Streams, Screens and Subscriptions: Who’s really winning in the world of entertainment media?

In this episode of Clarasys podcast, Head of People and Change, Sophie Brazell-Ng sits down with Tom Hart, Customer Lifecycle and Subscriptions lead, to explore what’s really happening in the world of media and entertainment subscriptions in 2026. From the promise of all-you-can-watch streaming to today’s reality of platform overload, rising consumer frustration and fragmented viewing experiences, they unpack why the subscription economy increasingly feels chaotic for both audiences and providers. Together, they discuss how changing customer expectations are pushing streaming services towards more flexible, usage-based models, and why the battle for attention is no longer just about content libraries, but about curation, convenience and value. The conversation also examines the growing role of personalisation, advertising and customer data in shaping what people watch, what they buy and how platforms monetise engagement. Looking ahead, Sophie and Tom explore what AI could mean for the future of subscriptions, from smarter discovery and content recommendations to AI agents that may eventually help consumers manage services, spending and access across multiple platforms. It’s a wide-ranging discussion on streaming, subscriptions and customer experience, with practical insight into where the market may be heading next. Listen here or visit our website for the transcript: https://clarasys.com/insights/thinking/streams-screens-and-subscriptions-whos-really-winning-in-the-world-of-entertainment-media-podcast