and the biggest challenge broadcast is facing is mindset. Both guests stress that the real battle is cultural, not technical: broadcasters must abandon outdated standards, embrace platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and put audience needs, not legacy processes, at the center. Key Takeaways: From Tech to TransformationFor Farnsworth and Granberg, a CTO’s role is less about gadgets and more about changing mindsets—translating the power of technology to boards and teams, and shifting organizations from “doing digital” to truly “being digital.” Cloud, AI, and Beyond-Human ScaleGenerative AI, cloud production, and 5G enable content creation and distribution at scales humans can’t manage alone. From using AI to cast Love Island more efficiently, to producing Sweden’s iconic Vasaloppet ski race with drones over 5G, both ITV and SVT show how tech can cut costs, lower carbon footprints, and improve the creative product. Break the Walled GardensToo many broadcasters still cling to the idea that their own platform is the only destination. Farnsworth argues that distribution on YouTube, TikTok, and even Disney+ is additive, not cannibalistic—and essential to reaching younger audiences. Mindset Over StandardsThe biggest barrier isn’t tech, it’s culture. Both CTOs stress the need to ditch outdated broadcast standards and industry obsessions with hardware, replacing them with audience-first, software-driven, cross-platform strategies. Without this shift, public broadcasters risk irrelevance. Collaboration or DeclineEurope’s broadcasters must collaborate more deeply, from projects like Freely in the UK to shared production and distribution tools. Competing with “death stars” like Google, Amazon, and TikTok requires pooling resources, not building new silos. Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8 Connect with us on Linkedin: Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/ Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/ The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast Simon Farnsworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-farnsworth-26521253/  Adde Granberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/addegranberg/?originalSubdomain=se  (00:00) - Introduction to Media Odyssey Podcast (00:08) - What is IBC? (00:56) - Marianne's IBC Experience (01:36) - Generational Divide in Media (04:59) - The Affinity Economy (06:15) - Redefining Broadcasting (07:35) - Introduction to Whale TV (08:03) - Whale TV's White Label Journey (09:44) - The Shift to Streaming (11:39) - Whale TV's Business Model (19:48) - Whale TV Plus Explained (21:59) - Advertisers and Connected TV Challenges (22:32) - Whale TV's Unique Advertising Opportunities (23:59) - Emerging Advertising Categories (25:34) - Balancing User Experience and Monetization (26:03) - Innovative Ad Formats (29:25) - Global Reach and Collaboration (30:56) - Industry Challenges and Future Directions (36:41) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    46 min
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About

Each week, two of media’s most influential thinkers, Evan Shapiro & Marion Ranchet, take on the hottest media topics with their hottest takes, helping their audience chart a course through the maelstrom that is today’s Media Odyssey. Based in the US, Evan Shapiro is the Media Industry’s official Cartographer, known for his well-researched and provocative analysis of the entertainment ecosystem in his must read treatises on Media’s latest trends and trajectories. Marion Ranchet, French expat based in Amsterdam, has become the industry’s go-to expert in all things streaming, building a following for turning even the most complex problems into easily digestible and actionable insights. Ranchet and Shapiro are known for their sharp-yet-accessible content on Media consumption, audience trends, and the shifting fundamentals of the business itself. Even during the toughest of topics, they each make talking about Media fun. Together every week, these two will offer entertaining, often humorous, and always educational content on today’s Media Odyssey.

Information

  • Creator
    Evan Shapiro & Marion Ranchet
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © (c) 2025 The Media Odyssey

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