Media Trends Live Summit: Media Leaders Rethink Business Models
Julie Bogen
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Saturday Night Live's Kenan Thompson on stage at Axios' Oct. 20 Media Trends Live Summit. Photo: Jonathan Heisler for Axios
NEW YORK — Media leaders shared new insights on revenue, distribution, and audience engagement at Axios' Media Trends Live Summit.
Why it matters:
AI, mergers, and political pressures are transforming the entertainment industry. This summit explored how companies will navigate these challenges, determining the fate of legacy organizations and emerging newcomers.
The Oct. 20 event was sponsored by BBC Studios and Civic.
Top Takeaways:
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Hearst's Stand on ESPN: Hearst president and CEO Steven Swartz confirmed to Axios' Sara Fischer that Hearst wouldn't sell its stake in ESPN, especially given their strong relationship with the NFL.
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Kenan Thompson on Shane Gillis: The longest-running Saturday Night Live cast member addressed the Shane Gillis controversy, suggesting a conversation with Gillis about potential improvements.
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Versant's Acquisition Plans: Versant CEO Mark Lazarus ruled out acquiring Skydance's cable networks and instead focused on other M&A opportunities.
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ABC and the First Amendment: Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez predicted ABC would win its First Amendment lawsuit against the FCC over alleged retaliation related to Jimmy Kimmel.
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Truth API Investigations: Trump Media and Technology Group CEO Kevin McGurn declined to comment on investigations into the Truth API, citing constant scrutiny from government agencies.
Sponsor Segments:
BBC Studios:
Jon Otto, BBC Studios North America SVP of client partnerships, emphasized the importance of strategic audience engagement.
"Being everything to everyone at all times is a difficult strategy... Audiences are not a monolith, and neither can we be."
CIVIC Entertainment:
Stuart Ruderfer, CIVIC Entertainment Group co-founder and CEO, discussed building trust through shared experiences and community, particularly with emerging audiences like Gen Z.
"Let's stop being the disco ball... Invite people to co-create the brand... That's where magic can be made."
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