Dave Portnoy Now Part Owner of Rumble w/ Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski | PBD Podcast | Ep. 354
Discover the pulse of digital media landscape as the PBD Podcast, featuring Patrick Bet-David along with industry guests like Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski, comedians Vincent Oshana, Adam Sosnick, and Tom Ellsworth, navigates through the rapid growth of video platform Rumble. The discussion illuminates Rumble's strategic edge through its partnership with Barstool Sports, securing not just an investment but a content boom with over 75 podcasts. Witness how Rumble is attracting massive live viewership, challenging giants like YouTube and TikTok with a distinct intention-based model that favors freedom of speech and real-time user engagement, setting the stage for innovative live stream monetization for creators.
In the realm of sports content and advertising, the podcast expands into the evolving dynamics of live sports rights and their appeal to streaming services. Tune into the robust debate around the Super Bowl's distribution strategies, the public's reception to pay-per-view sporting events, and the NFL's lucrative maneuvers. Furthermore, the episode delves into the intricate fabric of politics, race, and leadership, with pointed commentary on Nikki Haley's presidential bid and discussions about ideological diversity in higher education. Criticism of progressive dominance at prestigious institutions sparks conversation on the vitality of varied political ideologies in fostering intellectual debate, an ethos longstanding in academia yet seemingly in jeopardy according to the speakers’ insights.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 22, 2024 episode of the PBD Podcast
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1-Page Summary
Rumble is experiencing major growth
Rumble garners attention for its remarkable growth in the online video market, bolstered by a combination of strategic partnerships, influential content creators, and advancements in streaming technology. The platform's substantial partnership with Barstool Sports stands out, marking confidence in Rumble's future through Barstool's equity investment over a cash deal. This collaboration brings over 75 podcasts to Rumble and includes an exclusive promotional agreement across Barstool's social channels, enhancing Rumble's sports content and user base.
Rumble also boasts impressive live viewership, with creators like Dan Bongino and Steven Crowder drawing over 100,000 viewers per stream on weekdays. Kaisa Nat and I show speed further augment these numbers with streams reaching beyond 200,000 regularly. The platform's technology and the anticipated launch of Rumble Studio and its corresponding ad platform are set to significantly boost creator revenue from live broadcasts.
In comparison to YouTube and TikTok, Rumble differentiates itself as an intention-based platform focusing on freedom of speech and real-time engagement. This approach allows users to seek out specific content with purpose rather than stumbling upon it, and presents advertisers with revolutionary live stream monetization strategies via real-time bidding.
The future of sports content and advertising
The world of sports broadcasting and advertising is witnessing a transformative phase due to the entry of streaming services in live sports rights acquisition. Rumble has entered this new frontier by securing rights to events like Nitro Rallycross and Street League Skateboarding, foreseeing the potential of live sports as premium advertising avenues due to their live viewing nature.
The Super Bowl's future distribution is the subject of a heated debate, with suggestions of converting it into a pay-per-view event. Former ESPN president John Skipper posits that a $20 household fee for the Super Bowl could generate remarkable revenue. While a Peacock pay-per-view football playoff game's success points to consumer acceptance, public polls suggest resistance to the idea. Nonetheless, the NFL's exploratory moves into various streaming options and an expanded regular season highlight a clear trajectory toward maximizing revenue.
Politics, race, and leadership
Race and leadership intersect in the political commentary on Nikki Haley's presidential campaign. Critics argue that Haley leverages her experiences with racism tactically rather than authentically, drawing comparisons with other public figures accused of manipulating their ethnic backgrounds for strategic gain. Contrastingly, Vivek Ramaswamy is highlighted as embodying political authenticity in comparison to Haley's narrative of victimhood.
Concerns emerge regarding ideological diversity in higher education, highlighting Harvard's last-place ranking in free speech as an indicative example. Patrick Bet-David recalls a Harvard visit illustrating a one-sided political support landscape, and there's discussion about universities fostering ideological diversity. A case in point is PennForward.com, which pushes for university neutrality and open debate.
The dialogue concludes with criticism of the leadership in educational institutions like Harvard, emphasizing the importance of nurturing debates that include diverse viewpoints. Bet-David expresses concern that progressive echo chambers are emerging in these environments, moving away from the educational ethos of encouraging robust ideological debate.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Rumble differentiates itself from YouTube and TikTok by positioning as an intention-based platform, focusing on freedom of speech and real-time engagement. Users actively seek out specific content on Rumble, rather than stumbling upon it, creating a more purposeful viewing experience. Additionally, Rumble offers real-time bidding for advertisers during live streams, providing innovative monetization strategies. These features set Rumble apart in the online video market, catering to users looking for more control over their content consumption and offering unique opportunities for advertisers to engage with audiences in real-time.
- Ideological diversity in higher education encompasses the range of perspectives and beliefs present within academic institutions, promoting a variety of viewpoints for discussion and debate. Harvard's ranking in free speech reflects assessments of how well the university upholds principles of free expression and allows for diverse opinions to be expressed without censorship or suppression. Concerns about ideological diversity often arise when institutions are perceived to have a dominant or one-sided political leaning, potentially limiting the range of perspectives available for exploration and debate. Calls for universities to prioritize neutrality and open debate aim to foster environments where diverse viewpoints are respected and encouraged.
- Criticism of leadership in educational institutions like Harvard for fostering progressive echo chambers stems from concerns that these institutions may prioritize certain ideologies over others, leading to a lack of diverse viewpoints and stifling open debate. This critique suggests that an environment dominated by one ideological perspective can hinder intellectual growth and the exploration of differing opinions. The emphasis is on the need for universities to encourage a wide range of perspectives and foster an atmosphere where all viewpoints are welcomed and debated constructively. The concern is that when institutions lean heavily towards one ideological stance, it can limit the development of critical thinking skills and create an echo chamber where dissenting voices are marginalized.
Counterarguments
- Rumble's growth and differentiation strategy may not be sustainable if larger platforms decide to adopt similar freedom of speech policies or if market dynamics change.
- The equity investment from Barstool Sports could be seen as a risky move if Rumble fails to deliver expected growth or if the partnership does not yield the anticipated results.
- High viewership numbers for certain creators do not necessarily indicate overall platform health or long-term user engagement across the entire platform.
- The success of Rumble Studio and its ad platform is not guaranteed and will depend on various factors, including market reception and competition from established players.
- Rumble's focus on freedom of speech might attract content that some users and advertisers find controversial or objectionable, potentially limiting its appeal to a broader audience.
- The entry of streaming services into live sports rights acquisition could lead to increased costs for consumers and potentially reduce access to sports content for those unwilling or unable to pay.
- The idea of converting the Super Bowl into a pay-per-view event could alienate fans who are accustomed to watching it for free and could have unintended consequences for viewership and advertising revenue.
- The NFL's exploration of streaming options and an expanded season could lead to oversaturation of the market and a potential decrease in the uniqueness and value of each game.
- The criticism of Nikki Haley's campaign tactics and the comparison with Vivek Ramaswamy's approach may overlook the complexities of individual political strategies and the diverse ways in which politicians engage with their heritage.
- The concerns about ideological diversity in higher education may not fully account for the academic freedom of faculty and the variety of perspectives that do exist within these institutions.
- The criticism of Harvard and other educational institutions for not nurturing debates with diverse viewpoints may not consider the efforts made by these institutions to promote inclusivity and the challenges of balancing free speech with a respectful learning environment.
- The concept of "progressive echo chambers" in educational institutions may be an oversimplification and may not reflect the diversity of thought and debate that occurs in many academic settings.
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Rumble is experiencing major growth
Rumble, a rising player in the online video platform market, is in the spotlight for significant growth, particularly in its sports content, partnerships, and advancements in streaming technology.
Barstool Sports signs deal with Rumble for equity and advertising (key details)
What the partnership means for Rumble
The podcast reveals that Rumble's recent deals, especially with Barstool Sports, have been a catalyst for its growth. Tom Ellsworth and Chris Pavlovski discuss the substantial impact of the partnership, which includes Barstool choosing equity in Rumble over a cash payout, signifying a strong belief in Rumble's potential. All of Barstool’s content, including over 75 podcasts, will move to Rumble, and they will exclusively promote Rumble across all their social channels. This influx of content is expected to drive Rumble's value as the platform continues to make significant forays into sports. Pavlovski mentions that with the help of deals like this, Rumble is rapidly expanding its user base by diversifying its content beyond a political profile.
Dave Portnoy, affiliated with Barstool Sports, is positioned to significantly influence the value of Rumble's currency. The market has responded well to this alignment, with Rumble’s stock seeing a significant increase. Dana White, President of the UFC, has also promoted Rumble's growth by sharing the partnership announcements, contributing to a broader market reaction.
Rumble Live numbers for creators like Dan Bongino, Steven Crowder, and others
Creators like Dan Bongino and Steven Crowder command large live audiences on Rumble, with Bongino’s streams now seeing over 100,000 viewers every weekday. Comparatively, Crowder's live show nearly matches Bongino’s figures. Additionally, creators such as Kaisa Nat and I show speed bring in streams well over 200,000 people regularly on Rumble.
Notably, during broadcast hours, Rumble often clinches the top three spots in the United States for live viewership. Pavlovski underscores that Rumble’s patented technology and the forthcoming public release of the Rumble Studio, including an ad platform, will vastly enhance c ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Rumble is experiencing major growth
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Rumble's technology includes a patented system and the upcoming Rumble Studio, which will offer creators tools like an ad platform to monetize their live streams. The platform's unique real-time bidding feature allows advertisers to sponsor live content, enhancing engagement and monetization opportunities. Rumble aims to differentiate itself by being an intention-based platform, where users actively seek out specific content, in contrast to platforms like YouTube that are more discovery-driven. The emphasis on freedom of speech and authentic user engagement sets Rumble apart from other video platforms.
- Barstool Sports is a prominent sports and pop culture blog founded by Dave Portnoy in 2003. It has gained a large following for its edgy and irreverent content, particularly among young adults. Barstool Sports has expanded its reach through podcasts, social media, and video content, making it a significant player in the media industry. The brand's partnership with Rumble signifies a strategic move to leverage its content and audience to drive growth for the online video platform.
- Dave Portnoy's affiliation with Barstool Sports and his influence on Rumble's currency value stems from the partnership between Barstool Sports and Rumble. Dana White, as the President of the UFC, has also played a role in promoting Rumble's growth by sharing partnership announcements, which has contributed to a positive market response. Both Portnoy and White's involvement has helped increase visibility and credibility for Rumble within the sports and entertainment industry. Their endorsements have led to heightened investor interest and positive market sentiment towards Rumble's future prospects.
- Rumble positions itself as an intention-based platform, where users visit with a specific purpose in mind, unlike YouTube and TikTok, which are more discovery-driven, where users stumble upon content serendipitously. This means users on Rumble typically seek out particular content intentionally, while on YouTube and TikTok, use ...
Counterarguments
- While Rumble's partnership with Barstool Sports indicates confidence in Rumble's potential, it's important to consider that equity deals can be risky, and the long-term value of such partnerships can fluctuate based on market conditions and the platform's performance.
- The decision by Barstool to choose equity over cash might be seen as a strategic investment, but it could also be interpreted as a gamble on the future success of Rumble, which is not guaranteed.
- The influx of Barstool’s content to Rumble could indeed drive value, but it may also challenge Rumble to maintain a diverse content ecosystem and not become overly reliant on a single content provider.
- Dave Portnoy's influence on Rumble's currency value could be significant, but celebrity endorsements and affiliations can be double-edged swords, potentially tying the platform's reputation too closely to individual public figures.
- Dana White's promotion of Rumble's growth is positive, but relying on endorsements from high-profile figures may not be a sustainable marketing strategy for long-term growth.
- The large live audiences for creators like Dan Bongino and Steven Crowder suggest popularity, but it's also important to consider the diversity of the audience and whether the platform is attracting a broad demographic.
- Rumble's top spots for live viewership in the United States are impressive, but this metric alone doesn't provide a complete picture of overall platform engagement or content variety.
- The upcoming release of Rumble Studio and its ad platform could enhance monetization opportunities, but the success of such tools will depend on their adoption by creators and the effectiveness of the technology in a com ...
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The future of sports content and advertising
Chris Pavlovski and Tom Ellsworth shed light on the aggressive campaigns of streaming platforms to secure live sports broadcasting rights, changing how audiences consume sports and leading to a debate about the Super Bowl potentially becoming a pay-per-view event.
Why the war for live sports has begun
Pavlovski explains that with the entry of streaming services into the live sports broadcasting space, a battle against traditional cable TV has begun. He points out that YouTube has committed a staggering $12 billion for NFL content while Rumble has started to secure broadcasting rights for sports events like Nitro Rallycross and Street League Skateboarding. Pavlovski underscores that live sports are seen as high-value content for advertising, given that viewers tend to watch these events live, leading to less ad-skipping. This reality contributes to the intense competition as platforms vie for the rights to air these coveted events.
Debate around making the Super Bowl a pay-per-view event (costs and benefits)
The future of the Super Bowl broadcast is a contentious topic. Former ESPN president John Skipper introduces the idea of making the Super Bowl a pay-per-view event. Skipper calculates that if half the households in the United States were willing to pay $20 to host a Super Bowl party, this approach could generate billions of dollars for one game. Peacock's experiment with a pay-to-watch playoff football game, which drew over 23 million viewers, demonstrates the potential success of such a model.
Ellsworth proposes that there's a genuine possibility that the Super Bowl could shift to a pay-per-view model within the next five years, considering the evolving landscape of media consumption. The NFL's trial of offering a playoff game on Peacock as a sort of pay-per-view event ...
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The future of sports content and advertising
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Nitro Rallycross is a high-octane motorsport event that features off-road racing with jumps and challenging terrain. Street League Skateboarding is a professional competitive skateboarding series that showcases top skateboarders competing in street-style courses. Both events attract a dedicated fan base and offer thrilling action for enthusiasts of motorsports and skateboarding.
- Peacock is a streaming service owned by NBCUniversal, offering a variety of TV shows, movies, news, and sports content. It provides both free and premium subscription options for viewers to access its content. Peacock has been making moves to secure sports broadcasting rights, including airing a playoff football game as a pay-to-watch event.
- Ad-skipping is when viewers fast-forward through or skip advertisements while watching TV shows or other content. This behavior is more prevalent during live events like sports, where viewers prefer to watch the action without interruptions. Streaming platforms and broadcasters consider ad-skipping a challenge as it affects advertising revenue and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
- Revenue maximization is a strategy where a company aims to generate the highest possible revenue from its operations. This involves optimizing sales, pricing, and distribution to increase income. The focus is on increasing the top line without necessarily considering the costs associated with achieving that revenue. Ultimately, the goal is to boost overall income for the business.
- The NFL's trial of offering a playoff game on Peacock involved the National Football League partnering with the streaming platform Peacock to broadcast a playoff game. This move was a test to see how well a pay-per-view model could work for major sporting events like NFL games. Peacock's broadcast of the playoff game attracted a significant number of viewers, indicating the potential success of such a pay-to-watc ...
Counterarguments
- The aggressive competition for live sports broadcasting rights by streaming platforms could lead to market saturation and viewer fatigue.
- The $12 billion commitment by YouTube for NFL content might not yield a proportional return on investment if consumer habits shift or if the market becomes oversaturated.
- The high value placed on live sports for advertising could be challenged by changes in consumer behavior, such as a shift towards ad-free subscription models or the use of ad-blocking technology.
- Making the Super Bowl a pay-per-view event could alienate a significant portion of the audience who are accustomed to watching it for free, potentially reducing its cultural impact.
- The success of Peacock's pay-to-watch playoff game may not be indicative of how a pay-per-view Super Bowl would perform, as the Super Bowl has a much larger and more diverse audience.
- The possibility of the Super Bowl shifting to a pay-per-view model within the next five years may be overestimated, considering the strong tradition of free broadcasts and potential backlash from fans.
- Customer readiness for a pay-per-view Super Bowl is questionable, and the 93% of potential viewers who would not pay ...
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Politics, race, and leadership
The hosts discuss topics related to race, authenticity, and ideological diversity within the realms of politics and higher education, focusing on current events and personal experiences.
Nikki Haley's claims of facing racism as a child (criticisms and responses)
Nikki Haley, the Republican presidential candidate born in the US to Sikh parents from India, claimed she faced daily racism growing up in a small Southern town in South Carolina. Haley described being "teased every day for being brown" and noted the difficulty of growing up as a brown girl in the deep south. In a campaign, she hesitated to name slavery as the cause of the Civil War, claiming such information is automatic.
However, Haley's statements have met with criticisms. Patrick Bet-David contrasted her approach with that of another Indian-American political figure, Vivek Ramaswamy, who does not use his race as a narrative of victimhood. Vincent Oshana likened Haley's approach to that of Jussie Smollett, believing she uses claims of victimhood for attention rather than votes.
Tom Ellsworth also criticized Haley, accusing her of bending her race narrative to create affinity with victimhood rather than achievement. Ellsworth compared her to Elizabeth Warren, suggesting both have disingenuously used race to garner support. The speakers also discussed a hypothetical scenario where the Democrats recruit Haley, emphasizing the potential impact of such a political switch.
Vivek Ramaswamy's authenticity as a political candidate
There's an emphasis on contrasting Vivek Ramaswamy's political authenticity with Nikki Haley, who some feel is using her racial background in a different, less genuine manner.
Declines in ideological diversity and debate at universities like Harvard
The conversation transitions to concerns about the lack of ideological diversity and debate at prestigious educational institutions, namely Harvard. Sosnick mentioned that Harvard was ranked last in freedom of speech and expression among universities, a claim indicative of the concern over declining ideological variety.
Patrick Bet-David recalled a visit to Harvard during the Clinton-Trump presidential campaign an ...
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Politics, race, and leadership
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Patrick Bet-David is an Iranian-American conservative political commentator, entrepreneur, author, and YouTuber known for hosting the Valuetainment and PBD Podcast channels on YouTube. He has a diverse background, including serving in the U.S. Army and attending the Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School. Bet-David is fluent in multiple languages and is recognized for his commentary on various political and social issues.
- Vivek Ramaswamy is an American entrepreneur and former presidential candidate for the Republican Party in the 2024 United States election. He founded Roivant Sciences, a pharmaceutical company, and has been vocal about his views on national identity and criticisms of certain ideologies like ESG. Ramaswamy has a background in biology and law, graduating from Harvard College and Yale Law School, respectively. He suspended his presidential campaign in January 2024 after finishing fourth in Iowa's caucuses.
- Jussie Smollett is an American actor and singer known for his role in the TV series "Empire." In 2019, he staged a fake hate crime against himself in Chicago, leading to legal consequences. The incident involved Smollett making false police reports about the attack. Smolle ...
Counterarguments
- Nikki Haley's experiences of racism are subjective and personal; questioning their validity undermines individuals' lived experiences.
- The causes of the Civil War are complex and multifaceted; while slavery was a central issue, some argue other factors also played significant roles.
- Comparing Haley to Jussie Smollett may be seen as dismissive of her experiences without concrete evidence to support such a comparison.
- Accusations of bending a race narrative could be challenged by the notion that individuals can authentically share their experiences without it being a strategic move for victimhood.
- The comparison to Elizabeth Warren may not be entirely fair, as each individual's relationship with race and heritage is unique and complex.
- The potential impact of Democrats recruiting Haley is speculative and assumes that political affiliation is the primary driver of voter support.
- Authenticity in politics is subjective, and what one person views as genuine, another may see as political strategy.
- Ideological diversity at universities is a nuanced issue, and Harvard's ranking in freedom of speech may not fully capture the efforts made to foster diverse viewpoints.
- The lack of visible support for Donald Trump at Harvard could be reflective of the demographic's political leanings rather than an institutional bias.
- Desiring ideological diversity at universities is valid, but it's important to recognize that diversity of thought exists even within seemingly homogenous groups.
- The ingrained lack of ideological diversity at Harvard could be challenged by pointing out initiatives and groups that do promote such diversity.
- Efforts to re-establ ...
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