My 2015 Predictions - Consolidated Guest Articles from TechCrunch, Variety, Billboard & VideoInk

CES 2015 is in the books -- and we are now firmly simply ensconced in 2015.  Time to rock and roll in all things that are digital media.  To that end -- consolidated here for your reading pleasure -- here are my predictions for media/music/digital media for 2015 (via my separate year-end guest articles in TechCrunch, Variety, Billboard, and VideoInk):

"The Future of Digital Media in 2015" -- from TechCrunch -- where I identify 8 specific predictions for the year (a longer "director's cut" version with 10 predictions can be found here via my separate post in LinkedIn)

"The 3 Digital Media Mega-Deals that Defined the Year" -- from Variety -- where I discuss the rationale for those 3 deals and discuss how they impact what we will see in 2015

"Five Predictions for Digital Video in 2015" -- from VideoInk -- this one is exclusively focused on video

And, finally, here is my single major music industry-focused prediction/theme for 2015 (and which is featured in the print edition of Billboard Magazine that is on your newsstands now ... will post it here as well if it goes online):

2015 is the year that the music business begins to understand and embrace the power and potential of deeply integrating technology and online fan engagement with offline live events.  For most artists, streaming services expand their “communities” of thirsty fans and will offer ever-more tools to engage directly with -- and monetize -- them (via both live event tickets and unique new live “experiences”).  Live events (especially major festivals) will fuel these direct interactions further (both online and offline) – and more effectively line their own pockets – by leveraging innovative new technology to capture invaluable attendee data that they will share with savvy artists.  And, rabid fans will happily hand over more dollars for closer artist connections and better live music experiences (including more efficient food, drink and merchandising sales at shows).