Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports
The creator economy, lower gas prices and surprise NFL playoff teams
In today’s newsletter, I discuss the creator economy, lower gas prices and surprise NFL playoff teams.
MEDIA: The Creator Economy
For those unfamiliar, the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) offers creators ways to monetize their content on YouTube.
Earlier today in a blog post, YPP said that it now has more than two million participants in that program worldwide — YPP started in 2007.
Pink's Bottom LineYPP is an example of the burgeoning creator economy, where content creators are working with different platforms to earn money with their content.
Content creators can often earn a living on multiple platforms including YouTube, Patreon, TikTok, Instagram and others.
As such, the two million participant mark announced by YPP today is notable as it is the latest indication that the creator economy is thriving.
MONEY: Lower Gas Prices
Gas prices, which had been rising all summer, are now moving lower, according to AAA.
Pink's Bottom LineFor some context, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas was 98 cents cheaper in 2020, and 56 cents less expensive in 2019, according to AAA.
The decline in gas prices this week appears to reflect a slowing of demand for gas due to both the end of the summer driving season and the emergence of the Delta variant.
As a result, gas prices could decline even more in the coming weeks, assuming that demand does not return.
SPORTS: Surprise NFL Playoff Teams
The NFL has expanded the number of teams that will make the playoffs this year to 14 from 12.
Add that expanded number of teams to the recent trend that playoff teams often turn over dramatically from year to year, and it’s likely that we’ll see a host of new teams in the postseason this year.
As such, I have identified three teams that will make this year’s postseason that didn’t make it in 2020. (Click here to see last year’s NFL standings for some context.)
Pink's Bottom LineFirst, look for the Minnesota Vikings to claim a Wildcard spot thanks to a potent offense. Running back Dalvin Cook could have a breakout season, and quarterback Kirk Cousins should also have a solid year.
Secondly, New England should return to the postseason after missing the playoffs last year. Division foes Buffalo and Miami might regress from last year while the Patriots should improve markedly in their second season without Tom Brady.
Finally, the San Francisco 49ers should also earn at least a Wildcard spot, following a 2020 season when the team was riddled with injuries and didn’t make the postseason.
The 49ers have perhaps the best roster in the NFL, and if quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo stays healthy — assuming he beats out rookie Trey Lance as starter — San Francisco could make some real noise in the postseason this year.
Jeremy Pink is currently COO of Geniecast, a leading virtual content and experience company. He is the former CEO of private-equity backed Broadcast Sports International where he helped lead the company to a successful sale and exit during his tenure there. He is also a former CNBC television executive in New York, London and Singapore.
The information contained in this communication is strictly for general informational and entertainment purposes and is not meant to be construed as financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. This communication is not a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. I am not a financial advisor or offering professional advice of any kind. Users should not act upon the content or information found within this communication without first seeking professional advice appropriate for their individual situation. Decisions based on information contained in this communication are the sole responsibility of the user, and use of this communication and its contents constitutes an explicit understanding and acceptance of the foregoing disclaimers.
(Newsletter Editor: Karina Pink)