The business model underlying all modern entertainment content and popular media is no longer the sale of a ticket or a DVD. It is the monetization of human attention.
Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ operate on a subscription model that values "time spent" above all else. Ad-supported tiers (YouTube, Hulu, Peacock) sell specific demographics to advertisers. Social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, TikTok) sell behavioral data. Deeper.25.01.09.Nicole.Vaunt.By.The.Hour.XXX.10...
This has led to three major economic trends: In 2023, over 80% of the top-grossing films
Because new intellectual property (IP) is risky, studios rely on legacy franchises. In 2023, over 80% of the top-grossing films were sequels, prequels, or adaptations of existing popular media. This "reboot culture" provides financial security but creates a nostalgic loop where creative risk-taking is punished. two trends will dominate:
Popular media used to be produced by studios. Now, a single individual with a ring light and a condenser microphone can generate revenue rivaling small cable networks. Platforms like Patreon and Substack allow creators to bypass advertisers entirely, fostering direct relationships with super-fans. This shifts editorial control from the corporation to the creator—but also places the burden of insurance, accounting, and harassment mitigation on an individual.
Perhaps the most dangerous development in popular media is the fusion of information and entertainment. "Infotainment" is not new (see: The Daily Show), but the current ecosystem has weaponized it.
As we look ahead, two trends will dominate: