Support physical spaces like local independent theaters, concert venues, and arcades. Events like "appointment viewing" (think the Game of Thrones or Succession eras) prove that audiences still crave the excitement of experiencing something simultaneously with the rest of the world. 5. Pay the Creators
Media consumption has become hyper-individualized. We watch on phones, in bed, with headphones on. While convenient, this erodes the "cultural watercooler"—the shared moments that bind a society together.
The word "content" treats media as a liquid meant to fill a pipe. It implies that quantity and "watch time" are more important than quality or impact. This mindset leads to bloated seasons of television (the "Netflix stretch") and disposable TikTok trends.
If we want to move past the era of "content" and back into the era of "art," we need a systemic overhaul. Here is how we fix entertainment content and popular media. 1. Prioritize "Story-First" over "IP-First"
