Fifty years ago, no one could have predicted that our consumption of news and entertainment would have so drastically changed. From an industry in which programmers dictated to the consumer what and when they could watch content, we have evolved into an ecosystem in which consumers experience content on their own terms. While the undeniable convenience of “on demand” has benefitted consumers immensely, are there drawbacks to the streaming ecosystem? You Tube, gamers and user generated content are formidable challengers to the Streamers and traditional media companies. As the internet offers infinite sources of information, and the audience for “traditional” news services contracts moves elsewhere, what do these profound changes mean for our traditional discourse? Which companies will be standing when the dust settles?

Speakers:

Anne Nelson, Adjunct Associate Professor Columbia University School of International Affairs, is a prize-winning author, journalist, and playwright, and the former director of the Committee to Protect Journalists and the international program at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.

John Zucker, Adjunct Professor at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, teaching a course in media law for journalists. He retired in 2023 as Deputy Chief Counsel, ABC Inc. after 30 years of supporting and defending journalists at ABC News and the ABC owned television stations.  Before working at ABC, John was Senior General Attorney at CBS Inc.

Mark Linn-Baker, Actor and Director, with a career spanning over four decades appearing in television series, films and on stage. Mark has appeared in theater productions on Broadway and at the Kennedy Center. In 2022, he reprised his role as Mayor George Shinnn in the 2022 Broadway revival of The Music Man. Over the years, Mark has received widely deserved praise for his versatility contributions and success on stage and big screen productions.

Richard Pappa is a lawyer, entertainment industry executive, and producer known for his work in film, television, and theater. Rick produced and executive produced programs for on stage and screen productions. His career bridges the legal and creatives worlds, combining his background in entertainment law and firsthand production experience.  His career spans decades, influencing both the business and artistic sides of theater, film, and television.

Douglas Wick is an acclaimed film producer beginning his film career shortly after graduating from college. His first solo project as producer was in 1988 with the movie “The Working Girl” that won him a Golden Globe Award. In the pursuing years, Doug founded the of Red Wagen Entertainment and Red Wagon Productions. Doug list of movies he has produced is extensive. One of his most successful movies was Gladiator where he won an Academy Award for Best Picture, a Golden Globe Award, and a BAFTA Award. Doug latest movie that faced delayed production due to the Covid pandemic, Gladiator II, opened in 2024.

Gary Newman graduated with a J.D. from University of Southern California in 1980. Joined Twentieth Century Fox Television in 1990 as head of business affairs and eventually became Chairman of Fox Television supervising the television studios, the Fox Network Consumer Products, and the distribution divisions. Currently he is a Director of the BBC Commercial Board.