LISTEN: Microdramas Go Mainstream with TelevisaUnivision and JCPenney Deal; How Record Store Day Fosters Fandom and Community

In the latest installment of the "Daily Variety" podcast, industry developments take center stage. Variety's senior TV editor Brian Steinberg provides an inside look at a new partnership between media giant TelevisaUnivision and retailer JCPenney, focused on creating short-form microdramas and related branded content. This move signals a growing trend of traditional retailers seeking deeper engagement through narrative advertising, a strategy experts suggest can build brand affinity more effectively than standard commercials.

Meanwhile, chief music critic Chris Willman offers a reflective piece on the communal experience of Record Store Day's Black Friday event. He delves into the unique joys and shared anticipation found among fans waiting in line for limited vinyl releases, framing it as a cherished ritual in an increasingly digital music landscape. This annual event, which began in 2007 to support independent record stores, has grown into a major cultural moment for physical media enthusiasts.

Listeners can access the full "Daily Variety" episode across all major podcast platforms, including iHeartPodcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. The podcast is also available on Amazon Music and through Variety's own YouTube Podcast channel, ensuring wide accessibility for its audience of entertainment industry professionals and enthusiasts.