Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports
Connected TV viewing, gas prices and inflation and a Formula 1 controversy
In today’s newsletter, I discuss connected TV viewing, gas prices and inflation and a Formula 1 controversy.
MEDIA: Connected TV Viewing
TVision recently released a report that has a host of important insights about Connected TV (CTV).
Called The State of CTV, that report shows that viewers spent the most time last quarter watching Netflix and YouTube than other apps that have video content.
(Note: CTV refers to any device that can stream video content — whether that video is from a subscription service, a free service or an Internet-delivered linear television bundle like Sling TV.)
Pink's Bottom Line
Hulu, Prime Video from Amazon and Sling TV rank third, fourth and fifth most watched, respectively, according to that report.
Notably, AppleTV+ moved up to the 19th most watched app last quarter, up nine places from the second quarter of the year.
That strong move by AppleTV+ likely reflects the popularity of its breakout hit program Ted Lasso, which indicates yet again that quality content ultimately is most important to driving popularity of all of these services.
MONEY: Gas Prices and Inflation
Gas prices declined in the past week, according to data from AAA, though crude oil prices rose last week after falling sharply for a few weeks before that.
Pink's Bottom Line
The price of gasoline has an outsized impact on consumer perception of inflation, so if lower gas prices persist, the average consumer will undoubtedly breathe a sigh of relief.
Still, according to a government report last Friday, prices at the consumer level jumped 6.8% last month compared to a year ago, which marks the biggest annual increase in nearly 40 years.
SPORTS: Formula 1 Controversy
Formula 1, the world’s most popular auto racing circuit, held its final race of the year Sunday with Max Verstappen of the Red Bull racing team capturing this year’s driver’s championship.
Verstappen overtook seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of the Mercedes racing team on the final lap of the race.
Pink's Bottom Line
That final lap created much of the controversy, as the race was restarted with just one lap to go due to safety reasons, and Verstappen’s car had new tires while Hamilton’s didn’t.
(Click here to read a summary of the race and an explanation of what happened concerning that final lap.)
Still, it was a thrilling though controversial finish to the Formula 1 season for a sport that is very popular around the world though less so in the United States.
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)