Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports
Top items and takeaways of the week from the worlds of media, money and sports
After a much needed two-week break from writing this newsletter, here are the latest top items and takeaways from the worlds of media, money and sports. Thank you again to everyone for your support.
MEDIA
Pink’s Bottom Line: It’s the latest move that indicates that the traditional business model of RSNs is eroding quickly and that direct-to-consumer will soon dominate the way viewers watch these networks.
Pink’s Bottom Line: Notably, streaming accounted for 34.3% of total television viewing in February, up from 32.8% in January, and indication that viewers revert to streaming when live events — like the NFL — aren’t on broadcast or cable tv.
Pink’s Bottom Line: The surging cost of content, including live sports rights, will lead to more price hikes for bundled linear television subscriptions — whether cable, satellite or online like YouTube TV — this year.
MONEY
Pink’s Bottom Line: While lower mortgage rates certainly benefit consumers, the chronic lack of housing inventory still remains the biggest hurdle for any prospective homebuyer to make a purchase.
Pink’s Bottom Line: Notably, 57.9% of workers are in the office on the second day of the work week, an indication that the work-from-home trend is showing more signs of abating, at least on Tuesdays.
Pink’s Bottom Line: This problem is most acute among Millennials, suggesting that this kind of financial dependency could persist, especially in the face of a slowing economy and a weakening job market.
SPORTS
Pink’s Bottom Line: The Huskies, although only a four-seed, are the caliber of a one or two seed, and UConn will coast to the national title against a trio of competitors who have already overachieved by making the Final Four.
Pink’s Bottom Line: Embiid will win the award, but Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is the best player in the NBA, and will lead the Bucks to a title this year.
Pink’s Bottom Line: Look for Richardson to rocket up draft boards and to become a top five selection when all is said and done.
Jeremy Pink consults for media, sports and tech 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. He started his career as a sportswriter for two newspapers in Columbus, Ohio, and he is a contributing author to two books.
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)