All articles tagged with #audience engagement
ABC's The View is airing 20-second appeals during commercial breaks asking viewers to back the program in its dispute with the FCC over political speech, a rare move to mobilize public support in a regulatory battle surrounding who may appear on the show.
At Cannes 2026, a handful of high-profile sales (A24’s eight-figure world rights for Club Kid and Amazon’s eight-figure package for Pumping Black) contrasted with a broader slow market, underscoring a shift away from the traditional pay-one window. Independent distributors are increasingly relying on equity financing, niche audiences, and direct-to-fan approaches—exemplified by Watermelon Pictures and Angel Studios—while re-releases (like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Devils) hint at a blended theatrical future. In short, dealmaking has not vanished but is being reinvented around community-driven distribution and new revenue paths, with much of the market activity likely to close after Cannes as buyers digest risk and value.
The indie film sector is in transition as the pay-one window dries up and large upfront deals stall at Cannes. Distributors rely more on equity financing and new, community-driven approaches to reach audiences directly through grassroots campaigns and creator-led distribution, with Watermelon Pictures, The Chosen, Iron Lung, and Club Kid illustrating the path forward.
Louisa Melcher and Andrew Fox exemplify a new wave of comedians who use obnoxiousness and alienation as humor, blurring the lines between performance and reality to engage and challenge audiences, with Melcher's provocative TikTok persona illustrating the art of trolling in modern comedy.
Maynard James Keenan emphasizes the importance of engaging with live performances over filming, enforcing strict smartphone restrictions at Tool and Puscifer shows to enhance audience experience, a practice also adopted by bands like Ghost, aiming to improve concert engagement and preserve the integrity of live music.
The Verge has launched new features including personalized topic and journalist follow options, a daily digest email, and new editorial newsletters to strengthen direct reader relationships and adapt to the 'Google Zero' era, emphasizing loyalty and independent access.
Despite last year's Hollywood labor strikes causing delays in TV show premieres, many broadcast shows have managed to maintain or improve their viewer totals compared to the previous season. Established shows like "Law & Order: SVU" and "NCIS" have seen increases in viewership, while newcomers like "Tracker" and "The Floor" have also performed well. The success of these shows demonstrates strong audience engagement and resilience in the face of production challenges.
Licensed content continues to play a significant role in the success of streaming platforms like Netflix, with 45% of viewing on the platform coming from licensed titles. This challenges the notion that exclusive content is the key driver of audience engagement. Shows like "Suits" have found new life on Netflix, attracting both old and new fans. Licensing remains a crucial part of the streaming business model, providing viewers with familiar shows and a deep repository of older content. While Netflix has successfully elevated licensed content from other networks, it does not plan to license its own content to competitors.
Licensed content drives a significant portion of audience engagement on streaming platforms, with 45% of viewing on Netflix coming from licensed titles. This resurgence of licensed content challenges the notion that exclusive content is the key to success in the streaming wars. Netflix has found success in attracting a global audience to shows like "Suits," which were previously available on other networks. While licensing remains a crucial part of the streaming business model, Netflix does not plan to license its own content to competitors.
Director Ari Aster expresses disappointment with the reception of his film "Beau Is Afraid," stating that the audience was indifferent and failed to fully engage with the divisive movie. Aster highlights the buried elements and Easter eggs in the film that have yet to be discussed, expressing frustration that they went unnoticed. Despite the polarizing nature of the film, Aster hoped for a more enthusiastic response and regrets that it may have deterred people from watching it. He remains proud of the film and is reuniting with actor Joaquin Phoenix for his next project, a Western.
Twitch has introduced a new stories feature to its mobile app, allowing qualified users to post pictures, text messages, or clips that disappear after 48 hours. Initially available to affiliates and partners, the feature may be extended to more users in the future. Streamers can connect with their audience using channel emotes, custom backgrounds, and subscriber-only stories for users with 30 or more subscribers. Twitch will provide analytics for stories, and safety measures are in place to ensure compliance with community guidelines. The addition of stories aims to increase audience engagement on the platform.
The pandemic has exacerbated the decline of theater subscriptions, with many theaters experiencing a steep drop in the number of people buying season tickets. The loss of subscribers has led to financial challenges for nonprofit theaters, as subscriptions provide a reliable income stream and reduce marketing costs. Theaters are struggling to attract and retain audiences due to factors such as the habit of not attending during theater closures, the convenience of streaming entertainment at home, and dissatisfaction with recent programming. Theaters are now exploring more flexible subscription options and seeking new patrons to replace lost revenue.
Actor Zachary Levi criticizes Hollywood for producing low-quality films, stating that studios don't care enough to make great content for audiences. He encourages viewers to actively choose not to support "garbage" films and believes that this will help bring about change. Levi also addresses previous controversies, including his comments about actors' strike rules and his alleged criticism of Dwayne Johnson, clarifying his statements and expressing support for his union and fans.
Swedish public radio, Sveriges Radio, has become the fourth news organization to leave Twitter in less than a week, citing the platform's decreasing relevance and lack of audience engagement. The company's social media manager, Christian Gillinger, said the decision was not due to being labeled "publicly-funded media," but rather concerns over Twitter's ability to handle fake accounts, bots, disinformation, hate, and threats. Only 10% of Swedes use Twitter at least once a week, making it a relatively small player compared to other social media apps.
The New York Philharmonic is set to launch a new mobile app that will offer audiences a range of interactive features, including live programme notes, audio and video content, and the ability to purchase tickets and merchandise. The app is part of the orchestra's ongoing efforts to engage with audiences through digital innovation and will be available for download in the coming weeks.