Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 5 hours ago
Reed Hastings interview 2018 (audio only) Netflix press junket in Rome, Italy. This was a media roundtable. I did most of the questions.
I particularly like this part about attention where he clearly shows that Netflix competes with every business about attention, and that includes the traditional media.
The Challenge of Capturing Attention in a Competitive Space
Hastings discussed the fierce competition for viewers’ attention:
"Attention is everything. Five years ago, YouTube dominated the online content space. Now, every major company is fighting for attention: Google with YouTube, Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Disney, and more. They’re all entering our space, while traditional media giants like Fox are diving into technology.
For Netflix, success depends on making our service the best it can be. We focus on finding and producing shows that capture attention. When we discover something like Stranger Things or La Casa de Papel, it’s magic. These shows are rare, but they’re what keeps audiences engaged.”
Hastings added:
"Capturing attention isn’t just about great content—it’s about delivering it efficiently. Our technology ensures that viewers can watch without interruptions, and our recommendation system helps people find what they’ll love."
Reed Hastings interview 2018 (audio only) Netflix press junket in Rome, Italy. This was a media roundtable. I did most of the questions.
I particularly like this part about attention where he clearly shows that Netflix competes with every business about attention, and that includes the traditional media.
The Challenge of Capturing Attention in a Competitive Space
Hastings discussed the fierce competition for viewers’ attention:
"Attention is everything. Five years ago, YouTube dominated the online content space. Now, every major company is fighting for attention: Google with YouTube, Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Disney, and more. They’re all entering our space, while traditional media giants like Fox are diving into technology.
For Netflix, success depends on making our service the best it can be. We focus on finding and producing shows that capture attention. When we discover something like Stranger Things or La Casa de Papel, it’s magic. These shows are rare, but they’re what keeps audiences engaged.”
Hastings added:
"Capturing attention isn’t just about great content—it’s about delivering it efficiently. Our technology ensures that viewers can watch without interruptions, and our recommendation system helps people find what they’ll love."
