Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports

Trends in journalism, small business and inflation and the NFL coaching carousel

In today’s newsletter, I discuss trends in journalism, small business and inflation and the NFL coaching carousel.

MEDIA: Trends in Journalism

The Reuters Media Institute this week released a survey about journalism and media trends and predictions for the year — respondents of that survey included CEOs, editors and digital media executives.

According to that report, only 60% said they were confident about the future of journalism, citing polarization in society as one key reason.

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Notably, those respondents were more bullish about future business conditions, with 75% saying they are confident about business prospects this year.

With major stories including coronavirus, midterm elections in the United States and global climate change likely at the forefront of journalism in 2022, the ability of journalists to report stories objectively — and to ensure that business conditions can support that journalism — will be crucial.

MONEY: Small Business and Inflation

Inflation is the biggest problem facing small business in America, according to the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index survey released earlier today.

According to that survey, 22% of respondents cited inflation as the most troubling issue for their businesses.

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Overall, the Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.5 points in December compared to November to a level of 98.9 — a reading of 100 is considered an average monthly reading.

Additionally, according to that survey, more business owners this month said they expect business conditions to improve in the first half of the year, but they are pessimistic about economic conditions overall.

As small business is an engine of economic growth in this country, these survey results appear a bit concerning about the economic prospects in 2022.

SPORTS: NFL Coaching Carousel

Several NFL head coaches were fired Monday, one day after the conclusion of the NFL’s regular season, including Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins.

Flores guided the Dolphins to a 9-8 record this season, including victories in eight of the team’s last nine games.

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Overall in his three-year stint as head coach of the Dolphins, Flores posted a record of 24-25 with winning records in each of his last two seasons after inheriting a team in disarray his first season.

As other NFL teams look to fill their head coaching vacancies, look for Flores to emerge as the top candidate for at least one of these vacancies.

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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)