In this episode of StreamTime Sports, Nick Meacham is joined by Adam Leventhal, senior writer and broadcaster at The Athletic, to explore the complex and growing issue of illegal sports streaming. Adam shares insights from his extensive investigation into piracy, discussing its cultural impact, criminal networks, and the potential crisis it poses to sports broadcasting. This in-depth conversation sheds light on how fans, media companies, and leagues are navigating the digital age of streaming piracy. Key Points:What role do fans play in the widespread acceptance of piracy?How has illegal streaming evolved from physical distribution to fire sticks, apps, and VPN-powered digital access?Why is piracy so difficult for broadcasters and rights holders to combat effectively?How does the UK’s 3PM blackout contribute to illegal streaming—and is change on the horizon?What global trends and market forces are driving piracy, and what can be done to tackle the issue on an international scale?
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53:18
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53:18
The science behind personalising streaming experiences with AI
In this episode of StreamTime Sports, co-hosts Nick Meacham and Chris Stone are joined by Richard Kearney, Senior Director at MediaKind, to dive deep into the evolving world of subscriber acquisition and retention. Drawing on his experience at Paramount and Showtime, Richard shares how AI and machine learning are redefining content recommendations, user engagement, and platform growth.The conversation dives into how sports and entertainment streamers can balance personalisation with discovery, reduce churn, and maximise subscriber lifetime value. Key Points:How is AI revolutionising content recommendations and enhancing personalisation for streaming services?What role does improved content discovery play in boosting retention and engagement?Can too much personalisation actually harm user experience or business growth?How are sports platforms using AI to analyse content and enhance fan engagement in real time?What AI-driven strategies are helping platforms navigate market challenges and stay competitive?
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47:01
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47:01
The science behind personalising streaming experiences with AI
In this episode of StreamTime Sports, co-hosts Nick Meacham and Chris Stone are joined by Richard Kearney, Senior Director at MediaKind, to dive deep into the evolving world of subscriber acquisition and retention. Drawing on his experience at Paramount and Showtime, Richard shares how AI and machine learning are redefining content recommendations, user engagement, and platform growth. The conversation dives into how sports and entertainment streamers can balance personalisation with discovery, reduce churn, and maximise subscriber lifetime value. Key Points:How is AI revolutionising content recommendations and enhancing personalisation for streaming services?What role does improved content discovery play in boosting retention and engagement?Can too much personalisation actually harm user experience or business growth?How are sports platforms using AI to analyse content and enhance fan engagement in real time?What AI-driven strategies are helping platforms navigate market challenges and stay competitive?
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47:01
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47:01
What's really going on with the FIFA+ and DAZN deal
DAZN’s move to absorb FIFA+, Apple’s $750 million bid for Formula 1, and LaLiga’s struggle to stay relevant — this episode unpacks the business stories behind the biggest headlines. Co-hosts SportsPro's CEO Nick Meacham, and Community Lead Chris Stone dissect what these deals reveal about the global sports rights landscape, evolving streaming strategies, and the growing “squeezed middle” of leagues caught between the giants. Key points:Was FIFA’s deal with DAZN driven by strategy or financial pressure?How much influence does Saudi Arabia’s SURJ investment have on DAZN?Can Formula 1 continue to grow without ESPN’s editorial reach?Why is Apple’s investment a smart long-term play?What do LaLiga President Javier Tebas’s comments about pan-European deals reveal about the state of media rights in Europe?Are we entering an era where only the biggest leagues can survive?
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45:42
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45:42
Inside Sky Deutschland’s winning formula: Football, streaming, and innovation
Charlie Klassen, EVP of Sports at Sky Deutschland, joins StreamTime Sports co-hosts Nick Meacham and Chris Stone to reveal how Sky is transforming sports broadcasting in Germany. From dominating Bundesliga coverage to launching innovative streaming formats like Flutlicht Freitag, Charlie explains how Sky is boosting ratings, deepening fan engagement, and staying ahead in one of Europe’s most competitive markets. With insights into SkyStream, rights acquisition, and the network’s digital strategy, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in sports media. Key Points:What makes Germany a unique market for pay TV compared to the U.S. and other European markets? How is Sky Deutschland maximizing the value of its investment in the Bundesliga, Premier League, and other premium rights?Are sports primarily a customer acquisition tool or a retention driver?How has streaming reshaped the economics of pay TV and rights negotiations?Why is Sky Deutschland placing greater focus on social media and digital platforms?
A weekly podcast profiling the people, businesses and technologies driving the sports media revolution. The go-to place for sports industry professionals seeking ideas, insights and inspiration in these times of rapid transformation across streaming, OTT and digital.
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