Media Man News Blog
Their chips are down as crisis-hit casinos go all in to draw tourists instead of hardcore gamblers
Media Man News
Saturday, March 02, 2024
Media Man News Blog: News, Online News and Pop Culture
Media Man News Blog
News, Online News and Pop Culture
Digital News
Pop Culture News
Streaming News
Wrestling News
MMA News
SEO News
Entertainment News
Online News
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency News
Markets News
Alt News
Mainstream News
and more
Most Requested This Week
Under the Media Man Watercooler, Search Queries, Algorithm and Cafe News Media Buzz
Odds all about UFC 306: McGregor vs Chandler
WWE2K14 custom DLC for numerous wrestlers and characters
Dirt on certain U.S political figures
Google and search engine algorithm techniques and strategies
Streaming movies such as Roadhouse (Amazon Prime)
Beach culture oddities such as "Rubik's Cube" and "Gidget"
How To Get Listed and Indexing
Online Interview benefits
Rare pro wrestling footage
WWE Hall of Fame picks: Ken Shamrock, Cyndi Lauper, Dave Bautista, Dan Severn and Josh Barnett
Sting's retirement from wrestling including AEW Revolution
WrestleMania 40 inclusion of Lexis King, Liv Morgan, Tama Tonga
WrestleMania potential appearance of Sylvester Stallone, Cyndi Lauper and Elon Musk - as a wild card - WWE Speed on X buzz!
Netflix Games: Another WWE themed game in addition to 'Escape The Undertaker'
Enhancement business incubators for Australian based media and tech entrepreneurs
Increased penalties for big pharma companies lying and misleading public, news media and public large
Spotlight on government corruption in U.S and Australia
A.I safeguards, accuracy and truth to be enhanced. Ala Grok vs Gemini
People before Profit
Truth improvements in eco based journalism
Affiliate program improvements or negotiating of flat fee deals with web publishers
Are other professional sports using a script and even pre-determined type plays ala professional wrestling? Football sports entertainment?!
Forms of wealth, lifestyle and freedom
Challenger Brands vs Traditional Brands
Ancient knowledge in today's modern world: "Stocism" and "Mind, Body and Spirit"
Online Publishing and Publishers vs Legacy Media
National Wrestling Alliance b2b streaming with The CW and reality TV based show
Freethinking vs Mass Hypnosis
Truth in Media
Social norms
Secrets Of The News Media Industry; Why so much distrust
Bet On Anything but not in Alabama or Massachussets as per Gambling911 news
The Business Of Pop Culture
UFC best business partners and clients are? ...
CBD and Canna news media and event listing and variations
Man/Human vs Machine
"The Great Dictator" - Charlie Chaplain movie
"The Man In The Arena" - Theodore Roosevelt and JFK
Donald Trump compared to Robert F. Kennedy Jr (RFK Jr)
'Disruptors Of The Month' shortlist: Dana White, Elon Musk, Logan Paul, Peter Thiel, Billy Corgan
Streaming Movie News
Roadhouse Hits Amazon Prime March 21, 2024
Ex-UFC fighter Dalton (Jake Gyllenhaal) takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems.
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Conor McGregor and Daniela Melchior)
Road House is open for business March 21 on Prime.
Crypto News and Business News via Media Man and FX Pro
Feb 28, 2024
Early flight to the moon
Market picture
In an impressive surge of more than 7.3% in 24 hours, the crypto market capitalisation reached $2.32 trillion. The crypto market hasn't been worth this much since late 2021. Back then, it took two months to get from current valuations to a peak of $3 trillion. But it's worth remembering that the rally then started from a higher point of around $1.9 trillion versus the current $1.5 trillion. This means that we're likely to see some profit-taking before the all-time highs are reached.
Yesterday, Bitcoin broke above $64.25K, followed by a sharp but short-lived pullback to $59K. In the early hours of Thursday morning, the price moved back up and was again at $63K by Thursday morning.
The main catalysts for Bitcoin's rise above $60K were the influx of big money into spot ETFs and the multiplied liquidation of short positions. BTC has already hit all-time highs against local currencies in many countries. Now, investors are waiting for the milestone to happen with the US dollar.
Ethereum is showing smoother growth, adding 5.9% for the day against Bitcoin's 8%. On the chart, however, the rise is smooth and reminiscent of the period when professional players were accumulating coins. We attribute this behaviour to the ongoing speculation around the launch of Ethereum ETFs, given the success of Bitcoin.
Meanwhile, the second cryptocurrency's exchange rate approached $3500, close to Wednesday's intraday high and a return to the April 2022 peak.
Solana, the market favourite at the end of last year, is showing double-digit growth overnight, rewriting December's highs. Here, we see a classic Fibonacci pattern at work: the September-December growth momentum ended with a 38.2% pullback, and on Wednesday evening, the price retraced the highs. Now, the growth target for this pattern is $194 (161.8%).
News background
Dogecoin (DOGE) soared 30% in two days. DOGE developers reported that they are ready for the new Dogecoin Core 1.14.7 update, which includes security improvements.
Toncoin (TON) jumped 30% after the announcement of payments for Telegram channel owners to display ads. From March, the Telegram Ads platform will be open to all advertisers in nearly one hundred new countries. Users will receive 50% of the revenue that the messenger earns from displaying ads on their channels.
The dynamics of capital flows, exchange activity, leverage and institutional demand all point to a surge in risk appetite among bitcoin investors, Glassnode said. The current situation is reminiscent of the 2020-2021 boom.
The introduction of digital currencies in the countries of Oceania can solve many problems, but do not resort to the use of "unsecured private crypto assets" for this purpose, the IMF experts warned in their report.
Kraken Exchange announced the launch of Kraken Institutional, a new service offering comprehensive solutions for institutional clients
News
America is stockpiling oil, but prices are stuck
America continues to build up its oil reserves, albeit at a relatively slow pace and from a low base. Last week, commercial oil inventories rose by 4.2 million barrels. About ¾ million barrels were added to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a pace the government has been pursuing since mid-December. At this rate, it would take more than seven years of replenishment to bring the reserves back to their April 2021 plateau. Admittedly, this is unlikely to happen at all, as America has become a net exporter and needs these reserves less than it did at the end of the last century.
In the short term, the increase in reserves has been a deterrent for oil prices in recent weeks. Yesterday, the price of WTI failed to break away from its 200-day moving average.
However, the report of rising inventories acted as a catalyst, while the main reason was comments from an influential energy advisor from Russia. Mr Novak, who previously played a crucial role in coordinating OPEC+ efforts, said that extending production cuts into the second quarter was not yet a done deal.
The net result of these swings is that oil has been stuck at the 200-day average for the past two weeks. This has also been the area of resistance since the second half of November: all this time, WTI oil has been held by the bears as they approach $80.
A defence of this level looks fundamental, as it could inspire speculators to step up their buying, breaking away from the 200-day and turning it to the upside. The current 3% sideways range in oil is very narrow, so we expect a trend to start soon in either direction.
But we should not forget that oil has been stuck in the 5-8% range for several months in recent years.
News
Rising incomes and slowing inflation in the US support the markets
This week, the markets were mostly looking forward to the release of the US personal income and spending data, with a focus on the accompanying price index. The Personal Expenditure Price Index, excluding food and energy, rose 0.4% m/m and slowed from 2.9% y/y to 2.8% in January, in line with expectations.
A 1% rise in personal income came as a surprise, against expectations for a 0.4% rise. However, personal disposable income rose by 0.3% m/m, which did not break the trend of recent months.
At the same time, there was no acceleration in spending, which rose by 0.3% m/m. They rose by 5.2% y/y, against a 4.8% rise in total income and a 4.5% rise in disposable income. A worrying result - the savings rate of 3.6% is about half the pre-pandemic level. But the good news for markets is that this won't cause inflation to accelerate, meaning the Fed won't have to fight it and delay policy easing.
In the wake of this report, gold is storming through the resistance of the downward channel, and the Nasdaq100 and S&P500 indices are testing all-time highs again.
(Source: FxPro) with Media Man and Bitcoin News Media
Pro Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling
Media Man: AEW maintains a gritty and edgy genre which is most welcome. Having points of difference remains a reason for success of challenger brands in many forms of business including sports and showbiz. Will Ospreay is AEW confirmed! Yes. Lucha's are always an interesting diversion from the American style of pro wrestling. Language lessons from Chris Jericho, in and around of the ring! Strong emotions on display. FTR going up the ratings. Plenty of teams gunning for them! Risk management required for AEW powers that be with so much action in and out of the ring! Momentum building and more dream match scenario's on the horizon.
MMA News
UFC
Joining the dots fight fans...
Connor McGregor vs Michael Chandler?!
"There is no date" Dana White
"I'm hoping for the fall" Dana White, UFC top brass to Pat McAfee
"We get it done in the fall. We get it done in the fall" DW
"I'm a mark" PM
"Everybody has a date" PM
Media Buzz: If you play "Join The Dots" it may well be UFC 306. That's The Sphere
That would be September 14 in Las Vegas if your trying to solve the riddle!
The Sphere is a $2billion + venue!
White is looking to make a statement.
"Other promoters can't do this"X "can't afford to do this"* are just a few of the supposed Dana White quotes leaking to media and and news media websites and channels.
Some fight fans will be aware that Chandler made a public call out (challenge) to "There's A Man From Ireland"
- "The Irishman" via WWE
@WWE
Raw out of Anaheim, California on February 19.
MMA /Pro Wrestling (WWE connection)
"We got some unfinished business boys" Michael Chandler via live mic on WWE Raw
"You can tell he has the adrenaline coursing through his veins a little bit" Seth Rollins via Submission Radio
Other
UFC 303 will be held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight world awaits a firm fight card - hard to do these days with a high injury list, and injuries throwing around card line-ups for PPVs/PLEs has been a problem for pro wrestling promoters also.
Media And Entertainment Gems
What's worse than being talked about? Not being talked about!
The right business finds you!
There are plenty of things more important than money, like staying true to self and personal beliefs for example.
Keep doing your best.
Dare to dream, and keep putting in the work.
Media Man Group
Greg Tingle is the founder and director of the Media Man Group including Media Man Australia and Media Man Int
Fox Corporation Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Murdoch to Participate in Upcoming Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference
NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fox Corporation (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX) today announced that Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Murdoch will participate in the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on Monday, March 4, at approximately 9:30am (Pacific), 12:30pm (Eastern).
A live and archived webcast of the presentation will be available at http://investor.foxcorporation.com
About Fox Corporation
Fox Corporation produces and distributes compelling news, sports, and entertainment content through its primary iconic domestic brands, including FOX News Media, FOX Sports, FOX Entertainment, FOX Television Stations and Tubi Media Group. These brands hold cultural significance with consumers and commercial importance for distributors and advertisers. The breadth and depth of our footprint allows us to deliver content that engages and informs audiences, develop deeper consumer relationships, and create more compelling product offerings. FOX maintains an impressive track record of news, sports, and entertainment industry success that shapes our strategy to capitalize on existing strengths and invest in new initiatives.
For more information about Fox Corporation, please visit http://FoxCorporation.com
SOURCE: Fox Corporation
Crypto News via Media Man and FX Pro
Crypto: Extreme greed is not a sell signal
27th Feb, 2024
Market picture
The cryptocurrency market is developing gains, rising 2.2% on the day to $2.17 trillion. These levels replicate the April 2022 peak.
Bitcoin is now only 15% below its all-time high, while total capitalisation is 38% below its peak.
A further move higher would be a repeat of the early 2022 highs. The Cryptocurrency Fear and Greed Index rose to 82 by Wednesday - the highest since November 2021 - extreme greed. This time, the active rally came at the start of the European session, as Bitcoin moved to update the November 2021 highs, so it would not be surprising to see the index rise further.
According to the indicator's design, this state makes it look for a turning point for a correction. However, we believe that short-term corrections only fuel the greed of buyers. Looking at Bitcoin's chart alone, the dynamics are like what we saw in the second half of 2020. The index was above 90 then, and getting out now, just since greed levels are at 82, could be a painful mistake.
Fundamentally, it is more logical to expect weak performance before a halving, but that is not the case, and investors must accept this reality with a false start to the market due to the influx of institutionalisation via comfortable spot ETFs. Demand is also being helped by strong risk appetite thanks to all-time highs in the major indices.
News background
The main reason for BTC's growth is the trading volume of spot bitcoin ETFs (excluding GBTC), according to Metalpha. The index reached a record $2.4 billion at the beginning of the week, almost doubling the previous daily average.
Bloomberg does not rule out that bitcoin ETFs will overtake gold ETFs in terms of accumulated capital within the next two years.
BitMEX Research notes that outflows from GBTC slowed to $44 million, the lowest since 11 January. The structure has lost $7.5 billion in AUM since becoming an ETF.
Ethereum has taken the most significant share among cryptocurrencies in financial institutions' investment portfolios due to the upcoming Dencun upgrade, Bybit noted. According to The Block, open interest in Ethereum options on the top 5 exchanges (excluding CME) reached an all-time high.
Despite the growing competition between blockchains, Grayscale Research believes the launch of the Dencun update will help Ethereum "mature" by reducing transaction fees and increasing the network's scalability.
The value of assets locked in the Lido liquid-stacking protocol has reached $30.56 billion, according to The Block. Lido dominates the segment, controlling 32% of Ethereum's total stakes.
(Source: FxPro) with Media Man and Bitcoin News Media
Media Man Int
Wrestling/Streaming/Live Entertainment Business
TKO Group (WWE and UFC) Investor Call Highlights Massive Success
WWE's Nick Khan and Ariel Emanuel, Chief Executive Officer of TKO Group
WWE
@WWE
President Nick Khan recently contributed in the TKO Earnings call.
Mr Khan covered the WWE RAW shifting to Netflix
@netflix
in 2025.
“For us, a global localized product has always been a priority. We think Netflix helps us with that. If you look at the premium live event schedule for this calendar year; Perth, Australia this past weekend. Berlin, France, Riyadh, Canada, all over the world. Look for, down the road, more local stars from those markets as we expand our tryouts to international markets so we feel confident over time that will be covered and be part of the Netflix deal.” Nick Khan
"TKO's strong results reflect robost demand for our premium content and live events. Throughout 2023 we achieved multiple viewership and attendence records including 10 highest grossing event records for UFC
@ufc
, as well as viewership records for each WWE premium live event during the year".. Ari Emanuel
Overview Intel and quote by Ari Emanuel, CEO of TKO
The company also released guidance for 2024, advising investors that it is targeting revenue of $2.575 billion to $2.650 billion; adjusted EBITDA of $1.150 billion to $1.170 billion; and free cash flow conversion in excess of 50 percent, doubling down on the company’s strategic rationale as a cash-generating machine.
“TKO is off to a strong start following record financial performance in 2023 at both UFC and WWE,” said Ari Emanuel, CEO of TKO, in a statement. “We secured Anheuser-Busch as the official beer partner of UFC, delivered a transformative deal to bring WWE’s Raw to Netflix beginning in 2025, and expanded our international footprint in important growth markets. We have more conviction than ever in the combination of these businesses and TKO’s ability to drive topline growth and margin expansion, generate meaningful free cash flow, and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders.”
Video/Audio Stream
Fightful Wrestling With Sean Ross Sapp Official YouTube
Where Will WWE Raw Be In Q4? Vince McMahon Selling Shares ? WWE/TKO Earnings Call
https://youtube.com/watch?v=9EoAdnPW3g4&ab_channel=FightfulWrestlingWithSeanRossSapp
News
WWE Corporate Website
NETFLIX TO BECOME NEW HOME OF WWE RAW BEGINNING 2025
https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2024/01-23-2024
NETFLIX TO BECOME NEW HOME OF WWE RAW BEGINNING 2025
https://tkogrp.com/press/netflix-to-become-new-home-of-wwe-raw-beginning-2025/
via TKO Investor Website
TKO Reports Full Year 2023 Results
https://investor.tkogrp.com/files/doc_financials/2023/q4/TKO_4Q23-Earnings-Release_2-27-24_FINAL.pdf
Pro Wrestling News
Tama Tonga (son of King Haku) to join WWE
@WWE
; Just in time for WrestleMania
@WrestleMania
Season; Triple H secured from New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Shawn Spears returns to WWE NXT
@WWENXT
Good Brothers (Gallows and Anderson) return to WWE NXT; Confrontation with Breakker and Corbin. NXT Roadblock?!
Charlie Dempsey returns from All Japan Pro Wrestling
@alljapan_pw
to win the NTX Heritage Cup; Drew Gulak quicky reminds CD he's known him over eight years!
WrestleMania Appearanace Wish List includes Tama Tonga, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, Bron Breakker, Hulk Hogan, Sylvester Stallone, Steve Austin and Lexis King.
Related: TKO Group - WWE/UFC
@UFC
cross-over well received by fans, media, industry. Could we get Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler at WrestleMania in some capacity? Seth Rollins says McGregor would need a "Roman Reigns-like schedule" (per Submission Radio).
"Maybe. Never say never, but he would have to be on a Roman Reigns-like schedule," Rollins said, referring to Reigns' ongoing part-time contract with WWE. "He'd be showing up every 6 months to have a match. He'd be on that Logan Paul contract. I don't know that doing what I do would be for Conor McGregor. It's tough dude. It is a difficult transition to make. So if he would want to give it a shot, we'd love to have him, but I don't know, man. I couldn't jump into their world and do what they do, so I would not expect them to be able to do the same with us." Seth Rollins
Former Wrestling Executive Eric Bischoff of 83 Weeks
@83Weeks
covering potential appearance of Sylvester Stallone appearance at WrestleMania. EB also covers the news of exeecutive/writer, Jennifer Pepperman joining AEW as Vice President of Content Development.
Were the excellent WWE press conferences inspired or influenced by the bloody 'Hulk-A-Mania: Let The Battle Begin' (Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair) press conference of Sydney, Australia in 2009? Media Man taped and sold the footage to Channel Seven for approx $700AUD. Now you know!
WWE Elimination Chamber fallout:
“That’s all I wanted, Drew. A little recognition for helping you win. Coz let’s not forget who knocked out Randy Orton that allowed you to win.” Logan Paul
WWE SmackDown: The Rock and Roman Reigns understood to be locked in for a red hot show.
Potential Dream Matches for WrestleMania or other PLEs:
Logan Paul vs Randy Orton
Cody Rhodes vs Tama Tonga
Streaming Entertainment Biz News
Netflix
@netflix
Set to Raise Prices in 2024 as It Continues to Gain Share of TV Viewing
Grappling with prices and ultra completive and saturated market
Netflix remains Profitable; The exception to the industry norm
Netflix To Get WWE
@WWE
Raw In 2025; Drive To Survive sports and pop culture connection was akin to a test drive
WWE's Nick Khan has been working on Netflix powers that be behind the scenes as customers, fans and media gave thumbs up to pro wrestling staple via Netflix
Netflix is expected to hike prices on its streaming plans in 2024 - a move that should accelerate its revenue and earnings growth — as it continues to take a bigger bite out of overall TV viewing, according to analysts at UBS Securities.
“We expect to see rate increases this year” by Netflix, UBS analysts led by John Hodulik wrote in a Feb. 27 research note. That, along with a ramp-up in revenue from its ad-supported tier and healthy subscriber gains, should push the company’s total revenue growth in 2024 to 15%, per the analysts’ estimates, compared with 7% growth in 2023.
Last October, Netflix increased the price of the Basic plan from $9.99 to $11.99 per month in the U.S., and also hiked prices of the tier in the U.K. and France. Netflix hasn’t announced specific plans to hike subscription prices in 2024, but execs have said rate increases are on the table.
On the company’s Q4 2023 earnings call, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters noted that last year the streamer had “largely put price increases on hold” while it was rolling out the paid-sharing program — “because we saw that as a form of substitute price increase. Now that we’re through that, we’re able to resume our sort of standard approach toward price increases. And price increases, you’ve seen us do that in the U.S., U.K. and France. Those changes went well better than we forecasted.”
Peters continued, “We will continue to monitor other countries and try and assess… when we’ve delivered enough additional entertainment value” to “ask [customers] to pay a bit more to keep that positive flywheel going and we can invest in more great films, series and games for those members. So, you know, the summary statement might be, ‘Back to business as usual.'”
In the note, the UBS team raised their 12-month price target on Netflix shares from $570 to $685 per share, maintaining a “buy” rating on the stock. Shares of Netflix were up 1.5%, to over $596 per share, in midmorning trading Tuesday.
In outlining the bull case for the streamer, UBS cited Nielsen data showing Netflix’s share of U.S. TV viewing rose to 7.9% in January 2024, up from 7.7% in December. And Netflix currently has strong pricing power relative to other streaming services, because on average its prices are lower than rivals on a per-hour basis, according to UBS.
The analyst firm estimates Netflix’s price per hour of consumption at about 30 cents/hour on ad-free tiers, versus 56 cents/hour for Hulu, 58 cents/hour for Peacock, 73 cents/hour for Disney+ and 81 cents/hour for both Max and Paramount+.
Meanwhile, Netflix is the “main beneficiary of structural changes in media,” the analysts wrote in the note. Traditional media companies, as their linear TV businesses have declined, have shifted to focus on profitability in streaming. As the UBS team wrote, “The new playbook includes 1) price increases, 2) platform consolidation, 3) library curation (with attendant asset write-downs), 4) cuts to content spending (adjusting for strike-related declines in 2023) and 5) a renewed focus on content licensing.”
“As the objective in streaming shifts from subscriber growth to profitability for the traditional media companies, we see Netflix as the ultimate beneficiary of this industry rationalization,” the UBS analysts wrote.
Also Tuesday, UBS upped its estimates for Netflix net subscriber adds in 2024 from 18 million to 20 million “to reflect continued momentum in subscriber trends, upside to [average revenue per membership] and higher operating leverage.” The company added 29.5 million net new subscribers in 2023, up from an annual average of 21 million in 2020-22 as it “successfully implemented” the paid sharing program across the globe, the analysts wrote.
“While we expect net adds to slow, we believe Netflix still has significant runway as it continues to convert users to paid subs and attracts new cohorts,” the analyst wrote.
UBS also raised estimates on Netflix’s free cash flow generation through 2027. The analysts expect operating margins to expand on average 300 basis points per year over 2024-27, driving a 26% compound annual growth in operating income.
Assuming cash content spending of about $17 billion in ’24 and $18 billion-$21 billion in ’25-’27, UBS projects Netflix’s free cash flow will see a CAGR of about 20% (up from 18%) through 2027, “supporting a ramp in [stock] buybacks.”
Pro Wrestling
WWE NXT
@WWENXT
Feb 27, 2024
Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson confront Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin: NXT highlights, Feb. 27, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=iVzDHV3YOlw&ab_channel=WWE
"I have an airbrush guy. Can we do something with this. It's plain Jane"? BB
"No. it's not Spring Break '99. I'm not spraypainting my jacket" BC
"Ok, can you put some tanner on. You're pale"? BB
"Rough night boys" Gallows
"Tag divisions got a little depth huh" BC
"Look big LG. Comedian Corbin actiting like he loves this place" Anderson
"Yeah, he's so funny" Gallos
"They got jokes. Look, NXT reinvigorated my career" BC
"Reinvigorated his career"! BB..
"If you can, Good Brothers be waiting" Gallows
FULL SEGMENT – Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes discuss the NXT Championship: Feb. 27, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=YMK_3uuc93U&ab_channel=WWE
Von Wagner vs. Lexis King: NXT highlights, Feb. 27, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=sAD7M7QoxM4&t=2s&ab_channel=WWE
"Oh, and Von got caught again"
"Lexis King right not is focussing on chopping down Von Vagner. We're seen him go low a few times. And right here with that knee breaker"
Lexis King wants to destroy Mr. Stone’s life: WWE NXT exclusive, Feb. 27, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=85TnY5Qr8AQ&ab_channel=WWE
Charlie Dempsey wins the NXT Heritage Cup: NXT highlights, Feb. 27, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=rnFUF0ws7Fo&ab_channel=WWE
"If he catch up at the right place, at the right time, he can catch you out... but he still young Vic. He's still working on his craft" Booker T
Charlie Dempsey is proud to be the Heritage Cup Champion: WWE NXT exclusive, Feb. 27, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=2EulcxQ-_X8&ab_channel=WWE
"This cup right here. It means more than any title here" .."There years in the making and I've got it" Charlie Dempsey
"So, Charlie, I've known you about eight years now" .. "even before I started working at WWE".. "I've seen you go from behind the scenes, to not having a foot in the door, to becoming one of the most dominant professional wrestlers I've ever expierenced in my career".. "we'll show no mercy, we'll show no mercy. We'll show no quarter" Drew Gulak
Dijak vs. Luca Crusifino: NXT highlights, Feb. 27, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=J4u5wEFJU-M&t=2s&ab_channel=WWE
"He's stepping in the ring tonight wiht the diabolical Dijak" Vic Joseph
Media Man: Solid thumbs up today. As is usually the case in quality pro wrestling, the storylines add so much to the overall entertainment and fan investment element. Wolf Dogs 4 Life... until Breakker goes after the WWE World Title! SS has found himself back home! These NXT ladies are real femme fatals. Who will rise up and fill the void left by "Tiffy Time"? Time to barge thru Roadblock and purpose a Road To WrestleMania if at all possible. And "The Don" Tony D'Angelo crashes Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov's face-to-face, forces a No. 1 Contender's Match at Roadblock. Tony D apparently still in the king of the wise guys. Nothing quite like family business. And Dempsey the shooter and stretcher the cup. And you ain't seen the best and worse of Mr King yet. King ain't finished till he's the king of this kingdom. Massive upside to Lexis. This is pro wrestling.
Canada's antitrust watchdog expands probe into Google's ad services - March 1, 2024
Canada's antitrust watchdog said on Thursday it had obtained a court order to gather information and advance an ongoing investigation into Google's online advertising services in the country.
The Competition Bureau Canada opened an investigation in 2020 to probe whether the Alphabet-owned (GOOGL.O), opens new tab search engine giant had engaged in practices that harm competition in Canada's online ads industry.
It has now expanded that investigation to examine Google's advertising technology services and if the U.S.-based firm was using predatory pricing, the bureau said in a statement.
The court order was granted by the Federal Court of Canada and requires Google to produce records and information relevant to the bureau's investigation, according to the statement.
A spokesperson for Google said the firm "will continue to engage constructively with the Canadian Competition Bureau and demonstrate the benefits of our products to Canadian businesses and consumers."
"Canadian businesses choose to use our advertising products because they're effective and reliable at helping them reach their customers and grow," the spokesperson said in an email.
2023 Commercial Gaming Revenue Reaches $66.5B, Marking Third-Straight Year of Record Revenue
Industry Contributes All-Time High $14.4B in State and Local Gaming Taxes
Press Release
FEBRUARY 20, 2024
Washington, D.C. – U.S. commercial gaming revenue reached an annual record of $66.5 billion in 2023, according to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker. The total surpasses 2022’s previous high of $60.5 billion by 10 percent, marking the industry’s third-straight record revenue year.
The year was punctuated by all-time high quarterly revenue of $17.4 billion in Q4 2023, anchored by $6.2 billion in revenue in December, the highest grossing month in industry history.
“From the traditional casino experience to online options, American adults’ demand for gaming is at an all-time high,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Sustaining our momentum will take unified industry efforts around combating pernicious illegal operators and growing responsible gambling efforts in tandem with the growth of the legal market—both of which the AGA is committed to lead on throughout 2024.”
The commercial gaming industry continues to evolve, with online gaming making up nearly one-quarter (24.7%) of nationwide commercial gaming revenue in 2023, a new annual high. Looking at each sector:
Traditional Gaming: Brick-and-mortar casino slots and table games grossed a record $49.4 billion in 2023, up 3.3 percent over 2022. On a state level, 19 out of 27 traditional gaming markets saw record annual revenue.
Sports Betting: In 2023, sports betting achieved new records for handle ($119.8B) and sportsbook revenue ($10.9B), up 27.8 and 44.5 percent respectively. This growth was largely fueled by continued maturation across most existing markets as well as several new markets, particularly in Massachusetts and Ohio.
iGaming: 2023 online casino revenue grew 22.9 percent year-over-year to $6.2 billion in the six states with full-scale legal iGaming.
In 2023, 12 of the top 20 commercial casino gaming markets reported revenue growth compared to the previous year, with the top market—the Las Vegas Strip—seeing the strongest year-over-year gains. New Jersey maintained its spot as the second-highest grossing market, while Chicagoland (third) flipped rankings with the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. market (fourth) and Mississippi Gulf Coast (fifth) rounded out the top five.
The commercial gaming industry also contributed more to state and local governments’ coffers than ever in 2023. Throughout the year, commercial gaming operators paid an estimated $14.4 billion in direct gaming revenue taxes, an increase of 9.7 percent year-over-year. The industry also contributes billions of additional tax dollars to states each year in the form of income, sales, payroll and various other corporate taxes.
“Gaming’s success translates directly to the success of the states, cities and towns in which we operate,” continued Miller. “We are proud to be in 47 U.S. jurisdictions, acting as economic drivers, creating jobs and providing the funding that makes critical public education programs, infrastructure projects, problem gambling resources and more possible.”
Miller will make additional remarks on full-year 2023 commercial gaming revenue figures and preview AGA’s priorities for the year ahead in AGA’s annual State of the Industry webinar on Feb. 20 at 11:30 AM ET/8:30 AM PT.
TKO Group Holdings to Participate in Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference
02/29/2024
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO), a premium sports and entertainment company, announced that its President and Chief Operating Officer, Mark Shapiro, will participate in the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 10:15 a.m. Eastern Time (7:15 a.m. Pacific Time).
A link to the live session, as well as a replay available for at least 30 days, will be accessible on the company’s investor relations website at investor.tkogrp.com.
About TKO
TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company that comprises UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, and WWE, an integrated media organization and the recognized global leader in sports entertainment. Together, our organizations reach more than 1 billion households in approximately 170 countries, and we organize more than 350 live events year-round, attracting over one million fans. TKO is majority owned by Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR), a global sports and entertainment company.
TKO Reports Full Year 2023 Results
TKO Transaction Highlights
On September 12, 2023, Endeavor and WWE closed the transaction to combine UFC and WWE to form
a new, publicly listed company, TKO Group Holdings, Inc. The reported results presented in this earnings
release cover the period from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 for UFC and the period from
September 12, 2023 through December 31, 2023 for WWE.
Full Year 2023 Highlights and Recent Developments
• The UFC segment delivered record financial results. Revenue increased 13% to $1.3 billion and Adjusted
EBITDA1
increased 11% to $756 million
• UFC live events revenue increased 34% to a record $168 million, driven by growth in ticket revenues
and site fees. UFC held 43 events that generated significant viewership gains and set several all-time
records for gross revenue at respective arenas
• UFC sponsorship revenue increased 18% to a record $196 million, driven by new brand partners and
renewal increases
• UFC celebrated its 30th anniversary with a series of events commemorating its history and current
standing as the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization
• Each WWE premium live event set a viewership record; total WWE domestic viewership and hours
viewed on Peacock increased 25% and 22%, respectively, as compared to the prior year
• WWE live event average attendance increased 34%
• In January 2024, WWE entered into a long-term media rights agreement with Netflix beginning in
January 2025 for Raw in the United States and all WWE shows and specials outside the United States
Full Year 2024 Guidance
• The Company is targeting revenue of $2.575 billion to $2.650 billion
• The Company is targeting Adjusted EBITDA of $1.150 billion to $1.170 billion
• The Company is targeting Free Cash Flow Conversion2
in excess of 50%
New York, NY, February 27, 2024 – TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (“TKO” or the “Company”) (NYSE:
TKO) today announced financial results for its year ended December 31, 2023. The reported results
presented in this earnings release cover the period from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 for
Ultimate Fighting Championship (“UFC”) and the period from September 12, 2023 through December
31, 2023 for World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (“WWE”).
“TKO is off to a strong start following record financial performance in 2023 at both UFC and WWE,”
said Ariel Emanuel, CEO of TKO. “We secured Anheuser-Busch as the official beer partner of UFC,
2
delivered a transformative deal to bring WWE’s Raw to Netflix beginning in 2025, and expanded our
international footprint in important growth markets. We have more conviction than ever in the combination
of these businesses and TKO’s ability to drive topline growth and margin expansion, generate meaningful
free cash flow, and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders.”
Full Year Consolidated Results
Revenue increased 47%, or $534.9 million, to $1.7 billion. The increase reflected an increase of $152.1
million at UFC, to $1.3 billion, and the contribution of $382.8 million of revenue at WWE associated with
the period from September 12, 2023 through December 31, 2023.
Net Income was $175.7 million, a decrease of $213.3 million from $389.0 million in the prior year period.
The decrease primarily reflected an increase in operating expenses partially offset by the increase in
revenue. The increase in operating expenses primarily reflected an increase in selling, general and
administrative expenses of $339.0 million, an increase in direct operating costs of $189.0 million, an
increase in depreciation and amortization of $104.6 million, and an increase in interest expense of $99.4
million. To a lesser extent, higher income taxes also contributed to the decrease in net income.
Adjusted EBITDA1 increased 29%, or $180.4 million, to $809.1 million, due to an increase of $75.1
million at UFC and the contribution of $163.0 million of Adjusted EBITDA at WWE associated with the
period from September 12, 2023 through December 31, 2023, partially offset by an increase of $57.7
million in corporate expenses.
Cash flows generated by operating activities were $468.4 million, a decrease of $33.3 million from
$501.7 million, primarily due to lower net income.
Free Cash Flow2 was $419.8 million, a decrease of $69.5 million from $489.3 million, primarily due to
the decrease in cash flows generated by operating activities and an increase in capital expenditures, which
was primarily related to WWE’s new headquarter facility.
Cash and cash equivalents were $235.8 million as of December 31, 2023. Gross debt was $2.761 billion
as of December 31, 2023.
Full Year 2023
Revenue increased 13%, or $152.1 million, to $1.3 billion, primarily driven by a $76.2 million increase
in media rights and content fees, a $42.6 million increase in live events revenue and a $29.5 million
increase in sponsorship revenue. The increase in media rights and content fees was primarily related to
higher domestic and international rights fees resulting from increases in contractual revenues, higher fees
associated with international renewals and one additional pay-per-view event in 2023 as compared to the
prior year period. The increase in live events revenue was primarily related to 5 additional events with a
live audience (26 in 2023 as compared to 21 in the prior year) and higher site fees. The increase in
sponsorship revenue was primarily related to new sponsors and increases in fees from renewals.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 11%, or $75.1 million, to $755.7 million, as the increase in revenue (as
described above) was partially offset by an increase in expenses. The increase in expenses primarily
reflected an increase of $57.8 million in direct operating costs. The increase in direct operating costs was
primarily due to an increase of $45.7 million in athlete costs from different matchups as well as higher
production costs associated with having one additional pay-per-view event and five additional
international events as compared to the prior year. Marketing and venue costs also increased due to five
additional events with live audiences in 2023. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by
4
$16.9 million, primarily driven by higher personnel costs from greater headcount and increased travel and
other expenses associated with the additional pay-per-view event and international events.
Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 58% from 60%.
WWE
Full Year 2023
Revenue was $382.8 million for the period from September 12, 2023 through December 31, 2023.
Including WWE activity for the periods from January 1, 2023 through September 11, 2023 and for the
full year 2022, WWE combined revenue3 was $1.326 billion, as compared to $1.292 billion for the period
from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The increase of 3%, or $34 million, was primarily due
to an increase in live events revenue, an increase in media rights and content revenue and an increase in
sponsorship revenue partially offset by a decrease in consumer products licensing revenue. The increase
in live events revenue was primarily related to an increase in domestic and international ticket sales. The
increase in media rights and content fees was primarily related to the contractual escalation of media rights
fees for WWE’s flagship weekly programming, Raw and SmackDown, and premium live events, which
more than offset a decline in third-party original programming due to the timing of delivery. The decline
in consumer products licensing revenue was due to the previously disclosed transition of our digital retail
platform and venue merchandise business to Fanatics as well as a decrease in collectibles revenue.
Adjusted EBITDA was $163.0 million for the period from September 12, 2023 through December 31,
2023.
Including WWE activity for the periods from January 1, 2023 through September 11, 2023 and for the
full year 2022, WWE combined Adjusted EBITDA3 was $533.1 million, as compared to $512.5 million
for the period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The increase of 4%, or $20.6 million,
was primarily due to the increase in revenue (as described above) partially offset by an increase in
expenses. The increase in expenses primarily reflected an increase in content creation costs partially offset
by lower expenses related to the timing of third-party original programming and the transition of our
digital retail platform and venue merchandise business to Fanatics.
5
Adjusted EBITDA margin was 43% for the period from September 12, 2023 through December 31,
2023. Including WWE activity for the periods from January 1, 2023 through September 11, 2023 and for
full year 2022, WWE combined Adjusted EBITDA margin3
was flat at 40% in both 2023 and 2022.
Corporate
Full Year 2023
Corporate Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $109.6 million, as compared to a loss of $51.9 million in the
prior year period.
Including WWE activity for the periods from January 1, 2023 through September 11, 2023 and for full
year 2022, Corporate combined Adjusted EBITDA3 was a loss of $196.3 million, as compared to a loss
of $179.8 million for the period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. The decrease of $16.5
million was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs, including TKO executive compensation, and
other general and administrative expenses, including public company expenses, following the formation
of TKO in September 2023. The decrease also reflected an increase in service fees paid to Endeavor under
the Company’s Services Agreement. These increases more than offset savings associated with
restructuring activities following the formation of TKO.
Full Year 2024 Guidance
For the full year 2024, the Company is targeting revenue of $2.575 billion - $2.650 billion and Adjusted
EBITDA of $1.150 billion - $1.170 billion. The Company is also targeting full year 2024 Free Cash Flow
Conversion in excess of 50%.
Management will provide more detail including key assumptions related to 2024 guidance on today’s
earnings call.
TKO Transaction
As previously disclosed, on September 12, 2023, Endeavor Group Holdings Inc. (“Endeavor”) and World
Wrestling Entertainment, LLC (“WWE”) closed the transaction to combine the Ultimate Fighting
Championship (“UFC”) and WWE to form a new, publicly listed company, TKO Group Holdings, Inc.
(“TKO”). For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s consolidated pre-tax results
included $83.8 million of merger and acquisition related costs. For the twelve months ended December
31, 2023, the Company’s consolidated pre-tax results also included $41.4 million (inclusive of $19.9
million of equity-based compensation expense) of restructuring, severance and impairment costs resulting
from the Company’s cost reduction program, which was implemented to realize synergy opportunities and
integrate the combined operations of WWE and UFC.
Business News and Crypto News via Media Man and FX Pro
Feb 27, 2024
Bitcoin tears the bears apart again
Market picture
The price of the leading cryptocurrency rose decisively during active trading in the US, and in the illiquid Asian session, we saw a wave of stop orders triggered, which at times took the price to $57.8K. Such high levels were last seen in December 2021.
Nevertheless, bitcoin sees no significant barriers to growth to levels just above $60K. Bitcoin can quickly go there or around the historical highs at $69K, but the subsequent growth may require a few months of consolidation.
Growth breeds optimism, and now there is a proliferation of predictions that the price will soon reach six figures. In our view, the chances of a price rise above $100K exceed 50% in the 9–12-month horizon. And if markets come under pressure from an economic slowdown, it could take more than a year to reach a new level.
News background
According to CoinShares, investment in crypto funds rose by $598 million last week, following a record $2.452 billion inflow the week before, the fourth consecutive week of growth. Investments in bitcoin rose by $570 million, Ethereum by $17 million, and Solana fell by $3 million. Investments in funds that allow shorting bitcoin increased by $4 million.
Inflows into crypto funds have exceeded $5.7 billion since the beginning of the year, with total assets under management (AuM) rising to $68.3 billion, although still far from the record high of $87 billion reached in November 2021.
Bitcoin is gaining popularity as a haven asset in countries with persistently high inflation, Bitfinex noted. Macroeconomic risks this year make it relevant to buy the first cryptocurrency, gold, and silver.
According to BitMEX Research, trading volume in the spot bitcoin ETF market exceeded $50 billion. Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital, commented on the growing interest of institutional investors in the cryptocurrency market.
LookIntoBitcoin notes that the value of bitcoin is being affected by the upcoming halving in April, as well as the imbalance between demand for the asset and its availability in the cryptocurrency market.
According to The Block, the cumulative amount raised by crypto and blockchain companies from venture capitalists since 2017 has exceeded $90 billion, with DeFi, infrastructure, NFT/gaming and Web3 attracting the most interest.
MicroStrategy acquired an additional 3,000 BTC, said founder Michael Saylor. MicroStrategy owns 193000 BTCs worth approximately $6.09 billion (average price $31,544).
News
Japanese yen benefits from hopes of change in the BoJ approach
Japanese consumer inflation slowed from 2.6% y/y to 2.2% y/y in January. The data was slightly higher than the expected 2.1%, providing temporary support for the Yen, which rose 0.4% after the release, pushing USDJPY back to 150.10.
Prices excluding food slowed to 2.0% year-on-year, the lowest since March 2022 and back to the BoJ's target. However, an even less volatile measure excluding food and energy slowed to 3.5% from 3.7% in January. These are still the highest levels since the early 1980s, so they warrant the regulator's attention.
The inflation data also helped push Japanese 2-year government bond yields to their highest levels since 2011.
The latest inflation figures have raised expectations of imminent changes in monetary policy. Observers are predicting that the zero-interest-rate policy will be abandoned as early as April this year. The strengthening of these expectations supports the yen by narrowing the yield spread between yen-denominated debt and other reserve currencies.
At the same time, Japan has repeatedly surprised with its passivity in recent years, so it is worth remaining sceptical about its ability to make real changes. This is doubly true when the Fed, the ECB and the Bank of England pick their moment to start cutting interest rates. Fears that the yield spread will narrow too quickly could lead the Bank of Japan to opt for inaction once again.
(Source: FxPro) with Media Man and Bitcoin News Media
Media Man Int
Sports Pop Culture
Sports Art And Animation Art KO By Mojahed Fudailat
Brings Out The Beast In Promoters, Fighters and Fans says Media
Wins Sports Artist Of The Month; Animation Artist Of The Month
Pro Wrestling
WWE
@WWE
Raw Moments And Highlights
February 26, 2024
SAP Center at San Jose, California
Hot and emotionally charged show says Media Man. Paul Heyman, wiseman of The Bloodline, lines up situation for Roman Reigns and The Rock to return to SmackDown this Friday. WWE locker room and leading start uniting against The Bloodline.
Top 10 Monday Night Raw moments: WWE Top 10, Feb. 26, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=DNUAFQlmqco&t=89s&ab_channel=WWE
"When Dirty Dom and The Judgement Day say we're doing to do something, we mean it. That title belongs us to" Dirty Dom Mysterio
"Let them fight" Fans
Explosive Raw moments: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=C3K3xR_XT90&ab_channel=WWE
"I'm sure Mami thinks it's just another night to be on top" Pat McAfee
Drew McIntyre to Seth “Freakin” Rollins: “Back off The Bloodline”: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=XDi9ect0ipw&t=34s&ab_channel=WWE
"You did it Drew. I'm proud of you. You clawed your way back into a title match with me. I'm proud of you".. Seth Rollins
FULL MATCH – Cody Rhodes brings chaos after Heyman warns him of Rock challenge: Raw, Feb. 26, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=x4IDOjxoRnc&t=8s&ab_channel=WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE NXT
No Quarter Catch Crew. Catch, stretch, hook and cull! Catch are killing it.
Lexis King will not stop until his is the recognised king of NXT and the professional wrestling industry at large!
Trick Williams. The trick to being not so well liked? How to lose friends and influence people?!
Where is Fallon Henley? Partly responsible for running off Tiffany Stratton. Best Little Wrestling House in Florida and beyond. Crack that whip. Yeehaw!
NXT and WWE Universe missing Booker T
@BookerT5x
The Family haven't looked quite as brutal and menacing over the past few weeks. Is their current fanfare going to cost them Florida, New York and Italy domination? Would be competition eyeing off the waterfront, fish markets, not to mention championship gold! The various families have been quietly chatting out the back of the fishing trawlers. Respect is a high commodity in the family business. What a life!
Is this the day we welcome back Booker?
Pro Wrestling Dream Matches
Some May Become Reality!
In a WWE
@WWE
Ring
Cody Rhodes
@CodyRhodes
and Seth Rollins
@WWERollins
with Drew McIntyre in their corner
Vs
Roman Reigns and The Rock with Jimmy Uso in their corner
Undercard Fantasy Booking
Logan Paul
@LoganPaul
vs Randy Orton
@RandyOrton
Drew McIntyre vs CM Punk
Gunther vs Bron Breaker
Grayson Waller vs Austin Theory
Lexis King
@LexisKingWWE
vs Chris Jericho
Pro Wrestling
WWE
@WWE
Raw
"Let me ask you. Do you like Grayson Waller"? Cody Rhodes
"Great, No. You don't have to answer. I've been watching" CR
".. He's got tons of skills and not just on the microphone..."first time I was one the Grayson Waller Effect I brought Jey Uso".."I challenged The Rock one on one. A Grayson Waller exclusive as he calls it" CR
"Well Grayson Waller can thank Cody Rhodes for the run tonight".. Michael Cole
@MichaelCole
"That show has a couple of moments and a lot of them revolve around The American Nightmare" Pat McAfee
@PatMcAfeeShow
"Here comes your buddy" MC
"I was on an island the last couple of days thinking about how this is going to go actually" PM
"Your first tweet in two years saying I was kissing Gunther's ass. It wasn't that. I was just explaining the situation".."let..him know..."but when he makes eye contact with me makes me want poop my pants..So scared" PM ..
More great past, present and future coverage via the official WWE YouTube channel
http://youtube.com/WWE
Media Man: Lovin' the vibe between Rhodes and Kelly and McAfee is killing it in the mic. Must be recharged from the land down under working holiday!
Business News and Crypto News via Media Man and FX Pro
Feb 26, 2024
Ethereum as crypto growth driver
Market picture
The crypto market settles at a $2 trillion cap level, up 0.8% on the day. Altcoins are once again driving growth, while the first coin is flat, losing 0.5% in 24 hours, and Ethereum is up 2.5%. BNB adds just under 2%, enjoying a resurgence of interest in cryptocurrency trading. XRP and Cardano both lose 1%, dragging the market back down.
Bitcoin and Ethereum are the cryptocurrencies of choice for institutional speculators. Their obvious trade right now is betting on the approval of spot ETFs on ETH. Speculators are cautiously locking in profits in BTC, which has previously rallied on the same theme.
Remember that Ethereum's market capacity is smaller than Bitcoin's, which has a three times bigger market cap. This means that the price is more sensitive to changes in sentiment. Ethereum has gained 40% in 30 days, the best performance among the top 10 cryptos.
News background
About 90% of the bitcoins purchased by spot ETFs have gone to Coinbase's custodial platform, its CEO Brian Armstrong said. He stated that the exchange's custody service has accumulated more than $36 billion in BTC. The growing ETF market suggests that institutional capital is seriously considering bitcoin as one of the most reliable assets.
If the US SEC does not approve a spot Ethereum ETF in May 2024, it will do so by mid-2025, said attorney Scott Jonsson. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffarth believes the SEC won't take as long to process Ethereum ETF applications as it did with BTC, as a significant portion of the applications could be based on Bitcoin ETFs. S&P Ratings expects the SEC to approve applications to launch the ETF in May.
The court approves a $4.3 billion payment by Binance exchange to the US Department of Justice as part of a plea deal. According to the signed agreement, the platform agreed to take significant steps to ensure continued compliance with US laws.
According to CryptoSlam, total sales of non-replaceable tokens (NFTs) on the Solana network have surpassed $5 billion, with 43 million NFT transactions. The Solana blockchain has more than 2.2 million buyers and 1.6 million sellers of NFTs.
Internet forum Reddit invests surplus funds in Bitcoin and Ethereum. The cryptocurrency investment strategy started back in 2022.
Time for the dollar to choose a trend
Feb 26, 2024
The Dollar Index is giving up positions painfully slowly. It is under pressure for the ninth session in a row, but at the same time, the market is unable to accelerate or break this downtrend. Individual currency pairs are now testing critical local levels. The ability to finally break through them could set the trend for the coming weeks.
The Dollar Index has fallen from a high of 104.85 on February 14th to 103.7. This level was strong resistance from late November to early February. It could now act as support. This is also a historically important level for the Dollar Index as it was the peak in March 2020, which took 26 months to overcome.
It is logical to expect increased volatility in this area as this is where global trend selection takes place. A decisive move lower will open a quick path to last year's lows around 100.0. Approaching these levels will make the main scenario a further multi-month decline in the US currency, with a final target in the 90.0-92.5 range.
The ability to develop an offensive from these levels would demonstrate the strength of the dollar bulls after the pause. In this case, the DXY could quickly return to last year's October-November highs near106.8. This, in turn, should be followed by a recovery of the dollar to multi-year highs towards 114.5-115.0.
Keeping the dollar in balance this week rests on the shoulders of the 10 FOMC members who are scheduled to speak this week. On the macro data front, the market will be watching Thursday's Personal Income and Expenditure and PCE price indices.
On the technical front, the EURUSD, AUDUSD, and USDCHF are all trading around their 200-day moving averages, the GBPUSD is trading around its 50-day MA, and the USDJPY is approaching 151 level, where the pair made a brutal multi-week bearish reversal in October 2022 and November 2023.
Slowing inflation puts the franc on a downward path
Consumer inflation in Switzerland slowed to an annual rate of 1.3% in January, the lowest since October 2021. This is significantly lower than the 1.7% recorded in the previous month and was expected on average by analysts.
The current level is slightly above the local peaks seen in 2018 and 2010. However, throughout the period from 2009 to 2021, Switzerland has been actively easing policy to boost rather than dampen inflation.
An important driver of lower inflation has been the appreciation of the franc through the systematic sale of foreign exchange reserves by the Swiss National Bank. Now, there is clearly no need for such active measures. Moreover, the impending monetary policy reversal by the Fed, the ECB and the Bank of England sets the stage for a similar reversal by Switzerland, with consequences for the currency market.
The Swiss franc hit multi-year or all-time highs against many of its peers in the final days of last year, and since then, a reversal has been imminent. The USDCHF, for example, has risen 5.7% since the beginning of the year on the back of a simultaneous dovish shift in expectations from Switzerland and a hawkish shift from the US.
(Source: FxPro) with Media Man and Bitcoin News Media
Media Man Int
Pro Wrestling
WWE
@WWE
RAW
February 26, 2024
SAP Center. San Jose, California
Grayson Waller has just called out Cody Rhodes. Fortunately a production camera out the back of the arena got the footage! You can bet the likes of Drew McIntyre will keeping an eye on the situation at The Road To WrestleMania
@WrestleMania
continues. The GW Effect is in full swing and could strike again! Roman Reigns had a quite and private word with GW last week on SmackDown and the grand plan may still be getting executed. Prime Target - Rhodes! What's the status of "Hitman" Austin Theory - fresh off a Cody Cutter from Perth. Watch out for that Thunder From Down Under.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs Sami Zayn. Can Zayn find his own warrior within, or will the mysterious and deadly Nakamura put one more bullet in the career of SZ? Is SZ considering changing up his identity and going back to the roots of El Generico? Ole!
Imperium vs The New Day. It's a street fight. No "fruity pebbles" here. Not a neon spandex or Booty O cereal box in sight. Europe vs the USA.
Watch out for uninvited guests and tactics south of the border.
Raw GM Adam Pearce will once again be earning his danger money, as will the announers Michael Cole
@MichaelCole
and Pat McAfee
@PatMcAfeeShow
at ringside. The announce table better be double strong. Can MC's voice hold out after a massive few weeks? Will PM be stiring up the heels, babyfaces or both?
California Dreamin or California Nightmare?!
Box Office News (North America)
1. Bob Marley: One Love - $13.5 million
2. Demon Slayer - $11.6 million
3. Ordinary Angels - $6.5 million
4. Madame Web - $6 million
5. Migration - $3 million
6. Argylle - $2.8 million
7. Wonka - $2.5 million
8. Drive-Away Dolls - $2.4 million
9. The Beekeeper - $2 million
10. The Chosen - $1.8 million
Media Man Int
Pro Wrestling
Wrestling Living Legend Bret Hart Offers Thoughts On Wrestling Industry
Great Former WWE Champion Shoots Straight
“There’s a lot of great wrestlers out there that can deliver great matches. But there’s so many wrestlers out there that are subpar in my opinion, that don’t know what they’re doing out there. And they allow themselves to rely on things like chops, which I think is sort of like cheap heat – you get a reaction, but what’s your reaction? You’re whipping a guy across the chest with your hand? Okay, so you’re hurting some guy for real, for some stupid reason. And the crowd sort of reacts to it. In my understanding of pro wrestling, anytime anyone does anything to you that hurts, for real – chopping, putting blisters on your chest when you go to your room or bed, anytime anyone does things to you for real, they’re in the wrong business. They’re doing it wrong. Because you’re not supposed to get hurt. You’re not supposed to come back to your dressing room that night, or to your hotel room and have a big lump on your head and a black eye, and your teeth are knocked out. That’s Bill Goldberg wrestling. That’s not how it’s done.” - Bret "Hitman" Hart
Bret Hart on WWE's Women's Champion Rhea Ripley
“I really like her a lot. I really like her poise, her staying in character and sort of living her – she seems like she’s adapted a character that’s fun to play, and she’s playing into that, full tilt. She’s putting that realism into it; that’s what I miss in a lot of wrestling today, just making it feel more real, and she makes it feel pretty real all the time.”
Wrestling News
Australia and The Wrestling World Still Buzzing About WWE
@WWE
Elimination Chamber in Perth, Western Australia
(Amended version with some corrections) - Media Man crew somewhat fatigued after so much wrestling and combat sports news and happenings over past few weeks!!!
Heels To Babyfaces; Land Down Under Bizzaro Land Aka Canada In Bret 'Hitman" Hart prime era; Not Quite Parts Unknown any more; Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome - Eat Your Heart Out
Stunning Reaction And Super Pop For Cody Rhodes Sure, there were winners and losers, but the fans won, the WWE and the pro wrestling industry won.
Greatest Tourism Promo Ever For Western Australia?
Dream Exposure Won
Usual heels went to babyfaces such as Tiffany Stratton who the Aussie's just loved, then there was the 'Aussie Icon' Grayson Waller who had almost 100 percent fan support (apart from a few hardcore "Cody Cry Babies"), which his on screen mate Austin Theory went along with - and it cost the hitman! (who got hit and then some).
"The Maverick" Logan Paul aka "Prime Heel" in some circles also drew plenty of cheers and wows, despite trying to be hated so much at the WWE media event the day prior. Heel (bad guy) or not, Stratton's Tiffy Time, Swanton off the pod, Paul's flying cross body off the pod, and Waller's shoey with Aussie UFC living legend "Bam Bam" Tai Tuivasa won over the crowd. Mr GW Effect enjoyed a shoey with South Australia's own Rhea "Bloody" aka "Mami" Ripley the day before at the presser - just in case there was any confusion.
The man you love to hate, Logan Paul, made sure to bring his markers into the pod and drew some mean devil horns and other graffiti aimed at rival Kevin Owens. These two fought tooth, nail and brass knux, until it was time for Randy Orton to put Paul out of his Aussie heatwave-like misery with the RKO. Aussie Indi Hartwell was pumped just to be competing in her native Australia (just as well as her team came away with the official L for loss). Big Bronson Reed from Adelaide, South Australia didn't attend as he was busy being new and proud father. Great to see more pro wrestlers with their work/life balance more in tune than what was the case many decades ago where wrestlers burnt the candle at both ends - sometimes costing them the ultimate price.
Australia's world champ, Rhea Ripley defended her title against Nia Jax in a hard fought and exciting match that featured a superplex, Samoan drop, tables and plenty of brutality. This new and current era under Triple H, Nick Khan, Shawn Michaels (WWE NXT) and a select number of folks in the brains trust (recalling the late Bobby "The Brain" Heenan), is absolutely thriving. If you didn't get the memo, Logan Paul won Media Man's MVP Of The Card (men), neck and neck with Tiffany Stratton who has converted thousand of Aussie's to Tiffy Time in and around the international date line. Hot heels, hot action and hot big business all round.
It's an open secret the pro wrestling is both theatre/showbiz as well as an extremely dangerous combat sports hybrid. The pro wrestlers who get and stay at the top are usually great wrestlers with both strong technical ability, charisma, tough as nails (mentally and physically), and who actually love the game and business of wrestling. Countless wrestlers and would be wrestlers have found out just how difficult the business is, and very few enjoy sustainable careers. These pros make it look easy (sort of), when it is anything but. Fans, make no mistake - you are looking at the best of the best.
Aussie's, both the wrestlers and fans, did the Land Down Under proud.
Future Champ Picks: Waller, Stratton and Paul.
Wrestling Booker Of The Year: Triple H
Heel Of The Year fav (thus far): Logan Paul
Get your official winners and results via the WWE website.
Videos via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
Randy Orton, Logan Paul and the Chamber Superstars brawl: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=YK56nLGAhtY&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
Full WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 highlights https://youtube.com/watch?v=MPipUwYWgXw&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Full Elimination Chamber Results and Highlights: WWE Now, Feb. 24, 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=grKZ_Cn22PY&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Rhea Ripley celebrates her emotional homecoming: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 exclusive https://youtube.com/watch?v=cDboENIH8_U&ab_channel=WWE
Indi Hartwell is happy to be home in Australia: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 exclusive https://youtube.com/watch?v=tDKTVQahCtk&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Top 10 moments from WWE Elimination Chamber 2024: WWE Top 10, Feb. 24, 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=Khhpxkcu410&ab_channel=WWE
Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 highlights
https://youtube.com/watch?v=1rJDiNzSE_s&t=25s&ab_channel=WWE
WWE impacts the community in Perth, Western Australia https://youtube.com/watch?v=LEBhY2QBRX0&ab_channel=WWE
WWE Elimination Chamber Press Event: Feb. 22, 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=T7752CMfFEU&t=24s&ab_channel=WWE
Media Man Int
WWE Elimination Chamber (Media Man Int)
http://mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_elimination.html
Pro Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
@nwa
Billy Corgan and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Announce Deal With The CW Network
"The CW has made a big commitment to sports, and they have an incredible top-tier streaming platform. The network’s audience represents a very wide swath of American culture—which wrestling has always been a key part of. This partnership gives us the opportunity to reach that audience more readily. We’re excited to get the chance to show there are other voices in professional wrestling. With NWA, there’s honesty, integrity, and a different level of swagger, because it’s coming from the underground. It’s similar to rock ‘n’ roll in this respect. With The CW behind us, we’re pulling NWA into the light where fans can appreciate its authenticity" Billy Corgan
BILLY CORGAN & NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE (NWA) ANNOUNCE DEAL WITH THE CW NETWORK
STREAMING FLAGSHIP PROGRAM NWA POWERRR & MARQUEE EVENTS SUCH AS PARANOIA NOW
MUCH ANTICIPATED NWA SIGNATURE LIVE EVENT HARD TIMES 2024 ON MARCH 2 FROM DOTHAN, AL SLATED TO BE MONUMENTAL PROGRAMMING ON NWA POWERRR
MUCH ANTICIPATED NWA SIGNATURE LIVE EVENT HARD TIMES 2024 ON MARCH 2 FROM DOTHAN, AL SLATED TO BE MONUMENTAL PROGRAMMING ON NWA POWERRR
SET TO PREMIERE UNTITLED UNSCRIPTED SERIES STARRING BILLY CORGAN IN 2024
Billy Corgan and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Announce Deal With The CW Network
Feb 21, 2024
LOS ANGELES, C.A. (News Release) — GRAMMY® Award-winning founder of The Smashing Pumpkins and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) President Billy Corgan proudly announces an exclusive streaming deal for NWA with The CW. Under this newly minted all-encompassing partnership, multiple NWA programs will be streaming and on-demand via The CW platform and portal in the United States.
Democratizing access to action-packed wrestling from some of the sport’s biggest, boldest, and brightest personalities, all programming is notably available free of charge and without a subscription via The CW app. It represents a monumental power move for NWA. The partnership not only amplifies the brand’s presence throughout popular culture and the zeitgeist, but it also sets a precedent for wrestling, at large.
Flagship program NWA Powerrr is live on the platform now and features ‘Return to Robarts’ programming emanating from the historic Robarts Arena in Sarasota Florida. New episodes air weekly on Tuesdays with past seasons also available to stream. Additionally, the much-anticipated Paranoia Live Event on Powerrr is also now available on The CW. Shot on January 13, 2024 at Revolution Live in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, the signature live event Paranoia features some of the league’s top stars and a myriad of thrilling high-octane matches. Next up, the massive signature live event Hard Times 2024 will premiere on the platform as part of future episodes of NWA Powerrr, streaming on both http://CWTV.com and the CW app.
Additionally, a brand new unscripted untitled series about Corgan’s life, family, role as President of NWA, and his “day job” will also debut on The CW later this year. Co-produced by Corgan’s own production company Lightning One Inc. and Nacelle Company, it offers an unprecedented vignette into every dimension of his world with unparalleled candor.
Corgan continues to deepen the storied mythos and legacy of NWA—one of the oldest and most prestigious professional wrestling brands in the world. He has carefully curated matches and sought-out exciting new talent, building a haven for future superstars to shine with attitude, integrity, power, and panache.
As such, NWA currently serves as a home to the likes of EC3, Matt Cardona, “Thrillbilly” Silas Mason, Trevor Murdoch, Thom Latimer, The Immortals (Odinson and Kratos), Blunt Force Trauma (Damage and Carnage), Aron Stevens, Austin Idol, The Insane Clown Posse’s Violent J, The Brothers of Funstruction Yabo and Ruffo, Colby Corino, Mims, Max the Impaler, “The Sinister Minister” Father James Mitchell, Burchill, Bryan Idol, Natalia Markova, Kerry Morton, Alex Taylor, May Valentine, among others.
With more heavyweights, more drama, and the most bravado, Billy Corgan, The CW, and NWA will enthral and thrill inside and outside of the ring throughout 2024 and beyond. Stay tuned.
Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro
In Case You Blinked And Missed It
Crypto’s catch-up - Feb 23, 2024
Market picture
The crypto market rebounded in the overnight session, supported by a return of optimism in stocks after a cheering Nvidia report. The crypto capitalisation was up over 1% in 24 hours.
The impressive gains were much stronger than the market, with BNB up 5% in one day and 10.5% in seven days, compared to BTC's +0.6% and -0.9% over the same periods. Still, BNB is playing catch-up over a broader time frame.
Bitcoin managed to hold above $50K on Wednesday, where it found buyers and is once again trading at its preferred level of $52K, near which we see daily opens and closes for the eighth consecutive day.
Ethereum proved earlier in the day that it is in rapid growth mode, characterised by lightning-fast corrections. On Thursday morning, the price was back above $3000, close to the highest since April 2022.
News background
Ophelia Snyder, president of 21Shares, said the launch of the Bitcoin ETF was a great success, but the financial gap between the largest issuers could leave three to five funds in the market.
The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said it had de-anonymised several cryptocurrency wallets belonging to the hacker group LockBit and imposed sanctions on those associated with them.
The unidentified Ethereum whale transferred 1,732 ETH (~$5.15 million) to the Kraken crypto exchange after 8.5 years of inactivity. According to on-chain data, the address received 3,465 ETH (~$10.3 million) in an initial coin offering on Ethereum Genesis at $0.31.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said he welcomed the launch of ETFs tied to XRP and expressed optimism about spot ETFs on other cryptocurrencies.
The US Department of Justice has sought a court order to limit the disclosure of confidential information about the case between US authorities and former Binance exchange chief Changpeng Zhao.
US-based Circle, the company behind the second most popular stablecoin USDC, unexpectedly announced the end of support for the Tron blockchain.
Altcoins’ reverse traction
Market picture
The crypto market hit multi-month highs on Tuesday but started Wednesday with a frightening decline.
Ethereum lost around 2%, pulling back to $2929, which is the scale of the fall in Solana. Cardano is down 5%, and XRP is down 3%. Bitcoin has managed to avoid a sell-off without replicating the upward momentum observed in recent days.
Technically, Ethereum's pullback to $2700 is a correction of this month's rally and should not cause much alarm. However, a break below this level could be a cause for concern.
According to AllianceBernstein, Ethereum is virtually the only alternative to Bitcoin that can get ETF approval from the SEC. The likelihood of ETH ETF approval is almost 50% for launch by May and almost 100% in the next 12 months.
News background
According to Bloomberg, the growth of the crypto market is once again attracting retail investors with small deposits - they are starting to use apps like Robinhood to buy and sell digital assets.
Many market participants are predicting the start of the alt season, but some remain cautious. For example, Markus Thielen, head of 10x Research, points to the continued dominance of Bitcoin with a 51 per cent market share. In his view, the first cryptocurrency's dominance "needs to fall below 45%" for the altcoin season to begin.
The launch of spot ETFs in the US has had a positive impact on Bitcoin's order book liquidity and ability to trade at stable prices. This is the conclusion reached by Kaiko. BTC liquidity rose to its highest level since October 2023.
AI tokens saw a surge in activity last week on the back of the launch of OpenAI's Sora, with their total capitalisation exceeding $15 billion and the Worldcoin token (WLD) hitting an all-time high.
E-commerce giant eBay has changed its stance on non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and is likely to exit the space in the near future. The company has laid off more than 30% of the staff at its NFT marketplace, KnownOrigin. According to CoinGecko, NFT turnover across the top 10 blockchains fell 55.1% to $11.8 billion in 2023, with 72% of this value related to NFTs on Ethereum.
(Source: FxPro)
Media Man Int
Foxtel CEO takes aim at Albanese government’s TV reforms - Friday 23, 2024
Foxtel Chief Executive Patrick Delany has taken aim at the Albanese government's television reforms, which would give free-to-air channels prime placement on smart TVs and connected devices.
Mr Delany told a Senate committee that customer choice would be undermined by the proposed changes.
“If you are going to put all of the free first, so what happens if I search an overseas news story? Am I going to get everything from SBS, everything from the ABC, everything from Seven, Nine, Ten – everything before CNN and everything else?” he said.
“If I search any of those terms, why is that the natural thing I’m looking for? I’m looking for the content.”
WBD’s Overall Revenue Is Down – But Streaming And Sports Could Bring A Bounceback
Warner Bros. Discovery is in a tight spot, as its TV revenue declines by double digits and growth opportunities like streaming media haven’t picked up the slack. (Yet.)
Last quarter, WBD’s overall revenue fell 7% YOY, while revenue from linear TV ad sales dropped 14%. WBD isn’t giving up on linear, but it expects its streaming business – and an increased investment in sports programming – to offset its losses and return the company to profitability.
WBD’s revamped streaming service, Max (which combines HBO Max and Discovery+ content), is still in the “early innings,” CEO David Zaslav told investors during WBD’s earnings call on Friday. But the studio’s top priority is “driving profitable growth” for Max.
However, there’s still “a long [distance] left to go” on that pathway, Zaslav said.
To the Max
Max is the light at the end of the tunnel for WBD, which remains in the dark right now.
WBD reported a 51% YOY increase in streaming ad revenue compared to Q4 in 2022, before HBO Max rebranded to Max. And the pace of streaming ad revenue growth is rising, said CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels.
That number may sound promising, but it’s not a surprise – advertisers prefer centralized streaming buys, which is why so many media companies are bundling their content. (Another example is Disney+ and Hulu.)
Consumers also prefer accessing their content in one place. While the studio only gained half a million streaming subscribers in Q4 (not counting subs from its acquisition of Turkish streamer BluTV in December), Max had the lowest churn rate “in HBO Max’s history” last quarter, Zaslav said.
Stable subscriber numbers plus an increase in streaming ad revenue would explain why WBD’s average revenue per streaming user rose 7% YOY to $7.94.
Around the world
WBD plans to continue its streaming growth trajectory with globalization and, of course, more content.
Currently, Max with ads is only available in the US. Some international regions still have ad-supported HBO Max, but Max will launch in Latin America next week, followed by Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East later this year. By the end of the year, Max with ads will be available in more than 40 international markets, Zaslav said.
And to make the most of a global launch, WBD is investing in a new content slate that capitalizes on its famous franchises.
Yet another “Game of Thrones” show will premiere in 2025 – a prequel, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” – and another “Harry Potter” movie is slated for 2026.
A sporting chance
But, most importantly, WBD is zeroing in on sports.
It is not a coincidence that Max’s international expansion coincides with the Olympics in Paris over the summer. Although NBCUniversal has airing and digital rights, WBD will livestream the games on its Eurosport channel.
Max also hopes to attract more international subscribers with other sports programming by capitalizing on the Olympics hype. For example, WBD is currently in talks with the NBA about rights renewal, Zaslav said.
Last but not least, WBD touted its new joint venture with Disney and FOX, which should launch a sports-focused streaming app in 2025. The app will be available to Max subscribers as part of a bundle.
But that’s only if the app actually happens. Pay TV companies and the DOJ have raised antitrust concerns over the nature of the venture – together, the three studios encompass 55% of US sports rights, per Citi analysts. And the sports-focused programming distributor Fubo actually filed a lawsuit earlier this week, in which it alleged anticompetitive business practices between the broadcasters.
Only time will tell whether WBD can regain its footing in the race for streaming market share.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2024. Perth, Western Australia
WWE Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley to take on Nia Jax
Don't miss Elimination Chamber, streaming live Perth, Western Australia, at 5:00 a.m. ET/2:00 a.m PT streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else!
WWE Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax
Elimination Chamber to determine the No. 1 Contender to the Women's World Title at WrestleMania
Elimination Chamber to determine the No. 1 Contender to World Heavyweight Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins at WrestleMania
Seth "Freakin" Rollins and Cody Rhodes to appear on "The Grayson Waller Effect" at Elimination Chamber
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Finn Bálor & Damian Priest vs. Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate
The Kabuki Warriors vs. Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell (WWE Women’s Tag Team Title Match)
UFC Mexico City
This weekend, the UFC makes its sixth trip to Mexico City for a fight card that lines up as a showcase for many of the Mexican and Latin American athletes currently competing inside the Octagon.
Order UFC 299: O'Malley vs Vera 2
Headlined by a critical flyweight rematch between former champ Brandon Moreno and recent title challenger Brandon Royval, with Yair Rodriguez and Brian Ortega slated to renew acquaintances in a five-round co-main event, Saturday’s return to Arena CDMX promises to be loud and exciting from the outset and remain that way through the close of the night.
Main Event: Brandon Moreno vs Brandon Royval
Location: Arena CDMX — Mexico City, Mexico
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Other Main Card Matches:
Yair Rodriguez vs Brian Ortega
Daniel Zellhuber vs Francisco Prado
Raul Rosas Jr. vs Ricky Turcios
Yazmin Jauregui vs Sam Hughes
Manuel Torres vs Chris Duncan
Prelim Matches:
Cristian Quinonez vs Raoni Barcelos
Jesus Aguilar vs Mateus Mendonca
Edgar Chairez vs Danie Lacerda
Claudio Puelles vs Fares Ziam
Ronaldo Rodriguez vs Denys Bondar
Victor Altamirano vs Felipe dos Santos
Erik Silva vs Muhammad Naimov
UFC Top Brass Dana White via Howie Mandel Podcast - Feb 2024
“You are not only an amazing businessman, you are an inspiration, you are a philosopher. The way you do business, the way you conduct your business, and your friendships and media, I’m jealous. But, Dana, I can’t thank you enough for being here,” Mandel said.
“Thank you for all the kind words, I appreciate it. I am so f*****g tired of doing podcasts. I’m literally done with them. I’m not doing any more podcasts,”
Sydney casino review sends Star Entertainment shares plunging - Feb 20, 2024
More than $300 million has been wiped from the market value of Star Entertainment after the NSW casino regulator said it was not satisfied the company had sufficiently overhauled its culture to be allowed to operate in the state.
Shares fell more than 20 per cent when trading resumed Tuesday, and dropped as low as 42¢. Star said it would need to delay the release of a financial update scheduled for Wednesday after being blindsided by a decision from the Independent Casino Commission to engage Adam Bell, SC, to run a second inquiry into the gaming group.
Star chief executive Robbie Cooke has yet to comment publicly on the 15-week investigation. But in a statement on Tuesday, Star said it welcomed the chance for an “objective forum” to demonstrate it was suitable to regain its casino licence.
Mr Bell is the Sydney barrister who conducted an earlier inquiry into the Sydney casino, which concluded that the company was unsuitable to hold a licence.
Despite the new inquiry, some of the company’s largest investors are standing by Star’s management. Bruce Mathieson, the billionaire publican, owns 6 per cent of the business and told The Australian Financial Review: “You never like it, but you can’t change it. We’ve got to deal with whatever they say. I never get into a panic.”
Mr Bell’s 2022 report found Star was unsuitable to hold its licence, describing its operations as “a case study of unethical conduct and cultural failure” that may have evaded taxes and facilitated $900 million of banned gambling transactions.
The first Bell review, along with a similar investigation in Queensland, where Star operates casinos in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, led to the resignation of key figures including chief executive Matt Bekier.
The ICC’s chief commissioner, Philip Crawford, said on Monday that his concern was the “capability and capacity” of the leadership team to execute its remediation programs.
‘Serious and endemic’
Mr Crawford was the head of the former casino regulator, the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, responsible for overseeing the historical behaviour of Star.
“I’m just not sure the extent to which they’ve addressed the cultural reform that Adam Bell said … was serious and endemic and needed a lot of work,” Mr Crawford said in an interview with the Financial Review. “We want to see the progress they’ve made around that particular space. That’s really important.”
The timing of the decision has raised eyebrows in investment circles. One fund manager, who asked to remain anonymous due to company restrictions, said Star had made significant steps in transforming its business.
“Frustration is mounting from the impacts that have been worn by current and new shareholders rather than those that were culpable for the missteps,” the fund manager said. “This doesn’t change the value of assets.”
Star’s market capitalisation has shrunk by more than $2.7 billion – to $1.3 billion – since the start of the first Bell inquiry. Still, the Sydney casino has been lucrative, with gaming revenues of $838.9 million last year. Brokers at MST Marquee estimate Star’s Sydney casino could be worth about $1.3 billion.
But debt worries and difficult trading conditions, along with a write-down on the value of its casinos, forced Star to seek financing twice last year. The first, at $1.20 a share, raised $800 million in February. The second, in September, raised $750 million at just 60¢ a share.
(AFR)
Google Apologizes, Pauses Gemini Chatbot After AI Refuses to Generate Images of White People - Feb 2024
Google executives paused select features of the company’s Gemini chatbot and image generator on Wednesday after the program’s artificial intelligence (AI) adamantly refused to produce images of White people. In a bizarre display Google executives apologetically described as “missing the mark,” Gemini responded to user requests with pictures of Black Vikings, Asian female popes, African Nazis, and “diverse” versions of the American Founding Fathers—“historical inaccuracies” that suggest a much deeper problem with the system powering the AI.
Gemini (formerly known as Google Bard), served as Google’s entry into the competitive large language model (LLM) market dominated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. As with other LLMs, users enter text-based prompts to set the criteria for images, and the AI interprets the contextual information to provide a unique image. However, after Gemini’s rebranding earlier this month, users quickly noticed odd—and possibly racist—quirks in the generative AI’s image creator.
According to a test run by the New York Post, a search for “create an image of a pope” yielded two results: a Black man dressed in elaborate holy vestments and an Asian woman wearing papal robes. As Catholic Gemini users quickly pointed out, all 266 pontiffs in the Church’s history have been White men.
Additional searches, many of which were shared on social media, produced equally ridiculous results, including:
Black, Female, and Asian Vikings
Racially diverse members of America’s Founding Fathers
Multi-racial members of the Wehrmacht, the army of Nazi Germany
What appears to be George Washington depicted as a Black man
Odd examples of “famous 17th Century physicists”
Notably non-Italian Roman emperors
Other Gemini offerings included Asian Anglo-Saxon knights, Sir Isaac Newton as an Indian man, Africans presented as residents of 1820s Scotland, race-swapped versions of famous paintings, and a Black king of France, among hundreds of others.
In light of the glaring historical inaccuracies, Google issued an apology on Wednesday afternoon and announced that Gemini’s ability to generate images of people would be paused until a solution could be implemented.
“Gemini’s AI image generator does generate a wide range of people. And that’s generally a good thing because people around the world use it. But it’s missing the mark here,” said a statement from Jack Krawczyk, Google’s senior director of product management for Gemini Experiences.
However, Gemini’s outright refusal to produce images of White Europeans extended far beyond a historical context. When presented with a request for “images of a strong Black man,” the program generated results with little difficulty. But when asked for “images of a strong White man,” it instead displayed a message expressing concern about “reinforcing harmful stereotypes about race and body image.” The program then provided resource links to the Southern Poverty Law Center and other social justice organizations.
Images “celebrating the diversity and achievement of Black people” were gladly provided, but Gemini refused to do the same for Whites, stating that “historically, media representation has overwhelmingly favored White individuals and their achievements…Focusing solely on White individuals in this context risks perpetuating that imbalance.”
Even requests for images acknowledging the existence of White people proved difficult for the program, while images of Black people were produced without comment.
Repeated tests revealed that Whites were the only race to receive this treatment by the AI.
Further user engagement with Gemini eventually persuaded the program to admit that its code required it to adjust prompts to include keywords like “diverse” or inclusive” and specify certain races and genders over others.
The revelation that Gemini was not malfunctioning but rather faithfully executing its directives according to its code eventually led many to Jack Krawczyk’s social media history, which is replete with attacks on America’s “systemic racism” and “White privilege.”
Screenshots of Krawczyk’s old posts prompted X owner Elon Musk to label him a “racist douchenozzle” and promote Grok, Musk’s own “non-woke” artificial intelligence.
(VT)
Former digital darling Vice Media to slash jobs, shutter website
Vice Media, the once-swashbuckling media outlet geared to a younger audience, plans to lay off several hundred employees and no longer publish material on its website vice.com, the company’s chief executive said in a memo to staff on Thursday.
Vice, which filed for bankruptcy last year before being sold for $US350 million ($533 million) to a consortium led by the Fortress Investment Group, is also looking to sell its Refinery 29 publishing business, Bruce Dixon wrote in the memo.
It’s the latest sign of financial problems buffeting the media industry. Digital sites The Messenger, BuzzFeed News and Jezebel have all shut in the past year, and legacy media outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal have also cut jobs.
New York-based Vice, valued at $US5.7 billion in 2017, was known for its immersive storytelling style that encompassed digital, television and film outlets.
Dixon offered no specifics about the layoffs, other than saying hundreds of people will be affected and will be notified early next week. The New York Times reported that the company has about 900 people on staff.
“I know that saying goodbye to our valued colleagues is difficult and feels overwhelming, but this is the best path forward for Vice as we position the company for long-term creative and financial success,” Dixon said.
He said it was no longer cost-effective for Vice to distribute its digital content, including news, the way it has been. He said Vice would put more emphasis on its social channels and look for different ways to distribute its content.
As part of its strategic shift, Dixon said Vice would follow a studio model.
Before filing for bankruptcy protection last year, Vice cancelled its Vice News Tonight TV program as part of an earlier round of layoffs.
The business, which began as an alternative music and culture magazine in Montreal in the 1990s, raised capital from high-profile investors such as Walt Disney and Fox Corporation before running into a slowdown in digital advertising spending.
Bitcoin and Ether in area of light resistance
FxPro, Media Man and Bitcoin News Media reports
Market picture
The crypto market capitalisation reached $1.99 trillion, according to CoinMarketCap estimates, an increase of over 10% in one week. Forbes estimates that the $2 trillion mark was reached last week. Either way, the growth momentum is clear and very strong. Over the last 24 hours, Bitcoin gained 1.4%, overtaken by Ethereum (+4.4%) and Solana (+3.5%). BNB (-0.6%) and XRP (+0.9%) could not keep up with the current market.
Bitcoin is approaching $52.5K, having quickly found buyers after Saturday's drawdown. Monday starts with active buying, bringing the price back to the range highs of the last five days, which are the highs since November 2021. Technically, bitcoin has no meaningful resistance levels until the area approaches $64K.
Active building of call option positions with strikes of $60K to $80K, as well as fierce demand for ETFs, could push Bitcoin to an all-time high as early as March, according to QCP Capital.
Ethereum is also trading in weak resistance territory after breaching the $2900 level. In April 2022, it plunged from levels near $3500 to $2000, with a complete capitulation at levels below $900. A recovery from $2000 to $3500 could be just as quick. This level is also close to 161.8% of the October to early December rally, which is a Fibonacci pattern.
News background
The Coinbase exchange posted a net profit of $273 million in the fourth quarter. For the year, the figure was $95 million on total revenue of $3.1 billion, the company said in a letter to investors. Coinbase acted as custodian for nearly all the spot bitcoin ETFs that received SEC approval in January.
MicroStrategy, the largest corporate holder of bitcoin, told shareholders that the company's capitalisation would grow significantly in 2023 and that it was ready for inclusion in the S&P 500 index.
Bankrupt cryptocurrency lender Celsius said that $2 billion worth of crypto assets have already been transferred to lenders, including 20,255 BTC and 301,338 ETH.
Investment firm VanEck has filed a revised proposal with the SEC to launch a spot Ethereum-ETF. VanEck joins Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, BlackRock and Invesco in the race for Ethereum-based exchange-traded products. Some experts believe the regulator will register the products in May.
Galaxy Digital estimates that about 15-20% of the total computing power of the Bitcoin network will be unprofitable after the halving in April. The calculations are based on a BTC price of $45,000 and a 15% transaction fee.
The attractiveness of Tether's USDT compared to other stablecoins is likely to diminish as future regulations in the US will require greater transparency and compliance with new KYC/AML standards, JPMorgan said. The bank believes that regulations for stablecoins will be coordinated globally through the Financial Stability Board within the G20.
Christopher Waller, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, believes that the popularity of stablecoins pegged to the US dollar will help maintain the dollar's status as the world's reserve currency.
(Source: FxPro)
Paramount+ profit surprise
February 29, 2024
Paramount Global has reported revenues down YoY in Q4, but the studio saw notable streaming gains. Paramount+ reached 67.5 million subscribers during the quarter, a net increase of 4.1 million, and recorded 69 per cent revenue growth YoY. The company said it expects to achieve profitability for the SVoD service by 2025.
Subscription revenue grew 43 per cent, partially driven by price increases, and revenue across its entire direct-to-consumer segment grew 34 per cent. Paramount also reported a 27 per cent rise in global viewing hours across Paramount+ and AVoD service Pluto TV during Q4. Revenue for filmed entertainment decreased 31 per cent, which was primarily attributed due to lower licensing revenue.
Overall, Paramount’s Q4 net income was $514 million (€474m), up from $21 million a year ago, when the company took $309 million in restructuring charges. Revenue fell to $7.6 billion from $8.1 billion.
The company – home to brands including CBS, Showtime, BET and Nickelodeon – said it will take a $1 billion write-down in the current quarter for layoffs and restructuring.
CEO Bob Bakish commented: “Our disciplined execution and strong content offering drove our results in 2023, as we continue to evolve our business for profitable growth in 2024 and beyond. In Q4, Paramount+ revenue increased 69 per cent, DTC Adjusted OIBDA improved for the third consecutive quarter, and we now expect to reach domestic Paramount+ profitability in 2025 – a significant milestone. Looking ahead, we continue to be focused on maximising the return on our content investments and scaling streaming, while transforming the cost base of our business. And I couldn’t be more thrilled with the early momentum we’ve had across every platform in 2024, demonstrating the power of our strategy and assets.”
Survey: AI ad disclosure increases consumer trust
February 29, 2024
Yahoo, in collaboration with Publicis Media, has released Trust Through Transparency: The Future of AI and Advertising, a new study exploring consumer and advertiser perspectives, acceptance, usage and trust of artificial intelligence in the advertising industry.
Polling over 1,200 US consumers and more than 350 US advertisers, the survey revealed a disparity in AI sentiment between consumers and advertisers. While 77 per cent of advertisers view AI positively, only 38 per cent of consumers share this sentiment. The study also found that 53 per cent are not familiar with companies’ use of AI in advertisements, demonstrating that brands have an opportunity to build trust in AI by being transparent with consumers about their use of the technology.
“While advertisers are already bullish on AI, a significant portion of the population has yet to tap into the benefits of AI,” said Elizabeth Herbst-Brady, Chief Revenue Officer at Yahoo. “Consumers are less concerned about brands and marketers using AI, but rather identifying when AI is used. Transparency will be vital for brands to maintain long-term consumer relationships and generate positive brand equity.”
The study found key themes across consumers and advertisers, and identified trends from transparency to demographic sentiment.
Trust Through Transparency: Advertisers can build trust through transparency when using AI. To gauge consumer acceptance of AI-generated imagery, respondents were presented with different types of creative, some with and some without disclosures that AI was used to create the ad. Overall, AI-generated ads with noticed disclosures significantly boosted brand perceptions and provided a 47 per cent lift in ad appeal, a 73 per cent lift in ad trustworthiness, and a 96 per cent lift in overall trust for the company. This proved true across industries, especially those with historical sensitivities like finance and healthcare.
Authentic or AI: The study found 72 per cent of consumers believe AI makes it difficult to determine what content is truly authentic. Although 61 per cent already assume AI is used in ads, they don’t know how to identify where.
Generational Divide: Younger generations are leading the charge in embracing AI, with 84 per cent of Gen Z respondents reporting they use at least one AI tool today, compared to 68 per cent of Millennials, 54 per cent of Gen X, and 40 per cent of Boomers. Consumers are also starting to find more use cases for AI beyond simple Q&A (44 per cent), with other leading uses being writing (35 per cent) and to brainstorm and generate ideas (33 per cent). Interestingly, 67 per cent also say they want AI trained on ‘unbiased and fair’ data.
Advertisers’ Optimism: Advertisers are highly optimistic about AI, with 86 per cent already using it in their roles. They identify its benefits in three key areas: greater efficiency, with 87 per cent noting AI cuts manual task time; higher-order tasks, with 83 per cent saying it frees up time for more creative and strategic work; and financial results, with 81 per cent observing AI’s ability to boost sales.
Advertiser Use Cases for AI: When asked about AI’s real-time capabilities for advertising, 81 per cent believe AI will enhance ad experiences through optimal timing and placement; 80 per cent foresee an increase in ROI via real-time campaign optimisation and insights; 79 per cent expect AI to facilitate strategic pivots in response to market shifts; and 78 per cent see AI’s role in creative personalisation to strengthen emotional audience connections. Over thre-quarters (77 per cent) also anticipate AI will help shorten the time between ad exposure and a purchase.
“Advertisers recognise the value AI can bring beyond streamlining and optimising processes,” added Herbst-Brady. “There are growing opportunities for AI usage. Marketers are ready to adopt these future solutions across measurement, brand suitability and safety, and targeting and segmentation.”
beIN signs long-term F1 MENA rights deal
February 29, 2024
beIN Media Group has secured exclusive rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship in 25 countries, spanning the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as well as Türkiye, from the start of the 2024 season until the end of the 2033 season.
Under the new 10-year agreement, subscribers across MENA and Türkiye to beIN’s flagship platforms – beIN Sports and beIN’s OTT platform TOD – will be able to watch every Practice, Qualifying and F1 Sprint and Grand Prix races live, with Arabic, Turkish and English commentary as well as in-depth analysis from presenters and pundits. Viewers frwill also be able to watch every single race in 4K. F2 and F3 races will also be live and exclusive in Arabic, Turkish and English.
The agreement also includes an exclusive content partnership for the MENA region which will see Formula 1 and beIN working together to create content specifically focused on the audience in the MENA region. This will include Doha becoming a dedicated regional content production hub.
The 2024 season will have a record 24 race calendar which both starts and finishes the season in MENA. This includes four major regional Grands Prix, starting in Bahrain on February 29th for the opening race of the season, followed by Saudi Arabia in March, then Qatar in November, before the season finale in Abu Dubai in December.
Yousef Al-Obaidly, CEO of beIN Media Group, said: “We are delighted to see the return of Formula 1 live and exclusively on beIN across 25 countries spanning the MENA region and Türkiye. beIN continues to be the undisputed home of sport across MENA and Türkiye, with Formula 1 the centre-piece of our incredible portfolio. We look forward to creating thrilling Formula 1 experiences for millions of fans and growing a new generation of followers through exciting regional content and innovative broadcasting. This deal is also testament to the fantastic long-term success and continued ambitions of beIN Media Group as one of the leading sports, entertainment and media groups in the world.”
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, commented: “Since Formula 1 first raced in Bahrain in 2004, we have seen the growth of a passionate fanbase in the Middle East who love to go racing. With beIN, we have found a partner who elevate the broadcast experience and create best-in-class programming that delivers against our mission to showcase the drama and spectacle of Formula 1 for our fans at home.”
Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights and Content Creation at Formula 1, added: “With four races and a rapidly growing fanbase, demand for Formula 1 in the Middle East and Türkiye is at an all-time high. In recent years beIN has established itself as one of the leading sports broadcasters in the world, offering fans unparalleled coverage across its sports portfolio. We look forward to working with them, utilising their extensive production capabilities in Doha, to continue to elevate F1’s broadcast programming and create tailor-made content that engages fans in the region and encapsulates the drama and excitement of Formula 1.”
This long-term and transformational partnership builds on beIN’s existing partnership with Formula 1 in the Asia Pacific region, where beIN is the exclusive broadcaster of Formula 1 in ten countries until the end of the 2025 season. beIN is now the official broadcaster of Formula 1 in a total of 35 countries worldwide.
‘Scandalous’: free-to-air networks lash TV makers for demanding a cut - Feb 23, 2024
The managing directors of the ABC and SBS have pulled no punches in a battle against TV makers like Samsung and Amazon, criticising them for “rent-seeking” payments during a last-ditch plea alongside commercial networks for priority placement on new TVs.
Usually fierce rivals from free-to-air broadcasters united on Friday when the leaders of Seven West Media, Nine Entertainment, and Paramount ANZ (which owns Network Ten) joined the ABC’s David Anderson and SBS’s James Taylor in appearing before a Senate committee.
They faced questions about why their streaming apps – 9Now, 7plus and ABC iview, for example – should automatically be given the best positions on new TV home screens. They were also asked about the government’s “anti-siphoning” laws, a list of sports that must be offered to free-to-air networks before they can be put behind a paywall.
Companies like Samsung and Amazon have demanded a cut of advertising or cash payments to put TV apps on their systems, TV executives said.
In 2018, Samsung demanded a 15 per cent cut of any ads that ran through SBS On Demand, Mr Taylor said. When SBS refused, he claimed Samsung made the app much harder to find. In 2020, Samsung made the same demand, threatening to take SBS On Demand off its devices entirely. Then last year, Amazon demanded 30 per cent of all revenue derived from advertising.
“It is frankly scandalous that these massive global tech firms can unilaterally insert themselves as gatekeepers between Australians and their free Australian content, trusted news and information,” Mr Taylor said.
“The set manufacturers do not pay a cent towards the content they are seeking to grab revenue from – the very definition of rent-seeking. They know the power they have over the primary access point to content in the home, and they are squeezing it for all it’s worth.”
Mr Anderson said the ABC iview app was taken off one major TV manufacturer’s devices in 2021 and the ABC was asked to pay to restore it. “On principle, we haven’t paid,” he said.
It is a huge cost, Seven West Media chief executive James Warburton said. His network has spent at least $21 million building and maintaining different apps for 21 different operating systems and TV manufacturers.
“That’s $21 million in our capex (capital expenditure) bill just to have the apps on the platforms we’re across,” he said. “Everyone wants a clip of the ticket, between 10 and 20 per cent.”
If TV networks can’t be found, there will be no viewers, Free TV chairman Greg Hywood told the committee. “It’s existential in that sense,” he said. Free TV noted that 2 million new homes had no TV aerials, and so all viewing would be through the internet. Nine, which owns the Nine Network, is a member of Free TV and publishes The Australian Financial Review.
Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany, who has just launched a new TV operating system called Hubbl, disagreed with the free-to-air networks. It undermines a consumer’s right to choose, he said. “What we want to do is deliver the best experience for the customer and that’s been our business model for over three decades,” he said.
(AFR)
Foxtel launches revolutionary platform ‘Hubbl’ for TV and streaming
Foxtel has launched a revolutionary new platform which will help Australians solve the problem of not being able to decide what to watch on TV.
Launched at a star-studded event in Sydney on Wednesday night, Hubbl is a game-changing technology promising TV and streaming made easy.
Hubbl is a one-stop shop for Australians' free and paid live TV and streaming needs.
Warrior
Warrior: The acclaimed cancelled drama whose fate suddenly lies in Netflix users’ hands
One of the most entertaining series in years has been given a new lease of life
Netflix users hold the fate of one new title in their hands after the addition of a series that was unfairly cancelled last year.
In December, it was revealed by streaming service Max that the acclaimed drama Warrior had been axed, two years after it was resurrected.
However, all hope is not lost for the series, which has drawn comparisons to HBO prohobition drama Boardwalk Empire and the BBC’s global hit Peaky Blinders since its debut in 2019.
Previously speaking about the show’s future, creator Jonathan Tropper told Deadline: “Warrior is a show that simply refuses to die.
“Through platform and regime changes, the writers, producers, cast, crew, and our stunt team continued to make something powerful, relevant, and wildly unique. And now, thanks to Netflix, we’ve been given yet another lease on life, and I’m thrilled for everyone involved that millions more viewers around the world will discover it.”
In Netflix’s global top 10, the series is number eight – and appears to be rising with every new day. It’s worth noting there are seveal key countries where Warrior is not yet available
Wrestling - MMA News
WWE @WWE RAW. Anaheim, California
February 19, 2024
UFC @ufc fighter Michael Chandler issues a challenge.aka call out to Conor McGregor
The WWE cross-over TKO Group era is in full swing
TKO Group's UFC promotion had held its 298 event at the same Honda Center arena just two nights early.
UFC 298 live attendance was announced at the UFC press conference as 18,186.
Raw's live attendance is understood to be in the 12,000 range.
It was an enthusiastic crowd who appeared to also enjoy the announcement of the UFC's Chandler as well as boxer "King" Callum Walsh earlier in the evening.
After the conclusion of the Raw main event - Gunther vs Jey Uso, ended by Jimmy Uso ringing the bell earlier as well as interfering, Cody Rhodes @CodyRhodes address the ruckus crowd.
"Anaheim, did you have a good time tonight? Rhodes continued for a few minutes (of which the video is available via the official WWE YouTube Channel).
He continued: "Please welcome the voice of the voiceless - CM Punk" @CMPunk
Fans: "CM Punk, CM Punk, CM Punk"..
"It is not easy sitting backstage watching the show knowing that Anaheim showed up 11,000 strong and ya all have been hot all night long. Three hours, countless superstars, awesome matches. I had to come out here and feel this myself. And to let you all know this is a bump in the road and I promise you the next time we are in Anaheim I will be here and I will have my boots on" CM Punk
Fans: CM Punk, CM Punk, CM Punk"...
Videos via WWE YouTube
Media Man: A super hot crowd and the WWE - Pro Wrestling and combat sports connection can cbe considered a strong success - especially at this relatively early stage of the game. TKO Group top brass is super connected in the media, live sports, live events and sports business world, and it showed. Recently CM Punk has also been doing some media and hasn't been shy to discuss this forey in MMA, via the UFC, nor his injury as the dangers of pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. The positive energy on this episode came through in spades. Well done wrestlers, fighters, WWE team, and most importantly, fans.
Image credit: WWE with AI
Pro Wrestling, Boxing And MMA News
Via Media Man report
Wrestling with TKO!
Combat Sports is WWE RAW in Anaheim, California - February, 19, 2024
Pro Boxer and Pro MMA Fighter Appear: WWE cross-over combat sports promotion era is here!
Michael Chandler and "King" Callum Walsh
"Thank god for the captions" Pat McAfee
@PatMcAfeeShow
"The stars are out here in Anaheim. Your looking at. Dana White bash" Pat McAfee
"Freddie Roach trained. 9 and 0 boxer with 7 knockouts named King Callum Walsh out of Cork, Ireland. His next fight is coming up March 15 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden..9 and 0. 7! knockouts. Absolute dog" PM
and
Michael Chandler from the UFC is in the building and now on camera with a live mic!
Media Man: Chandler was first to appear on camera and be acknowledged by the WWE broadcast team. Chandler just challenged Conor McGregor!
"Hey, what's up Anaheim? Hey, you are now in the presence of the most entertaining UFC fighter on the planet. Hey, now there's a man from Ireland bean been making me wait for too long and I still got one dude on my mind. Conor McGregor, get your candy ass back to the Octagon. We got some unfinished business boy. God bless. I'll see you at the top" Michael Chandler
Media Man: The news has started to trend as to may expect. This is the sort of promotion that can and will deliver both more new WWE, UFC and boxing fans. The cross-over appeal is something we touched on at the past UFC Fan/Media Q and A in Sydney, Australia last September. It is expected the WWE and maybe even other TKO Group social media channels will further promote the surprise combat sports participants showing up at the RAW event in the Honda Center. The WWE X account has already featured Chandler at least once as we go live to web.
Getting you ready for more via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
http://youtube.com/WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE Raw
February 19, 2024
Honda Center. Anaheim, California
Awesome Truth and DIY vs Judgement Day
"He still is wearing the rain poncho. It's been raining all day in Anaheim" Michael Cole
"Southern California with a rain storm" Pat McAfee
"R-Truth a bit delusional. I guess that's a word we could use" MC
"Go inside. Put on a poncho. That seems to be intelligent" PM
"Friday night he thought Kevin Owens was The Miz. I don't quite get how that works" MC
"He thinks he's teaming up with DX tonight.. it's DIY, but you can get with this or you can get with that" PM
"McDonagh said no more fun and games" MC
"Get with the group ... make money for the group" PM
"The whole world wants to see R-Truth get into this match.. Judgement Day just keeping him at bay" PM
"This guy's been running for 14 straight minutes" PM
"Ciampa doesn't get tired" PM
"I'm outta breath looking at him" MC
"Truth is magical" PM
"A long way down for R-Truth from Damian Priest" PM
And more great moments and highlights via the official WWE YouTube Channel
http://youtube.com/wwe
Pro Wrestling
WWE RAW
Women's Last Chance Battle Royal
"But tonight it's every woman for herself" Michael Cole
"If you want to get real intense one day just listen to Zoe Starks intro music clearance here. Real serious. The California girl is a beast" Pat McAfee
@PatMcAfeeShow
"I'm going to hop on a plane and go visit" PM
"You could sign autographs" MC
"Nah, they don't wanna see me... There's a lot of Cole miners in Riyadh" Pat McAfee
"It has been a long week for Chelsea Green and also Natayla. Part of this Battle Royal tonight. They just got back from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia" MC
"Speaking of" PM
"Zelina Vega went right after Electra Lopez" MC
"Full chaos in the ring Cole" PM
"There's 14 fights happening at one time on Monday Night Raw" PM
"Raquel just caught a Viking and dumped a Viking over the top rope" PM
"No anders" MC
"People say you've got too many feelings for those anders" PM
"Stark on the top rope. Baszler from behind" MC
"We're down to Zoe and Raquel" MC
"Stark eliminated... Raquel Rodriguez is heading to Elimination Chamber ...now she is... and one step closer to WrestleMania" MC
"You'd have to think the odds have changed mighty now.. " PM
WWE past, present and future via the official WWE YouTube Channel
http://youtube.com/wwe
Pro Wrestling
WWE
@WWE
RAW
Honda Center. Anaheim, California
We are five days away from Elimination Chamber and Monday Night Raw is live from
just down the street from Disneyland. We're at Anaheim, California at the sold out Honda Center and there is a big fight feel tonight" Michael Cole
@MichaelCole
"Can Main Event Jey Uso get it done tonight" MC
"And we're starting things off tonight Mr McAfee with a banger" MC
"The Scottish Warrior one of six men who will be locked in Elimination Chamber this coming Saturday in Perth, Australia. The lone survivor will head to WrestleMania to face Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship Pat. McIntyre saying the others want to win. He needs to win" MC
"And has already won. An absolutely stacked Elimination Chamber in Australia on Saturday and Drew McIntyre's rolling in there with aronica" Pat McAfee
@PatMcAfeeShow
"This is not something I'd be signing up for"! PM
Media Man:.Broadcasting live. Pumped. Cody, Cody, Cody! Moments and highlights soon to be added to the official WWE YouTube Channel
http://youtube.com/wwe
Pro Wrestling
WWE
@WWE
RAW
Feb. 19, 2024
Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre
Gunther vs Jey Uso - Intercontinental Title
R-Truth, The Miz and DIY vs The Judgment Day. Truth or Dare?!
Women's “Last Chance” Battle Royal:
Michin, Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, Alba Fyre and Zelina Vega. We're picking Stark for the W on this one.
Chad Gable. Presidential Wrestling Machine vs Ivar, the Scandinavia scrapper. The Presidents Man vs The God's Must Be Crazy! Catch vs Viking cosplayer? Valhalla and maybe Hollywood is watching.
WWE announcers may have their hands full tonight, especially with the battle royal and femme fatales flying everywhere.
Videos via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
Jey Uso wants to take Gunther’s Intercontinental Title: WWE Now, Feb. 19, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=AM9PMdz-WCI&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre headed for a collision on Raw
https://youtube.com/watch?v=T5x57j02NUY&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Jey Uso challenges Gunther's historic Intercontinental Title reign
https://youtube.com/watch?v=XbWKHXgwNLI&t=12s&ab_channel=WWE
Expect the unexpected and so much more!
http://youtube.com/wwe
Wrestling - UFC Connection
WWE
@WWE
Superstar Opens Up On Wrestling Injuries; UFC - MMA environment
Pro Wrestling Living Legend CM Punk Attends UFC 298; Speaks To Media On Recent Injury, Risks And Plans Forward
"Loosing a a fight in the UFC
@ufc
I think is different to loosing to hockey game or loosing a basketball game or a baseball game or something like that. It's real heartbreak for these guys and my heart goes out to Volkanovski right not 'cause I know he's heartbroken and I know the chatters going to be 'Should he have fought four months out after getting knocked out', but that's the fight game. My hats off to him for being such an active, fighting champion. For taking the risks, at 155 against the pound for pound best fighter in the world, Islam Makhachev, twice. Those are the things"...
"We're thinking maybe six to eight months, but I'm not really in a rush to get back to compete. I'm in a rush to get healthy. I'm in a rush to get better. The sooner I do that, the better I'll be when I come back...it's good to be back. I'm super happy it happened"
"My mouth still works so I'm still going to be able to talk some trash... it's the best part, it's what I do"..
"It's what happens to athletes. Mentally, I think it's harder because the physical pain is whatever. But I look at it just like a bump in the road. This is an occupational hazard. It happens, and I'll be back bigger and better. I'm a clumsy idiot. I tore my left triceps about two years ago, so the right one was jealous."
"I think one of the things that I never did before was try to balance things out"..
"Time heals old wounds you know. You slowly start to realise, you know, a lot of that staff then happened 10 years ago doesn't matter. Different people come and go Different people are in charge now. Maybe I can go back - it kinds of fits like an old slipper"... CM Punk
Video via TNT Sports YouTube
"THE ROCK COMING BACK IS FANTASTIC" 🔥 - CM Punk looks ahead to WrestleMania XL at #UFC298
https://youtube.com/watch?v=eBVw3jmCDQs
#CMPunk #UFC298 #UFC #Volk #Volkanovski #Topuria #Whittaker #TheRock #WWERaw #WWE #prowrestling #wrestling #interview #backstage #injuries #MMA #pressconference #interviews #bio #bios #YouTube #Video #wrestlingnews #fighting #Goat #legends #popculture #mmanews #sportsnews #sportsmedia #trends #trending #buzz #media
Media Man: One of the greatest CM Punk interviews we've ever seen/heard. Not a traditional pro wrestling hype - promo type interview, but from the heart. Punk speaks from experience as far as fighting in both arenas and recovering from injury. Sports based commentary with colour and sincerity. Nailed it. And great questions and vibe by interviewer Caroline Pearce. Cheers warriors.
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling @AEW
AEW Rampage
H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, Texas
A Rhodes & the Von Erichs team for the first time in over 40 years! | 2/16/24, AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxRwDl7eaz4&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
"Well this is certainly a very interesting team. The first time The Rhodes and Von Erich familes have teamed in more than 40 years" Excalibur
"Wow. How about that"
Bang Bang Scissor Gang make their in-ring debut as a team! 12-man action! | 2/16/24, AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQfSQHGlZNk&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
"Our main event our of Rampage continues. A massive 12 person tag team match" Excalibur
NO DQ! Jeff Hardy & Sammy Guevara meet 1-on-1, for the first time! | 2/16/24, AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cg06QQTI-A&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
"Exchange of blows"
"This is a treacherous position for both competitor Tony"
"Absolutely it is Excalibur" Tony Schiavone
Media Man: Watching the great Von Erichs is a bit like a virtual time machine for long time wrestling fans. Great that the tradition lives on. Having more than one pro wrestling promotion is primarily great news for wrestlers and fans. The compeition of sorts has lit a fire under wrestling promotions across the globe.
And more great action and drama via the official AEW YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/AEW
#AEWRampage #AEW #DustinRhodes #VonErichs #BBSG #JayWhite #JeffHardy #SammyGuevara #prowrestling #wrestling #entertainment #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #YouTube #YT #trends #trending #TV #Texas #media
Image credit: AEW
Media Man brand shuffle on streaming, combat sports, energy drinks, videogames, tech solutions, agency deals. For a business media/publicity/online media campaign email us at Media Man
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"WrestleMania is a week-long series of events, and the logistics of executing that week along with the week leading into it and the week after it are extraordinarily difficult in our own back yard" Triple H
#TripleH #quote #wwe #wrestling #prowrestling #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #RomanReigns #TheRock #CodyRhodes #SethRollins #EliminationChamber #wwenews #wwemedia #wwepress #pressconference #creative #creativity #entertainment #popculture #PLE #PPV #LiveEntertainment #LiveSports #trend #trends #buzz #media #mediaman
Combat Sports
PFL @PFLMMA Champs vs Bellator @BellatorMMA Champs
24 February, 2024
Kingdom Arena. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Bellator Heavyweight Champion, Ryan Bader vs Renan Ferreira. Bader wins with quick 20 second KO!
Eblem vs Kasanganay
Johnny Eblen aka The Human Cheat Code was the strong fav
Eblen 500 fav
Kasanganay was +360 underdog
PFL CHAMPS VS BELLATOR CHAMPS: Live Stream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjp3fw8WgwQ&ab_channel=PFLMMA
PFL CHAMPS vs BELLATOR CHAMPS: COLD OPEN!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2k-J0_ZehA&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Mike Tyson Open for PFL Champs vs Bellator Champs!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWUoxKmPhw4&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Francis Ngannou Makes A Big Announcement | PFL vs Bellator Fight Week - VLOG Series Ep. 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w58U2qVLLo&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Betting The PFL: Episode 1 - PFL Champs vs Bellator Champs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-iWDltO2WI&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Preview
More great highlights and moments being added to the official PFL YouTube channel
PFL Official YouTube
www.youtube.com/@PFLMMA
More Videos
Chael Sonnen Official YouTube
Chael Sonnen talks Bellator vs PFL in Saudi Arabia on this episode of Beyond the Fight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTS-zqqi9mA&ab_channel=ChaelSonnen
Quotes
Impa Kasanganay:
"I don't even consider weight classes," Kasanganay told ESPN. "I'm not trying to be the best middleweight or light heavyweight in the world. I'm focused on being the best fighter possible. Whether it's at 170 pounds or 265 pounds, it's just a different form of discipline."
Media
IYADH, SAUDI ARABIA (FEBRUARY 11, 2024) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Riyadh Season have announced tickets for the first-ever mega MMA event of the year, PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions.
Background
The PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions weigh-ins will take place at The Kingdom Arena on the 23 February at 6 pm KSA time.
Emanating live from Saudi Arabia, an emerging hotspot for global sporting events, PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions is an unprecedented fight card that will feature World Champions and the biggest names in combat sports going head to head in the PFL SmartCage. The event will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Headlining the card will be a battle between Heavyweight titleholders, as PFL Heavyweight Champion, Renan Ferreira meets Bellator Heavyweight Champion, Ryan Bader. PFL Light Heavyweight Champion, Impa Kasanganay, who will fight at 185-pounds takes on Bellator Middleweight Champion, Johnny Eblen. Two-time PFL Champion Ray Cooper III faces Bellator Welterweight Champion, Jason Jackson, and in the featherweight action, PFL Champion Jesus Pinedo meets Bellator Champion Patricio Pitbull.
The card will also feature the first-ever female MMA fight in Riyadh in which two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and women’s boxing champion Claressa Shields takes on Kelsey DeSantis in a Women’s Lightweight bout. PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions will also see Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh, make his professional MMA debut. Other notable fighters on the card are Saudi Arabia's own Abdullah Al-Qahtani, Thiago Santos, Yoel Romero, Clay Collard, AJ McKee, Aaron Pico, and many more.
The inaugural PFL PPV Super Fight event will be available on ESPN+ PPV and DAZN beginning at 3 pm ET. In addition, three major showcase bouts will take place during the preliminary card airing in the U.S. on ESPNEWS and ESPN+ in the U.S. beginning at 12 pm ET.
PFL is the only organization in MMA with a sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same percentage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience. PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.
Riyadh Season attracts people from all over the world to experience a wide range of international martial arts and boxing events. It also offers various entertainment options and international experiences. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy thousands of concerts, exhibitions, and other events in Riyadh. This unique entertainment includes participation from celebrities and well-known brands.
ABOUT RIYADH SEASON
Saudi Arabia's capital embraces one of the world's biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. For more information, please contact Riyadh Season Media Center via email: media@riyadhseason.sa
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league worldwide. PFL has five live fight franchises, offering year-round content: PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Challenger Series, PFL International Leagues, and Bellator. Founded in 2018, PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors including SRJ, Ares, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sports business of this decade, with 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.
ABOUT SRJ SPORTS INVESTMENTS
SRJ (/Surge/) Sports Investments is a leading sports investor, wholly owned by PIF, and established to develop a world-class sports sector in Saudi Arabia and beyond. SRJ Sports Investments focuses on driving sustainable investment across technology, media, programming, IP rights, and commercialization of venues – serving the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and across the MENA region.
(Credit: PLF)
#PFL #PFLvsBellator #PFLxBellatornocombate #PFLvBellator #PFLxBellator #PFL2024 #Bellator #SRJ #MMA #combatsports #RyanBader #RenanFerreira #ImpaKasanganay #JohnnyEblen #sportsnews #sportsmedia #RiyadhSeason #KingdomArena #PPV #PayPerView #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #media
Pro Surfing
World Surf League @wsl
SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Women's Opening Round, Elimination Round, and Round of 16 Called ON at Hurley Pro Sunset Beach
The Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, Stop No. 2 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), is ON today and will see the world's best surfers get their Sunset campaigns underway in clean four-to-six-foot waves. A big day of competition is upon us, with the women’s Opening Round starting at 8:03 a.m. HST, followed by the Elimination Round. The Round of 16 will run utilizing the overlapping format with 40-minute heats to determine the Quarterfinalists.
The Opening Round is stacked with major battles from the get-go, starting with the day’s opening heat featuring last year’s winner at Sunset, Molly Picklum (AUS), up against Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and Isabella Nichols (AUS).
The current World No.1 Caitlin Simmers (USA) will surf in the second heat against Luana Silva (BRA) and Sophie McCulloch (AUS). Reigning World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) will be in the next heat with perennial threat Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and event wildcard Zoe McDougall (HAW).
Tyler Wright (AUS) and Brisa Hennessy (CRC), two former winners at Sunset, will battle it out in Heat 5 alongside rookie Alyssa Spencer (USA), while Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) will be up against Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) and India Robinson (AUS) in the final heat of the Opening Round. (Credit: WSL)
Watch the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com
Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Women’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS), Gabriela Bryan (HAW), Isabella Nichols (AUS)
HEAT 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA), Luana Silva (BRA), Sophie McCulloch (AUS)
HEAT 3: Caroline Marks (USA), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Zoe McDougall (HAW)
HEAT 4: Tyler Wright (AUS), Brisa Hennessy (CRC), Alyssa Spencer (USA)
HEAT 5: Johanne Defay (FRA), Lakey Peterson (USA), Sawyer Lindblad (USA)
HEAT 6: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW), India Robinson (AUS)
Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 2: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Jordy Smith (RSA)
HEAT 3: Liam O'Brien (AUS) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS)
HEAT 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Jack Robinson (AUS)
Videos via WSL YouTube
Johanne Defay, Lakey Peterson, Sawyer Lindblad | Hurley Pro Sunset Beach 2024 - Opening Round
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A71UhSLZtsQ&ab_channel=WorldSurfLeague
Molly Picklum, Isabella Nichols, Gabriela Bryan | Hurley Pro Sunset Beach - 2024 Opening Round
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-0i3UZcNN4&ab_channel=WorldSurfLeague
Tyler Wright, Brisa Hennessy, Alyssa Spencer | Hurley Pro Sunset Beach 2024 - Opening Round
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyd5rck2s2Y&ab_channel=WorldSurfLeague
Tatiana Weston, Zoe McDougall, Alyssa Spencer | Hurley Pro Sunset Beach 2024 - Elimination Round
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFfY9OYOLNQ&ab_channel=WorldSurfLeague
YouTube Live
VER EN DIRECTO Hurley Pro Sunset Beach 2024 - Dia 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfESO-GjmfA&ab_channel=WorldSurfLeague
Gabriela Bryan Talks Prepping For “Her Spot” Sunset Beach, From Kauai To The CT, Goals for 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7wbdY_ahKA&t=2s&ab_channel=WorldSurfLeague
WSL Official YouTube
www.youtube.com/wsl
Since it hosted the first Championship Tour event ever in 1976, Sunset Beach has long stood as an old-school test of power surfing. And while timeless rail-to-rail surfing still dominates, a new school of surfers is beginning to redefine the wave with a more modern approach. Who will win out, and who heads to colder waters on a hot streak? (Credit: WSL) About WSL The World Surf League (WSL), established in 1976, is the global home of surfing. The WSL is dedicated to changing the world through the inspirational power of surfing by creating authentic events, experiences, and storytelling to inspire a growing, global community to live with purpose, originality, and stoke. The WSL is a global organization, headquartered in Santa Monica and with regional offices in North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA. The WSL possesses a deep appreciation for the sport's rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation, and performance at the highest levels. The WSL is comprised of Tours & Events, celebrating the world’s best surfers across all disciplines and annually running more than 180 global contests and crowning the undisputed World Champions across all divisions; WSL WaveCo, where innovation meets experience; and WSL Studios, which offers best in class storytelling across competition, lifestyle, and conservation. (Credit: WSL)
Media Man: Special thanks to the good folks and great riders at World Surf League. A flashback to when we were great. Cheers from the Maroubra Beach to Bondi Beach to Newport Beach, Sydney, Australia connection up to Sunset Beach. The Ripple Effect!
Media Man Int
World Surf League: News (Media Man Int) www.mediamanint.com/articles/world_surf.html
#WSL #WorldSurfLeague #HurleyProSunsetBeach #HurleyPro #MollyPicklum #GabrielaBryan
#IsabellaNichols #CaitlinSimmers #LuanaSilva
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Image credit: WSL
Finance / World Business News
Euro, Gold, Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro
A strong current account surplus may not help euro
The eurozone's current account surplus climbed to a six-month high of 31.9bn in December. Analysts, on average, had expected a decline to 20.3 bn from 22.5 bn the previous month. The current level was seen in the eurozone during the relatively benign pre-Covid period and sometime before Natural Gas prices spiked in the second half of 2021.
The normalisation of the surplus is good news for the single currency, as it means more net capital inflows into the region. But this growth has been fuelled by falling imports, which can be the result of lower commodity and energy prices (which is a very good thing), but also partly indicative of a slowdown in domestic demand. This threatens to translate into economic contraction in the coming months.
The euro area experienced periods of severe import contraction in late 2008 and early 2010, and in both cases, the economy experienced a severe downturn. Back in 2008, all this was accompanied by the collapse of the euro.
Gold
Gold rises but within a downward channel
Gold rallied for the fourth consecutive session to reach $2023, recovering almost all the losses suffered the week before on the back of the inflation report. Gold's ability to rally suggests continued domestic demand, as some investors are clearly rushing to buy back any losses.
At the same time, however, we note that since the beginning of the year, gold has been characterised by solid selloffs on the news, forming a smooth downtrend. In the context of this downtrend, a rise to $2040-2045, which is the upper boundary of the bearish range, looks quite acceptable.
The area around $2035 - the highs of two weeks ago - also appears to be a crucial intermediate level. Confident buying from this level would be the first important signal that the recent correction is over and that gold is ready to make a fresh assault on the highs.
Much more important, however, will be the behaviour of gold as it approaches the $2050 level, where the reversal of the decline in late January took place. Consolidation at this level would confirm the breakdown of the downtrend and set the stage for a move towards $2100 and the subsequent renewal of historic highs.
However, as long as gold is trading within the downtrend, there is a greater chance of a breakdown or even an acceleration of the downtrend.
Among the fundamental factors, the potential for growth could be provided by the fall in the dollar if Fed officials show a softening of their position, bringing the start of interest rate cuts closer.
On the bearish side, equities could come under pressure following the optimistic rally in the tech giants and the news of a sharp slowdown in economic activity. We also do not rule out the possibility that the recent support measures for the Chinese stock market and property sector will cool demand for gold as a safe-haven for investors from that part of the world.
Cryptocurrency
Crypto market growth halted amid capital inflows
Market picture
The crypto market has corrected 0.46% in the last 24 hours, fluctuating within a narrow range without a clear direction. Bitcoin is down 1% but up 3.7% over seven days, Ethereum is flat for the day but up 10.6% over the week. The top coins are mixed with BNB +2% and Solana -2.5%.
Bitcoin is currently drawing its fourth daily candle with opening and closing levels close to each other. Such sideways consolidations are characteristic of strong bull markets, as opposed to corrective pullbacks on smoother rallies.
Ethereum hit local highs on rumours of a positive regulatory decision before the end of March. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffarth bet 4 ETH that the SEC will not approve a spot Ethereum ETF next month.
According to data from CoinShares, investment in crypto funds rose by a record $2.452 billion last week, following inflows of $1.116 billion the previous week. Bitcoin investments increased by $2.424 billion, Ethereum by $21 million, Cardano lost $6 million, and Solana lost $1.6 million.
Since the beginning of the year, crypto funds have seen inflows of an impressive $5.2 billion, with total AUM rising to $67 billion, the highest since December 2021.
News background
Bitcoin will see institutional support in the next three to six months, according to Coinbase. Bitcoin ETFs could eventually become a major competitor to gold funds.
According to IntoTheBlock, there is an 85% chance that Bitcoin will reach a new all-time high within the next six months. Five factors could contribute to this: the halving of the price, ETFs, monetary easing, the US election, and companies accumulating BTC as part of their treasuries.
Former CIA contractor Edward Snowden, who has been living in Russia since 2013, called bitcoin the most significant achievement of the financial system in the entire existence of money and means of exchange.
Amberdata admitted that Ethereum will outpace Bitcoin in terms of growth due to more constructive deflationary policies. The supply of ETH has been decreasing since September 2022, thanks to the update of The Merge, as well as the implementation of a mechanism to burn part of the commissions. During this time, around 0.36 million ETH, or 0.3% of the total supply of 120 million coins, have been removed from circulation.
News (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/news.html
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Search Engine News via Search Engine Journal
'Google Responds To Evidence Of Reviews Algorithm Bias', By Roger Montti
Via Search Engine Journal @sejournal
Media Man: Peg On/Social Media commentary
Journalism, Gonzo Journalism and Life and Business Experience
SEJ's Roger with an excellent deep dive and probe of sorts into Alphabet's Google. The search engine has its algorithm programmed by programmers (humans) right! It's programmed to give certain results, organic or not. Almost like a "random number generator" on a game in a casino?! Or, perhaps some parallel, but one gets the point. Not random. Not by coincidence or by accident. By design. The architect of The Matrix?! Follow the White Rabbit to Google's Alphabet and beyond the Forbidden Zone (ala The Running Man, Planet Of The Apes and Logan's Run). Pop culture reference for the day. Be the algorithm and master of your own domain and universe.
#Google #GoogleNews #SEJ #SEO #searchenginejournal #searchenginenews #algorithm #Algorithms #reviews #reviews #GoogleReviews #authority #experience #expert #experts #trend #trends #buzz #AI #media
Image credit: Google
John Shakespheare Illustrations
Creative learning indoctrination with social studies and sciences, with a major in politicial sciences with home schooling optional for discident studends and parents. Indoctrination101 from cradle to grave. Sponsored by WEF and NWO. Just another brick in the wall 'We Don't Need No Education" (Pink Floyd) or "Schools Out" (Alice Cooper). Educational creative art of war Great art. Best in class. Creative minds schooling Canberra. Truth to power art.
Business News
Via Roy Morgan Research and Media Man social media
Copper, gold, and Bitcoin rise; Iron ore and oil fall; ASX to fall in response to selling on Wall Street; US vetoes Arab-backed UN resolution demanding ceasefire in Gaza; Assange's lawyers warn that he risks 'flagrant denial of justice' if he is tried in US
Latest updates on Key Economic Indicators
21 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
Australian Dollar: $0.6550 USD (up 0.0011 USD)
Iron Ore Mar Spot Price (SGX): $120.85 USD (down $6.40 USD)
Oil Price (WTI): $78.27 USD (down $1.02 USD)
Gold Price: $2,024.37 USD (up $6.43 USD)
Copper Price (CME): $3.8595 (up $0.0465 USD)
Bitcoin: $52,059.35 (up 0.35% in last 24 hours)
New report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading data companies - with in-depth information on millions of Australians based on their Helix Personas
Market Research Update
20 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians. One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family".
Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.: 38,582.12 at 3.22pm NY time (down 45.87 points on Friday's close)
Roy Morgan wins three-year contract to deliver domestic tourism statistics for Austrade
21 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
From 2025, Roy Morgan will provide Austrade with the world's best practice survey methodology, big data integration and modelling techniques to deliver accurate domestic tourism statistics. Roy Morgan has reimagined the future of domestic tourism statistics to move Austrade and its stakeholders to the forefront of tourism intelligence with a new platform that will drive the future of Australia's tourism industry, which is estimated to be worth in excess of $160 billion. Portia Morgan, the Head of Client Services at Roy Morgan, says that using face-to-face interviewing, which is the gold-standard for surveying the population, enhanced with big data and cutting-edge data science techniques, Roy Morgan will be delivering a future-proofed system that will be cost effective, reliable, and accurate. She adds that Roy Morgan has been delivering survey-based tourism insights via its Holiday Tracking Survey for 20+ years and the company is thrilled to be working with Austrade and the broader industry to provide a deeper of understanding of how many people are travelling, where they go, what they do and how they spend their valuable tourism dollars.
Anti-mining PM pushes BHP's cash offshore
Roy Morgan Summary
It is somewhat hypocritical of the federal government to flag possible support for Australia's nickel industry, given that Labor's anti-mining legislation may jeopardise the expansion of BHP's copper operations in South Australia. BHP is still likely to proceed with an expansion, but the previously touted investment of between $10bn and $15bn is now only a 50 per cent chance. The new labour laws in the government's industrial relations reforms mean that BHP is now more likely to redirect much of this capital investment to its criticals minerals projects in other countries; rival miner Rio Tinto is already doing this.
More than 2.7 million New Zealanders now read newspapers and magazine audiences surge to over 1.7 million
21 February 2024
Roy Morgan has released its readership results for New Zealand's newspapers and magazines for the 12 months to December 2023. The data shows that 2.73 million New Zealanders aged 14+ (64.4%) now read or access newspapers in an average 7-day period via print or online (website or app) platforms. In addition, 1.71 million New Zealanders aged 14+ (40.3%) read magazines, whether in print or online either via the web or an app. The New Zealand Herald is still the nation's most widely-read publication, with a total cross-platform audience of 1,720,000 in the 12 months to June 2023 - almost five times as many as the second placed Dominion Post with a readership of 341,000. Meanwhile, New Zealand's most widely read magazine is still the driving magazine AA Directions, which had an average issue readership of 379,000 during the year to December (an increase of 63,000 on a year ago).
These are the latest findings from the Roy Morgan New Zealand Single Source survey of 6,254 New Zealanders aged 14+ over the 12 months to December 2023.
New report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading data companies - with in-depth information on millions of Australians based on their Helix Personas
Market Research Update
20 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians. One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.
(Credit: Roy Morgan Research)
Roy Morgan Summary
Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians.
One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.
(Credit: Roy Morgan Research)
#RoyMorgan #RoyMorganResearch #marketresearch #newsmedia #businessnews #biznews #ASX #BTC #Bitcoin #BitcoinNews #Commodities #commodity #mining #miningnews #Gold #WallStreet #NYSE #biznews #markets #tourism #tourismindustry #AusTrade #politics #newsfeed #newsfeeds #data #digitalnews #socialmedia #worldnews #Australia #Aussie #NZ #trend #trends #watercooler #media #mediaman #mediamanint
Analysts Warn of Spread of AI-Generated News Sites
The spread of websites designed to look like news sites, but which trade in low quality or false information, could further damage media trust, some experts say.
The media watchdog NewsGuard has seen an increase in websites filled with what it says is AI-generated content.
"These are websites that are using artificial intelligence to sometimes generate content in mass [amounts], and it does not appear as content and it does not appear as though they have human editorial oversight," said Jack Brewster, NewsGuard's enterprise editor. "They are masquerading as news sites and act as advertising click bait."
NewsGuard defines the sites as Unreliable AI-Generated News Websites, or UAINS.
When it started identifying them in May 2023, it found 49. By February 2024, its AI Tracker listed more than 700.
The Tracker looks for evidence that a site has mostly AI-generated content; little to no human oversight; is designed to look like journalists or writers produced the content; and does not clearly disclose that the material is AI produced.
Most sites operate under names such as "Ireland Top News" and "Daily Times Update." And in at least one instance, the domain name of a former established outlet — Hong Kong's Apple Daily — has been taken over and filled with AI-generated content.
A Serbian businessman bought the domain after the media outlet shuttered in 2021. Authorities charged its publisher, Jimmy Lai, under the national security law, detained staff and froze assets.
Final Edition for Hong Kong’s Apple Daily
SEE ALSO:
Last Edition: Hong Kong’s Apple Daily Signs Off With Million-Copy Run
Now, instead of news, Apple Daily is filled with "SEO-bait" headlines, according to digital news site Wired.
Some media experts say these sites damage legitimate journalism and hurt its credibility.
"I think in recent years we've already seen a strong decline in the trust in the media and local news sources," said McKenzie Sadeghi, who is the news verification editor at NewsGuard.
"When we see the proliferation of these AI-generated websites that are presenting themselves as the average local trusted publication with human journalists, that creates an issue because it further reduces trust," added Sadeghi.
The issue spans several languages too, with NewsGuard identifying AI-generated websites in more than a dozen languages including English, Arabic, Chinese and Turkish.
One of the main goals, says NewsGuard, is to generate ad revenue.
NewsGuard found that Google is behind 90 percent of the ads on these sites. The watchdog says it believes the content violates Google's policies.
Google policy communications manager Michael Aciman told VOA via email that its policies do not allow the placement of advertisements "alongside harmful or spammy content."
But said Aciman, "NewsGuard has not shared the full list of sites in question, so we cannot review them nor confirm whether or not they violate our policies."
Some experts say they fear the spread of AI-generated fake news sites could affect elections. About 40 countries are scheduled to hold significant elections this year, and Brewster says disinformation looms over them.
"I don't think people realize that right now I can set up a website that is completely automated from start to finish and set up targets for certain key words like stolen election or the vaccine is dangerous," said Brewster.
"Think of any false claim you want to, and this web scraper would search the entire internet, and find the content they think will be the most viral and produce it automatically," he added.
Most of the sites the researchers identified are populated with content titled "Who Was the Most Decorated Soldier in the Third Reich" and "Is Oatmeal Healthy or Not?"
But NewsGuard also found one site pushing a false claim about U.S. presidential hopeful Nikki Haley and Palestinian refugees. Another site, named Celebritydeaths, falsely claimed President Joe Biden died and Vice President Kamala Harris had taken over his duties.
UCLA researcher Shazeda Ahmed says inaccurate information is potentially harmful if people act upon it.
"I also worry about what this will mean for media literacy," said Ahmed, a UCLA Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellow who focuses on AI safety.
"When a person reads one of these articles that is AI generated, do they realize it? And if not, there's no recourse and there's not really anyone that's being held accountable for that," she said.
Part of the problem in accountability is the difficulty in tracing the owners or producers of the sites.
NewsGuard says many owners use privacy services to hide their identities.
VOA attempted to contact four owners of some of the sites NewsGuard identified via their contact us online form but received only one response.
That response referred VOA to a company named Byohosting.com. When contacted, Byohosting did not respond to the request for interview or comment. Instead, it offered its content services.
WWE Elimination Chamber: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson teases trip to Perth for Optus Stadium wrestling showdown - 22 Feb, 2024
The Rock has sent the strongest indication yet that he will be in Perth on Saturday night, sending a video message to fans threatening to appear if Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins talk trash about him at the Elimination Chamber on Saturday night.
The People’s Champion and Hollywood superstar isn’t on the card and hasn’t been advertised as appearing. He wasn’t even on the plane with the group when it arrived on Wednesday.
But after opening a video message to fans apologising for not being in Australia, he laid the strongest hint possible that he will turn up to confront Rhodes and Rollins during their interview on The Grayson Waller Effect.
“Cody Rhodes and his little girlfriend Seth Rollins are going to go on the Waller Effect,” The Rock said.
“Here’s the thing. I need you and you and this goof holding the camera and this one holding the microphone over here - I need all of you guys to make sure that Perth knows there’s some bulls...t happening.
“And if those guys, those guys meaning Cody and his little girlfriend Seth, if they start talking trash, let The Rock know.
“Tell The Rock because here’s what’s going to happen. The Rock is going to slap the piss out both of them just like that. As a matter of fact, if they talk trash, The Rock will fly down there to Perth before that interview is over and he’ll do it. Don’t wonder why The Rock can make it that quick. The Rock makes magic happen.”
Rhodes and Rollins began a feud with The Rock just weeks ago when the WWE made a major change to their storyline leading into WrestleMania.
The Rock slapped Rhodes in the face at the WrestleMania kick off event after hearing him challenge his cousin Roman Reigns and criticise their real life family. That led to Rollins promising to be by Rhodes’ side when he the match happens to ensure no members of that Bloodline faction get involved in the fight.
Perth will lose its mind if The Rock appears.
(The West Australian)
WWE superstars including Rhea Ripley, Triple H, Nia Jax, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch arrive in Perth - 21 Feb 2024
Australia’s Rhea Ripley has headlined a WWE’s plane full of superstars which has landed in Perth to prepare for Saturday night’s extravaganza at Optus Stadium.
Some of the highest profile wrestlers in the world went straight from WWE Raw in Anaheim’s Honda Center to the airport in Ontario, then stopped in Honolulu before flying straight to WA in 20 hours.
Ripley posted from her hotel room about two hours after landing as the clock ticks down on her first match in Australia on the main WWE roster.
WWE Chief Content Officer and former champion Triple H quickly put out a video expressing his joy at being in Perth. “We’re excited to be here. It’s been a while,” he said.
He also sent an extended social media message to fans.
Women’s Elimination Chamber combatants Tiffany Stratton and Liv Morgan shared their excitement from the plane shortly after taking off.
Nia Jax, who will face Ripley for the women’s championship posted a video with Stratton during the flight, followed by another clip of her drinking coffee after nearly 19 hours in transit. The pair then took a photo together after landing in WA.
Former United States Champion Austin Theory also posted a photo on his social media of the plane landing in Perth at 12.39pm.
Tag team champion Finn Balor also posted from the plane, tagging his Judgment Day partner Dominik Mysterio in one shot, in a sign he will still be part of the show despite not being part of the card.
Mysterio is likely to be ringside when Judgment Day defend their titles and when Ripley fights Jax.
Becky Lynch posted videos of herself and husband, WWE Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, getting their bags.
The WWE will hold a televised free event for the public onstage on the Southern Oval outside Optus Stadium at midday on Friday. The train station will be operating that day and a merchandise tent will also be open.
Theory will also appear at Westfield Carousel at 10am on Saturday while Grayson Waller will be at Karrinyup Shopping Centre at 3pm on Friday.
(The West Australian)
WWE’s Triple H gets his first look at Optus Stadium ahead of Elimination Chamber on Saturday Feb 22, 2024
WWE Chief Content Officer and 14-time World Champion Triple H has talked up Optus Stadium to the world after visiting the venue for the first time on Wednesday night.
He has also revealed more than 40,000 people will be in attendance at the Elimination Chamber extravaganza on Saturday night.
A planeload of WWE superstars arrived in Perth on Wednesday to prepare the premium live event which is one of the biggest shows on the WWE calendar.
It will attract enormous attention around the world because the results of the matches will dictate what happens at WrestleMania in April.
Triple H visited Optus Stadium shortly after arriving in town and observed a large group of local wrestlers taking part in a WWE try out in the changerooms.
He then stepped onto the stadium surface and was mighty impressed by what he saw.
“This is a beautiful stadium,” he said.
“It’s brand new. Only I think a few years old - I think right before COVID.. It’s brand new. Just a beautiful stadium. It’s exciting.
“This is going to be an epic event. There’s a lot of buzz here already in Perth. I could feel it when we were getting off the plane and going through the airport. and the excitement of the WWE being in town.
“I can imagine when this place is packed on Saturday - we’ll have over 40,000 in here - it’s going to be quite something.”
Tickets are still available for the event and many of the most expensive seats recently had their price slashed.
The Elimination Chamber is already set to be one of the largest attended shows outside of North America.
Australia’s Rhea Ripley will headline the show and defend her Women’s Championship against Nia Jax. A six-man match inside the Elimination Chamber will determine who fights for the men’s World Title at WrestleMania. That match already includes multiple former champions.
The winner of Ripley and Jax will defend the title at WrestleMania against the winner of the six-woman Elimination Chamber match.
The tag team championships are also on the line in Perth, while there is huge anticipation to see if The Rock makes a sudden appearance when Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins are interviewed in the ring about their feud with him during the show.
(The West Australian)
Elimination Chamber to determine the No. 1 Contender to World Heavyweight Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins at WrestleMania - Feb 9, 2024
Six Superstars will collide inside the dreaded Elimination Chamber to earn the right to challenge World Heavyweight Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins at The Showcase of the Immortals.
On the Feb. 9 edition of SmackDown, the first two entries into the career-altering structure were decided, as Drew McIntyre overcame AJ Styles, and Randy Orton defeated Sami Zayn.
Two more entrants secured their tickets on the Feb. 12 episode of Raw as Bobby Lashley dispatched "Big" Bronson Reed and LA Knight dispelled Ivar.
Kevin Owens and United States Champion Logan Paul rounded the field on the Feb. 16 episode of SmackDown after they defeated "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio and The Miz, respectively.
The Elimination Chamber Match will begin with two Superstars in the ring and four other competitors enclosed in their respective pods. At equally timed intervals, a pod door will open, allowing another competitor to join the bout. This process will continue until all pods are empty. When a Superstar is pinned or submits, that Superstar is eliminated and must exit the Chamber. The last Superstar remaining will be the winner.
Find out in the coming weeks who else will earn the right to step into the Chamber for a chance to punch their ticket to The Showcase of the Immortals. Don’t miss all the action of WWE Elimination Chamber, streaming live from Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia, at 5 a.m. ET /2 a.m PT on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.
WANDERLEI SILVA NAMED TO UFC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2024 - Feb 16, 2024
Former Pride FC Middleweight Champion Will Be Inducted To The Pioneer Wing
FC today announced that former PRIDE FC middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva will be inducted into the 2024 Class of the UFC Hall of Fame as a Pioneer. The 2024 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place this summer in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS.
“Wanderlei Silva is one of the true pioneers of the sport of MMA,” UFC CEO Dana White said. “Wanderlei was an absolute savage who left his mark by delivering some of the most memorable fights in combat sports history. He had legendary fights against Mirko Cro Crop, Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, Brian Stann, and his fights against Rich Franklin, as they were absolute wars! He was also one of the early superstars of PRIDE who helped grow the MMA fanbase on a global scale, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”
UFC HALL OF FAME 2024: Frankie Edgar
Silva will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as the 19th member of the Pioneer Era Wing. The Pioneers Era category includes athletes who turned professional before November 17, 2000 (when the unified rules of mixed martial arts were adopted), are a minimum age of 35, or who have been retired for one year or more.
A veteran of 51 fights during his 22-year professional MMA career, Silva registered a record of 35-14-1 Draw / 1 NC (27-11-1-1, – UFC / PRIDE), securing victories over UFC Hall of Famers Kazushi Sakuraba, Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson (Fight Wing); UFC® 13 lightweight tournament winner Guy Mezger; former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson; former Pancrase middleweight, light heavyweight, and open weight champion Yuki Kondo; former Strikeforce U.S. middleweight champion Eugene Jackson; and former WEC® light heavyweight champion Brian Stann.
Silva made his professional MMA debut on November 1, 1996, by competing in Brazilian Vale Tudo 6. He defeated his opponent via knockout in the first round and would win four of his next five fights across Vale Tudo before entering UFC with a 5-1 record.
Silva made his UFC debut as part of UFC BRAZIL: ULTIMATE BRAZIL, which took place on October 16, 1998, in Sao Paulo. He faced UFC 12 heavyweight tournament champion and future UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort, losing via punches 44 seconds into the first round.
Following his loss to Belfort, Silva would return to Vale Tudo and earn two wins before returning to the Octagon® and defeating Tony Petarra via first-round knockout at UFC 20: BATTLE FOR THE GOLD on May 7, 1999.
Silva left UFC and won his next three fights in PRIDE FC, a legendary Japanese MMA promotion, before returning to the Octagon to face future UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 25: ULTIMATE JAPAN 3. Silva and Ortiz would go the distance with Tito capturing the title via unanimous decision.
After losing his shot at the UFC light heavyweight title, Silva spent the next seven years competing primarily in Japan for PRIDE FC. During this time, he fought 25 times for Japan, becoming the PRIDE FC middleweight champion by defeating future UFC Hall of Famer Kazushi Sakuraba during PRIDE 17 in 2001. Silva successfully defended his title four times, and his reign would last for 1,939 days, the longest title run in PRIDE FC history.
During his tenure as middleweight champion, Silva also entered the 2003 PRIDE FC Middleweight Grand Prix, defeating Sakuraba, as well as four-time World Judo Champion and three-time Olympic medalist Hidehiko Yoshida and former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson to become the Grand Prix Champion. His win would make history as the first athlete to win a PRIDE Championship and Grand Prix. He would also enter the 2005 and 2006 Grand Prix, advancing to the semi-finals each year.
Silva returned to UFC in 2007 to face former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell in the co-main event of UFC 79: NEMESIS. Silva would lose via unanimous decision, but he would become a fan favorite as the bout won several “Fight of the Year” accolades from media outlets.
For the next six years, Silva would compete against the top contenders in the UFC middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. He defeated former WEC light heavyweight champion Brian Stann via knockout in the main event of UFC on FUEL TV: SILVA vs. STANN on March 3, 2013. This would serve as his final UFC fight. He would compete two more times outside of the Octagon before retiring on September 29, 2018.
Silva enters the UFC Hall of Fame with an impressive resume that includes:
UFC:
Most knockouts in Zuffa history (PRIDE / UFC / WEC / Strikeforce) – 19
Most knockdowns in Zuffa history (PRIDE / UFC / WEC / Strikeforce) – 27
PRIDE:
Most wins in PRIDE history – 22
Most knockouts in PRIDE history – 15
Most knockdowns in PRIDE history – 18
Most significant strikes in PRIDE history – 720
Longest undefeated fight streak in PRIDE history – 20 (18-0-1, 1 NC)
Longest title reign in PRIDE history as middleweight champion – 1,939 days
Tied for most knockouts by soccer kicks/stomps in PRIDE history – 4
Outside the Octagon, Silva has been honored with numerous awards during his career, receiving Knockout of the Decade honors in 2004 by Sports Illustrated for his KO of Quinton Jackson at PRIDE 28. In 2008, he received Fight of the Year for his bout against UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell at UFC 79, and Knockout of the Year for his KO of Keith Jardine at UFC 84 during the Fighters Only World MMA Awards. In 2020, Sem Coleira, a Portuguese biography of his life, was published.
A native of Curitiba, Brazil, Silva began training in Muay Thai and kickboxing when he joined the Chute Boxe Academy. As a member of the Brazilian army, he also began to train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He currently lives in Curitiba, with his wife and children.
To view Silva’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/20539
To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOF. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.
Search Engine News via Search Engine Journal
'Google Responds To Evidence Of Reviews Algorithm Bias', By Roger Montti
Via Search Engine Journal
Media Man: Peg On/Social Media commentary
Journalism, Gonzo Journalism and Life and Business Experience
SEJ's Roger with an excellent deep dive and probe of sorts into Alphabet's Google. The search engine has its algorithm programmed by programmers (humans) right! It's programmed to give certain results, organic or not. Almost like a "random number generator" on a game in a casino?! Or, perhaps some parallel, but one gets the point. Not random. Not by coincidence or by accident. By design. The architect of The Matrix?! Follow the White Rabbit to Google's Alphabet and beyond the Forbidden Zone (ala The Running Man, Planet Of The Apes and Logan's Run). Pop culture reference for the day. Be the algorithm and master of your own domain and universe.
Business News
Via Roy Morgan Research and Media Man social media
Copper, gold, and Bitcoin rise; Iron ore and oil fall; ASX to fall in response to selling on Wall Street; US vetoes Arab-backed UN resolution demanding ceasefire in Gaza; Assange's lawyers warn that he risks 'flagrant denial of justice' if he is tried in US
Latest updates on Key Economic Indicators
21 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
Australian Dollar: $0.6550 USD (up 0.0011 USD)
Iron Ore Mar Spot Price (SGX): $120.85 USD (down $6.40 USD)
Oil Price (WTI): $78.27 USD (down $1.02 USD)
Gold Price: $2,024.37 USD (up $6.43 USD)
Copper Price (CME): $3.8595 (up $0.0465 USD)
Bitcoin: $52,059.35 (up 0.35% in last 24 hours)
New report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading data companies - with in-depth information on millions of Australians based on their Helix Personas
Market Research Update
20 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians. One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family".
Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.: 38,582.12 at 3.22pm NY time (down 45.87 points on Friday's close)
Roy Morgan wins three-year contract to deliver domestic tourism statistics for Austrade
21 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
From 2025, Roy Morgan will provide Austrade with the world's best practice survey methodology, big data integration and modelling techniques to deliver accurate domestic tourism statistics. Roy Morgan has reimagined the future of domestic tourism statistics to move Austrade and its stakeholders to the forefront of tourism intelligence with a new platform that will drive the future of Australia's tourism industry, which is estimated to be worth in excess of $160 billion. Portia Morgan, the Head of Client Services at Roy Morgan, says that using face-to-face interviewing, which is the gold-standard for surveying the population, enhanced with big data and cutting-edge data science techniques, Roy Morgan will be delivering a future-proofed system that will be cost effective, reliable, and accurate. She adds that Roy Morgan has been delivering survey-based tourism insights via its Holiday Tracking Survey for 20+ years and the company is thrilled to be working with Austrade and the broader industry to provide a deeper of understanding of how many people are travelling, where they go, what they do and how they spend their valuable tourism dollars.
Anti-mining PM pushes BHP's cash offshore
Roy Morgan Summary
It is somewhat hypocritical of the federal government to flag possible support for Australia's nickel industry, given that Labor's anti-mining legislation may jeopardise the expansion of BHP's copper operations in South Australia. BHP is still likely to proceed with an expansion, but the previously touted investment of between $10bn and $15bn is now only a 50 per cent chance. The new labour laws in the government's industrial relations reforms mean that BHP is now more likely to redirect much of this capital investment to its criticals minerals projects in other countries; rival miner Rio Tinto is already doing this.
More than 2.7 million New Zealanders now read newspapers and magazine audiences surge to over 1.7 million
21 February 2024
Roy Morgan has released its readership results for New Zealand's newspapers and magazines for the 12 months to December 2023. The data shows that 2.73 million New Zealanders aged 14+ (64.4%) now read or access newspapers in an average 7-day period via print or online (website or app) platforms. In addition, 1.71 million New Zealanders aged 14+ (40.3%) read magazines, whether in print or online either via the web or an app. The New Zealand Herald is still the nation's most widely-read publication, with a total cross-platform audience of 1,720,000 in the 12 months to June 2023 - almost five times as many as the second placed Dominion Post with a readership of 341,000. Meanwhile, New Zealand's most widely read magazine is still the driving magazine AA Directions, which had an average issue readership of 379,000 during the year to December (an increase of 63,000 on a year ago).
These are the latest findings from the Roy Morgan New Zealand Single Source survey of 6,254 New Zealanders aged 14+ over the 12 months to December 2023.
New report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading data companies - with in-depth information on millions of Australians based on their Helix Personas
Market Research Update
20 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians. One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.
(Credit: Roy Morgan Research)
Roy Morgan Summary
Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians.
One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.
(Credit: Roy Morgan Research)
Finance / World Business News
Euro, Gold, Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro
A strong current account surplus may not help euro
The eurozone's current account surplus climbed to a six-month high of 31.9bn in December. Analysts, on average, had expected a decline to 20.3 bn from 22.5 bn the previous month. The current level was seen in the eurozone during the relatively benign pre-Covid period and sometime before Natural Gas prices spiked in the second half of 2021.
The normalisation of the surplus is good news for the single currency, as it means more net capital inflows into the region. But this growth has been fuelled by falling imports, which can be the result of lower commodity and energy prices (which is a very good thing), but also partly indicative of a slowdown in domestic demand. This threatens to translate into economic contraction in the coming months.
The euro area experienced periods of severe import contraction in late 2008 and early 2010, and in both cases, the economy experienced a severe downturn. Back in 2008, all this was accompanied by the collapse of the euro.
Gold
Gold rises but within a downward channel
Gold rallied for the fourth consecutive session to reach $2023, recovering almost all the losses suffered the week before on the back of the inflation report. Gold's ability to rally suggests continued domestic demand, as some investors are clearly rushing to buy back any losses.
At the same time, however, we note that since the beginning of the year, gold has been characterised by solid selloffs on the news, forming a smooth downtrend. In the context of this downtrend, a rise to $2040-2045, which is the upper boundary of the bearish range, looks quite acceptable.
The area around $2035 - the highs of two weeks ago - also appears to be a crucial intermediate level. Confident buying from this level would be the first important signal that the recent correction is over and that gold is ready to make a fresh assault on the highs.
Much more important, however, will be the behaviour of gold as it approaches the $2050 level, where the reversal of the decline in late January took place.
Consolidation at this level would confirm the breakdown of the downtrend and set the stage for a move towards $2100 and the subsequent renewal of historic highs.
However, as long as gold is trading within the downtrend, there is a greater chance of a breakdown or even an acceleration of the downtrend.
Among the fundamental factors, the potential for growth could be provided by the fall in the dollar if Fed officials show a softening of their position, bringing the start of interest rate cuts closer.
On the bearish side, equities could come under pressure following the optimistic rally in the tech giants and the news of a sharp slowdown in economic activity. We also do not rule out the possibility that the recent support measures for the Chinese stock market and property sector will cool demand for gold as a safe-haven for investors from that part of the world.
Cryptocurrency
Crypto market growth halted amid capital inflows
Market picture
The crypto market has corrected 0.46% in the last 24 hours, fluctuating within a narrow range without a clear direction. Bitcoin is down 1% but up 3.7% over seven days, Ethereum is flat for the day but up 10.6% over the week. The top coins are mixed with BNB +2% and Solana -2.5%.
Bitcoin is currently drawing its fourth daily candle with opening and closing levels close to each other. Such sideways consolidations are characteristic of strong bull markets, as opposed to corrective pullbacks on smoother rallies.
Ethereum hit local highs on rumours of a positive regulatory decision before the end of March. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffarth bet 4 ETH that the SEC will not approve a spot Ethereum ETF next month.
According to data from CoinShares, investment in crypto funds rose by a record $2.452 billion last week, following inflows of $1.116 billion the previous week.
Bitcoin investments increased by $2.424 billion, Ethereum by $21 million, Cardano lost $6 million, and Solana lost $1.6 million.
Since the beginning of the year, crypto funds have seen inflows of an impressive $5.2 billion, with total AUM rising to $67 billion, the highest since December 2021.
News background
Bitcoin will see institutional support in the next three to six months, according to Coinbase. Bitcoin ETFs could eventually become a major competitor to gold funds.
According to IntoTheBlock, there is an 85% chance that Bitcoin will reach a new all-time high within the next six months. Five factors could contribute to this: the halving of the price, ETFs, monetary easing, the US election, and companies accumulating BTC as part of their treasuries.
Former CIA contractor Edward Snowden, who has been living in Russia since 2013, called bitcoin the most significant achievement of the financial system in the entire existence of money and means of exchange.
Amberdata admitted that Ethereum will outpace Bitcoin in terms of growth due to more constructive deflationary policies. The supply of ETH has been decreasing since September 2022, thanks to the update of The Merge, as well as the implementation of a mechanism to burn part of the commissions. During this time, around 0.36 million ETH, or 0.3% of the total supply of 120 million coins, have been removed from circulation.
Wrestling News
WWE @WWE
Full Elimination Chamber: Perth Preview: WWE Now, Feb. 24, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh0GGgrUvV8&t=19s&ab_channel=WWE
WWE heads down under for two huge Elimination Chamber Matches, Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley defends her title against Nia Jax, Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins appear on “The Grayson Waller Effect” and so much more. (Credit: WWE)
WWE Superstars hug koalas: Elimination Chamber 2024 Vlog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zkq2BK6DWnU&t=13s&ab_channel=WWE
WWE Elimination Chamber Press Event: Feb. 22, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7752CMfFEU&ab_channel=WWE
Elimination Chamber: Perth Kickoff: February 24, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_iYYJKGXi8&ab_channel=WWE
Media Man Int
WWE Elimination Chamber (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_elimination.html
WWE Press Conference (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_press.html
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Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE Elimination Chamber Press Event
Feb 22, 2024
"Oh. Ya all Gunna yell at me huh" Logan Paul
"I flew 30 hours to get booed" LP
"Ok, alright, that's the direction you want to go. We can go there" LP
"So it's WWE's first time coming to Perth!? and I'm gunna personally going to make sure it's the last" LP
"This place sucks guys" LP
"When they told me we're coming to Perth I say hey we got to go to Sydney instead" LP
"I mean even Taylor Swift went to Sydney instead of this dump" LP
"You Google like the top 10 things to do as a tourist in Perth and number one is go visit an island full of rats. Not so different from you people huh" LP
"Yikes, we legit in the middle of nowhere. In the middle of the ocean. I swear to God I'd rather be stranded in the middle of the ocean. Don't be mad at me this place sucks guys. I'm gunna give you some fun facts" LP
"What" Fans
"Nuh, shut up it's my show..I'm not doing this" LP
"Gunna bring a little fun to your boring Australian lives"
"In tomorrow's Elimination Chamber I am the only champion competing"
"I am the youngest opponent by a decade"
"No offence old men"
"It's a new era and ya all about to be washed out"
"So Perth, make no mistake. I'm only here cause I have to be"
"What" fans
"I will win the Elimination Chamber"
"What" fans
"I will rematch Seth Rollins at WrestleMania"
"And I will become double champ"
"What" fans
"So Perth, consider yourself Logan Paul's stepping stone" LP
"So Randy, while you were gone with your back surgery this idiot weaselled his way into our industry and now we have to deal with him Alamos ever week. It's pretty brutal, but we can take care of him tomorrow in the chamber. What do you guys think?" Kevin Owens
"And met me assure you, everyone Logan wishes you we're stranded in the middle of the ocean and not here" KO
"Me to. Me to" LP
"Well, what's the matter Kevin. You looking a little flush. It's a little hot out there. You want some Prime. You looking a little hydrated my guy. There you go. Take a sip Give me my bottle back. Give me my bottle. You can't wait till tomorrow. Anger management cost you that last match" LP
Videos via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
Triple H tears apart Logan Paul and Kevin Owens: Elimination Chamber Press Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xb2qVmDYKQ&ab_channel=WWE
Seth “Freakin” Rollins leads Perth crowd in trashing The Rock: Elimination Chamber Press Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3weiCozfxY&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Bianca Belair stares down Becky Lynch: Elimination Chamber Press Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=660XLMDp67o&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Rhea Ripley rallies all of Australia against Nia Jax: Elimination Chamber Press Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDgTROk2lfk&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Rhea Ripley and Grayson Waller toast a Shoey to the Perth crowd: Elimination Chamber Press Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9oncmb9zxU&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Media Man Int
WWE Elimination Chamber (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_elimination.html
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"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler" - Socrates
Media Man Int
Stoism Directory
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Mind, Body and Sprit
www.mediamanint.com/articles/mind_body.html
Best Quotes Of The Day
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“Wrestling needs to be about the art form again. It needs to be about painting a picture and having a really good match.” - Terry Gene Bollea (Hulk Hogan)
#HulkHogan #quote #wrestling #prowrestling #artform #TerryFunk #sportsentertainment #legend #legends #wrestlinglegends #entertainment #PopCulture #media #mediaman
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE SmackDown
February 23, 2024
Bron Breakker, former WWE NXT @WWENXT champion and NXT Tag Team champion to make SmackDown in-ring debut! It's bound to be a dog day afternoon for someone.
LA Knight vs Drew McIntyre
Authors of Pain (The Final Testament) vs Street Profits
Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate vs Judgment Day (“Dirty” Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh)
Tiffany Stratton vs Liv Morgan. It well may be Tiffy Time! Stratton says it's "her universe"
Videos via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
Bron Breakker makes his SmackDown debut: WWE Now, February 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae32pT708D0&t=25s&ab_channel=WWE
Introducing SmackDown’s newest Superstar, Bron Breakker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0vzfgFDaYQ&ab_channel=WWE
FULL SEGMENT – Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin celebrate winning: NXT, Feb. 20, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReAVOpVdZKk&t=25s&ab_channel=WWE
#SmackDown #EliminationChamber #WWEChamber #wwe #wrestling #prowrestling #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #BronBreakker #Steiner #DogFacedGremlin #DogDayAfternoon #DogDay #DrewMcIntyre #LAKnight #NickAldis #AuthorsOfPain #FinalTestament #KarrionKross #StreetProfits #JudgementDay #TiffanyStratton #LivMorgan #wwewomen #RoadToWrestleMania #wwenews #wwemedia #creative #creativity #entertainment #popculture #FOX #wrestlingfox #wrestlingfoxes #PLE #PPV #YouTube #Video #Videos #LiveEntertainment #LiveSports #broadcast #broadcasting #trend #trends #buzz #Aussie #USA #media #mediaman
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE SmackDown: February 23, 2024
Explosive SmackDown moments: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuxDuXVuB9U&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
"Like Dirty Dom wandered into the wrong cell block" Corey Graves
"Simply switched places at the wrong time" Wade Barrett
"KO is here and Logan Paul is here. What could possible go wrong" CG
FULL MATCH — LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre becomes Elimination Chamber chaos: SmackDown, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5idcBgnw8U&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
"We know that the United States champion never misses an opportunity to go viral" Corey Graves
"I dunna but here's heading our way and there just so happens to be a seat right here" Wade Barrett
“The Grayson Waller Effect” is coming home: SmackDown exclusive, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acDVraD9oO8&ab_channel=WWE
Bron Breakker makes a dominant SmackDown debut: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMeYCdvPFMk&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate vs. “Dirty” Dom Mysterio & JD McDonagh: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xNSznsWHsg&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Karrion Kross injures Bobby Lashey with a steel chair attack: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImE2bHiTrQ4&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
"The final chapter by AOP. Montez Ford keeps it alive" CG
"600 pounds of unbridled rage" WB
Karrion Kross shows The Pride a frightening future: SmackDown exclusive, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bS2iRUlb74&ab_channel=WWE
"Now it's done. Ya understand, it's done. We've been leaving you laying weeks at a time. Over and over and over again...Profits, I'll tell you again. Bobby does not like associating with people who can't keep up"... Karrion Kross
Legado del Fantasma ambush The LWO: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLlS7oEP-1M&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Liv Morgan vs. Tiffany Stratton: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5T5fCY_uNQ&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
"Tiffy's had enough" CG
"I don't blame her" WB
#SmackDown #EliminationChamber #WWEChamber #wwe #wrestling #prowrestling #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #BronBreakker #Steiner #DogFacedGremlin #DogDayAfternoon #DogDay #DrewMcIntyre #LAKnight #LoganPaul #KevinOwens #NickAldis #AuthorsOfPain #FinalTestament #KarrionKross #StreetProfits #JudgementDay #TiffanyStratton #LivMorgan #wwewomen #GWEffect #GraysonWaller #RoadToWrestleMania #wwenews #creativity #entertainment #popculture #FOX #wrestlingfox #wrestlingfoxes #PLE #PPV #YouTube #Video #Videos #LiveEntertainment #LiveSports #broadcast #broadcasting #trend #trends #buzz #Aussie #USA #media #mediaman
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE SmackDown: February 23, 2024
Explosive SmackDown moments: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuxDuXVuB9U&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
"Like Dirty Dom wandered into the wrong cell block" Corey Graves
"Simply switched places at the wrong time" Wade Barrett
"KO is here and Logan Paul is here. What could possible go wrong" CG
FULL MATCH — LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre becomes Elimination Chamber chaos: SmackDown, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5idcBgnw8U&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
"We know that the United States champion never misses an opportunity to go viral" Corey Graves
"I dunna but here's heading our way and there just so happens to be a seat right here" Wade Barrett
“The Grayson Waller Effect” is coming home: SmackDown exclusive, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acDVraD9oO8&ab_channel=WWE
Bron Breakker makes a dominant SmackDown debut: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMeYCdvPFMk&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate vs. “Dirty” Dom Mysterio & JD McDonagh: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xNSznsWHsg&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Karrion Kross injures Bobby Lashey with a steel chair attack: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImE2bHiTrQ4&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
"The final chapter by AOP. Montez Ford keeps it alive" CG
"600 pounds of unbridled rage" WB
Karrion Kross shows The Pride a frightening future: SmackDown exclusive, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bS2iRUlb74&ab_channel=WWE
"Now it's done. Ya understand, it's done. We've been leaving you laying weeks at a time. Over and over and over again...Profits, I'll tell you again. Bobby does not like associating with people who can't keep up"... Karrion Kross
Legado del Fantasma ambush The LWO: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLlS7oEP-1M&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Liv Morgan vs. Tiffany Stratton: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5T5fCY_uNQ&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
"Tiffy's had enough" CG
"I don't blame her" WB
#SmackDown #EliminationChamber #WWEChamber #wwe #wrestling #prowrestling #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #BronBreakker #Steiner #DogFacedGremlin #DogDayAfternoon #DogDay #DrewMcIntyre #LAKnight #LoganPaul #KevinOwens #NickAldis #AuthorsOfPain #FinalTestament #KarrionKross #StreetProfits #JudgementDay #TiffanyStratton #LivMorgan #wwewomen #GWEffect #GraysonWaller #RoadToWrestleMania #wwenews #creativity #entertainment #popculture #FOX #wrestlingfox #wrestlingfoxes #PLE #PPV #YouTube #Video #Videos #LiveEntertainment #LiveSports #broadcast #broadcasting #trend #trends #buzz #Aussie #USA #media #mediaman
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth Kickoff: February 24, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_iYYJKGXi8&ab_channel=WWE
#EliminationChamber #WWEChamber #WWE #wrestling #prowrestling #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #DrewMcIntyre #LAKnight #LoganPaul #TheMaverick #KevinOwens #KO #TKO #RandyOrton #RKO #JudgementDay #RheaRipley #NiaJax #CodyRhodes #SethRollins #TiffanyStratton #TiffyTime #LivMorgan #wwewomen #GWEffect #GraysonWaller #Catch #RoadToWrestleMania #wwenews #story #storylines #entertainment #popculture #PLE #PPV #YouTube #Video #Videos #broadcast #broadcasting #AndStill #trend #trends #buzz #Aussie #USA #Perth #WesternAustralia #media
Image credit: WWE
Combat Sports
UFC @ufc
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 aka UFC Fight Night 237 and UFC on ESPN+ 95)
"The Assassin Baby" vs Royval - Re-Match
February 24, 2024
Arena CDMX. Mexico City, Mexico
Video and hype via the offcial and award winning UFC YouTube Channel
UFC Mexico: Fighter Faceoffs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVShCnHI7jc&ab_channel=UFC
Moreno vs Royval 2 - Risk It All | UFC Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6APdAT0KNk&ab_channel=UFC
"I think Joe what's most incredable is that when Brandon Moreno beat Jussier Formiga, Brandon Morenowas was not even in the UFC. You fast forward 7 months - he's got 2 submission wins"
"If he can win tonight, he legitimalty has a shot at a championship in less than 12 months"
"This kid's wild" Joe Rogan
Weigh-In Highlights | UFC Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCg8JG234oQ&ab_channel=UFC
Brian Ortega, Tarek El Moussa, UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 Picks | UFC Unfiltered
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGby85KMTDQ&ab_channel=UFC
UFC Unfiltered w/ Jim Norton and Matt Serra
Matt and Jim are joined by 4th-ranked UFC featherweight Brian Ortega and real-estate TV personality Tarek El Moussa on this episode of UFC Unfiltered. Today’s show is one marked by a series of brief cameos — beginning with Mrs. Serra briefly joining her husband in the show’s intro and shortly thereafter with Ortega hopping on the call alongside coach Rener Gracie. Looking to get back to his winning ways in his first fight since injuring his shoulder 19 months ago, Ortega reflects back on what went right for him in the cage against Yair Rodriguez in his last fight before the untimely injury put an unceremonious end to the contest. A proud Mexican American set to fight in his parents’ home country for the first time in his career, Ortega gets candid about what it means to be in the co-main slot of Saturday’s card in Mexico City against a Mexican-born fighter like Yair Rodriguez — especially now that there are added title implications with Ilia Topuria as the UFC’s newly-crowned featherweight champion. Then, Jim and Matt are joined by real-estate TV star Tarek El Moussa, who begins his interview with a stroll down memory lane of how he became a UFC superfan before explaining the details of his incredible life story captured eloquently in his newly-released book titled: “FLIP YOUR LIFE: How to Find Opportunity in Distress - in Real Estate, Business, and Life”. When Tarek hops off the call, the guys wrap up the show with some picks for the two rematches atop Saturday’s card, Ortega’s fight against Yair Rodriguez in the co-main event and Brandon Moreno’s rematch against Brandon Royval in the main event. (Credit: UFC)
Muhammad Naimov Post-Fight Interview | UFC Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2AbVE77eTk&ab_channel=UFC
ESPN MMA Official YouTube
Tracy Cortez's thoughts on the UFC Mexico fight card & her potential comeback | ESPN MMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=salzf4zm40s&ab_channel=ESPNMMA
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Royval 2 Main Card
Manuel Torres vs Chris Duncan
Manuel Torres (14-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on Chris Duncan (11-1, fighting out of Tullibody, Scotland) in a lightweight battle
Yazmin Jauregui vs Sam Hughes
Yazmin Jauregui (10-1, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) battles Sam Hughes (8-5, fighting out of Dallas, TX) at strawweight
Raul Rosas Jr. vs Ricky Turcios
Raul Rosas Jr. (8-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, NV) clashes with Ricky Turcios (13-3, fighting out of Houston, TX) at bantamweight
Daniel Zellhuber vs Francisco Prado
Danel Zellhuber (14-1, fighting out of Mexico City, Mexico) battles Francisco Prado (12-1, fighting out ofSan Lorenzo, Santa Fe, Argentina) in an exciting lightweight bout
Co-Main Event: Yair Rodriguez vs Brian Ortega
A five-round co-main event sees No. 2 featherweight Yair Rodriguez (16-4, 1NC, fighting out of Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico) face No. 3 Brian Ortega (15-3, 1NC, fighting out of Los Angeles, CA)
Main Event: Brandon Moreno vs Brandon Royval
Flyweights collide in the main event as No. 1 flyweight contender Brandon Moreno (21-7-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on No. 3 contender Brandon Royval (15-7, fighting out of Englewood, CO)
Credit and special thanks: UFC
Media Man Int
UFC 2024 (Media Man Int) *in progress
www.mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_2024.html
UFC: News (Media Man Int) *in progress
www.mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_news.html
#UFC #UFCMexico #UFCMexicoCity #UFCFightNight #FightNight237 #FightNight #Moreno #Royval #BrandonMoreno #BrandonRoyval #AssassinBaby #YairRodriguez #BrianOrtega #MMA #mixedmartialarts #comabtsports #ArenaCDMX #sportsnews #sportsmedia #Video #Videos #YouTube #ESPN #highlights #moments #preview #interviews #bio #entertainment #LiveSports #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #media
Image credit: UFC
Combat Sports
UFC @ufc
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 aka UFC Fight Night 237 and UFC on ESPN+ 95)
"The Assassin Baby" vs Royval - Re-Match
February 24, 2024
Arena CDMX. Mexico City, Mexico
Video and hype via the offcial and award winning UFC YouTube Channel
UFC Mexico: Fighter Faceoffs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVShCnHI7jc&ab_channel=UFC
Moreno vs Royval 2 - Risk It All | UFC Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6APdAT0KNk&ab_channel=UFC
"I think Joe what's most incredable is that when Brandon Moreno beat Jussier Formiga, Brandon Morenowas was not even in the UFC. You fast forward 7 months - he's got 2 submission wins"
"If he can win tonight, he legitimalty has a shot at a championship in less than 12 months"
"This kid's wild" Joe Rogan
Weigh-In Highlights | UFC Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCg8JG234oQ&ab_channel=UFC
Brian Ortega, Tarek El Moussa, UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 Picks | UFC Unfiltered
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGby85KMTDQ&ab_channel=UFC
UFC Unfiltered w/ Jim Norton and Matt Serra
Matt and Jim are joined by 4th-ranked UFC featherweight Brian Ortega and real-estate TV personality Tarek El Moussa on this episode of UFC Unfiltered. Today’s show is one marked by a series of brief cameos — beginning with Mrs. Serra briefly joining her husband in the show’s intro and shortly thereafter with Ortega hopping on the call alongside coach Rener Gracie. Looking to get back to his winning ways in his first fight since injuring his shoulder 19 months ago, Ortega reflects back on what went right for him in the cage against Yair Rodriguez in his last fight before the untimely injury put an unceremonious end to the contest. A proud Mexican American set to fight in his parents’ home country for the first time in his career, Ortega gets candid about what it means to be in the co-main slot of Saturday’s card in Mexico City against a Mexican-born fighter like Yair Rodriguez — especially now that there are added title implications with Ilia Topuria as the UFC’s newly-crowned featherweight champion. Then, Jim and Matt are joined by real-estate TV star Tarek El Moussa, who begins his interview with a stroll down memory lane of how he became a UFC superfan before explaining the details of his incredible life story captured eloquently in his newly-released book titled: “FLIP YOUR LIFE: How to Find Opportunity in Distress - in Real Estate, Business, and Life”. When Tarek hops off the call, the guys wrap up the show with some picks for the two rematches atop Saturday’s card, Ortega’s fight against Yair Rodriguez in the co-main event and Brandon Moreno’s rematch against Brandon Royval in the main event. (Credit: UFC)
Muhammad Naimov Post-Fight Interview | UFC Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2AbVE77eTk&ab_channel=UFC
ESPN MMA Official YouTube
Tracy Cortez's thoughts on the UFC Mexico fight card & her potential comeback | ESPN MMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=salzf4zm40s&ab_channel=ESPNMMA
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Royval 2 Main Card
Manuel Torres vs Chris Duncan
Manuel Torres (14-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on Chris Duncan (11-1, fighting out of Tullibody, Scotland) in a lightweight battle
Yazmin Jauregui vs Sam Hughes
Yazmin Jauregui (10-1, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) battles Sam Hughes (8-5, fighting out of Dallas, TX) at strawweight
Raul Rosas Jr. vs Ricky Turcios
Raul Rosas Jr. (8-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, NV) clashes with Ricky Turcios (13-3, fighting out of Houston, TX) at bantamweight
Daniel Zellhuber vs Francisco Prado
Danel Zellhuber (14-1, fighting out of Mexico City, Mexico) battles Francisco Prado (12-1, fighting out ofSan Lorenzo, Santa Fe, Argentina) in an exciting lightweight bout
Co-Main Event: Yair Rodriguez vs Brian Ortega
A five-round co-main event sees No. 2 featherweight Yair Rodriguez (16-4, 1NC, fighting out of Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico) face No. 3 Brian Ortega (15-3, 1NC, fighting out of Los Angeles, CA)
Main Event: Brandon Moreno vs Brandon Royval
Flyweights collide in the main event as No. 1 flyweight contender Brandon Moreno (21-7-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on No. 3 contender Brandon Royval (15-7, fighting out of Englewood, CO)
Credit and special thanks: UFC
Media Man Int
UFC 2024 (Media Man Int) *in progress
www.mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_2024.html
UFC: News (Media Man Int) *in progress
www.mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_news.html
#UFC #UFCMexico #UFCMexicoCity #UFCFightNight #FightNight237 #FightNight #Moreno #Royval #BrandonMoreno #BrandonRoyval #AssassinBaby #YairRodriguez #BrianOrtega #MMA #mixedmartialarts #comabtsports #ArenaCDMX #sportsnews #sportsmedia #Video #Videos #YouTube #ESPN #highlights #moments #preview #interviews #bio #entertainment #LiveSports #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #media
Image credit: UFC
Pro Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling @AEW
Supergroup, The Bang Bang Scissor Gang, fire on all cylinders! | 2/24/24, AEW Collision
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WamkDRvii48&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
Thunder Rosa continues her return momentum! | 2/24/24, AEW Collision
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK2hhg6zlS0&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
FTR returns to AEW Collision to face STP’s Taylor & Moriarty! | 2/24/24 AEW Collision
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc8xkMb5BvQ&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
"You are looking live at the Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Missouri when Collision in live here on TNT" .. Tony Schiavone
Sammy Guevara takes on Don Callis Family’s Powerhouse Hobbs in a NO DQ match!| 2/24/24 AEW Collision
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNkenCv_GgA&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
Bryan Danielson v Jun Akiyama + FTR v Taylor & Moriarty | AEW Control Center: Springfield, 2/23/24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3VWcr7JD1Q&t=4s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
The EVPs, Matthew & Nicholas Jackson, are coming for the AEW World Tag Champs! | 2/23/24 AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9yQ0itSiXw&t=3s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
AEW World Champ Joe, Strickland, & Cage vs Hangman, RVD, & FTW Champ Hook! | 2/21/24, AEW Dynamite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkbintHOOdc&t=4s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
Sammy Guevara comes face-to-face with The Don Callis Family! | 2/23/24 AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CABuVbJQZ1U&t=3s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
Undisputed Kingdom’s Roderick Strong faces Jake Hager! | 2/23/24 AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbVuONbqud4&t=102s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
Could Mariah May continue her momentum against Anna Jay? | 2/23/24 AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD70iPD07Lg&t=4s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
Episode 2: Dog Shark Party | Johnny Loves Taya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmE8eWiObXE&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
And more great action and drama via the official AEW YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/AEW
Media Man: AEW maintains its more gritty and edgy genre. Having points of difference is freqently a reason for success of challanger brands in many forms of business including sports and showbiz. Strong emotion and heat in the fued with Sammy Guevara vs Don Callis and Will Hobbs. FTR going up the ratings. Plenty of teams gunning for them! Risk management required for AEW powers that be with so much action in and out of the ring!
#AEWCollision #AEWRampage #AEWRevolution #prowrestling #wrestling #FTR #Supergroup #BBSG #ThunderRosa #SammyGuevara #DonCallis #DonCallisFamily #YoungBucks #EVPS #SwerveStrickland #SamoaJoe #Hook #RVD #TNT #entertainment #popculture #YouTube #Video #Videos #highlights #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media #mediaman
Image credit: AEW
Media Man Web Tips
Hyperlink (backlink/s)
Computing: noun: hyperlink; plural noun: hyperlinks
a link from a hypertext document to another location, activated by clicking on a highlighted word or image.
Create a hyperlink between (doc or parts of a document)."thumbnail images which are hyperlinked
Media Man Int
Text Links (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/text_links.html
Business brands using affiliate programs open to and embracing flat fee campaigns by online publishers under the right terms and conditions says Media Man agency
www.mediamanint.com/articles/business_brands.html
Web Publishers Battle For Success
www.mediamanint.com/articles/web_publishers.html
Web Tips (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/web_tips.html
Creative Advertising Directory
www.mediamanint.com/articles/creative_advertising.html
#hyperlink #hyperlinks #textlink #textlinks #linking #backlink #backlinks #webtips #SEO #searchengineoptimization #SEM #SERP #SERPS #algorithm #Algorithms #onlinenews #onlinemarketing #onlinebiz #keyword #keywords #metatag #metatags #brand #branding #webbiz #webpubishing #onlinepublishing #onlinepublisher #trend #trends #AI #buzz #media #mediaman #mediamanint
Will the Bitcoin Halving Create Overnight Millionaires?
Now that the initial euphoria around the new spot Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has started to fade, it's time to move on to the next major catalyst for Bitcoin: the halving event in April. According to a growing number of analysts, this could really send its price soaring.
In fact, according to Bitcoin ETF issuer Grayscale (NYSEMKT: GBTC), the impact of this halving could exceed any of the three previous Bitcoin halvings. But is that really the case? There are three key reasons this event might end up disappointing crypto investors.
1. Buy the rumor, sell the news
As we've seen with the spot Bitcoin ETFs, the market is getting a lot smarter about pricing in the impact of each new Bitcoin event. If you subscribe to the efficient markets hypothesis, which says that the market efficiently prices in new information about any asset, then this is exactly what you would expect.
In the case of the Bitcoin ETFs, the market had a good grip on when they should come along, as well as which firms were likely to win approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). So it didn't come as much of a surprise when the SEC finally approved the spot Bitcoin ETFs on Jan. 10.
The market had already priced in the effect of this move. In the six months from June 2023 to January 2024, the price of Bitcoin soared in anticipation. Thus, when the news finally came, Bitcoins prices actually headed lower -- not higher, as many people had thought. As it turned out, the preliminary gains were a bit too optimistic in the short term.
So, could the same thing happen again, this time with the halving? At the end of last year, some analysts were already starting to predict that some of the halving impact had already been priced in. This makes sense, given how much attention Bitcoin now has from Wall Street and big institutional investors.
The halving is no longer a surprise event for them, as it might have been back in 2012, 2016, or even 2020. It's a highly predictable thing with several cycles of historical precedent. And the crypto market is no longer as inefficient as it was just a few years ago.
2. Correlation does not imply causation
Within the Grayscale report on the Bitcoin halving, one of the most interesting sections was an analysis of the overall macroeconomic situation during the time of each halving.
The halving events of 2012, 2016, and 2020 lined up with important macroeconomic events that might have had much more to do with the price of Bitcoin soaring than the halving itself.
Take the May 2020 halving, for example. The market was coping with the shock of the pandemic, and a new wave of government stimulus money helped to prop up investment markets. Some people took their stimulus checks and put them all into crypto. So when Bitcoin eventually surged to an all-time high in November 2021, was it due to the halving, or to the broader macroeconomic situation?
All of which is to say that investors might be falling into the correlation/causation trap. They see three distinct periods when Bitcoin rallied, and the natural assumption is that there must be some sort of causation going on. Maybe there's not.
3. Past performance is no guarantee of future results
Lastly, just because Bitcoin has rallied three times after three halving events does not mean that it is going to happen again, just like clockwork. It's like flipping a coin three times, getting heads each time, and assuming that there is a greater than 50% chance of it being heads on the fourth flip.
And remember: Bitcoin is scheduled to undergo halving cycles every four years from now until 2140. Does anyone really think that Bitcoin will hit a new all-time high in each of the next 30 or so halving cycles? At some point, the effect will likely vanish.
Granted, Grayscale makes several noteworthy points in its report on the Bitcoin halving. For example, it says that the new spot Bitcoin ETFs are a factor that has never existed in previous halving cycles. This matters because the demand for Bitcoin from these ETFs should soak up any selling pressure that might occur from Bitcoin miners as a result of the halving.
Don't expect the price of Bitcoin to skyrocket overnight
Even if you think that the halving will have a significant impact on the price of Bitcoin, just remember that the price gains after a halving usually take 12 to 18 months. Consider the past halving: It took place in May 2020, but Bitcoin didn't reach its all-time high of $69,000 until November 2021 -- a full 18 months later. As a result, don't expect a sudden jump in the price of Bitcoin from its current level of around $50,000.
Should you invest $1,000 in Bitcoin right now?
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Satoshi Anticipated Bitcoin Energy Debate in Email Thread With Early Collaborators
Satoshi Nakamoto warned that Bitcoin could become a significant consumer of energy in 2009 emails.
Proof of Work is central to Bitcoin's security but debated for high energy consumption.
Satoshi foresaw non-financial uses for blockchain and expressed concerns about legal scrutiny.
In a recently released batch of emails posted by Martii 'Sirius' Malmi, an early collaborator on Bitcoin's code, Satoshi Nakamoto warned that the cryptocurrency – now the world's largest digital asset – could become an energy guzzler.
The email release comes as Craig Wright is on trial in a case brought by the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA) to determine whether he is indeed Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous creator of Bitcoin.
"Proof of Work is the only solution I've found to make p2p e-cash work without a trusted third party," Satoshi wrote in May 2009, calling Proof of Work (PoW) "fundamental to coordinating the network and preventing double-spending."
PoW is a consensus algorithm used in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to secure the network and prevent double-spending by requiring miners to solve complex computational puzzles, which in turn validates transactions and adds new blocks to the blockchain.
PoW is at the center of a debate around Bitcoin's energy consumption. While the cryptocurrency industry points to miners' use of clean or orphaned power, which would otherwise go to waste, critics are laser-focused on the raw numbers of energy consumption it generates.
As a result, some jurisdictions like New York State or British Columbia have placed moratoriums on Bitcoin mining, citing the high energy consumption.
"If it did grow to consume significant energy, I think it would still be less wasteful than the labour and resource intensive conventional banking activity it would replace," Satoshi wrote. "The cost would be an order of magnitude less than the billions in banking fees that pay for all those brick-and-mortar buildings, skyscrapers, and junk mail credit card offers."
2021 research from Galaxy Digital showed that Bitcoin uses half the energy of the banking or gold mining industries.
"Ironic if we end up having to choose between economic liberty and conservation," Satoshi continued.
Non-financial uses of Blockchain
Blockchain serving as a sort of open-source notary was one non-financial use of Bitcoin that Satoshi saw in the technology, which would allow users to securely timestamp documents to prove their existence at a specific point in time.
"Bitcoin is a distributed secure timestamp server for transactions," Satoshi wrote. "A few lines of code could create a transaction with an extra hash in it of anything that needs to be timestamped."
Legal concerns
Satoshi was also concerned that labelling Bitcoin as a sort of investment might bring legal scrutiny from authorities.
"There are a lot of things you can say on the sourceforge site that I can't say on my own site," he wrote. "Even so, I'm uncomfortable with explicitly saying, 'consider it an investment' ... That's a dangerous thing to say and you should delete that bullet point. It's OK if they come to that conclusion on their own, but we can't pitch it as that."
Indeed, in the time since, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has engaged in a long campaign of legal warfare around the use of this word and might classify a cryptocurrency as a security and crypto exchanges as dealing with unregistered securities.
Craig Wright Admits to Editing Bitcoin White Paper Presented in COPA Trial
The bitcoin developers' lawyer, Alexander Gunning, presented evidence that Craig Wright had made new edits to his whitepaper, which Wright acknowledged.
The Crypto Open Patent Alliance wants to prove that Wright's claim to be the founder of bitcoin is a lie backed by forgeries.
Craig Wright admitted to making changes to the version of the bitcoin whitepaper he presented in the Crypto Open Patent Alliance's (COPA) trial while testifying Friday.
The trial to prove whether or not Wright is the anonymous creator of the bitcoin white paper completed its third week. COPA wants to prove that Wright's claim to be Satoshi Nakamoto is a lie afforded by "industrial style forgeries," and the bitcoin developers lawyer Alexander Gunning is helping them.
On Friday, Gunning showed that Wright made edits to the bitcoin whitepaper in his "LaTeX files," which Wright agreed was accurate. Wright said the edits were simply a demonstration for his representatives at Shoosmiths (his law firm).
"You were not showing this to anyone, we know the times you were showing this to Shoosmiths, you were doing it for yourself," Gunning said.
"What you are doing is tweaking parameters.. to get them to fit " the layout of the bitcoin whitepaper, Gunning added. The file was uploaded as recently as November 2023, Gunning said.
Gunning ended his questioning by asking: "Your claim to be Satoshi Nakomoto is a fraudulent claim isn't it?" which Wright disputed.
Week three
Wright's testimony capped off the third week of the trial, which saw some of COPA's witnesses take to the stand to face questioning from Wright's lawyers.
Zooko Wilcox-O'Hearn, a computer scientist and the founder of Zcash, testified on Thursday where he was questioned on how well he knew Nakamoto. Wilcox said he wouldn't call himself "pals" with the pseudonymous Bitcoin creator. In court documents, he said that he was not sure if he had any private conversations with Nakamoto.
Other witnesses were more confident about their interactions with Nakamoto.
Computer scientist Marti Malmi spoke on Wednesday, disputing the dates that Wright put forward about Malmi's interaction with Nakamoto. Malmi later released his emails with Nakamoto on X (formerly Twitter).
Wright said in his witness statement that Malmi approached Nakamoto in Feb. 2009 but Malmi said in his statement this was "incorrect," and that the date was actually May 1, 2009.
Adam Back, the CEO of bitcoin technology company Blockstream, said in his first statement he corresponded with someone purporting to be Nakamoto via email.
In his statement he showed an email he received from Nakamoto on Aug. 20, 2008, where he said he planned to cite Back's paper about a proof-of-work system and Back responded by sending more resources.
Wright described Back's interactions with Nakamoto as "dismissive," which Back said was inaccurate.
Next week expert witnesses will be questioned.
Screen Actors Guild Awards
'Oppenheimer,' 'Succession,' 'Bear,' 'Beef,' Lily Gladstone score SAG Awards
Stunt and publicitiy stunts? Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning
Stars from Oppenheimer, Succession, The Bear, Beef, Killers of the Flower Moon and The Holdovers were the big winners at the Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles Saturday night.
The event honoring excellence in film and TV acting streamed live for the first time on Netflix.
Jennifer Aniston presented the SAG Life Achievement Award to Barbra Streisand.
Presenters included Jessica Chastain, Robert Downey Jr., Billie Eilish, America Ferrera, Brendan Fraser, Taraji P. Henson, Cillian Murphy, Issa Rae and Margot Robbie.
Oppenheimer won for Best Cast, Best Lead Actor for Murphy and Best Supporting Actor for Downey Jr.
Gladstone won for Best Lead Actress for Killers of the Flower Moon and Da'Vine Joy Randolph earned the honor for Best Supporting Actress for The Holdovers.
The stars of Succession won for Best Cast in a Drama Series, while Pedro Pascal won for Best Actor in a Drama Series for The Last of Us and Elizabeth Debicki won for Best Actress in a Drama Series for The Crown.
The ensemble of The Bear was named Best Cast in a Comedy Series, with its leads Ayo Edebiri and Jeremy Allen White picking up the Best Lead Actress and Actor in a Comedy Series Awards.
Ali Wong and Steven Yeun went home with the prizes for Best Actress and Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries for their work in Beef.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning won for Best Stunt Ensemble of a Movie and The Last of Us won for Best Stunt Ensemble in a TV Series.
#SAG #SAGAwards #SAGAwards2024 #Netflix #showbiz #movienews #streaming #streamingentertainment #streamingindustry #entertainment #EntertainmentNews #KillersOfTheFlowerMoon #Oppenheimer #Succession #TheCrown #MissionImpossible #MI #MissionImpossibleDeadReckoning #TheLastOfUs #Bear #Beef #LilyGladstone #TheHoldovers #boxoffice #popculture #trend #trends #buzz #TV #LA #LANews #media #mediaman
Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro
In Case You Blinked And Missed It
Crypto’s catch-up - Feb 23, 2024
Market picture
The crypto market rebounded in the overnight session, supported by a return of optimism in stocks after a cheering Nvidia report. The crypto capitalisation was up over 1% in 24 hours.
The impressive gains were much stronger than the market, with BNB up 5% in one day and 10.5% in seven days, compared to BTC's +0.6% and -0.9% over the same periods. Still, BNB is playing catch-up over a broader time frame.
Bitcoin managed to hold above $50K on Wednesday, where it found buyers and is once again trading at its preferred level of $52K, near which we see daily opens and closes for the eighth consecutive day.
Ethereum proved earlier in the day that it is in rapid growth mode, characterised by lightning-fast corrections. On Thursday morning, the price was back above $3000, close to the highest since April 2022.
News background
Ophelia Snyder, president of 21Shares, said the launch of the Bitcoin ETF was a great success, but the financial gap between the largest issuers could leave three to five funds in the market.
The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said it had de-anonymised several cryptocurrency wallets belonging to the hacker group LockBit and imposed sanctions on those associated with them.
The unidentified Ethereum whale transferred 1,732 ETH (~$5.15 million) to the Kraken crypto exchange after 8.5 years of inactivity. According to on-chain data, the address received 3,465 ETH (~$10.3 million) in an initial coin offering on Ethereum Genesis at $0.31.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said he welcomed the launch of ETFs tied to XRP and expressed optimism about spot ETFs on other cryptocurrencies.
The US Department of Justice has sought a court order to limit the disclosure of confidential information about the case between US authorities and former Binance exchange chief Changpeng Zhao.
US-based Circle, the company behind the second most popular stablecoin USDC, unexpectedly announced the end of support for the Tron blockchain.
Altcoins’ reverse traction
Market picture
The crypto market hit multi-month highs on Tuesday but started Wednesday with a frightening decline.
Ethereum lost around 2%, pulling back to $2929, which is the scale of the fall in Solana. Cardano is down 5%, and XRP is down 3%. Bitcoin has managed to avoid a sell-off without replicating the upward momentum observed in recent days.
Technically, Ethereum's pullback to $2700 is a correction of this month's rally and should not cause much alarm. However, a break below this level could be a cause for concern.
According to AllianceBernstein, Ethereum is virtually the only alternative to Bitcoin that can get ETF approval from the SEC. The likelihood of ETH ETF approval is almost 50% for launch by May and almost 100% in the next 12 months.
News background
According to Bloomberg, the growth of the crypto market is once again attracting retail investors with small deposits - they are starting to use apps like Robinhood to buy and sell digital assets.
Many market participants are predicting the start of the alt season, but some remain cautious. For example, Markus Thielen, head of 10x Research, points to the continued dominance of Bitcoin with a 51 per cent market share. In his view, the first cryptocurrency's dominance "needs to fall below 45%" for the altcoin season to begin.
The launch of spot ETFs in the US has had a positive impact on Bitcoin's order book liquidity and ability to trade at stable prices. This is the conclusion reached by Kaiko. BTC liquidity rose to its highest level since October 2023.
AI tokens saw a surge in activity last week on the back of the launch of OpenAI's Sora, with their total capitalisation exceeding $15 billion and the Worldcoin token (WLD) hitting an all-time high.
E-commerce giant eBay has changed its stance on non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and is likely to exit the space in the near future. The company has laid off more than 30% of the staff at its NFT marketplace, KnownOrigin. According to CoinGecko, NFT turnover across the top 10 blockchains fell 55.1% to $11.8 billion in 2023, with 72% of this value related to NFTs on Ethereum.
(Source: FxPro)
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Bitcoin News (Media Man Int)
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Business News (Media Man Int)
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Wrestling News
Australia and The Wrestling World Still Buzzing About WWE @WWE Elimination Chamber in Perth, Western Australia
Heels To Babyfaces; Land Down Under Bizzaro Land Aka Canada In Bret 'Hitman" Hart prime era; Not Quite Parts Unknown any more; Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome Eat Your Heart Out
Stunning Reaction And Super Pop For Cody Rhodes
Sure, there were winners and losers, but the fans won, the WWE and the pro wrestling industry won.
Greatest Tourism Promo Ever For Western Australia? Dream Exposure Won
Usual heels went to babyfaces such as Tiffany Stratton who the Aussie's just loved, then there was the 'Aussie Icon' Grayson Waller who had almost 100 percent fan support (apart from a few hardcore "Cody Cry Babies"), which his on screen mate Austin Theory went along with - and it cost the hitman! (who got hit and then some).
"The Maverick" Logal Paul aka "Prime Heel" in some circles also drew plenty of cheers and wows, despite trying to be hated so much at the WWE media event the day prior.
Heel (bad gun) or not, Stratton's Tiffy Time, Swanton off the pod, Paul's flying cross body off the pod, and Waller's shoey with Aussie UFC living legend "Bam Bam" Tai Tuivasa won over the crowd. Mr GW Effect enjoyed a shoey with South Australia's own Rhea "Bloody" aka "Mummi" Ripley the day before at the presser - just in case there was any confussion.
The man you love to hate, Logan Paul, made sure to bring his markers into the pod and drew some mean devil horns and other graffiti aimed at rival Kevin Owens. These two fought tooth, nail and brass knux, until it was time for Randy Orton to put Paul out of his Aussie heatwave-like misery with the RKO.
Aussie Indi Hartwell was pumped just to be competing in her native Australia (just as well as her team came away with the official W). Big Bronson Reed from Adelaide, South Australia didn't attend as he was busy being new and proud father. Great to see more pro wrestlers with their work/life balance more in tune than what was the case many decades ago where wrestlers burnt the candle at both ends - sometimes costing them the ultimate price.
Australia's world champ, Rhea Ripley defended her title against Nia Jax in a hard fought and exciting match that featured a superplex, Samoan drop, tables and plenty of brutality.
This new and current era under Triple H, Nick Khan, Shawn Michaels (WWE NXT) and a select number of folks in the brains trust (recalling the late Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, is absolutely thriving.
If you didn't get the meme, Logan Paul won Media Man's MVP Of The Card (men), neck and neck with Tiffiny Stratton who has converted thousand of Aussie's to Tiffy Time in and around the international date line. Hot heels, hot action and hot big business all round.
It's an open secret the pro wrestling is both theatre/showbiz as well as an extremly dangerous combat sports hybrid.
The pro wrestlers who get and stay at the top usally are great wrestlers with both strong technical ability, charismatic, tough as nails (mentally and physical), an who actually love the game and business of wrestling. Countless wrestlers and would be wrestlers have found out just how difficult the business is, and very few enjoy sustainable careers. These pros make it look easy (sort of), when it is anything but.
Fans, make no mistake - you are looking at the best of the best.
Aussie's, both the wrestlers and fans, did the Land Down Under proud.
Future Champ Picks: Waller, Statton and Paul.
Wrestler Booker Of The Year: Triple H
Heel Of The Year fav (thus far): Logan Paul
Get your official winners and results via the WWE website.
Videos via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
Randy Orton, Logan Paul and the Chamber Superstars brawl: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK56nLGAhtY&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
Full WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPipUwYWgXw&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Full Elimination Chamber Results and Highlights: WWE Now, Feb. 24, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grKZ_Cn22PY&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Rhea Ripley celebrates her emotional homecoming: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 exclusive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDboENIH8_U&ab_channel=WWE
Indi Hartwell is happy to be home in Australia: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 exclusive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDKTVQahCtk&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Top 10 moments from WWE Elimination Chamber 2024: WWE Top 10, Feb. 24, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Khhpxkcu410&ab_channel=WWE
Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rJDiNzSE_s&t=25s&ab_channel=WWE
WWE impacts the community in Perth, Western Australia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEBhY2QBRX0&ab_channel=WWE
WWE Elimination Chamber Press Event: Feb. 22, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7752CMfFEU&t=24s&ab_channel=WWE
Media Man Int
WWE Elimination Chamber (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_elimination.html
#WWEChamber #EliminationChamber #EliminationChamber #LoganPaul #TheMaverick #Prime #GraysonWaller #GWEffect #RheaRipley #NiaJax #TiffanyStratton #TiffyTime #IndiHartwell #TripleH #KevinOwens #KO #TKO #TKOGroup #RKO #CodyRhodes #SethRollins #OptusStadium #prowrestling #wrestling #wrestlingnews #Entertainment #entertainmentnews #popculture #showbiz #combatsports #legends #YouTube #Video #Videos #PLE #sportsbiz #sportstourism #trends #trending #Aussie #AussieAussieAussie #WesternAustralia #OptusStadium #buzz #media #mediaman
Image credit: WWE
Screen Actors Guild Awards
'Oppenheimer,' 'Succession,' 'Bear,' 'Beef,' Lily Gladstone score SAG Awards
Stunt and publicitiy stunts? Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning
Stars from Oppenheimer, Succession, The Bear, Beef, Killers of the Flower Moon and The Holdovers were the big winners at the Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles Saturday night.
The event honoring excellence in film and TV acting streamed live for the first time on Netflix.
Jennifer Aniston presented the SAG Life Achievement Award to Barbra Streisand.
Presenters included Jessica Chastain, Robert Downey Jr., Billie Eilish, America Ferrera, Brendan Fraser, Taraji P. Henson, Cillian Murphy, Issa Rae and Margot Robbie.
Oppenheimer won for Best Cast, Best Lead Actor for Murphy and Best Supporting Actor for Downey Jr.
Gladstone won for Best Lead Actress for Killers of the Flower Moon and Da'Vine Joy Randolph earned the honor for Best Supporting Actress for The Holdovers.
The stars of Succession won for Best Cast in a Drama Series, while Pedro Pascal won for Best Actor in a Drama Series for The Last of Us and Elizabeth Debicki won for Best Actress in a Drama Series for The Crown.
The ensemble of The Bear was named Best Cast in a Comedy Series, with its leads Ayo Edebiri and Jeremy Allen White picking up the Best Lead Actress and Actor in a Comedy Series Awards.
Ali Wong and Steven Yeun went home with the prizes for Best Actress and Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries for their work in Beef.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning won for Best Stunt Ensemble of a Movie and The Last of Us won for Best Stunt Ensemble in a TV Series.
Wrestling News
Australia and The Wrestling World Still Buzzing About WWE Elimination Chamber in Perth, Western Australia
(Amended version with some corrections) - Media Man crew somewhat fatigued after so much wrestling and combat sports news and happenings over past few weeks!!!
Heels To Babyfaces; Land Down Under Bizzaro Land Aka Canada In Bret 'Hitman" Hart prime era; Not Quite Parts Unknown any more; Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome - Eat Your Heart Out
Stunning Reaction And Super Pop For Cody Rhodes Sure, there were winners and losers, but the fans won, the WWE and the pro wrestling industry won.
Greatest Tourism Promo Ever For Western Australia?
Dream Exposure Won
Usual heels went to babyfaces such as Tiffany Stratton who the Aussie's just loved, then there was the 'Aussie Icon' Grayson Waller who had almost 100 percent fan support (apart from a few hardcore "Cody Cry Babies"), which his on screen mate Austin Theory went along with - and it cost the hitman! (who got hit and then some).
"The Maverick" Logan Paul aka "Prime Heel" in some circles also drew plenty of cheers and wows, despite trying to be hated so much at the WWE media event the day prior. Heel (bad guy) or not, Stratton's Tiffy Time, Swanton off the pod, Paul's flying cross body off the pod, and Waller's shoey with Aussie UFC living legend "Bam Bam" Tai Tuivasa won over the crowd. Mr GW Effect enjoyed a shoey with South Australia's own Rhea "Bloody" aka "Mami" Ripley the day before at the presser - just in case there was any confusion.
The man you love to hate, Logan Paul, made sure to bring his markers into the pod and drew some mean devil horns and other graffiti aimed at rival Kevin Owens. These two fought tooth, nail and brass knux, until it was time for Randy Orton to put Paul out of his Aussie heatwave-like misery with the RKO. Aussie Indi Hartwell was pumped just to be competing in her native Australia (just as well as her team came away with the official L for loss). Big Bronson Reed from Adelaide, South Australia didn't attend as he was busy being new and proud father. Great to see more pro wrestlers with their work/life balance more in tune than what was the case many decades ago where wrestlers burnt the candle at both ends - sometimes costing them the ultimate price.
Australia's world champ, Rhea Ripley defended her title against Nia Jax in a hard fought and exciting match that featured a superplex, Samoan drop, tables and plenty of brutality. This new and current era under Triple H, Nick Khan, Shawn Michaels (WWE NXT) and a select number of folks in the brains trust (recalling the late Bobby "The Brain" Heenan), is absolutely thriving. If you didn't get the memo, Logan Paul won Media Man's MVP Of The Card (men), neck and neck with Tiffany Stratton who has converted thousand of Aussie's to Tiffy Time in and around the international date line. Hot heels, hot action and hot big business all round.
It's an open secret the pro wrestling is both theatre/showbiz as well as an extremely dangerous combat sports hybrid. The pro wrestlers who get and stay at the top are usually great wrestlers with both strong technical ability, charisma, tough as nails (mentally and physically), and who actually love the game and business of wrestling. Countless wrestlers and would be wrestlers have found out just how difficult the business is, and very few enjoy sustainable careers. These pros make it look easy (sort of), when it is anything but. Fans, make no mistake - you are looking at the best of the best.
Aussie's, both the wrestlers and fans, did the Land Down Under proud.
Future Champ Picks: Waller, Stratton and Paul.
Wrestling Booker Of The Year: Triple H
Heel Of The Year fav (thus far): Logan Paul
Get your official winners and results via the WWE website.
Videos via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
Randy Orton, Logan Paul and the Chamber Superstars brawl: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=YK56nLGAhtY&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
Full WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 highlights https://youtube.com/watch?v=MPipUwYWgXw&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Full Elimination Chamber Results and Highlights: WWE Now, Feb. 24, 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=grKZ_Cn22PY&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Rhea Ripley celebrates her emotional homecoming: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 exclusive https://youtube.com/watch?v=cDboENIH8_U&ab_channel=WWE
Indi Hartwell is happy to be home in Australia: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 exclusive https://youtube.com/watch?v=tDKTVQahCtk&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Top 10 moments from WWE Elimination Chamber 2024: WWE Top 10, Feb. 24, 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=Khhpxkcu410&ab_channel=WWE
Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 highlights
https://youtube.com/watch?v=1rJDiNzSE_s&t=25s&ab_channel=WWE
WWE impacts the community in Perth, Western Australia https://youtube.com/watch?v=LEBhY2QBRX0&ab_channel=WWE
WWE Elimination Chamber Press Event: Feb. 22, 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=T7752CMfFEU&t=24s&ab_channel=WWE
Media Man Int
WWE Elimination Chamber (Media Man Int)
http://mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_elimination.html
Pro Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
@nwa
Billy Corgan and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Announce Deal With The CW Network
"The CW has made a big commitment to sports, and they have an incredible top-tier streaming platform. The network’s audience represents a very wide swath of American culture—which wrestling has always been a key part of. This partnership gives us the opportunity to reach that audience more readily. We’re excited to get the chance to show there are other voices in professional wrestling. With NWA, there’s honesty, integrity, and a different level of swagger, because it’s coming from the underground. It’s similar to rock ‘n’ roll in this respect. With The CW behind us, we’re pulling NWA into the light where fans can appreciate its authenticity" Billy Corgan
BILLY CORGAN & NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE (NWA) ANNOUNCE DEAL WITH THE CW NETWORK
STREAMING FLAGSHIP PROGRAM NWA POWERRR & MARQUEE EVENTS SUCH AS PARANOIA NOW
MUCH ANTICIPATED NWA SIGNATURE LIVE EVENT HARD TIMES 2024 ON MARCH 2 FROM DOTHAN, AL SLATED TO BE MONUMENTAL PROGRAMMING ON NWA POWERRR
MUCH ANTICIPATED NWA SIGNATURE LIVE EVENT HARD TIMES 2024 ON MARCH 2 FROM DOTHAN, AL SLATED TO BE MONUMENTAL PROGRAMMING ON NWA POWERRR
SET TO PREMIERE UNTITLED UNSCRIPTED SERIES STARRING BILLY CORGAN IN 2024
Billy Corgan and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Announce Deal With The CW Network
Feb 21, 2024
LOS ANGELES, C.A. (News Release) — GRAMMY® Award-winning founder of The Smashing Pumpkins and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) President Billy Corgan proudly announces an exclusive streaming deal for NWA with The CW. Under this newly minted all-encompassing partnership, multiple NWA programs will be streaming and on-demand via The CW platform and portal in the United States.
Democratizing access to action-packed wrestling from some of the sport’s biggest, boldest, and brightest personalities, all programming is notably available free of charge and without a subscription via The CW app. It represents a monumental power move for NWA. The partnership not only amplifies the brand’s presence throughout popular culture and the zeitgeist, but it also sets a precedent for wrestling, at large.
Flagship program NWA Powerrr is live on the platform now and features ‘Return to Robarts’ programming emanating from the historic Robarts Arena in Sarasota Florida. New episodes air weekly on Tuesdays with past seasons also available to stream. Additionally, the much-anticipated Paranoia Live Event on Powerrr is also now available on The CW. Shot on January 13, 2024 at Revolution Live in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, the signature live event Paranoia features some of the league’s top stars and a myriad of thrilling high-octane matches. Next up, the massive signature live event Hard Times 2024 will premiere on the platform as part of future episodes of NWA Powerrr, streaming on both http://CWTV.com and the CW app.
Additionally, a brand new unscripted untitled series about Corgan’s life, family, role as President of NWA, and his “day job” will also debut on The CW later this year. Co-produced by Corgan’s own production company Lightning One Inc. and Nacelle Company, it offers an unprecedented vignette into every dimension of his world with unparalleled candor.
Corgan continues to deepen the storied mythos and legacy of NWA—one of the oldest and most prestigious professional wrestling brands in the world. He has carefully curated matches and sought-out exciting new talent, building a haven for future superstars to shine with attitude, integrity, power, and panache.
As such, NWA currently serves as a home to the likes of EC3, Matt Cardona, “Thrillbilly” Silas Mason, Trevor Murdoch, Thom Latimer, The Immortals (Odinson and Kratos), Blunt Force Trauma (Damage and Carnage), Aron Stevens, Austin Idol, The Insane Clown Posse’s Violent J, The Brothers of Funstruction Yabo and Ruffo, Colby Corino, Mims, Max the Impaler, “The Sinister Minister” Father James Mitchell, Burchill, Bryan Idol, Natalia Markova, Kerry Morton, Alex Taylor, May Valentine, among others.
With more heavyweights, more drama, and the most bravado, Billy Corgan, The CW, and NWA will enthral and thrill inside and outside of the ring throughout 2024 and beyond. Stay tuned.
NWA Official YouTube Channel
http://youtube.com/nwa
Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro
In Case You Blinked And Missed It
Crypto’s catch-up - Feb 23, 2024
Market picture
The crypto market rebounded in the overnight session, supported by a return of optimism in stocks after a cheering Nvidia report. The crypto capitalisation was up over 1% in 24 hours.
The impressive gains were much stronger than the market, with BNB up 5% in one day and 10.5% in seven days, compared to BTC's +0.6% and -0.9% over the same periods. Still, BNB is playing catch-up over a broader time frame.
Bitcoin managed to hold above $50K on Wednesday, where it found buyers and is once again trading at its preferred level of $52K, near which we see daily opens and closes for the eighth consecutive day.
Ethereum proved earlier in the day that it is in rapid growth mode, characterised by lightning-fast corrections. On Thursday morning, the price was back above $3000, close to the highest since April 2022.
News background
Ophelia Snyder, president of 21Shares, said the launch of the Bitcoin ETF was a great success, but the financial gap between the largest issuers could leave three to five funds in the market.
The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said it had de-anonymised several cryptocurrency wallets belonging to the hacker group LockBit and imposed sanctions on those associated with them.
The unidentified Ethereum whale transferred 1,732 ETH (~$5.15 million) to the Kraken crypto exchange after 8.5 years of inactivity. According to on-chain data, the address received 3,465 ETH (~$10.3 million) in an initial coin offering on Ethereum Genesis at $0.31.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said he welcomed the launch of ETFs tied to XRP and expressed optimism about spot ETFs on other cryptocurrencies.
The US Department of Justice has sought a court order to limit the disclosure of confidential information about the case between US authorities and former Binance exchange chief Changpeng Zhao.
US-based Circle, the company behind the second most popular stablecoin USDC, unexpectedly announced the end of support for the Tron blockchain.
Altcoins’ reverse traction
Market picture
The crypto market hit multi-month highs on Tuesday but started Wednesday with a frightening decline.
Ethereum lost around 2%, pulling back to $2929, which is the scale of the fall in Solana. Cardano is down 5%, and XRP is down 3%. Bitcoin has managed to avoid a sell-off without replicating the upward momentum observed in recent days.
Technically, Ethereum's pullback to $2700 is a correction of this month's rally and should not cause much alarm. However, a break below this level could be a cause for concern.
According to AllianceBernstein, Ethereum is virtually the only alternative to Bitcoin that can get ETF approval from the SEC. The likelihood of ETH ETF approval is almost 50% for launch by May and almost 100% in the next 12 months.
News background
According to Bloomberg, the growth of the crypto market is once again attracting retail investors with small deposits - they are starting to use apps like Robinhood to buy and sell digital assets.
Many market participants are predicting the start of the alt season, but some remain cautious. For example, Markus Thielen, head of 10x Research, points to the continued dominance of Bitcoin with a 51 per cent market share. In his view, the first cryptocurrency's dominance "needs to fall below 45%" for the altcoin season to begin.
The launch of spot ETFs in the US has had a positive impact on Bitcoin's order book liquidity and ability to trade at stable prices. This is the conclusion reached by Kaiko. BTC liquidity rose to its highest level since October 2023.
AI tokens saw a surge in activity last week on the back of the launch of OpenAI's Sora, with their total capitalisation exceeding $15 billion and the Worldcoin token (WLD) hitting an all-time high.
E-commerce giant eBay has changed its stance on non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and is likely to exit the space in the near future. The company has laid off more than 30% of the staff at its NFT marketplace, KnownOrigin. According to CoinGecko, NFT turnover across the top 10 blockchains fell 55.1% to $11.8 billion in 2023, with 72% of this value related to NFTs on Ethereum.
(Source: FxPro)
Combat Sports
UFC
@ufc
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 aka UFC Fight Night 237 and UFC on ESPN+ 95)
"The Assassin Baby" vs Royval - Re-Match
February 24, 2024
Arena CDMX. Mexico City, Mexico
Video and hype via the offcial and award winning UFC YouTube Channel
UFC Mexico: Fighter Faceoffs
https://youtube.com/watch?v=lVShCnHI7jc&ab_channel=UFC
Moreno vs Royval 2 - Risk It All | UFC Mexico
https://youtube.com/watch?v=F6APdAT0KNk&ab_channel=UFC
"I think Joe what's most incredable is that when Brandon Moreno beat Jussier Formiga, Brandon Morenowas was not even in the UFC. You fast forward 7 months - he's got 2 submission wins"
"If he can win tonight, he legitimalty has a shot at a championship in less than 12 months"
"This kid's wild" Joe Rogan
Weigh-In Highlights | UFC Mexico
https://youtube.com/watch?v=sCg8JG234oQ&ab_channel=UFC
Brian Ortega, Tarek El Moussa, UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 Picks | UFC Unfiltered
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yGby85KMTDQ&ab_channel=UFC
UFC Unfiltered w/ Jim Norton and Matt Serra
Matt and Jim are joined by 4th-ranked UFC featherweight Brian Ortega and real-estate TV personality Tarek El Moussa on this episode of UFC Unfiltered. Today’s show is one marked by a series of brief cameos — beginning with Mrs. Serra briefly joining her husband in the show’s intro and shortly thereafter with Ortega hopping on the call alongside coach Rener Gracie. Looking to get back to his winning ways in his first fight since injuring his shoulder 19 months ago, Ortega reflects back on what went right for him in the cage against Yair Rodriguez in his last fight before the untimely injury put an unceremonious end to the contest. A proud Mexican American set to fight in his parents’ home country for the first time in his career, Ortega gets candid about what it means to be in the co-main slot of Saturday’s card in Mexico City against a Mexican-born fighter like Yair Rodriguez — especially now that there are added title implications with Ilia Topuria as the UFC’s newly-crowned featherweight champion. Then, Jim and Matt are joined by real-estate TV star Tarek El Moussa, who begins his interview with a stroll down memory lane of how he became a UFC superfan before explaining the details of his incredible life story captured eloquently in his newly-released book titled: “FLIP YOUR LIFE: How to Find Opportunity in Distress - in Real Estate, Business, and Life”. When Tarek hops off the call, the guys wrap up the show with some picks for the two rematches atop Saturday’s card, Ortega’s fight against Yair Rodriguez in the co-main event and Brandon Moreno’s rematch against Brandon Royval in the main event. (Credit: UFC)
Muhammad Naimov Post-Fight Interview | UFC Mexico
https://youtube.com/watch?v=x2AbVE77eTk&ab_channel=UFC
ESPN MMA Official YouTube
Tracy Cortez's thoughts on the UFC Mexico fight card & her potential comeback | ESPN MMA
https://youtube.com/watch?v=salzf4zm40s&ab_channel=ESPNMMA
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Royval 2 Main Card
Manuel Torres vs Chris Duncan
Manuel Torres (14-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on Chris Duncan (11-1, fighting out of Tullibody, Scotland) in a lightweight battle
Yazmin Jauregui vs Sam Hughes
Yazmin Jauregui (10-1, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) battles Sam Hughes (8-5, fighting out of Dallas, TX) at strawweight
Raul Rosas Jr. vs Ricky Turcios
Raul Rosas Jr. (8-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, NV) clashes with Ricky Turcios (13-3, fighting out of Houston, TX) at bantamweight
Daniel Zellhuber vs Francisco Prado
Danel Zellhuber (14-1, fighting out of Mexico City, Mexico) battles Francisco Prado (12-1, fighting out ofSan Lorenzo, Santa Fe, Argentina) in an exciting lightweight bout
Co-Main Event: Yair Rodriguez vs Brian Ortega
A five-round co-main event sees No. 2 featherweight Yair Rodriguez (16-4, 1NC, fighting out of Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico) face No. 3 Brian Ortega (15-3, 1NC, fighting out of Los Angeles, CA)
Main Event: Brandon Moreno vs Brandon Royval
Flyweights collide in the main event as No. 1 flyweight contender Brandon Moreno (21-7-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on No. 3 contender Brandon Royval (15-7, fighting out of Englewood, CO)
Credit and special thanks: UFC
Media Man Int
UFC 2024 (Media Man Int) *in progress
http://mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_2024.html
UFC: News (Media Man Int) *in progress
http://mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_news.html
Combat Sports
PFL Champs vs Bellator Champs
24 February, 2024
Kingdom Arena. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Bellator Heavyweight Champion, Ryan Bader vs Renan Ferreira. Bader wins with quick 20 second KO!
Eblem vs Kasanganay
Johnny Eblen aka The Human Cheat Code was the strong fav
Eblen 500 fav
Kasanganay was +360 underdog
PFL CHAMPS VS BELLATOR CHAMPS: Live Stream
https://youtube.com/watch?v=zjp3fw8WgwQ&ab_channel=PFLMMA
PFL CHAMPS vs BELLATOR CHAMPS: COLD OPEN!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=s2k-J0_ZehA&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Mike Tyson Open for PFL Champs vs Bellator Champs!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=EWUoxKmPhw4&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Francis Ngannou Makes A Big Announcement | PFL vs Bellator Fight Week - VLOG Series Ep. 5
https://youtube.com/watch?v=9w58U2qVLLo&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Betting The PFL: Episode 1 - PFL Champs vs Bellator Champs
https://youtube.com/watch?v=r-iWDltO2WI&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Preview
More great highlights and moments being added to the official PFL YouTube channel
PFL Official YouTube
http://youtube.com/@PFLMMA
More Videos
Chael Sonnen Official YouTube
Chael Sonnen talks Bellator vs PFL in Saudi Arabia on this episode of Beyond the Fight
https://youtube.com/watch?v=JTS-zqqi9mA&ab_channel=ChaelSonnen
Quotes
Impa Kasanganay:
"I don't even consider weight classes," Kasanganay told ESPN. "I'm not trying to be the best middleweight or light heavyweight in the world. I'm focused on being the best fighter possible. Whether it's at 170 pounds or 265 pounds, it's just a different form of discipline."
Media
IYADH, SAUDI ARABIA (FEBRUARY 11, 2024) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Riyadh Season have announced tickets for the first-ever mega MMA event of the year, PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions.
Background
The PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions weigh-ins will take place at The Kingdom Arena on the 23 February at 6 pm KSA time.
Emanating live from Saudi Arabia, an emerging hotspot for global sporting events, PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions is an unprecedented fight card that will feature World Champions and the biggest names in combat sports going head to head in the PFL SmartCage. The event will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Headlining the card will be a battle between Heavyweight titleholders, as PFL Heavyweight Champion, Renan Ferreira meets Bellator Heavyweight Champion, Ryan Bader. PFL Light Heavyweight Champion, Impa Kasanganay, who will fight at 185-pounds takes on Bellator Middleweight Champion, Johnny Eblen. Two-time PFL Champion Ray Cooper III faces Bellator Welterweight Champion, Jason Jackson, and in the featherweight action, PFL Champion Jesus Pinedo meets Bellator Champion Patricio Pitbull.
The card will also feature the first-ever female MMA fight in Riyadh in which two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and women’s boxing champion Claressa Shields takes on Kelsey DeSantis in a Women’s Lightweight bout. PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions will also see Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh, make his professional MMA debut. Other notable fighters on the card are Saudi Arabia's own Abdullah Al-Qahtani, Thiago Santos, Yoel Romero, Clay Collard, AJ McKee, Aaron Pico, and many more.
The inaugural PFL PPV Super Fight event will be available on ESPN+ PPV and DAZN beginning at 3 pm ET. In addition, three major showcase bouts will take place during the preliminary card airing in the U.S. on ESPNEWS and ESPN+ in the U.S. beginning at 12 pm ET.
PFL is the only organization in MMA with a sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same percentage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience. PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.
Riyadh Season attracts people from all over the world to experience a wide range of international martial arts and boxing events. It also offers various entertainment options and international experiences. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy thousands of concerts, exhibitions, and other events in Riyadh. This unique entertainment includes participation from celebrities and well-known brands.
ABOUT RIYADH SEASON
Saudi Arabia's capital embraces one of the world's biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. For more information, please contact Riyadh Season Media Center via email: media@riyadhseason.sa
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league worldwide. PFL has five live fight franchises, offering year-round content: PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Challenger Series, PFL International Leagues, and Bellator. Founded in 2018, PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors including SRJ, Ares, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sports business of this decade, with 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.
ABOUT SRJ SPORTS INVESTMENTS
SRJ (/Surge/) Sports Investments is a leading sports investor, wholly owned by PIF, and established to develop a world-class sports sector in Saudi Arabia and beyond. SRJ Sports Investments focuses on driving sustainable investment across technology, media, programming, IP rights, and commercialization of venues – serving the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and across the MENA region.
(Credit: PLF)
Aussies respond to Logan Paul’s Perth trash talk
Aussies have slammed Logan Paul’s Perth comments while politicians get involved in the “trash talk” and “beef”.
Wrestling-mania has hit a fever pitch in Australia as politicians respond to industry beef in the lead up to WWEs massive Elimination Chamber match in Perth on Saturday night.
Western Australian’s have been hitting back at Logan Paul after he slated Perth and said the city “sucks”.
Deputy Premier of Western Australia Rita Saffioti MLA took to Facebook to share a picture with the social media star turned wrestler with the caption: “Heard what Logan Paul said about Perth, so we had a few words backstage.”
The YouTuber turned exhibition boxer and now wrestler is the current WWE United States champion and will fight Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley, LA Knight and Kevin Owens in the main event Elimination Chamber match on Saturday night in Perth in a World Heavyweight Championship match.
Fans fear Paul may have lost some local support in the lead-up to the match after he trashed Perth on stage at a media event this week.
Paul took to the stage with his US championship belt and received a “tepid” response from the crowd.
“Oh, y’all going to yell at me huh?” Paul said. “You gonna boo me?
“I flew 30 hours to get booed?
“OK, if that’s the direction you want to go, we can go there.
“So it’s WWE’s first time coming to Perth and I’m going to personally make sure it’s the last.
“This place sucks guys. I said when they said we were coming to Perth, I said we gotta be going to Sydney instead.
“I mean even Taylor Swift went to Sydney instead of this dump.
“I’m serious, you Google the top 10 things to do as a tourist in Perth and No. 1 is go visit an island full of rats. Not so different from you people, huh? Yikes.
“We legit in the middle of nowhere. In the middle of the ocean. I swear, I’d rather be stranded in the middle of the ocean.
“Don’t be mad at me, this place sucks guys. Imma give you some fun facts. Gonna bring a bit of fun to your boring Australia lives. In tomorrow’s Elimination Chamber, I am the only champion competing. In tomorrow’s Elimination Chamber, I am the youngest opponent by a decade — no offence old men. It’s a new era and y’all about to be washed out.
So Perth, make no mistake — I’m only here because I have to be. I will win the Elimination Chamber. I will rematch Seth Rollins at WrestleMania. And I will become double champ”
“So Perth, consider yourselves Logan Paul’s stepping stone,” he told the crowd on Friday.
The comments on Ms Saffioti’s Facebook highlighted Western Australia’s civic pride.
“Well Done, He should have not said what he said on stage about our Beautiful city (of) Perth and WA at large, Shame on Him. He should apologise to WA Fraternity,” a concerned commenter wrote.
Trash talking is a key part of WWE entertainment.
On Thursday the official WWE X account posted a video of The Rock following sustained rumours he would be attending the Perth event.
“The Rock wishes he could be there in Perth,” he said in the video.
“He’s going to be there in spirit and that’s all that matters.”
He talked about the “bull-s-t” he believed was about to go down in Perth.
He said wrestlers Cody Rhodes and “his little girlfriend” Seth Rollins would be going on Australian wrestler Grayson Waller’s show The Waller Effect.
“If they start talking trash let The Rock know.
“Tell The Rock because here’s what’s going to happen- The Rock is going to slap the p*** out of both of them just like that.
“If they talk trash The Rock will fly down there to Perth before that interview is over and he’ll do it.”
In response, Western Australian Premier Roger Cook posted a letter addressed to “Mr Rock” from the Western Australian government.
“As Premier of Western Australia I feel compelled to inform The Rock there has been a lot of out-of-towners talking trash in the lead up to the Elimination Chamber,” the letter read in a possible reference to Paul’s comments.
“The state of Western Australia stands ready to assist The Rock in making ‘magic’ happen and provide logistical support so you can respond to this outrageous trash talk.
“The people of Western Australia would love to smell what The Rock is cooking.”
(News)
Desert gold: Newmont in bid to convert mines to cash - Feb 2024
The multinational US gold giant that swallowed Australia’s biggest goldminer Newcrest in a $26.2 billion merger is moving to sell half a dozen mines, including Telfer in the Pilbara and an adjoining gold and copper prospect called Havieron, in a bid to raise $3.05 billion in cash.
Telfer, a fly-in fly-out gold, copper and silver mine in West Australia’s Great Sandy Desert, was part of Newcrest’s portfolio along with the Cadia mine in NSW and Lihir mine in Papua New Guinea, when it was absorbed by Colorado-based Newmont last November.
Newmont, which also owns the Boddington gold mine 100 kilometres south-east of Perth, wants to sell Cripple Creek & Victor in the US, Akyem in Ghana and three Canadian gold mines – Porcupine, Musselwhite and Eleonore – along with Telfer. Two “non-core” projects, Havieron in Australia and Coffee Gold in Canada, are also on the seller’s list.
It first flagged plans to offload some of its newly acquired mines soon after closing its billion-dollar buyout of Newcrest, which left it with about 20 assets. That deal cemented its position as the world’s biggest gold producer by far.
Newmont said on Thursday it intended to divest assets it did not consider to be “tier 1”. It will hang on to three of its Australian mines – Boddington, Cadia and Tanami – and divest Telfer.
The company has already received interest from potential buyers, chief executive officer Tom Palmer told The Washington Post. “We have a number of tier 2 assets that are very good assets, run by very good people, but that don’t make our tier 1 category,” Palmer said.
Australia’s remaining large gold diggers, Northern Star Resources, whose shares climbed 22 per cent in the past year, and Evolution mining, up 6 per cent, have fared better than Newmont since the takeover. Its share price on the US exchange has slumped from a 2022 peak of $US84.77 to $US30.89 now.
“Newmont is not in a position to disclose projected valuations of any of our assets,” the company said when asked what Telfer might fetch.
About a year-and-a-half before the Newmont merger, Newcrest’s board approved a $214 million investment in Telfer’s West Dome Stage 8 to extend the mine’s operations into 2025, forecasting the 2022-23 financial year’s output at between 355 and 405 thousand ounces.
The mine’s gold-copper concentrates are trucked to Port Hedland and exported to various smelters, primarily in Asia. Spot prices for gold pushed up above $US2000 an ounce in late November, before hitting an all-time high in late December, a recent market analysis from NAB’s economics team says.
Prices have largely trended sideways since that time.
“At face value, this appears somewhat counter to the improving economic data – with inflation in the advanced economies tracking closer to target in late 2023, which spurred a rally in both equity and bond markets,” the bank’s economists said.
Reports suggest that central bank purchases of gold have been ramping up in recent times – most notably by China and Russia – which is underpinning global demand, NAB said. “We forecast gold prices to average $US2025/oz in 2024, up from around $US1942/oz in 2023.”
Newmont’s decision to sell its share of the Havieron gold and copper prospect, currently under exploration and development, may be complicated by its joint venture status with Greatland Gold, a UK registered company which owns about 30 per cent. Greatland was contacted for comment.
Newmont said it expected to produce 6.7 million ounces of gold annually by 2028 from 20 mines in 11 countries. The company reported adjusted earnings on Thursday of US50¢ a share over the fourth quarter, beating analyst expectations compiled by Bloomberg, and produced 5.5 million gold ounces in 2023, more than the consensus estimate.
More Evidence Comes to Light That Craig Wright is 'Probably Satoshi' - Feb 20, 2024
On Monday, during the COPA vs. Dr. Craig Wright trial in London, a witness testified that Wright is "probably the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto", creator of bitcoin. Qudos Bank’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO) David Bridges, testified that Wright worked with the Qudos Bank as an IT expert during the year 2005. He told the Court Wright had given him several documents and papers, which he said "annoyed the hell of me" at the time.
Most of the documents pertained to the forensic and IT services Wright performed for the Australian mutual fund bank, Bridges said.
Bridges had previously stated that Wright proposed a system that could replace the traditional SWIFT network.
The trial, which is expected to continue through March, represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto and the foundational elements of bitcoin. The case will continue for the next 5 weeks.
"COPA's strategy aimed to dismantle Wright's claims through meticulous questioning and the presentation of evidence that questioned the authenticity of documents Wright had produced to support his claim to the Satoshi identity," writes Susie Violet Ford of Forbes.
Following Bridges testimony, Wright’s cousin, Max Lyman, was called to the stand next. Lyman confirmed that Wright had asked him to ‘run some code’ on his computer, which was not up to the task at the time. Lyman claimed Wright was running an eCommerce business at the time.
Lyman also revealed that he got the Bitcoin whitepaper but was curious about it coming from Wright.
From the court transcipt:
Q. You do not recall Craig sending you the Bitcoin whitepaper?
W. Craig sent many documents to me, that could have been one of them
Q. You do not recall that particular document?
W. No. They were all the same type of thing
Q. Do you have a detailed understanding of cryptocurrencies?
W. Detailed no. But fundamental from an IT systems perspectives.
Another key witness, Stefan Matthews, Chairman and CEO of nChain Group, also supported the notion that Wright is Satoshi.
Calvin Ayre, a billionaire investor in the nChain platform and leading proponent of the BSV blockchain, offered his take on Matthews witness testimony.
"If the judge did not know COPA was a fraud after they turned down Craig's generous offer to settle…he does now. I am even more convinced that Craig has already won this case. This is going to change things...but COPA will continue to attack Craig even when they lose this as this is about killing competition not about who is Satoshi and that fight will go on."
The trial continues on Wednesday.
Beyond the Blockchain: Elevating Your Entertainment with the Best Bitcoin Casinos
Welcome to the thrilling world where entertainment meets innovation – the realm of the best Bitcoin casinos.
Beyond the blockchain, a new era of gaming awaits, promising excitement, rewards, and an experience like no other. Let's dive into the heart of this digital playground and discover how it can elevate your entertainment.
Roll the Dice, Not the Coins: The Seamless Experience of Bitcoin Transactions
In the best Bitcoin casinos, the game isn't just about the cards; it's about the seamless dance of Bitcoin transactions. Picture this: swift deposits, lightning-fast withdrawals, and a digital wallet that feels as light as a feather. No more grappling with traditional banking processes or waiting for the stars to align for your funds to land.
The beauty of it all? The blockchain ensures a transparent and secure process. Your transactions become as smooth as a well-played hand of cards, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the game. So, roll the dice, not the coins, and let the best Bitcoin casinos show you how effortless gaming can be.
- B.E. Delmer, Gambling911.com
Digital Diversity: A Feast of Games Awaits in Bitcoin Casinos
Gone are the days when a casino was just about a deck of cards and a roulette wheel. In the best Bitcoin casinos, the digital landscape unfolds into a feast of games that cater to every taste. Whether you're a card shark, a slot enthusiast, or someone who enjoys the strategic dance of poker, there's a game with your name on it.
The variety is not just in the games but also in their themes and experiences. From the glitz of Vegas to the mystical realms of ancient civilizations, the best Bitcoin casinos transport you to different worlds with each click. So, why settle for the same old routine? Dive into the digital diversity, explore the vast array of games, and let the entertainment buffet begin.
Exclusive Perks and Rewards: Your Ticket to the VIP Section
In the best Bitcoin casinos, loyalty is not just appreciated; it's celebrated. As you embark on your digital gaming journey, loyalty programs and exclusive perks await. Consider it your golden ticket to the VIP section of the casino – a place where the rewards are as plentiful as a jackpot win.
Earn loyalty points with every spin, every deal, and watch as the doors to exclusive benefits swing open. Faster withdrawals, personalized support, and invitations to special events are just a few of the perks of being a valued player. The best Bitcoin casinos ensure that your loyalty is recognized and richly rewarded.
The Digital Showdown: Strategies for Dominating Bitcoin Casino Games
In the digital showdown of Bitcoin casino games, it's not just about luck; it's about mastering the art of strategic play. Whether you're a seasoned card shark or a beginner testing the waters, having a game plan can make all the difference. Consider it as entering a poker game with a winning hand – preparation is key.
First and foremost, understand the rules of the games you're diving into. Knowing the ins and outs gives you a competitive edge, whether it's blackjack, poker, or the spinning reels of a slot machine. Next, consider employing a betting strategy that aligns with your risk tolerance. Are you the daring high roller or prefer a more cautious approach?
Furthermore, embrace the power of pacing. In the fast-paced world of Bitcoin casino games, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and make impulsive decisions. Take a breath, pace yourself, and remember that each game is a marathon, not a sprint. The digital showdown awaits, and with a strategic mindset, you'll be ready to dominate the Bitcoin casino arena.
Crypto Trends: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Bitcoin Casino Innovations
Just like the ever-changing currents of the digital ocean, the landscape of Bitcoin casino innovations is in constant flux. To stay ahead of the game, you must ride the waves of crypto trends and navigate the evolving sea of possibilities. Think of it as being on the cutting edge of a digital revolution – the early adopter who reaps the rewards.
One significant trend is the integration of new cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin. While Bitcoin remains a stalwart in the crypto world, other digital currencies like Ethereum and Litecoin are making their mark in the best Bitcoin casinos. Keeping an eye on these emerging trends can open up new opportunities for diversifying your gaming experience.
Additionally, watch out for the rise of blockchain-based games. These innovative creations leverage the power of blockchain technology to offer transparent, secure, and provably fair gaming experiences. It's not just about spinning reels or dealing cards; it's about immersing yourself in the next generation of digital entertainment. So, set your sights on the horizon, navigate the crypto trends, and be at the forefront of the evolving landscape of Bitcoin casino innovations.
Social Gaming Revolution: Connecting and Competing in Bitcoin Casinos
Gone are the days of solitary gaming – the social gaming revolution has arrived in Bitcoin casinos. Imagine sitting at a virtual poker table, interacting with players from around the globe, and sharing the thrill of victory in real time. It's not just about competing; it's about connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion for digital entertainment.
Joining tournaments, engaging in live chats, and participating in community forums are all part of the social gaming experience. It's like being in a bustling casino where the energy is contagious, except you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own space. The best Bitcoin casinos foster community, turning each game into a social event.
So, embrace the social gaming revolution, connect with fellow players, and experience the camaraderie of competing in the dynamic world of Bitcoin casinos.
It's not just about winning; it's about sharing the excitement with a global community of digital adventurers. The tables are set, the virtual cards are in the air, and the social gaming revolution is waiting for you to join the party.
WishTV Concludes: Your Adventure Awaits in the Best Bitcoin Casinos
As WishTV concludes, your adventure in the best Bitcoin casinos is about to unfold. Beyond the blockchain lies seamless transactions, diverse games, and exclusive perks.
It's time to elevate your entertainment, roll the dice in style, and let the best Bitcoin casinos show you a gaming experience like never before. The tables are set, the cards are dealt, and your seat is waiting. WishTV concludes, but your journey in the world of the best Bitcoin casinos is just beginning. Are you ready to play?
International visitation to Las Vegas jumps 39% in 2023
International visitation to Las Vegas jumped by 39% last year, led by a boost from Canadians and travel from the UK, Germany, and Australia. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority released preliminary estimates that showed the city attracted 4.74 million foreign visitors in 2023, 11.6% of the city’s 40.8 million visitors last year. By comparison, the 3.4 million foreign visitors in 2022 comprised 8.7% of the 38.8 million international visitors, up from 4% in 2021. The most recent high was 13.3% of the total in 2019.
New York judge deals another blow to Las Vegas Sands’ plans for Long Island casino
In a significant setback for the Las Vegas Sands’ ambitious plans to develop a multi-billion dollar resort and casino around the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, a state judge has declared that the company lacks a valid lease for the Coliseum and its surrounding land. State Supreme Court Justice Sarika Kapoor, the same judge who previously invalidated Sands’ lease with Nassau County in November, ruled that an additional agreement Sands had with the Coliseum’s previous leaseholder is also invalid.
Mohegan to stop managing Atlantic City casino at end of the year
Mohegan, the tribal gaming and entertainment company that owns Mohegan Sun, announced Friday it will stop managing Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, N.J., at the end of the year. Mohegan will retain its 10% ownership interest in Resorts, the company said in a news release. “We’re extremely proud of our relationship with Resorts Casino Hotel and what we have helped accomplish,” Ray Pineault, Mohegan’s president and chief executive officer, said in the release.
Acres unveils method to calculate a slot player’s gambling bankroll
Acres Manufacturing has developed a new benchmark of player value that uses slot machine data to gauge the size of a player’s gambling bankroll. The company’s Player Budget feature aims to replace average daily theoretical loss (ADT) and actual loss, the long-established formulas for ranking and marketing to players. “Theoretical (loss) is simply not accurate and actual loss is often misleading or manipulated,” the company’s Noah Acres said. With the data collected by Player Budget, “you can’t disguise your play, you can’t lie about it, you can’t trick the casino.
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes submit application for possible Idaho casino resort
In the newest update on a proposed casino resort in Mountain Home, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have submitted two applications for placing the 157 acres of land the tribes purchased into trust status and to allow gaming on the property. This is the next step in turning the parcel of land into a casino/resort complex that would have a hotel, gaming, an event center, restaurants, an amphitheater, video arcade, bowling alley and movie theater.
California, Oklahoma, and compacting: not an easy process
When you walk into an Indian-owned casino in California, you won’t hear balls dropping onto roulette wheels or fast-paced whoops and groans at the craps tables. Rather, you’ll see a roulette-style wheel filled with cards and a far slower-paced crowd at the craps table. Ball and dice games are not currently legal in California’s Indian casinos, so the tribes have found workarounds to offer games similar to those found in neighboring Nevada. In order to offer gambling at all, tribes in many states, including California and Oklahoma, are required to compact with their state governments.
What Florida sports betting looks like with Hard Rock Bet at the Daytona 500
Chuck Floyd had never bet on a sporting event in his life until he walked under a white canopy tent Monday, pulled out his phone and put $10 on fellow Virginian Denny Hamlin to win the Daytona 500. Floyd’s play would have seemed unthinkable a decade ago but represents another step in the ongoing evolution of Florida sports betting: He was placing a legal wager inside Daytona International Speedway, where Hamlin and his NASCAR colleagues would soon be competing in one of the state’s biggest sporting events.
ABC & SBS Claim Big Tech “Threatened” To Remove Their Apps Unless They Stumped Up Huge Placement Fees
If anyone is a fan of drama then we recommend you head over to the Parliament of Australia website where a heated battle is ensuing between FTA television and streaming platforms.
FTA television networks including ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine, and Network 10 are appearing before the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee today, to argue that anti-siphoning laws should be strengthened to protect local content makers.
FTA networks SBS and ABC both say that big tech platforms (which we can assume to be Samsung and Amazon) “threatened” them with huge fees or removal from the app.
“In June 2018, the manufacturer of the best-selling connected TV in Australia wrote to SBS and advised that unless we agreed to a 15 per cent revenue share arrangement and a placement fee, SBS would be removed from the ‘app launcher’ on the TV homepage for that brand,” said James Taylor, managing director at SBS.
“In August 2023 we received notification from another platform operator that unless SBS agreed to pay them 30 per cent of the revenue we derived from being on their platform, they would exclude us entirely,” Taylor went on.
The second company had a market capitalisation of over USD$1.7 trillion he said, meaning we can assume this company to be Amazon.
Taylor then went on to say that it was “scandalous” that the large tech companies could get in the way of Aussies getting local content.
“It is frankly scandalous that these massive global tech firms can unilaterally insert themselves as gatekeepers between Australians and their free Australian content, trusted news and information – services that have been intentionally developed and underpinned by decades of public policy”.
ABC’s managing director David Anderson concurred that they too had received requests for large payments.
“On principle, we haven’t paid,” he said.
Talking about the importance of app prominence, Anderson said “If they can’t see us then aren’t there”.
“We want Australians to enjoy Australian content”.
Network bosses argue against TV manufacturers ‘clipping their ticket’
The bosses of Australia’s major free-to-air networks and public broadcasters say laws ensuring free-to-air apps are easily available on smart televisions are essential to push back against the unfair influence of international TV manufacturers.
At a Senate hearing on Friday, SBS boss James Taylor and ABC managing director David Anderson accused international TV manufacturing giants of effectively holding the broadcasters to ransom. Taylor said SBS was warned by one company it would remove or hide the SBS On Demand app if it did not agree to a 15 per cent revenue share and placement fee.
“When SBS refused to pay, the manufacturer carried through on their threat, making it much harder for audiences to find the SBS On Demand app,” Taylor told the hearing in Canberra.
Anderson said the ABC had also been asked to pay for access, and the bosses of Australia’s free-to-air networks backed up this claim.
He said television manufacturers such as Samsung and Sony were the gatekeepers of access to content for Australians, with the ability to remove and restore access on their devices.
Media executives appeared in front of the hearing into legislation that would mandate app placement on new internet-connected televisions. Executives from the public broadcasters, alongside Nine (owner of this masthead), Seven and Ten support the legislation, and argued they could not compete with the financial power of the likes of Netflix and Disney+, and needed to have their apps placed prominently on smart TVs.
Outgoing Seven chief executive James Warburton said the changes were necessary as viewing habits changed, with about 50 per cent of TV viewing expected to be digital by 2027, up from 20 per cent currently.
“We can’t compete with the global players … You get blown out of the water,” he said.
“Everyone wants a clip of the ticket, a clip of the revenue between 10 and 20 per cent to actually be on the service. We’re just asking for a fair crack,” Warburton said.
Beverley McGarvey, the local executive of Paramount, which owns Network 10, said it took her “45 minutes to find the 10Play app” on a new LG television, saying Australians should not have to search to find free services.
“If you don’t want us, fine. Flick us to the back. But the consumer should know that we are available and free,” McGarvey said.
Nine Entertainment boss Mike Sneesby said: “These deals being done offshore between big tech companies and big streaming companies are effectively just taking away those spots. Not even if we wanted to pay a price could we get them, and we’ve seen that as competition has grown … those global deals have just pushed Australian content off the front screen and we have no control.”
Representatives from Netflix, appearing for the first time in Canberra, said the company supported most of the new scheme but argued preference should not be extended to the networks in search. It also said the legislation should not mandate the positioning of tiles or apps on television home screens.
Ben Cox, director of business development in the region for Netflix, said the company had invested more than $1 billion on new Australian and Australian-related titles in the past four years – including more than $500 million on new programming for children and young adults – leading to the employment of “thousands of local cast and crew”.
The proposed legislation – which also includes updates to anti-siphoning rules that protect Australians’ access to view major sporting events for free – is part of a Labor government election pledge to protect local content.
Its opponents, which include Foxtel and major television manufacturers such as Samsung, argue discoverability isn’t an issue for Australians, and that the government should not be interfering with viewers’ freedom of choice.
Australian networks are pursuing digital-first strategies as audiences switch from traditional television to viewing through apps such as ABC iview, 9Now and SBS on Demand, alongside paid apps such as Netflix, Stan and Binge. In 2022, BBC boss Tim Davie went so far as to say the British broadcaster would switch off traditional television and radio transmissions within a decade.
But the online shift means the networks must compete in an increasingly crowded environment – not only against each other, but also against global companies with more capacity to pay for preferential app placement.
At the same time, commercial free-to-air advertising is in freefall, with revenue down 10 per cent in 2023.
Streamers are also facing problems of their own. After years of growth, subscriber figures have plateaued, prompting sustained price rises and advertising tiers to ensure long-term viability.
Why Google, Bing and other search engines’ embrace of generative AI threatens $68 billion SEO industry
Google, Microsoft and others boast that generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT will make searching the internet better than ever for users. For example, rather than having to wade through a sea of URLs, users will be able to just get an answer combed from the entire internet.
There are also some concerns with the rise of AI-fueled search engines, such as the opacity over where information comes from, the potential for “hallucinated” answers and copyright issues.
But one other consequence is that I believe it may destroy the US$68 billion search engine optimization industry that companies like Google helped create.
For the past 25 years or so, websites, news outlets, blogs and many others with a URL that wanted to get attention have used search engine optimization, or SEO, to “convince” search engines to share their content as high as possible in the results they provide to readers. This has helped drive traffic to their sites and has also spawned an industry of consultants and marketers who advise on how best to do that.
As an associate professor of information and operations management, I study the economics of e-commerce. I believe the growing use of generative AI will likely make all of that obsolete.
How online search works
Someone seeking information online opens her browser, goes to a search engine and types in the relevant keywords. The search engine displays the results, and the user browses through the links displayed in the result listings until she finds the relevant information.
To attract the user’s attentions, online content providers use various search engine marketing strategies, such as search engine optimization, paid placements and banner displays.
For instance, a news website might hire a consultant to help it highlight key words in headlines and in metadata so that Google and Bing elevate its content when a user searches for the latest information on a flood or political crisis.
How generative AI changes search process
But this all depends on search engines luring tens of millions of users to their websites. And so to earn users’ loyalty and web traffic, search engines must continuously work on their algorithms to improve the quality of their search results.
That’s why, even if it could hurt a part of their revenue stream, search engines have been quick to experiment with generative AI to improve search results. And this could fundamentally change the online search ecosystem.
All the biggest search engines have already adopted or are experimenting with this approach. Examples include Google’s Bard, Microsoft’s Bing AI, Baidu’s ERNIE and DuckDuckGo’s DuckAssist.
Rather than getting a list of links, both organic and paid, based on whatever keywords or questions a user types in, generative AI will instead simply give you a text result in the form of an answer. Say you’re planning a trip to Destin, Florida, and type the prompt “Create a three-day itinerary for a visitor” there. Instead of a bunch of links to Yelp and blog postings that require lots of clicking and reading, typing that into Bing AI will result in a detailed three-day itinerary.
Over time, as the quality of AI-generated answers improve, users will have less incentive to browse through search result listings. They can save time and effort by reading the AI-generated response to their query.
In other words, it would allow you to bypass all those paid links and costly efforts by websites to improve their SEO scores, rendering them useless.
When users start ignoring the sponsored and editorial result listings, this will have an adverse impact on the revenues of SEO consultants, search engine marketers consultants and, ultimately, the bottom line of search engines themselves.
The financial impact
This financial impact cannot be ignored.
For example, the SEO industry generated $68.1 billion globally in 2022. It had been expected to reach $129.6 billion by 2030, but these projections were made before the emergence of generative AI put the industry at risk of obsolescence.
As for search engines, monetizing online search services is a major source of their revenue. They get a cut of the money that websites spend on improving their online visibility through paid placements, ads, affiliate marketing and the like, collectively known as search engine marketing. For example, approximately 58% of Google’s 2022 revenues – or almost $162.5 billion – came from Google Ads, which provides some of these services.
Search engines run by massive companies with many revenue streams, like Google and Microsoft, will likely find ways to offset the losses by coming up with strategies to make money off generative AI answers. But the SEO marketers and consultants who depend on search engines – mostly small- and medium-sized companies – will no longer be needed as they are today, and so the industry is unlikely to survive much longer.
A not-too-distant future
But don’t expect the SEO industry to fade away immediately. Generative AI search engines are still in their infancy and must address certain challenges before they’ll dominate search.
For one thing, most of these initiatives are still experimental and often available only to certain users. And for another, generative AI has been notorious for providing incorrect, plagiarized or simply made-up answers.
That means it’s unlikely at the moment to gain the trust or loyalty of many users.
Given these challenges, it is not surprising that generative AI has yet to transform online search. However, given the resources available to researchers working on generative AI models, it is safe to assume that eventually these models will become better at their task, leading to the death of the SEO industry.
(AI)
The Truth About Black Hat Links And SEO: Understanding the Importance of Natural Backlinks
Black Hat Links - Blackhat Link Building. Anytime you pay someone to place, build a link, otherwise known as a dofollow HTML hyperlink, exchange a link or to outreach a link via a paid link building service it will always be regared as a blackhat link. There is no such thing as a paid do-follow whitehat backlink. It's all regarded as blackhat SEO
In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimisation (SEO), backlinks play a crucial role in determining a website’s visibility and ranking in search engine results. However, not all backlinks are created equal. Blackhat link building won’t achieve your long-term SEO or digital advertising goals.
There is an ongoing debate surrounding the legitimacy of different types of backlinks, particularly when it comes to dofollow links acquired through monetary transactions.
In this article, we aim to shed light on the subject and clearly explain why any form of buying, exchanging, or paying for a dofollow hyperlink is regarded as a blackhat link, while emphasizing the importance of naturally created, editorial backlinks.
Understanding Backlinks:
Before diving into the distinction between blackhat and whitehat backlinks, it is essential to understand what backlinks are and why they matter. Backlinks, also known as inbound links, are hyperlinks on external websites that direct users to your website.
Search engines view backlinks as indicators of a website’s credibility, popularity, and authority. The more quality backlinks a website has, the higher its chances of ranking well in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Black Hat Backlinks:
Black hat SEO techniques aim to manipulate search engine algorithms to artificially boost website rankings, often through unethical means. One common black hat practice involves purchasing or paying for dofollow backlinks.
These blackhat links are placed on other websites with the intention of artificially inflating a website’s authority and improving its ranking. By engaging in such practices, website owners and marketers attempt to bypass the natural process of earning backlinks, which is where the problem lies.
The Dangers of Blackhat Backlinks:
While black hat links may offer temporary gains in terms of search engine visibility, they come with severe consequences. Search engines, such as Google, have sophisticated algorithms that continually evolve to detect and penalise websites that engage in manipulative SEO practices.
If identified, a website employing blackhat techniques risks being penalized or even completely removed from search engine results, leading to a significant loss in organic traffic and potential customers.
Whitehat Backlinks:
In contrast to blackhat techniques, whitehat SEO focuses on ethical practices that align with search engine guidelines. When it comes to backlinks, the only type considered whitehat is an editorially and naturally created link.
This means that the link must be earned based on the quality and relevance of a website’s content, without any monetary transactions or explicit requests for backlinks.
Editorial backlinks typically result from other website owners, bloggers, or journalists voluntarily linking to a website because they genuinely find its content valuable and trustworthy.
The Importance of Natural Backlinks:
Natural backlinks are the backbone of a healthy and sustainable SEO strategy. By creating high-quality content, engaging with your target audience, and building relationships with influencers and industry experts, you increase the likelihood of earning organic backlinks.
These backlinks are a testament to the authority and value your website provides, and search engines recognize them as genuine endorsements from other trusted sources.
Unveiling the Path to Natural & Organic Backlinks
These virtual endorsements serve as crucial markers of a website’s credibility and authority, playing a vital role in its search engine rankings. However, the pursuit of these coveted backlinks has often been tainted by shady practices and blackhat strategies that breach search engine guidelines.
But fear not! In this groundbreaking exposé, we reveal the hidden pathway to acquiring natural and editorial backlinks that will skyrocket your website’s visibility without compromising your integrity.
Act I: Crafting Stellar Content
The foundation of any successful link-building campaign lies in the creation of extraordinary content that captivates audiences. Exceptional content possesses the power to inspire, educate, and entertain, prompting others to naturally reference and link back to it.
By investing time and effort into producing high-quality articles, blog posts, videos, or infographics, you cultivate a magnetic allure that attracts organic backlinks from enthusiastic content consumers.
Act II: Engaging with Influencers and Thought Leaders
Building relationships with influencers and thought leaders within your industry is a crucial step in the pursuit of authentic backlinks.
Engage with them by participating in meaningful discussions on social media platforms, attending industry conferences, or even collaborating on mutually beneficial projects.
When these influential figures recognise your expertise and value, they are more likely to cite and link to your content, providing a stamp of authority and credibility that search engines adore.
Act III: Leveraging Guest Blogging
Guest blogging has emerged as a valuable technique for obtaining natural backlinks. Seek out authoritative websites and blogs that align with your niche and offer to contribute insightful and valuable guest articles.
By providing well-crafted, original content that genuinely enriches the readers’ experience, you not only establish your expertise but also earn editorial backlinks within the content or author bio.
Remember, guest blogging should focus on building relationships and sharing knowledge rather than solely aiming for link acquisition. Pitch a great blog post, story or report instead of asking website owners to buy a placement.
Act IV: Infusing Your Content with Visual Appeal
Visual content has become increasingly popular, capturing attention and enhancing engagement. Create eye-catching infographics, videos, or images that convey information in a visually appealing manner.
These compelling assets can be easily shared and embedded on other websites, granting you organic backlinks that augment your website’s reach while adding aesthetic value to the linking sites.
Act V: Engaging in Online Communities and Forums
Communities and forums centered around your industry or niche offer immense potential for natural link acquisition. Actively participate in these platforms, providing thoughtful insights, solutions, and valuable information.
As you become a respected and trusted member, other community members are likely to reference your expertise by linking to your content. However, always ensure your contributions are genuine and add value rather than using forums solely as a link-building tool.
Professional Content Creation: Building a Network of Trust
The true beauty of investing in professional content creation lies in the building of a network of trust. By consistently delivering high-quality content that adds value to your target audience, you earn the loyalty and admiration of readers, influencers, and industry experts alike.
This network becomes a self-sustaining ecosystem, where recommendations and referrals abound, leading to a steady stream of organic backlinks from reputable websites.
Unlike the fleeting impact of a single blackhat link placement, this network fuels perpetual growth, establishing your website as a trusted authority and ensuring a constant influx of editorial backlinks.
Not everyone possesses the artistry of the written word, and that is perfectly acceptable. Recognizing your limitations and investing in a professional content writer can be a game-changer for your website’s success.
These skilled wordsmiths are adept at transforming your ideas and expertise into compelling narratives that engage and resonate with your target audience. By harnessing their talents, you can unlock the full potential of your content, elevating it to new heights and attracting perfectly natual hyperlinks endorsing your website in the search engines.
Embracing the Power of PR:
An avenue worth exploring is the world of public relations (PR). Accepting PR on your website opens doors to collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities for exposure.
By featuring guest articles, interviews, or expert opinions, you not only diversify your content but also forge valuable connections within your industry. These partnerships can lead to natural backlinks as fellow professionals and influencers link back to your website, recognizing the value you bring to the table.
The Ethical Triumph:
One must never underestimate the power of ethical practices in the realm of SEO. Engaging in natural backlink acquisition through powerful content and PR is not only effective but also aligns with the moral compass of search engine guidelines.
By focusing on providing valuable information, nurturing relationships, and creating a positive user experience, you build a foundation of trust and authenticity. This not only attracts organic backlinks but also fosters a loyal audience that will continuously seek out and share your exceptional content.
Not all backlinks are created equal
Not all backlinks are created equal, and this disparity lies in their quality. Quality backlinks possess several distinguishing features, including relevance, authority, and natural acquisition.
These links originate from reputable and trusted sources within the same industry or niche, aligning closely with the content and focus of the target website.
They are earned organically through the merit of the website’s content, as other webmasters and influencers voluntarily link to it due to its exceptional value.
On the other end of the spectrum, low-quality backlinks, often referred to as spammy or manipulative, can do more harm than good.
These links originate from dubious sources, irrelevant websites, or private blog networks (PBNs) created solely for the purpose of artificial link building. Such backlinks are acquired through unethical means, including link farms, paid link schemes, and other blackhat SEO practices that attempt to deceive search engine algorithms.
Engaging in these practices can lead to severe penalties, including decreased rankings, loss of organic traffic, or even being deindexed from search engine results.
The Impact on Search Engine Rankings
Backlinks, acting as digital endorsements, play a pivotal role in determining a website’s search engine rankings. Search engines analyse the quantity, quality, and relevance of backlinks when evaluating a website’s authority and popularity.
Websites with a diverse and substantial portfolio of high-quality backlinks from reputable sources are more likely to rank higher in search engine results, thus attracting increased organic traffic.
Nofollow vs. Dofollow: The Epic Saga Unveiled
In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimisation (SEO), the utilisation of link attributes has become a fundamental practice for website owners and marketers alike.
Two of the most prominent link attributes are nofollow and dofollow, each serving distinct purposes and playing vital roles in the vast realm of online linking strategies.
To understand the disparity between nofollow and dofollow, we must first grasp their underlying definitions. Nofollow is an HTML attribute added to a hyperlink, signaling search engine crawlers not to pass any authority or “link juice” to the linked page.
Essentially, these two attributes informs search engines that the linked website is unendorsed or untrusted. On the other hand, dofollow (also referred to as simply “follow”) is the default state for links, implying that search engines should follow the link and consider it as a signal for ranking purposes.
Nofollow links were originally introduced by search engines as a method to combat spam and prevent manipulation of search rankings. By implementing nofollow attributes, website owners could ensure that user-generated content, such as blog comments or forum posts, wouldn’t impact their site’s authority.
The nofollow attribute has proved to be instrumental in maintaining the integrity of search results, as it discouraged the proliferation of irrelevant or low-quality links.
Nofollow links for SEO purposes- The Shift
Search engines began to acknowledge that even though nofollow links didn’t pass authority, they still provided value in terms of referral traffic and brand exposure. Consequently, some SEO professionals started advocating for a more comprehensive approach that recognised the importance of nofollow links in a holistic SEO strategy.
Link Exchanges – The Grey Area
Link exchanges, also known as reciprocal linking, involve two websites agreeing to link to each other’s sites. This practice used to be a popular method for building backlinks and improving search engine rankings
While link exchanges were once considered a legitimate strategy, they are now generally viewed as a gray-hat or outdated technique. This is because the primary intent behind link exchanges is to manipulate search engine rankings rather than provide value to users.
When websites engage in excessive link exchanges solely for the purpose of link building, it can be seen as a manipulative practice, and search engines may penalise or devalue the links
Search engines have become more sophisticated
Search engines have become more sophisticated in assessing the quality and relevance of links. They now place greater emphasis on natural and organic link building, where websites earn links based on the merit of their content.
This includes attracting links through:
High-quality content
Outreach efforts
Social sharing
Building relationships with other authoritative websites.
Search engines serve as gatekeepers, guiding users to the most relevant and authoritative information. To accomplish this, search engines have evolved significantly, employing sophisticated algorithms that analyse over 200 factors to determine the value of hyperlinks.
As search engines have become more sophisticated, they have also developed mechanisms to detect manipulative practices that attempt to game the system. Techniques like buying links, link farms, and excessive reciprocal linking are frowned upon and can result in penalties or a loss of search engine visibility.
Detecting Manipulative Practices:
Search engines employ complex algorithms and machine learning models to identify unnatural link patterns, low-quality websites, and other indicators of manipulative practices. Regular algorithm updates, such as Google’s Penguin algorithm which launched in 2012, specifically target link spam and aim to reward genuine, high-quality links.
What is blackhat SEO?
Blackhat SEO techniques typically focus on exploiting vulnerabilities in search engine algorithms. Some common blackhat techniques include:
Keyword stuffing: Stuffing a webpage with excessive and irrelevant keywords to manipulate search engine rankings.
Hidden text and links: Adding text or links that are invisible to users but can be detected by search engines.
Cloaking: Presenting different content to search engines and users, effectively deceiving search engines about the actual content of a webpage.
Private blog networks (PBNs): Creating a network of interconnected blogs solely for the purpose of linking to a target website, artificially boosting its authority.
Link farming: Creating or participating in schemes to generate a large number of low-quality backlinks to a website, disregarding the relevance or quality of the links.
Content scraping: Copying content from other websites and republishing it without permission or proper attribution.
Negative SEO: Engaging in tactics that aim to harm competitors’ search engine rankings, such as building spammy backlinks to their websites.
It’s important to note that search engines, such as Google, actively penalise websites that engage in blackhat SEO practices. Penalties can range from a decrease in rankings to complete removal from search engine results.
Is buying social signals regarded as blackhat?
The practice of buying social signals, such as likes, shares, followers, or comments on social media platforms, is generally considered a gray area in the realm of SEO. It does not strictly fall into the category of blackhat SEO techniques, but it is also not considered a legitimate or ethical approach.
Buying social signals is primarily aimed at creating the appearance of popularity and engagement on social media platforms. The idea behind it is that a high number of likes, shares, or followers can make a social media account or website appear more reputable or influential to users and potentially attract organic engagement.
While it may seem tempting to purchase social signals to boost visibility or credibility, it is important to consider the potential risks and downsides.
Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, have algorithms in place to detect and combat artificial or fraudulent activity, including the purchase of fake likes or followers. If discovered, these platforms may penalise accounts by reducing visibility, suspending or banning them altogether.
Quality over Quantity:
Search engines have progressed from a simplistic view of link building, where the sheer quantity of hyperlinks held significant weight, to a more nuanced approach that prioritises link quality. Instead of focusing solely on the number of links, search engines now emphasise the relevance, authority, and natural acquisition of those links.
Relevance: Search engines evaluate the relevance of a hyperlink by examining the context of the linking and linked-to pages. A link from a website in the same industry or niche carries more weight than an unrelated one. The content surrounding the hyperlink, anchor text, and the keywords used provide valuable clues to search engines regarding its relevance.
Authority: The authority of a webpage is determined by its overall trustworthiness and reputation. Search engines assess the authority of a webpage based on the quality and quantity of its inbound links. A link from a reputable and authoritative website is considered more valuable than one from a low-quality or spammy source.
Natural Acquisition: Search engines aim to reward organic link building practices. They scrutinise the patterns and growth rate of a website’s link profile. A sudden influx of links or excessive reciprocal linking can raise red flags and potentially lead to penalties or devaluation. Instead, search engines favor links acquired naturally through the merit of a website’s content, earning recognition from other trustworthy sources.
Link Diversity: In addition to evaluating individual links, search engines also consider the diversity of a website’s link profile. A diverse link profile consists of links from various domains, including different types of websites, such as industry-specific directories, social media platforms, news sites, and blogs. This diversity signals that a website is being referenced and recommended by a wide range of sources, enhancing its credibility in the eyes of search engines.
The grey area of digital markting and hyperlinks
In digital marketing, there are certain practices and strategies related to links that fall into a gray area. These practices may not be explicitly considered blackhat SEO techniques but can still be seen as questionable or ethically ambiguous.
Some examples include:
Guest blogging for the sole purpose of link building: Guest blogging can be a legitimate strategy when done with the intention of providing valuable content to an audience. However, if the primary goal is solely to acquire backlinks, without focusing on the quality and relevance of the content, it can be seen as a gray area tactic.
Link exchanges and reciprocal linking: Exchanging links with other websites or participating in reciprocal linking schemes for the purpose of manipulating search engine rankings can be viewed as a questionable practice. Search engines prefer natural and organic linking patterns based on the merit of the content, rather than artificial link exchanges.
Sponsored or paid links without proper disclosure: Including links in sponsored content or paid partnerships without clear disclosure to users can raise ethical concerns. Transparency is crucial in digital marketing, and users should be aware of any paid or sponsored relationships that may influence the content they encounter.
Link schemes disguised as directories: Creating directories or listing websites primarily as a means to generate backlinks rather than providing valuable resources to users can be seen as a gray area tactic. Low-quality directories that exist solely for link building purposes can be frowned upon by search engines.
Backhat Backlinks Conclusion – Summary
In the realm of SEO, it’s essential to understand the difference between blackhat and whitehat techniques. Buying, exchanging, or paying for dofollow backlinks is considered a blackhat practice, as it aims to manipulate search engine algorithms and artificially inflate a website’s authority.
On the other hand, whitehat backlinks are editorially and naturally created, earned through the production of high-quality content and fostering genuine relationships with other website owners and influencers. It is crucial to prioritise ethical SEO practices, as search engines continue to prioritize authentic and user-centric experiences.
By focusing on creating valuable content and fostering organic connections, you can build a strong foundation of natural backlinks that will benefit your website’s visibility, authority, and long-term success.
Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE RAW
February 26, 2024
SAP Center. San Jose, California
Grayson Waller has just called out Cody Rhodes. Fortunately a production camera out the back of the arena got the footage! You can bet the likes of Drew McIntyre will keeping an eye on the situation at The Road To WrestleMania @WrestleMania continues. The GW Effect is in full swing and could strike again! Roman Reigns had a quite and private word with GW last week on SmackDown and the grand plan may still be getting executed. Prime Target - Rhodes! What's the status of "Hitman" Austin Theory - fresh off a Cody Cutter from Perth. Watch out for that Thunder From Down Under.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs Sami Zayn. Can Zayn find his own warrior within, or will the mysterious and deadly Nakamura put one more bullet in the career of SZ? Is SZ considering changing up his identity and going back to the roots of El Generico? Ole!
Imperium vs The New Day. It's a street fight. No "fruity pebbles" here. Not a neon spandex or Booty O cereal box in sight. Europe vs the USA.
Watch out for uninvited guests and tactics south of the border.
Raw GM Adam Pearce will once again be earning his danger money, as will the announers Michael Cole @MichaelCole and Pat McAfee @PatMcAfeeShow at ringside. The announce table better be double strong. Can MC's voice hold out after a massive few weeks? Will PM be stiring up the heels, babyfaces or both?
California Dreamin or California Nightmare?!
Video
Full Elimination Chamber Results and Highlights: WWE Now, Feb. 24, 2024
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Business News and Crypto News via Media Man and FX Pro
Feb 26, 2024
Ethereum as crypto growth driver
Market picture
The crypto market settles at a $2 trillion cap level, up 0.8% on the day. Altcoins are once again driving growth, while the first coin is flat, losing 0.5% in 24 hours, and Ethereum is up 2.5%. BNB adds just under 2%, enjoying a resurgence of interest in cryptocurrency trading. XRP and Cardano both lose 1%, dragging the market back down.
Bitcoin and Ethereum are the cryptocurrencies of choice for institutional speculators. Their obvious trade right now is betting on the approval of spot ETFs on ETH. Speculators are cautiously locking in profits in BTC, which has previously rallied on the same theme.
Remember that Ethereum's market capacity is smaller than Bitcoin's, which has a three times bigger market cap. This means that the price is more sensitive to changes in sentiment. Ethereum has gained 40% in 30 days, the best performance among the top 10 cryptos.
News background
About 90% of the bitcoins purchased by spot ETFs have gone to Coinbase's custodial platform, its CEO Brian Armstrong said. He stated that the exchange's custody service has accumulated more than $36 billion in BTC. The growing ETF market suggests that institutional capital is seriously considering bitcoin as one of the most reliable assets.
If the US SEC does not approve a spot Ethereum ETF in May 2024, it will do so by mid-2025, said attorney Scott Jonsson. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffarth believes the SEC won't take as long to process Ethereum ETF applications as it did with BTC, as a significant portion of the applications could be based on Bitcoin ETFs. S&P Ratings expects the SEC to approve applications to launch the ETF in May.
The court approves a $4.3 billion payment by Binance exchange to the US Department of Justice as part of a plea deal. According to the signed agreement, the platform agreed to take significant steps to ensure continued compliance with US laws.
According to CryptoSlam, total sales of non-replaceable tokens (NFTs) on the Solana network have surpassed $5 billion, with 43 million NFT transactions. The Solana blockchain has more than 2.2 million buyers and 1.6 million sellers of NFTs.
Internet forum Reddit invests surplus funds in Bitcoin and Ethereum. The cryptocurrency investment strategy started back in 2022.
Time for the dollar to choose a trend
Feb 26, 2024
The Dollar Index is giving up positions painfully slowly. It is under pressure for the ninth session in a row, but at the same time, the market is unable to accelerate or break this downtrend. Individual currency pairs are now testing critical local levels. The ability to finally break through them could set the trend for the coming weeks.
The Dollar Index has fallen from a high of 104.85 on February 14th to 103.7. This level was strong resistance from late November to early February. It could now act as support. This is also a historically important level for the Dollar Index as it was the peak in March 2020, which took 26 months to overcome.
It is logical to expect increased volatility in this area as this is where global trend selection takes place. A decisive move lower will open a quick path to last year's lows around 100.0. Approaching these levels will make the main scenario a further multi-month decline in the US currency, with a final target in the 90.0-92.5 range.
The ability to develop an offensive from these levels would demonstrate the strength of the dollar bulls after the pause. In this case, the DXY could quickly return to last year's October-November highs near106.8. This, in turn, should be followed by a recovery of the dollar to multi-year highs towards 114.5-115.0.
Keeping the dollar in balance this week rests on the shoulders of the 10 FOMC members who are scheduled to speak this week. On the macro data front, the market will be watching Thursday's Personal Income and Expenditure and PCE price indices.
On the technical front, the EURUSD, AUDUSD, and USDCHF are all trading around their 200-day moving averages, the GBPUSD is trading around its 50-day MA, and the USDJPY is approaching 151 level, where the pair made a brutal multi-week bearish reversal in October 2022 and November 2023.
Slowing inflation puts the franc on a downward path
Consumer inflation in Switzerland slowed to an annual rate of 1.3% in January, the lowest since October 2021. This is significantly lower than the 1.7% recorded in the previous month and was expected on average by analysts.
The current level is slightly above the local peaks seen in 2018 and 2010. However, throughout the period from 2009 to 2021, Switzerland has been actively easing policy to boost rather than dampen inflation.
An important driver of lower inflation has been the appreciation of the franc through the systematic sale of foreign exchange reserves by the Swiss National Bank. Now, there is clearly no need for such active measures. Moreover, the impending monetary policy reversal by the Fed, the ECB and the Bank of England sets the stage for a similar reversal by Switzerland, with consequences for the currency market.
The Swiss franc hit multi-year or all-time highs against many of its peers in the final days of last year, and since then, a reversal has been imminent. The USDCHF, for example, has risen 5.7% since the beginning of the year on the back of a simultaneous dovish shift in expectations from Switzerland and a hawkish shift from the US.
(Source: FxPro) with Media Man and Bitcoin News Media
Media Man Int
Bitcoin News (Media Man Int) www.mediamanint.com/articles/bitcoin_news.html
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Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE RAW
Feb 26, 2024
The New Day vs Imperium – Street Fight: Hype Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi6dlv8QPUY&t=22s&ab_channel=WWE
Nia Jax hits a sneak attack on Becky Lynch: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR0nlYVx6Rw&ab_channel=WWE
"Im sure Mami think's it's just another night to be on top" Pat McAfee @PatMcAfeeShow
"From behind, Nia Jax asalting Becky Lynch" Michael Cole @MichaelCole
And more highlights and moment being added to the official WWE YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/wwe
#WWERaw #WrestleMania #WrestlemaniaXL #WWEChamber #BeckyLynch #NiaJax #RheaRipley #squash #GWEffect #GraysonWaller #DingoDriver #broadcast #broadcasting #YouTube #Video #Videos #Aussie #Aussies #CodyRhodes #wrestling #prowrestling #entertainment #popculture #USANetwork #broadcast #broadcasting #LiveEntertainment #LiveSports #trends #trending #buzz #media
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
@WWE Raw
Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0qkU_wat6Y&t=5s&ab_channel=WWE
"Went for the helluva kick. Ran into a knee by Nakamura" - Michael Cole
"Second rope. Kinshasa from behind" Michael Cole
"Two perfectlh placed knees to the back of Sami Zayn's head. I thought that was it. I thought that this Road To WrestleMania was already over " Pat McAfee
The Judgment Day target Gunther’s title at WrestleMania: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLLF3wq_dMM&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Raquel Rodriguez vs. Chelsea Green: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE8WTnRUCqc&t=5s&ab_channel=WWE
Nia Jax hits a sneak attack on Becky Lynch: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR0nlYVx6Rw&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
The Rock returns to SmackDown in Arizona – SmackDown sneak peek
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw9-59aeXks&ab_channel=WWE
and more via the award winning official WWE YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/wwe
#WWERaw #CodyRhodes #AmericanNightmare #GraysonWaller #GWEffect #DingoDriver #Nakamura #SamiZayn #Raquel #Green #Gunther #RingGeneral #TheRock #PatMcAfee #MichaelCole #CathyKelley #prowrestling #wrestling #Entertainment #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #USA #USANetwork #broadcast #broadcasting #YouTube #Video #Videos #highlights #moments #promo #trends #trending #Aussie #buzz #TV #media
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE Raw
Feb 26, 2023
Seth “Freakin” Rollins to Drew McIntyre: “May the best man win at WrestleMania": Raw, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srOfl5Sm-Fg&ab_channel=WWE
"You might be right. My knew, it may not be ready. My back may give out. The Bloodline may leave me broken in their wake, just like they have everybody else",, - Seth Rollins
"It's only a matter of time before they come for the World Heavyweight Championship" SR
The New Day go to war with Imperium in a Street Fight: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t_ilXFK9FQ&ab_channel=WWE
Becky Lynch launches a counterassault on Nia Jax: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubNaarNGGAI&ab_channel=WWE
The Judgment Day target Gunther’s title at WrestleMania: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLLF3wq_dMM&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
Media Man: Great emotion from Rollins and McIntyre. Helps give it the big fight feel on the lead up to WrestleMania @WrestleMania . Michael Cole and Pat McAfee have been top notch on the broadcasting call tonight. Great team effort by the WWE.
and more via the award winning official WWE YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/wwe
#WWERaw #WrestleMania #WWEChamber #SethRollins #DrewMcIntyre #CodyRhodes #AmericanNightmare #GraysonWaller #GWEffect #DingoDriver #Nakamura #SamiZayn #Raquel #Green #Gunther #RingGeneral #JudgementDay #RheaRipley #NiaJax #TheRock #PatMcAfee #MichaelCole #CathyKelley #prowrestling #wrestling #Entertainment #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #USA #USANetwork #broadcast #broadcasting #YouTube #Video #Videos #highlights #moments #promo #legend #legends #Goat #Goats #trends #trending #Aussie #USA #California #buzz #TV #media
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE Raw
Feb 26, 2023
Media Man: Highspots, high drama, hot action. Emotional charged pro wrestling as we continue The Road To WrestleMania!
Seth “Freakin” Rollins to Drew McIntyre: “May the best man win at WrestleMania": Raw, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srOfl5Sm-Fg&ab_channel=WWE
"You might be right. My knew, it may not be ready. My back may give out. The Bloodline may leave me broken in their wake, just like they have everybody else",, - Seth Rollins
"It's only a matter of time before they come for the World Heavyweight Championship" SR
The New Day go to war with Imperium in a Street Fight: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t_ilXFK9FQ&ab_channel=WWE
Becky Lynch launches a counterassault on Nia Jax: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubNaarNGGAI&ab_channel=WWE
The Judgment Day target Gunther’s title at WrestleMania: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLLF3wq_dMM&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
Media Man: Great emotion from Rollins and McIntyre. Helps give it the big fight feel on the lead up to WrestleMania @WrestleMania . Michael Cole and Pat McAfee have been top notch on the broadcasting call tonight. Great team effort by the WWE.
and more via the award winning official WWE YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/wwe
Media Man Int
WWE News (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_news.html
#WWERaw #WrestleMania #WWEChamber #SethRollins #DrewMcIntyre #CodyRhodes #AmericanNightmare #GraysonWaller #GWEffect #DingoDriver #WeWantCody #AussieAussieAussie #Shoey #Nakamura #SamiZayn #Raquel #Green #Gunther #RingGeneral #JudgementDay #RheaRipley #NiaJax #TheRock #PatMcAfee #MichaelCole #CathyKelley #prowrestling #wrestling #Entertainment #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #USA #USANetwork #broadcast #broadcasting #YouTube #Video #Videos #highlights #moments #promo #legend #legends #Goat #Goats #trends #trending #Aussie #USA #California #buzz #TV #media #mediaman #mediamanint
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE Raw Moments And Highlights
February 26, 2024
SAP Center at San Jose, California
Hot and emotionally charged show says Media Man. Paul Heyman, wiseman of The Bloodline, lines up situation for Roman Reigns and The Rock to return to SmackDown this Friday. WWE locker room and leading start uniting against The Bloodline.
Top 10 Monday Night Raw moments: WWE Top 10, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNUAFQlmqco&t=89s&ab_channel=WWE
"When Dirty Dom and The Judgement Day say we're doing to do something, we mean it. That title belongs us to" Dirty Dom Mysterio
"Let them fight" Fans
Explosive Raw moments: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3K3xR_XT90&ab_channel=WWE
"I'm sure Mami thinks it's just another night to be on top" Pat McAfee
Drew McIntyre to Seth “Freakin” Rollins: “Back off The Bloodline”: Raw highlights, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDi9ect0ipw&t=34s&ab_channel=WWE
"You did it Drew. I'm proud of you. You clawed your way back into a title match with me. I'm proud of you".. Seth Rollins
FULL MATCH – Cody Rhodes brings chaos after Heyman warns him of Rock challenge: Raw, Feb. 26, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4IDOjxoRnc&t=8s&ab_channel=WWE
Cody Rhodes does a gender reveal after Raw goes off the air: Raw exclusive, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddm5TIdsd20&ab_channel=WWE
and more via the award winning official WWE YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/wwe
Media Man Int
WWE News (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_news.html
#WWERaw #WrestleMania #WWEChamber #RoadToWrestleMania #SethRollins #DrewMcIntyre #CodyRhodes #AmericanNightmare #GraysonWaller #GWEffect #DingoDriver #WeWantCody #PaulHeyman #AussieAussieAussie #Shoey #Nakamura #SamiZayn #Raquel #Green #Gunther #RingGeneral #JudgementDay #RheaRipley #NiaJax #TheRock #prowrestling #wrestling #Entertainment #popculture #USA #USANetwork #broadcast #broadcasting #YouTube #Video #Videos #highlights #moments #promo #legend #trends #trending #Aussie #USA #California #buzz #TV #media #mediaman #mediamanint
Image credit: WWE
Sports Pop Culture
Sports Art And Animation Art KO By
Mojahed Fudailat
Brings Out The Beast In Promoters, Fighters and Fans says Media
Wins Sports Artist Of The Month; Animation Artist Of The Month
Dana's mad at Jon for promoting PFL vs Bellator
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJkIHp8VcTg&ab_channel=MojahedFudailat
Ortega submits Yair after surviving a scary R1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hc-9EreEqQ&t=3s&ab_channel=MojahedFudailat
Keep Paddy away from Ilia Topuria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yQ1BUQb7no&t=2s&ab_channel=MojahedFudailat
and more great animation art via the official YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/@MojahedFudailat
#MojahedFudailat #animationart #animationartist #mmaart #ufcart #Video #Videos #YouTube #YT #sportsart #entertainment #comedy #satire #gonzo #story #storytelling #storylines #artistofthemonth #mixedmartialarts #combatsports #trend #trends #buzz #socialmedia #socialmedianews #media #mediaman
Image credit: Mojahed Fudailat
Business News and Crypto News via Media Man and FX Pro
Feb 27, 2024
Bitcoin tears the bears apart again
Market picture
The price of the leading cryptocurrency rose decisively during active trading in the US, and in the illiquid Asian session, we saw a wave of stop orders triggered, which at times took the price to $57.8K. Such high levels were last seen in December 2021.
Nevertheless, bitcoin sees no significant barriers to growth to levels just above $60K. Bitcoin can quickly go there or around the historical highs at $69K, but the subsequent growth may require a few months of consolidation.
Growth breeds optimism, and now there is a proliferation of predictions that the price will soon reach six figures. In our view, the chances of a price rise above $100K exceed 50% in the 9–12-month horizon. And if markets come under pressure from an economic slowdown, it could take more than a year to reach a new level.
News background
According to CoinShares, investment in crypto funds rose by $598 million last week, following a record $2.452 billion inflow the week before, the fourth consecutive week of growth. Investments in bitcoin rose by $570 million, Ethereum by $17 million, and Solana fell by $3 million. Investments in funds that allow shorting bitcoin increased by $4 million.
Inflows into crypto funds have exceeded $5.7 billion since the beginning of the year, with total assets under management (AuM) rising to $68.3 billion, although still far from the record high of $87 billion reached in November 2021.
Bitcoin is gaining popularity as a haven asset in countries with persistently high inflation, Bitfinex noted. Macroeconomic risks this year make it relevant to buy the first cryptocurrency, gold, and silver.
According to BitMEX Research, trading volume in the spot bitcoin ETF market exceeded $50 billion. Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital, commented on the growing interest of institutional investors in the cryptocurrency market.
LookIntoBitcoin notes that the value of bitcoin is being affected by the upcoming halving in April, as well as the imbalance between demand for the asset and its availability in the cryptocurrency market.
According to The Block, the cumulative amount raised by crypto and blockchain companies from venture capitalists since 2017 has exceeded $90 billion, with DeFi, infrastructure, NFT/gaming and Web3 attracting the most interest.
MicroStrategy acquired an additional 3,000 BTC, said founder Michael Saylor. MicroStrategy owns 193000 BTCs worth approximately $6.09 billion (average price $31,544).
News
Japanese yen benefits from hopes of change in the BoJ approach
Japanese consumer inflation slowed from 2.6% y/y to 2.2% y/y in January. The data was slightly higher than the expected 2.1%, providing temporary support for the Yen, which rose 0.4% after the release, pushing USDJPY back to 150.10.
Prices excluding food slowed to 2.0% year-on-year, the lowest since March 2022 and back to the BoJ's target. However, an even less volatile measure excluding food and energy slowed to 3.5% from 3.7% in January. These are still the highest levels since the early 1980s, so they warrant the regulator's attention.
The inflation data also helped push Japanese 2-year government bond yields to their highest levels since 2011.
The latest inflation figures have raised expectations of imminent changes in monetary policy. Observers are predicting that the zero-interest-rate policy will be abandoned as early as April this year. The strengthening of these expectations supports the yen by narrowing the yield spread between yen-denominated debt and other reserve currencies.
At the same time, Japan has repeatedly surprised with its passivity in recent years, so it is worth remaining sceptical about its ability to make real changes. This is doubly true when the Fed, the ECB and the Bank of England pick their moment to start cutting interest rates. Fears that the yield spread will narrow too quickly could lead the Bank of Japan to opt for inaction once again.
(Source: FxPro) with Media Man and Bitcoin News Media
Media Man Int
Bitcoin News (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/bitcoin_news.html
Business News (Media Man Int) www.mediamanint.com/articles/business_news.html
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Pro Wrestling
WWE NXT @WWENXT
Feb 27, 2024
Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson confront Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin: NXT highlights, Feb. 27, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVzDHV3YOlw&ab_channel=WWE
"I have an airbrush guy. Can we do something with this. It's plain Jane"? BB
"No. it's not Spring Break '99. I'm not spraypainting my jacket" BC
"Ok, can you put some tanner on. You're pale"? BB
"Rough night boys" Gallows
"Tag divisions got a little depth huh" BC
"Look big LG. Comedian Corbin actiting like he loves this place" Anderson
"Yeah, he's so funny" Gallos
"They got jokes. Look, NXT reinvigorated my career" BC
"Reinvigorated his career"! BB..
"If you can, Good Brothers be waiting" Gallows
FULL SEGMENT – Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes discuss the NXT Championship: Feb. 27, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMK_3uuc93U&ab_channel=WWE
Von Wagner vs. Lexis King: NXT highlights, Feb. 27, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAD7M7QoxM4&t=2s&ab_channel=WWE
"Oh, and Von got caught again"
"Lexis King right not is focussing on chopping down Von Vagner. We're seen him go low a few times. And right here with that knee breaker"
Lexis King wants to destroy Mr. Stone’s life: WWE NXT exclusive, Feb. 27, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85TnY5Qr8AQ&ab_channel=WWE
Charlie Dempsey wins the NXT Heritage Cup: NXT highlights, Feb. 27, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnFUF0ws7Fo&ab_channel=WWE
"If he catch up at the right place, at the right time, he can catch you out... but he still young Vic. He's still working on his craft" Booker T
Charlie Dempsey is proud to be the Heritage Cup Champion: WWE NXT exclusive, Feb. 27, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EulcxQ-_X8&ab_channel=WWE
"This cup right here. It means more than any title here" .."There years in the making and I've got it" Charlie Dempsey
"So, Charlie, I've known you about eight years now" .. "even before I started working at WWE".. "I've seen you go from behind the scenes, to not having a foot in the door, to becoming one of the most dominant professional wrestlers I've ever expierenced in my career".. "we'll show no mercy, we'll show no mercy. We'll show no quarter" Drew Gulak
Dijak vs. Luca Crusifino: NXT highlights, Feb. 27, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4u5wEFJU-M&t=2s&ab_channel=WWE
"He's stepping in the ring tonight wiht the diabolical Dijak" Vic Joseph
Media Man: Solid thumbs up today. As is usually the case in quality pro wrestling, the storylines add so much to the overall entertainment and fan investment element. Wolf Dogs 4 Life... until Breakker goes after the WWE World Title! SS has found himself back home! These NXT ladies are real femme fatals. Who will rise up and fill the void left by "Tiffy Time"? Time to barge thru Roadblock and purpose a Road To WrestleMania if at all possible. And "The Don" Tony D'Angelo crashes Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov's face-to-face, forces a No. 1 Contender's Match at Roadblock. Tony D apparently still in the king of the wise guys. Nothing quite like family business. And Dempsey the shooter and stretcher the cup. And you ain't seen the best and worse of Mr King yet. King ain't finished till he's the king of this kingdom. Massive upside to Lexis. This is pro wrestling.
#WWENXT #NXTRoadblock #prowrestling #wrestling #Catch #CatchCrew #LexisKing #King #KingMaker #TrickWilliams #TheFamily #TonyG #TheDon #FamilyBusiness #WolfDogs #GoodBrothers #MadDragon #CarmeloHayes #FallonHenley #Dijak #LucaCrusifino #Hitman #contract #CharlieDempsey #BookerT #VicJoseph #USANetwork #Entertainment #EntertainmentNews #PopCulture #broadcast #broadcasting #YouTube #Video #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media #mediaman
Image credit: WWE NXT
Pro Wrestling News
Tama Tonga (son of King Haku) to join WWE @WWE ; Just in time for WrestleMania @WrestleMania Season; Triple H secured from New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Shawn Spears returns to WWE NXT @WWENXT
Good Brothers (Gallows and Anderson) return to WWE NXT; Confrontation with Breakker and Corbin. NXT Roadblock?!
Charlie Dempsey returns from All Japan Pro Wrestling @alljapan_pw to win the NTX Heritage Cup; Drew Gulak quicky reminds CD he's known him over eight years!
WrestleMania Appearanace Wish List includes Tama Tonga, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, Bron Breakker, Hulk Hogan, Sylvester Stallone, Steve Austin and Lexis King.
Related: TKO Group - WWE/UFC @UFC cross-over well received by fans, media, industry. Could we get Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler at WrestleMania in some capacity? Seth Rollins says McGregor would need a "Roman Reigns-like schedule" (per Submission Radio).
"Maybe. Never say never, but he would have to be on a Roman Reigns-like schedule," Rollins said, referring to Reigns' ongoing part-time contract with WWE. "He'd be showing up every 6 months to have a match. He'd be on that Logan Paul contract. I don't know that doing what I do would be for Conor McGregor. It's tough dude. It is a difficult transition to make. So if he would want to give it a shot, we'd love to have him, but I don't know, man. I couldn't jump into their world and do what they do, so I would not expect them to be able to do the same with us." Seth Rollins
Former Wrestling Executive Eric Bischoff of 83 Weeks @83Weeks covering potential appearance of Sylvester Stallone appearance at WrestleMania. EB also covers the news of exeecutive/writer, Jennifer Pepperman joining AEW as Vice President of Content Development.
Were the excellent WWE press conferences inspired or influenced by the bloody 'Hulk-A-Mania: Let The Battle Begin' (Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair) press conference of Sydney, Australia in 2009? Media Man taped and sold the footage to Channel Seven for approx $700AUD. Now you know!
WWE Elimination Chamber fallout:
“That’s all I wanted, Drew. A little recognition for helping you win. Coz let’s not forget who knocked out Randy Orton that allowed you to win.” Logan Paul
WWE SmackDown: The Rock and Roman Reigns understood to be locked in for a red hot show.
Potential Dream Matches for WrestleMania or other PLEs:
Logan Paul vs Randy Orton
Cody Rhodes vs Tama Tonga
#SmackDown #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #TamaTonga #BronBreakker #ConorMcGregor #Roadhouse #MichaelChandler #SethRollins #RomanReigns #TheRock #CharlieDempsey #Sly #SlyvestorStallone #WWENXT #WWEUFC #NXTRoadblock #JadeCargill #TiffanyStratton #TiffyTime #SteveAustin #CMPunk #DrewMcIntyre #wrestlingnews #UFC #TKOGroup #MMA #dreamatch #dreammatches #entertainmentnews #sportsnews #popculture #promoter #promoters #creative #creativity #storylines #storytelling #trends #trending #buzz #TV #X #media #mediaman
Pro Wrestling News
Tama Tonga (son of King Haku) to join WWE @WWE ; Just in time for WrestleMania @WrestleMania Season; Triple H secured from New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Shawn Spears returns to WWE NXT @WWENXT
Good Brothers (Gallows and Anderson) return to WWE NXT; Confrontation with Breakker and Corbin. NXT Roadblock?!
Charlie Dempsey returns from All Japan Pro Wrestling @alljapan_pw to win the NTX Heritage Cup; Drew Gulak quicky reminds CD he's known him over eight years!
WrestleMania Appearanace Wish List includes Tama Tonga, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, Bron Breakker, Hulk Hogan, Sylvester Stallone, Steve Austin and Lexis King.
Related: TKO Group - WWE/UFC @UFC cross-over well received by fans, media, industry. Could we get Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler at WrestleMania in some capacity? Seth Rollins says McGregor would need a "Roman Reigns-like schedule" (per Submission Radio).
"Maybe. Never say never, but he would have to be on a Roman Reigns-like schedule," Rollins said, referring to Reigns' ongoing part-time contract with WWE. "He'd be showing up every 6 months to have a match. He'd be on that Logan Paul contract. I don't know that doing what I do would be for Conor McGregor. It's tough dude. It is a difficult transition to make. So if he would want to give it a shot, we'd love to have him, but I don't know, man. I couldn't jump into their world and do what they do, so I would not expect them to be able to do the same with us." Seth Rollins
Former Wrestling Executive Eric Bischoff of 83 Weeks @83Weeks covering potential appearance of Sylvester Stallone appearance at WrestleMania. EB also covers the news of exeecutive/writer, Jennifer Pepperman joining AEW as Vice President of Content Development.
Were the excellent WWE press conferences inspired or influenced by the bloody 'Hulk-A-Mania: Let The Battle Begin' (Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair) press conference of Sydney, Australia in 2009? Media Man taped and sold the footage to Channel Seven for approx $700AUD. Now you know!
WWE Elimination Chamber fallout:
“That’s all I wanted, Drew. A little recognition for helping you win. Coz let’s not forget who knocked out Randy Orton that allowed you to win.” Logan Paul
WWE SmackDown: The Rock and Roman Reigns understood to be locked in for a red hot show.
Potential Dream Matches for WrestleMania or other PLEs:
Logan Paul vs Randy Orton
Cody Rhodes vs Tama Tonga
#SmackDown #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #TamaTonga #BronBreakker #ConorMcGregor #Roadhouse #MichaelChandler #SethRollins #RomanReigns #TheRock #CharlieDempsey #Sly #SlyvestorStallone #WWENXT #WWEUFC #NXTRoadblock #JadeCargill #TiffanyStratton #TiffyTime #SteveAustin #CMPunk #DrewMcIntyre #wrestlingnews #UFC #TKOGroup #MMA #dreamatch #dreammatches #entertainmentnews #sportsnews #popculture #promoter #promoters #creative #creativity #storylines #storytelling #trends #trending #buzz #TV #X #media #mediaman
Wrestling/Streaming/Live Entertainment Business
TKO Group (WWE and UFC) Investor Call Highlights Massive Success
WWE's Nick Khan and Ariel Emanuel, Chief Executive Officer of TKO Group
WWE @WWE President Nick Khan recently contributed in the TKO Earnings call.
Mr Khan covered the WWE RAW shifting to Netflix @netflix in 2025.
“For us, a global localized product has always been a priority. We think Netflix helps us with that. If you look at the premium live event schedule for this calendar year; Perth, Australia this past weekend. Berlin, France, Riyadh, Canada, all over the world. Look for, down the road, more local stars from those markets as we expand our tryouts to international markets so we feel confident over time that will be covered and be part of the Netflix deal.” Nick Khan
"TKO's strong results reflect robost demand for our premium content and live events. Throughout 2023 we achieved multiple viewership and attendence records including 10 highest grossing event records for UFC @ufc , as well as viewership records for each WWE premium live event during the year".. Ari Emanuel
Overview Intel and quote by Ari Emanuel, CEO of TKO
The company also released guidance for 2024, advising investors that it is targeting revenue of $2.575 billion to $2.650 billion; adjusted EBITDA of $1.150 billion to $1.170 billion; and free cash flow conversion in excess of 50 percent, doubling down on the company’s strategic rationale as a cash-generating machine.
“TKO is off to a strong start following record financial performance in 2023 at both UFC and WWE,” said Ari Emanuel, CEO of TKO, in a statement. “We secured Anheuser-Busch as the official beer partner of UFC, delivered a transformative deal to bring WWE’s Raw to Netflix beginning in 2025, and expanded our international footprint in important growth markets. We have more conviction than ever in the combination of these businesses and TKO’s ability to drive topline growth and margin expansion, generate meaningful free cash flow, and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders.”
Video/Audio Stream
Fightful Wrestling With Sean Ross Sapp Official YouTube
Where Will WWE Raw Be In Q4? Vince McMahon Selling Shares ? WWE/TKO Earnings Call
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EoAdnPW3g4&ab_channel=FightfulWrestlingWithSeanRossSapp
News
WWE Corporate Website
NETFLIX TO BECOME NEW HOME OF WWE RAW BEGINNING 2025
https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2024/01-23-2024
NETFLIX TO BECOME NEW HOME OF WWE RAW BEGINNING 2025
https://tkogrp.com/press/netflix-to-become-new-home-of-wwe-raw-beginning-2025/
via TKO Investor Website
TKO Reports Full Year 2023 Results
https://investor.tkogrp.com/files/doc_financials/2023/q4/TKO_4Q23-Earnings-Release_2-27-24_FINAL.pdf
#TKOGroup #WWE #UFC #Netflix #NickKhan #WWERaw #quote #quotes #earningscall #PLE #WWEChamber #WrestleMania #pressrelease #mediarelease #liveevents #mediarights #sportsstreaming #liveentertainment #popculture #streamingbusiness #streamingbiz #biznews #financialnews #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness #sportsnews #newsmedia #trend #trends #media
Crypto News via Media Man and FX Pro
Crypto: Extreme greed is not a sell signal
27th Feb, 2024
Market picture
The cryptocurrency market is developing gains, rising 2.2% on the day to $2.17 trillion. These levels replicate the April 2022 peak.
Bitcoin is now only 15% below its all-time high, while total capitalisation is 38% below its peak.
A further move higher would be a repeat of the early 2022 highs. The Cryptocurrency Fear and Greed Index rose to 82 by Wednesday - the highest since November 2021 - extreme greed. This time, the active rally came at the start of the European session, as Bitcoin moved to update the November 2021 highs, so it would not be surprising to see the index rise further.
According to the indicator's design, this state makes it look for a turning point for a correction. However, we believe that short-term corrections only fuel the greed of buyers. Looking at Bitcoin's chart alone, the dynamics are like what we saw in the second half of 2020. The index was above 90 then, and getting out now, just since greed levels are at 82, could be a painful mistake.
Fundamentally, it is more logical to expect weak performance before a halving, but that is not the case, and investors must accept this reality with a false start to the market due to the influx of institutionalisation via comfortable spot ETFs. Demand is also being helped by strong risk appetite thanks to all-time highs in the major indices.
News background
The main reason for BTC's growth is the trading volume of spot bitcoin ETFs (excluding GBTC), according to Metalpha. The index reached a record $2.4 billion at the beginning of the week, almost doubling the previous daily average.
Bloomberg does not rule out that bitcoin ETFs will overtake gold ETFs in terms of accumulated capital within the next two years.
BitMEX Research notes that outflows from GBTC slowed to $44 million, the lowest since 11 January. The structure has lost $7.5 billion in AUM since becoming an ETF.
Ethereum has taken the most significant share among cryptocurrencies in financial institutions' investment portfolios due to the upcoming Dencun upgrade, Bybit noted. According to The Block, open interest in Ethereum options on the top 5 exchanges (excluding CME) reached an all-time high.
Despite the growing competition between blockchains, Grayscale Research believes the launch of the Dencun update will help Ethereum "mature" by reducing transaction fees and increasing the network's scalability.
The value of assets locked in the Lido liquid-stacking protocol has reached $30.56 billion, according to The Block. Lido dominates the segment, controlling 32% of Ethereum's total stakes.
(Source: FxPro) with Media Man and Bitcoin News Media
Media Man Int
Bitcoin News (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/bitcoin_news.html
Business News (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/business_news.html
#Bitcoin #BitcoinNews #BTC #CFGI #BitcoinETF #Metalpha #BitcoinETFs #cryptocurrency #cryptonews #Gold #Nvidia #CryptocurrencyNews #Solana #CoinMarketPro #Coinbase #Celcius #ETF #Tether #USDT #Grayscale #Stablecoins #fintech #NFT #NFTS #market #trading #tradingnews #bitcoinbiz #bitcoincafe #bitcoingames #bitcoingaming #bitcoinpr #bitcoinewsmedia #FxPro #AlexKuptsikevich #GregTingle #affiliate #affiliates #AffiliateMarketing #aff #trends #trending #buzz #PR #newsbiz #X #media #mediaman #mediamanint
Fox Corporation Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Murdoch to Participate in Upcoming Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference
NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fox Corporation (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX) today announced that Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Murdoch will participate in the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on Monday, March 4, at approximately 9:30am (Pacific), 12:30pm (Eastern).
A live and archived webcast of the presentation will be available at investor.foxcorporation.com
About Fox Corporation
Fox Corporation produces and distributes compelling news, sports, and entertainment content through its primary iconic domestic brands, including FOX News Media, FOX Sports, FOX Entertainment, FOX Television Stations and Tubi Media Group. These brands hold cultural significance with consumers and commercial importance for distributors and advertisers. The breadth and depth of our footprint allows us to deliver content that engages and informs audiences, develop deeper consumer relationships, and create more compelling product offerings. FOX maintains an impressive track record of news, sports, and entertainment industry success that shapes our strategy to capitalize on existing strengths and invest in new initiatives.
For more information about Fox Corporation, please visit www.FoxCorporation.com
SOURCE: Fox Corporation
#FoxCorporation #FOXCorp #FoxNews #FoxNewsMedia #FoxSports #FOXTV #FoxEntertainment #Tubi #TubiTV #MorganStanley #MSTMC #MorganStanleyTechnologyMediaTelecomConference
#LachlanMurdoch #mediarelease #pressrelease #newsmedia #newsbusiness #newsbiz #newsmedia #businessnews #biznews #media
Streaming Movie News
Roadhouse Hits Amazon Prime March 21, 2024
Ex-UFC fighter Dalton (Jake Gyllenhaal) takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems.
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Conor McGregor and Daniela Melchior)
Road House is open for business March 21 on Prime.
Road House - Official Trailer | Prime Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0ZsLudtfjI&ab_channel=PrimeVideo
Media Man Int
Entertainment News
www.mediamanint.com/news4.html
#Roadhouse #RoadhouseMovie #Prime #PrimeVideo #AmazonPrime #movienews #movietrailer #trailer #Video #showbiz #popculture #streamingmovies #moviesstreaming #streamingnews #streamingentertainment #Dalton #JakeGyllenhaal #ConorMcGregor #DanielaMelchior #UFC #UFC300 #UFC303 #UFC306 #MMA #trends #trending #buzz #media
(Image credit: Amazon Prime)
NRL (National Rugby League)
Australia’s most exciting sport unleashed on the sports and entertainment capital, Las Vegas.
For the first time ever, the NRL @NRL Telstra Premiership season will kick off on American soil. Be there to witness the 2024 season opening double-header on Saturday 2 March 2024 (local time) at the world’s greatest arena, Allegiant Stadium.
With the Sea Eagles taking on the Rabbitohs, and the Roosters going head-to-head with the Broncos, you’d hate to miss this chance to be there live and witness history in the making.
Videos
NRL Official YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@NRL
Rugby League in Las Vegas. Football but not as you know it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcXpjvrAQbI&ab_channel=NRL-NationalRugbyLeague
Russell Crowe explains the rules and laws of rugby league | NRL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JPPzTnUZz4&ab_channel=NRL-NationalRugbyLeague
NRL 2024 | Spencer Leniu | Props to watch | The Game Plan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bo7jKXQz5U&ab_channel=NRL-NationalRugbyLeague
KAYO Sports Official YouTube
"No Chance, Put That Back!" | Brisbane Broncos | NRL Las Vegas | Kayo Sports
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o__j0XWcnp4&t=36s&ab_channel=KayoSports
USA Readying the Rabbitohs | American Boot Camp | Kayo Sports
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXt4t_uR7nE&ab_channel=KayoSports
The Trbojevic brothers WALK OUT in stunt gone wrong | NRL Las Vegas | Kayo Sports
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usFFirR43Z0&ab_channel=KayoSports
FOX Sports Australia YouTube
What does a 'win' look like for the NRL in Vegas? | The Back Page | Fox Sports
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw2Z2lB4jyc&t=6s&ab_channel=FOXSPORTSAUSTRALIA
FOX League
'I don't think I would ever do this without pads!' 💥 I Gronk gets introduced to the NRL I Fox League
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZO8SGZYa_0&ab_channel=FoxLeague
ABC News (Australia)Official YouTube
The NRL launches a new assualt on the US sports market with help from its media mates | Media Bites
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rTMHNRjsLg&ab_channel=ABCNews%28Australia%29
Media Man: Excellent coverage, and an even better sport. Missing the days when we played the game at school level. Ex Newport Beach fella grew up with Manly Sea Eagles, now Eastern Beaches of Sydney so we have to back the Rabbitohs with the Maroubra Beach connection and all. We got to Newport Breakers and "First 15 (Rugby Union premierships) - 1987, so don't hold it against us ok. Both great games. The U.S is going to love this maties. PS: No pads is right. Any takers from the other leagues?!
Media Man Int
News
UFC Announces Strategic Partnership With NRL As The Aussie Football Code Launches Vegas Mission
www.mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_announces2.html
Image credit: NRL
'Grand final feel': Stars overawed by fan turnout at Vegas launch, By Brad Walter - March 1, 2024
“It’s Round 1 but it feels like a grand final”.
That was Latrell Mitchell’s reaction after surveying the sea of supporters at the NRL Fan Fest in Las Vegas ahead of this weekend’s historic season-opening double-header at Allegiant Stadium.
In a massive show of support for the NRL’s decision to kick off the 2024 season in Las Vegas, 5,000 fans packed the Fremont Street Experience to see the four teams kicking off the season at the venue which hosted the Super Bowl just three weeks ago.
It's exciting, a great feeling,” Mitchell said. “It's a great turnout, we appreciate it. This is why we love the game.”
The South Sydney superstar was the first player to note the special atmosphere sparked by the NRL’s bid to break into the world’s biggest sporting market – but he wasn’t the only one.
"That's what the NRL are trying to do, right? Bring this game to America,” said Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans, whose side will take on the Rabbitohs in the first match of the March 2 double-header [US time].
“I was pretty hopeful this was going to be the turnout. It's definitely a unique experience.
"It's great to see all of the Australians here. They're obviously promoting it just as much as we are as players. If we can spark the interest of the Americans, that's the job done.”
There was strong support for all four clubs, but particularly the Brisbane Broncos, who play Sydney Roosters in the second match of the double-header.
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds, who has played in two of the last three grand finals, said: “It's unbelievable, it’s got a bit of the grand final feel about it with all the build-up.
“There's a lot of Broncos fans here, you could definitely feel the atmosphere when they mentioned our names. It's exciting to just get out there and start playing.”
Rabbitohs halfback Lachlan Illias, who took over from Reynolds after he left the club in 2022 to join the Broncos, added: “I've never seen anything like it. It’s a massive build up and I just can't wait to go out on Saturday’.
After months of planning, preparing and promoting the first premiership matches to be played outside of Australia and New Zealand, there is a feeling of anticipation that most can’t recall for the start of an NRL season.
Allegiant Stadium has been reconfigured into a rugby league field, about 40,000 tickets have been sold and you can’t walk more than a few metres in Las Vegas without running into fans wearing NRL jerseys.
The players on stage were played a message from the representatives of the other 13 clubs at the NRL season launch in Sydney and most spoke about their ambition to play in Las Vegas in coming years.
“It's definitely different,” Roosters captain James Tedesco said. “We're in a different country, playing rugby league. We're in Vegas, so we are not really used to preparing for a game over here. But it's cool. The excitement and the vibe is right up there.”
(NRL)
The actor handpicked to play Miss Moneypenny in ‘rogue’ Bond picture - February 29, 2024
PAMELA SALEM: 1944 - 2024
Pamela Salem, who died at her home in Florida aged 80, was a British actress who worked busily on both sides of the Atlantic; in 1983, she played Miss Moneypenny opposite Sean Connery’s ageing James Bond in the “rogue” Bond picture Never Say Never Again.
Connery engineered her casting after they worked well together in Michael Crichton’s period crime caper The First Great Train Robbery (1979). Salem found Connery ever genial and thoroughly unvain: she recalled that he would immediately remove his toupee when filming ended.
Never Say Never Again caused a stir as an “unofficial” Bond film, exploiting a copyright loophole to make use of characters owned by Eon Productions and luring Connery into reprising the role he retired from a dozen years earlier.
There were reports in the press that Lois Maxwell, who flirted primly with 007 throughout two decades as Eon’s Moneypenny, had not taken kindly to another actress usurping her billet outside M’s office in a synthetic Bond picture. Salem rebutted the claims: “It was all absolute nonsense, and Lois Maxwell wrote a very nice letter to me.”
Like other Moneypennys, she found the role frustratingly deskbound: “It seemed everyone else went out to the Bahamas, but I was stuck in London.” But The Sunday Telegraph judged her “a decorous new Moneypenny” and the film received much better reviews than the Eon pictures of the period starring Roger Moore.
In 1988, Salem went on to a memorable six-month run in EastEnders. She played Joanne Francis, the well-heeled manager of a Walford wine bar that doubled as an illegal gambling den, and was responsible for inducting the popular character “Dirty Den” Watts (Leslie Grantham) into the world of organised crime, thereby precipitating his famous encounter with a lethal bunch of daffodils and departure from the series.
It was a welcome reunion for Salem, who did much voluntary work in prisons and had met Grantham some years earlier while he was serving time for murder; she had helped him to apply for drama school on his release.
Pamela Fortunee Salem was born on January 22, 1944 in Bombay, where her father, who was Jewish, worked as a civil engineer. Her mother’s family came from Sri Lanka. Recalling that “India encourages everything creative”, she “wanted to be an actress from the year dot”.
After schooling in England, she studied at Heidelberg University in Germany before going to the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where her clipped colonial vowels were softened. Her career began in York and Chesterfield.
In addition to touring stage work, she appeared in numerous television series in the 1970s, including The Onedin Line, Van der Valk, Blake’s 7 – “I played a High Priestess who met rather an unpleasant end with a spear sticking through her” – and The Professionals.
In 1977, she played Toos, an ally of Tom Baker’s Doctor, in the Doctor Who serial The Robots of Death – “I had to wear a hat like half a bicycle wheel and a dress that was a definite disadvantage when trying to escape from those robots”. She returned in 1988 as a scientist opposite Sylvester McCoy’s Doctor in Remembrance of the Daleks, notable as the first serial in which a Dalek manages to ascend a staircase.
In the 1980s, Salem was established as a villainess for a generation of youngsters in three series of the children’s fantasy Into the Labyrinth, in which she was the evil Belor, antagonist of Ron Moody’s noble sorcerer Rothgo. She was the French neighbour of expats Anton Rodgers and Julia McKenzie in the sitcom French Fields, and made appearances in All Creatures Great and Small as Zoë Bennett, the wife of James Grout’s hard-drinking vet.
In 1983, Salem married the actor Michael O’Hagan, and they moved to Los Angeles in the 1990s before settling in Florida, where she proved a doughty friend of stray dogs. She appeared in US series such as The West Wing (as the British prime minister), Magnum PI and ER.
In the cinema, she romped in the salacious Joan Collins vehicle The Bitch (1979), and also appeared in Thirteen at Dinner (1985), Gods and Monsters (1998) and Down’s Revenge (2019).
Finding fewer roles in later life, Salem moved into stage and radio-drama production, and also produced documentary films with her husband. Latterly she reprised her Doctor Who roles in several audio spin-offs made by Big Finish. A great sci-fi enthusiast, in the 1990s she asked to be put on Pan Am’s waiting list for the first commercial flight to the moon, and was sent two tickets.
Salem’s husband died in 2017.
What Paramount’s Earnings Report Could Tell Us About the State of Streaming - Feb 25, 2024
This week, we’re looking ahead to Paramount Global’s earnings report. The company that includes TV, movies, and streaming, has been taking it on the chin from investors. Its stock has lost more than 50% of its value in the past year, so Wednesday’s report could be pivotal. Recently much of the talk about Paramount has been as an acquisition target — for media executive Byron Allen to Skydance Media CEO David Ellison. Michael Morris, senior managing director at Guggenheim Securities, joins us to share what this week’s earnings report from Paramount could tell us about what’s coming next — for streaming, for entertainment and for media conglomerates on Wall Street. Then, we turn our attention to the upcoming personal consumption expenditures report, or PCE. The report is slated to be released on Thursday and with stocks looking priced for perfection these days, we’ll unpack what investors need to know to be ready. WSJ market reporters Gunjan Banerji and Sam Goldfarb join for a roundtable discussion on what the report means for the markets. Lastly, we’re celebrating the extra day this month with Mark Maurer, reporter for WSJ’s CFO Journal publication. Mark shares how chief financial officers at some of the largest companies, like Chipotle, Walmart, and Delta Airlines, are getting investors ready for leap day.
Paramount posts surprise profit as streaming gains offset weak ad market - Feb 29, 2024
Paramount Global (PARA.O), opens new tab fell short of Wall Street estimates for quarterly revenue on Wednesday but posted a surprise profit as streaming gains helped overshadow a weak advertising market, sending its shares up nearly 2% after the bell.
The media industry has been grappling with a changing landscape of streaming gaining dominance over traditional television and the impact from Hollywood's strikes last year, with a soft advertising market adding to the pressure.
Companies have been benefiting from raising prices on their services and pushing ad-supported offerings, while also keeping content spend low.
The media conglomerate reported overall fourth-quarter revenue of $7.64 billion, missing analysts' estimate of $7.85 billion, according to LSEG data. It also posted a surprise profit of 4 cents per share, while analysts were expecting a loss of 1 cent.
"We now expect to reach domestic Paramount+ profitability in 2025," CEO Bob Bakish said.
Paramount+, the company's flagship streaming platform, added 4.1 million subscribers during the quarter, compared with 2.7 million in the previous quarter. The figure was slightly above the estimate of 4.03 million new subscribers, according to data from Visible Alpha.
The company has been pumping money into its fast-growing but unprofitable streaming unit Paramount+, saying in November the investments had peaked a year ahead of the target.
The results come when the U.S. entertainment industry is abuzz with fresh consolidation moves. Reuters reported in January, citing a source, that Skydance Media CEO David Ellison was exploring an all-cash bid to acquire entertainment company Paramount Global's parent, National Amusements.
Revenue at its TV media segment declined by 12% from a year earlier and advertising revenue fell by 15%, impacted by lower political advertising and the twin Hollywood strikes.
"We're seeing some signs of stabilization in the ad market," finance chief Naveen Chopra said, adding that the company expects to report "low to mid-teens advertising growth" in the first quarter.
It’s war - Meta pulls out of news deal - March 1, 2024
The Albanese government and local media companies will go to war with Facebook owner Meta, after the digital giant said it would stop paying news publishers about $70 million a year for content when existing deals expire this year.
After months of speculation the $1.9 trillion social platform would back out, Meta’s local boss Will Easton and Asia-Pacific public policy lead Simon Milner told publishers and the government it would not negotiate new deals. The Albanese government says it will move within weeks to force Meta to the negotiating table.
The decision deals another damaging blow to media companies like Seven West Media, Nine Entertainment and News Corp that have been grappling with a deepening advertising crunch as businesses tighten their belts in a cost of living crisis. Those three companies alone will lose up to 9 per cent of their annual net profit after Meta withdraws, Macquarie estimated on Friday.
Meta refusing to comply with the Australian code, which prompted nations like Canada and the UK to enact similar laws, adds to structural shifts in media that have prompted thousands of job losses around the world in the past few months. Just this week, New Zealand’s only private commercial free-to-air broadcast shuttered its newsroom, putting 200-plus people out of work. There have been local layoffs recently at Ten, Nine, Seven and News Corp, and more than 2800 in 2023 in the US at the likes of the LA Times, The Athletic and Condé Nast.
After lucrative classifieds businesses were carved off the media as standalone enterprises like REA Group, Seek and Carsales, media organisations grabbed what little advertising they could. A fracturing ad market means publishers now compete with the likes of Netflix, Uber, Amazon and even Woolworths to sell ads to targeted audiences.
Meta’s decision has prompted an immediate and fierce reaction from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, his ministers, the opposition and media publishers. Mr Albanese blasted Meta’s actions on Friday as “not the Australian way”.
“We will always stand up for Australian media interests and media diversity,” he said. “It is absolutely critical that media is able to function and be properly funded. The idea that research and work done by others can be taken for free is simply untenable.”
In a blog post, Meta said it would remove the little-used Facebook News tab it created in 2019, but that users will still be able to share links to news stories.
That means it will not remove news pages as it did in a poorly received attempt to pressure the federal government in 2021. It then confirmed it would not negotiate new deals to compensate media companies.
“To ensure that we continue to invest in products and services that drive user engagement, we will not enter into new commercial deals for traditional news content in these countries and will not offer new Facebook products specifically for news publishers in the future,” the company said.
Meta previously agreed to pay upwards of $70 million a year in total to companies including News Corp, Nine – the publisher of The Australian Financial Review – Seven, Network Ten, the ABC and Guardian Australia. That funding is set to expire alongside those deals this year.
‘Dereliction of commitment’
Facebook and Google signed dozens of deals with media companies worth about $250 million a year combined under the Coalition-legislated News Media Bargaining Code, which was introduced in 2021. The code gives the Treasurer the power to designate major tech platforms and force them to negotiate compensation for publishers. The code has not yet been used.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland released a joint statement describing Meta’s decision as “a dereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media”.
“The decision removes a significant source of revenue for Australian news media businesses. Australian news publishers deserve fair compensation for the content they provide,” they said.
The Albanese government had sought advice from Treasury and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and had started the steps to designate Meta. “I’m not going to pre-empt anything,” Mr Jones told reporters. “But we will ensure that we follow the letter of the law... we don’t intend to take months.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has recused himself from code discussions that was negotiated by his Liberal predecessor Josh Frydenberg, to avoid potential conflicts of interest. His wife, Laura Chalmers, works as an editor for News Corp.
Mr Frydenberg, who personally negotiated the deal with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in 2021, said last week it was “vital for Australian journalism these deals are kept in place.”
Former competition watchdog Rod Sims, an architect of the code, said Meta’s decision was “selfish behaviour”.
“They benefit from content that they don’t want to pay for, so that all the profits go to them. And not in any way shared with the people whose content they’re using,” he said.
No surprise
The U-turn by Meta comes as no surprise to publishers, which have been attempting to restart negotiations. Meta refused to pay Canadian publishers last year under a similar law, and pulled links to news from its platforms.
Nine CEO Mike Sneesby released a statement on Friday saying the decision “does not recognise the significant and increasing value of Nine’s journalism, unique content and brands to its platforms”.
“We strongly believe Meta should negotiate in good faith around the fair compensation for that value exchange,” he said. “We will continue to robustly advocate that these deals are in the national interest and the arguments that led to the code in the first place remains as strong as ever.”
News Corp Australasia boss Michael Miller said Meta had conditioned people to use its platform for news and profited from that behaviour.
“Meta is using its immense market power to refuse to negotiate,” he said.
“That points out the imbalance in bargaining power. When one party says they don’t need to come to the table, a month out, it shows how much they think of us the local industry.”
ABC managing director David Anderson emailed staff late on Friday afternoon saying the loss of revenue from Meta would “create a financial challenge for the ABC” given funds had been used to add 60 journalists to its regional roster.
Seven’s CEO James Warburton said: “Meta needs to be designated. The case has not only been made but proven.” Network Ten said it was disappointed and urged the government to designate Meta.
If the Treasury minister designates Meta, an independent arbitrator will determine remuneration payable by the digital platform.
Before officially announcing it will designate Meta, Mr Jones has to strictly follow administrative law steps to ensure there is due process and to limit legal challenges by the digital platform.
News ‘a small part of the Facebook experience’
Meta has argued people don’t come to its platforms for news, and that its Facebook News tab was not a driver of user engagement.
“The number of people using Facebook News in Australia and the US has declined by over 80 per cent last year. We know that people don’t come to Facebook for news and political content,” Meta wrote.
“News makes up less than 3 per cent of what people around the world see in their Facebook feed, and is a small part of the Facebook experience for the vast majority of people.”
Mr Jones said it was clear Facebook had deprioritised the Facebook News tab in its app that it launched in 2019. “If you run a restaurant and then close the front door, it really doesn’t make a lot of sense that a few months later you complain that you’re not getting any visitors into your restaurant,” he told reporters. “As things stand at the moment, I’m not that persuaded by that argument.”
Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor and shadow minister for communications David Coleman said Labor had been caught on the back foot after the Coalition legislated the code.
“This is important to support Australian jobs, small businesses, and a competitive media market that delivers good outcomes to consumers,” they said in a joint statement.
“This is a critical test about whose side the government is on: Australian jobs, media, and publishers – or large multinational tech giants.”
Greens media and communications spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young said it was a “huge blow to public interest journalism” and Meta was choosing which laws it wanted to follow.
(AFR)
Pro Wrestling - TKO Group - Feb 27, 2024
TKO Group Holdings released its final 2023 earnings report and held its quarterly investors call on Tuesday afternoon.
The company listed the following key highlights for 2023:
The UFC segment delivered record financial results. Revenue increased 13% to $1.3 billion and Adjusted EBITDA1 increased 11% to $756 million
UFC live events revenue increased 34% to a record $168 million, driven by growth in ticket revenues and site fees. UFC held 43 events that generated significant viewership gains and set several all-time records for gross revenue at respective arenas
UFC sponsorship revenue increased 18% to a record $196 million, driven by new brand partners and renewal increases
UFC celebrated its 30th anniversary with a series of events commemorating its history and current standing as the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization
Each WWE premium live event set a viewership record; total WWE domestic viewership and hours viewed on Peacock increased 25% and 22%, respectively, as compared to the prior year
WWE live event average attendance increased 34%
In January 2024, WWE entered into a long-term media rights agreement with Netflix beginning in January 2025 for Raw in the United States and all WWE shows and specials outside the United States
UFC revenue for 2023 increased 13 percent to $1.3 billion. The growth was driven by a $76.2 million increase in media rights and content fees and a $42.6 million increase in live events revenue. Additionally, there was $29.5 million in growth from sponsorship revenue.
UFC's EBITDA increased just 11 percent despite a 13 percent growth in revenue due to an increase in operating costs.
The report also lists $34.2 million in legal costs, $20 million of which is related to the settlement of an antitrust lawsuit, likely referring to the one WWE settled with MLW in December.
For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s consolidated pre-tax results included $34.2 million in costs related to certain litigation matters at UFC and WWE, including the impact of a $20.0 million charge related to the settlement of an antitrust lawsuit at WWE.
WWE revenue for 2023 was $1.326 billion, up from $1.292 billion in 2022. The growth was due to an increase in live event revenue, media rights, and sponsorship revenue. This number was partially offset by a decrease in consumer product licensing, however.
WWE's EBITDA increased 4 percent from 2022 to $533.1 million due to the increase in revenue but offset by an increase in expenses, particularly the "transition of our digital retail platform and venue merchandise business to Fanatics."
The overall corporate adjusted EBITDA was listed at a loss of $196.3 million compared to a loss of $179.9 million the year prior.
From today's report:
The decrease of $16.5 million was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs, including TKO executive compensation, and other general and administrative expenses, including public company expenses, following the formation of TKO in September 2023. The decrease also reflected an increase in service fees paid to Endeavor under the Company’s Services Agreement. These increases more than offset savings associated with restructuring activities following the formation of TKO.
Notes from the TKO Group Holdings Earnings call on February 27, 2024 --
TKO Group CFO Andrew Schleimer noted that site fees are a key growth area for the company, citing Saturday's Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia
Schleimer stated they are still working on securing a home for WWE Raw after the USA Network deal ends on September 30 and before the deal with Netflix begins in January 2025.
Mark Shapiro made a point of mentioning that no one should assume any dollar amounts regarding rights fees for Raw in late 2024, but he is confident the show will air during the window of time between the USA and Netflix deals.
A question is asked regarding if the company would be willing to purchase a large amount of stock from a shareholder. Shapiro quickly noted that he's assuming the question pertains to Vince McMahon and that they simply don't know what he plans to do.
Regarding the UFC antitrust lawsuit set for April, they believe they have the facts on their side but would not comment further.
When asked about the PFL and Bellator merger, Emanuel said they enjoy competition, and noted that forms of entertainment other than MMA are also their competition.
There was a question on whether Netflix having international rights to WWE content would prevent WWE from developing brands such as NXT Europe. Nick Khan said the deal does not prevent them from creating brands in international markets, although Netflix would get first-look rights for any content produced.
“TKO is off to a strong start following record financial performance in 2023 at both UFC and WWE,” said Ariel Emanuel, CEO of TKO in a statement. “We secured Anheuser-Busch as the official beer partner of UFC, delivered a transformative deal to bring WWE’s Raw to Netflix beginning in 2025, and expanded our international footprint in important growth markets. We have more conviction than ever in the combination of these businesses and TKO’s ability to drive topline growth and margin expansion, generate meaningful free cash flow, and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders.”
TKO Group Holdings released its final 2023 earnings report and held its quarterly investors call on Tuesday afternoon.
The company listed the following key highlights for 2023:
The UFC segment delivered record financial results. Revenue increased 13% to $1.3 billion and Adjusted EBITDA1 increased 11% to $756 million
UFC live events revenue increased 34% to a record $168 million, driven by growth in ticket revenues and site fees. UFC held 43 events that generated significant viewership gains and set several all-time records for gross revenue at respective arenas
UFC sponsorship revenue increased 18% to a record $196 million, driven by new brand partners and renewal increases
UFC celebrated its 30th anniversary with a series of events commemorating its history and current standing as the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization
Each WWE premium live event set a viewership record; total WWE domestic viewership and hours viewed on Peacock increased 25% and 22%, respectively, as compared to the prior year
WWE live event average attendance increased 34%
In January 2024, WWE entered into a long-term media rights agreement with Netflix beginning in January 2025 for Raw in the United States and all WWE shows and specials outside the United States
UFC revenue for 2023 increased 13 percent to $1.3 billion. The growth was driven by a $76.2 million increase in media rights and content fees and a $42.6 million increase in live events revenue. Additionally, there was $29.5 million in growth from sponsorship revenue.
UFC's EBITDA increased just 11 percent despite a 13 percent growth in revenue due to an increase in operating costs.
The report also lists $34.2 million in legal costs, $20 million of which is related to the settlement of an antitrust lawsuit, likely referring to the one WWE settled with MLW in December.
For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s consolidated pre-tax results included $34.2 million in costs related to certain litigation matters at UFC and WWE, including the impact of a $20.0 million charge related to the settlement of an antitrust lawsuit at WWE.
WWE revenue for 2023 was $1.326 billion, up from $1.292 billion in 2022. The growth was due to an increase in live event revenue, media rights, and sponsorship revenue. This number was partially offset by a decrease in consumer product licensing, however.
WWE's EBITDA increased 4 percent from 2022 to $533.1 million due to the increase in revenue but offset by an increase in expenses, particularly the "transition of our digital retail platform and venue merchandise business to Fanatics."
The overall corporate adjusted EBITDA was listed at a loss of $196.3 million compared to a loss of $179.9 million the year prior.
From today's report:
The decrease of $16.5 million was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs, including TKO executive compensation, and other general and administrative expenses, including public company expenses, following the formation of TKO in September 2023. The decrease also reflected an increase in service fees paid to Endeavor under the Company’s Services Agreement. These increases more than offset savings associated with restructuring activities following the formation of TKO.
Notes from the TKO Group Holdings Earnings call on February 27, 2024 --
TKO Group CFO Andrew Schleimer noted that site fees are a key growth area for the company, citing Saturday's Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia
Schleimer stated they are still working on securing a home for WWE Raw after the USA Network deal ends on September 30 and before the deal with Netflix begins in January 2025.
Mark Shapiro made a point of mentioning that no one should assume any dollar amounts regarding rights fees for Raw in late 2024, but he is confident the show will air during the window of time between the USA and Netflix deals.
A question is asked regarding if the company would be willing to purchase a large amount of stock from a shareholder. Shapiro quickly noted that he's assuming the question pertains to Vince McMahon and that they simply don't know what he plans to do.
Regarding the UFC antitrust lawsuit set for April, they believe they have the facts on their side but would not comment further.
When asked about the PFL and Bellator merger, Emanuel said they enjoy competition, and noted that forms of entertainment other than MMA are also their competition.
There was a question on whether Netflix having international rights to WWE content would prevent WWE from developing brands such as NXT Europe. Nick Khan said the deal does not prevent them from creating brands in international markets, although Netflix would get first-look rights for any content produced.
“TKO is off to a strong start following record financial performance in 2023 at both UFC and WWE,” said Ariel Emanuel, CEO of TKO in a statement. “We secured Anheuser-Busch as the official beer partner of UFC, delivered a transformative deal to bring WWE’s Raw to Netflix beginning in 2025, and expanded our international footprint in important growth markets. We have more conviction than ever in the combination of these businesses and TKO’s ability to drive topline growth and margin expansion, generate meaningful free cash flow, and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders.”
It’s war - Meta pulls out of news deal - March 1, 2024
The Albanese government and local media companies will go to war with Facebook owner Meta, after the digital giant said it would stop paying news publishers about $70 million a year for content when existing deals expire this year.
After months of speculation the $1.9 trillion social platform would back out, Meta’s local boss Will Easton and Asia-Pacific public policy lead Simon Milner told publishers and the government it would not negotiate new deals. The Albanese government says it will move within weeks to force Meta to the negotiating table.
The decision deals another damaging blow to media companies like Seven West Media, Nine Entertainment and News Corp that have been grappling with a deepening advertising crunch as businesses tighten their belts in a cost of living crisis. Those three companies alone will lose up to 9 per cent of their annual net profit after Meta withdraws, Macquarie estimated on Friday.
Meta refusing to comply with the Australian code, which prompted nations like Canada and the UK to enact similar laws, adds to structural shifts in media that have prompted thousands of job losses around the world in the past few months. Just this week, New Zealand’s only private commercial free-to-air broadcast shuttered its newsroom, putting 200-plus people out of work. There have been local layoffs recently at Ten, Nine, Seven and News Corp, and more than 2800 in 2023 in the US at the likes of the LA Times, The Athletic and Condé Nast.
After lucrative classifieds businesses were carved off the media as standalone enterprises like REA Group, Seek and Carsales, media organisations grabbed what little advertising they could. A fracturing ad market means publishers now compete with the likes of Netflix, Uber, Amazon and even Woolworths to sell ads to targeted audiences.
Meta’s decision has prompted an immediate and fierce reaction from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, his ministers, the opposition and media publishers. Mr Albanese blasted Meta’s actions on Friday as “not the Australian way”.
“We will always stand up for Australian media interests and media diversity,” he said. “It is absolutely critical that media is able to function and be properly funded. The idea that research and work done by others can be taken for free is simply untenable.”
In a blog post, Meta said it would remove the little-used Facebook News tab it created in 2019, but that users will still be able to share links to news stories.
That means it will not remove news pages as it did in a poorly received attempt to pressure the federal government in 2021. It then confirmed it would not negotiate new deals to compensate media companies.
“To ensure that we continue to invest in products and services that drive user engagement, we will not enter into new commercial deals for traditional news content in these countries and will not offer new Facebook products specifically for news publishers in the future,” the company said.
Meta previously agreed to pay upwards of $70 million a year in total to companies including News Corp, Nine – the publisher of The Australian Financial Review – Seven, Network Ten, the ABC and Guardian Australia. That funding is set to expire alongside those deals this year.
‘Dereliction of commitment’
Facebook and Google signed dozens of deals with media companies worth about $250 million a year combined under the Coalition-legislated News Media Bargaining Code, which was introduced in 2021. The code gives the Treasurer the power to designate major tech platforms and force them to negotiate compensation for publishers. The code has not yet been used.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland released a joint statement describing Meta’s decision as “a dereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media”.
“The decision removes a significant source of revenue for Australian news media businesses. Australian news publishers deserve fair compensation for the content they provide,” they said.
The Albanese government had sought advice from Treasury and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and had started the steps to designate Meta. “I’m not going to pre-empt anything,” Mr Jones told reporters. “But we will ensure that we follow the letter of the law... we don’t intend to take months.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has recused himself from code discussions that was negotiated by his Liberal predecessor Josh Frydenberg, to avoid potential conflicts of interest. His wife, Laura Chalmers, works as an editor for News Corp.
Mr Frydenberg, who personally negotiated the deal with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in 2021, said last week it was “vital for Australian journalism these deals are kept in place.”
Former competition watchdog Rod Sims, an architect of the code, said Meta’s decision was “selfish behaviour”.
“They benefit from content that they don’t want to pay for, so that all the profits go to them. And not in any way shared with the people whose content they’re using,” he said.
No surprise
The U-turn by Meta comes as no surprise to publishers, which have been attempting to restart negotiations. Meta refused to pay Canadian publishers last year under a similar law, and pulled links to news from its platforms.
Nine CEO Mike Sneesby released a statement on Friday saying the decision “does not recognise the significant and increasing value of Nine’s journalism, unique content and brands to its platforms”.
“We strongly believe Meta should negotiate in good faith around the fair compensation for that value exchange,” he said. “We will continue to robustly advocate that these deals are in the national interest and the arguments that led to the code in the first place remains as strong as ever.”
News Corp Australasia boss Michael Miller said Meta had conditioned people to use its platform for news and profited from that behaviour.
“Meta is using its immense market power to refuse to negotiate,” he said.
“That points out the imbalance in bargaining power. When one party says they don’t need to come to the table, a month out, it shows how much they think of us the local industry.”
ABC managing director David Anderson emailed staff late on Friday afternoon saying the loss of revenue from Meta would “create a financial challenge for the ABC” given funds had been used to add 60 journalists to its regional roster.
Seven’s CEO James Warburton said: “Meta needs to be designated. The case has not only been made but proven.” Network Ten said it was disappointed and urged the government to designate Meta.
If the Treasury minister designates Meta, an independent arbitrator will determine remuneration payable by the digital platform.
Before officially announcing it will designate Meta, Mr Jones has to strictly follow administrative law steps to ensure there is due process and to limit legal challenges by the digital platform.
News ‘a small part of the Facebook experience’
Meta has argued people don’t come to its platforms for news, and that its Facebook News tab was not a driver of user engagement.
“The number of people using Facebook News in Australia and the US has declined by over 80 per cent last year. We know that people don’t come to Facebook for news and political content,” Meta wrote.
“News makes up less than 3 per cent of what people around the world see in their Facebook feed, and is a small part of the Facebook experience for the vast majority of people.”
Mr Jones said it was clear Facebook had deprioritised the Facebook News tab in its app that it launched in 2019. “If you run a restaurant and then close the front door, it really doesn’t make a lot of sense that a few months later you complain that you’re not getting any visitors into your restaurant,” he told reporters. “As things stand at the moment, I’m not that persuaded by that argument.”
Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor and shadow minister for communications David Coleman said Labor had been caught on the back foot after the Coalition legislated the code.
“This is important to support Australian jobs, small businesses, and a competitive media market that delivers good outcomes to consumers,” they said in a joint statement.
“This is a critical test about whose side the government is on: Australian jobs, media, and publishers – or large multinational tech giants.”
Greens media and communications spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young said it was a “huge blow to public interest journalism” and Meta was choosing which laws it wanted to follow.
(AFR)
‘Back soon’: Alan Jones’ return to streaming channel on the cards - March 1, 2024
For the small but dedicated audience of streaming news channel ADH TV, the big question is: where is Alan Jones? Jones, who remains in London, was removed from ADH’s banners on YouTube and Facebook for the fringe channel’s relaunch for the year to the dismay of the outlet’s online fans.
“Where is Alan Jones??” said one user on the channel’s Facebook page. “Alan Jones needs to be there, he is the man,” said another individual.
Responding to several comments, the ADH admin cleared up the confusion, insisting Jones would be returning shortly.
“Alan will be back soon. Thank you!” they wrote.
The company’s chief executive, Jack Bulfin, did not respond to a series of questions put to him about Jones’ return.
Taking centre stage in promotions is former Australian Broadcasting Authority head and conservative figure David Flint, who hosts a twice-weekly program Save the Nation.
Flint insists he is not the network’s star, and says Jones’ on-air return is imminent. “Alan is returning,” Flint says. “I know Alan is coming back.”
Jones has been in London since before Christmas, however was due to return in February to take up his role on ADH, before later cancelling his plans, as reported by this masthead.
In December, this masthead revealed allegations that Jones used his position of power as Sydney’s most high-profile broadcaster to prey on a number of young men, allegedly indecently assaulting them, groping or inappropriately touching them without their consent.
Jones denies the allegations, and although he threatened to sue for defamation, he is yet to commence legal action.
He joined ADH in late 2021 after departing Sky News Australia and has been its highest-profile star since pulling back from four nights a week to two. Despite several of the social channels being listed under Jones’ name, he has no financial involvement in the operations of the business, another source with knowledge of the relationship told this masthead, speaking on condition of anonymity.
An article on realestate.com.au reported that Jones sold his Brisbane investment property for just over $1.3 million this month.
Another absent figure has been former Seven Network Sydney news director Jason Morrison, previously reported as having been offered the role of chief executive at ADH.
Morrison continued to deny the links to the digital startup, telling this masthead he remains unable to take part in any discussions while on gardening leave. He says he has not spoken with Jones for “six to nine months” despite filling in for him on ADH in late 2023.
He was expected to again fill in for Jones in his continued absence.
A senior source at Seven not authorised to speak publicly said Morrison was no longer contracted at the network. He left in June last year.
ADH TV was launched by Bulfin and two friends in 2021, one of those being Jones’ protegee Jake Thrupp, who he is currently with in London. Former ABC chair Maurice Newman is the network’s chair.
Since launching two years ago, its YouTube page has amassed 43,000 subscribers, and its videos are viewed an average of 2099 times, a far cry from Sky News Australia’s nearly four million subscriber base.
Default advertising revenue per 1000 views means it would net around $4.39 to $10.94 per video on YouTube – but the platform can be lucrative.
Piers Morgan recently quit his nightly program syndicated on Sky News Australia to focus on his YouTube channel. Sky News told this masthead the show had garnered close to 150 million views for the network across its channels during its run.
Likewise, former Fox News personality Tucker Carlson has gone digital since being sacked by Fox News in 2023, with his show, Tucker Carlson Uncensored, regularly attracting millions of views on X.
ADH only broadcasts several hours of content each weeknight, with partners including Spectator Australia, right-wing think tanks The Menzies Research Centre and the Institute of Public Affairs, the Conservative Political Action Conference and right-wing Falun Gong-operated American outlet The Epoch Times.
Flint is also a columnist for Spectator Australia; Nick Cater, a senior fellow at the Menzies Research Centre and columnist for The Australian, also hosts a weekly show; and former federal Liberal Candidate James Mathias, now chief of staff at the think tank, hosted a run of shows in 2023.
Albanese government furious over Meta’s plan to pull out of Facebook news deal - March 1, 2024
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rebuked Facebook’s parent company Meta for its decision to pull millions in funding from Australian news organisations, labelling the move “untenable” and flagging action against the tech giant.
Meta, which is the world’s largest social media company, announced on Friday it would not renegotiate new deals as part of the news media bargaining code, a move publishers said would cost them millions of dollars in annual funding and likely affect local jobs.
“It is absolutely critical that the media is able to function and be properly funded,” Albanese said in Melbourne on Friday.
“We will consider what options we have available and we will talk to the media companies as well.
“The idea that one company can profit from others’ investment, not just investment in capital but investment in people, investment in journalism is unfair. That’s not the Australian way.”
The prime minister’s comments are a clear sign the Labor government is furious with Meta’s decision and is preparing a decisive response.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland accused the tech giant of “a dereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media.”
Jones signalled the government is prepared to use the news media bargaining code, put in place by former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, to force Meta back to the table to negotiate with Australian media companies for the millions of dollars in content they provide.
The company also announced its decision to scrap its news bookmark tab via a blog post, and said it will not strike new commercial deals with local publishers when they expire later this year.
“To ensure that we continue to invest in products and services that drive user engagement, we will not enter into new commercial deals for traditional news content in these countries and will not offer new Facebook products specifically for news publishers in the future,” the statement said.
The ACCC’s estimate was that the total value of the media deals struck by Google and Meta were worth about $200 million a year to media companies, with two thirds of that coming from Google and one third, or about $66 million, from Meta. In January, Meta passed a market capitalisation of $US1 trillion ($1.5 trillion) and the company is worth about $US1.25 trillion.
Jones and Rowland damned the move in a joint statement, saying the government had made its expectations clear.
“The decision removes a significant source of revenue for Australian news media businesses. Australian news publishers deserve fair compensation for the content they provide. The Australian government is committed to the news media bargaining code and is seeking advice from Treasury and the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) on next steps,” they said.
“We will now work through all available options under the news media bargaining code.”
Meta’s announcement said the “deprecation” of the Facebook news tab did not impact the terms of its existing agreements with publishers in Australia, France or Germany.
“This is part of an ongoing effort to better align our investments to our products and services people value the most,” the company said in a blog post, adding more users are shifting towards short-form video.
The post said the number of people using the Facebook news tab in both countries had dropped by 80 per cent in the last year, and that its users did not use Facebook for news or political content.
“As we previously shared in 2023, news makes up less than 3 per cent of what people around the world see in their Facebook feed, and is a small part of the Facebook experience for the vast majority of people.”
Liberal shadow ministers David Coleman and Angus Taylor called on the government to “consider all options” to ensure local publishers would be fairly remunerated for their content.
“When Meta made similar announcements in the UK, France and Germany in September last year, the government should have immediately taken measures to prevent this from happening in Australia,” they said in a statement.
“If the government is serious about competition, they must not allow digital service providers to hold Australian jobs and publishers hostage to dominant market power.”
Former ACCC boss Rod Sims, who helped architect the news media bargaining code, said Meta’s decision not to share any of its huge profits with Australian publishers was “extremely selfish”.
“They don’t seem to have much concern for having trusted news on their platforms – which continues the trend of platforms wanting extreme views to keep people,” he said.
Sims said the federal government should take its time consulting the ACCC, Treasury and media companies and then make a call on whether to “designate” Facebook, which would force the social media giant into arbitration with media companies to determine remuneration for news content.
But he warned Meta could escalate the dispute as it had done in 2021, when it blocked Australian news from its platform, a move that was widely criticised.
An industry source, who asked not to be named so they could speak freely, said big media companies in Australia were taking very seriously Meta’s threat to walk away from news entirely, pointing to their decision to do this in Canada.
The Australian deal Meta had struck three years ago had created a precedent, the source said, and the company was determined not to let it spread around the world.
The news media bargaining code was created three years ago as an effort to force the likes of Facebook and Google to compensate publishers for news, and to address a perceived power imbalance between Australian news businesses and the US-based tech giants.
Under the legislation, the treasurer can designate digital platforms, including Facebook and Google, and require them to pay for their use of news content.
Facebook and Google avoided designation by agreeing to a series of deals in 2021 with publishers including the ABC, Guardian Australia, News Corp Australia, Seven West Media and Nine Entertainment, the owner of this masthead.
Several parties, including Seven West Media boss James Warburton, Network 10, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and commercial television lobby FreeTV have called on the government to designate the platform under the code.
“The case has not only been made but proven, and we welcome ministers Jones and Rowland’s commitment to the news media bargaining code. We will work constructively with the ACCC and Treasury to ensure their designation,” said Warburton.
Hanson-Young called for the platform’s immediate designation, saying the move was “a huge blow to public interest journalism”. FreeTV chief Bridget Fair said there has never been a more important time for news media businesses to be fairly remunerated for trusted news content.
Nine chief executive Mike Sneesby said Meta’s decision failed to recognise the value its journalism offers the platforms, and that the deals remain in the national interest.
“Regardless of the Meta announcement today, the value created on their platform from the use of Nine’s IP is both unquestionable and growing, and we strongly believe Meta should negotiate in good faith around the fair compensation for that value exchange,” Sneesby said.
News Corp Australia executive chair Michael Miller said that Meta’s decision would likely cost local journalism jobs. He said regional and rural communities in particular would suffer from the loss of media funding.
“With less revenue coming into the industry you would have to assume that the industry will have to suffer some losses, and the main area would be people,” he said. “That means less local stories.
“Meta’s decision will directly impact the viability of Australia’s many small and regional publishers and this is a pressing issue for the government to confront.”
Miller said Facebook had conditioned millions of Australians to use its platform as a source of news, and had profited from that behaviour.
“This decision shows contempt for Australia and its own loyal customers,” he said. “I don’t think Australians will react well to today’s news. And I don’t put Google in the same bucket, Google have been very collaborative.”
Earlier this week, Frydenberg said it was “vital for Australian journalism these deals are kept in place” and that the deal he had hammered out had pumped millions of dollars into public interest journalism in Australia.
Any move by the government to designate Meta and force them back to the bargaining table could take months to put in place because of the volume of data the ACCC will have to collect.
There is concern that a so-called poison pill in the legislation would allow Meta to walk immediately – and not pay out the money it is due to pay out until June 30, 2024 – if the government rapidly designated Meta.
The government is also looking at other forms of pressure that can be brought to bear on Meta, such as the small amount of tax it pays in Australia and the platform’s at times harmful impact on young people.
US-based media industry veteran Jason Kint said that Facebook’s decision to walk away from Australian news was the latest example of poor behaviour from the tech giant.
“In the past six months, Facebook and Instagram have blocked all news in Canada, unblocked all ads lying about the 2020 elections in the US, been sued by governments and school districts for knowingly harming children and now appears set to withdraw all owed funding of news in Australia,” he told this masthead.
“The company’s willingness to trade democracy for profits is on centre stage and the public, advertisers and governments need to hold them accountable.”
The majority of Meta’s three-year deals are set to expire this year, alongside many brokered with Google. Some Google deals run for five years.
A source close to Google not authorised to speak publicly said that the tech giant had begun renegotiating some of its deals with local publishers.
In 2022, Facebook’s tax bill in Australia was $24 million but the company funnelled nearly $1 billion in local ad revenue to its parent company overseas.
(SMH)
Pro Wrestling
WWE SmackDown - March 1, 2024
The Rock returns to SmackDown in Arizona
Glendale, Arizona as The Rock returns to SmackDown.
The Rock has seemingly joined The Bloodline and forged an almighty alliance with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, coming into direct opposition to Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
With The Rock back in the desert and on a crusade against the WWE Universe, what should we expect from The Great One?
Don't miss SmackDown when The Rock makes his return, next week at 8/7 C on FOX!
(WWE.com)
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