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Sports, Combat Sports; Grok Continues To Assist Media And Online Media Firms At The Speed Of News; Nears 99 Percent Accuracy - Media Man Group

August 22, 2024

News

Cena Declares Reigns as WWE GOAT

John Cena has publicly declared Roman Reigns as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in professional wrestling, attributing the significant rise in WWE/TKO stock value during Reigns' tenure as evidence. This statement has ignited a debate among wrestling fans and enthusiasts. Some fans agree with Cena, highlighting Reigns' current dominance and his impact on WWE's financial success. However, others argue that while Reigns is exceptional, he does not surpass historical figures like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, or even Cena himself in terms of overall influence and legacy. The discussion reflects a generational shift in wrestling's GOAT debate, with newer fans potentially viewing Reigns differently than veterans who recall the era of The Rock and Austin. (Grok)

News

Danielson Declares Wrestling Supremacy

During a recent episode of AEW Dynamite, Bryan Danielson confidently declared himself the best wrestler in the world, a claim he has upheld for the past 20 years. This statement was a focal point of the episode, drawing significant attention and support from fans and commentators. Danielson's promo not only showcased his confidence but also set the stage for his upcoming match at AEW's All In event, where he is expected to challenge for the AEW World Title. The episode also featured other matches, but Danielson's proclamation and the crowd's enthusiastic response highlighted the high stakes and anticipation for the future event. (Grok)

News

Danielson Claims Best Wrestler Title

The latest episode of AEW Dynamite, which aired on August 21, 2024, from Cardiff, was a pivotal go-home show leading up to the AEW All In event at Wembley Stadium. The episode was marked by high energy from both the performers and the audience. Bryan Danielson made a bold claim, declaring himself the best wrestler in the world, a statement that was met with significant fan and commentator support. The show featured strong promos from key figures like Britt Baker, Mercedes, MJF, and Will Ospreay, all contributing to the anticipation for All In. AEW President Tony Khan expressed his gratitude for the audience's support, highlighting the show's importance in setting the stage for the upcoming major event. The episode was widely praised for its wrestling quality and storytelling, effectively building momentum towards AEW All In. (Grok)

News

UFC Vegas 96 Betting Highlights

Ahead of UFC Vegas 96, fans and analysts are actively discussing predictions and betting strategies for the event. Key points include Jared Cannonier being seen as a value bet despite his underdog status against Caio Borralho, and the addition of a last-minute fight between Zygimantas Ramaska and Fletcher. Discussions are centered around potential outcomes, with some focusing on specific bets like Llontop at +186 odds. The main event features Edmen Shahbazyan, with speculation on whether he will secure another finish. The community is engaging with detailed fight breakdowns, betting tips, and varied predictions, reflecting a mix of professional analysis and casual fan insights. (Grok)

News

Beterbiev vs. Bivol Set for Boxing Showdown

The upcoming boxing event on October 12th features a much-anticipated match between Dmitry Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, widely considered one of the top fights in recent boxing schedules. Beterbiev, known for his knockout streak, will face Bivol, who is recognized for his technical boxing skills. Predictions for the fight are split, with some believing Bivol's skill might lead to Beterbiev's corner stopping the fight, while others anticipate Beterbiev's aggressive style could overpower Bivol. This event has sparked significant discussion among fans and analysts about the potential outcomes. Additionally, there was a notable fight on ProBox TV between Jarrett Hurd and Jeison Rosario, which ended controversially in the second round, aimed at keeping the fighters relevant in their divisions. (Grok)

News

One Month to Joshua-Dubois Showdown

The upcoming boxing event, #RiyadhSeasonCard: Wembley Edition, is scheduled for September 21 at Wembley Stadium, UK, featuring a headline fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois for the IBF World Heavyweight Crown. This event has generated significant anticipation among boxing fans, with tickets available through various platforms. Prominent figures in the boxing community, including Turki Alalshikh, have actively promoted the event, highlighting its importance in the boxing calendar. Discussions around the event include the potential for an upset, with some backing Dubois to defeat Joshua. The event is part of a broader series of boxing matches, marking a notable moment for fans of the sport. (Grok)

News

BKFC

The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is an American bare-knuckle boxing promotion that has become quite popular since its inception in April 2018. Here's what you need to know based on the latest information:

Events and Schedule: BKFC has upcoming events including BKFC 65 FEREA VS MASSON-WONG on September 6, 2024, and BKFC 66 BLAS VS REBER on September 13, 2024. They're also expanding internationally with BKFC SPAIN set for October 12, 2024.

Regulation and Structure: BKFC is the first promotion allowed to hold legal, sanctioned, and regulated bare knuckle events in the U.S. since 1889. Fighters are allowed to wrap and tape their wrists, thumbs, and mid-hand, but no gauze or tape can cover the knuckles within 1 inch.

Fighter Rankings: BKFC employs a ranking system where champions and interim champions automatically hold the top spots in their respective weight classes.

Fighters inactive for over 12 months are dropped from the rankings.

Media and Accessibility: BKFC has an official app where fans can watch live events, past fights, and access fighter profiles for a subscription fee. This indicates their push towards digital media for broader accessibility.

Public Sentiment and Coverage: From posts on X, there doesn't seem to be any direct discussion or updates specifically about BKFC's latest events or fighter news, but the platform's nature means there could be discussions or updates in various threads or posts that might not be directly linked to BKFC but could discuss related topics like combat sports trends or fighter performances.

Critical Examination: While BKFC has brought back the historical aspect of bare knuckle fighting, the sport's resurgence also sparks discussions on safety, the spectacle of violence, and its appeal in modern combat sports culture. Critics might argue about the ethics of promoting a sport where the lack of gloves could lead to more severe injuries, while fans and participants might highlight the raw, unfiltered nature of the competition as its primary draw.

Remember, while X posts can give insights into public sentiment or real-time reactions, they're not always factual or comprehensive sources for event-specific updates or official news. For the most accurate and current information on BKFC, checking directly with their official website or app would be advisable. (Grok)

News

Josh Barnett's Bloodsport

Josh Barnett's Bloodsport is a series of professional wrestling events that blend elements of mixed martial arts (MMA) with traditional pro wrestling, focusing on a more realistic and hard-hitting style. Here's what's been happening recently around this event:

Event Details: The latest Bloodsport event, Bloodsport XI, took place on July 28, 2024, at Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn, New York. This event featured a mix of well-known names from both wrestling and MMA backgrounds, showcasing matches that end by knockout, submission, or referee stoppage, reflecting the event's ethos of minimal rules.

Notable Matches and Results:

Heddi Karaoui defeated Brian Johnson in what was likely an opening match, setting the tone for the event.

Julius Creed from WWE had a victory over Matt Makowski, highlighting WWE talent's participation in the event.

Masha Slamovich won against Jody Threat, another match that ended with a referee stoppage.

Royce Isaacs managed to defeat Charlie Dempsey, which was surprising given Dempsey's WWE background.

Brutus Creed also from WWE, defeated "Filthy" Tom Lawlor, another notable match where WWE talent was showcased.

Homicide won against Mike Santana, showing a mix of TNA and indie wrestling talent.

Josh Barnett himself competed, defeating Bad Dude Tito by knockout, which is in line with the event's theme of showcasing real combat skills.

MVP's Confrontation: Post-event discussions highlighted a confrontation between MVP and Josh Barnett, where MVP challenged Barnett to a future fight, indicating a potential storyline or match setup for future events.

International Expansion: Josh Barnett has taken Bloodsport international with Bloodsport Bushido in Tokyo, Japan, on June 22, 2024, at Ryogoku Kokugikan, featuring names like Minoru Suzuki, which underscores the event's global appeal and its blend of wrestling cultures.

Fan and Media Reaction: The event has been praised for its unique approach to wrestling, bringing in fans from both the wrestling and MMA communities. The inclusion of WWE talent in Bloodsport events has been a point of interest, suggesting a crossover appeal that might attract a broader audience or serve as a platform for WWE stars to show a different side of their wrestling skills.

This series continues to push the boundaries of what's expected in professional wrestling, focusing on a more grounded, combat sports approach, which appeals to fans looking for something different from the usual scripted wrestling fare. (Grok)

News

Bloodsport

The Sport: In a broader context, "bloodsport" refers to any sport or entertainment that involves bloodshed, often to the death or serious injury of animals or humans. This can include:

Historical Context: Events like gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome or medieval jousting.

Modern Interpretations: Some might consider extreme fighting sports like MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) or underground fight clubs as modern forms of bloodsport, though these are highly regulated to prevent serious injury or death.

Cultural Impact: The term "bloodsport" has also been used metaphorically to describe any highly competitive or ruthless activity, not necessarily involving physical combat, where participants might be seen as fighting for survival or dominance.

If you're referring to something specific about "Bloodsport," like a sequel, a remake, or a particular scene, let me know! (Grok)

News

Pay-Per-View (PPV)

Pay-Per-View (PPV) is a television distribution model where viewers pay to watch specific events or programs, typically on a one-time basis. Here's a deeper look into how it functions:

Business Model:
Revenue: PPV events generate revenue directly from viewers, which can be particularly lucrative for high-demand content like major sporting events, boxing matches, concerts, or exclusive movie premieres.

Cost: The price for viewing can vary widely, depending on the event's popularity, exclusivity, and the platform offering it.

Content Types:
Sports: Boxing, UFC, WWE wrestling, and major sports finals like the Super Bowl or NBA Finals are often broadcast via PPV.

Entertainment: Special concerts, stand-up comedy shows, or exclusive movie releases might also be offered through PPV.

Special Events: Weddings of celebrities, royal events, or unique live performances.

Distribution:
Cable and Satellite TV: Traditionally, PPV was offered through cable or satellite TV providers where viewers would call in or use their remote to order the event.
Streaming Services: With the rise of digital platforms, PPV has evolved. Services like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and various sports streaming platforms now offer PPV events online.

Advantages:
Exclusivity: Viewers get access to content that might not be available through regular broadcasting.
Revenue for Content Creators: PPV allows for direct monetization of content, which can be beneficial for artists, athletes, or event organizers.

Challenges:
Piracy: High-profile PPV events are often targets for illegal streaming, which can cut into profits.
Market Saturation: With many events going PPV, there's a risk of viewer fatigue or competition for viewership.

Future Trends:
Integration with Subscription Models: Some platforms offer PPV within a broader subscription service, providing additional revenue streams.

Virtual Reality (VR): There's potential for PPV to expand into VR, offering immersive experiences for events.

If you're interested in a specific aspect of PPV, like its history, how to set up a PPV event, or its impact on media consumption, feel free to ask! (Grok)

News

TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) represents a significant merger in the sports and entertainment industry, combining World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) under one corporate umbrella. Here's a detailed overview based on the latest information:

Formation and Ownership: TKO Group Holdings was formed by Endeavor Group Holdings as part of a merger between WWE and Zuffa, the parent company of UFC. This merger was completed on September 12, 2023, marking a historic moment as it was the first time WWE was not solely owned by the McMahon family, who had founded and owned it for over 70 years. Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR) is the majority owner of TKO, with Vince McMahon personally owning approximately one-third of the Class A Common Stock of TKO Group Holdings, Inc.

Business Structure: Both WWE and UFC operate as divisions under TKO, maintaining their individual branding and operations but now under the same corporate governance. This structure aims to leverage combined resources for global expansion and cost savings, with an estimated value of more than $21 billion at the time of the merger.

Financial Performance: Recent financial data indicates TKO's stock price at around $119.78, with significant fluctuations in its financial metrics year-over-year. For instance, net income saw a decrease, while cash from operations increased dramatically, showcasing a mixed bag of financial health but with a strong operational cash flow.

Strategic Moves and Market Impact: The merger has led to various strategic decisions, including cost-saving measures, with expectations of saving between $50 million to $100 million. Additionally, WWE's deal with Netflix for content distribution was highlighted as transformative, indicating TKO's approach to expanding its media presence.

Board and Leadership: The board of TKO Group Holdings includes notable figures like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who joined to help expand the business globally, alongside other industry leaders from both WWE and UFC backgrounds. This diverse board aims to steer the company towards further integration and growth in the entertainment sector.

Public Sentiment and Media Coverage: From posts on X, there's a mix of excitement about the merger's potential for growth and concerns over the implications for WWE's traditional ownership structure. The listing on the NYSE and the involvement of high-profile figures like Ari Emanuel and Vince McMahon have been points of discussion, reflecting both optimism for the future of combat sports and entertainment and skepticism regarding the cultural shift within WWE.

Stock Performance: TKO's stock experienced a significant rise after reporting a strong second-quarter earnings report, nearly tripling its revenue from the previous year's quarter, indicating investor confidence in the company's direction under the new structure.

This merger not only reshapes the landscape of sports entertainment but also positions TKO Group Holdings as a major player in the global entertainment industry, with ambitions to expand its reach and influence through combined resources and strategic partnerships.

News

Verstappen's Trophy or Bust

Formula 1 is set to resume with the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend, generating excitement among fans, particularly for Max Verstappen who has a perfect record at this event since its return to the calendar in 2021. Discussions are centered around Verstappen's potential to win again, with fans expressing high expectations and some playful skepticism about others' interest in the sport. Meanwhile, there have been significant team changes; Lewis Hamilton's long-time race engineer, Peter 'Bono' Bonnington, has been promoted to Head of Race Engineering at Mercedes, ending speculation about his move to Ferrari with Hamilton. This news has stirred reactions among fans and within the F1 community, highlighting the dynamic shifts in team structures and driver-engineer relationships. (Grok)

News

Ronaldo Breaks YouTube Subscriber Record

Cristiano Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel and within less than 24 hours, he amassed over 14 million subscribers, breaking the previous record held by Mr. Beast who took 132 days to reach 10 million subscribers. Ronaldo's channel not only set a new benchmark for the fastest growth in subscribers but also highlighted his immense global popularity, with his first video garnering millions of views shortly after its release. This achievement was celebrated by fans and commentators alike, noting Ronaldo's unparalleled influence both on and off the football pitch. (Grok)

Media Man Int: Editor

The Grok reference for TKO Group is not 99 or 100 percent. A number of references are 6 to over 12 months out of date. The information regarding TKO Group is published as is, just as Grok AI directs us. This editor post may potentially assist Grok to further improve its otherwise excellent service, in the view of Media Man Group management. Media Man Int/Media Man Group management/staff finds Grok A.I to be overall much superior than that of the general A.I offerings of the industry and believes that under Elon Musk management and direction that the sky's the limit! Combat sports on Mars anyone?! Grok/X Championship Of The World!

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Word Life

A. Authority, Agent, Algorithm, Awake, Ads and Alphabet

B. Balls, Balance and Blogs

C. Creative and Content

D. Digital and Disrupt

E. Expert, Entertainment and Exposure

F. Fix

G. Go, Grappling, Genuine, Gems, Gold and Gonzo

H. Hits and Hashtags

I. Instinct and Instagram

J. Jewels and Journalism

K. Karate and Keywords

L. Lift and LinkedIn

M. Money, Moneytize and MMA

N. Numbers and News

O. Open and Online News

P. Passion, Promotions, Platforms and Pop Culture

Q. Questions

R. Revenue and Results

S. Suplex, Space X and Social Media

T. Trust, Twitter, Tesla and Trends

U. Universe, Unique and UFC

V. Vortex

W. Wrestling,

W. Words, Webcode and World

X. X-Journo and X.

Y. YouTube and YouTube Shorts

Z. Zoom

Elon Musk loses $30 billion in one day amid Wall Street’s tech wipeout - 21st July 2023

Elon Musk’s fortune slumped $US20.3 billion ($29.5 billion) after Tesla warned it may have to keep cutting the prices of its electric vehicles, sending shares tumbling.

The drop in net worth to $US234.4 billion is the seventh-largest decline ever among those in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, and further narrows the wealth gap between Musk and Bernard Arnault, the world’s two richest people. Musk’s fortune still exceeds that of Arnault, chairman of luxury goods maker LVMH, by about $US33 billion.

Musk wasn’t the only US technology billionaire having a tough day. Amazon.com’ s Jeff Bezos, Oracle Corp.’s Larry Ellison, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Alphabet co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin shed a collective $US20.8 billion in net worth as the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 fell 2.3 per cent.

Shares of Tesla slid 9.7 per cent to $US262.90 in New York, the most since April 20, after the company warned of more hits to its already-shrinking profitability. Months of markdowns have taken a toll on automotive gross margin, which fell to a four-year low in the second quarter. Musk, the company’s CEO, said Tesla will have to keep lowering prices if interest rates continue to rise.

In addition to potentially having to budge further on pricing, Tesla is pouring money into new models, including the behind-schedule Cybertruck, plus Dojo, the in-house supercomputer Musk plans to spend at least $US1 billion on by the end of next year. While Tesla remains on track to produce around 1.8 million vehicles in 2023, output will dip this quarter due to factory upgrades.

“It does make sense to sacrifice margins in favour of making more vehicles, because we think in the not-too-distant future they will have a dramatic valuation increase,” Musk said, referring to his belief Tesla will eventually offer autonomous-driving capability that will make already-sold cars worth more.

Adding to Tesla’s challenges is its growing inventory of cars. The company said it now has 16 days’ worth of supply globally, up from 15 days last quarter and just four days a year ago. Inventory continued to build despite steep discounts on Tesla’s best-selling models, and perks including free charging that the carmaker offered consumers.

Musk, 52, derives his wealth primarily from his stake in the EV manufacturer, as well as his holdings in Space Exploration Technologies and Twitter. His wealth had increased about $US118 billion this year through Wednesday, as shares of Tesla climbed 136 per cent.

Arnault, 74, has seen his net worth rise by $US39 billion this year to $US201.2 billion. Shares of Paris-based LVMH have gained 26 per cent in 2023.

FIFA deletes Matildas fans’ World Cup videos from social media

Fans who shared footage taken inside World Cup stadiums have had their videos wiped from social media after complaints from football’s organising body FIFA.

Strict rules buried in the 13 pages of fine print that accompany match tickets specify that people not broadcast “live or near live” material from the grounds on their personal social media accounts, to protect broadcaster’s rights.

But the fine print gives FIFA discretion to decide what constitutes a “near live” broadcast, so that fans who uploaded mobile phone footage of crowds celebrating several hours after the Matildas’ one-nil win over Ireland at Stadium Australia on Thursday had footage deleted.

This masthead also is not allowed to use any images legally from these videos.

“I took some footage throughout the game, including the penalty, which was at the far end of the ground,” said Dan, who requested that his surname not be published. “Then I sort of looped around and got some of the amazing crowd reactions.

“Later, around midnight, I uploaded it on Instagram. In the early hours of the morning I opened Instagram and there was a copyright notice and the video had been deleted.”

Dan later received an email from Instagram saying he could contact the complainant, Fédération Internationale de Football Association, to resolve the issue. He reposted his video, which at the time of writing is still live.

FIFA did not comment directly on Dan’s case but said some people posting social media videos would have them removed because the organisation was conducting a large operation against digital piracy.

Some innocuous social media posts may be swept up by algorithms searching for pirate broadcasters, especially those that feature snippets of on-field action, it said.

“Digital rights are quite restricted so as to protect broadcast rights,” a spokesman said.

FIFA said it broadly encouraged people to post images from matches on social media. While some videos have been deleted, most are still up, including one posted by environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who captured the same goal as Dan from a different angle and posted it to her Instagram page.

“It does seem like overreach to target people who are just sharing content of a major sporting event,” said Isabella Alexander, a law professor at the University of Technology Sydney.

“I think it’s common for live sporting events to be very strictly controlled because of the value of the broadcast rights - and because there’s no copyright on the actual sporting event itself the way they can enforce it is via the fine print on the tickets,” she said.

“It’s probably not common for tickets to have quite the range of provisions like this, but since nobody ever reads them, how would we know?”

Other social media platforms have seen World Cup content removed this week. Journalist Hamish McNeilly from the Stuff website had a tweet that contained a short video from the match between New Zealand and Norway deleted on Thursday night, and posted a take down notice he received from FIFA shortly afterwards.

FIFA’s control of imagery can seem extreme. During the 2018 men’s world cup, football’s governing body ordered Twitter to take down a short video of seven-year-old England fan Alex Conn dancing in his living room because a TV showing a match could be glimpsed in the background.

“It just seems a bit pathetic,” Alex’s mother Kathryn told NBC at the time. “The fact that the TV is on in the background is largely incidental. He’s just enjoying himself and enjoying the game.”

FIFA struck controversy earlier this month when a directive to cover up plaques of seven Australian athletes at Allianz Stadium met outrage from some in the sporting community.

The move, part of FIFA’s “clean site” policy to remove all non-World Cup branding from venues, was reversed last week.

‘What, so betting markets can be changed?’ Robinson backs Matildas over Kerr injury

Three-time NRL premiership winning coach Trent Robinson has emerged as an unlikely ally for Matildas counterpart Tony Gustavsson after he attracted criticism for keeping Sam Kerr’s World Cup injury a secret.

Kerr’s shock withdrawal from Australia’s tournament-opening win over Ireland due to a calf injury was kept under wraps by the Matildas right up until final teams were named 90 minutes before kick-off on Thursday night.

Kerr and Gustavsson spoke at a pre-game press conference as though the world’s best player was not in any doubt despite knowing she had suffered the injury earlier in the day and wouldn’t play.

In his post-match press conference, Gustavsson appealed for understanding as to the tactical advantage gained by not flagging Kerr’s injury, and told host broadcaster Channel 7 in a separate interview that “we weren’t honest in the press conference [because] we didn’t have all the information either”.

Robinson was at the centre of a similar narrative around Cooper Cronk leading into the Roosters’ 2018 grand final triumph, when the star half was in doubt with a serious shoulder injury and Robinson ducked and weaved around the question of whether the star halfback would play until 30 minutes before kick-off. Cronk played the match despite having suffered what was revealed to be a badly broken shoulder blade.

“What, are you saying we should tell everyone so the betting markets can be changed?” Robinson responded when asked about keeping team secrets under intense scrutiny.

“There was a bit written about it [in 2018], but it’s not going to change people turning up. The objective of a coach is to win a game – other people might have a difference of opinion – but our job is to create intrigue and guessing in the opposition.

“Showing your cards days and weeks before a game is giving a bit of a tip sheet to the opposition. People wouldn’t have turned up if they found out? People wouldn’t have watched?

“The coach’s job for Australia is to win the game, and if that was a tactical advantage so Australia could win the game then I think we’re happy with that as Australians rather than having the knowledge hours before that Sam wasn’t playing.”

Gustavsson declined to answer a pre-game question about the fitness of his players and was similarly coy after Australia’s win when pressed on Kerr’s availability for the rest of the tournament.

Questions about how Kerr was injured and the nature of her calf issue were dead-batted, confirming only that the Chelsea superstar will miss next Thursday’s clash against Nigeria, with a match against Canada following four days later.

There is then a week’s break until Australia’s prospective round of 16 fixture on August 7.

“She’s going to be out for two games, and then we’ll reassess afterwards,” Gustavsson said. “That tells you a little bit about what grade it is, but we don’t want to go into more details on that at this point.”

Nike versus Puma: The ambush marketing campaign dividing the Matildas

Football Australia has blocked players from the pioneering 1975 Australian women’s team from referring to themselves as former Matildas as part of an ambush marketing campaign by a rival apparel brand that has bitterly divided the national team’s alumni network.

A long-running debate over who should be regarded as the ‘first Matildas’ – and thus the true matriarchs of the sport in Australia – has erupted in the build-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, implicating current players and, according to one source who did not wish to be named due to the sensitive nature of the situation, has even ruined friendships between ex-teammates.

It relates to the team that wore green and gold at the 1975 Asian Cup Ladies Football Tournament in Hong Kong, whose groundbreaking role in Australian women’s football was given overdue formal recognition by FA for the first time in May 2022, after almost half a century in the shadows.

But because FA’s historical committee unanimously ruled they were a club team – with the majority of the 16 players drawn from all-conquering Sydney side St George Budapest, including coach Joe O’Connor, and the rest from NSW rivals – the federation stopped short of classifying them as full-blown Matildas due to the absence of a competitive national selection process.

The team had gained permission from Sir Arthur George, the chair of the FIFA-affiliated Australian Soccer Federation, to wear the national colours and coat of arms – although the ASF had no involvement at the time with the women’s game, which was run by the Australian Women’s Soccer Association, which formed a year earlier.

The 1975ers were offered unnumbered caps by FA, inclusion in the federation’s official records, recognition as the first women’s team to represent Australia in an internationally sanctioned tournament, and entry into the Matildas Alumni club, which holds various functions and events for ex-players.

But they thumbed their nose at FA’s offer, and 10 of them have since linked up with Puma – a direct competitor to the Matildas’ apparel sponsors Nike – which has launched a reported six-figure advertising campaign spotlighting the 1975 players with billboards, social media advertising and various other pieces of content telling their remarkable story.

The 1975ers are shown shedding tears as they read out a letter of recognition from Puma’s Oceania general manager Pancho Gutstein in one video. In another, current Matildas Charli Grant and Aivi Luik, as well as AFL stars Toby Greene and Scott Pendlebury – who all have individual endorsement deals with Puma – announce the names of the players who will take part in a ‘walking football’ rematch against New Zealand, their rivals at that tournament in Hong Kong, to be held on Cockatoo Island in Sydney this weekend.

The players, who have been dubbed the ‘OGs’ by Puma, were reunited for the first time since 1975, supplied with branded tracksuits and shoes, and have also been provided tickets for Thursday night’s clash between Australia and Ireland. They will watch it with their New Zealand counterparts – despite the Football Ferns hosting Norway in the tournament’s opener in Auckland on the same day.

FA says it planned to produce similar video content highlighting the players’ contributions had they taken up the offer made to them last year. Gutstein confirmed that when Puma’s campaign launched, an FA executive made contact and warned them about not breaching the federation’s IP, including use of the term ‘Matildas’, the trademark for which is owned by FA.

Last month, FA submitted another trademark request for ‘Tillies’, a shortened version of the team’s nickname commonly used by fans.

FA said it did not “hold a view” on the Puma campaign as it didn’t infringe on any trademarks or their partnership with Nike, which was also contacted for comment.

FA’s board will review the 1975ers’ claims again after the World Cup, with the players believed to be undeterred in their pursuit of further recognition – despite FA’s historians and some ex-Matildas, while recognising the significance of their achievements, believing they are overreaching by demanding numbered caps.

“With regard to the debate, that’s really not our call at all,” said Gutstein. “We just think that they have an amazing story. It’s a wonderful year to celebrate and share that story.” Puma sponsors only two of the 32 teams at the World Cup, while Adidas has a longstanding deal with FIFA.

Unnumbered caps were also recently offered to – and accepted by – the 1978 Australian team, which FA says was the first senior women’s side selected through a national process, but since they competed against club teams at an invitational tournament in Taiwan that year, and not against other nations, those matches are also not seen as full ‘A’ internationals.

Of the 16 players from the 1975 team, two have since passed away, as has coach O’Connor, and only three went on to earn numbered caps by playing in full ‘A’ international matches. Inaugural Matildas captain Julie Dolan was one of them, and featured in the 1979 clash against New Zealand that FA recognises as the Matildas’ first ‘A’ international, as well as the 1978 team.

Dolan is not involved with the Puma campaign. She declined to comment; sources close to Dolan claim her family was verbally abused the last time she weighed in on the topic. Dolan is the holder of Matildas cap No.1, a status which has led to prominent roles in FA and FIFA activities at World Cup events, and one she would theoretically lose if the caps were to be reshuffled to accommodate the 1975ers – as some of her ex-teammates seem to insist should happen.

In a public Facebook post, former FA director Heather Reid alleges the Puma campaign’s narrative “smacks of deception”, sparking a slanging match in the comments where 1975 player Trixie Tagg accuses her of trying to “rewrite our history” and describing the team’s treatment as that of “illegitimate cousins”. Others questioned what they said was an exclusionary approach.

Tagg said in an article on The Roar in 2020 that simply being acknowledged by FA – as they were last year – would “mean the world to us”, and that the players would never expect cap numbers to be changed.

In another post on a private Matildas Alumni group, seen by this masthead, one ex-player wrote: “Given the choice between honesty and kindness, most of us have chosen kindness. But after the Puma campaign ... it’s time for honesty.

“A team that isn’t nationally selected doesn’t pass the test to be classified as a national team – regardless of what colours they were allowed to wear. We all played many games in green & gold that weren’t classified as A international caps, for a whole range of reasons. A team where nobody else has an opportunity to be chosen simply isn’t a national team.

“Whoever is giving them false expectations is not doing them, or football, any favours. It’s sad to see this divide our game.”

McGregor 'will not be intimidated' over sexual assault allegation from Miami Heat NBA finals game - June 2023

Thee NBA and the Miami Heat are investigating an allegation former UFC champion Conor McGregor sexually assaulted a woman inside an arena bathroom after Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

The woman’s attorney, Ariel Mitchell, said her client has provided Miami police with the clothing she was wearing on the night and a report had been filed.

McGregor’s attorney said the fighter denied any wrongdoing. “McGregor will not be intimidated,” said lawyer Barbara Llanes.

In letters sent to the NBA, the Heat and McGregor’s representatives, Mitchell detailed her client’s allegations and said the client would discuss “reasonable settlement offers” before June 12 or else proceed with litigation.

“We are aware of the allegations and are conducting a full investigation,” read a statement from the Heat. “Pending the outcome of the investigation, we will withhold further comment.”

The NBA had a similar statement, saying it was working with the Heat to gather information.

The alleged incident happened on the same night McGregor knocked out the Heat mascot in a midgame bit that went wrong.

Burnie, more specifically the man who occupies Burnie’s costume, briefly sought medical attention Friday night after taking two punches from McGregor during a third-quarter stoppage of Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Heat and the Denver Nuggets.

The employee, who was not identified, received pain medication and was recovering, the team said.

McGregor was there as a promotional gimmick for a pain-relief spray and was booed by many in the Miami crowd even before the bit started.

The flame mascot was wearing oversized boxing gloves and a robe akin to what a fighter would wear entering the ring for a bout.

McGregor hit Burnie with a left hook, knocking him down, then punched the mascot again after he hit the floor.

McGregor then tried to “spray” the mascot with the pain-relief product, while several members of the Heat’s in-game promotional team dragged Burnie off the court.

McGregor hasn’t fought since injuring his left leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. His last win came in January 2020.

Roman Reigns agrees to put his Tribal Chiefdom on the line against Jey Uso! - July 21, 2023

On a frenetic Friday Night SmackDown, the stakes between Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Jey Uso got magnified as Reigns agreed to put his Tribal Chiefdom on the line as well as his title against Jey at SummerSlam! Plus, “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio won his first NXT North American Title defense against Butch, Rey Mysterio advanced in the U.S. Title Invitational Tournament, Charlotte Flair overcame IYO SKY so much more!

Combat Sports News - Nate Diaz explains how Jake Paul trash talking Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin helped influence him into accepting the fight - 21st July 2023

Diaz (21-13 MMA) will be making his boxing debut against ‘The Problem Child‘ who has a 6-1 record in the ring, 4 of those wins via knockout.

Nate Diaz opened up about why he agreed to take the fight with Paul when speaking on the ‘Raw Talk’ podcast:

“This guy (Paul) actually thinks he’ll beat up everyone’s ass and he’s louder than all you fools who are really beating people’s ass. So, now I have to step the f**k out the box real quick and whup this motherf**ker’s ass so everyone knows who’s the real ass-whupper. You understand what I’m saying?”

Continuing the 38 year old shared:

“This fool was poppin’ off on everybody. Like, ‘Oh, we’re real fighters.’ Well prove it, motherf**ker. Go beat his ass for talking sh*t. He was going after everybody. On that big of a stage where he’s making everybody believe that, like you’re letting this guy talk sh*t to the whole roster? And ain’t no one saying sh*t? Louder than the roster? The UFC’s big, but the roster?”

Addressing what Jake Paul was saying about Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz continued:

“And then he was talking sh*t to Conor, talking sh*t to Conor and dissing his wife and sh*t? Some real disrespectful stuff that he shouldn’t have been saying. And nobody’s saying sh*t. I’m the one who said ‘Shut the f*ck up, b**ch. I’ll whup your ass. Have some respect.’ You’re gonna disrespect somebody’s wife and stuff like that who would actually whup your ass? To get a fight like that, that suppresses the fight fight game.”

Concluding, Nate Diaz said (h/t MMAMania):

“Like, that’s a real fight and you should shut the f*ck up, and no one’s saying anything because everyone’s acting like the whole roster, the UFC, everyone’s acting like ‘He can’t really.’ But he should shut the f*ck up. And no one’s speaking up, saying ‘Shut the f*ck up.’ So … shut the f*ck up.”

With the fight just 2 weeks away, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be the victor after 10 rounds in the boxing ring.

UFC RAISES MORE THAN $130,500 FOR THE UFC FOUNDATION DURING INTERNATIONAL FIGHT WEEK

July 22, 2023

During the 11th Annual International Fight Week, UFC raised a total of $130,790 with net proceeds benefitting the UFC Foundation.

To commemorate International Fight Week, UFC raised funds across three charitable campaigns surrounding the week-long celebration, including VIP sweepstakes with digital charity platform 15 Seconds of Fame, the 2023 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and a week-long 50/50 raffle.

To coincide with IFW, UFC launched a statewide online and in-venue 50/50 raffle. Fans were able to participate in the raffle by purchasing tickets during the UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at T-Mobile Arena, at the Las Vegas Convention Center during UFC X, at ceremonial weigh-ins, and during UFC 290: VOLKANOVSKI vs. RODRIGUEZ at T-Mobile Arena. The raffle generated a total jackpot of $78,240, with 50% ($39,120) benefitting the UFC Foundation.

The winner of the remaining 50% of the jackpot, Jonathan Weber of Poinsettia, Ariz., who was making his second consecutive International Fight Week trip, will receive $39,120 after purchasing his 50/50 raffle ticket during UFC 290.

“We always contribute to the 50/50 raffle at every UFC event we attend,” said Weber. “We love watching the jackpot grow and build for the foundation. We have attended many UFC events and every time we go we buy raffle tickets! We’re going to take our winnings and pay some bills and create funds for our nine and four-year old daughters' savings accounts!”

Other funds raised during the week included $17,000 from a VIP sweepstakes for two tickets to sit in Dana White’s section during UFC 290 and $35,550 in ticket sales proceeds from the UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

UFC’s CSR activations during International Fight Week also included athletes visiting patients currently undergoing treatment at the Cure 4 The Kids Foundation and hosting a two-day youth freestyle wrestling clinic in partnership with Wrestle Like a Girl at UFC X.

The UFC Foundation works in tandem with UFC’s corporate social responsibility program, #UFCInTheCommunity, to strategically collaborate with partners, sponsors, and athletes to develop additional charitable programs and funding sources to help bolster and inspire the local community.

Since 2017, UFC has organized 29 50/50 raffles throughout North America that have grossed more than $1.55 million, with net proceeds benefitting local charitable organizations in the communities that have hosted UFC events throughout the United States and Canada.

UFC’s next 50/50 raffle will take place from Friday, September 15 – Saturday, September 16 at T-Mobile Arena as part of NOCHE UFC: GRASSO vs. SHEVCHENKO 2. For more information, please visit UFCFOUNDATION.

(UFC)

WWE® ANNOUNCES 27 ADDITIONAL DATES TO 2023 FALL LIVE EVENT TOURING SCHEDULE

STAMFORD, Conn., July 7, 2023 – WWE® (NYSE: WWE) today announced 27 additional live events as part of the company’s 2023 touring schedule. Tickets go on sale next Friday, July 14.

The schedule includes:

- Saturday, Sept. 9: WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event – Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y.

- Sunday, Sept. 10: WWE Sunday Stunner – John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Va.

Friday, Sept. 15: SmackDown® – Ball Arena in Denver, Colo.

Saturday, Sept. 16: WWE Supershow – Toyota Center in Kennewick, Wash.

Sunday, Sept. 17: WWE Supershow – Extra Mile Arena in Boise, Idaho

Monday, Sept. 18: Raw® – Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah

Friday, Sept. 22: SmackDown® – Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz.

Saturday, Sept. 23: WWE Supershow – Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs, Calif.

Sunday, Sept. 24: WWE Supershow – Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

Monday, Sept. 25: Raw® – Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Friday, Sept. 29: SmackDown® – Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif.

Saturday, Sept. 30: WWE Supershow – Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif.

Sunday, Oct. 1: WWE Supershow – Tahoe Blue Event Center in Lake Tahoe, Nev.

Monday, Oct. 2: Raw® – SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

Friday, Oct. 6: SmackDown® – Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Mo.

Saturday, Oct. 7: WWE Fastlane – Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind.

Monday, Oct. 9: Raw® – CHI Health Center in Omaha, Neb.

Friday, Oct 13: SmackDown® – BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla.

Saturday, Oct. 14: WWE Supershow – T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Sunday, Oct. 15: WWE Supershow – Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Mo.

Monday, Oct. 16: Raw® – Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Friday, Oct. 20: SmackDown® – AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas

Saturday, Oct. 21: WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event – Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas

Sunday, Oct. 22: WWE Sunday Stunner – Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas

Monday, Oct. 23: Raw® – American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas

Friday, Oct. 27: SmackDown® – Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis.

Monday, Oct. 30: Raw® – Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C.

About WWE

WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The Company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, premium live events, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE’s TV-PG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion homes worldwide in 25 languages through world-class distribution partners including NBCUniversal, FOX, BT Sport, Sony India and Rogers. The award-winning WWE Network includes all premium live events, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library and is currently available in more than 180 countries. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to WWE Network.

Additional information on WWE can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.

Aussie Open win Tag Team titles at ROH Death Before Dishonor

The duo won the titles in a four-way match.

Aussie Open are the new ROH Tag Team Champions.

Mark Davis and Kyle Fletcher won the titles at Friday’s Death Before Dishonor event, defeating former champions Penta El 0 M and Rey Fenix, Best Friends, and The Kingdom in a four-way match. The finish had Davis and Fletcher hitting Coriolis on Trent Beretta to win the titles for the first time.

Lucha Bros. had held the titles for 113 days, winning them back at Supercard of Honor on March 31 in a Reach for the Sky ladder match. The titles had been vacated due to the death of Jay Briscoe back in January.

Aussie Open had to vacate the IWGP and NJPW Strong Tag Team titles after Davis suffered a knee injury that required surgery. This was the first time since May that Aussie Open had teamed up, and the first time since they had signed with AEW.

The rest of the card saw champions retain their titles. The double main event had Claudio Castagnoli successfully retain the ROH World title against PAC, and Athena retain the ROH Women's title against Willow Nightingale.

Wrestling and sports announcing legend Jim Ross on AEW - July 2023

"Ian (Riccaboni) really distinguished himself in Calgary, I thought. I thought he and Nigel McGuinness had a hell of a night. I don't trust anybody any more than Ian Riccaboni to get the stuff in. We've got a great anchor with Excalibur and another great anchor with Ian Riccaboni and you just got to try it and see what kind of chemistry there is between teams. The team of Taz and Tony Schiavone and Excalibur is excellent. They really are excellent and they're getting their timing together. They're not talking over each other. They're trying, I think, not to use so many fu**ing pronouns. Then Nigel and Ian had a hell of a night, and that's leaving out Kevin Kelly in this debate. He'll be back as I understand it to do Collision, but I don't know how all that's gonna work out. I don't have any idea. But anyway, you just got to see if they got chemistry. The skill set it takes to have the patience to talk in sound bites and not make your dialogue about you. That's what we're waiting to see how that was all going to transfer.” - Jim Ross

AEW's Matt Hardy On The Pros & Cons Of Social Media - July 2023

Matt Hardy has remained a top star for several decades. However, his career was rejuvenated in a big way with the emergence of his break-out "Broken" character in TNA. The new persona wound up going viral on social media, thanks to wrestling fans. As a result of leveraging social media to his benefit, Hardy has a pretty solid grasp on the pros and cons of its usage, which he shared during a recent appearance on "Busted Open Radio."

"I have said this for a long time. Social media is the best thing ever to happen and social media is the worst thing to ever happen," Hardy explained. "When you are on social media, it gives guys that are hungry and driven a great platform to promote themselves, to promote their business, to promote their projects — whatever it may be. But it also allows people to come on social media without accountability and without responsibility. And they can insult people and troll people."

Hardy recently encountered some toxicity at the hands of Jim Cornette and his fans on social media, but Hardy does his best to not let it affect him.. "Just because there are a group of people that may follow someone who is an antiquated relic in terms of his opinions — if they came at me and insult me that doesn't bother me at all," said Hardy. "Matter of fact, it is kind of like a badge of honor because I am picking up attention in some capacity". Hardy has realized the best response is not to waste energy arguing or trying to change opinions.

Hardy also recognizes social media isn't going anywhere, and he pushed that to thrive in society you needed to embrace technology and adapt to societal changes. "Social media is a magical thing. It is a monster. It is so powerful," said Hardy. "I just hope people try hard to be very responsible and use it for good."

ONE Championship To Host Four U.S. Events In 2024

ONE Championship, the world’s largest martial arts organization, today announced that the promotion will host four events in the United States in 2024.

Coming off a successful U.S. debut in May at 1stBank Center in Colorado with ONE Fight Night 10, ONE will look to carry its momentum into 2024 with a recurring cadence of ONE Fight Night events in America, which will air live on Prime Video in the U.S. and Canada. Cities, venues, and ticketing information will be announced at a later date.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “I am thrilled to announce that ONE Championship is coming back to the U.S. with four massive events in 2024. When we made our historic U.S. debut with ONE Fight Night 10 on Prime Video, I was blown away by the support we received from our fans in the U.S. ONE is home to the greatest martial artists in the world, and I’m excited to once again showcase our World Champions on American soil. To our fans that haven’t seen a live ONE event, I promise you an experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen.”

ONE Fight Night 10 featured Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson defending the ONE Flyweight World Title, the return of “Super” Sage Northcutt, the U.S. debuts of Thai superstars Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Stamp Fairtex, and more. Milestones for the event included:

Tickets: Sold out 1stBank Center in Colorado

Viewership: Most watched event to date for ONE on Prime Video

Search: A new peak on Google Trends for “ONE Championship” in the U.S.

Social: #ONEFightNight10 trended #1 on Twitter in the U.S. and Canada for Sports

Prime Video Partnership: Merch on Demand QR codes for ONE apparel, in-stadium Twitch Watch Parties featuring ONE athletes, live coverage throughout fight week

Stage Front VIP, the exclusive U.S. VIP experience partner of ONE, will continue to provide fans with unrivaled access through immersive VIP experiences that include premier seating, premium hospitality offerings, athlete meet-and-greets, event collectibles, after-party access, and more.

Streaming quotas decision would ease Hollywood strike headache: studio boss - July 16, 2023

Australia’s film and television sector will avoid major disruption as a result of union strikes in Hollywood, although the Albanese government is being urged to finalise its decision over proposed local content quotas to ease uncertainty in the industry.

Former chief executive of Nine Entertainment Hugh Marks – who last year founded Australian studio Dreamchaser alongside former Endemol Shine boss Carl Fennessy – said the writer and actor strike had added a layer of complexity to the Australian industry.

After announcing in January it would implement local content requirements for international streaming services, the government is yet to set a number for the quota. A spokesperson for Tony Burke, minister for the arts and for workplace and employment relations, reaffirmed a decision would be made this side of the new year, ahead of its implementation in July 2024.

Marks said the local offices of the likes of Netflix, Disney and Apple will be affected by the strikes, with Australian content pitches increasingly being angled towards a global audience.

The strikes have coincided with a period where streamers have shifted gears from “a gold rush of global domination”, Marks says, to being forced to figure out how to monetise their vast audiences.

Several, including Netflix, Disney+ and Binge locally, have turned to advertising as a contributing solution. A clear direction from the government, he says, would ease the headache over decision-making on domestic content.

“The one thing that would really be beneficial now would be the release of the new proposed laws about quotas in this market because that would certainly give everyone some focus as to at least what’s got to be done domestically,” Marks says.

“I’m certainly encouraging the government to act sooner rather than later to remove that unnecessary lack of certainty from the local market.”

In a positive for the local industry, a statement on Friday from Screen Producers Australia (SPA) noted the strike does not apply to non-scripted productions, including documentaries, light entertainment and reality shows – the latter of which is widely noted to be a beneficiary of the writers’ strike in 2007.

SPA said it anticipated a limited number of non-Australian productions will be affected by the strikes locally. The body said all scripted local productions produced and controlled by Australian production companies that have engaged Australian and Imported SAG members will continue unaffected, provided they engage all cast under Australian Industry Contracts in accordance with the Global Rule One Agreement between SAG-AFTRA and the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA).

While it has been suggested prolonged strikes in the US could see an additional influx of Australian-produced content, Marks believes it is too early in the process to think that might be the outcome.

The country’s biggest streaming services are required under legislation introduced by the Morrison government to report their spending on Australian content to the authority. The big five – Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Paramount+ – reported that in 2021-22 they collectively spent $668.5 million on “Australian” and “Australian-related” content.

Last month, NBC Universal walked away from its $180 million sci-fi series, Metropolis, which had pre-production under way at Docklands Studios in Melbourne. After the actors union voted to strike last week, the Sam Neill/Annette Bening drama Apples Never Fall, halted on Friday. Production was already under way in Queensland, budgeted at an estimated $79 million.

NBC Universal signed a content deal with Foxtel in November, with an extended deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, owner of the highly regarded network HBO, in February.

Foxtel’s streaming service Binge has relied heavily on content from HBO for its sustained growth since launching in 2020, with popular shows such as White Lotus, Succession, and The Last of Us. Binge was responsible for 11.9 per cent of all new Streaming Video on Demand subscriptions in the first quarter of this year, according to data from Kantar, with 18 per cent of all of its new user acquisitions driven by The Last of Us, its blockbuster nine-part series that debuted in January.

Local players including Foxtel and Stan (owned by Nine) were approached for comment on the impact of their programming schedules.

One of the streamer’s largest subscription drivers in 2022, House of the Dragon, will continue filming in the UK, due to the show being largely comprised of British actors with contracts governed by the local union, Equity.

Paramount, which owns Network Ten and streaming service Paramount+, is understood to not be affected by the strikes. While it benefits from a constant stream of content from Paramount Studios, the local arm of the company has focused its efforts on Australian-produced content, which includes shows such as The Last King of the Cross, Five Bedrooms, and the recently green-lit series NCIS: Sydney, being produced locally by Endemol Shine.

Screen Producers Australia wants a 20 per cent levy on the streamers’ Australian revenue, while the streamers insist they are spending plenty already, with local TV networks in agreement.

In May, a submission by industry body Free TV, which represents Nine, Seven West Media and Network Ten, said it opposed the introduction of quotas for local productions, arguing the screen production industry in Australia is already booming.

Free TV doubled down this week, calling for a balanced approach to the introduction of streaming quotas. In response to comments by Bryan Brown AM in an address to the National Press Club, Bridget Fair, CEO of Free TV Australia said the group invests $1.5 billion every year in Australian content.

“But if the Government is going to impose content quotas on streaming services, it needs to carefully consider the impact this will have on the Australian public who rely on free services from our local broadcasters,” she said.

Australian tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes splits from wife - 22nd July 2023

An Australian tech billionaire worth $19 billion has reportedly split from his wife after 13 years of marriage.

Australian tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes has reportedly split from his wife after 13 years of marriage.

Sources close to the family of Mr Cannon-Brookes, who is Australia’s sixth-richest person and the co-founder of Atlassian, have confirmed he is separating from his wife, Annie, according to Nine newspapers.

The couple married in 2010.

Their separation comes just a week after the high-profile split of Australia’s richest couple, Twiggy and Nicola Forrest.

The Forrests, who had been married for 31 years, said they were living apart but insisted the separation will not impact their mining and philanthropy empire.

Mr Cannon-Brookes made his estimated $19 billion fortune alongside fellow Aussie billionaire Scott Farquhar, with whom he co-founded software firm Atlassian in 2002.

The company is widely considered a great Australian success story, its share price having quintupled since it was listed on the US stock exchange in 2015.

Atlassian has, however, suffered a tough 12 months amid broader turmoil in the tech sector. In March, the company laid off 500 workers just a few months after a dramatic hiring blitz.

In a self-described “no bulls**t” note to staff, Mr Cannon-Brookes and Mr Farquhar said it was a “very hard day in our 20 year history” and they were “deeply sorry” to make the job cuts.

“To be clear, this decision is not a reflection of Atlassian’s own financial performance, as we will be reinvesting in roles that better support our priorities,” they wrote.

The Cannon-Brookes family owns an impressive property portfolio, including the 1.1-hectare Fairwater estate, previously the home of the late Lady Mary Fairfax, which they acquired in 2018 for a reported $100 million. It was believed to be the priciest property sale in Australian history.

In June, the couple forked out $14.25 million to buy a home in Newport, on Sydney’s northern beaches, neighbouring the $24.5 million estate they purchased in 2020.

The five-bedroom home is set on a 3000-square-metre block of land and features a 1000-square-metre netted bathing area.

Cannon-Brookes, who was previously a fashion designer, was born in the US.

It’s believed he and Annie met at a Qantas lounge during a trip between Sydney and San Francisco.

Endeavour calls on states to work together on gambling reform

Endeavour Group boss Steve Donohue has urged state and territory governments to work more closely together when considering policies to fight problem gambling, as the hotels’ operator promises to get a jump on implementing gaming reforms unveiled in Victoria this week.

Donohue said on Thursday that Endeavour, one of the largest operators of poker machines in the country, has written to state governments calling for a “more co-ordinated and collaborative approach” and to make sure that knowledge is shared across all states on proposals such as cashless gaming and facial recognition technology.

He said there was room for the states to share more insights with each other about the impact and efficacy of different policy measures.

“What we are saying is we think there is an opportunity for deeper collaboration and more co-ordination in relation to various approaches, suggestions and ideas,” he said.

“We can learn from the experiences that each state and territory is having.”

A spokesperson for New South Wales Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris said the state was committed to working with all stakeholders to deliver evidence-based gambling reform.

“We will be paying very close attention to the activities of other jurisdictions, such as the Victorian government and the evidence they unearth through the work of their implementation working group,” they said.

“Just this week the minister met with the ACT minister for gaming to continue collaboration and discussion on gambling reform across jurisdictions.”

Endeavour told shareholders on Thursday that the company would move swiftly to implement changes after the Victorian government unveiled proposed reforms to gaming machine regulations on Sunday.

The state’s plan for reducing gambling harm includes slower spin times for games, mandatory closing periods for gaming room floors, mandatory pre-commitment limits and a load-up limit of $100, which will cap how much an individual can put in a machine at a time.

Endeavour confirmed it would adjust the hours of gaming machine areas at its ALH Hotels in Victoria, so they close between 4am and 10am by August 31; 10 months ahead of the government’s proposed timeline.

This would bring Victoria’s rules in line with operating-hours regulations in NSW and South Australia.

The company also confirmed it supported the $100 load-up limit and would bring this into operation for Victorian machines “as soon as is practicable”.

Shares in the business closed 9.9 per cent weaker on Monday as investors and analysts considered what impact the reforms would have on the group’s earnings.

Goldman Sachs analysts said on Monday that the exact impact would be difficult to estimate, but said it could lower earnings by 0.5 per cent to 1.8 per cent during the 2024 financial year.

E&P Financial analyst Philip Kimber said policies such as the $100 load-up limit were likely to have a smaller impact on Endeavour’s financials than the Victorian government’s policy on pre-commitment limits.

“There is no change to our view that the Victorian government proposal with the potential to have the most material impact on electronic gaming machine spend in Endeavour’s Victorian pubs is mandatory pre-commitment limits [via carded play],” he said in a note to clients on Thursday.

Endeavour shares opened stronger but did not maintain momentum during Thursday’s session as the broader market stayed flat. The stock was up 0.3 per cent to $5.91 in late afternoon trade, but still down by 5.6 per cent over the past five days.

Media Man commentary for David Rowe Illustrations as per The Australian Financial Review

Pen Dan Thon Games For Four. Great art.

No Pentathlon. No nothing. Gang of four. Gonzo and satire +. Commentary open to interpretation, as per pro wrestling legend John Cena's Instagram. Beauty of otherwise in the eye of the beholder. Alternative commentary: Sports biz blessing in disuise and doddged a bullet from the range.

Media Man commentary for Mike Mooneyham feature on 'The Bloodline' and wrestling factions news in the WWE

Exactly. But, hopefully it becomes the "new normal" for the WWE version of pro wrestling. The Judgement Day faction also looks very promising to me with Dirty Dom as a heat seeking "killer heel" element, while going after all of the belts. Tony D gets seen on today's WWE SmackDown backstage and he's got "mob" and family business history with Escobar, so LWO also gets a shot in the arm. So much better than 3 to 5 years ago. The Triple H era with apparent assistance by Shawn Michaels and a few others who listened to fans of pro wrestling. Paul Heyman fingerprints over the "crime scenes" for the past 56 months or so. And WWE business is at historic levels. Feel welcome to quote me.

Media Man commentary for recent scribes in Search Engine Journal - 2023

SEJ's Kristi on the latest on the Hollywood writers strike connection with AI, human writers and the like..To paraphrase the world's leading tech entrepreneur/innovator, Elon Musk, "Once you summon the beast (of AI) there's no turning back". For me, founding and overseeing a modest size independent media and online publishing firm.Insew both opportunity and threats with AI. More threats at this stage of the game.. Circa 1980 pro wrestling legend, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes cut a promo which was decades ahead of its time and included the verse, "A computer took my job Daddy"..and "that's hard times". Well, we may not be quiet at that point but social is inching closer. We are somewhat reluctantly starting to embrace some A.I elements. Twitter Spaces broadcast raised interesting points on AI in business and life over the past week. The part about "summoning the demon" is still giving me mild nightmares. AI can certainly save publishers and the like a considerable amount of money? How? By reducing if not elimination of human writers, web-coders and so on. Ying and yang. AI wins and a human loses. But, humans are still in control right?! This is getting me even more fired up for the potential match: Musk vs Zuck! Man vs Machine!

Media Man commentary for Search Engine Journal: Supercharge your Alt text SEO strategy

SEJ - Alt Text AI.. motivated to work on an AI project to help get the best parts of the subject and have AI write one of these AI articles for us. Open AI, xAI, Bard and/or other! AI tender wars could be a potential growing trend. Save time and save money by not having to pay a human to do a job an AI robot machine can do! "Never pay a human to do a machines job". (Agent Smith -;The Matrix). In AI and SEJ we trust. Man over machine or Machine vs Human? Can they both co-exist in the AI SEO space or will a battle be looming or more a Darwinism for the AI writer and scribe. An AI writer will work for nothing and around the clock 365 right? Little wonder the article was done or largely done by AI. A growing trend, or a one-off? All the news that's fit to print on SEO. AI SEO all the way to the bank.

Netflix reveals jaw-dropping result after password sharing crackdown

The streaming giant has unveiled the results of its controversial password-sharing crackdown – and they’re quite staggering.

Netflix has revealed that subscriptions to their streaming service climbed by nearly six million in the wake of its crackdown on password sharing.

The streaming giant finished the recently ended quarter with a total of 238 million subscribers and a profit of $US1.5 billion ($1.77 billion), according to an earnings release.

The pick-up in subscribers came as a potentially crippling writers and actors strike hits the US entertainment industry, but with analysts saying Netflix is better positioned than its rivals to weather the storm.

“We are constantly at the table negotiating with everyone across the industry,” Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos said during an earnings presentation.

“We need to get to this strike to a conclusion so that we can all move forward.”

Revenue came in lower than expectations with Netflix posting $US8.2 billion ($12 billion) in sales over the April to June period, pushing the company’s shares down more than eight per cent in after hours trading on Wall Street.

Netflix in May expanded its crackdown on users sharing passwords with people beyond their immediate family as it seeks to shore up revenue after a rough patch last year.

Earlier this year the company complained that more than 100 million households were sharing accounts at the service.

“Let’s face it, the crackdown on passwords is working,” Navellier and Associates chief investment officer Louis Navellier said of Netflix.

“I was ecstatic with the results; I think they hit the ball out of the park with subscriber growth.” In its earning statement, the company said that the policy would expand to all its markets worldwide.

To convert non-paying users, Netflix has introduced “borrower” or “shared” accounts, in which subscribers can add extra viewers for a higher price or transfer viewing profiles to new accounts.

Netflix launched an ad-subsidised offering around the same time as the crackdown, and on Wednesday eliminated its lowest priced ad-free plan that cost $10 a month in the US.

“The decision to cut its basic tier is an effort to bolster advertising by elevating the price difference between its advertising and non-advertising tiers,” said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Ross Benes.

“Building an ads business from scratch isn’t easy and we have lots of hard work ahead, but we’re confident that over time we can develop advertising into a multi-billion dollar incremental revenue stream,” Netflix said in the letter to shareholders.

Benes estimates that Netflix will generate $US770 million ($1.13 billion) in advertising revenue in the US this year, and more than US$1 billion by 2024.

“Netflix’s increased focus on password sharing will occur alongside heightened pressure to expand ad revenue,” Benes said.

“As the service’s subscriber base plateaus in more countries, Netflix will focus on moving price-sensitive freeloaders to its cheaper ad-supported plan.”

Actors on strike

The earnings report came as Netflix and other film and television makers see productions halted by an actors and writers strike in the United States.

“The share price is down a bit after market; there is worry they will run out of content because of the Hollywood strike,” Navellier told AFP.

Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) members joined writers who have been on strike for weeks, triggering the first industry-wide walkout for 63 years and effectively shutting down Hollywood.

“Our experts say that Netflix is best positioned to weather the strike compared to competitors, but it could start to feel pressure if its content pipeline gets increasingly strained,” said Third Bridge analyst Jamie Lumley.

Sarandos said on an earnings call in April that the company has a “pretty robust slate of releases” and a large base of upcoming films and shows from around the world to help it endure a strike.

The company touted the success of fresh Murder Mystery and Extraction films, as well as series such as Bridgerton, The Witcher and Never Have I Ever.

“This year we’ll have more returning seasons than any other streamer,” Netflix told shareholders, sharing a list that included The Crown and Virgin River.

Netflix scraps huge comeback movie for beloved 80s franchise - July 2023

Netflix has scrapped a huge comeback movie for a beloved 80s series, despite already spending more than $44m developing it.

Netflix has scrapped a huge comeback movie for a beloved 80s series.

Despite spending more than $44m on the project, it seems the upcoming film has officially been given the axe by the streaming giant.

The Masters of the Universe – based on the He-Man and other Mattel toys – has been in the works at Netflix since 2019.

The streaming giant already released an animated series, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in 2021, and two other shows were also in development.

However according to Variety, despite the extortionate amount of money spent on development costs, the project has been axed.

The news reportedly comes after “budget concerns” were raised.

The project previously had a tough time trying to find its way to the big screen as it went through both Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures.

Many writers have been involved in the project since 2007, as well as acclaimed directors Jon M. Chu and McG.

Huge names were attached to the film including The Lost City directors Adam and Aaron Nee and lead actor Kyle Allen, 28, who is best known for roles in West Side Story and American Horror Story.

Significant pre-production procedures took place even though producers worked to get the budget down.

Netflix reportedly rejected a $180 million budget as it never officially gave the project the green light.

Although the film is no longer at Netflix, Mattel is reportedly looking for a new home for the film.

CEO of the company Ynon Kreiz recently told The New Yorker: “It’s hundreds of pages of characters and sorcerers and vehicles and weaponry – you name it.

“And then you flip through the pages, and here’s a movie, and here’s a movie, and here’s a TV show. . . . it’s endless!”

The film is based off a toy line franchise of the same name, which was also a hit cartoon series that aired from 1983 to 1985 and consisted of 65 episodes.

The series was so successful that it spawned a spin-off series, She-Ra: Princess of Power, following the adventures of He-Man’s sister, Princess Adora.

A live action movie version was released in 1987 which starred the likes of Dolph Lundgren, Courteney Cox and Frank Langella.

‘They Live’, starring Roddy Piper, returning To U.S theaters For 35th Anniversary

John Carpenter’s classic They Live, starring WWE star Roddy Piper, Keith David, and Meg Foster, came out in 1988. The film is based on “Eight O’Clock in the Morning” by Ray Nelson. As AMC Theatres summarized, They Live centers around “aliens who are gaining control of the earth by masquerading as humans and the one man determined to stop them.” This special anniversary event will feature an exclusive intro from director John Carpenter.” To commemorate the movie’s thirty-fifth anniversary, it is returning to theaters on September 3 and 6 through Fathom Events. The special edition will include an exclusive intro from Carpenter.

Meta and other social media giants blocking news in Canada - July 2023

Some Instagram users in Canada are finding their access to news accounts restricted as Meta and other social media companies prepare for the country’s Online News Act to come into effect. Meta, the company that owns Instagram and Facebook, says it underwent testing in June to limit some users and publishers from viewing or sharing news content in Canada. It says tests impact up to five per cent of Canadian users. Many have questions about the federal government’s Online News Act, why it’s being opposed by social media companies and how the friction between the two will impact Canadian users. Here are some of your questions, answered.

What is the Online News Act?

The Online News Act, or Bill C-18, is a piece of Canadian legislation that requires tech companies like Google and Meta to compensate news outlets for sharing links to their pages. The law received royal assent on June 22 and is slated to take effect “no later than 180 days” after that date.

What are the concerns for social media companies?

Critics, including Meta and Google, say Bill C-18 is unfair, unworkable and amounts to a tax on links, with no recognition of the traffic or “free marketing” the tech companies provide to news publishers. Along with blocking access to some users, Meta has begun an ad campaign on its Facebook and Instagram platforms, criticizing the law and explaining its decision to remove news links.

“The Online News Act is based on the incorrect premise that social media companies benefit unfairly from news content shared on our platforms, but the reverse is true,” said Lisa Laventure, spokesperson for Meta, in a statement Monday. “News outlets voluntarily share content on social media to expand their audiences and help their bottom line. Unfortunately, the only way we can reasonably comply with this legislation is to end news availability for people in Canada in the coming weeks.”

Is this what the bill’s proponents wanted?

No. Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez called Meta’s move “disappointing” and said Canadians will not be intimidated by these tactics. Meanwhile, Paul Deegan, the head of News Media Canada, called Meta’s move a “kick in the shins” to Canadians at a time when the value and need for credible information has never been greater.

“Meta’s decision to ‘unfriend’ Canada by denying access to trusted sources of news for some of their users, as wildfires burn and when public safety is at stake, is irresponsible and tone deaf,” Deegan told CBC News in an email. “This hard-nose lobbying tactic is more evidence of the power imbalance that exists between dominant platforms and publishers.”

Will this happen to all of us soon?

In order to comply with the law, both Google and Meta have stated they would remove news links in Canada before the law comes into effect by the end of the year. Rodriguez has said Google and Meta do not have obligations under the law because the regulatory process is just beginning.

“We’re deeply convinced that Google’s and Facebook’s concerns can be resolved through the regulatory process. If Facebook truly believes that news has no value, they can say so at the negotiating table,” Rodriguez said in a statement on Monday. “Threats to pull news instead of complying with the laws in our country only highlight the power that platforms hold over news organizations, both big and small.” Google has said it will work with the government throughout the regulatory process, while Meta believes the process isn’t equipped to make changes to parts of the legislation with which it disagrees.

What is CBC doing about this?

Legacy media and broadcasters have praised the bill, which promises to “enhance fairness” in the digital news marketplace and help bring in more money for shrinking newsrooms. Tech giants including Meta and Google have been blamed in the past for disrupting and dominating the advertising industry, eclipsing smaller, traditional players. CBC/Radio-Canada’s corporate position is that the Online News Act will help level the playing field and contribute to a healthy news ecosystem in Canada “at a time when 80 per cent of digital ad revenue goes to Facebook and Google,” said spokesperson Leon Mar. In an editor’s blog, CBC News editor-in-chief Brodie Fenlon has suggested audiences follow the broadcaster on TikTok and other apps, such as Gem and CBC Listen.

Has there been pushback?

Meta, which is based in Menlo Park, Calif., has taken similar steps in the past. In 2021, it briefly blocked news from its platform in Australia after the country passed legislation that would compel tech companies to pay publishers for using their news stories. It later struck deals with Australian publishers. Gregory Taylor, a communications, media and film professor at the University of Calgary, pointed to Australia as an example for why Canadian news publishers should hold strong on their position.

“Facebook is really trying to assert itself, but in the end they can’t afford to lose a lot of these markets,” Taylor previously told CBC North. “I believe that we are at the leading edge of getting these companies to contribute to our democracy by bringing in this kind of funding model.”

What is the answer to combat this?

Alfred Hermida, a journalism professor at the University of British Columbia, believes C-18 is a “flawed piece of legislation” that doesn’t address greater issues in the news industry, such as the concentration of private media ownership.

“It doesn’t take into account the record profits of media conglomerates like Bell and Rogers,” he previously told CBC News. “And it doesn’t really do anything to support for more than 140 journalism startups that have been created in Canada since the year 2000.” In the near term, private messaging and chat groups may also be alternatives as Meta’s Facebook Messenger does not appear to be affected by the company’s plans to block news links.

In conclusion, the implementation of Canada’s Online News Act has led to restrictions on news accounts for some Instagram users in the country. Meta and other social media companies have undergone testing to limit the viewing and sharing of news content in Canada. The Online News Act requires tech companies to compensate news outlets for sharing links to their pages. Social media companies like Meta and Google oppose the law, stating that it is unfair and amounts to a tax on links. Meta’s decision to block news links has been criticized by proponents of the bill, who argue that it is irresponsible and highlights the power imbalance between platforms and publishers. Both Google and Meta have announced plans to remove news links in Canada before the law comes into effect. CBC/Radio-Canada supports the Online News Act, believing it will enhance fairness in the digital news marketplace. There has been pushback from social media companies, with Meta previously blocking news in Australia but later striking deals with publishers. The answer to combat this issue is still being debated, with some arguing that the legislation does not address larger issues in the news industry. In the meantime, private messaging and chat groups may serve as alternatives for accessing news content.

Top 5 Movies about writers on Netflix

Movies are a great part of our lives. They make us happy and sad, inspire us to embark on journeys to unknown lands, and become our escape when everything seems to go down. You can find a movie about literally anything and use it as a tool to get out of a crisis.

This is especially relevant for academic writers and their blocks. The writing industry knows no boundaries, starting with novel writers who spend years on their books and finishing with professional essay writers who can finish a difficult assignment in 8 hours. SmartWritingService is a great sample of such websites.

Both get writer’s blocks from time to time. Just like batteries, they need to be recharged to continue their work. Sometimes it’s the feeling of the worthlessness of what they do, while other times, it’s just general exhaustion.

If you’re in a similar situation, let us help you recharge with the 5 best movies about writers!

TOP 5 MOVIES ABOUT WRITERS

These will enchant you with interesting stories and help get your mind off the struggle. Get some popcorn, a blanket for extra coziness, and let’s begin.

STRANGER THAN FICTION

This is an extraordinary story that comes alive thanks to an amazing cast. Here you can see legends such as Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. Another treat is Will Ferrel in an unusual role for him. We all know the actor for his humor and sarcasm, but in this movie, he’s a completely different, serious, character.

With this movie, you will experience all the stages of the writing process, a unique interpretation of it, and the way to make your characters open from new sides on screen. It’s unique, creative, and very engaging. The movie will leave an impression you won’t be able to shake off for several days. And you won’t have to!

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

If you’re more into romantic stories, this movie is a great choice for your rewind time. This is Woody Allen at his best! The movie shows a story, filled with romance and comedy, about a promising writer on a journey to the most loving and loved city of the world, Paris, with his fiancee.

The author, played by the talented Owen Wilson, is filled with fears, a lot of writers have, no matter the genre, experience, or era. The movie takes a fantastic twist when the writer meets a lot of authors he was inspired by before their famous breakthroughs. Their stories help him overcome every doubt and fear, coming out a completely new person and giving himself a chance.

The story is enhanced by the beauty of the French capital, which is just magical.

SWIMMING POOL

This movie is more of a thriller, for those who like to be on the edge of their seats, thinking of nothing more but the plot. It’s about deadlines (the most powerful thriller for a writer anyway) and inspiration in unexpected places. The main character, played by Charlotte Rampling, is nearing her deadline that comes as quickly as an express train. She has a new novel to present to her publisher, and it should become as good as her previous successful book, maybe even better.

She goes to the countryside in France and meets a teen played by Ludivine Sagnier. As teenagers can be, she’s quite rebellious, but the writer, unexpectedly, finds inspiration and motivation in their interaction that drives her to make the book much better. The story is filled with mystery, as well.

WILDE

The name of the movie says everything. Oscar Wilde is one of the most unique and famous writers in the world. This story highlights certain parts of his personal life, where a lot of writers can find similarities or explanations to some of their questions.

The author appreciated beauty in everything, was quite witty and painfully honest in his works. This movie can help you gain a new understanding of the world of writing, personal crisis, and more. Besides, you’ll find out a lot of new information about the writer, which is always interesting.

SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE

For everyone who loves pretty things, this is an incredibly beautiful movie. It stars Gwyneth Paltrow and is a special film in her life. The actress won an Academy Award for it! This is a drama-comedy about a writer that everyone around the world knows.

We learn about Shakespeare in school, and some continue to do it due to their major or sheer interest in this extraordinary person and a talented writer. The movie is highly entertaining and beautiful, shot in a traditional British manner. If you’re struggling with writer’s block, this film is a must-watch!

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