Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports

Scripted television series, China's economy and Australian Open women's tennis

In today’s newsletter, I discuss scripted television series, China's economy and Australian Open women's tennis.

MEDIA: Scripted Television Series

The number of scripted television series reached a record level in 2021, according to data from FX Content research as reported in Deadline and many other publications.

According to that data as reported in Deadline, there 559 scripted series in 2021, up from 493 last year and from 532 in 2019.

Pink's Bottom Line

For some context, there were only 288 scripted television series ten years ago, and the number increased annually every year until 2020, when it declined due to the onset of the pandemic.

As such, the dramatic increase in the number of scripted television series in the last decade dovetails with the emergence of streaming services and with the insatiable need for fresh content for these services.

MONEY: China’s Economy

China’s economy grew 4% in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter, according to data released by China’s government earlier today.

For all of last year, the Chinese government said that its economy grew 8.1% compared to 2020.

Pink's Bottom Line

While that annual economic growth number appears robust, it actually suggests a tepid rebound from an economy that was hobbled by the pandemic for much of 2020.

If China continues to post subdued economic growth in 2022, that could signal an overall slowdown in the global economy this year.

SPORTS: Australian Open Women’s Tennis

Naomi Osaka, the reigning women’s champion of the Australian Open, won her first round match of this year’s tournament in convincing fashion on Monday.

Meanwhile, Ash Barty, the world number one and the top seed in the tournament, also dismantled her opponent in the first round.

Pink's Bottom Line

Osaka and Barty are arguably the two best women’s tennis players in the world though Osaka is seeded 13th in this year’s Australian Open because she hasn’t played many matches in the past six months.

As a result, Osaka and Barty are on a collision course to meet in the round of 16 in this year’s tournament.

Assuming both players do make it to the round of 16, look for the winner of that match to win the Australian Open and claim the first major title of 2021.

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Jeremy Pink is currently an advisor to media and fintech companies around the world. 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)