Streaming Into the Void Streaming Into the Void - March 29, 2026 - Josh D'Amaro's First Week at the Top Could Have Gone Better
Mar 30, 2026
Discussion of Disney’s rough start under new leadership, including tech bet misfires and big investments gone awkward. A deep take on Netflix’s MLB broadcast failures, from ads during play to technical flubs. Legal drama over the Nexstar-Tegna merger and what it means for the industry. Quick rundowns of streaming ratings, renewals, cancellations and box office performance.
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Disney's First Week Tech Plans Imploded
- Disney's early-week tech plays collapsed: OpenAI canceled Sora while Disney was negotiating and Epic Games' Fortnite partner looks weak after mass layoffs.
- David Mumpower notes both initiatives were Josh D'Amaro-driven and fell apart within his first seven days as CEO, undermining his modernization agenda.
Pivot From Equity To Licensing For AI
- Recover lost AI strategy by pivoting to reliable partners and licensing rather than equity bets.
- David Mumpower suggests Disney should approach Google Gemini for licensing and embedding Gemini into Disney Plus instead of buying into an AI startup.
Netflix Used Baseball As Platform Promotion
- Netflix treated the Yankees-Giants Opening Day as a marketing vehicle, interrupting live play with promos and interviews.
- Raul Burial argues the event was aimed at promoting Netflix content rather than serving baseball fans, causing viewer backlash and technical criticism.