Monday, Oct 6
Debate & Discuss
Each session in the Debate & Discuss track at Streaming Media 2025 combines two live debates on hot-button issues in streaming and features expert players in the media and technology universe. A lively discussion follows, bringing the full audience into the debate. Come to listen, learn, and join the conversation!
Access to the Debate & Discuss track is included with the purchase of our VIP Access Pass.
Debate #1: Is the Future of Streaming Free or Paid/Hybrid?
Monday, October 6: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
FAST executives and SVOD leaders square off on the future of free vs. paid streaming.
Jon Giegengack, Founder and Principal, Hub Entertainment Research
Jonathan Shrank, VP of Streaming & Content Partnerships, TheSoul Publishing
John Stevens, CEO, V10 Entertainment
Debate #2: What Is the Key to Streaming Profitability in 2025: Cost-Cutting or Sales Revenue?
Monday, October 6: 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Tech innovators and business leaders face off in this debate over the importance of AI and automation and curtailing OpEx and CapEx vs. monetization strategy and growth.
Juan Pablo Saibene, CEO, Qualabs
Debate #3: Who Controls Audience Data and Data-Driven-Revenue?
Monday, October 6: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Content owners and streaming platform execs debate audience data ownership and how the industry can achieve a better data-sharing balance, content providers on non-owned and operated platforms, and platform owners can partner more effectively to access audience data, grow revenue, and improve fill rates.
Natasha Potashnik, Head of Data, Research & Measurement, Vevo
Christy Tanner, Chair, Swerve Sports
How Economic Disruption Is Forcing a Media Infrastructure Reset
Monday, October 6: 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
under stress, from crumbling monetization models to disconnected rights systems and legacy infrastructure that no longer fits the way content is made or consumed. In this session, Hallstone Ventures founder Seth Hallen looks at where the cracks are showing and what it will take to rebuild. The focus is not just on what’s broken, but on where new models are emerging. From trusted ledgers and AI-native tooling to sound technologies and decentralized creator platforms, Seth leads a conversation with founders who are betting on what comes after the current system. This is not a startup pitchfest, it's a strategic look at where the media stack gets rebuilt, and by whom.