Karen Allen

Sometimes in life, you’re right on time. 😃This is why, when we started down the road to create our IBC - International Broadcasting Convention Accelerator Project: ‘Digital Replicas and Talent ID: Provenance, Verification and New Automated Workflows’ - that we knew we had the chance to articulate a solution for a very real problem: fraudulent deepfakes and unauthorized usages of Name, Image, Likeness, and Voice (NILV) of public figures. Through legislation moves like these two bills, the stage is set for the industry to come together and work out the systems and methods of protecting talent with the “4 C’s” of Consent, Control, Credit, and Compensation.

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SiriusXM reported its Q1 earnings this morning, and the headlines are justifiably focused on its loss of subscribers (nearly 500k). Like all radio, its subscription business is highly vulnerable with the move to digital audio, especially in cars. But a bright spot? If you paid attention to Spotify's earnings, you wouldn't be surprised: "off-platform revenue." For SXM, this includes Pandora and podcast revenue, which saw a 7% revenue increase. During their investor call, they signaled the growth for podcasts, explicitly saying, "Podcasting revenue saw a 22% year-over-year lift in the quarter, while programmatic podcast revenue increased 12% sequentially and 97% year over year." I'd love to see SXM break out the podcast numbers even further, but if you look at what they do provide, it's easy to conclude that podcast revenue is growing much faster than other segments. For example, Pandora continues to bleed users (64k paid subs in Q1 alone), so podcast revenue seems to be the tide lifting all "off-platform" boats. When asked about their podcast initiatives, Scott Greenstein said, "One is, you know, the podcast thing and industry is really still in the second or third inning, so it's evolving." He is 100% right. SXM also signaled that it will continue to license more podcast content and is not closing the book on exclusive content. One more fun nugget: On today's call, podcasts were mentioned 30 times. Pandora was only mentioned ten times, SmartLess nine times, and Howard Stern... zero point zero. Where do you think their priorities are moving forward? Read more: https://lnkd.in/eRQTM2Kq ---- I'm the CEO and founder of DWNLOAD Media, a fund focused on acquiring majority stakes in podcast companies. With continued audience and revenue growth, podcasting continues to be the most under-valued medium, making it time to invest in audio. If you're interested in investing in the podcast space, DM me! #podcasting #audio #siriusxm #sxm #earnings #investor #investing #podcasts

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VA Media has a smart YouTube-centric biz model. They combine premium content libraries with social AVOD distribution. HIGHLIGHTS - 20M YT subs - 26M hrs watched / month - 130M views / month They do this by buying AVOD rights to high quality Hollywood and library content. They also produce their own original content. Then they create profitable social-native O&O media brands via smart curation and audience development. Their O&O IP and licensed content can be extended to other AVOD distribution platforms, and can be monetized in a variety of ways outside YouTube Adsense. Further, they have a premium services team that can help rights holders better exploit their IP on YouTube and other socials through white-glove support. The business has a lot of growth headroom, and there's much more planned. We enjoyed working with the company's CEO Mark Ashbridge and his board. They're good people, and are asking the right quetions. If you're a rightsholder that wants to grow your audience reach and monetization through VA Media's global digital media network, they're worth a call. Or take a meeting with CEO Ash next time he's stateside (lives in AUS). -- I'm the founder of RockWater Industries. We do M&A and strategy advisory for media, agencies, and creator economy. My DMs are open.

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This is excellent news! I’m a believer in great content. Even more so, if push comes to shove, I’m camp “content pushes technology” always instead of vice versa. I know there have been a lot of “big announcements” and bold actions in the broader Metaverse/XR/VR/AR/3D, etc. space over the last few years. Especially out of the META camp. With somewhat mixed results overall. However, META keeps pushing and keeps putting money where its words are. While many others dropped out along the way. Also, this is James Cameron, after all. Probably that one “Director meets innovator”-personality leading the pack globally to unite big visions with cutting-edge entertainment technology for stories that relate to truly wide audiences. Happy weekend! #ar #vr #xr #mixedreality #3d #jamescameron #entertainment #meta #metaverse #entertainmentIP #ip https://lnkd.in/eHSGNPQB

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“Warner Music Group (WMG) CEO Robert Kyncl has come out in favor of a US Senate bill that would crack down on unauthorized deepfakes, arguing that the technology could ruin lives, reputations and businesses if left unchecked. Although many in the music business are embracing AI, it’s also the case that “generative AI is appropriating artists’ identities and producing deepfakes that depict people doing, saying, or singing things that never happened,” Kyncl will tell a subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Commitee on Tuesday (April 30). “Through AI, it is very easy for someone to impersonate me and cause all manner of havoc,” Kyncl said, according to his pre-prepared remarks shared with MBW. “They could speak to an artist in a way that could destroy our relationship. They could say untrue things about our publicly traded company to the media that would damage our business.” #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Legal #GenerativeAi #GeAi #Music #MusicBusiness #Musicians #Musica #MusicIndustry #Musique #Musik #MusicLicensing #WMG #MusicVideos #Artists #MusicBiz #Streaming #StreamingServices #StreamingMedia #WarnerMusicGroup #USCongress #USA

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“In 2022, the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) accepted a (near) music industry-wide settlement to improve songwriters’ streaming royalty rates in the United States from January 1, 2023. The settlement – known as ‘Phonorecords IV’ or ‘CRB IV’ – will see songwriters and music publishers paid a headline rate of 15.35% of a given interactive streaming service’s US revenue by 2027. That rate is being ‘phased in’, because ‘Phonorecords IV’ covers the five-year period between 2023 and 2027: In 2023 (starting January 1), songwriters and music publishers were to be paid a headline rate of 15.1% of a US service’s revenue; in 2024, this increased to 15.2%; in 2025, it will increase to 15.25%; in 2026 it will increase to 15.3%; and in 2027 it will reach 15.35%. The deal also included a number of changes to other components of the rate, including increases to the per-subscriber minimums and the “Total Content Costs (TCC)” calculations which reflect the rates that services pay to record labels.” #Spotify #NMPA #Streaming #Legal #StreamingRoyalties #Royalties #RecordedMusic #StreamingServices #StreamingMedia #MusicStreams #MusicRoyalties #Songs #Recordings #US #Music #MusicBusiness #Musica #MusicIndustry #Musique #Musik #MusicBiz #Songwriters #MusicPublishing #RecordLabels

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Ziff Davis acquired CNET for over $100M. The new owner is betting on more digital M&A with its $670M warchest. That price is down from $1.8B CBS paid for it in 2008. And $500M current owner Red Ventures paid for it in 2020. Let’s break it down👇 ---SELLER: CNET--- • Tech news and reviews site • Drives traffic via SEO • Monetizes via affiliate links • 38M visitors in Jun 2024 • Launched 1994 ---M&A HISTORY: CNET--- • 2002 CNET Networks acquired tech publisher Ziff-Davis Inc. (different co) and ZDNet for $1.6B • 2008 CBS acquired CNET Networks for $1.8B • 2020 Red Ventures acquired CNET for $500M ---SELLER OWNER: Red Ventures--- • PE-backed marketing-turned-media company • Provides client services, owns brands, makes investments • Portfolio incl Bankrate, Lonely Planet, Points Guy, others ---BUYER: Ziff Davis--- • Vertically focused digital media and internet company • Brands incl PCMag, Mashable, IGN, Retailmenot, Lifehacker • 2010 CEO led buyout of ZD w/ Great Hill Partners • 2012 ZD sold to J2 Global, went on M&A spree • Founded 1927 as mag publisher ---FINANCIALS: Ziff Davis--- Stock price as of 10:10AM ET on 8.12… • Stock price: $41.64 • Mkt Cap: $2B • Down 38% YTD • Down 39% YoY 1H 2024 financials as of 6.30.24... • Revenue: Up 0.3% to $635M • Adj EBITDA: Down 2% to $197M • Adj EBITDA margin: Down 0.7 pps to 31% • FCF: Down 27% to $73M • C&CE: $687M ---DEAL DETAILS--- • Undisclosed • Will close in 3Q 2024 ---DEAL VALUE PROP--- • Audience is attractive to tech advertisers • Target consumers/businesses navigating tech/telecom purchases • Part of ZD digital media rollup strategy ---WHAT ELSE I FIND INTERESTING--- I'll write more about the deal in my newsetter this Friday. I'm curous to dig into financial performance trend of Ziff Davis, which we can see in public filings. Of note, its 1H 2024 performance has declined VS 1H 2023. Wonder what the key macro VS micro drivers are. I want to better understand viability of its digital media rollup strategy, and future M&A strategy, particuarly since it has $670M of cash on hand and CEO Vivek Shah said he wants to keep doing deals. --- I'm the founder of RockWater Industries. We do M&A and strategy advisory for media, agencies, and creator economy. My DMs are open.

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Music Distribution is facing a serious challenge: Rampant fraud that undermines artists & legitimate rights holders Universal Music Group's $500M lawsuit against Believe & TuneCore exemplifies ongoing problems of large-scale copyright infringement (i.e. profiting off unlicensed content). It also showcases a bigger systemic failure — lack of quality control & accountability. While many DIY distro platforms have helped democratize artist access, it's also a breeding ground for bad actors to thrive. Music's rapid digital evolution demands more robust safeguards, checks & balance, & protections on IP rights & holders. This is ONLY path to clean up & foster a music ecosystem that protects & rewards artist creativity. #ArtistRights #MusicIndustry #CopyrightProtection #Accountability #MusicDistribution cc: George Karalexis

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Captivating Script for Sparkx TV Instagram Reel Dialogue Imagine having an entire world of entertainment at your fingertips for just $24.99 a year. Introducing Sparkx TV on Roku – your ultimate low-cost entertainment solution! Whether you love binge-watching series, exploring new recipes, or enjoying free music videos, Sparkx TV has got you covered. We're passionate about helping small businesses and saving you money. With Sparkx TV, you'll find incredible meal prep ideas that won't break the bank. Picture this: delicious, budget-friendly meals your whole family will love. Plus, let your kids enjoy our fun and educational Kids Corner – all for free! And it doesn't stop there. Rock out with our free music video channel and radio – perfect for any mood or occasion. Why pay more when you can get all this entertainment value for just $24.99 a year? Sparkx TV is more than just a streaming service. It's a community supporting small businesses and savvy savers like you. Ready to transform your entertainment experience? Subscribe to Sparkx TV on Roku today and see the difference. Say goodbye to high subscription fees and hello to premium content at a fraction of the cost. Join us, and discover new favorites without the financial strain. Don't just take our word for it. Experience it yourself! Remember, at Sparkx TV, we're all about high-quality entertainment at an unbeatable price. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Sparkx TV now. Head over to Roku and subscribe today for just $24.99 a year. Entertainment, savings, and so much more – all in one place. Sparkx TV – your gateway to endless entertainment. Make the smart choice and join our growing community of satisfied viewers. We can't wait for you to see what we have in store. Subscribe now and let Sparkx TV brighten your days. Whether it’s cooking, music, or family fun, we’ve got something for everyone. Sparkx TV – where entertainment meets affordability. Stream smarter. Save bigger. Enjoy better. Can't wait to have you on board! Ideas for Visuals Start with a vibrant, eye-catching animation of the Sparkx TV logo. Clips of various TV shows, movies, and cooking programs available on Sparkx TV. Visuals of mouth-watering meals being prepared efficiently. Kids engaging with educational and fun content. Snippets of captivating music videos and radio snippets. Close-up shots of Roku interface with Sparkx TV being highlighted. Animated text highlighting "Only $24.99 a year!" and "Subscribe Now!" End with testimonials or satisfied customer reviews. Ideas for Captions Discover endless entertainment for just $24.99/year with Sparkx TV on Roku. Ready to save money while enjoying premium content? #SubscribeNow Transform your TV experience with small business support and budget-friendly options. Dive into delicious recipes, kids' fun, and free music – all in one subscription. Why pay more? Get Sparkx TV for unbeatable entertainment value! Image options

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My Journey: The Pursuit of Credibility and Reality I thought UCLA would be a crucial stepping stone in my pursuit of credibility as a Latina screenwriter. With years of hard work and some excellent credits in the industry, I believed an MFA in Film, TV, and Digital Media would validate my experience and allow me to teach in a university setting what I knew firsthand as an accredited professional writer. Enrolling was fueled by hope; I envisioned a collaborative, nurturing environment filled with colleagues who had industry experience like mine. Instead, I found myself in a program marked by favoritism, mediocrity, and a lack of resources. Professors, wrapped in their own sense of entitlement, spent more time tooting their own horns than mentoring aspiring filmmakers. The result? My work went unsupported and unnoticed, leaving me feeling alienated in a space where I thought I would find community. Graduating with my MFA brought a wave of profound disappointment. I emerged without the professional confidence I once had and—worse still—unemployed. The degree that was supposed to open doors felt like an expensive piece of paper that did little to advance my career. After years of struggling with the fallout from this experience, I reached out to the Department of Education to share how UCLA’s failure to deliver on its promises had detrimental effects on my career. Ultimately, my loans were discharged due to "university misconduct." However, this small victory left me grappling with lingering questions: Where did this leave me, and how would I move forward? Through this process, I realized my journey wasn’t about seeking validation from an institution; it was about reclaiming my narrative. While UCLA failed to provide the credibility I sought, I refused to let it define my worth. I’m carving my own path, driven by the stories only I can tell. My journey continues—authentic, unapologetic, and on my terms—as I remain dedicated to teaching in a university setting, eager to share the lessons I’ve learned along the way and empower future storytellers with the knowledge I gained through years of hard work and experience in the industry.

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If you love video games, you need to watch my cityCURRENT show interview with Matthew Hooper, Managing Partner with IME Law, a division of Immix Law Group, who shares his background and focus in overseeing the firm’s entertainment, interactive and immersive media, and artificial intelligence divisions. As Managing Partner of Immix’s IME Law division, Matthew represents some of the most prolific video game creators and development companies in the industry, as well as developers and financiers of XR technology and content. When Forbes magazine recently listed the Top 20 Best-Selling Video Games of the Last Decade, Matthew’s clients topped the list – in fact, he represents the Lead Producer and Lead Designer of the #1 game of the past decade, and the Lead Director, Lead Writer and Lead Designer of the #2 and #3 games of the past decade. Matt also represents several developers and licensees of video games based on traditional IP, such as the Bond 007, Harry Potter, Matrix, DC Comics and similar franchises. Matt has led deal negotiations for developers opposite all major game publishers, including Sony, Microsoft, Bandai Namco, EA, Epic, and several others. In addition, Matt has represented game developers and UGC creators in negotiations with large brand partners, such as the NFL, Mattel, Hasbro, Viacom, Disney, WMG and several Fortune 100 companies During the interview, Matthew talks about the process of developing and publishing and distributing video games, how the business and business model for the video game industry is evolving, and some of the major trends shaping the industry with AI, user generated content, and augmented and virtual reality. He also talks about the power and potential of games for good, and shares some examples of how video games are improving learning outcomes, helping to solve complex challenges and even re-train the brain to help people who are paralyzed regain movement. https://lnkd.in/dkgADQnb #videogames #ai #virtualrealty #vr #gaming #law #interactivemedia #powertheGOOD #tvshow #radioshow #videogametrends #videogamebusiness #immersivemedia

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