Podcasts

The Future of Streaming & Storytelling: Rebecca Kent on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Next Chapter

Mar 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
 • 
 min read

From ad-supported streaming to immersive fan experiences and global content expansion, Rebecca shares how WBD is redefining how audiences interact with stories across every platform.

“I think where it's headed is really about consumer choice. What's really important to a company like Warner Bros. Discovery is meeting consumers where they are.” - Rebecca Kent

Entertainment has never been more dynamic or fragmented. Consumers have endless choices for how and where they engage with content, from streaming services to cinema, television, gaming, and beyond. Warner Bros. Discovery is at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring its world-class franchises reach audiences however they prefer to watch. Rebecca Kent, SVP of Global Transformation, discusses the company’s approach to personalization, data-driven insights, and future-proofing its iconic IP—from HBO to Harry Potter—in an ever-changing media landscape.

Rebecca Kent is the SVP of Global Transformation at Warner Bros. Discovery, where she leads strategic initiatives to drive innovation, consumer engagement, and operational efficiencies across WBD’s expansive portfolio. With deep expertise in business transformation, media strategy, and emerging technology, Rebecca is helping shape the future of entertainment by integrating data, technology, and content to create next-generation viewing experiences.

Tune into the latest episode or read the transcript below to learn more. Here are some top takeaways: 

Entertainment on Your Terms—Giving Viewers the Power

The days of one-size-fits-all content are over. Whether audiences want ad-free streaming, live TV, or the full cinematic experience, Warner Bros. Discovery is letting them decide. Rebecca explains how WBD is shifting from dictating how content is consumed to empowering audiences with real choices—because in today’s media landscape, convenience and control matter as much as quality.

Ad-Supported Streaming is No Longer a Trade-Off—It’s a Smart Choice
Consumers are opting for ad-supported streaming models to keep costs down, and WBD is making those ads feel less like interruptions and more like enhancements. With innovations like shoppable ads on Max, brands can now engage viewers in ways that feel natural and relevant—turning passive watching into interactive experiences. As streaming evolves, companies that make advertising feel additive rather than disruptive will win the trust (and attention) of audiences.

Data is the New Currency of Fandom—And WBD is Cashing In
Fandom isn’t just about what people watch—it’s about how they engage across platforms. Rebecca focuses on how Warner Bros. is leveraging cross-platform data to create deeper, more personalized fan experiences, connecting the dots between streaming, retail, live events, and more. If a Game of Thrones fan also shops for DC Comics merch or visits a Harry Potter theme park, WBD ensures relevant, meaningful interactions that strengthen their connection to the brand.

Global Content Isn’t a Niche Play—It’s the Future
AI-powered dubbing and shifting viewer habits are making global content more accessible than ever, allowing shows and films to break through in unprecedented ways. Warner Bros. Discovery is capitalizing on this trend by expanding local-language productions and leveraging advanced dubbing technology to bring compelling stories to new audiences. Great storytelling knows no borders, and the next blockbuster could come from anywhere in the world.

Transformation Starts with People—Not Just Processes
Change doesn’t happen from the top down—it happens when employees are brought into the process early and empowered to lead. Rebecca Kent believes that true business transformation comes from listening, engaging, and ensuring teams feel like active participants, not passive recipients. Companies that prioritize transparency and inclusion during times of change will create cultures that don’t just adapt—but thrive.

Tune into The Speed of Culture Podcast as Rebecca Kent unpacks the future of entertainment, the power of personalization, and how Warner Bros. Discovery is shaping the next era of storytelling.