The Vergecast: Netflix vs Paramount, AI hits Nashville, Times New Roman returns
The latest episode of The Vergecast pulls together three stories that feel oddly connected: a showdown between two streaming giants, a tech‑driven experiment in Nashville’s songwriting scene, and a surprising nod to a typeface most of us learned in school. Nilay and David sit down with Charlie Harding—a music journalist, professor, and co‑host of the Switched on Pop podcast—to unpack why Netflix’s push against Paramount matters beyond quarterly earnings, how AI tools are reshaping the craft of country hits, and what the resurgence of Times New Roman says about design trends in a digital age. Listeners get more than headline noise; they hear a nuanced conversation about the business, the art, and the aesthetics that intersect in today’s media ecosystem.
It’s the kind of cross‑disciplinary dialogue that explains why these seemingly disparate topics deserve a single episode. On The Vergecast: Netflix takes on Paramount, AI takes over Nashville, and Times New Roman makes a comeback. On this episode of The Vergecast, Nilay and David are joined by Charlie Harding, a music journalist and professor who also co‑hosts the excellent Switched on Pop podcast.
Charlie takes us thr
On The Vergecast: Netflix takes on Paramount, AI takes over Nashville, and Times New Roman makes a comeback. On this episode of The Vergecast, Nilay and David are joined by Charlie Harding, a music journalist and professor who also co-hosts the excellent Switched on Pop podcast. Charlie takes us through his reporting on how songwriters are using Suno and other tools to turn ideas into semi-polished demos.
They can be in any style and sound like anyone -- and while it seems everyone is using AI to help make music, not everyone is so eager to talk about it. Charlie also made us a song, and gamely destroys it with our prompts. Before that, though, the hosts catch up on a tectonic week in Hollywood.
(Actually, before even that, Nilay has a smart shades recommendation for you.) Netflix is buying Warner Bros., unless Paramount can stop it. Either way, we appear doomed to years of regulatory battles, corporate infighting, and layoffs. After that, it's time for some AI music making.
And after that, in the lightning round, we begin with a celebrity guest appearance to talk about some font drama in the US State Department, with the only person we know truly qualified to break it down. After that, it's time for another installment of Brendan Carr is a Dummy, plus our takes on the Pebble Index smart ring, the new Disco browser, the latest in the garage door wars, and more. If you want to know more about everything we discuss in this episode, here are some links to get you started, first on the Warner Bros.
sale - From The Wrap: New Paramount's Plans for Film, TV and Streaming Revealed - Netflix CEO made a visit to the White House before buying Warner Bros.
The episode wraps up with a clear picture: AI‑generated tracks like “I Run” are already surfacing on TikTok, and tools such as Suno are slipping into Nashville’s songwriting rooms. Charlie Harding’s insights underscore how quickly the technology is moving from novelty to staple, yet the long‑term effect on the genre’s traditions stays murky. Meanwhile, Netflix’s clash with Paramount adds another layer of competition to an already crowded media field, and the unexpected revival of Times Roman hints that even visual design isn’t immune to sudden shifts.
Whether AI will reshape country music’s core identity or simply become another instrument in the producer’s kit remains uncertain. Listeners are left with a mix of intrigue and caution—enough evidence to say the trend is real, but not enough to declare its ultimate outcome. The conversation, as always, stays grounded in what’s observable, while acknowledging the questions that still linger.
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Common Questions Answered
Why does Netflix's clash with Paramount matter beyond quarterly earnings according to The Vergecast?
The Vergecast explains that Netflix's aggressive stance against Paramount signals a broader shift in streaming power dynamics, not just a short‑term financial battle. This rivalry could reshape content licensing, original production strategies, and ultimately affect how viewers access media across platforms.
How are AI tools such as Suno reshaping the songwriting process in Nashville as described by Charlie Harding?
Charlie Harding notes that Nashville songwriters are using Suno to convert raw ideas into semi‑polished demos in minutes, allowing them to experiment with any genre or vocal style. These AI‑generated tracks let creators iterate faster, but they also raise questions about authenticity and the future role of human musicians.
Which AI‑generated track is highlighted in the episode, and where is it gaining traction?
The episode spotlights the AI‑crafted song “I Run,” which has begun circulating on TikTok and quickly amassed views. Its viral spread demonstrates how AI music can reach mainstream audiences without traditional promotion, accelerating the technology's adoption in popular culture.
What is notable about the resurgence of Times New Roman mentioned in the podcast?
The Vergecast points out that Times New Roman, a typeface most people learned in school, is unexpectedly reappearing in modern design contexts, signaling a nostalgic revival. This comeback highlights how even classic, seemingly static elements can find new relevance alongside cutting‑edge tech like AI.