Introduction

This book examines contemporary media business models in the context of Artificial intelligence and other digital technologies, which have radically reshaped development, production, distribution and monetisation of media, and created new global category winners like Spotify, Netflix and TikTok. Classic segmentation of media sectors has been made partially obsolete by new platforms and the creator economy. New segments like podcasting, streamers, games, digital publishing, Esports and the Metaverse have emerged. To analyse the industry today, the book is therefore divided into four key sections: Principles (basic media business models and the tools of Artificial Intelligence), Platforms (Games, Streamers, Social Networks, Broadcasters and Digital Publishers), Producers (Scripted, Entertainment, Factual, Content Marketing, Creators and Music) and finally Pioneers (Podcasters, Esports, the Metaverse and the Future). In each of the 14 media segments covered, a simple, four-stage value creation model is followed: Development, Production, Distribution and Monetisation.