Here are the editor's top picks for the week.
Analysis: Diversifying distribution, content key for Spotify to compete
Spotify AB must expand on its core business to stave off competitive threats from tech giants and reach profitability in the wake of its parent company Spotify Technology SA's planned initial public offering, industry observers said. The European company's hyper-focus on music is a weak spot compared to larger, more diversified competitors like Apple Inc. Analysts suggested that Spotify should look to both new distribution and content initiatives to propel it to a more sustainable place in the industry.
Data Dispatch: Analysts debate meaning of Cable One's slowed broadband sub growth
Although investors like the high margins of Cable One Inc.'s residential broadband service, the cable operator's tepid subscriber growth at the end of 2017 has some analysts wondering whether those margins have gotten too high for consumers. Cable One — a top 10 cable operator in the U.S. with roughly 800,000 customers across 21 states — is perhaps best known for its 2012 decision to prioritize its residential high-speed data and business services over its pay TV video product.
Analysis: Blocked Broadcom deal highlights questions around government's 5G role
The tension over the government's role in 5G was highlighted after U.S. President Donald Trump barred Singapore-based Broadcom Ltd. from acquiring the U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm Inc. Promoting the deployment and security of 5G has become a national priority for policymakers, but industry observers are torn over how to balance risks posed by governmental overreach against those of governmental inaction.
Crown Media revamps programming department as production expands, diversifies
The operator of Hallmark Channel (US) and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries (US) promoted several development and casting executives and created a new production position to help with budgeting and to secure more locations to diversify its film shoots. Its original movie roster grow from 75 in 2016 to 85 last year and is scheduled to hit 90 in 2018, said Michelle Vicary, executive vice president of programming and network publicity for Crown Media Family Networks.
Advertising in 'March Madness' tourney reaches 95% sell-through levels
Executives at CBS Sports and Turner Broadcasting System Inc.'s Turner Sports said rights-holders retain inventory to capitalize on advertisers looking to bolster their schedules or gain last-minute entry into college basketball tournament. Now entering their eighth year of covering the 67-game tourney together, the March Madness teammates always hold some inventory in reserve to capitalize on advertisers that might be interested in putting together a late package or supplement an extant schedule.
