On today’s episode, Variety’s Jennifer Maas reports on Summer Game Fest, the gaming industry’s annual product showcase. Xbox and Paramount made news with strategic shifts and an executive appointment. Overall, Maas observes that the mood among insiders was better at this year’s event compared to last year, when the games sector was hit by layoffs and disappointing releases.

On today&rsquo;s episode, Variety&rsquo;s Jennifer Maas reports on <a href="https://variety.com/t/summer-game-fest/">Summer Game Fest, the gaming industry&rsquo;s annual product showcase</a>. Xbox and Paramount made news with strategic shifts and an executive appointment. Overall, Maas observes that the mood among insiders was better at this year&rsquo;s event compared to last year, when the games sector was hit by layoffs and disappointing releases.

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment.

Strictly Business

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment on Variety's weekly interview series.

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment on Variety's weekly interview series.

Variety's Strictly Business

Daily Variety -- 'GTA 6,' Xbox Exclusives, Paramount Revs Game Studio and More From Summer Game Fest

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/83be0a1c-8394-4d54-bcc6-b4640110453d/transcript

On today’s episode, Variety's Michael Schneider discusses Variety’s plans to take a long look at NBC's centennial and its role in advancing mass media in the electronic age with the creation of the first radio network. And we have highlights from Kate Aurthur’s recent sit-down with Andy Cohen at the Newport Beach TV Fest. The two reflect on the “ongoing documentary project” that is “The Real Housewives” franchise.

On today&rsquo;s episode,&nbsp;Variety's Michael Schneider discusses Variety&rsquo;s plans to take a long look at <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/nbc-firsts-broadcasting-color-late-night-garroway-nbc100-1236770818/">NBC's centennial and its role in advancing mass media in the electronic age with the creation of the first radio network.</a> And we have highlights from Kate Aurthur&rsquo;s recent sit-down with <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/features/andy-cohen-watch-what-happens-live-real-housewives-bravo-1236767367/">Andy Cohen at the Newport Beach TV Fest.</a> The two reflect on the &ldquo;ongoing documentary project&rdquo; that is &ldquo;The Real Housewives&rdquo; franchise.

Daily Variety -- How NBC Created the Broadcast Network Paradigm and Other Firsts; Andy Cohen Reflects on 20 Years of 'Real Housewives'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/22dc725e-8e78-4185-96bb-b4650138bc22/transcript

On today’s episode, Variety’s Brent Lang breaks down a busy weekend at the turnstiles as “Scary Movie” returned for its first installment in 13 years – and first in 25 years with a Wayans at the helm. And it was a truly scary weekend for Amazon MGM Studios’ “Masters of the Universe,” which stumbled in its opening weekend.

On today&rsquo;s episode, Variety&rsquo;s Brent Lang breaks down a <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/box-office-scary-movie-franchise-best-opening-masters-of-the-universe-flops-1236765638/">busy weekend at the turnstiles as &ldquo;Scary Movie&rdquo; </a>returned for its first installment in 13 years &ndash; and first in 25 years with a Wayans at the helm. And it was a truly scary weekend for Amazon MGM Studios&rsquo; &ldquo;Masters of the Universe,&rdquo; which stumbled in its opening weekend.

Daily Variety -- 'Scary Movie' Tops Box Office as 'Masters of the Universe' Stumbles

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/97d42a6e-ca02-407e-9300-b4630141d4f9/transcript

The proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is approaching completion, but concerns around debt, execution risk, and long-term industry volatility loom large. Naveen Sarma, sector lead for U.S. media and telecom at S&P Global, breaks down the opportunities and potential pitfalls ahead for the company, and he explains why S&P Global downgraded Paramount Skydance's credit rating after it clinched the WBD deal agreement.

The proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is approaching completion, but concerns around debt, execution risk, and long-term industry volatility loom large. Naveen Sarma, sector lead for U.S. media and telecom at S&amp;P Global, breaks down the opportunities and potential pitfalls ahead for the company, and he explains why <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/paramount-credit-rating-lower-junk-status-warner-bros-merger-1236754967/">S&amp;P Global downgraded Paramount Skydance's credit rating</a> after it clinched the WBD deal agreement.

Credit Risks: Top S&P Global Ratings Analyst Breaks Down the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f406965e-e2fc-41fb-aab7-b45f00e222bc/transcript

Daily Variety -- 'GTA 6,' Xbox Exclusives, Paramount Revs Game Studio and More From Summer Game Fest

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