1 day ago
Pat McAfee has found himself in the centre of another media storm following his debacle surrounding his recent visit to the University of Utah.
The ESPN presenter has admitted his visit to Utah made him feel uncomfortable with both the university and its students providing him with a hostile atmosphere. In the days since, McAfee has used his platforms to call out his visit as his worst experience yet on College GameDay.
McAfee's comments following the visit have even seen some of his ESPN colleagues criticise him for the manner in which he has handled his frustrations. The public figure has a huge online following and he has used that to call out the University of Utah.
One ESPN colleague in particular has taken to her social media platform to hit back at McAfee suggesting that he needs to grow some thicker skin.
Earlier in the week, McAfee shared some of the direct messages he had been receiving since his visit to Utah Clearly, the messages he has received are not particularly nice but one of his ESPN colleagues has suggested that female sports reporters face worse.
#mcafee
The ESPN presenter has admitted his visit to Utah made him feel uncomfortable with both the university and its students providing him with a hostile atmosphere. In the days since, McAfee has used his platforms to call out his visit as his worst experience yet on College GameDay.
McAfee's comments following the visit have even seen some of his ESPN colleagues criticise him for the manner in which he has handled his frustrations. The public figure has a huge online following and he has used that to call out the University of Utah.
One ESPN colleague in particular has taken to her social media platform to hit back at McAfee suggesting that he needs to grow some thicker skin.
Earlier in the week, McAfee shared some of the direct messages he had been receiving since his visit to Utah Clearly, the messages he has received are not particularly nice but one of his ESPN colleagues has suggested that female sports reporters face worse.
#mcafee
2 days ago
The UIL has found new broadcasting partners for this year's football state championships in Nexstar and Mission Broadcasting.
All 12 state championship games played at AT&T Stadium from Dec. 16-19 will be available on local television and the station's streaming platform, if applicable. Participating stations and platforms in Texas include KDAF and CW33+ (Dallas) and KIAH and CW39+ (Houston).
The UIL previously partnered with Dallas-based streaming service Victory+ to broadcast its football state ******* le games, but the service was dissolved by its parent company in September.
Victory+, which also broadcast Dallas Stars games, first launched in 2024 ahead of the NHL season. The streaming service was set to broadcast the Texas High School Coaches ******* ociation Game of the Week this season, including matchups like Humble Summer Creek versus Shadow Creek, before it shuttered.
Smithson Valley was the only San Antonio area team to play in a UIL football state championship game last season. The Rangers defeated Frisco Lone Star, 28-6, to win their second straight state ******* le. Smithson Valley is a perfect 8-0 so far and will close out its regular season Friday at Seguin.
"The UIL State Football Championships are an important tradition for high schools and communities throughout Texas," said Dr. Jamey Harrison, executive director of the UIL said in a press release. "We are excited to work with Nexstar Media and Mission Broadcasting to expand access to these championship games and we are pleased that fans will be able to watch them through streaming and local television broadcasts across Texas."
#state
All 12 state championship games played at AT&T Stadium from Dec. 16-19 will be available on local television and the station's streaming platform, if applicable. Participating stations and platforms in Texas include KDAF and CW33+ (Dallas) and KIAH and CW39+ (Houston).
The UIL previously partnered with Dallas-based streaming service Victory+ to broadcast its football state ******* le games, but the service was dissolved by its parent company in September.
Victory+, which also broadcast Dallas Stars games, first launched in 2024 ahead of the NHL season. The streaming service was set to broadcast the Texas High School Coaches ******* ociation Game of the Week this season, including matchups like Humble Summer Creek versus Shadow Creek, before it shuttered.
Smithson Valley was the only San Antonio area team to play in a UIL football state championship game last season. The Rangers defeated Frisco Lone Star, 28-6, to win their second straight state ******* le. Smithson Valley is a perfect 8-0 so far and will close out its regular season Friday at Seguin.
"The UIL State Football Championships are an important tradition for high schools and communities throughout Texas," said Dr. Jamey Harrison, executive director of the UIL said in a press release. "We are excited to work with Nexstar Media and Mission Broadcasting to expand access to these championship games and we are pleased that fans will be able to watch them through streaming and local television broadcasts across Texas."
#state
2 days ago
The fallout from Kylian Mbappé's comments about a meme depicting Mao Zedong has extended into football video games in China, while the creator of the original montage has spoken about the reaction. On the pitch, Madrid continued preparing for Sunday's visit to Racing Santander, with Arda Güler and Fede Valverde following individual programs. Carlo Ancelotti also announced his latest Brazil squad, calling up Vinícius Júnior and Endrick but leaving Éder Militão out.
The commercial consequences of Mbappé's remarks now include measures affecting Chinese versions of FC Online and Konami's eFootball-related ******* les. Reports citing announcements on the games' local channels describe the removal of promotional material and restrictions on content featuring the Madrid forward.
FC Online said it had begun removing Mbappé-related content from external channels and would implement further changes through an update. The Chinese versions of the Konami ******* les also announced measures covering promotion of the player and the characters or cards ******* ociated with him. The reported action concerns the Chinese editions, rather than a worldwide removal from the franchises.
The measures follow the termination of Mbappé's partnerships with Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground, alongside China Media Group's suspension of LaLiga broadcasts and other programming involving the player.
Real Madrid's apology has not ended scrutiny of the club's handling of the controversy. Chinese state-linked outlets and official platforms have questioned the timing of its response and called for measures beyond a public statement. Mbappé apologized on October 27, with Madrid issuing its own apology on October 28.
#announced
The commercial consequences of Mbappé's remarks now include measures affecting Chinese versions of FC Online and Konami's eFootball-related ******* les. Reports citing announcements on the games' local channels describe the removal of promotional material and restrictions on content featuring the Madrid forward.
FC Online said it had begun removing Mbappé-related content from external channels and would implement further changes through an update. The Chinese versions of the Konami ******* les also announced measures covering promotion of the player and the characters or cards ******* ociated with him. The reported action concerns the Chinese editions, rather than a worldwide removal from the franchises.
The measures follow the termination of Mbappé's partnerships with Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground, alongside China Media Group's suspension of LaLiga broadcasts and other programming involving the player.
Real Madrid's apology has not ended scrutiny of the club's handling of the controversy. Chinese state-linked outlets and official platforms have questioned the timing of its response and called for measures beyond a public statement. Mbappé apologized on October 27, with Madrid issuing its own apology on October 28.
#announced
2 days ago
Texas high school football fans will have free access to all 12 UIL state championship games through local television stations and streaming platforms under an agreement announced Thursday.
Nexstar Media Group and Mission Broadcasting will provide live coverage of the championships, scheduled for Dec. 16-19 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The four-day event will crown Division I and Division II champions all six UIL classifications.
The partnership includes television stations and digital streaming platforms in 13 Texas markets. Television coverage will vary by market, with individual games available on local broadcasts, streaming platforms or both. Fans will also be able to watch through participating stations' digital streaming platforms regardless of their location, according to the announcement. That access extends to viewers outside Texas.
"The UIL state football championships are an important tradition for high schools and communities throughout Texas," UIL executive director Jamey Harrison said in a press release. "We are excited to work with Nexstar Media and Mission Broadcasting to expand access to these championship games, and we are pleased that fans will be able to watch them through streaming and local television broadcasts across Texas."
Participating outlets include KDAF and CW33+ in Dallas, KIAH and CW39+ in Houston, and KBVO, KXAN and KXAN+ in Austin. The agreement also includes stations and streaming platforms serving El Paso, Amarillo, Abilene/Sweetwater, San Angelo, Waco/Temple/Bryan, Wichita Falls, Tyler/Longview, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa and Harlingen/Brownsville.
#access
Nexstar Media Group and Mission Broadcasting will provide live coverage of the championships, scheduled for Dec. 16-19 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The four-day event will crown Division I and Division II champions all six UIL classifications.
The partnership includes television stations and digital streaming platforms in 13 Texas markets. Television coverage will vary by market, with individual games available on local broadcasts, streaming platforms or both. Fans will also be able to watch through participating stations' digital streaming platforms regardless of their location, according to the announcement. That access extends to viewers outside Texas.
"The UIL state football championships are an important tradition for high schools and communities throughout Texas," UIL executive director Jamey Harrison said in a press release. "We are excited to work with Nexstar Media and Mission Broadcasting to expand access to these championship games, and we are pleased that fans will be able to watch them through streaming and local television broadcasts across Texas."
Participating outlets include KDAF and CW33+ in Dallas, KIAH and CW39+ in Houston, and KBVO, KXAN and KXAN+ in Austin. The agreement also includes stations and streaming platforms serving El Paso, Amarillo, Abilene/Sweetwater, San Angelo, Waco/Temple/Bryan, Wichita Falls, Tyler/Longview, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa and Harlingen/Brownsville.
#access
5 days ago
Meghan Markle is reportedly planning to challenge Prince William and Kate Middleton. According to sources, the Sussexes are facing new tensions with the monarchy after the King issued a letter reaffirming their status as "non-working royals." As such, Markle is allegedly planning to share more royal secrets in her upcoming projects.
According to OK! Magazine, Meghan Markle is ready to fight Prince William and Kate Middleton after a letter confirming the Sussexes' status. "Meghan suspects William influenced his father's decision to put her and Harry in their place, and believes Kate supported the move," a royal insider told the publication.
The insider continued, "Meghan has correctly interpreted the Palace's position as an attempt to reinforce the Sussexes' exclusion from official royal life." This is "despite their apparent efforts to improve family relations."
However, "she is now ready to take on William and Kate, and fight back against them by spilling even more royal secrets in her future streaming projects." The ******* ss of Sussex "thinks she has nothing to lose now." Another source said, "Meghan believes she and Harry should respond more ******* ertively to negative publicity."
They continued, "The Sussexes could increasingly use their own professional relationships and communications platforms to explain their position." This means "more documentaries and takedowns of the royal family from their U.K. home."
#royal #markle #according
According to OK! Magazine, Meghan Markle is ready to fight Prince William and Kate Middleton after a letter confirming the Sussexes' status. "Meghan suspects William influenced his father's decision to put her and Harry in their place, and believes Kate supported the move," a royal insider told the publication.
The insider continued, "Meghan has correctly interpreted the Palace's position as an attempt to reinforce the Sussexes' exclusion from official royal life." This is "despite their apparent efforts to improve family relations."
However, "she is now ready to take on William and Kate, and fight back against them by spilling even more royal secrets in her future streaming projects." The ******* ss of Sussex "thinks she has nothing to lose now." Another source said, "Meghan believes she and Harry should respond more ******* ertively to negative publicity."
They continued, "The Sussexes could increasingly use their own professional relationships and communications platforms to explain their position." This means "more documentaries and takedowns of the royal family from their U.K. home."
#royal #markle #according
23 days ago
We now have a better idea of exactly who the biggest creators are on social media. ESHAP and What's Trending have partnered to unveil the second annual Creator Map, a guide to the biggest creators by platform. And TheWrap has your first look at their findings.
The Creator Map will be unveiled later today at the first Jupiter Festival Miami, which is sponsored by YouTube. Evan Shapiro, media cartographer and ESHAP founder and CEO; Shira Lazar, What's Trending founder and CEO; and Jon Goss, CEO of the Lighthouse will unveil the project on the main stage of the event.
Described as the "definitive visual guide to the creator ecosphere," the Creator Map offers a data-informed view of the creator economy, an industry that can often feel confusing and chaotic from an outsider perspective. For the first time, the top 200 creators across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok will have both their follower counts and Affinity Quotient scores published on the map. Sponsored by Whalar Group and with data powered by Whalar's creator operating system Foam, the Affinity Quotient measures the depth of audience engagement and places a greater emphasis on active signals such as shares and saves than on passive interactions. That's an important insight as engagement rather than follower count has become the top metric in the creator economy. The Creator Affinity 100 list was first presented at this this year's IBC and identified 100 creators generating the greatest affinity among their audiences.
The map also identifies top creators across Snap, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Twitch, Pinterest and Rumble, along with the top Substack publishers and podcasters. Additionally, it identifies some of the top agencies, studios, technology tools, payment platforms and other companies powering the creator ecosystem. Check it out below:
ESHAP and What's Trending Creator Map (Photo Credit: ESHAP, What's Trending)
#biggest
The Creator Map will be unveiled later today at the first Jupiter Festival Miami, which is sponsored by YouTube. Evan Shapiro, media cartographer and ESHAP founder and CEO; Shira Lazar, What's Trending founder and CEO; and Jon Goss, CEO of the Lighthouse will unveil the project on the main stage of the event.
Described as the "definitive visual guide to the creator ecosphere," the Creator Map offers a data-informed view of the creator economy, an industry that can often feel confusing and chaotic from an outsider perspective. For the first time, the top 200 creators across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok will have both their follower counts and Affinity Quotient scores published on the map. Sponsored by Whalar Group and with data powered by Whalar's creator operating system Foam, the Affinity Quotient measures the depth of audience engagement and places a greater emphasis on active signals such as shares and saves than on passive interactions. That's an important insight as engagement rather than follower count has become the top metric in the creator economy. The Creator Affinity 100 list was first presented at this this year's IBC and identified 100 creators generating the greatest affinity among their audiences.
The map also identifies top creators across Snap, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Twitch, Pinterest and Rumble, along with the top Substack publishers and podcasters. Additionally, it identifies some of the top agencies, studios, technology tools, payment platforms and other companies powering the creator ecosystem. Check it out below:
ESHAP and What's Trending Creator Map (Photo Credit: ESHAP, What's Trending)
#biggest
23 days ago
Spotify is renewing its multimillion dollar deal with podcaster Joe Rogan, the company confirmed on Thursday, extending its partnership with the host of the most popular program on the streaming service.
The podcaster's previous deal with the streaming service was worth a reported $250 million.
Spotify is entering another multi-year licensing deal with Rogan, the company confirmed on Thursday after the deal was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but sources told the Journal it would be similar to the deal Rogan signed in 2024 valued at an estimated $250 million.
The deal will still allow fans to watch or listen to the podcast on other platforms, including YouTube and Apple Podcasts.
#journal #confirmed
The podcaster's previous deal with the streaming service was worth a reported $250 million.
Spotify is entering another multi-year licensing deal with Rogan, the company confirmed on Thursday after the deal was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but sources told the Journal it would be similar to the deal Rogan signed in 2024 valued at an estimated $250 million.
The deal will still allow fans to watch or listen to the podcast on other platforms, including YouTube and Apple Podcasts.
#journal #confirmed
24 days ago
Valerie Bertinelli is shrugging off the criticism she received after paying tribute to her late ex-husband, musician Eddie Van Halen.
The actor turned celebrity chef acknowledged the sixth anniversary of Van Halen's death Tuesday by sharing a throwback photo on her social media platforms that showed the pair driving together on a highway.
Buzz: Nick Lachey Says He Ran Into Ex Jessica Simpson On 6.5-Hour Flight
"Photos may fade, like old photos do, but not the memories and never the love," she wrote in the caption.
The snapshot, however, quickly divided Bertinelli's followers, with some questioning why she'd reflect on Van Halen, who died in 2020 at age 65, so fondly. The couple ― who share a son, Wolfgang ― divorced in 2007 after about 26 years of marriage.
#tuesday #jessica
The actor turned celebrity chef acknowledged the sixth anniversary of Van Halen's death Tuesday by sharing a throwback photo on her social media platforms that showed the pair driving together on a highway.
Buzz: Nick Lachey Says He Ran Into Ex Jessica Simpson On 6.5-Hour Flight
"Photos may fade, like old photos do, but not the memories and never the love," she wrote in the caption.
The snapshot, however, quickly divided Bertinelli's followers, with some questioning why she'd reflect on Van Halen, who died in 2020 at age 65, so fondly. The couple ― who share a son, Wolfgang ― divorced in 2007 after about 26 years of marriage.
#tuesday #jessica
24 days ago
During the second quarter, Pershing Square Capital Management, the hedge fund firm founded by Bill Ackman, initiated positions in Visa (NYSE: V) and Mastercard (NYSE: MA). While their share prices have appreciated in recent months, these businesses traded at attractive valuations at purchase.
Here are three reasons the billionaire investor is bullish on these two S&P 500 stocks.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Ackman's firm believes these are two of the highest-quality businesses on Earth. There are three notable factors supporting this view.
Visa and Mastercard, which connect consumers, merchants, and banks around the world, have developed robust network effects. This makes their platforms almost impossible to disrupt.
#pershing
Here are three reasons the billionaire investor is bullish on these two S&P 500 stocks.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Ackman's firm believes these are two of the highest-quality businesses on Earth. There are three notable factors supporting this view.
Visa and Mastercard, which connect consumers, merchants, and banks around the world, have developed robust network effects. This makes their platforms almost impossible to disrupt.
#pershing
24 days ago
Heidi Klum just brought a very special plus-one to Paris Fashion Week, and the mother-daughter duo is turning heads. The supermodel, 53, stepped out with her youngest child, 16-year-old daughter Lou, for the Vivienne Westwood show. It was the teen's Fashion Week debut, and she proved that she's been taking notes from her stylish mom. The pair coordinated in chic peplum silhouettes and towering platforms.
Heidi Klum and daughter Lou coordinated in peplum looks at the Vivienne Westwood show. Lou, whose dad is singer Seal, usually stays out of the spotlight, which makes this sweet outing even more special. A video from the event shows the two posing side by side in front of a white backdrop splashed with bold orange and red brushstrokes. They look relaxed, happy, and completely in sync.
Heidi went for a glamorous all-white moment. Her ivory satin blazer features a deep plunging neckline, sculpted shoulders, and a single gold ******* on at the waist. She paired it with a matching floor-length satin skirt that skimmed the ground. The model mom finished the look with a sparkling statement necklace and her golden blonde waves styled loose and tousled.
Lou, on the other hand, brought a warm and earthy twist. The teen wore a ******* on-front, corset-style mini dress in a washed brown print. The fitted bodice features thin straps and a scooped neckline, while the flared peplum waist adds a playful touch of movement. The design is a perfect nod to Westwood's famous love for dramatic corsetry and tailoring. She accessorized with a gold bangle and let her dark, voluminous curls fall naturally around her shoulders.
The most eye-catching part of both outfits is the footwear. Lou towers in patterned platform sandals with ankle straps, done in rich brown and red tones that match her dress. Heidi's blue platform shoes peek out from beneath her skirt in a closing shot, adding a fun pop of color to her neutral outfit.
#heidi #klum
Heidi Klum and daughter Lou coordinated in peplum looks at the Vivienne Westwood show. Lou, whose dad is singer Seal, usually stays out of the spotlight, which makes this sweet outing even more special. A video from the event shows the two posing side by side in front of a white backdrop splashed with bold orange and red brushstrokes. They look relaxed, happy, and completely in sync.
Heidi went for a glamorous all-white moment. Her ivory satin blazer features a deep plunging neckline, sculpted shoulders, and a single gold ******* on at the waist. She paired it with a matching floor-length satin skirt that skimmed the ground. The model mom finished the look with a sparkling statement necklace and her golden blonde waves styled loose and tousled.
Lou, on the other hand, brought a warm and earthy twist. The teen wore a ******* on-front, corset-style mini dress in a washed brown print. The fitted bodice features thin straps and a scooped neckline, while the flared peplum waist adds a playful touch of movement. The design is a perfect nod to Westwood's famous love for dramatic corsetry and tailoring. She accessorized with a gold bangle and let her dark, voluminous curls fall naturally around her shoulders.
The most eye-catching part of both outfits is the footwear. Lou towers in patterned platform sandals with ankle straps, done in rich brown and red tones that match her dress. Heidi's blue platform shoes peek out from beneath her skirt in a closing shot, adding a fun pop of color to her neutral outfit.
#heidi #klum
25 days ago
The S&P 500 hit a record Tuesday as it rose for a fourth straight day, supported by rising technology stocks, hopes for a positive earnings season and a pause in oil’s recent surge.
The broad-based index closed higher by 0.58%, its first record closing high since Aug. 13. The Nasdaq Composite also jumped 0.45%. It also hit a record high for the second time this week.
The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq’s gains were overwhelmingly powered by gains in tech companies, such as chipmakers Marvell and Broadcom.
Nvidia, the world’s largest public company, also rose and moved closer to becoming the first company to ever reach $6 trillion in market value. Other trillion-dollar tech stocks also rose Tuesday. Microsoft, Amazon, **** eX, Meta Platforms and Tesla shares all traded in the green.
Investors are also looking forward to the start of the third quarter’s earnings season, which begins in earnest next week with the country’s biggest banks reporting their results.
#rose
The broad-based index closed higher by 0.58%, its first record closing high since Aug. 13. The Nasdaq Composite also jumped 0.45%. It also hit a record high for the second time this week.
The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq’s gains were overwhelmingly powered by gains in tech companies, such as chipmakers Marvell and Broadcom.
Nvidia, the world’s largest public company, also rose and moved closer to becoming the first company to ever reach $6 trillion in market value. Other trillion-dollar tech stocks also rose Tuesday. Microsoft, Amazon, **** eX, Meta Platforms and Tesla shares all traded in the green.
Investors are also looking forward to the start of the third quarter’s earnings season, which begins in earnest next week with the country’s biggest banks reporting their results.
#rose
25 days ago
Next Generation Collective has teamed with The Kids Mental Health Foundation on an initiative to help young people in entertainment, music and the creator economy navigate growing up in the public eye. The initiative was launched Tuesday at Hollywood & Mind's inaugural summit at iHeartMedia in New York City.
Designed for young people, families and the professionals who support them, Next Generation Collective brings together clinical mental health expertise, entertainment industry leadership and lived experience to provide practical, expert-informed guidance on mental health, boundaries, pressure and the realities of working on set, performing, creating content and building a public profile at a young age. It will also serve as an additional resource for studios, productions, agencies, managers and platforms supporting young talent.
More from Deadline
David Brindley Set To Be Named Channel 4 Content Chief
George Fenton Dies: 'Gandhi', 'Cry Freedom' & 'The Blue Planet' Composer Was 76
#mental
Designed for young people, families and the professionals who support them, Next Generation Collective brings together clinical mental health expertise, entertainment industry leadership and lived experience to provide practical, expert-informed guidance on mental health, boundaries, pressure and the realities of working on set, performing, creating content and building a public profile at a young age. It will also serve as an additional resource for studios, productions, agencies, managers and platforms supporting young talent.
More from Deadline
David Brindley Set To Be Named Channel 4 Content Chief
George Fenton Dies: 'Gandhi', 'Cry Freedom' & 'The Blue Planet' Composer Was 76
#mental
25 days ago
New Generation Collective, a new initiative dedicated to helping young people in the entertainment, music and creator economy navigate growing up in the public eye, launched Tuesday. The initiative was announced during the inaugural summit for Hollywood & Mind in New York City. The Kids Mental Health Foundation, founded by Nationwide Children's Hospital, was also on hand at the summit to participate in the announcement.
The founding advisory board for the collective includes several entertainers and family members who have firsthand experience growing up in the public eye, including children's mental health advocate Angel Carter Conrad; the production company Artists for Artists; actor and singer Logan Henderson; actress and singer Isabela Merced; actor Kel Mitchell; actress and filmmaker Soleil Moon Frye; Carmela Wallace, mother of Juice WRLD and founder of Live Free 999; actor Hudson Yang; and actress and singer Breanna Yde. Additional members will be announced at a later date.
New Generation Collective was founded by Lilah Kojoori, a children's entertainment communications executive who departed her role as vice president of communications for Nickelodeon and Paramount+ Kids and Family last year. The organization draws on more than 20 years of experience working with young performers and their families.
Logo for the Next Generation Collective, founded by Lilah Kojoori. (Next Generation Collective)
The organization is designed to give young people, their families and the professionals who support them access to mental health experts through the Kids Mental Health Foundation. It also connects young performers with entertainment industry leaders who can offer guidance on mental health, boundaries and the realities of working on set, performing, creating content and building a public profile at a young age. The initiative will serve as an additional resource for studios, productions, agencies, managers and platforms supporting young talent
#mental
The founding advisory board for the collective includes several entertainers and family members who have firsthand experience growing up in the public eye, including children's mental health advocate Angel Carter Conrad; the production company Artists for Artists; actor and singer Logan Henderson; actress and singer Isabela Merced; actor Kel Mitchell; actress and filmmaker Soleil Moon Frye; Carmela Wallace, mother of Juice WRLD and founder of Live Free 999; actor Hudson Yang; and actress and singer Breanna Yde. Additional members will be announced at a later date.
New Generation Collective was founded by Lilah Kojoori, a children's entertainment communications executive who departed her role as vice president of communications for Nickelodeon and Paramount+ Kids and Family last year. The organization draws on more than 20 years of experience working with young performers and their families.
Logo for the Next Generation Collective, founded by Lilah Kojoori. (Next Generation Collective)
The organization is designed to give young people, their families and the professionals who support them access to mental health experts through the Kids Mental Health Foundation. It also connects young performers with entertainment industry leaders who can offer guidance on mental health, boundaries and the realities of working on set, performing, creating content and building a public profile at a young age. The initiative will serve as an additional resource for studios, productions, agencies, managers and platforms supporting young talent
#mental
26 days ago
Ella Bleu Travolta has officially made her Paris runway debut on one of the top fashion brands' stages. The 26-year-old daughter of John Travolta and the late Kelly Preston made her Paris Fashion Week runway debut, walking in Miu Miu's Spring/Summer 2027 Ready-to-Wear show on Sunday.
Ella walked for the biggest fashion brands (@ The Grosby Group)
Ella rocked an oversized forest-green blazer layered over a patterned top and navy trousers and sandals. She looked cool and composed with hair in a perfectly messy updo with natural makeup. There's no denying she looked just like her mom's mini me. Kelly might be remembered for her blonde hair, but she used to dye it brown and shades of red over the years.
Ella looked just like her late mom (@ The Grosby Group / Getty)
Miu Miu is ranked as the world's second-hottest fashion brand according to the second quarter of the 2026 Lyst Index, which tracks the hottest fashion brands and products online. It looks at what 160 million shoppers are searching for and engaging with across social media, search, editorial coverage, and emerging AI platforms based on desire, demand, and discovery. So her Paris Fashion Week debut was with one of the most sought-after fashion houses in the world.
#fashion #travolta
Ella walked for the biggest fashion brands (@ The Grosby Group)
Ella rocked an oversized forest-green blazer layered over a patterned top and navy trousers and sandals. She looked cool and composed with hair in a perfectly messy updo with natural makeup. There's no denying she looked just like her mom's mini me. Kelly might be remembered for her blonde hair, but she used to dye it brown and shades of red over the years.
Ella looked just like her late mom (@ The Grosby Group / Getty)
Miu Miu is ranked as the world's second-hottest fashion brand according to the second quarter of the 2026 Lyst Index, which tracks the hottest fashion brands and products online. It looks at what 160 million shoppers are searching for and engaging with across social media, search, editorial coverage, and emerging AI platforms based on desire, demand, and discovery. So her Paris Fashion Week debut was with one of the most sought-after fashion houses in the world.
#fashion #travolta
26 days ago
Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will provide commentary across the Fox News lineup. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)
Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is joining Fox News Channel as an on-air contributor, FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott announced on Monday.
Leavitt, 29, who will provide commentary across the Fox News lineup, starts on Nov. 1. She most recently served as the 36th White House press secretary during President Donald Trump’s second administration, from January 2025 until August 2026.
"Karoline’s firsthand experience in the White House and on the presidential campaign trail gives her a distinct understanding of today’s political landscape. We look forward to her providing our audience with authentic and sharp insight across all FOX News Media platforms," Scott said in a statement.
TRUMP SAYS KAROLINE LEAVITT WILL LEAVE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY ROLE, BECOME OUTSIDE ADVISOR
#karoline #press #secretary
Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is joining Fox News Channel as an on-air contributor, FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott announced on Monday.
Leavitt, 29, who will provide commentary across the Fox News lineup, starts on Nov. 1. She most recently served as the 36th White House press secretary during President Donald Trump’s second administration, from January 2025 until August 2026.
"Karoline’s firsthand experience in the White House and on the presidential campaign trail gives her a distinct understanding of today’s political landscape. We look forward to her providing our audience with authentic and sharp insight across all FOX News Media platforms," Scott said in a statement.
TRUMP SAYS KAROLINE LEAVITT WILL LEAVE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY ROLE, BECOME OUTSIDE ADVISOR
#karoline #press #secretary
26 days ago
The annual gala recognizing the leaders, visionaries, and changemakers takes place on Nov. 9 in Los Angeles.
A who's who of Black trailblazers in the fields of business, entertainment, sports, media, music, STEM and community leadership have been named to EBONY's Power 100 list for 2026.
The full list, which was revealed on Monday (Oct. 5), honors the likes of Allen Media Group founder Byron Allen, author and professor Tayari Jones, JAŸ-Z, 50 Cent, Debbie Allen, Gracie's Corner voice actress Graceyn "Gracie" Hollingsworth, Quenlin Blackwell, iShowSpeed, Wisdom Kaye and more.
Since launching in 2012, the EBONY 100 has spotlighted numerous Black men, women, young adults and children who have reset what it means to dream, achieve, aspire and inspire, showcasing that Black genius evolves over generations and constantly endures.
"[The] EBONY Power 100 has always been more than a list; it is a cultural record of the people moving us forward," Eden Bridgeman, EBONY Media's CEO, said in a statement. "As EBONY continues to evolve, this franchise remains one of our most powerful platforms for recognizing the brilliance, leadership and creativity shaping our community and the world."
#ebony #black #community
A who's who of Black trailblazers in the fields of business, entertainment, sports, media, music, STEM and community leadership have been named to EBONY's Power 100 list for 2026.
The full list, which was revealed on Monday (Oct. 5), honors the likes of Allen Media Group founder Byron Allen, author and professor Tayari Jones, JAŸ-Z, 50 Cent, Debbie Allen, Gracie's Corner voice actress Graceyn "Gracie" Hollingsworth, Quenlin Blackwell, iShowSpeed, Wisdom Kaye and more.
Since launching in 2012, the EBONY 100 has spotlighted numerous Black men, women, young adults and children who have reset what it means to dream, achieve, aspire and inspire, showcasing that Black genius evolves over generations and constantly endures.
"[The] EBONY Power 100 has always been more than a list; it is a cultural record of the people moving us forward," Eden Bridgeman, EBONY Media's CEO, said in a statement. "As EBONY continues to evolve, this franchise remains one of our most powerful platforms for recognizing the brilliance, leadership and creativity shaping our community and the world."
#ebony #black #community
26 days ago
Ari Kytsya has never pretended that making adult content is all big checks, flexible hours, and glamorous trips. Long before the allegations surrounding the so-called "Cornell 7" case reignited a national conversation about consent, exploitation, and women's safety, the TikTok personality warned that adult creators can face harassment, privacy violations, predatory contracts, and frightening encounters with people who refuse to let their online relationships remain online.
Kytsya has not publicly connected her experiences to the Cornell case. However, her warnings offer another look into the risks women say they face when money, **** , and entitlement collide.
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
Kytsya, who has built an audience of millions across TikTok and other social media platforms, has been unusually open about the realities of working in the adult-content industry. In a video highlighted by Yahoo Entertainment, the OF creator pushed back against the idea that selling explicit content offers an easy path to wealth. "This job is not easy money," she declared, arguing that she works just as hard, or harder, than she did in her previous jobs.
Kytsya also claimed that some creators lie about how much they earn. According to her, those making significant amounts of money generally entered the industry with an established audience rather than building a profitable account from nothing. Even successful creators cannot depend on a consistent paycheck, she explained. One month's income can be extremely high, then fall dramatically the next.
#money #TikTok #case #face
Kytsya has not publicly connected her experiences to the Cornell case. However, her warnings offer another look into the risks women say they face when money, **** , and entitlement collide.
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
Kytsya, who has built an audience of millions across TikTok and other social media platforms, has been unusually open about the realities of working in the adult-content industry. In a video highlighted by Yahoo Entertainment, the OF creator pushed back against the idea that selling explicit content offers an easy path to wealth. "This job is not easy money," she declared, arguing that she works just as hard, or harder, than she did in her previous jobs.
Kytsya also claimed that some creators lie about how much they earn. According to her, those making significant amounts of money generally entered the industry with an established audience rather than building a profitable account from nothing. Even successful creators cannot depend on a consistent paycheck, she explained. One month's income can be extremely high, then fall dramatically the next.
#money #TikTok #case #face
26 days ago
Two months after leaving her role as White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt is making her next move.
Donald Trump's former press secretary will be joining Fox News as an on-air contributor, the network announced Monday, Oct. 5.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue appearing on Fox News Channel as an official member of the extraordinary team at Fox News Media," Leavitt said in a statement. "I look forward to bringing my unique perspective from my experience as White House press secretary, along with the same energy and candor that defied my tenure, to Fox's millions of viewers across their many platforms."
Leavitt, 29, held her press secretary position in the Trump administration from January 2025 to August 2026, becoming the youngest person in American history to hold the position.
Prior to this, she served as National Press Secretary during Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. Leavitt also previously ran for Congress in her home state of New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District in 2022, and served as communications director for then-House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
#Monday
Donald Trump's former press secretary will be joining Fox News as an on-air contributor, the network announced Monday, Oct. 5.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue appearing on Fox News Channel as an official member of the extraordinary team at Fox News Media," Leavitt said in a statement. "I look forward to bringing my unique perspective from my experience as White House press secretary, along with the same energy and candor that defied my tenure, to Fox's millions of viewers across their many platforms."
Leavitt, 29, held her press secretary position in the Trump administration from January 2025 to August 2026, becoming the youngest person in American history to hold the position.
Prior to this, she served as National Press Secretary during Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. Leavitt also previously ran for Congress in her home state of New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District in 2022, and served as communications director for then-House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
#Monday
26 days ago
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA − Dhar Mann doesn't consider other digital content creators his competition.
The filmmaker behind Dhar Mann Studios, whose inspirational videos reach hundreds of millions of viewers each week, has his sights set on something bigger: Hollywood.
"I actually see other major studios as the competition," Mann tells USA TODAY during a tour of his Burbank, California, studios. "I don't really see a difference between any of the big studios and what they've built and the trajectory that we're on."
It's an ambitious outlook for a company that started nearly eight years ago in Mann's downtown LA apartment, where he filmed videos on iPhones.
Today, Dhar Mann Studios has more than 170 million followers across social media and a team of about 250 people. The content, drawing nearly 300 million views a week, has expanded beyond social platforms through partnerships with Samsung, Fox and Disney, including a recently announced 20-episode order from Disney.
#mann
The filmmaker behind Dhar Mann Studios, whose inspirational videos reach hundreds of millions of viewers each week, has his sights set on something bigger: Hollywood.
"I actually see other major studios as the competition," Mann tells USA TODAY during a tour of his Burbank, California, studios. "I don't really see a difference between any of the big studios and what they've built and the trajectory that we're on."
It's an ambitious outlook for a company that started nearly eight years ago in Mann's downtown LA apartment, where he filmed videos on iPhones.
Today, Dhar Mann Studios has more than 170 million followers across social media and a team of about 250 people. The content, drawing nearly 300 million views a week, has expanded beyond social platforms through partnerships with Samsung, Fox and Disney, including a recently announced 20-episode order from Disney.
#mann
28 days ago
Paloma Elsesser thinks that the glamorization of Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs isn't a good thing for society as a whole.
The 34-year-old model, who became the first plus-size model to win Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards in 2023, made an appearance on Vogue's The Run-Through podcast and suggested the rise of Ozempic can be correlated to the rise of "conservative" and "anti-woke" rhetoric. "I think the Ozempic era that we're talking about is harmful because it kind of takes away the agency to live in the way that I would hope people and women and young girls and young people can think about their bodies in this world," she shared. Around the 32-minute point of the podcast, which can be seen above.
Elssesser also said that she's seen a rise in "pro-eating disorder content" on platforms such as TikTok, which is especially worrying considering so many young people have unfiltered access to such content.
"II think people are just being like, 'Okay, this is not it,'" she continued. "We're seeing celebrities and people… I think people are upset. … I think that women should have agency. I am critical of applying my body, your body, your choice to this conversation because it's like… 'Is it your choice?' It's not. It's a prescription, so it doesn't actually feel like a choice. … I don't know, maybe I said something problematic. … The number one central tenet, like, anything that I try and live and encourage is to just think critically, not be critical."
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
#ozempic #choice
The 34-year-old model, who became the first plus-size model to win Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards in 2023, made an appearance on Vogue's The Run-Through podcast and suggested the rise of Ozempic can be correlated to the rise of "conservative" and "anti-woke" rhetoric. "I think the Ozempic era that we're talking about is harmful because it kind of takes away the agency to live in the way that I would hope people and women and young girls and young people can think about their bodies in this world," she shared. Around the 32-minute point of the podcast, which can be seen above.
Elssesser also said that she's seen a rise in "pro-eating disorder content" on platforms such as TikTok, which is especially worrying considering so many young people have unfiltered access to such content.
"II think people are just being like, 'Okay, this is not it,'" she continued. "We're seeing celebrities and people… I think people are upset. … I think that women should have agency. I am critical of applying my body, your body, your choice to this conversation because it's like… 'Is it your choice?' It's not. It's a prescription, so it doesn't actually feel like a choice. … I don't know, maybe I said something problematic. … The number one central tenet, like, anything that I try and live and encourage is to just think critically, not be critical."
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
#ozempic #choice
1 month ago
A social media baking influencer has gone viral for breaking her granite countertop with chocolate in a comical fail moment.
The woman, known on Instagram and TikTok as Lily P Crumbs, did this by banging an 11-pound chocolate bar against her stone countertop, resulting in a hilarious viral video.
Alex George is a cooking and baking influencer, known on social media as Lily P Crumbs. Her content mostly focuses on recipes for sweet treats, such as cookies, cakes, brownies and such, and her videos have gone viral a few times before this incident.
However, George's most recent viral moment came from something that was not a recipe at all. On July 22nd, she posted a video of herself breaking her granite countertop with an 11-pound chocolate bar.
In over two months, the video racked up 10.3 million views on Instagram, 6.7 million views on TikTok, and hundreds of thousands of likes and thousands of comments on both platforms.
#viral #Media
The woman, known on Instagram and TikTok as Lily P Crumbs, did this by banging an 11-pound chocolate bar against her stone countertop, resulting in a hilarious viral video.
Alex George is a cooking and baking influencer, known on social media as Lily P Crumbs. Her content mostly focuses on recipes for sweet treats, such as cookies, cakes, brownies and such, and her videos have gone viral a few times before this incident.
However, George's most recent viral moment came from something that was not a recipe at all. On July 22nd, she posted a video of herself breaking her granite countertop with an 11-pound chocolate bar.
In over two months, the video racked up 10.3 million views on Instagram, 6.7 million views on TikTok, and hundreds of thousands of likes and thousands of comments on both platforms.
#viral #Media
1 month ago
On September 9, 2026, Reuters reported that AI music startup Suno launched a new suite of models, including its flagship v6 and exploratory v6-Wild, built in partnership with Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ:WMG) and BMG. It lets users make new music inspired by licensed recordings from participating artists. The launch follows Warner Music's copyright lawsuit settlement with Suno in November 2025, under which artists and songwriters can opt in to have their names, voices, and compositions used in AI-generated music in exchange for compensation.
Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ:WMG) can turn the Suno litigation dispute into a new licensing revenue opportunity. Suno has now launched its v6 models in partnership with Warner Music and BMG. It allows users to make music inspired by licensed works from participating artists. Warner previously sued Suno over copyright issues before reaching a licensing agreement. This gives the label a direct path to monetize AI-generated music rather than relying solely on litigation. The deal could create a new revenue stream as consumers increasingly adopt AI music tools.
Warner enters the AI-music market from a position of financial strength. The firm reported fiscal third-quarter revenue of $5.44 billion, up 9% year over year. Adjusted OIBDA increased 16% to $433 million, and its adjusted OIBDA margin expanded to 23.2%. Warner also said it had met or exceeded its financial targets for five consecutive quarters. That basic growth gives the company greater flexibility to invest in AI initiatives while using licensing agreements to add another potential growth driver to its existing streaming and publishing businesses.
Warner could help establish a more sustainable commercial model for AI-generated music. Suno said future products will include opt-in experiences that allow individual artists to participate and receive payment when users generate music around them. So Warner has an opportunity to help shape licensing and compensation practices as Spotify and other platforms develop their own AI-music products. If the industry increasingly adopts licensed models, Warner's large catalog and relationships with artists could solidify its negotiating position and create recurring AI-related revenue.
Suno's new licensing model does not eliminate the overall legal risks surrounding AI music. Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ:WMG) has reached an agreement with Suno, but other copyright owners are challenging the firm's technology. Independent publisher Round Hill sued Suno in August, alleging that the company used copyrighted songs to train its AI system. Suno also faces separate litigation from Universal Music Group and Sony Music. Hence, lawsuits could increase legal costs and create uncertainty over the licensing framework that Warner hopes to monetize.
#music #licensing #corp #revenue
Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ:WMG) can turn the Suno litigation dispute into a new licensing revenue opportunity. Suno has now launched its v6 models in partnership with Warner Music and BMG. It allows users to make music inspired by licensed works from participating artists. Warner previously sued Suno over copyright issues before reaching a licensing agreement. This gives the label a direct path to monetize AI-generated music rather than relying solely on litigation. The deal could create a new revenue stream as consumers increasingly adopt AI music tools.
Warner enters the AI-music market from a position of financial strength. The firm reported fiscal third-quarter revenue of $5.44 billion, up 9% year over year. Adjusted OIBDA increased 16% to $433 million, and its adjusted OIBDA margin expanded to 23.2%. Warner also said it had met or exceeded its financial targets for five consecutive quarters. That basic growth gives the company greater flexibility to invest in AI initiatives while using licensing agreements to add another potential growth driver to its existing streaming and publishing businesses.
Warner could help establish a more sustainable commercial model for AI-generated music. Suno said future products will include opt-in experiences that allow individual artists to participate and receive payment when users generate music around them. So Warner has an opportunity to help shape licensing and compensation practices as Spotify and other platforms develop their own AI-music products. If the industry increasingly adopts licensed models, Warner's large catalog and relationships with artists could solidify its negotiating position and create recurring AI-related revenue.
Suno's new licensing model does not eliminate the overall legal risks surrounding AI music. Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ:WMG) has reached an agreement with Suno, but other copyright owners are challenging the firm's technology. Independent publisher Round Hill sued Suno in August, alleging that the company used copyrighted songs to train its AI system. Suno also faces separate litigation from Universal Music Group and Sony Music. Hence, lawsuits could increase legal costs and create uncertainty over the licensing framework that Warner hopes to monetize.
#music #licensing #corp #revenue
1 month ago
GOOG trades at a P/E of 14 versus META's 24, with Cloud revenue surging 82% while META's operating margins collapsed from 43% to 31%.
META's Reality Labs bleeds roughly $4B per quarter, 2026 capex is projected between $130B and $145B, and active litigation makes it a volatile aggressive-growth bet rather than a retirement hold.
Just released. Our ******* ysts combed the entire stock market and named the ten best stocks to buy right now, and Google didn't make the cut. Enter your email to see the names that beat GOOG. The report is free. Enter your email and see if any of your stocks made the cut.
Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) just unleashed rival consumer AI agents (Google's family-focused CC, a shared agent supporting up to six family members, and Meta's single-user Muse, aiming for higher autonomy across a user's digital life, including commerce), and the retirement-focused investor writing one check today needs a clear answer: which mega-cap deserves the slot?
Both stocks are pouring tens of billions into AI infrastructure. Both consumer AI agents (not just chatbots) are designed to take real actions on a user's behalf rather than only answering questions. However, CC is a family-oriented productivity and logistics agent tightly tied to the Google ecosystem. Muse is a more general-purpose personal agent aiming for higher autonomy across a user's digital life, including commerce. They compete in the emerging "AI agent that actually does things" category, but target different use cases and user models.
#stocks #family
META's Reality Labs bleeds roughly $4B per quarter, 2026 capex is projected between $130B and $145B, and active litigation makes it a volatile aggressive-growth bet rather than a retirement hold.
Just released. Our ******* ysts combed the entire stock market and named the ten best stocks to buy right now, and Google didn't make the cut. Enter your email to see the names that beat GOOG. The report is free. Enter your email and see if any of your stocks made the cut.
Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) just unleashed rival consumer AI agents (Google's family-focused CC, a shared agent supporting up to six family members, and Meta's single-user Muse, aiming for higher autonomy across a user's digital life, including commerce), and the retirement-focused investor writing one check today needs a clear answer: which mega-cap deserves the slot?
Both stocks are pouring tens of billions into AI infrastructure. Both consumer AI agents (not just chatbots) are designed to take real actions on a user's behalf rather than only answering questions. However, CC is a family-oriented productivity and logistics agent tightly tied to the Google ecosystem. Muse is a more general-purpose personal agent aiming for higher autonomy across a user's digital life, including commerce. They compete in the emerging "AI agent that actually does things" category, but target different use cases and user models.
#stocks #family
1 month ago
Helfstein estimates META needs 115 million paying Muse subscribers at $20/month to unlock $28 billion in AI revenue, but doubts it happens.
META's Q2 operating margin collapsed from 43% to 31%, while full-year capex guidance soared to a range of $130 billion to $145 billion.
Just released. Our ******* ysts combed the entire stock market and named the ten best stocks to buy right now, and Meta didn't make the cut. Enter your email to see the names that beat METAPLATFORMS. The report is free. Enter your email and see if any of your stocks made the cut.
Jason Helfstein, Oppenheimer's Managing Director and Senior ******* yst covering the Internet sector, laid out a striking scenario in a September 2026 note: Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) would need roughly 115 million paying Muse subscribers at a $20/month price point to generate about $27.5 to $28 billion in annual AI agent revenue. His conclusion, however, was skeptical. For long-term investors, the math frames just how high the bar is for Meta stock to earn a consumer-AI premium on top of its advertising engine.
Ticker
#million
META's Q2 operating margin collapsed from 43% to 31%, while full-year capex guidance soared to a range of $130 billion to $145 billion.
Just released. Our ******* ysts combed the entire stock market and named the ten best stocks to buy right now, and Meta didn't make the cut. Enter your email to see the names that beat METAPLATFORMS. The report is free. Enter your email and see if any of your stocks made the cut.
Jason Helfstein, Oppenheimer's Managing Director and Senior ******* yst covering the Internet sector, laid out a striking scenario in a September 2026 note: Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) would need roughly 115 million paying Muse subscribers at a $20/month price point to generate about $27.5 to $28 billion in annual AI agent revenue. His conclusion, however, was skeptical. For long-term investors, the math frames just how high the bar is for Meta stock to earn a consumer-AI premium on top of its advertising engine.
Ticker
#million
1 month ago
GDEV Inc. (NASDAQ:GDEV) saw a year-on-year drop in bookings from both its in-app purchases and advertising, during the second quarter fiscal 2026. Consequently, the quarterly revenue figure of $94 million was down 22% compared to Q2 FY25. On the flip side, SG&A expenses and costs related to platform commissions were lower relative to the corresponding period last year. Along with other factors, the lower cost base helped GDEV report $20 million in net profit, up from $17 million in the second quarter of 2025.
Copyright: artush / 123RF Stock Photo
Breaking down the expenses, selling and marketing costs came down by 38% compared to the same quarter last year, clocking in at $33 million. It reflects on management's continued focus on deploying an efficient approach for its user acquisition initiatives. The approach is based on a more targeted performance marketing across certain channels that lead to durable high-value users, instead of broader campaigns for near-term benefits.
The reported quarter marked a turnaround related to the equity accounted ******* ociates. These contributed a $2 million profit share, which was a reversal from a $2 million loss share in Q2 FY25. Most notably, cash flows from operating activities turned from negative $10 million in Q2 FY25 to positive $10 million in the reported period.
Several operating metrics weakened during the reported quarter. Monthly paying users dropped by 23% year-over-year, along with a 15% decline for the entire first half. This was the major underlying reason for a sluggish performance in bookings, which stood at $73 million and $156 million for the second quarter and first half of the year, respectively. These fell short in comparison to $92 million and $173 million recorded in the corresponding periods last year. GDEV also said the decline in first-half platform commissions was driven by lower revenues recognized from PC platforms, while PC's share of bookings fell to 36% from 39%.
#million #lower
Copyright: artush / 123RF Stock Photo
Breaking down the expenses, selling and marketing costs came down by 38% compared to the same quarter last year, clocking in at $33 million. It reflects on management's continued focus on deploying an efficient approach for its user acquisition initiatives. The approach is based on a more targeted performance marketing across certain channels that lead to durable high-value users, instead of broader campaigns for near-term benefits.
The reported quarter marked a turnaround related to the equity accounted ******* ociates. These contributed a $2 million profit share, which was a reversal from a $2 million loss share in Q2 FY25. Most notably, cash flows from operating activities turned from negative $10 million in Q2 FY25 to positive $10 million in the reported period.
Several operating metrics weakened during the reported quarter. Monthly paying users dropped by 23% year-over-year, along with a 15% decline for the entire first half. This was the major underlying reason for a sluggish performance in bookings, which stood at $73 million and $156 million for the second quarter and first half of the year, respectively. These fell short in comparison to $92 million and $173 million recorded in the corresponding periods last year. GDEV also said the decline in first-half platform commissions was driven by lower revenues recognized from PC platforms, while PC's share of bookings fell to 36% from 39%.
#million #lower
1 month ago
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is taking another step toward monetizing artificial intelligence beyond its core advertising business. On September 9, the company acquired AI startup Stilla.ai.
The acquisition will strengthen the company's agentic AI capabilities as it moves to capitalize on growing demand for AI agents that can handle business transactions. Plans are underway to integrate Stilla.ai's team and technology into Meta Business Agent, which already helps businesses interact with customers across various platforms.
Stilla.ai's technology could help Meta's Business Agent enable more sophisticated interactions between customers and AI agents across its messaging platforms. In the long term, customers could use AI agents to inquire about products, discuss pricing, and potentially complete purchases without leaving Meta's ecosystem.
Such capabilities could result in new monetization opportunities as the company faces increasing pressure to generate returns from its substantial artificial intelligence investments. Rather than relying exclusively on AI to improve advertising efficiency, Meta could use AI to facilitate transactions and capture value from the commercial activity taking place across its platforms.
The acquisition could help the company build an AI-driven commerce layer across its massive messaging ecosystem. The company has access to billions of users across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, while millions of businesses already use its platforms to communicate with customers.
#customers #agents
The acquisition will strengthen the company's agentic AI capabilities as it moves to capitalize on growing demand for AI agents that can handle business transactions. Plans are underway to integrate Stilla.ai's team and technology into Meta Business Agent, which already helps businesses interact with customers across various platforms.
Stilla.ai's technology could help Meta's Business Agent enable more sophisticated interactions between customers and AI agents across its messaging platforms. In the long term, customers could use AI agents to inquire about products, discuss pricing, and potentially complete purchases without leaving Meta's ecosystem.
Such capabilities could result in new monetization opportunities as the company faces increasing pressure to generate returns from its substantial artificial intelligence investments. Rather than relying exclusively on AI to improve advertising efficiency, Meta could use AI to facilitate transactions and capture value from the commercial activity taking place across its platforms.
The acquisition could help the company build an AI-driven commerce layer across its massive messaging ecosystem. The company has access to billions of users across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, while millions of businesses already use its platforms to communicate with customers.
#customers #agents
1 month ago
The days of Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) being a laggard in cutting-edge technology may be over.
The social media giant's new personal AI agent, Muse, reached nearly 600,000 downloads in just its first five days after launching, according to data from SensorTower.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
That puts Muse on a similar trajectory to ChatGPT, the breakthrough app that ignited the AI boom, and Muse could be a major disruptor as well.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
#signal #meta #flashing #NASDAQ
The social media giant's new personal AI agent, Muse, reached nearly 600,000 downloads in just its first five days after launching, according to data from SensorTower.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
That puts Muse on a similar trajectory to ChatGPT, the breakthrough app that ignited the AI boom, and Muse could be a major disruptor as well.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
#signal #meta #flashing #NASDAQ
1 month ago
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) stock has returned about 57% over the past year, against about 17% for the S&P 500. On the earnings it has already banked, that price looks expensive. But those earnings carry STELARA, which is losing share to biosimilar competition. What looks dear on earnings already reported comes down sharply on the earnings ***** ysts expect.
At about $270 a share, Johnson & Johnson trades at about 28.3 times its trailing earnings. That figure sits on adjusted earnings: normalized net income with stock-based compensation added back, meant to sit closer to the basis ***** ysts use in their forecasts than a GAAP figure would, though the two measures are not defined identically. Measured as market value against consensus net income, the multiple on fiscal 2026 earnings is about 24.1 times, and on the earnings expected for 2027 it is about 20.9 times.
Those trailing twelve months were not a clean run. STELARA cost Johnson & Johnson about 460 basis points of operational sales growth in the second quarter of 2026. Strip it out and the company grew double digits in that quarter on the same basis, on management's own account.
The trailing multiple measures today's price against a period burdened by slowing STELARA revenue. The rest of the portfolio kept growing. Revenue over the trailing twelve months is close to $98 billion, and the company has 28 products and platforms that each sell more than $1 billion a year.
Immunology shows both sides at once. TREMFYA grew 71% in the second quarter of 2026, and it remains the fastest-growing advanced therapy in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. STELARA is shrinking under biosimilars in that same segment.
#johnson #earnings
At about $270 a share, Johnson & Johnson trades at about 28.3 times its trailing earnings. That figure sits on adjusted earnings: normalized net income with stock-based compensation added back, meant to sit closer to the basis ***** ysts use in their forecasts than a GAAP figure would, though the two measures are not defined identically. Measured as market value against consensus net income, the multiple on fiscal 2026 earnings is about 24.1 times, and on the earnings expected for 2027 it is about 20.9 times.
Those trailing twelve months were not a clean run. STELARA cost Johnson & Johnson about 460 basis points of operational sales growth in the second quarter of 2026. Strip it out and the company grew double digits in that quarter on the same basis, on management's own account.
The trailing multiple measures today's price against a period burdened by slowing STELARA revenue. The rest of the portfolio kept growing. Revenue over the trailing twelve months is close to $98 billion, and the company has 28 products and platforms that each sell more than $1 billion a year.
Immunology shows both sides at once. TREMFYA grew 71% in the second quarter of 2026, and it remains the fastest-growing advanced therapy in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. STELARA is shrinking under biosimilars in that same segment.
#johnson #earnings
1 month ago
Costco is expanding its same-day delivery network as it looks to grow e-commerce sales and compete with retailers like Walmart and Target.
The retailer this week launched collaborations with DoorDash (NASDAQ: DASH) and Uber (NYSE: UBER) to pick up online orders at U.S. stores and drive them to the customer's door. The arrangements give Costco more channels to reach customers through ultra-fast delivery, made possible by gig drivers who use the platforms to select ******* ignments.
DoorDash, best known for delivering restaurant food, announced that Costco (NASDAQ: COST) members can now order groceries, dry goods, household essentials and other products from its marketplace and then arrange fast delivery from their local store, all through the DoorDash app. The U.S. launch extends the existing relationship between the companies in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Iceland and Puerto Rico.
DoorDash now serves eight of the 10 largest food retailers in North America.
On Wednesday, Uber announced a major expansion of its partnership with Costco to deliver products in 47 states, up from 17 states. Nearly 600 Costco locations are now available on the Uber Eats app, where shoppers can arrange on-demand and scheduled delivery.
#Food #announced
The retailer this week launched collaborations with DoorDash (NASDAQ: DASH) and Uber (NYSE: UBER) to pick up online orders at U.S. stores and drive them to the customer's door. The arrangements give Costco more channels to reach customers through ultra-fast delivery, made possible by gig drivers who use the platforms to select ******* ignments.
DoorDash, best known for delivering restaurant food, announced that Costco (NASDAQ: COST) members can now order groceries, dry goods, household essentials and other products from its marketplace and then arrange fast delivery from their local store, all through the DoorDash app. The U.S. launch extends the existing relationship between the companies in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Iceland and Puerto Rico.
DoorDash now serves eight of the 10 largest food retailers in North America.
On Wednesday, Uber announced a major expansion of its partnership with Costco to deliver products in 47 states, up from 17 states. Nearly 600 Costco locations are now available on the Uber Eats app, where shoppers can arrange on-demand and scheduled delivery.
#Food #announced
1 month ago
(Bloomberg) -- The first junk-bond offering for a data center tied to Meta Platforms Inc. attracted demand more than four times the deal's size, with juicy yields helping to lure investors.
Most Read from Bloomberg
Saudis Give European Oil Buyers No Supplies for Next Month
Zuckerberg Has an AI Empire to Build. Meet the Adviser Who Handles the Details
Fed Raises Rates to Curb Inflation, Drawing Rebuke From Trump
#bloomberg #meta #month
Most Read from Bloomberg
Saudis Give European Oil Buyers No Supplies for Next Month
Zuckerberg Has an AI Empire to Build. Meet the Adviser Who Handles the Details
Fed Raises Rates to Curb Inflation, Drawing Rebuke From Trump
#bloomberg #meta #month
