@bobby-reed.bsky.social
The battleground in streaming is not about speed or scale anymore. We've kind of pushed that as far as it can go. Now, E'Ian West says streaming is being defined by these trends:
- Original Programming
- Specialization
- Financial Realism
- Consumer Choice
- Original Programming
- Specialization
- Financial Realism
- Consumer Choice
February 19, 2026 at 3:26 PM
The battleground in streaming is not about speed or scale anymore. We've kind of pushed that as far as it can go. Now, E'Ian West says streaming is being defined by these trends:
- Original Programming
- Specialization
- Financial Realism
- Consumer Choice
- Original Programming
- Specialization
- Financial Realism
- Consumer Choice
Did Super Bowl LX technically have a dip in ratings from the previous year? Yes, but last year was literally record-breaking. I think we can still take a second to marvel at the fact that an average of 124.9 million people were tuned into the same program.
February 18, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Did Super Bowl LX technically have a dip in ratings from the previous year? Yes, but last year was literally record-breaking. I think we can still take a second to marvel at the fact that an average of 124.9 million people were tuned into the same program.
ESPN landing the 2027 Super Bowl is a massive moment for the network. But I'm sorry, a 365-day lead-up celebration sounds excessive.
The joy of the Super Bowl (and of football season, really) is that we have to wait. Like Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas morning...
The joy of the Super Bowl (and of football season, really) is that we have to wait. Like Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas morning...
February 16, 2026 at 2:40 PM
ESPN landing the 2027 Super Bowl is a massive moment for the network. But I'm sorry, a 365-day lead-up celebration sounds excessive.
The joy of the Super Bowl (and of football season, really) is that we have to wait. Like Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas morning...
The joy of the Super Bowl (and of football season, really) is that we have to wait. Like Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas morning...
Have you ever stumbled upon a show on a streaming service that quickly becomes your favorite only for it to get cancelled after one season (looking at you, Netflix...)? Were you even more frustrated when you saw a new, very expensive show launch on the same service?
February 11, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Have you ever stumbled upon a show on a streaming service that quickly becomes your favorite only for it to get cancelled after one season (looking at you, Netflix...)? Were you even more frustrated when you saw a new, very expensive show launch on the same service?
Amazon has finally outspent everyone to become the biggest player in sports streaming. Their massive new NBA deal (combined with Thursday Night Football) has officially pushed them past DAZN into the #1 spot.
February 10, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Amazon has finally outspent everyone to become the biggest player in sports streaming. Their massive new NBA deal (combined with Thursday Night Football) has officially pushed them past DAZN into the #1 spot.
This year, NBC is selling streaming-only Super Bowl spots on Peacock for about half the price of those traditional $8 million commercials.
February 9, 2026 at 9:29 PM
This year, NBC is selling streaming-only Super Bowl spots on Peacock for about half the price of those traditional $8 million commercials.
Ten years of The Athletic has taught us a big lesson: even a million paying subscribers aren't enough to support a massive newsroom.
The dream was to provide high-quality, hyper-local sports journalism. And to their credit, they delivered.
The dream was to provide high-quality, hyper-local sports journalism. And to their credit, they delivered.
February 5, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Ten years of The Athletic has taught us a big lesson: even a million paying subscribers aren't enough to support a massive newsroom.
The dream was to provide high-quality, hyper-local sports journalism. And to their credit, they delivered.
The dream was to provide high-quality, hyper-local sports journalism. And to their credit, they delivered.
It feels like YouTube wants the status of "television" without the independent oversight.
In the UK, Google blocked a third-party measurement service that was comparing YouTube’s audience to traditional TV networks.
In the UK, Google blocked a third-party measurement service that was comparing YouTube’s audience to traditional TV networks.
February 3, 2026 at 2:01 PM
It feels like YouTube wants the status of "television" without the independent oversight.
In the UK, Google blocked a third-party measurement service that was comparing YouTube’s audience to traditional TV networks.
In the UK, Google blocked a third-party measurement service that was comparing YouTube’s audience to traditional TV networks.
Nielsen released the numbers for December, and streaming hit ~50% of everything watched on TV. On Christmas Day, it was over 54%.
Netflix used the NFL to prove it can handle the same massive crowds as broadcast TV. Between football and Stranger Things, they dominated December.
Netflix used the NFL to prove it can handle the same massive crowds as broadcast TV. Between football and Stranger Things, they dominated December.
January 29, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Nielsen released the numbers for December, and streaming hit ~50% of everything watched on TV. On Christmas Day, it was over 54%.
Netflix used the NFL to prove it can handle the same massive crowds as broadcast TV. Between football and Stranger Things, they dominated December.
Netflix used the NFL to prove it can handle the same massive crowds as broadcast TV. Between football and Stranger Things, they dominated December.
Remember when a commercial break was actually a break?
Now viewers have the power to hit pause whenever they please (and they do!), but there's really no break.
Now viewers have the power to hit pause whenever they please (and they do!), but there's really no break.
January 28, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Remember when a commercial break was actually a break?
Now viewers have the power to hit pause whenever they please (and they do!), but there's really no break.
Now viewers have the power to hit pause whenever they please (and they do!), but there's really no break.
We were all told streaming would be the "cable killer" — simpler, cheaper, better. But if you’re trying to watch the Australian Open, you know that’s a total lie.
Once upon a time, all you had to do was pay $10 for ESPN+ and you were in on all the action in Melbourne. Those days are over.
Once upon a time, all you had to do was pay $10 for ESPN+ and you were in on all the action in Melbourne. Those days are over.
January 27, 2026 at 3:03 PM
We were all told streaming would be the "cable killer" — simpler, cheaper, better. But if you’re trying to watch the Australian Open, you know that’s a total lie.
Once upon a time, all you had to do was pay $10 for ESPN+ and you were in on all the action in Melbourne. Those days are over.
Once upon a time, all you had to do was pay $10 for ESPN+ and you were in on all the action in Melbourne. Those days are over.
Industry experts have been talking about interactive CTV advertising for years now, but this mostly consisted of promising demos. This started to change in 2025, as we saw several high-profile examples of interactive CTV experiences.
January 22, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Industry experts have been talking about interactive CTV advertising for years now, but this mostly consisted of promising demos. This started to change in 2025, as we saw several high-profile examples of interactive CTV experiences.
Live sports have always been a major force in media, but those premium in-game moments have typically been reserved for national advertisers.
Advancements in CTV ad tech have made easier than ever for local and regional advertisers to tap into premium live sports environments.
Advancements in CTV ad tech have made easier than ever for local and regional advertisers to tap into premium live sports environments.
January 21, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Live sports have always been a major force in media, but those premium in-game moments have typically been reserved for national advertisers.
Advancements in CTV ad tech have made easier than ever for local and regional advertisers to tap into premium live sports environments.
Advancements in CTV ad tech have made easier than ever for local and regional advertisers to tap into premium live sports environments.
While every other service is hiking prices & forcing ads on us, Roku is doubling down on Howdy, their $3/month, ad-free service.
Everyone else is chasing "prestige" content and ad revenue; Roku is chasing the person who wants cheap, ad-free library shows on any device they own.
Everyone else is chasing "prestige" content and ad revenue; Roku is chasing the person who wants cheap, ad-free library shows on any device they own.
January 15, 2026 at 4:02 PM
While every other service is hiking prices & forcing ads on us, Roku is doubling down on Howdy, their $3/month, ad-free service.
Everyone else is chasing "prestige" content and ad revenue; Roku is chasing the person who wants cheap, ad-free library shows on any device they own.
Everyone else is chasing "prestige" content and ad revenue; Roku is chasing the person who wants cheap, ad-free library shows on any device they own.
Pinterest is launching a series on Roku called “Bring My Pinterest to Life.”
For years, Pinterest’s biggest hurdle was the "hand-off." You’d see a cool rug, but then you’d have to go hunt for it on Google or Amazon.
For years, Pinterest’s biggest hurdle was the "hand-off." You’d see a cool rug, but then you’d have to go hunt for it on Google or Amazon.
January 14, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Pinterest is launching a series on Roku called “Bring My Pinterest to Life.”
For years, Pinterest’s biggest hurdle was the "hand-off." You’d see a cool rug, but then you’d have to go hunt for it on Google or Amazon.
For years, Pinterest’s biggest hurdle was the "hand-off." You’d see a cool rug, but then you’d have to go hunt for it on Google or Amazon.
I love the NBA. I just wish it was easier to watch. Between Prime, MSG+, Peacock, ABC, ESPN, and blackouts, being a fan now feels like work.
Sports thrive on habit & ease. Make it harder, and fans drift, even if the revenue looks great.
Read more: https://apple.news/AyQnhOy4iRWG6R3J0HZCM_g
Sports thrive on habit & ease. Make it harder, and fans drift, even if the revenue looks great.
Read more: https://apple.news/AyQnhOy4iRWG6R3J0HZCM_g
January 7, 2026 at 2:10 PM
I love the NBA. I just wish it was easier to watch. Between Prime, MSG+, Peacock, ABC, ESPN, and blackouts, being a fan now feels like work.
Sports thrive on habit & ease. Make it harder, and fans drift, even if the revenue looks great.
Read more: https://apple.news/AyQnhOy4iRWG6R3J0HZCM_g
Sports thrive on habit & ease. Make it harder, and fans drift, even if the revenue looks great.
Read more: https://apple.news/AyQnhOy4iRWG6R3J0HZCM_g
I’ve been thinking a lot about what I actually want 2026 to look like.
For me, it’s not about chasing more work or more noise. It’s about pushing in the right directions. Leaning further into AI-enabled production, not for shortcuts, but for clarity, speed, and smarter creative.
For me, it’s not about chasing more work or more noise. It’s about pushing in the right directions. Leaning further into AI-enabled production, not for shortcuts, but for clarity, speed, and smarter creative.
January 5, 2026 at 3:03 PM
I’ve been thinking a lot about what I actually want 2026 to look like.
For me, it’s not about chasing more work or more noise. It’s about pushing in the right directions. Leaning further into AI-enabled production, not for shortcuts, but for clarity, speed, and smarter creative.
For me, it’s not about chasing more work or more noise. It’s about pushing in the right directions. Leaning further into AI-enabled production, not for shortcuts, but for clarity, speed, and smarter creative.
As I look back at 2025, my biggest takeaway as a leader is this simple truth: "Speed wins, but clarity keeps you alive."
This year, we really leveled up our operational muscle at Loaded Pixel.
This year, we really leveled up our operational muscle at Loaded Pixel.
December 30, 2025 at 3:22 PM
As I look back at 2025, my biggest takeaway as a leader is this simple truth: "Speed wins, but clarity keeps you alive."
This year, we really leveled up our operational muscle at Loaded Pixel.
This year, we really leveled up our operational muscle at Loaded Pixel.
The outdated idea that you start your internship journey/career process in your senior year is way outdated. You need to start building relationships, interning, and following up as a freshman. That proactive effort is the entire foundation.
December 22, 2025 at 2:43 PM
The outdated idea that you start your internship journey/career process in your senior year is way outdated. You need to start building relationships, interning, and following up as a freshman. That proactive effort is the entire foundation.
I think the biggest leadership lesson I took away from 2025 boils down to one simple line:
"Speed wins, but clarity keeps you alive."
I saw firsthand this year that client expectations tightened up and production timelines shrank like crazy.
"Speed wins, but clarity keeps you alive."
I saw firsthand this year that client expectations tightened up and production timelines shrank like crazy.
December 18, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I think the biggest leadership lesson I took away from 2025 boils down to one simple line:
"Speed wins, but clarity keeps you alive."
I saw firsthand this year that client expectations tightened up and production timelines shrank like crazy.
"Speed wins, but clarity keeps you alive."
I saw firsthand this year that client expectations tightened up and production timelines shrank like crazy.
Trump Administration Plans to Break Up Premier Weather and Climate Research Center www.nytimes.com/2025/12/17/c...
Why would you… you that’s right. Thanks
Why would you… you that’s right. Thanks
Trump Administration Plans to Break Up Premier Weather and Climate Research Center
www.nytimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Trump Administration Plans to Break Up Premier Weather and Climate Research Center www.nytimes.com/2025/12/17/c...
Why would you… you that’s right. Thanks
Why would you… you that’s right. Thanks
Grateful to my mentor, Jeff Westphal, for the invitation to the book signing for "The Caring Company" last night. Having known Isaac Getz for years, it was a pleasure to catch up with him and meet his co-author Laurent Marbacher.
December 16, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Grateful to my mentor, Jeff Westphal, for the invitation to the book signing for "The Caring Company" last night. Having known Isaac Getz for years, it was a pleasure to catch up with him and meet his co-author Laurent Marbacher.
This WSC Sports data is insane and confirms the big problem we're all seeing: our entire sports streaming model is hitting a structural wall.
The fact that half of fans are quitting because the content feels irrelevant proves that just stacking games isn't enough anymore.
The fact that half of fans are quitting because the content feels irrelevant proves that just stacking games isn't enough anymore.
Half of sports fans cancel streaming services over poor personalisation
A new cross-generational study from WSC Sports shows that more than half of US sports fans have cancelled or switched a streaming service because the content felt irrelevant to them, placing person…
www.broadbandtvnews.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:17 PM
This WSC Sports data is insane and confirms the big problem we're all seeing: our entire sports streaming model is hitting a structural wall.
The fact that half of fans are quitting because the content feels irrelevant proves that just stacking games isn't enough anymore.
The fact that half of fans are quitting because the content feels irrelevant proves that just stacking games isn't enough anymore.
NBC is asking Amazon for $70 million for one single championship game. That's WILD. Especially when you realize that one game is valued at the same level as an entire season of Major League Baseball on Amazon.
It confirms that for streamers, everything else is secondary.
It confirms that for streamers, everything else is secondary.
NBC reportedly seeking $70 million for Big Ten title game
NBC is setting a high price tag for next year's Big Ten football championship game, hoping to sell it to Amazon for as much as $70 million.
www.sportsmediawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:37 PM
NBC is asking Amazon for $70 million for one single championship game. That's WILD. Especially when you realize that one game is valued at the same level as an entire season of Major League Baseball on Amazon.
It confirms that for streamers, everything else is secondary.
It confirms that for streamers, everything else is secondary.
AI’s real impact in CTV isn’t the flashy stuff. It’s fixing the friction. Smarter bidding, cleaner audience discovery, faster creative checks, real-time cohort learning. That’s what turns CTV into a true full-funnel channel built for speed, scale, and performance.
How CTV campaigns are boosting production and measurement with AI tools
www.emarketer.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:17 PM
AI’s real impact in CTV isn’t the flashy stuff. It’s fixing the friction. Smarter bidding, cleaner audience discovery, faster creative checks, real-time cohort learning. That’s what turns CTV into a true full-funnel channel built for speed, scale, and performance.