The Media Odyssey

Simon Farnsworth, CTO at ITV, and Adde Granberg, CTO at SVT, join the discussion on transforming public broadcasting. They emphasize the shift from merely 'doing' digital to 'being' digital, highlighting the cultural challenges faced by legacy broadcasters against tech giants. The duo explores how generative AI, cloud workflows, and 5G can revolutionize content production. They advocate for embracing platforms like YouTube and TikTok to connect with audiences, stressing the importance of a creator-first mindset and agile, software-driven production methods.

In a special episode recorded live from IBC in Amsterdam, the Media Odyssey Podcast brings together hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet with Whale TV’s Teresa Lopez and Chris Hock. Once a white-label operating system hidden inside millions of TVs, Whale TV has rebranded and stepped into the spotlight. The discussion dives into the shifting economics of TV hardware, why operating systems are now the key battleground for audience attention, and how Whale TV’s profit-sharing model, Whale TV Profit Sharing, offers a different path than big tech rivals.The group also explores broader industry themes—from Europe’s need for greater collaboration, to the generational divides slowing change, to the critical role of user experience in Connected TV.Key Takeaways:From White Label to Global BrandFormerly known as Zeasn, Whale TV powered tens of millions of smart TVs without consumers even knowing. With 44M monthly active TVs worldwide, Whale TV has rebranded to claim its space, offering not just a Connected TV OS but also Whale TV Plus, a FAST service integrated directly into the home screen.Whale Profit Sharing (WPS)Instead of charging TV makers upfront, Whale TV gives its OS away for free and shares revenue on the backend. OEM partners get cash bounties upfront and recurring revenue streams as advertising and subscriptions flow in. This partnership model contrasts sharply with big tech’s “take it all” approach.Advertising at the Heart of the Living RoomWhale TV positions the TV home screen, and the living room as a whole, as the most valuable real estate in media. With innovative ad formats—pause ads, L-shapes, and integrated discovery units—it promises advertisers premium inventory without breaking the viewer experience. Categories from luxury goods to QSRs are already leaning in.4. Collaboration vs. FragmentationBoth hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro and Whale TV execs stress that the industry suffers from too many competing OS platforms and a lack of collaboration. Whether across generations, broadcasters, or tech providers, success will depend on cooperation, shared standards, and smarter creative—not just piling on new players.Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcastTeresa Lopez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-alonso-l%C3%B3pez-4a22bb94/Chris Hock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishock/Whale TV: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whaletv/ (00:00) - Introduction to Media Odyssey Podcast (00:08) - What is IBC? (00:56) - Marianne's IBC Experience (01:36) - Generational Divide in Media (04:59) - The Affinity Economy (06:15) - Redefining Broadcasting (07:35) - Introduction to Whale TV (08:03) - Whale TV's White Label Journey (09:44) - The Shift to Streaming (11:39) - Whale TV's Business Model (19:48) - Whale TV Plus Explained (21:59) - Advertisers and Connected TV Challenges (22:32) - Whale TV's Unique Advertising Opportunities (23:59) - Emerging Advertising Categories (25:34) - Balancing User Experience and Monetization (26:03) - Innovative Ad Formats (29:25) - Global Reach and Collaboration (30:56) - Industry Challenges and Future Directions (36:41) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

After raising $55M in commitments in just 18 days, Angel is ringing the bell on Wall Street and the three founding brothers come on this special episode of The Media Odyssey Podcast for the first time ever! In this episode, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet sit down with the Harmon brothers—Neal, Jeff, and Jordan, founders of Angel—to explore how they’ve turned an outsider’s vision into one of the most disruptive forces in global entertainment. What started as a family-driven mission to create values-based content has evolved into a studio powered by its audience, financed by its community, and structured to give creators a fairer share of success.The conversation unpacks Angel’s radically different approach to greenlighting, where fans—not executives—decide which films and series move forward. It dives into how the studio has managed to outperform industry peers at the box office without relying on nine-figure budgets, and how its data-driven distribution gives it a marketing edge even the majors haven’t built. Along the way, the Harmons share why they believe cinema is still central to culture, how Angel is preparing to go public under ticker ANGX, and what a future of truly community-owned media could look like.Key Takeaways: TakeawaysTakeawaysGoing Public TodayAngel officially lists under ticker ANGX, marking a major milestone in its journey from a community-funded experiment to a fully public studio. This IPO signals not just growth, but the next step in building a media company owned and guided by its audience, with a model that blends traditional box office, streaming, and fan-driven funding.From Fans to GatekeepersAngel’s 1.5M+ Guild members vote on which projects get made, flipping the Hollywood power structure on its head. This audience-led model ensures that projects are chosen by the very people most likely to support them, resulting in a slate that consistently resonates and drives strong audience scores.Sustainable Box Office HitsWith $416M in box office revenue from just 12 films, Angel is outperforming competitors like A24 on a per-film basis. Instead of chasing tentpole blockbusters, they’ve built a strategy around steady, profitable “base hits” in the $5M–$30M range—proof that community support and precision marketing can rival studio scale.A Fairer Deal for CreatorsAngel offers filmmakers a two-thirds profit share, transparent reporting, and no hidden fees. By rejecting Hollywood’s opaque accounting and Netflix’s cost-plus model, Angel has created an environment where efficiency is rewarded and creators share directly in the upside of their work.Data as a SuperpowerThrough direct integrations with 90% of U.S. exhibitors, Angel gets real-time box office data—something no other studio has secured. This allows them to target only the audiences most likely to engage, cutting waste and maximizing impact. It’s a technological edge that turns limited budgets into outsized results.TMO listeners can receive 20% off Angel's subscription streaming service! http://www.angel.com/TheMediaOdysseyRead much more about Angel HERE. Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcastNeal Harmon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealharmon/Jeff Harmon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyharmon/Jordan Harmon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanharmon/ (00:00) - Introduction to the Media Odyssey Podcast (00:12) - Spotlight on Angel (00:35) - Marion's First Encounter with Angel (00:51) - The Future of Independent Film (01:30) - How Angel Came to the Podcast (02:08) - Meet the Founders of Angel (02:50) - The Origin Story of Angel (04:14) - From Marketing to Media: The Early Days (08:05) - Crowdfunding and Community Building (10:00) - The Angel Guild and Audience Involvement (11:03) - Innovative Fundraising and Distribution Strategies (18:04) - Building a Tech-Driven Media Platform (20:03) - Empowering Employees and Encouraging Innovation (24:37) - The Wisdom of the Guild: Audience-Driven Content (29:59) - Box Office Success and Data-Driven Decisions (35:07) - The Importance of Theaters in Cultural Conversations (35:57) - The Power of Community in Cinema (36:27) - Theater vs. Streaming: A Unique Experience (37:33) - Angel's Release Strategy (38:30) - Subscription and Membership Benefits (39:29) - Series and Future Projects (41:41) - Going Public: The Journey and Vision (51:19) - Innovative Filmmaking Model (58:14) - International Expansion and Future Plans (01:03:07) - Conclusion and Reflections

Welcome back to the Media Odyssey Podcast!In the first episode of Season 2, hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro return from summer break to unpack the biggest stories shaping the media landscape on both sides of the Atlantic. They cover everything from NBCUniversal’s cable spin-off and MSNBC rebrand, to European consolidation led by MFE and ProSiebenSat.1, and the growing dominance of YouTube on TV screens. They also examine Roku’s pivot into subscription video and debate who should take the reins as Channel 4’s next CEO.Key Takeaways:1. NBCUniversal’s Strategy VacuumEvan critiques Comcast/NBCUniversal’s decision to spin off cable networks into a new entity, Versant, and rebrand MSNBC as “MSNow”—calling it mismanaged, brand-confusing, and emblematic of leadership by “nepo babies” failing upwards. He recalls their costly misstep with The Office and Netflix, underscoring the company’s lack of coherent long-term strategy.“Nepo baby” is shorthand for industry leaders who inherit power or rise through connections rather than merit. In this case, Evan points to executives like Comcast CEO Brian Roberts as examples of privilege trumping strategy.2. The “Kill List” Era of Media LayoffsAt Paramount, new president Jeff Shell used the term “kill list” to describe a planned round of 3,000 layoffs. Evan calls this emblematic of poor leadership, where executives fail upward while employees bear the brunt of their mistakes. Marion and Evan stress that professionals must prepare for disruption by owning their personal brands on platforms like LinkedIn and being ready to pivot careers.3. European Media Consolidation AcceleratesMarion highlights MFE’s (Media for Europe) successful bid to take majority control of ProSiebenSat.1. This move positions MFE as a pan-European broadcaster across Italy, Spain, and Germany. While cultural differences and political scrutiny present execution challenges, the consolidation trend mirrors moves in the U.S. and could expand further to markets like the UK and France.4. YouTube’s Growing Share of TV ViewingYouTube now accounts for 13.5% of all U.S. television viewing, surpassing Disney and closing in on broadcast combined. In the UK, BARB’s first YouTube channel measurement shows Peppa Pig leading, with MrBeast also ranking high. The hosts debate whether YouTube should be seen as “TV” and stress that broadcasters must adapt and embrace YouTube as a distribution and monetization platform rather than resisting it.5. Roku Experiments with Subscription VideoRoku has launched a low-cost $3 SVOD alongside its free Roku Channel, a diversification play as advertising headwinds grow. The hosts note that much of the content overlaps with free offerings, raising questions about strategy, but agree it reflects the need for multi-revenue models in today’s market.6. Who Should Lead Channel 4?With CEO Alex Mahon stepping down, Marion and Evan propose successors ranging from internal candidate Jonathan Allan to YouTube leaders Pedro Pina and Alison Lomax, as well as BBC’s Jasmine Dawson. Their picks emphasize the need for a digital-native, next-generation leader to future-proof Channel 4.Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast (00:00) - Introduction to Season Two (00:03) - Summer News Highlights (00:57) - YouTube's Rising Dominance (01:33) - Channel Four's Leadership Vacancy (02:07) - Welcome Back to the Media Odyssey Podcast (02:46) - Summer Break Recap (03:29) - Upcoming Events and Presentations (05:24) - Exciting Season Ahead (06:17) - MSNBC Rebranding Discussion (14:52) - European Media Consolidation (21:22) - YouTube's Television Impact (25:17) - YouTube TV's Impact on Traditional Networks (25:41) - Predictions for YouTube's Future Dominance (26:17) - The Role of YouTube in the Media Ecosystem (28:18) - Barb's Measurement of YouTube Channels (31:54) - Challenges and Opportunities for Advertisers on YouTube (37:11) - Roku's Evolution and Strategy (40:20) - Speculations on Channel 4's Next CEO (45:42) - Podcast Wrap-Up and Future Plans

Some quotes are memorable because they’re insightful, others because they come on a tin coffee cup.Welcome to the season finale of The Media Odyssey Podcast, where hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro close out season one by sharing their last favorite clips – and the behind-the-scenes stories that came with them. From public spats with self-aware CEOs to surprising platform performance data and perfectly ripe metaphors, this episode is both a celebration of what they’ve learned and a preview of what’s next.A sendoff for a season that redefined how we think about creators, broadcasters, platforms, and the future of television.Key Takeaways:1. Trade Desk’s OS Play Was the Curveball of the YearMarion and Evan revisit their early skepticism about The Trade Desk’s Ventura OS – a move that felt like a left-field land grab. But after a live episode at StreamTV with Ventura chief Matthew Henick, Marion admits she’s convinced. The takeaway: even the boldest tech plays can make sense when they challenge broken systems.2. CBC Proved YouTube and Public Broadcasting Can CoexistPaul McGrath of CBC shares how prioritizing long-form YouTube content not only grew audience and watch time, but surprisingly lifted engagement on their owned streaming service. His key stat: 20% of their content (20+ mins) now drives nearly half of total usage.3. Connected TV Is Fueling Long-Form GrowthWith up to 50% of CBC’s watch time now coming from connected TVs, the myth that YouTube means short-form is unraveling. Long-form is thriving, especially in living room contexts—and for public broadcasters, it’s creating younger, distinct audiences.4. The Loch Ness Monster of Cannibalization Isn’t RealPaul McGrath debunks the long-standing fear that publishing full episodes on YouTube cannibalizes streaming services. The data showed the opposite: cross-platform release boosted both. As Evan puts it, “Everyone talks about it, but no one’s ever seen it.”5. FAST in Europe Has Hit Peak RipenessIn a metaphor that instantly stuck, Ryan Afsha of LG Ads likens the European FAST market to an avocado: “Not yet, not yet, not yet... eat me now, too late.” According to him, 2025 is the sweet spot for content owners and advertisers alike. The window is open and the ecosystem is aligned.Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (00:46) - Favorite Clips of the Season (01:25) - Trade Desk Controversy (03:05) - Matthew Hannick's Perspective (08:07) - Paul McGrath and CBC's Digital Transformation (10:13) - Impact of Long-Form Content on YouTube (14:10) - Cannibalization Myth Debunked (17:57) - Final Thoughts and Season 2 Teaser

Anil Malhotra, founder at Bango, shares insights on the booming subscription economy, revealing how younger audiences now bundle payments across various services, not just entertainment. Jasmine Dawson, a senior executive at BBC Studios, discusses the shift from vanity metrics to deeper engagement through fandom-driven KPIs, emphasizing a creator mindset for legacy studios. Together, they explore the convergence of tech and content, tackling issues like discovery fatigue that affects audience retention in today’s rapidly changing media landscape.

Dhar Mann, an innovative entrepreneur and creator behind Dhar Mann Studios, shares his journey of building a content empire from the ground up. He dives into the emotional depth of storytelling, explaining how vulnerability influences his scripts. Dhar discusses the importance of data-driven production, A/B testing, and scaling a creative team while retaining a scrappy mindset. He also explores the benefits of multi-platform distribution and offers valuable advice for creators to embrace their struggles and approach their work like a business.

Pedro Pina, Vice President of YouTube EMEA, shares his expertise on the evolving landscape of media and creators. He discusses how traditional brands are shifting from questioning the value of partnering with creators to focusing on collaboration strategies. Pina reveals insights about YouTube's evolving Partner Sales Program and its challenges, emphasizing better training for creators. He also highlights the growing trend of YouTube content on television and why understanding audience engagement is key to the future of both creators and brands.

Welcome to a special edition of The Media Odyssey Podcast from the buzzing beachfront of Cannes Lions! Hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro explore the collision of traditional media, streaming giants, and the creator economy in an environment buzzing with brand activations and bold narratives. With viewership migrating to digital but ad dollars lagging behind, the episode dives into how media organizations are rethinking measurement, monetization, and storytelling.They’re joined by three influential voices leading that transformation: Jasmine Dawson, SVP Digital at BBC Studios; Kiell Smith-Bynoe, actor on Ghosts and digital-native performer; and Amelia Dimoldenberg, creator of Chicken Shop Date and founder of Dimz Inc. Each brings a unique perspective on how legacy brands, emerging talent, and creator-first studios are navigating the fast-changing content and advertising landscape.It’s a candid, energetic discussion about creator influence, IP ownership, and the evolving rules of engagement across platforms.Key Takeaways:1. Fandom is the KPI That Matters BBC Studios has redefined success around fandom, not just views—focusing on watch time, user-generated content (UGC), sentiment, and engagement to drive deeper audience value and commercial return.2. Thinking Like a Creator Drives Growth With hits like Bluey, BBC Studios is behaving more like a creator: producing platform-native content, partnering with creators, and customizing formats across YouTube, TikTok, and TV—resulting in a 110% YoY revenue jump.3. Owning IP is a Power Move Amelia Dimoldenberg built Chicken Shop Date independently after being rejected by broadcasters. By keeping full control of her brand and monetizing separately, she turned it into a cultural touchstone and launched her own production company.4. Creators Aren’t Just Influencers—They’re Partners BBC Studios’ Talent Works program reflects a shift from hiring creators as ad vehicles to co-creating content with them. This partnership model fuels authentic storytelling and long-term brand growth.5. The Creator Economy Is Equal (or Superior) to Traditional TV Whether it's Chicken Shop Date, improv tours, or digital-first IP expansions, creators are proving their work is just as professional, strategic, and impactful as broadcast content—often with more cultural relevance and flexibility.Thank you Jasmine Dawson for joining the pod!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminesdawson/?originalSubdomain=uk Thank you Kiell Smith-Bynoe for joining the pod!Thank you Amelia Dimoldenberg for joining the pod!https://www.youtube.com/@AmeliaDimoldenberg Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (00:31) - First Impressions of Cannes Lions (01:04) - The Significance of Major Activations (02:27) - The Streaming Ecosystem and Advertising (04:12) - The Creator Economy and Big Brands (06:31) - BBC Studios' Approach to Content Creation (07:05) - Interview with Yasmin Docent from BBC Studios (10:59) - Bluey's Success and Future Plans (12:45) - The Importance of Fandom Metrics (21:01) - Talent Works and Creator Collaborations (22:04) - Interview with Kayel Smith Bino (22:45) - Discovering the Festival Vibe (23:21) - Snapchat Party Highlights (23:49) - From BBC Projects to Global Hits (24:36) - Navigating TV and Digital Worlds (26:29) - Advice for Aspiring Creators (26:55) - Improv Comedy and Future Projects (28:27) - The Journey of Chicken Shop Date (33:53) - Building a Brand and Production Company (38:41) - Debunking Myths About Creators (39:43) - Closing Remarks and Farewell

Welcome to a special edition of The Media Odyssey Podcast from the heart of the Croisette at Cannes Lions! Hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro dive into the evolving mood and key narratives emerging from the industry’s most vibrant gathering. From linear TV’s staying power in Europe to the acceleration of addressable advertising and first-party data, they set the stage for a candid, high-energy conversation on the state of the market.Joining them are two major voices shaping media’s future: Dan Callahan, newly appointed SVP and CRO at Spectrum Reach, and Dave Campanelli, President of Global Investments at Horizon Media. The group unpacks the dominance of sports in the upfronts, the murky waters of multi-currency measurement, and how AI is transforming both creative and campaign performance. It’s a sharp, forward-looking dialogue about attention, collaboration, and the tectonic shifts reshaping how we define effectiveness in a converging media world.Key Takeaways:1. Sports is the Anchor of Upfronts Sports content is driving upfront media buys more than ever, with brands aggressively securing placements around high-impact events like the Super Bowl well ahead of schedule.2. Multi-Currency Measurement is a Work-in-ProgressThe transition away from a single dominant currency (Nielsen) toward a fragmented, multi-currency ecosystem is proving complex and inconsistent. A lack of sell-side standardization remains a major hurdle to scalable adoption.3. Creative + Context = Future of TV AdvertisingWith AI accelerating creative production and optimization, there's growing emphasis on aligning ad tone and mood with surrounding content. Matching emotional context is becoming a new frontier for premium video advertising effectiveness.4. The Programmatic Model is Under Pressure As CTV gains ground, legacy programmatic models—filled with intermediaries and "ad tech tax"—are being questioned. With a more finite set of publishers, buyers are increasingly seeking direct, data-rich relationships. Thank you Dan Callahan for joining the pod!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-callahan-28956015Thank you Dave Campanelli for joining the pod!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-campanelli-b9b39464/Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (00:39) - First Impressions of Cannes Lion (01:37) - News Highlights and Industry Insights (02:53) - Guest Introductions (03:53) - Discussion on Upfronts and Sports Dominance (04:48) - The Currency Question and Multicurrency World (14:53) - Creative Matters and AI in Advertising (19:05) - Contextual and Mood-Based Advertising (23:13) - Future Trends and Programmatic Overhaul (25:13) - Conclusion and Farewell