

Business Wars
Audible
Netflix vs. HBO. Nike vs. Adidas. Business is war. Sometimes the prize is your wallet or your attention. Sometimes, it’s just the fun of beating the other guy. The outcome of these battles shapes what we buy and how we live. Business Wars gives you the unauthorized, real story of what drives these companies and their leaders, innovators, investors and executives to new heights -- or to ruin. Hosted by David Brown, former anchor of Marketplace. From Wondery, the network behind Against the Odds and American History Tellers.Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Business Wars ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Mar 16, 2022 • 38min
Airbnb vs NYC | Operation Firestarter | 2
Brian Chesky, CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, sheds light on the intense legal battles between Airbnb and New York City. He discusses the challenges posed by the attorney general's subpoenas for user data, raising urgent privacy concerns. The podcast dives into the backlash from hoteliers and community activists, examining the housing crisis exacerbated by short-term rentals. Chesky also explores the company's attempts to win public support amid growing tensions with local officials and neighborhood advocates.

10 snips
Mar 9, 2022 • 35min
Airbnb vs NYC | No Reservations | 1
Airbnb's arrival in New York City sparked a major clash with local authorities, igniting legal battles over housing rights. As tensions rise, hosts like Nigel Warren grapple with hefty fines while navigating a volatile rental market. The struggle highlights the impact of short-term rentals on community dynamics and the ongoing housing crisis. With political maneuvering and public perception at stake, Airbnb fights to defend its image while strategizing against restrictive regulations. It's a battle for the future of home-sharing in one of the world's most dynamic cities.

13 snips
Mar 3, 2022 • 34min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Big Tech's Next Frontier Is Home Buying | 7
Natalie Robehmed, a seasoned writer for Business Wars and expert on real estate, joins comedian Ed Herro to dissect the intersection of technology and the housing market. They explore Zillow's costly misstep with its iBuying unit and how competitors like Opendoor stand to gain. The conversation continues with innovative ideas like co-buying, which aims to redefine homeownership, alongside how tech influences hospitality trends. The dynamic shift in buyer competition, especially against wealthy influencers, adds depth to the rapidly evolving landscape.

9 snips
Mar 2, 2022 • 37min
ESPN vs Fox Sports | The Wide World of Sports Broadcasting | 6
Richard Deitsch, a sports writer at The Athletic and host of the Sports Media Podcast, dives into the fierce rivalry between ESPN and Fox Sports. He discusses how the pandemic reshaped viewership and fan engagement, while highlighting the NFL's dominance in the media landscape. Deitsch reveals the evolving nature of sports debate programming and the influence of social media on sports broadcasters negotiating power. He also touches on the rise of streaming services and their potential to disrupt traditional sports broadcasting models.

8 snips
Feb 23, 2022 • 41min
ESPN vs Fox Sports | Undisputed | 5
In 2015, Fox Sports 1 is struggling to compete with ESPN, eagerly turning to savvy hires like Jamie Horowitz to shake things up. The podcast highlights the shift towards opinion-driven programming, which is transforming sports media. As technology looms over traditional cable, both networks brace for competition from streaming giants. Key topics include ESPN's launch of ESPN+ and Disney's strategic moves affecting broadcasting rights. It's a thrilling dive into the fierce rivalry shaping the future of sports entertainment.

11 snips
Feb 16, 2022 • 40min
ESPN vs Fox Sports | Fox Strikes Back | 4
In the intense sports broadcasting battleground of 2005, ESPN's new programming chief John Skipper is on a mission to secure broadcasting supremacy. Meanwhile, Fox Sports faces struggles as it attempts to launch its own 24-hour national sports network. The rivalry heats up with strategic shifts from both sides, as Fox seeks innovative programming to attract viewers. As ESPN and NBC vie for major event rights, the competitive landscape becomes increasingly complex, highlighting the fierce clash between these two giants in sports media.

13 snips
Feb 9, 2022 • 38min
ESPN vs Fox Sports | Best in Show | 3
As the 1990s close, ESPN races to fend off emerging rival Fox Sports, whose aggressive strategies aim to capture the cable sports market. The rivalry heats up with bold bids for NFL rights and innovative broadcasting techniques, like the virtual first down line that changes viewer experience. ESPN's programming revolution, spurred by hits like 'Pardon the Interruption,' reflects their battle for ratings. Meanwhile, Fox navigates its own challenges with regional networks, unfolding a dramatic saga in the world of sports broadcasting.

10 snips
Feb 2, 2022 • 37min
ESPN vs Fox Sports | Aussie Rules Football | 2
In the early 90s, Rupert Murdoch's Fox Network aims to disrupt American TV by acquiring NFL broadcasting rights, challenging ESPN's dominance. A pivotal lunch meeting unveils innovations like virtual billboards, hinting at the future of sports viewing. The mid-90s brings intense rivalry, as both networks employ aggressive strategies and technological advancements. Disney's acquisition of ABC throws a new twist into the competition, raising stakes for both giants during a transformative time in sports broadcasting.

11 snips
Jan 26, 2022 • 43min
ESPN vs Fox Sports | First Down | 1
Dive into the late 1970s as Bill Rasmussen dreams of a cable sports network with no resources. Tensions soar when two ESPN salesmen gear up for a life-changing debate, battling nerves and a town's dark history. Discover how ESPN defied all odds to become a 24-hour sports channel amidst fierce competition, financial struggles, and strategic negotiations. Experience the chaos and ambition behind ESPN's groundbreaking launch that reshaped sports broadcasting forever.

Jan 19, 2022 • 25min
Encore: Hershey's vs Mars | Global Chocolate Domination | 6
In a thrilling twist, Hershey faces a potential takeover, igniting a community's fight to preserve its chocolate legacy. Meanwhile, Mars is determined to become the top candy king, adding pressure on Hershey to expand globally. The battle for Cadbury intensifies with Hershey making a bold counter-offer against Kraft. As Halloween approaches, the candy giants clash over marketing strategies and market dominance. Will Hershey secure its future, or will Mars triumph in the global chocolate arena?


