Did Super Bowl Ads Just Predict an AI Crash? | Pivot
Episode Description
Kara and Scott break down the Super Bowl ads, and the backlash over Bad Bunny’s halftime show. Then, they look at what’s next for crypto as Bitcoin and other tokens plummet. Plus, Amazon and Big Tech continue their AI spending spree, Trump throws his support behind the Nexstar–Tegna merger, and Kara has a message for Jeff Bezos.
00:00 Intro 8:15 Super Bowl 18:18 Crypto Winter 25:28 Amazon’s Spending Spree 34:44 Bezos on WaPo Future 46:02 Media Merger Politics 57:56 Wins and Fails
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin
Video Producer: Rich Shibley
Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa
Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email [email protected]
Brief Summary
Swisher and Galloway discuss Super Bowl ads, Amazon's spending, and the Washington Post's future amid layoffs.
Key points
- Big Tech Impact. Discussing the potential financial impact of subscription cancellations on big tech companies.
- Bad Bunny's Halftime Show. Celebrating the success and joy of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance.
- Crypto's Downturn. Bitcoin faces a significant decline, down 45% from its all-time high.
- AI Spending Surge. Amazon plans to spend $200 billion by 2026, a 60% increase from last year.
- Corporate Tax Cuts. Amazon's corporate tax bill fell dramatically under Trump's tax law.
- Jeff Bezos on Washington Post's Future. Bezos claims the Post has an essential mission despite recent layoffs. 'Readers provide a roadmap to success.'
Ask about Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Episode highlights
- Big Tech ImpactDiscussing the potential financial impact of subscription cancellations on big tech companies.“I think I can notionally take about a quarter of a billion dollars out.”4:05Feb 10, 2026
- Bad Bunny's Halftime ShowCelebrating the success and joy of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance.“It was so beautiful and so life affirming and forward thinking.”15:54Feb 10, 2026
- Crypto's DownturnBitcoin faces a significant decline, down 45% from its all-time high.“Bitcoin has just had its worst weekly decline in more than 3 years.”18:23Feb 10, 2026
- AI Spending SurgeAmazon plans to spend $200 billion by 2026, a 60% increase from last year.“Amazon's spending plans are making waves on Wall Street.”25:28Feb 10, 2026
- Corporate Tax CutsAmazon's corporate tax bill fell dramatically under Trump's tax law.“Amazon's corporate tax bill fell to 1.2 billion.”32:44Feb 10, 2026
- Jeff Bezos on Washington Post's FutureBezos claims the Post has an essential mission despite recent layoffs. 'Readers provide a roadmap to success.'“Readers provide a roadmap to success.”34:54Feb 10, 2026
- Trump Endorses NextStar Media MergerTrump shifts stance to support NextStar's acquisition of Tegna, claiming it will reduce fake news. 'I guess they sucked up to because of Jimmy Kimmel.'“I guess they sucked up to because of Jimmy Kimmel.”46:20Feb 10, 2026
- Concentration of PowerConcerns arise over the concentration of media power in one man's hands.“We don’t need one man owning Tik Tok, CBS, and CNN.”49:50Feb 10, 2026
