The Broadcasters Podcast

• Let's Put The $ in Music! Gene Simmons Calls For Radio Fairness

  Lick It Up (Or Pay Up) as KISS frontman Gene Simmons Delivers a Fiery, Unfiltered Testimony Supporting the American Music Fairness Act.KISS co-founder Gene Simmons and SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe testified before Congress in support of the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), aiming to end the century-old loophole that allows AM/FM radio stations to play music without paying performers and sound recording owners. Simmons delivered a passionate plea, stating that American artists receive "not one cent" from terrestrial radio airplay despite the industry earning billions, labeling the practice "robbery." Huppe reinforced this argument, noting that the United States is uniquely grouped with countries like North Korea and Iran for failing to pay performance royalties, a policy failure that causes American artists to lose millions in reciprocal royalties overseas. The AMFA proposes to close this gap by requiring terrestrial broadcasters to pay for music, a move strongly opposed by broadcasters who argue the new fees would create undue financial burdens, especially on small local stations, as the Senate revives the radio royalty fight.Gene Simmons' high-profile testimony before Congress on the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) echoes Frank Zappa's famous 1985 appearance by bringing a distinctly outspoken rock star persona directly into the halls of power to tackle a core issue of artist rights and economic freedom.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-broadcasters-podcast--3684131/support.Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.comSupport KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of PodcastsFollow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!)Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast.Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcastsDrop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVLDrop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcastsDrop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

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• Warner Bros. Direct to Netflix: An $82 Billion Box Office Disaster

  The entertainment industry looks to be  reshaped if Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) for an enterprise value of approximately $82.7 billion closes. This monumental deal, which was officially agreed upon in late 2025, sees the streaming giant gain control of Warner Bros.' film and television studios, its extensive content library, HBO, and HBO Max.Comprehensive Summary of the AcquisitionNetflix won a bidding war against competitors like Paramount and Comcast to secure the historic acquisition, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approval.Deal Specifics * Total Enterprise Value: Approximately $82.7 billion. * Structure: A cash and stock transaction, valued at $27.75 per WBD share, after WBD first spins off its Global Networks division (including CNN and TNT) into a separate publicly traded entity called Discovery Global. * Strategic Rationale: The merger is a strategic move for Netflix to eliminate a major streaming competitor (HBO Max) and immediately acquire one of Hollywood's most prestigious studios with decades of premium, globally recognized intellectual property (IP).New Content PowerhouseThe deal creates an unparalleled content catalog, merging Netflix's own successful titles like Stranger Things and Wednesday with Warner Bros.' iconic franchises and storied libraries. This trove of newly acquired content includes: * Film Franchises: Harry Potter, the DC Universe (Superman, Batman, etc.), The Matrix. * Television Series: Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, The Big Bang Theory, Friends, and The White Lotus. * Classic Films: Timeless titles like Casablanca and Citizen Kane.Industry & Regulatory BacklashThe announcement was met with immediate and intense backlash from U.S. lawmakers, industry guilds, and Hollywood figures, who fear the creation of a media giant with monopolistic power in the streaming market. * Antitrust Concerns: Critics, including politicians like Senator Elizabeth Warren, called the deal an "anti-monopoly nightmare," warning that the combined company would control close to half of the U.S. streaming market. This concentration of power could lead to higher subscription prices, fewer consumer choices, and a reduction in content diversity. * Worker Impact: Both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Directors Guild of America (DGA) released statements calling for the merger to be blocked, arguing that the outcome would eliminate jobs, push down wages, and worsen working conditions for entertainment workers by consolidating control into fewer hands.Ted Sarandos and the "Outdated" Movie IndustryA central point of controversy following the acquisition has been the past and present comments of Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos regarding the traditional movie industry model, which is feared to be undermined by the deal.Sarandos' Controversial StanceSarandos has long been a proponent of the streaming-first model, and his comments about the theatrical experience have been perceived as dismissive and a threat to cinema: * "We're saving Hollywood": When asked if Netflix was destroying Hollywood, Sarandos stated, "No, we're saving Hollywood." He framed Netflix as an innovator creating a new business model for filmmaking. * The "Outdated Concept": He has famously called the traditional theatrical release, where a film plays exclusively in a cinema for two months, an "outdated concept" and "outmoded." He argued that the desire for audiences to watch a movie on a giant screen with strangers for an extended, exclusive window "just doesn't happen very much" anymore and is out of step with consumer demand for at-home viewing. * Focus on Access: Sarandos maintains that the shift is "pro-consumer" because it provides greater access, especially for those who don't live near a multiplex or can't afford expensive movie tickets.The Acquisition's Impact on Theatrical WindowsDespite the backlash and Sarandos's past comments, Netflix quickly tried to reassure the industry by stating that it would "continue to support" a life cycle that includes a movie theater release for Warner Bros. films.However, critics and filmmakers remain highly skeptical. They fear that Netflix's acquisition of a major theatrical studio signals the ultimate end of robust, exclusive theatrical windows. The expectation is that even if Warner Bros. films continue to be released in theaters, they will be pulled quickly onto the combined streaming platform (Netflix/HBO Max) to satisfy Sarandos's push for "consumer-friendly" immediate access, thereby diminishing the box office revenue and cultural significance of the theatrical experience. James Cameron was among the high-profile directors who criticized the purchase, calling it "a disaster."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-broadcasters-podcast--3684131/support.Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.comSupport KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of PodcastsFollow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!)Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast.Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcastsDrop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVLDrop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcastsDrop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

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• Bad Bunny, Joe Rogan, and AI: 2025 Music and Audio Recap

  Wrapped results are in! From Bad Bunny's streams to iHeart's 'Guaranteed Human' campaign, we dissect 2025's clash between music superstars, Joe Rogan's podcast repeat, and the fast-rising threat of AI tech.The Broadcasters Podcast's 2025 Year of Music is here! We dive into the biggest stories that defined the airwaves and streaming landscape, starting with the year-end dominance of Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay. Bad Bunny reigned supreme globally, while Rosé & Bruno Mars topped the song charts, and Joe Rogan once again led the podcast rankings, cementing the year's biggest stars.But beneath the charts, a major conflict raged: the battle against AI music. We discuss iHeartRadio's firm “Guaranteed Human” stance and outright ban on AI-generated content, contrasting it with Warner Music Group’s landmark deal and settlement with AI music generator Suno, which now produces a shocking volume of music. This tension played out against our year-long discussions on the ‘New Music Drought,’ the ‘Superstar Slump,’ and the ongoing issues exposed by Billboard’s controversial Hot 100 chart rules.Plus, we explore how traditional broadcasting is adapting, from the resurgence of rock radio (KROQ) to the launch of the BBC’s U.S. emerging-artist program. Tune in as we dissect a chaotic, chart-driven, and creativity-challenged 2025, and ask: Is there a future for human connection and creativity on the airwaves?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-broadcasters-podcast--3684131/support.Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.comSupport KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of PodcastsFollow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!)Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast.Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcastsDrop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVLDrop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcastsDrop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

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• Ralph Sutton on the Podcast Revolution and the New Rock Economy

  Podcast and Radio veteran Ralph Sutton, founder of the Gas Digital Network (now featuring 22 shows and 6 million monthly listeners), sat down with KOP to discuss the seismic shift from traditional radio to the new digital landscape. Sutton asserted that conventional media, including radio and TV, is now "irrelevant."For up-and-coming rock bands, success is no longer measured by Billboard charts but by tangible metrics like filling concert seats and selling merchandise, reflecting a return to a more grassroots, fan-supported "band culture."The conversation highlighted the freedom of podcasting, which Sutton contrasted with his 20 years in syndicated radio where content was constantly constrained by program directors. He shared how the Gas Digital Network's early success stemmed from a relentless focus on high-quality audio and a disciplined, regimented show structure—innovations that set his network apart.Both noted that the "beautiful thing" about the current era is the democratization of content creation, where anyone can start a podcast, though Sutton cautioned against the high abandonment rate of those who chase money over passion.Ralph also detailed his intensive grassroots strategy for promoting his podcast, which involved personal "hustle" to gain subscribers. A key lesson Sutton shared was that making a show guest-dependent was his "biggest mistake," as a sustainable podcast is built on the audience's connection to the hosts themselves.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-broadcasters-podcast--3684131/support.Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.comSupport KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of PodcastsFollow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!)Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast.Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcastsDrop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVLDrop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcastsDrop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

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• Olivia Dean Leads Soulful Revival While Souless AI Music Climbs the Charts

  As AI-generated tracks continue notching “soulless” chart victories—jumping to No. 1 on Billboard and topping iTunes with songs built from prompts instead of passion—the contrast with real artists has never been sharper. Enter Olivia Dean, a stunning and stylish Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter redefining what modern stardom looks and feels like. While synthetic singles rise through algorithmic momentum, Dean’s ascent is powered by something AI can’t imitate: soul.Her emotionally charged SNL performance recently sent her streams soaring, a reminder that music rooted in lived experience still resonates deeper than any machine-generated melody. Dean’s impact extends beyond sound, too—she’s rewriting the playbook of pop-star fashion with tactile, human presence: garments chosen with intention, style that mirrors emotion, and a charisma that can’t be computed. And with her Art of Loving Live 2026 tour, she’s doubling down on the one thing AI can’t touch: the electricity of shared, imperfect, real-time human connection.In a moment when AI music is climbing charts faster than ever, Olivia Dean stands as proof that the future of music doesn’t belong to the soulless—it belongs to the soulful.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-broadcasters-podcast--3684131/support.Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.comSupport KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of PodcastsFollow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!)Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast.Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcastsDrop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVLDrop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcastsDrop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

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