Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports

Section 230, the US trade deficit and the NFL Playoffs

In today’s newsletter, I discuss Section 230, the US trade deficit and the most intriguing game of the weekend to watch in the NFL Playoffs.

MEDIA: Section 230

Section 230 of the government’s Communications Decency Act in part reads, “No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.”

As such, Twitter or Facebook or other social media aren’t treated like publishers since the content generated on their platforms comes from their users.

That provides Facebook and Twitter legal protection in most cases for incendiary or inappropriate content, for example, that might appear on their platforms.

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As a result, Section 230 likely has been one factor that has helped Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms grow so quickly.

Without the protection of Section 230, it’s unclear whether social media would have evolved or thrived as it has today.

That’s why it was so surprising when John Matze, Founder and CEO of Parler, a service very similar to Twitter that’s used by many on the political right, said Parler would be just fine without Section 230.

That, to me, suggests that the potential repeal of Section 230, while already a polarizing political issue, will become even more contentious in 2021.

MONEY: U.S. Trade Deficit

The U.S. trade deficit widened to its biggest gap in more than 14 years, according to a report today from the Commerce Department.

The deficit for goods and services combined swelled to $68.1 billion in November, a 7.9% increase compared to October, according that government report.

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Notably, the deficit for goods only — not services — jumped to $86.4 billion in November, which the government says was the biggest such gap on record.

Also, imports from China hit a level of $44.9 billion in November, the highest amount in nearly two years, according to the report.

All of that data indicates that US demand for foreign goods — particularly from China — remains robust despite the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and despite tariffs levied on China in recent years.

SPORTS: NFL Playoff Rematch

The NFL Playoffs kick off this weekend, and the most intriguing game is a rematch from last year’s first round when the Tennessee Titans beat the Baltimore Ravens.

Last year, the Ravens entered that playoff game on a 12-game regular season winning streak and quarterback Lamar Jackson looked unstoppable.

However, Tennessee pulled an upset, thanks to running back Derrick Henry who led the Titans to a 28-12 victory in Baltimore.

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This year, though, Tennessee is hosting the game as the Titans are seeded fourth in the AFC while Baltimore is seeded fifth.

Still, the Ravens are a 4.5 point favorite and I look for them to win this game — and win easily — for two different, but equally important reasons.

First, Baltimore will want to avenge its loss from last season as quarterback Lamar Jackson will look to improve on his performance from a year ago.

Second, the Ravens, who just a few short weeks ago looked like they might not make the playoffs at all, roared back in the past few weeks and look like they are playing as well as any team in the league.

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Jeremy Pink is COO of Geniecast, a leading virtual content and experience company, and he is also currently an advisor to companies in the media and financial tech sectors. Jeremy 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, and 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)