Pink's Bottom Line on Media, Money and Sports
November television viewing, key economic data this week and the Los Angeles Lakers
In today’s newsletter, I discuss November television viewing, key economic data this week and the Los Angeles Lakers.
MEDIA: November Television Viewing
Total television viewing across broadcast, cable and streaming increased 5% last month compared to October, according to data from Nielsen’s The Gauge, which measures total monthly television viewing.
Pink's Bottom Line
According to data from The Gauge, viewing of sports grew 7% and viewership of movies rose 12% last month.
Among streaming services, Disney+ enjoyed an increase of 20% in viewing in November, likely benefiting from the release of the blockbuster movie Shang Chi.
As such, strong, compelling content — regardless of whether it airs on broadcast, cable or a streaming service — appears to be the main factor that determines television viewership.
MONEY: Key Economic Data This Week
The housing market has been a stalwart of the economy during the pandemic, and the existing home sales report will give a strong indication of the health of the overall housing market.
Pink's Bottom Line
Consumer confidence will shed light on how consumers are gauging the impact of both the emergence of the Omicron variant and of rising inflation.
If both reports are strong that will bode well for the economy, but if there are worrying signs in either report, that could indicate a bumpy economic performance as the new year begins.
SPORTS: Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the preseason favorites to win the NBA title this year, have played below expectations though the team still ultimately should make the playoffs.
Notably, though, Anthony Davis, one the team’s two superstars, suffered an injury and he will miss the next four weeks.
Pink's Bottom Line
With Davis out of the lineup for the near term, the Lakers will struggle to win games, and, as a result, they’re not likely to improve their playoff seeding in the Western Conference.
Additionally, that means Los Angeles probably won’t have home court advantage throughout the postseason, which would make the team’s run at another NBA title even more difficult.
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)