Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports

Broadcast television viewership, a new Bitcoin futures ETF and the College Football Playoff

In today’s newsletter, I discuss broadcast television viewership, a new Bitcoin futures ETF and the College Football Playoff.

MEDIA: Broadcast Television Viewership

Broadcast television accounted for a greater share of total television viewing last month than in August, according to Nielsen’s Gauge, a measure of total tv viewing of broadcast television, cable television and streaming.

According to the Gauge, broadcast tv accounted for 26% of total viewing in September, up from 24% the prior month — cable television accounted for 38% of total viewing last month, and streaming accounted for 28%.

Pink's Bottom Line

That increase in broadcast television viewing in September coincides with the first month of the NFL season — NFL games drive the biggest audiences on traditional broadcast television.

As such, once some NFL rights migrate to video streaming platforms, which is likely to happen within the next decade, broadcast television could see significant viewership erosion.

MONEY: New Bitcoin Futures ETF

The first Bitcoin futures exchange-traded Fund (ETF) looks like it will begin trading later this week.

That follows effective approval of such an ETF from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) following an SEC meeting on Friday.

Pink's Bottom Line

The ETF, called the ProShares Trust, does not hold actual bitcoin currency — it buys and sells futures contracts on bitcoin.

Still, the ETF should prove very popular as it will allows investors exposure to bitcoin in a more traditional — and likely more liquid — investment type.

The probable debut of this ETF is also further evidence that bitcoin — and other cryptocurrencies — are becoming more mainstream.

SPORTS: College Football Playoff

Following the results of this weekend’s slate of college football games, the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture is becoming clear.

It is likely that the winners of the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12, assuming those teams have at most one-loss, will represent three of the four CFP teams.

Pink's Bottom Line

As for the fourth team, it will either be a second SEC team or Cincinnati, assuming the Bearcats go undefeated this season.

However, should Cincinnati look less than convincing in any of their future victories, the Bearcats will struggle to make the CFP.

Cincinnati will need style points in the rest of their games this season — the Bearcats simply won’t make the CFP unless they beat each of their remaining opponents convincingly.

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Jeremy Pink is currently COO of Geniecast, a leading virtual content and experience company. 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)