As Netflix, Disney, and Apple duke it out for streaming supremacy, another platform is quietly amassing its own powerful stable of original content. Sony Pictures Television Network Chief Digital Officer and Crackle GM Eric Berger joins Cheddar to discuss standing out in the very crowded content landscape. Unlike many of its competitors, Crackle uses a free ad-supported model instead of a subscription plan.
Berger explains what Crackle calls its "connectors" demographic. The company's target audience consists of the intersection between gamers and streaming audiences. He says he greenlights content based on what will resonate most with those viewers.
The streaming world might be in store for quite the shakeup if Disney moves ahead with its planned content platform. Berger says it's too soon to tell what kind of effect the Disney/Fox deal will have on the streaming landscape. He says that any added attention and discussion surrounding digital programming is a good thing for the industry.
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Chris Ruder, Spikeball Founder and CEO, explains how he and his friends put roundnet on the global map, plus, how Spikeball helps people "find their circle."
J.W. Roth, CEO of Venu Holding Corporation, discusses the company's IPO and plans to redefine live music entertainment with their fan founded, fan-owned model.
Variety's Clayton Davis discusses why more than just the 1% are struggling after the LA fires. Plus, how awards shows will pivot to help victims. Watch!
Emily Hosie, CEO of Rebelstork, explains the concept of Returns Recommerce, plus how her company raised $18M to address the industry-wide issue of returns.