Boom Bust Season 2 Episode 49 Samuels Says Obama's Net Neutrality Position Works and Heinberg Sees Pain for Frackers

In season 2, episode 49 of Boom Bust, host Erin Ade interviews two guests with differing opinions on two significant topics in the industry. In the first segment, Ade speaks with Johnathan C. Samuel, the Editor-In-Chief of Streaming & OTT for Broadcasting & Cable. Samuel praises Obama's recent announcement of support for net neutrality, stating that the position would aid the cable industry because they would profit from an increase in web traffic. Samuel articulates his belief that increased internet usage would allow for further development of Over The Top (OTT) services, which provide streaming video over the internet to be viewed on televisions and other devices without the need for a cable or satellite subscription. Samuel claims that the future of television will be primarily driven by OTT services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. He notes that the majority of users who watch television online are between the ages of 18 and 34, making it an essential age group for advertisers. Samuel predicts that by 2025, traditional cable and satellite subscriptions will only account for 30% of the overall market, with the majority dominated by OTT services.

In the second segment, Ade interviews Richard Heinberg, a Senior Fellow with the Post Carbon Institute who has written extensively on environmental issues and advocated for a transition to a sustainable future. Heinberg expresses concern about the state of the fracking industry, emphasizing that the cost to drill one well can exceed $10 million. Even if a company is able to sell the gas and oil that is extracted, it still may not be profitable due to the steep expenses associated with fracking. Heinberg predicts that in the coming years, a large percentage of fracking companies will go bankrupt, as they will be unable to maintain their operations in a shrinking market. Heinberg notes that although fracking is seen by some as an important tool for energy independence, it comes at a significant cost to the environment, including the contamination of groundwater and the release of methane gas. He believes that the need for alternative forms of energy, such as solar and wind power, is becoming more apparent, and that frackers will suffer as a result.

Throughout the episode, Ade and her guests explore two of the critical topics facing the industry. In the first segment, Johnathan C. Samuel offers positive commentary on President Obama's support for net neutrality, emphasizing the benefits to the industry that come with an increase in web traffic. In the second segment, Richard Heinberg expresses concern about the future of fracking, noting the significant costs associated with the process and the impact it has on the environment. Each guest offers a unique perspective on their respective subjects, showcasing the diversity of opinions within the industry. Through their interviews, Ade and her guests highlight the importance of these issues and encourage viewers to think critically about their impact.