The Town with Matthew Belloni

Latest Episodes:

The New Netflix (With Ads!) and How to Get People Back In Theaters Apr 25, 2022

Show notes

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss what an ad-supported tier on Netflix would look like, as well as what the company would need to change about its business and data-gathering practices to do so. Then they are joined by the head of research at Fanthropology, Kris Longfield, to talk about a new study on the growing divide in the public's interest in returning to movie theaters.

Host: Matt Belloni

Guests: Lucas Shaw and Kris Longfield

Producer: Craig Horlbeck

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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Why the Late Night Talk Show Is Dead, and ‘SNL’ After Lorne Apr 21, 2022

Show notes

Matt is joined by longtime media reporter Bill Carter to talk about Jon Stewart’s struggling talk show on Apple+, why the modern late night talk show isn’t working, and what these shows mean to their respective networks. Later they predict when Lorne Michaels will step down from 'SNL,' who will replace him, and what the cast will look like next year.

Host: Matt Belloni

Guest: Bill Carter

Producer: Craig Horlbeck

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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Netflix’s Crash and the Company's Future in Streaming Apr 20, 2022

Show notes

Matt is joined by media analyst Rich Greenfield to discuss Netflix’s subscriber loss and subsequent stock plunge, the company's inability to make long-lasting hits, its claim that it will crack down on password sharing, its potential addition of a cheaper, ad-supported service, and whether its run of streaming dominance is finally over.

Host: Matt Belloni

Guest: Rich Greenfield

Producer: Craig Horlbeck

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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Coachella’s Dominance, and Why You Are Paying More Than Ever for Concert Tickets Apr 18, 2022

Show notes

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss why concert ticket prices have never been higher, as well as a historic stretch for live music sales across the globe. Later, they discuss Coachella’s gradual transition into a more pop-focused festival, including predictions for 2023 and how it chooses its artists.

Host: Matt Belloni

Guest: Lucas Shaw

Producer: Craig Horlbeck

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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Is Rupert Murdoch the Most Dangerous Man in the World? Apr 14, 2022

Show notes

Matt is joined by New York Times writer at large Jim Rutenberg to discuss CNN+’s ‘The Murdochs: Empire of Influence,' including Rupert Murdoch’s prominence in media, his relationship to Donald Trump, the inter-dynamics of the Murdoch family, their relation to HBOs 'Succession,' and more.

Host: Matt Belloni

Guest: Jim Rutenberg

Producer: Craig Horlbeck

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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Film Producer Neal Moritz on Video Games as Movies, the 'Fast & Furious' Franchise, and Theaters vs. Streaming Apr 13, 2022

Show notes

Matt is joined by long-time film producer Neal Moritz ('Fast and Furious', '21 Jump Street', 'I Am Legend') to talk about the success of his newest film, ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’, why most video game adaptations flop, what will bring people back to theaters, the evolution of the 'Fast & Furious' franchise, and the secret to his longevity as a producer.

Host: Matt Belloni

Guest: Neal Moritz

Producer: Craig Horlbeck

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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‘Ambulance’ and the Death of Original Action Movies, Plus Apple TV+’s MLB Debut Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to recap the weekend box office, including the promising success of ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ and the collapse of Michael Bay’s ‘Ambulance’, followed by a discussion about the current state of original action movies in Hollywood. Later, they break down Apple TV+’s glitchy 'Friday Night Baseball' debut as well as the complex predicament of baseball and streaming.

Host: Matt Belloni

Guest: Lucas Shaw

Producer: Craig Horlbeck

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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Why Was Bruce Willis Still Working? Apr 07, 2022

Show notes

Matt is joined by Amy Kaufman from the LA Times to talk about her article that highlights Bruce Willis’s surge in movie appearances in recent years despite his declining health as he battles with aphasia. They discuss the responsibilities those around an actor may or may not have to their well-being, and how informed those involved with Bruce’s projects were.

Host: Matt Belloni

Guest: Amy Kaufman

Producer: Craig Horlbeck

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar on HBO Max, What’s Next for Streaming, and His Resignation Apr 06, 2022

Show notes

Matt is joined by Jason Kilar, who has recently announced his resignation as CEO of WarnerMedia. He discusses the choice to drop Warner’s 2021 slate of movies directly on HBO Max on their premiere dates, the vision for CNN+, his decision to resign ahead of Discovery’s merger with WarnerMedia, the future of advertising on streaming services, and where Jason is headed next.

Host: Matt Belloni

Guest: Jason Kilar

Producer: Craig Horlbeck

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

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Winners and Losers of the 2022 Grammys Apr 04, 2022

Show notes

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to talk about his experience at the Grammy Awards, including Trevor Noah’s performance, who stole the show, who didn’t, the Oscars vs. the Grammys, Vegas as a venue, and more. Matt wraps up the show by giving a take on the 2023 Oscars.

Host: Matt Belloni

Guest: Lucas Shaw

Producer: Craig Horlbeck

Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices