Ankler Agenda

Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media who runs CTV and Crave, shares stories from creating the global hit Heated Rivalry and protecting its Canadian authenticity. He discusses why the show connects worldwide, Crave’s growth and product moves, and a contrarian take on industry consolidation that sees new opportunities for entrepreneurs and mid-sized players.

Disney names a parks chief as its new top leader and the team unpacks who he is and why fans care. They map how theme-park growth, pricing and tech and AI could shape the company’s future. A top TV and film executive gets an expanded role and pay talk sparks debate about power and creative influence. Betting markets and Super Bowl wagers get a lively detour.

Ben Meiselas, co-founder and CEO of MeidasTouch and host of the Midas Touch podcast, built a large independent progressive media network focused on on-the-ground reporting. He discusses legal risks for reporters, reactions to DOJ actions and press freedom, strategies for deep-dive and decentralized reporting, audience building across platforms, and why legacy news is losing trust.

A fast-paced breakdown of Disney’s looming CEO succession and why the process has dragged on. Conversations about AI, production shifts, and the Netflix-Warner merger reshaping strategy. Close looks at Dana Walden’s creative clout and Josh D’Amaro’s parks chops. Debate over co-CEO models and board strategy as timing and Iger’s future hang in the balance.

The discussion dives into the challenges of discovering new stars in today's fragmented media landscape. Insights from casting directors reveal how they identified breakout talents for the show 'Heated Rivalry.' Predictions for future stars, including names like Marisa Abela and Maya Hawke, spark lively debates. The hosts also explore how platforms like Snapchat are nurturing creators. Plus, the latest on the WBD-Netflix merger and some light-hearted talk about betting strategies for talk shows makes for an engaging listen!

Katey Rich, an entertainment journalist and commentator at Prestige Junkie, joins to discuss the controversial integration of Polymarket at the Golden Globes. She describes the shock and outrage from attendees over the betting visuals, calling it 'incredibly tacky.' The conversation dives into the gamification of entertainment, tracing its evolution from call-in shows to today's live voting and betting. Ethical concerns about gambling in media are raised, questioning the impact on decorum and viewer engagement in the era of interactive television.

Matthew Frank, a journalist and Gen Z correspondent for The Ankler, sheds light on Hollywood's so-called exodus during a crucial discussion. He unveils the intricacies of prediction markets with MoviePass, where participants can bet on everything from Oscar outcomes to Netflix rankings. The conversation also dives into LA's ongoing recovery post-fires, exploring the economic impact and migration trends affecting creatives. Plus, Richard Rushfield outlines six pivotal factors that could shape the future of the entertainment industry in 2026.

The hosts dive into the trends sparking hope for 2026, celebrating the resilience of TV and the growth of the creator economy. They discuss how the 2023 strikes accelerated Hollywood's downturn rather than causing it. The trio weighs in on which dead streaming services deserve a revival—Elaine longs for early Hulu, while Natalie reminisces about niche comedy options. They also tackle YouTube's potential for live-event rights, suggesting golf and tennis. Finally, excitement brews for must-watch shows and films in the coming years!

Shana Naomi Krochmal, executive producer at Ankler Agenda, dives into the impact of fandoms and niche audiences on Hollywood's successes this year. She highlights how devoted fan bases drive crossover hits and praises organic word-of-mouth marketing. Shana also critiques Lionsgate for mismanaging the release of She Rides Shotgun despite its strong reviews. This engaging conversation covers Netflix's triumphs, the rise of YouTube, and the challenges faced by traditional media—all wrapped up in a holiday celebration of wins and losses.

Join Lia Haberman, a writer known for her In Case You Missed It newsletter, and Natalie Jarvey as they recap the wild world of the creator economy in 2025. They discuss the mainstream rise of creators, from MrBeast's Hollywood ventures to Ms. Rachel's Netflix success. Dive into YouTube's transformation into a TV platform and the exciting evolution of live creator content. The duo also awards playful superlatives and critiques tone-deaf brand stunts, all while contemplating the future of creators in Hollywood.