Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports

Broadband subscribers, jobs and the economy and the Dallas Cowboys

In today’s newsletter, I discuss broadband subscribers, jobs and the economy and the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

MEDIA: Broadband Subscribers

While the number of pay-television subscribers decreased last quarter, the number of new broadband subscribers increased in the third quarter of the year, according to data from the Leichtman Research Group.

The nation’s largest broadband providers added roughly 630,000 net new subscribers in the third quarter, according to Leichtman.

Pink's Bottom Line

For some context, in the third quarter of last year during the height of the pandemic, broadband providers added more than 1.5 million net new subscribers, but in the third quarter of 2019, providers added 615,000 net new subscribers.

As such, it appears that new broadband customer acquisition peaked during the pandemic, but it is now hovering at its pre-pandemic level.

MONEY: Jobs and the Economy

The government releases its monthly unemployment report this Friday, and if last week’s jobless claims number serves as an indicator, Friday’s report should show strength in the nation’s labor market.

Last week, the government reported that initial weekly jobless claims slid to their lowest level in 52 years.

Pink's Bottom Line

If Friday’s unemployment report does indeed show robust job creation, that will signal underlying strength in the overall economy.

If the holiday shopping season also shows strength — and it appears that holiday retail sales so far are meeting expectations — then the nation’s economy probably is on very solid footing entering the new year.

SPORTS: Dallas Cowboys

Although the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Las Vegas Raiders on Thanksgiving day and their record slipped to 7-4, the Cowboys still are a safe bet to make the postseason and to win a game or two in the playoffs.

The Cowboys now have lost three of their past four games, but they have played without key players including wide receivers Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb and offensive lineman Tyron Smith during parts of that stretch.

Additionally, quarterback Dak Prescott has struggled with injury during the past month, and hasn’t played at the same level as he did in the first part of the season.

Pink's Bottom Line

Now, though, with some of those key players returning to the lineup and with Prescott recovering, the Cowboys are poised to bounce back for the rest of the season.

Most importantly, Dallas has a soft schedule the rest of the way including games against the New York Jets and the New York Giants plus two with the Washington Football Team.

As a result, look for the Cowboys to win four of their final six games, win their division and host a first round playoff game.

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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)