Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports
Major media merger, small business optimism and the Cleveland Browns
In today’s newsletter, I discuss a major media merger, small business optimism and the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.
MEDIA: Major Media Merger
Univision and Televisa, two large Spanish language media companies, are reportedly merging. (Click here to read this Los Angeles Times story on this planned merger.)
The combination will create a large Spanish language media company from companies based in two different countries.
Televisa, which is based in Mexico, has broadcast networks, cable channels and more among its assets.
Univision, which has television stations and cable networks and is based in the United States, already buys programming from Televisa.
Pink's Bottom LineWhile both companies are strong in traditional media, it’s likely that video streaming will become a key focus of the new company.
Just last month, for example, Univision launched PrendeTV, a video streaming service that includes linear streaming channels as well as on-demand content.
The merger indicates once again the importance of video streaming for companies — especially for traditional media companies like Univision and Televisa — in today’s marketplace.
MONEY: Small Business Optimism
Small business in the United States appeared more optimistic last month, according to the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index released earlier this week.
That index hit a level of 98.2 in March, 2.4 points above where it stood in February — it is now at its highest reading since November when it reached a level of 101.4.
Pink's Bottom LineNotably, though, more than four in ten small businesses can not fill current job openings, and more than one in every four small business said it has boosted compensation for workers in the past year.
Small business accounts for the majority of job creation in the United States, so it is encouraging that these businesses do have job openings.
However, it does appear that the labor market has tightened, and that could put a crimp on growth for small business in general.
SPORTS: Cleveland Browns
The NFL’s Cleveland Browns today signed free agent defensive tackle Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal, bolstering the team’s already strong defensive line.
Clowney, the top pick in the NFL Draft by the Houston Texans in 2014, will join Myles Garrett, who the Browns selected with number one overall pick in the draft in 2017, on the defensive line for the Browns.
Pink's Bottom LineCleveland now looks like it could be a strong contender to win its division this year — the Browns are currently +170 to win their division, trailing the Baltimore Ravens at +110, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
With the addition of Clowney, the team’s defense could be much improved to match an offense that played well last season and only looks like it will only get better.
As such, for the first time in a number of years, there’s now warranted optimism in Cleveland for the Browns next season.
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)