Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports
Most downloaded non-gaming apps, consumer inflation and college football
In today’s newsletter, I discuss the most downloaded non-gaming apps, consumer inflation and college football.
MEDIA: Most Downloaded Apps and Facebook
Three of the five most downloaded non-gaming apps in the world in November came from one company — Facebook.
According to data from SensorTower, an app research and data firm, WhatsApp was the most downloaded app in the world in November, Facebook was third and Instagram was fifth.
Facebook purchased Instagram in 2012 for $1 billion, and it bought WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion.
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Many thought Facebook might have paid too much for both its Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions at the times they were both made.
Fast forward to today, though, when we learned that Facebook is facing antitrust lawsuits by the Federal Trade Commission and 46 states related in part to its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. (Click here for a great explanation of the lawsuits in The Wall Street Journal.)
It’s a remarkable turn of events for Facebook in just a few years, and the ultimate outcomes of these antitrust lawsuits will have major implications for big tech and for any future acquisitions big tech might be considering.
MONEY: Consumer Inflation
We’ll get the next read on inflation at the consumer level when the government releases its Consumer Price Index (CPI) for November tomorrow morning.
Many expect inflation at the consumer level to have remained relatively tame in November, following flat prices in October.
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If, however, we see a surprise in the CPI and inflation is higher than expected, we should be on the lookout for any impact that might have on the average American consumer and on the economy as a whole.
As consumer spending accounts for roughly 70% of overall US economic output, any tick higher in inflation could potentially be meaningful as it relates to an overall economic recovery, particularly now when we’re in the middle of a pandemic when discretionary income is limited for many consumers.
SPORTS: Big Ten Championship
It has been anything but an ordinary college football season this year as the coronavirus pandemic has ravaged the schedules of many teams.
Notably, Ohio State, the top team in the conference, almost didn’t get to play for the Big Ten title because the Buckeyes played only five games, and according to Big Ten rules, they needed to play six in order to qualify for the conference championship
The conference, though, amended its rules today, and will now allow the Buckeyes to play for the Big Ten title — they will meet Northwestern on December 19 for the conference championship.
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It’s been a difficult few months for the Big Ten and its football plans this year.
Earlier in the year, the Big Ten initially opted not to play football at all this season only to reverse that decision shortly thereafter to play its current shortened season.
Now, if Ohio State does beat Northwestern, the Buckeyes will likely have a good chance to make the College Football Playoff, and play for the national title just a few months after they thought they might not have a season at all.
Jeremy Pink is COO of Geniecast, a leading virtual content and experience company. He is also currently an advisor to companies in media and financial tech. 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. Jeremy 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)