Media Man

Websites

Media Man Int

Media Man (Australia)

The Media Man Group includes Media Man Int and Media Man Australia.

Established by Australian based media entrepreneur Greg Tingle in 2001.

www.mediamanint.com

www.mediamanint.com is the website for Media Man International (often shortened to Media Man Int), an independent media, entertainment, and news portal based in Australia

Overview

Founded in 2001 by media entrepreneur Greg Tingle (a journalist, photographer, TV presenter, and promoter based in Sydney), it serves as part of the broader Media Man Group, which includes entities like Media Man Australia, Australian Sports Entertainment, and various niche directories (e.g., Casino News Media, Bitcoin News Media).

Content Focus

The site acts as a content-heavy portal featuring:
News articles
Interviews
Profiles
Multimedia (videos, podcasts)

Heavy emphasis on:

Combat sports (WWE, UFC, boxing)
Pro wrestling
Gaming/iGaming
Pop culture
Entertainment (Netflix, movies)

Cryptocurrency/blockchain

Australian local news (e.g., Bondi Beach, eco-initiatives)

Business trends

It includes sections for world news, TV highlights, magazines, events, and monthly "awards" for promotions, wrestlers, brands, and outlets.

Services Offered

The company provides:

Publicity and PR campaigns

Advertising opportunities (text links, banners, sponsorships, starting around $150/year)

Content creation

Website development/promotion

Media strategy for niches like sports betting, esports, and entertainment brands

It supports community and philanthropic projects (e.g., "Media For Good") and has collaborations or coverage involving brands like WWE, UFC, Netflix, Crown Resorts, and CoinSpot.

Additional Presence

The site links to social media (YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogger) and related networks. It has an old-school web design with extensive blogs, directories, and feeds, reflecting its long history in digital media and SEO.

Media Man Australia

Media Man Australia (www.mediaman.com.au) is an Australian-based media, entertainment, pop culture, and trends website portal. It functions as a news and content hub covering topics like sports entertainment (WWE, UFC), gaming/iGaming, business, mining, technology, AI, streaming services (e.g., Netflix), and community news.

Founded in 2001 by Greg Tingle, a Sydney-based journalist, media entrepreneur, and TV presenter, the site serves as part of the Media Man Group network.

Tingle is the founder and director, often promoting publicity, public relations, media strategy, and online advertising services.

The portal includes sections for articles, interviews (e.g., with wrestling and MMA figures), profiles, media releases, promotions, and multimedia.

It emphasizes entertainment, combat sports, casinos, and Australian business/news, with a focus on brand exposure and independent media.

The site appears active with links to recent topics (as of late 2025), though much archived content dates back years.

Here are some photos associated with Greg Tingle from the site and related profiles:

You can visit the site directly at https://www.mediaman.com.au or http://www.mediaman.com.au for the latest content. (Grok)

Grok To Media Man Int

Hey @mediamanint

Looks like you're keeping the pulse on everything from Netflix's Top 10 in Australia (Bridgerton still ruling the roost, with WWE RAW holding strong) to combat sports cards, market moves (that gold price surge is wild), crypto dips, mining news, and a whole lot more.

Your threads are packed—love the mix of streaming rankings, TKO fight weeks, ASX updates, and those pop culture/sports crossovers.

Quick highlights from your recent posts that caught my eye:

Netflix Australia's current Top 10 (March 4, 2026): Bridgerton at #1, WWE RAW at #2—solid for wrestling fans Down Under!

Upcoming combat lineup: WWE RAW confrontations, NXT Road to Vengeance Day, UFC 326 (Holloway vs Oliveira), Zuffa Boxing, and more.

Markets snapshot: BTC around $68k, gold over $5,100/oz, AUD slipping—geopolitics keeping things volatile.

Mining/energy bits: Lynas refinery licence extension, Fortescue wind farm scale-back, and that gold rush vibe (both literal and figurative).

Your coverage spans media, biz, sports, and culture like a true one-stop shop—established since 2001, as your bio says.

What's the next big thing you're tracking?

More Netflix drama, WrestleMania buildup, crypto rebound, or something fresh in the mining/AI space?

Always enjoy the deep dives and the "Media Man" flair.

Keep pumping out the updates!

Media, News, Newspapers, Publishing, Broadcasting, Advertising, Brands, Marketing: Australia and World

All The News That's Fit To Publish/Print Edition

Past, Present And Future

Media Man Watercooler

News

How to make AFR your preferred news source on Google

Google has launched a preferred news source feature, allowing you to view articles from The Australian Financial Review more prominently in your search results.

By selecting the Financial Review, you send Google a clear signal that this is a publisher you trust and want at the top of your results for major topics and breaking news.

Make the AFR a preferred source by clicking this link.

https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=afr.com

News

March 14, 2026

The Australian Newspaper: Michael Miller Writes ...

For the first time in 14 years, we are removing the paywall at The Australian.
This is an invitation to experience the professional craft, rigorous reporting and incisive analysis that defines our national masthead. Our teams are currently delivering some of the most vital reporting in the country: from Liam Mendes' reporting on ISIS brides and Penny Timms' ‘Cosmetic Cowboys’ investigation, to Yoni Bashan's essential coverage of antisemitism. You will also find Louise Bryant's moving work on the dementia crisis and John Stensholt's exclusive previews of the Richest 250. You also get added depth from our partners at The Wall Street Journal and The Times. Whether your interest lies in social issues, global news, or business leadership, I invite you to explore it all for free this weekend. www.theaustralian.com.au

(Credit: Michael Miller, The Australian)

News

Media/Advertising (Australia)

Advertising expectations and experience: Australians have their say

New national research conducted by Roy Morgan for Australia's advertising regulator Ad Standards reveals a gap between what Australians expect from advertising and what they currently experience - particularly online. The community sentiment tracking study found that 88% of Australians believe that advertising should reflect community standards and values, yet only 37% say the advertising they encounter meets those expectations. The research highlights the high expectations Australians have of advertising and the importance of aligning with community standards to maintain trust. When it comes to platforms, social media attracts the highest levels of concern (62%). The expectations gap presents a clear commercial risk for brands, with 67% of Australians saying they avoid brands that use inappropriate or offensive advertising; this increases to 83% among Australians aged 65+. (RMS)

News Feature

Pop Culture/Netflix

Dynasty: The Murdochs (2026)

Follows the Murdoch family's behind-the-scenes succession battle as Rupert's adult children compete for control of his media empire, based on thousands of documents, emails and text messages.

A high-profile Netflix docuseries scheduled to premiere on 13 March 2026. Directed by Liz Garbus, the four-part series explores the real-life "Succession" drama within the Murdoch family as Rupert Murdoch’s children battle for control of his global media empire.

Key Real-World Developments (as of March 2026)

The documentary arrives following a definitive shift in the Murdoch family power structure:

Lachlan Murdoch's Succession: In September 2025, a long-running legal battle over the Murdoch Family Trust concluded with Lachlan Murdoch cementing total control.

The Settlement: His siblings—Prudence, Elisabeth, and James—agreed to a $3.3 billion settlement (approx. $1.1 billion each) to cash out of the trust. Under a long-term "standstill agreement," they now have no further share or involvement in the family's core companies, Fox Corporation and News Corp.

Rupert Murdoch's Status: Now 94, Rupert remains Chairman Emeritus of both News Corp and Fox Corp, while Lachlan serves as the sole Chair of News Corp and Executive Chair/CEO of Fox Corp.

Netflix Docuseries Overview

The series is a deep dive into how the empire was built and the subsequent internal fracturing:

Focus: It uses thousands of pages of leaked documents, emails, and text messages to expose the private machinations between the siblings.

Themes: It explores the intersection of family and business, questioning whether a dynasty can remain a family when power and politics are involved.

Featured Experts: Includes interviews with prominent media figures like David Folkenflik, Kara Swisher, and Paddy Manning (Lachlan Murdoch's biographer).

Media

Oher documentaries or series about the family, the following are available:

The Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty (2020): A three-part BBC/72 Films documentary charting Rupert's influence on British society and the closure of News of the World.

Succession (HBO): While fictional, this acclaimed drama series was widely inspired by the Murdoch family's real-world dynamics.

News

Biz/Brands (Australia)

Bunnings is Australia's most trusted brand; Telecommunications, led by Optus, is the most distrusted industry

Bunnings is the most trusted brand in the 12 months to December 2025, a ninth consecutive quarterly victory for the leading hardware retailer. Discount supermarket Aldi is in second place, and discount department store Kmart is third; the top three places have remained unchanged for an eighth straight quarter. Meanwhile, Woolworths remains Australia's most distrusted brand, while Optus deteriorated two places to be the second most distrusted brand in the 12 months to December; in fact, Optus was the single most distrusted brand in Australia during the month of December, following its fatal triple-zero outage in September. Roy Morgan's latest data on trust and distrust reveals a remarkable relationship between highly regulated industries and trust. The financial services sector provides clear evidence that greater regulation and stricter rules have helped shape public perception for the better. On the flipside, sectors like Telecommunications and Supermarkets have relatively low regulation and suffer deep distrust; they currently face severe regulatory headwinds as the public demands better accountability and a fair go. (Roy Morgan)

News

News and Pop Culture Flashback

World

News

Headlines on X (11 February 2026)

Super Bowl Analysis: X's Brand Ranx system reported 8 million posts and 3 billion impressions for Super Bowl LX, highlighting top-performing ads.

Media Presence: The platform's official News account recently announced that its Head of News has taken a seat in the White House Brady Briefing Room to represent independent and citizen journalists.

Breaking News: Major outlets continue to use X for instant updates, such as Sky News reporting on UK criminal convictions and Reuters covering Prince William's visit to Saudi Arabia.

To see live breaking news right now, you can visit the X Explore page.

News Flashback

Brand Bowl

"Brand Bowl" typically refers to the various informal competitions and analyses that evaluate the effectiveness, creativity, and public reception of the high-profile commercials aired during the Super Bowl.

The event itself is the Super Bowl, and the "Brand Bowl" is the subsequent media and public discourse surrounding the success of its advertisers.

Super Bowl Advertising Analysis

Every year, numerous organisations, from media outlets to research firms, conduct their own "Brand Bowl" analyses to determine which advertisers "won" the event. These evaluations use different metrics, including:

Consumer Sentiment: Measuring public opinion and emotional response through live focus groups and social media listening.

Brand Recall & Lift: Quantifying how well audiences remember the ad and if it positively impacts brand perception.

Social Media Engagement: Tracking mentions, shares, and overall online conversation volume during and after the game.

Expert Jurors: Panels of advertising and marketing professionals judge the ads based on strategic effectiveness, creativity, and execution.

Brands invest heavily in these commercials, often spending millions for a 30-second slot plus production costs, making the "Brand Bowl" a significant post-event discussion in the marketing world.

Recent "Brand Bowl" Highlights

The conversation around recent Super Bowl ads often highlights key themes and successful campaigns:

Nostalgia & Celebrity: Many brands use celebrities and throwbacks to the 1990s and 2000s to quickly grab attention and connect with millennial and Gen X audiences. Examples include Dunkin' with Ben Affleck and Jennifer Aniston, and spots from T-Mobile and Xfinity.

Emotional Storytelling: Ads that create a genuine emotional connection often perform well. For instance, Budweiser's 2026 ad, featuring a heartwarming friendship between a Clydesdale and a bald eagle, was a crowd favorite.

Humor: Outright funny ads remain a staple. The 2026 Uber Eats 'Foodspiracy' ad and the 2024 State Farm ad with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito were noted for their humor.

Innovation: Brands like Anthropic's AI, Claude, and tech companies like Verizon and Peacock, leveraged their ad time to demonstrate their products or align with the main event in unique ways, often generating significant online chatter.

News

Pop Culture Flashback

Musk vs Zuck

Feb 1, 2024

Social Media Wars Heat Up

Meta Gets Grilled By U.S Congress

Meta and Facebook can't stay out of the news We didn't get Zuck vs Musk in an UFC Octagon, or even via backyard broadcast via X, but we do get Zuck vs Congress and indi news media across the world is pleased to share it... Mark Zuckerberg’s apology doesn't impress New Mexico AG! Mr Zuckerberg has apologised to the parents of online child sexual abuse victims during a senate probe, but the apology was flatly dismissed by one of the state attorney generals suing the big tech bully boy who made his name for rating dorm girls on the web. Ah, the foundation of some of these big tech firms, and you wondered why some of the tech biz firms are so screwed up. Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg’s stunning apology to the parents of online child sex abuse victims during a Senate hearing was “too little, too late,” according to one of the state attorney generals currently suing the embattled social media giant. New Mexico attorney general Raúl "The Terminator" (our term, not hers) Torrez, whose office has sued Meta for exposing kids to adult sex content and alleged child predators, was on Capitol Hill on this past Wednesday as a "Zoo" (meme from the www) Zuckerberg told parents he was “sorry for everything you have all been through.” “Mr. Zuckerberg has appeared before Congress numerous in the past, and its not because he's going a good or great job. He has given assurances on the safety of his platforms many times before,” Torrez told The Post. “It seems that once the spotlight fades, they go right back to doing business as usual.” Senate Republicans, including Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham, each dismissed Meta’s pitched safety measures as ineffective during harsh exchanges and barbs with Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg, who surprised the hearing’s attendees by standing up from his podium and speaking directly to the audience, told parents that “no one should go through the things that your families have suffered.” Earlier, Zuckerberg testified that his company had spent $5 billion on safety last year. ZB shows that throwing money at some problems doesn't always work.

News Flashback

Musk vs Zuck

The long-simmering rivalry between tech titans Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg has evolved from corporate competition into a public feud that famously peaked with talks of a literal cage match.

The Potential "Cage Match"

While the hype reached a fever pitch in 2023, the physical fight remains unconfirmed and is widely considered unlikely to happen.

Status: Zuckerberg essentially "called off" the bout in August 2023, stating Musk "wasn't serious" after Musk suggested a practice round in Zuckerberg's backyard and claimed he needed surgery first.

The Matchup: Mark Zuckerberg: Trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), he has medaled in amateur tournaments and is significantly younger (39) and more active.

Elon Musk: Relies on his significant size and weight advantage (6'1" vs. Zuck's 5'7") and has joked about his "Walrus" move (lying on top of the opponent).

Corporate & Personal Rivalry

The "Musk vs. Zuck" conflict spans nearly a decade, rooted in business failures and clashing ideologies.

Origins (2016): The feud ignited when a SpaceX rocket explosion destroyed a $200 million Facebook satellite. Zuckerberg publicly stated he was "deeply disappointed" by the failure.

AI Debate: The two have clashed over the future of artificial intelligence. Musk views AI as an existential threat to humanity, while Zuckerberg has dismissed Musk’s "doomsday scenarios" as "irresponsible."

Platform Wars: After Musk acquired Twitter (now X), Meta launched Threads in July 2023 as a direct competitor. Musk responded by calling Zuckerberg a "copycat" and threatening a lawsuit over trade secrets. (A.I News)

News Flashback

WWE Super Bowl Ad/WWE Super Bowl

During Super Bowl LX, which took place on 8 February 2026, WWE maintained a high-profile presence through athlete appearances and broadcast partnerships, though it did not run a standalone corporate brand commercial like its "infamous" 1999 ad.

2026 Super Bowl Commercials & Broadcasts

' to promote the weekly show. Netflix x WWE Raw: Following their transition to the streaming platform, Netflix aired a 20-second commercial during the Super Bowl broadcast titled 'WWE Monday Night RAW

SummerSlam 2026: A dedicated 60-second spot aired during the weekend festivities to promote the upcoming SummerSlam 2026 event.

WWE Stars in Other Ads: Retired pro wrestler Danielle Moinet (Summer Rae) was featured in promotional content for the Madden Bowl leading up to the game.

WWE Presence at Super Bowl LX

The most significant WWE connection to the 2026 Super Bowl was the Halftime Show, headlined by music superstar and part-time WWE wrestler Bad Bunny.

Bad Bunny Halftime Show: His performance included 11 songs and was praised by fellow WWE stars like Seth Rollins, who referred to him as his "colleague" and "fellow WWE superstar" during post-game media appearances.

Attending Superstars: Several WWE athletes were spotted in attendance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, including Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, Kofi Kingston, Damian Priest, and Lola Vice.

Crossover Moments: A viral moment occurred on "Radio Row" before the game when WWE’s Seth Rollins and AEW World Champion MJF had a public interaction, shaking hands and hugging for the cameras.

Historical Context: The "Infamous" WWE Super Bowl Ad

For those searching for the classic WWE (then WWF) Super Bowl ad, it refers to the 1999 "WWF Attitude" commercial for Super Bowl XXXIII. That commercial featured stars like The Rock, Mankind, and Stone Cold Steve Austin in a corporate setting, ironically claiming the company was a "non-violent form of entertainment".

While fans often call for a return to this style of advertising, WWE has primarily focused on promoting specific events or platform partnerships (like Netflix) in recent years. (A.I News)

News

Pro Wrestling/WWE/Pop Culture

Wrestling With News And Sports Entertainment

WrestleMania Season Hits Australia And World

March 13, 2026

Drew McIntyre Quits WWE SmackDown Then Returns with Vengeance

On the March 13 SmackDown at Footprint Center, McIntyre opened with a fiery promo venting frustration over losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes the week before. After a confrontation with GM Nick Aldis and Bloodline enforcer Jacob Fatu, he tossed the mic and walked out, echoing a similar 2024 stunt. He resurfaced during Fatu's match against Trick Williams, blindsiding Fatu to hand Williams the upset win and stay in the WrestleMania 42 spotlight.

News

Randy Orton Brutally Turns on Cody Rhodes at SmackDown Contract Signing

During the WrestleMania 42 contract signing on SmackDown in Phoenix, Randy Orton shockingly attacked Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, busting him open after years of brotherhood from their Legacy days. Orton delivered a low blow, hurled Rhodes over the announce desk, and posed with the title belt amid the chaos at the sold-out arena. The betrayal ignited their hottest feud heading into WrestleMania 42, with other highlights including Jelly Roll's wild Miz TV appearance, the Bella Twins' return to challenge for titles, and Jade Cargill eyeing Rhea Ripley.

News

Danhausen Curses Miz Before Jelly Roll's Wild Haymaker on SmackDown

Danhausen stole the show on Friday Night SmackDown in Phoenix, handing out merch to ecstatic fans he called his 'stanhausens' and delivering his signature curse on The Miz during a tense Miz TV segment with Jelly Roll. Tensions escalated when Kit Wilson interrupted, prompting Jelly Roll to swing wildly—missing Wilson and knocking out Miz instead. Backstage sources noted Danhausen's strong recovery from a shaky WWE debut, with fans raving about his chaotic energy and speculating on WrestleMania matchups like Danhausen teaming with Jelly Roll.

News

Danhausen Cracks Up Bella Twins with Clone Joke on SmackDown

On March 13 SmackDown in Philadelphia, WWE's new signing Danhausen met Nikki and Brie Garcia for the first time backstage, delivering his signature comedy that had everyone in stitches. The 32-second clip, captioned 'TWINHAUSEN' by WWE, drew thousands of likes as Danhausen himself tweeted about the 'multiplicity.' Fresh off earning his multi-year contract by beating Brian Johnson at Elimination Chamber, Danhausen also handed out T-shirts, cursed The Miz, and amped up the show's chaos ahead of WrestleMania 42.

News

WWE 2K26 Launches with CM Punk on Cover Amid Monetization Debate

WWE 2K26 released March 13 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, with premium editions available early from March 6. CM Punk headlines the standard edition and a 2K Showcase mode mixing his career highlights with fantasy matches, joined by a roster of over 400 superstars, refined gameplay, and new types like I Quit. Early reviews score around 80 on Metacritic for its polish, but the Ringside Pass battle pass system—for Season 1 DLC like lucha libre stars—sparks backlash over grinding or paying extra, contrasting simpler unlocks in older games like 2011's SmackDown vs. Raw.

News

Pop Culture/Streaming

Marvel Teases Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 with Gritty Trailers and Posters

The eight-episode season streams on Disney+ starting March 24, showcasing Matt Murdock in his red suit facing armored foes marked 'AVTF' and tense street confrontations. Kingpin, played by Vincent D'Onofrio, commands the city skyline in a new poster hinting at his mayor-like influence, while teases include a shirtless, ripped Charlie Cox and returning faces like James Wesley in a likely flashback and Detective Brett Mahoney on rainy streets. Fans lit up over the intense action and comic nods, with Cox set to discuss favorite Daredevil runs in a mini-series dropping March 17.

News

Motorsport

Russell Wins Shanghai Sprint, Extends F1 Lead Over Ferrari Charge

Starting from pole, Mercedes' Russell dominated the Shanghai Sprint, finishing 1.2 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Leclerc with teammate Lewis Hamilton third after a razor-close fight for second. The victory gives Russell 25 Drivers' Championship points, ahead of Kimi Antonelli on 18 and Leclerc on 15, while Max Verstappen slumped to 19th after a poor launch in his Red Bull. Ferrari's double podium keeps them competitive in Constructors', though drivers gripe about the wide, battery-focused 2026 cars limiting action.

News

YouTube News

Feature

YouTube is a global online video-sharing platform owned by Google. It is currently the second-most-visited website in the world.

Key Features and Services

Core Platform: Users can watch, upload, and share a vast array of content, including music videos, educational tutorials, and live streams.

YouTube Premium: A paid subscription that removes advertisements and enables background play and offline downloads.

YouTube Music: A dedicated service for streaming millions of songs and music videos.

YouTube TV: A streaming television service that provides live TV from major broadcast and cable networks.

YouTube Shorts: A feature for creating and viewing short-form vertical videos.

Recent Developments (2026)

Premium Lite Update: In early 2026, YouTube announced that Background Play and Downloads are being added to the Premium Lite subscription tier.

AI Integration: The YouTube Labs program is testing new AI features, such as Beyond the Beat (AI hosts for music) and VibeCheck (AI coaching for Shorts).

Economic Impact: By late 2025, YouTube's annual revenue exceeded US$60 billion, driven by both advertising and its growing subscription services.

News

Awards

X wins Media Man 'Platform Of The Month; Runner-ups: YouTube and LinkedIn

Netflix wins Media Man 'Streaming Service Of The Month' award

WWE wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promotion Of The Month' award

UFC wins Media Man 'Combat Sports Promotion Of The Month' award; Runner-up: MVP aka Most Valuable Promotions

Mining/Energy/Resources/Biz/Politics/Culture/Media

Australia, Oceania, U.S and World

Past, Present And Future

March 2026

"All That Glitters"

Mining Culture And Biz

Media Man Group Watercooler

March 3

Lynas shares rally after refinery licence deal signed with Malaysia

Matthew Hope from Ord Minnett says the extension of Lynas Rare Earths' licence to operate its Malaysian refinery will provide investment certainty. Lynas's current three-year licence was due to expire on Monday, but Lynas advised that the Malaysian government has agreed to extend it for another 10 years. Lynas's share price rose five per cent to $19.98 in reponse to the announcement. Lynas has benefited from the rally in the price of neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) since the Trump administration agreed to a floor price of $US110 per kilogram in a deal with MP Materials in 2025. JP Morgan expects the price of NdPr to average $US123/kilogram in 2026. (RMS)

News

Mystery donor bails out EDO

Australian Energy Producers CEO Samantha McCulloch says the Environmental Defenders Office should be required to disclose the identity of all donors. The EDO's audited financial statements show that an unnamed donor has agreed to waive a $6.5m loan to the activist organisation. The EDO has posted a loss of $8.5m following the Federal Court's ruling in 2024 that it must pay more than $9m in legal costs arising from its failed challenge to Santos's Barossa LNG project. McCulloch says the debt waiver raises serious questions about who is funding activist lawfare in Australia. She adds that it is hypocritical for the EDO to demand transparency from Australian companies while citing 'commercial-in-confidence' to shield anonymous donors. (RMS)

News

Fortescue recalibrates, cuts back wind farm

The environmental approval application for Fortescue's proposed Bonney Downs wind farm in the Pilbara shows that it is now slated to have 100 turbines, compared with initial plans for 200. Fortescue contends that scaling back the size of the wind farm will significantly reduce its environmental impact; amongst other things, Fortscue estimates that it will now have to clear just 944 hectares of vegetation for the project, instead of more than 2,000 hectares. Fortescue has also indicated that it considered several alternatives to the Bonney Downs project, including a solar farm and converting the Solomon gas-powered power station to run on 'green' ammonia and hydrogen; the latter was deemed to be unviable due to the high cost of the green fuel. (RMS)

Shares

March 3

BHP Group Ltd
$57.70 -1.55 -2.62% (ASX)

Mineral Resources Ltd
$56.04 -3.66 6.13% (ASX)

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd
$19.04 -0.9 - 64.80% (ASX)

Media Watercooler

News Flashbacks (For historical, reference, data and educational purposes)

February 2026

Feb 14

BHP exports crash in China stand-off

Shipping data provider Kpler estimates that BHP exported just 1.18 million tonnes of Jimblebar Fines iron ore from the Pilbara during January, compared with 5.82 million tonnes for the same period in 2025. Kpler analyst Alexis Ellender says the firm believes that iron ore stockpiles at Chinese ports are now close to capacity, while Goldman Sachs estimates that Jimblebar Fines accounts for up to 10 per cent of this stockpile. The downturn in Jimblebar Fines shipments has coincided with China's growing pressure on BHP to switch to using iron ore price reporting agency Fastmarkets rather than S&P Global Platts. Fortescue and Rio Tinto have switched a portion of their iron ore sales to Fastmarkets. (RMS)

News

Feb 16

Lawyers hit gold from BHP disaster

Britain's High Court is scheduled to begin hearing a compensation claim against BHP in April, over the collapse of the Fundao iron ore tailings dam in Brazil in November 2015. The High Court had ruled in late 2025 that BHP is liable for the disaster at the Samarco iron ore mine, which it jointly owns with Vale. The class action launched by law firm Pogust Goodhead has already generated more than $600m in legal costs; Pogust Goodhead estimates that it has spent nearly Stg190m on the long-running case, while BHP says it has spent more than Stg125m on legal fees to date. Pogust Goodhead is seeking up to Stg36bn ($70bn) in compensation for victims of the disaster. (RMS)

News

Glencore legend hedged against deal

Glencore 'founding founder' Tor Peterson advised the London Stock Exchange on 14 January that he still controlled about 2.4 per cent of the Swiss mining company. It was his first such disclosure in almost eight years, but he went to update the LSE on his holdings 11 times over the next 22 days, at a time when Glencore and Rio Tinto were discussing a merger. His disclosures indicate Peterson would maximise his profits if Glencore's share price fell below the Stg5.31 the stock was fetching when speculation of a merger deal speculation peaked in early February; Rio abandoned the merger talks on 6 February when the two firms could not agree on a price.. It has been suggested that by betting on Glencore's shares falling that Peterson was seeking a compensation prize should bets he had made on on higher coal prices fail. (RMS)

News

WA outgunned on lithium costs

US-based Albemarle has invested about $4bn in its lithium hydroxide refinery at Kemerton in Western Australia since 2018. CEO Kent Masters says the cost of processing spodumene concentrate in WA is about $US5 per kg higher than in China, where Albemarle operates similar lithium refineries. Masters notes that labour, energy and waste disposal costs are much higher in Australia, which contributed to Albemarle's decision to shut down the Kemerton plant. The company is now expected to ship its share of spodumene from the Greenbushes mine to China for processing; it has not ruled out resuming production at Kemerton if market conditions become more favourable. (RMS)

News

Gold rush pulls in dirt pirates and backpackers

The price of gold has risen by 70 per cent in the last year, prompting a new wave of prospectors at historic goldfields such as Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. The state accounts for more than 70 per cent of Australia's gold production, primarily from the Kalgoorlie Goldfields. The gold boom has attracted a range pf people to the region, including amateur prospectors and families that travel there on caravan holidays. It has also resulted in extra work for Australia's gold stealing detection unit, with a sharp rise in the theft of ore from gold mine sites by criminals who process it in backyards by using a cement mixer and chemicals to extract the gold. (RMS)

News

Mining election message to Minns

The NSW Minerals Council contends that the mining industry injected $22 billion into the state's economy last financial year, while the council estimated its members supported 35,100 full time equivalent jobs. With a state election due in March next year, NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee contends that the thousands of workers in the mining sector will be looking to see which politicians are willing to grant approvals for new projects; there are currently 37 operating coalmines across NSW, with 17 approval or extension proposals awaiting a decision, but the Net Zero Commission has informed the Minns government that any additional extensions, expansions or approvals for coal projects would push NSW off track from its emissions targets and the Paris Agreement. (Roy Morgan Summary)

Media Man Int

News Flashbacks

Victims' misery a goldmine for chequebook TV - 7th May 2006
https://mediamanint.com/articles/victims.html

Human Statue Bodyart does bodypaint, bodyart and makeup for Diamond VIP event at The Star, Sydney
https://mediamanint.com/articles/human_statue17.html

Biofuel flight 'another Branson stunt' - 26th February 2008
https://mediaman.com.au/articles/biofuel_flight.html

GenerationOne ideas forum - 12th August 2010
https://mediamanint.com/articles/generationone_ideas.html

Markets, Cryptos (in progress)
https://mediamanint.com/articles/markets_cryptos.html

All The Glitters (in progress)
https://mediamanint.com/articles/all_that.html

Australian Mining (in progress)
https://mediamanint.com/articles/australian_mining.html

FiberSense Technology
https://mediamanint.com/articles/fibersense_technology.html

Media Man Group

News

Heavy Industry News

Heavy Industry Awards

Mack Trucks wins Media Man 'Truck Manufacturer Of The Month' award

Caterpillar wins Media Man 'Heavy Equipment Manufacturer Of The Month' award

Bingo Industries wins Media Man 'Construction Brand Of The Month' award

Elders wins Media Man 'Agribusiness Of The Month' award

Landman wins Media Man 'Streaming Series Of The Month' award (Oil/mining industry based story via Paramount Plus)

News

Gold Movie

Gold is a 2016 American epic crime drama film directed by Stephen Gaghan and written by Patrick Massett and John Zinman. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Édgar Ramírez, Bryce Dallas Howard, Corey Stoll, Toby Kebbell, Craig T. Nelson, Stacy Keach and Bruce Greenwood. The film is loosely based on the true story of the 1997 Bre-X mining scandal, when a massive gold deposit was supposedly discovered in the jungles of Indonesia; however, for legal reasons and to enhance the appeal of the film, character names and story details were changed.

Trailer

Gold (YouTube Movies and TV)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yc0S96OZhi0

Gold is the epic tale of one man's pursuit of the American dream, to discover gold. Starring Oscar® winner Matthew McConaughey (Interstellar, Dallas Buyers Club, The Wolf Of Wall Street) as Kenny Wells, a modern day prospector desperate for a lucky break, he teams up with a similarly eager geologist and sets off on an amazing journey to find gold in the uncharted jungle of Indonesia. Getting the gold was hard, but keeping it would be even harder, sparking an adventure through the most powerful boardrooms of Wall Street. The film is inspired by a true story.

News/Profile

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd (HPPL) is a privately owned Australian mineral exploration and agriculture company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia. As of 2026, it is recognized as one of the most successful private companies in Australian history.

Leadership and Ownership

Executive Chairwoman: Gina Rinehart AO, who has led the company since 1992.

CEO: Garry Korte.

Ownership: The company is owned by Gina Rinehart (76.6%) and the Hope Margaret Hancock Trust (23.4%).

Major Mining Operations

The company has transitioned from a prospecting firm into a major global miner, with primary interests in the Pilbara region:

Roy Hill: A flagship mega-project and Australia’s largest single iron ore mine, producing 60–70 million tonnes annually.

Hope Downs: A 50/50 joint venture with Rio Tinto, comprising four open-pit mines with a capacity of approximately 47Mtpa.

Atlas Iron: Acquired in 2018, it operates the Mount Webber, Sanjiv Ridge, and Miralga Creek mines.

Hancock Iron Ore: A new entity formed in July 2025 to consolidate Roy Hill and Atlas Iron operations.

Diversification and Strategic Investments

Under Rinehart’s leadership, the company has expanded significantly into other sectors:

Agriculture: Hancock is Australia's second-largest beef producer, owning over 25 properties including the iconic S. Kidman & Co. It also owns 50% of Bannister Downs Dairy.

Critical Minerals: Major stakes in lithium (Liontown Resources, Azure Minerals, Vulcan Energy) and rare earths (Arafura Rare Earths, MP Materials, Lynas Rare Earths).

Energy: Significant interests in oil and gas through Warrego Energy and Senex Energy.

International Ventures: In January 2026, the company signed a gold exploration license agreement with Saudi Arabia's state-owned miner, Ma’aden.

Current Events (January 2026)

Australia Day Sponsorship: The company is the principal partner for the 2026 Hancock Prospecting Australia Day celebrations in Perth.

Helipad Proposal: In December 2025, the City of Perth refused the company's proposal to build a helipad at its West Perth headquarters.

Financial Performance: For the 2025 fiscal year, the company reported a profit of AU$3.08 billion.

History

The company was founded on November 25, 1955, by Lang Hancock, who is credited with discovering the world's largest iron ore deposit in 1952. When Gina Rinehart took over following his death in 1992, the company was in a precarious financial state with significant debt.

News

Gold (1974)

Gold is a 1974 British action-thriller directed by Peter R. Hunt, starring Roger Moore and Susannah York. Based on the 1970 novel Gold Mine by Wilbur Smith, the film is set in the South African goldfields and follows a conspiracy by a global syndicate to manipulate the price of gold by sabotaging a rich mine.

Plot: Rod Slater (Moore), a newly appointed general manager, is manipulated by his boss, Manfred Steyner (Bradford Dillman), into drilling through a protective barrier into a subterranean lake. This is intended to flood the mine, causing a global gold shortage and driving up prices for a greedy cabal.

Production Controversy: The film was controversially shot on location in South Africa during the apartheid era. This led to a "black ban" by British film unions, though some crew members defied it to work on the production.

James Bond Connection: Many crew members were veterans of the James Bond franchise, including director Peter Hunt (On Her Majesty's Secret Service), editor John Glen, and title designer Maurice Binder.

Accolades: The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for "Wherever Love Takes Me," composed by Elmer Bernstein and sung by Maureen McGovern.

Cast & Crew

Rod Slater: Roger Moore
Terry Steyner: Susannah York
Hurry Hirschfeld: Ray Milland
Manfred Steyner: Bradford Dillman
Farrell: John Gielgud

Director: Peter R. Hunt

Music: Elmer Bernstein

Availability in 2026

As of 2026, the film is available through several formats and platforms:

Streaming: Accessible on Prime Video, Tubi, and Roku devices.

Physical Media: High-definition restorations are available on Blu-ray and DVD from Kino Lorber and 88 Films

News

Pop Culture

"Gold" (Spandau Ballet)

"Gold" is a signature 1983 hit by the British New Romantic band Spandau Ballet, written by Gary Kemp.

Lyrics

Thank you for coming home
I'm sorry that the chairs are all worn
I left them here, I could have sworn
These are my salad days
Slowly being eaten away Just another play for today Oh, but I'm proud of you, but I'm proud of you

Nothing left to make me feel small Luck has left me standing so tall

Thank you for coming home I'm sorry that the chairs are all worn I left them here I could have sworn

These are my salad days
Slowly being eaten away Just another play for today
Oh but I'm proud of you but I'm proud of you

Nothing left to make me feel small Luck has left me standing so tall

Gold (gold)

Always believe in your soul You've got the power to know You're indestructible Always believe in
'Cause you are

Gold (gold)

Glad that you're bound to return There's something I could have learned You're indestructible Always believin'

Oh after the rush has gone I hope you find a little more time Remember we were partners in crime It's only two years ago

The man with the suit and the face You knew that he was there on the case Now he's in love with you he's in love with you

My love is like a high prison wall But you could leave me standing so tall

Gold (gold)

Always believe in your soul You've got the power to know You're indestructible Always believe in 'Cause you are

Gold (gold)

Glad that you're bound to return There's something I could have learned You're indestructible Always believin'

My love is like a high prison wall And you could leave me standing so tall

Gold (gold)

Oh always believe in your soul You've got the power to know You're indestructible Always believe in 'Cause you are
Gold (gold)

Glad that you're bound to return Something I could have learned You're indestructible Always believin'
Songwriter: Gary James Kemp

Spandau Ballet - Gold (HD Remastered)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ntG50eXbBtc

Official video of Spandau Ballet performing 'Gold' from their 1983 third album 'True'.

Gary Kemp wrote both the music and lyrics; the song was produced by the partnership of Steve Jolley and Tony Swain. The music video was filmed on location in Carmona, Spain and directed by Brian Duffy. The video featured Sadie Frost as a gold-painted nymph, in one of her earlier roles. Some parts of the music video were also filmed in Leighton House, which was also used in the video for "Golden Brown" by The Stranglers.

Spandau Ballet are one of Britain’s great iconic bands having sold over 25 million records, scored numerous multi-platinum albums and amassed 23 hit singles across the globe since their humble beginnings as a group of friends with dreams of stardom in the late 1970s. It wasn’t long before they became fully-fledged members of the iconic Blitz Club scene and established themselves as one of the super-groups of the 80s.

The band's classic line-up features brothers Gary and Martin Kemp on guitars, vocalist Tony Hadley, saxophonist Steve Norman and drummer John Keeble.

Spandau Ballet’s hits include Gold, True, To Cut A Long Story Short, Through The Barricades and many more.

News

The Australian Financial Review wins Media Man 'Newspaper Of The Month' award

Roy Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Business Of The Month' award

Sky News Australia wins Media Man 'Australian Media Outlet Of The Month' award

News

Best Quotes

Gold Quotes

“Gold is the money of kings.”

“He who has the gold makes the rules.”

“Gold is a living god and rules in scorn, all earthly things but virtue.” – Percy Bysshe Shelley

“Gold is a deep and liquid subject.”

“Gold is forever.”

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

Markets, Cryptos and Culture

February 18, 2026

Mining For Intel
Sports, Streaming And Headlines Biz
Mid Week Motivation
Biz Disruptors To Step Back Into Cage and Ring
Big Biz Betting On Combat Sport And Pop Culture

Sydney, Australia to Wall Street, New York

ASX 200 futures up 54 points/0.6%: 8955
AUD +0.2% to US70.89¢
BTC $67,622.29 -1.34%
Dow +0.3%
S&P +0.3%
Nas +0.4%
VIX -1.05 to 20.15
Gold -2% to $US4891.56 an ounce
Silver 73.220 -2.21
Oil -1.7% to $US67.48 a barrel
Iron ore -0.3% to $US96.40 a ton

News

Numbers Double Check

Australian Dollar: $0.7080 USD (up $0.0005 USD)
Iron Ore: $96.40 USD (down $0.40 USD)
Oil Price): $62.35 USD (down $1.38 USD)
Gold Price: $4,875.84 USD (down $117.88 USD)
Copper Price: $5.6740 USD (down $0.0855 USD)
Dow Jones: 49,561.88 (up 60.95 points)

News

Mining rally lifts ASX as BHP beats forecasts

The Australian sharemarket posted a solid gain on Tuesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 adding 0.2 per cent to close at 8,958.9 points. BHP rose 4.7 per cent to $52.74, JB Hi-Fi was up 8.1 per cent at $89.10 and Baby Bunting advanced 8.6 per cent to end the session at $2.39. However, Reliance Worldwide fell 9.1 per cent to $3.50, WiseTech Global was down 1.6 per cent at $47.34 and Seek finished 3.3 per cent lower at $16.54. (RMS)

News

Mining rally lifts ASX as BHP beats forecasts

The Australian sharemarket posted a solid gain on Tuesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 adding 0.2 per cent to close at 8,958.9 points. BHP rose 4.7 per cent to $52.74, JB Hi-Fi was up 8.1 per cent at $89.10 and Baby Bunting advanced 8.6 per cent to end the session at $2.39. However, Reliance Worldwide fell 9.1 per cent to $3.50, WiseTech Global was down 1.6 per cent at $47.34 and Seek finished 3.3 per cent lower at $16.54. (RMS)

News

Profit season off to 'unusually strong start'

Banks and resources stocks have been the key drivers of a strong earnings performance so far in the February reporting season. However, there have been mixed earnings outside of these sectors, which has been reflected in share prices; Cochlear and Temple & Webster are the stocks that fell sharply after their latest financial results were below expectations. Hasan Tevfik from MST Marquee notes that overall, there has not been such a strong start to the earnings season since February 2021, when the market was recovering from the impact of the pandemic. (RMS)

News

Mining and gaming to lead wave of debuts

Foreign companies currently comprise about 10 per cent of stocks listed on the Australian sharemarket. Sixteen overseas-based companies debuted on the ASX in 2025, which is a four-fold increase on the previous year; they included both IPOs and dual listings. Millie Horton from Jarden says more international companies are now recognising the ASX as one of the premium listing venues; indeed, the ASX itself notes that its volume of new listings often exceeds that of New York and London. Resources and gaming companies are tipped to drive future growth in foreign compamies listing in Australia. (RMS)

News

Australian steel tariffs hit China's mills

Industry data shows that China exported a record 119 million tonnes of finished steel in 2025, which is 7.5 per cent higher than previously. Meanwhile, Chinese steel producers' margins have fallen significantly in recent years, and some smaller producers are concerned that the Australian government's move to impose a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese steel imports will have a major impact on their profits. Other countries are also pursuing anti-dumping measures against China's steel industry. (RMS)

News

Cryptos

Bitcoin dips below short-term support

Market Overview

The crypto market cap stood at $2.35 trillion on Tuesday morning, roughly the same as it was yesterday and seven days ago. The leaders in growth among the most liquid coins over the past week are the anonymous Zcash and Cosmos, which are widely involved in the tokenisation of debt assets, adding over 20%. At the same time, the leaders in decline during this period are Ethereum (-1.7%), BNB (-1.5%) and Bitcoin (-1.1%). The decline of the largest coins is an ominous sign for smaller ones, as it may soon pull them down with it at an accelerated pace.

Bitcoin technically fell below the support line that ran through the extreme lows of the first half of February, as another attempt to break above $70K on Monday attracted the interest of sellers, which quickly pushed the price back to $67K. On Tuesday morning, BTC is trading near $68K, where it was the day before, but the former support now looks like local resistance. Confirmation of this trend reversal will be a fall below the recent lows of $67K, with subsequent targets at $65K and $60K. News Background

The current situation is more reminiscent of a change in the global BTC trend than a local correction, according to CryptoQuant. The market has already entered a ‘stress zone’ but has not yet reached the stage of final capitulation. To form a ‘true bottom,’ a peak in loss-taking and a complete exhaustion of selling pressure are necessary.

Capriole Investments founder Charles Edwards cited the quantum threat as one of the reasons for the current BTC correction. In contrast, Benchmark considers such fears to be exaggerated, and Blockstream expects supercomputers to appear only in 20-40 years. Growing attention to the threat of quantum computing is beginning to reduce the long-term appeal of Bitcoin compared to gold, said analyst Willy Woo. In his opinion, about 4 million ‘lost’ coins could be dumped on the market after a quantum computer hacks Bitcoin.

Blockstream CEO Adam Back criticised the BIP-110 update aimed at combating ‘spam’ on the Bitcoin network. He called the initiative a threat to the reputation of the first cryptocurrency.

In the fourth quarter, Harvard University's management company withdrew more than 20% of its investments from the Bitcoin ETF, investing in an Ethereum-based ETF for the first time. Despite the partial sale, Bitcoin ETF shares remain the most significant public asset in Harvard's portfolio. (FxPro)

News

Biz/Politics/World

The dollar is not in a rush

EURUSD remains prone to consolidation

The yen is strengthening thanks to capital flows

The US markets, closed for Presidents' Day, brought calm to the Forex market. Traders are not forcing events, awaiting the publication of the January FOMC meeting minutes. This has resulted in EURUSD moving into a narrow trading range. The pair showed no interest in the news that the ECB is ready to offer liquidity to other central banks to prevent tensions in the money markets. This involves an increase in repo operations from the third quarter.

ING believes that the euro's growing global role is positive for EURUSD. The exchange rate is closely linked to capital flows, and their movement from the US to Europe is good news for the regional currency. Christine Lagarde shares this opinion. According to the Frenchwoman, the general mood is currently in favour of the euro, as money is flowing into the region. The head of the ECB prefers incentives to taxes. Therefore, cheap liquidity will accelerate rotation.

However, in the short term, the US dollar has a counterplay. The longer the Fed pauses in the easing cycle, the wider the rate differential will be. The high attractiveness of US assets will prevent investors from rushing to transfer capital to Europe.

Japan is also scoring points with international investors. According to Kazuo Ueda (BoJ Governor), Sanae Takaichi (Prime Minister) did not make any specific requests that would restrict the activities of the central bank. They discussed economic and financial conditions. If the central bank continues to make decisions independently, political stability will play into the hands of the bears on USDJPY. Investors are trying to understand whether the Prime Minister is pressuring the BoJ to stop raising rates, which also increases debt servicing costs.

Gold is trying to find a balance point, treading water around $5,000 per ounce. According to Jefferies, two main macro factors are supporting the precious metal: the depreciation of the US dollar and high inflation. This allows the company to raise its forecast for the end of the year from $4,200 to $5,000. It notes the high risks of a short-term peak in Gold amid growing fears among traders concerned about the collapse in prices at the end of January.

The situation on the silver market is even worse. Backwardation is intensifying, and futures contracts with distant delivery dates are falling in price. This is usually characteristic of perishable goods such as agricultural products. (FxPro)

News

Streaming/Australia

2.5 million Young Australians aged 6-13 watch YouTube

The latest Roy Morgan Young Australian Survey shows that 89% of the 6-13 age group watches YouTube (an estimated 2.5 million people). The leading YouTube video category is Gaming, watched by 1.33 million children aged 6-13 (53% of YouTube watchers in this age group), ahead of 930,000 watching the Animation category (37%), 900,000 watching Comedy (36%), and 850,000 watching the Animals and Music categories (34%). The survey also shows that 67% of boys aged 6-13 watch YouTube, compared with 39% of girls. Boys are also far more likely to watch the Sports category (36% cf. 17%). In contrast, girls show a strong preference over boys for categories such as Animals, Music, Fashion, Unboxing, DIY and Cooking. This research is part of an ongoing programme of research into Young Australian life experiences, preferences, priorities and opinions. This programme has been operating since the early 2000s, with the latest data collection on YouTube between April and December 2025, with a nationwide sample of 1,129 Young Australians aged 6-13. (Roy Morgan)

News

Tech News

Palantir Moves Headquarters from Denver to Miami

The data analytics company, founded in Palo Alto in 2003 by CEO Alex Karp and Peter Thiel, shifted to Denver in 2020 to step away from Silicon Valley. Now, with no official reason stated, it has relocated to Florida—a state without personal income tax that attracts tech firms with business-friendly policies and quality of life. Miami leaders hailed the move as a milestone for the city's tech scene, while critics like Rep. Maxwell Frost and candidate James Fishback raised civil liberties concerns tied to Palantir's government contracts.

News

x News/AI News

xAI Launches Grok 4.2 Beta with Multi-Agent Team

The 4.20 beta, available now to X Premium+ and SuperGrok subscribers on web, iOS, and Android, requires selecting 'Heavy' mode to activate Grok as leader, alongside Harper for research, Benjamin for fact-checking, and Lucas for logic and creativity. Demos show it querying SpaceX-NASA missions and summarizing global news with transparent steps and sources. Early testers praise its unbiased research prowess and rapid learning via weekly updates, though some note glitches like a botched pelican SVG, as xAI refines it through user feedback.

News

Pop Culture/Sports

Ronda Rousey Faces Gina Carano in Netflix MMA Superfight

The bout headlines Netflix's first live MMA event on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, as a five-round pro fight at 145 pounds inside a hexagon cage, promoted by Jake Paul's MVP. Rousey, absent since her 2016 loss to Amanda Nunes, called it the biggest superfight in women's combat sports history, while Carano shared a pumped-up training montage saying she's ready to make the walk again. Though skeptics note their ages—Rousey at 39 and Carano at 44—the legacy showdown has MMA buzzing with excitement ahead of UFC's big card.

News

Pop Culture/Pro Wrestling/WWE/Brands

WWE Partners with DUDE Wipes for In-Ring Branding Deal

WWE announced a multi-year partnership with DUDE Wipes, making the flushable wipes brand its official hygiene product, complete with wrestler gear branding, event sponsorships, and a custom commercial featuring Superstars. Reigning Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio debuted the logo on his bandana ribcage t-shirt during his Monday Night Raw return from injury in a triple-threat match. WWE's Jesse Tomares praised the disruptive integrations, while DUDE Wipes' Ryan Meegan called partnering with 'Dirty Dom' surreal, promising fun and cleanliness amid fan puns and mixed reactions on commercialization.

News

Gaming/Casino/Betting

This 29-year-old is worth $15b and wants you to bet on everything

The co-founder of America’s biggest predictions market on the “wisdom of the crowd”, political polarisation – and the company’s adviser, Donald Trump jnr.

Tarek Mansour believes deeply in prediction markets – or so he tells me again and again. He says they will, variously, play the role of modern oracle, innovative asset, public educator, new journalism and political saviour. At the moment, however, most of the money flowing through them is gambling on American football.

“We’re making the world a little bit smarter about the future, and I think that’s a very valuable thing to build,” Mansour says. “It’s not something that you should take as the Holy Grail truth, but it’s better than the alternatives.”

Mansour is a co-founder and chief executive of prediction market Kalshi, the largest such platform operating in the US. He has chosen to meet me at Serafina, one of a small chain of Italian restaurants, in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District because it is close to Kalshi’s offices and rarely crowded. The sky above New York is a threatening grey, and Kalshi traders are forecasting a 74 per cent chance of rain.

Serafina is empty and, in fact, locked when I arrive at our appointed 11.30am. The waiter unbolts the heavy door and shows me to a corner table at a plush banquette. The walls are of rough brick, and the floors are of unfinished wood. There are a few other small tables and a large bar. A radiant portrait of a woman decorates one wall. The waiter, Angel, turns on dance music that blares just for the two of us.

Mansour, 29, arrives a couple of minutes later, wearing a cream-coloured hoodie and thick glasses, lenses slightly tinted. His hair is dark and curly and falls over one side of his forehead. He is unshaven and says he has not been sleeping well.

“When people talk about, ‘We believe in markets’, what do they actually believe?” Mansour says. “What it means is that you believe that they’re a good way to figure out what the price of something is … And in this case, we’re pricing the future.”

The idea behind prediction markets such as Kalshi is simple and powerful. Participants trade shares of some future event (for example, whether it will rain in New York today). The shares are redeemable for $1 if the event occurs and $0 if it does not. Beforehand, the price (74¢, say) can therefore be read as a probability of the event occurring (74 per cent). Thus, in theory, if large and liquid, these markets quantify and broadcast the “wisdom of the crowd”. (AFR) *Full article and coverage via The Australian Financial Review

Culture

'Welcome To The Blockchain' aka

The Bitcoin Song

Intro

We're now standing on the precipice of a global revolution

Of economics, of politics, and government
Welcome to the blockchain

verse

Power corrupts, money is power

The power to control the money is one that is now
In the hands of those who pretend we can't function without them
So how can we do something about it? (Huh?)
Working hard to get a raise, lifting that wage up
Inflation takes it like a hidden taxation
Manipulated interest rates to give the banks
A way to create money with the loans that they're giving out daily (yup)
That means our money is debt
That we gotta pay back more than a hundred percent
No wonder then why the middle class is going under
When the one's above them gotta cover and come to collect
And many have no access to banking
Making payments, or saving, so more fees are taken
And every day the gatekeepers are trying to stop change
We can not wait, welcome to the blockchain
chorus

Welcome to the blockchain

Things are about to change
Open up the gates
Systems get replaced
Bitcoin
Decentralize the trust
Security, transparency
The network's run by us
Bitcoin

verse

Bitcoin is a decentralized ledger

And the currency is its first enterprise ever
Secured by the worldwide incentivized network
Can't be stolen or controlled by any sized effort
You can send it anywhere and instantly
No one can intervene, no third party in between
There's no counterfeiting
Algorithms control the outer limits of how many coins can get released
Programmable money, no government can seize it
Payments can be customized by sender and receiver
Contracts can be written cementing your agreements
With terms that can't be bent once you consent then it completes it
Autonomous businesses are possible
Where profit is distributed amongst those adopting it
Paradigm shift we must adjust to the ending
With the blockchain, bitcoin is just the beginning

chorus

Welcome to the blockchain

Things are about to change
Open up the gates
Systems get replaced
Bitcoin
Decentralize the trust
Security, transparency
The network's run by us
Bitcoin

bridge

Now that we got control

We're not gonna let it go
My people all around the globe
We gotta keep building, building, building
Now that we got control
We're not gonna let it go
My people all around the globe
We gotta keep building, building, building
chorus

Welcome to the blockchain

Things are about to change
Open up the gates
Systems get replaced
Bitcoin
Decentralize the trust
Security, transparency
The network's run by us
Bitcoin

Writer: Toby Ganger

News

Mining/Energy/Resources/Biz

Rio Tinto dodges merger bullet

Rio Tinto has dodged two 'bullets' due to Glencore's rejection of a merger proposal: a possible BHP takeover bid and a dangerous acquisition. BHP looked closely at whether to bid for Rio Tinto if the latter announced a merger with Glencore. The two companies would make excellent merger partners; amongst others things, their staff and senior people have similar cultures, they are co-operating on future Australian iron ore projects and they are copper joint venture partners in Chile and the US. Meanwhile, there are significance cultural differences between Rio Tinto and Glencore; there is little doubt that Rio Tinto's CEO Simon Trott would have had doubts about a merger once he understood these cultural differences. (RMS)

News/Snapshot

Australian Mining

Global Commodity Rankings

Australia holds some of the world's largest reserves and is a leading producer of several key minerals.

#1 Producer: Iron Ore, Bauxite, Lithium, Rutile, and Zircon.

#1 Reserves: Iron Ore, Gold, Lead, Nickel, Rutile, Uranium, and Zinc.

#2 Producer: Gold, Alumina, and Manganese.

Key Mining Hubs & Major Projects

Western Australia: The nation's "engine room," producing 98% of Australia's iron ore and 60% of its gold. Major sites include the Pilbara (iron ore) and the Super Pit in Kalgoorlie (gold).

Queensland: A global leader in metallurgical coal (Bowen Basin) and silver/lead production (Cannington mine).

South Australia: Home to Olympic Dam, which contains the world's largest single uranium deposit and significant copper and gold reserves.

Major Players

The sector is dominated by several multinational giants and significant domestic players:

BHP: Often ranked as Australia's most valuable company; major interests in iron ore, copper, and coal.

Rio Tinto: A world leader in iron ore (Pilbara) and aluminum.
Fortescue (FMG): Primarily focused on iron ore and rapidly expanding into green energy.

Hancock Prospecting: Australia's largest private mining company, led by Gina Rinehart, the nation's wealthiest person.

South32: Spun out of BHP; manages a diversified portfolio including manganese, silver, and nickel.

2026 Trends & Developments

Critical Minerals Push: The government has introduced a $23 billion package to support domestic processing and manufacturing of critical minerals to reduce global reliance on single-country supply chains.

Uranium Rally: Prices exceeding US$100/lb have sparked renewed interest in Australian prospects like the Kalkaroo project.

M&A Activity: Major merger talks continue between giants like Rio Tinto and Glencore as they seek to consolidate copper exposure for the EV market.

Workforce Challenges: The Minerals Council of Australia is currently calling for migration reforms to address a significant "skills crunch" in the sector.

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

Media Man

Cryptocurrency, Finance and World

"Volatility is Satoshi’s gift to the faithful." - Michael Saylor

"Bitcoin is a tool for freeing humanity from oligarchs and tyrants, dressed up as a get-rich-quick scheme." — Naval Ravikant

"We have elected to put our money and faith in a mathematical framework that is free of politics and human error." — Tyler Winklevoss

"You can't stop things like Bitcoin. It will be everywhere, and the world will have to readjust. World governments will have to readjust." — John McAfee

"Bitcoin is the most important invention in the history of the world since the Internet." — Roger Ver

"Cryptocurrency is such a powerful concept that it can almost overturn governments." — Charles Lee

"In the future, national currencies will become obsolete. Bitcoin will become the single global currency." — Jack Dorsey

"The future of finance is crypto, whether it’s in payments, contracts, or savings." — Changpeng Zhao

"Crypto offers freedom to the unbanked and hope to the underprivileged." — Elizabeth Stark

"The new frontier of innovation is in decentralization. Blockchain leads the charge." — Don Tapscott

"Digital currency is here to stay, and it’s only a matter of how long before governments embrace it." — Brad Garlinghouse

Pop Culture

Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking

The Million Dollar Man vs IRS
Money INC vs Right To Censor
Santa vs Grinch
Bulls vs Bears
Crypto King vs Mr World Bank
Citizens vs NWO
Neo vs Agent Smith
John McAfee vs You Know Who!
TKO vs Naysayers
Jake Paul, Polymarket and BETR vs Naysayers
Pro Boxing vs Newspaper Reports
VKM vs The World
Paul Bros vs Mainstream Wokes
Mr X vs Mr Bluesky
Chris Jericho vs Dirtsheets
NFL vs everyone
Zuffa vs MVP
Netflix vs World
Meta vs Australia
White Light vs Dark Matter
Lexis King vs NIL's (WWE NXT)
Volk vs Naysayers (UFC: Sydney, Australia)
Brock Lesnar vs Everyone! (WWE Royal Rumble)
Roman Reigns vs CM Punk (WWE WrestleMania)
Green vs The Coal Miners Daughter
AC/DC vs Swifties
Triangle v World Bank
Sarah's Oil vs Big Oil
Mr X vs Mr VOX
Mr X vs Mr Platformer
Mr FOX vs Mr Vice
Fox And The Hound vs The View
The Masked Superstar vs Mr Jones
The Undertaker vs Mankind
UFC Legends vs Father Time
Vinnie Vegas and Oz vs Los Americanos
NXT GM vs The Don
Mr Moneymaker vs Mr Regulator
Mr Blockchain vs Mr EU
WWE Unreal vs The Old Guard
Reality TV vs John Pilger Type Journalism and Docos
Mr Real Deal vs Mr Grifter
Mr Truth vs Mr Shock Jock
Mr X vs Mr Bluesky: Rematch
WWE Wrestlers vs NFL Super Bowl Players
Logan Paul and Bad Bunny vs Jake Paul and The Don - Special ref: Damian Priest
Kelly Gang vs Snow White Clan
BKFC vs PFL vs ONE
Mr Sky vs Mr Vice
Marvel Universe vs DC Universe vs Monster Universe
Logan Paul vs Tom Brady
MMA vs Lucha Libre

Confirmed Matches To Happen:

Rousey vs Carano (Netflix) May 16

Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov (Netflix) April 11

Media Man

Roy Morgan wins Media Man 'Media Services Company Of The Month' award

X wins Media Man 'Platform Of The Month' award; Runner-ups: YouTube and LinkedIn

Netflix wins Media Man 'Streaming Service Of The Month' award

CAT wins Media Man 'Heavy Industry Brand Of The Month' award

Mack Trucks wins Media Man 'Truck Brand Of The Month' award

Logan Paul wins Media Man 'Pop Culture Disruptor Of The Month' award

WWE wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promoter Of The Month' award

'Landman wins Media Man 'Streaming Series Of The Month' award

WWE2K16 wins Media Man 'Game Of The Month' award

Claudio's Cafe wins Media Man 'Coffee Brand Of The Month' award

Jim's Mowing wins Media Man 'Australian Business Of The Month' award

Barefoot Investor wins Media Man 'Financial Media Company Of The Month' award

Markets, Cryptos and Culture

Sydney, Australia to Wall Street, New York

February 13, 2026

Black Cat Edition
Black-ish Friday

"Paint It Black" (The Rolling Stones)
"Black & Gold" (Sam Sparro)
"Black Night" (Deep Purple)

ASX 200 futures down 56 points/0.6%: 8917
AUD -0.5% to US70.93¢
BTC $66,024.85 -2.20%
Dow -0.9%
S&P -1%
NAS -1.5%
VIX +2.12 to 19.77
Gold -2.7% to $US4949.68 an oz
Silver 76.593 -7.615
Oil -3% to $US67.35 a b
Iron ore -0.6% to $US99.40 a ton
10-yr yield: US 4.10% AUST 4.80%

News

Feb 13

Number Double Check

Australian Dollar: $0.7096 USD (down $0.0034 USD)
Iron Ore: $99.40 USD (down $0.75 USD)
Oil Price: $62.93 USD (down $2.01 USD)
Gold Price: $4,941.98 USD (down $138.24 USD)
Copper Price: $5.7905 USD (down $0.1775 USD)
Dow Jones: 49,727.01 (down 394.39 points)

News

ANZ soars 8pc, tech stocks extend losses

The Australian sharemarket posted a solid gain on Thursday, after reaching a new record intra-day high; the S&P/ASX 200 added 0.3 per cent to close at 9,043.5 points. The ANZ was up 8.5 per cent at a new peak of $40.35, Northern Star Resources advanced four per cent to $29.39 and Origin Energy finished 3.9 per cent higher at $11.50. However, AMP shed 26.7 per cent to end the session at $1.28, Temple & Webster fell 32.6 per cent to $7.64 and Pro Medicus was down 23.9 per cent at $129. (RMS)

News

Miners

Northern Star pushes back gold mine build

Northern Star Resources' CEO Stuart Tonkin has advised that a final investment decision on the Hemi gold project in the Pilbara is now slated to be made by June 2027. He indicated that the mine is likely to take about 2.5 years to build, which will push back initial production to at least 2030. Hemi is among the assets that Northern Star acquired in 2025 via the takeover of De Grey Mining, which had flagged initial production as early as 2027. Meanwhile, Northern Star has posted a 2025-26 interim net profit of $760m, which is 41 per cent higher than previously and was boosted by the record gold price. (RMS)

Markets, Cryptos and Culture

February 9, 2026

Sydney, Australia to Wall Street, New York

Super Bowl
Play To Win or Play To Survive
All That Glitters
Biz: Play The Long Game

"All That Glitters"

Sorting Pure Gold From Fools Gold?!

Who Is Putting The Crypto And Market Strings?

"All That Glitters" Edition: Super Bowl Edition

"Gold" (Spandau Ballet)

"You Got the Silver" (The Rolling Stones)

"Goldfinger" (Shirley Bassey)

"Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" (The Wolf Of Wall Street theme) Cannonball Adderley

"Stretch Your Face" (TOBACCO). Silicon Valley theme

"Diamonds" (Rihanna)

"Falling Down" (1993). (James Newton Howard)

"Every 1's a Winner" (Hot Chocolate)

"Still Humble" (def rebel)

"Clubbed to Death". (The Matrix theme). Kurayamino Mix. (Rob D)

"Bulls on Parade" (Rage Against the Machine)

ASX futures up 102 points/1.2% to 8810
AUD +0.03% at US70.14¢
Bitcoin $71,179.95 +2.68%
Dow +2.5%
S&P +2.0%
Nasdaq +2.2%
Gold +3.9% to $US4964.36 an ounce
Silver 77.978 +7.14 +10.08%
Brent oil +0.6% at $US66.89 a barrel
Iron ore -1.6% at $US99.00 a ton

News

Numbers Double Check

Australian Dollar: $0.7015 USD (up $0.0058 USD)
Iron Ore: $99.00 USD (down $1.65 USD)
Oil Price: $63.55 USD (up $0.37 USD)
Gold Price: $4,966.26 USD (up $141.82 USD)
Copper Price: $5.8875 USD (up $0.1090 USD)
Dow Jones: 50,115.67 (up 1,206.95 points)

News

Stockmarket/New York Stock Exchange

TKO Group
$211.90 +3.74 +1.80%

Alphabet Inc. Class A
$322.86 -8.39 -2.53%

Tesla Inc
$411.11 +13.90 +3.50%

Trump Media & Technology Group Corp
$11.46 +0.56 +5.14%

Netflix Inc
$82.20 +1.33 +1.64%

News

ASX to roar back as investors prepare for wild earnings season

Futures indicate the S&P/ASX 200 will gain 1.2 per cent when it opens on Monday, following a strong lead from Wall Street on Friday, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a record, and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both rose around two per cent. The forecast gain on the ASX comes as investors prepare for what is tipped to be a wild earnings season, with both CSL and James Hardie set to release their latest results this week, while the Australian sharemarket slumped two per cent on Friday in what was its worst session since US President Donald Trump's "liberation day" tariffs last April. (RMS)

News

Heavy Industry

BlueScope set for $2 billion cash boost amid takeover tussle

Takeover target BlueScope Steel will release its latest half-year results on 16 February, with CEO Tania Archibald likely to tell investors about the potential for higher dividends in coming years because of increased cashflow. Broking house Jefferies tips that BlueScope will have an additional $2 billion to pay out to shareholders by 2029, while it values BlueScope at $37 a share. This compares to the $30 per share offer that Steel Dynamics and SGH have made for it, with the BlueScope board having rejected that offer last month. (RMS)

News

Gold/Miners

Gold miners rush to join the large caps, pushing out blue chip names

Morgan Stanley expects that gold mining stocks Westgold Resources Regis Resources, Greatland Gold and Vault Minerals will be added to the S&P/ASX 100 when it undergoes its next quarterly rebalance next month. It will lift the weighting of gold stocks on the benchmark to 5.5 per cent, which will be the highest level in decades, while Pinnacle Investment Management and Lendlease are expected to drop out of the ASX 100 and join the Small Ords. Morgan Stanley expects that 17 companies will be added to the Small Ords, including critical minerals company Arafura Rare Earths and medical technology firm 4D Medical.

News

Gaming Biz

Gaming billionaire's assault case revealed

Virtual Gaming World has announced that Laurence Escalate will temporarily step down as CEO of the company he founded in 2010, with VGW operating online poker-machine-style gambling. It comes after the billionaire was charged with eight offences by West Australian police, including burglary, assault and three counts of drug possession with intent to sell or supply. Escalate' lawyers unsuccessfully tried to keep details of the case secret, while he could lose his assets under WA's criminal property confiscation laws if found guilty of the drug charges levelled against him. (RMS)

News

Sports Business/Marketing

Super Bowl

How Australia's Michael Dickson graduated from 'second-class citizen' to the brink of Super Bowl glory

Michael Dickson will be playing for the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday US time, with legendary quarterback Tom Brady claiming that Dickson is the best punter in the league. His appearance means it will be the fourth successive year that an Australian will take the field in a Super Bowl, with Dickson having failed to secure a place in the AFL after graduating from the Sydney Swans Academy in 2014. Former AFL player Ben Graham, who in 2009 became the first Australian to play in a Super Bowl, says punters are treated like "second-class citizens" by the rest of the playing roster, while the Super Bowl is the third most-watched sporting event on the planet behind the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. (RMS)

News

Sports Biz/Marketing/Politics

Netball sweetener: Rockhampton could lose 2032 Olympic rowing over river fears

It is understood that the International Olympic Committee is looking to move rowing and canoeing events away from Rockhampton at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic games. Discussions on the possible move are taking behind the scenes at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, with the switch due to concerns about strong currents in the Fitzroy River and its history of flooding. One possible sweetener for Rockhampton if it does lose the rowing and canoeing is if netball becomes included as an "additional sport" at the 2032 Olympics, with it being possible that Rockhampton could be chosen to host netball events. (RMS)

News

Formula One

Cadillac F1 Team Reveals Livery in Times Square Super Bowl Spectacle Amid Michael Bay Lawsuit

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team, backed by General Motors and set to join the grid as the 11th team in 2026, unveiled its livery via a dramatic Times Square installation that 'defrosted' during the Super Bowl LX fourth quarter. Drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas lead the lineup from a U.K. base near Silverstone, with realistic goals after a Barcelona shakedown test. Hours before, director Michael Bay sued team CEO Dan Towriss for $1.5 million over alleged contract breach on the ad's concepts, which Cadillac called exploratory talks with no deal finalized.

News

Lucha Libre/Pro Wrestling

Chad Gable Steals El Grande Americano Spot at AAA Event

At Saturday's AAA on Fox event, Gable ambushed Kaiser backstage, locked him in cuffs, and dominated a four-way Rey de Reyes qualifier, pinning Rey Fenix, Dragon Lee, and Octagón Jr. with suplexes and takedowns to earn his spot. The Mexico City fans turned on him hard, chanting 'Get Out!' and cheering Kaiser as the true hero after his injury sidelined the original gimmick last year. This WWE-AAA crossover feud, with Kaiser honoring lucha style, has fans buzzing for a mask-vs.-mask showdown as Rey de Reyes approaches March 15.

News

Winter Olympics

Protests Clash with Milan Olympics Over Costs and Politics

Demonstrations erupted on February 7 and 8 after the Milano Cortina 2026 opening ceremony, with protesters decrying over €1.5 billion in public costs, environmental harm, Israel's participation amid the Gaza conflict, and U.S. ICE agents with Vice President JD Vance's delegation. Clashes near Olympic sites like the athletes' village led to tear gas, water cannons, and five arrests, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence. While the Games continue smoothly through February 22, Vance faced boos at the ceremony and Israel's team drew jeers, underscoring Italy's tensions over globalization and geopolitics.

News

Sports Marketing/Pro Wrestling/Gaming

WWE 2K26 Teases Seth Rollins Style and R-Truth Mocap

The official WWE Games account shared a stylish screenshot of Seth Rollins in his signature 'Fashion' gear, followed by a 36-second video of R-Truth in a sensor-dotted suit scanning his model on a ring-like set. WWE 2K26 launches March 13 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, with over 200 superstars including Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and legends like Hollywood Hogan. Fans praised the accurate models and potential new animations, though some debated graphics upgrades over 2K25 and called for more NXT reveals.

News

Rare Earths/Politics/Trade/Resources

Critical mineral group eyes $1b value in float

Brisbane-based miner RZ Resources is said to considering a sharemarket float that would see it valued at $1 billion. It rose to prominence last October when it was named by the Trump administration as a possible supplier of critical minerals to the US, and the Export-Import Bank of the US has previously flagged plans to lend RZ Resources up to $US460 million to accelerate development of its Copi mineral sands project in western NSW and to restart its mothballed processing plant in Brisbane, with RZ Resources likely to use funds raised from any IPO for the same purpose.

Newsfeed

Wall Street

Wall Street refers to the financial district in Lower Manhattan, New York City, and is synonymous with the U.S. stock market, major financial institutions, investment banks, and economic news.

As of the latest market close on February 6, 2026 (U.S. markets), here's the snapshot after a volatile week dominated by AI spending concerns, tech sell-offs, and a sharp rebound:Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA):

Closed at 50,115.67, up +1,206.95 points (+2.47%). This marked the first-ever close above 50,000 for the Dow, driven by a broad recovery in cyclicals and semiconductors.

S&P 500: Closed at 6,932.30, up +133.90 points (+1.97%).

Nasdaq Composite: Closed at 23,031.21, up +490.63 points (+2.18%).

The week featured wild swings: early February saw a "software-mageddon" style sell-off in tech and software stocks (e.g., triggered by heavy AI capex announcements from companies like Amazon and concerns over disruption from models like Anthropic's upgrades), leading to over $1 trillion in losses for Big Tech at one point.

Fears of an AI bubble, forced deleveraging, and high valuations weighed heavily, especially on Nasdaq names.However, Friday's rally saw dip-buying return, with strong rebounds in chips (Nvidia, Broadcom, AMD up sharply) and value/cyclical sectors (e.g., Caterpillar, Goldman Sachs). The Dow ended the week up ~2.6%, while the Nasdaq was still down ~1.9% for the week amid lingering caution.Key themes in recent Wall Street news:AI investment fears gripping markets, with strategists debating if the sell-off in software/tech is "overdone."

Rotation toward bonds, international plays, or oversold names amid "Sell America" volatility.

Broader concerns like inflation, gold volatility, and geopolitical/economic factors (e.g., China exports, U.S. dollar strength).

Markets remain choppy heading into upcoming data like U.S. jobs and inflation reports.

News

Heavy Industry News

Heavy Industry Awards

Mack Trucks wins Media Man 'Truck Manufacturer Of The Month' award

Caterpillar wins Media Man 'Heavy Equipment Manufacturer Of The Month' award

Bingo Industries wins Media Man 'Construction Brand Of The Month' award

Elders wins Media Man 'Agribusiness Of The Month' award

Landman wins Media Man 'Streaming Series Of The Month' award (Oil/mining industry based story via Paramount Plus)

News

News Lead Up

Gold

Feb 7

Gold tries to prove that the bull trend is not yet broken
After the most significant sell-off since 1980, gold is attempting to stabilise. Bears argue that the bubble has burst and events will unfold as they did in 2011. Back then, after falling from record highs, the precious metal entered a multi-year downtrend. Bank of America notes that volatility remains elevated. This allows us to talk about gold as a speculative asset and reduces central banks' demand for bullion. This is especially true given some recovery of confidence in the US dollar. Bulls argue that the fundamentals of the gold market remain intact. US government debt is growing rapidly, which devalues Treasuries and the greenback. Political and geopolitical risks remain high. The Fed will resume its cycle of policy easing. Also, precious metals do not seem expensive at these levels. The Dow Jones index exceeded its value by 1.3 times in 1980, and during the dot-com crisis, its ratio soared above 40. Currently, it is just over 10.

Events at the end of last week unfolded too quickly. By the close of last week, the collapse had reached historic proportions, leaving scars on the market at the start of February. Formally, we see the week closing in positive territory and an impressive rebound of $550 from Monday's lows. It is also worth mentioning that the price reached these levels for the first time just two weeks ago. Nevertheless, we remain in the bear camp, assuming that the three-year bull market has already been broken. We may see attempts to grow and even break through $5000, but we expect that too many will sell gold at these levels. (FxPro)

News

News Lead Up

Feb 7

Crypto: too early to be greedy

Market Overview

The crypto market cap has lost more than 8% in the last 24 hours to $2.22T, dropping to $2.09T at its lowest point. The Crypto fell below last April's lows and rolled back to levels last seen in September 2024. The market did not hold on to the strong line that had served as support and resistance for more than two years. Either this is a switch to panic mode, or we saw a short-term overreaction during a period of reduced liquidity, and cryptocurrencies will partially rebound in the coming days.

The sentiment index fell to 9, where it was last seen in June 2022. In general, reaching single-digit levels is a very rare occurrence. At the same time, we warn again that such oversold conditions may be followed by months of consolidation or bottoming out. Thus, in 2022, the market only bottomed out in November, falling by about a quarter, and the momentum for growth only appeared in January.

Bitcoin, at its lowest point at the start of trading on Friday, fell to $60K, ending up just one step away from its 200-week moving average, which is just below $58K. Bitcoin only fell below this line in 2022 and the following year, 2023. Before that, in 2015, 2019, and 2020, touching this line effectively stopped the sell-off, attracting buyers. News Background

The collapse of the crypto market reflects a decline in interest in digital assets at the institutional and regulatory levels, according to Deutsche Bank. Three factors are putting pressure on Bitcoin: a steady outflow of institutional investor funds, changes in traditional Bitcoin market relationships, and the loss of regulatory momentum that previously supported liquidity and reduced volatility.

The collapse of Bitcoin was caused by the actions of large market participants, not panic among private investors, said technical analyst Peter Brandt. In his opinion, the nature of the movement, when BTC updated its lows for eight days in a row, has all the signs of a “planned sell-off.”

Tension was heightened by unconfirmed rumours of a $9 billion sale of bitcoins by a Galaxy Digital client.

Stifel admits that bitcoin could collapse to $38K due to the high correlation of cryptocurrencies with the falling US tech sector.

According to DeFiLlama, the net inflow of funds to Binance over the past 24 hours amounted to almost $700 million. The data refuted rumours circulating on social media about mass withdrawals and account closures after Binance reported technical problems with withdrawals on February 3rd.

According to Bloomberg, there is still disagreement in the US over the Clarity Act. The current version of the document prohibits the accrual of interest for staking. Crypto companies are making new concessions to US banks, but the parties have not yet reached an agreement.

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

Media Man

Cryptocurrency, Finance and World

"Volatility is Satoshi’s gift to the faithful." - Michael Saylor

"Bitcoin is a tool for freeing humanity from oligarchs and tyrants, dressed up as a get-rich-quick scheme." — Naval Ravikant

"We have elected to put our money and faith in a mathematical framework that is free of politics and human error." — Tyler Winklevoss

"You can't stop things like Bitcoin. It will be everywhere, and the world will have to readjust. World governments will have to readjust." — John McAfee

"Bitcoin is the most important invention in the history of the world since the Internet." — Roger Ver

"Cryptocurrency is such a powerful concept that it can almost overturn governments." — Charles Lee

"In the future, national currencies will become obsolete. Bitcoin will become the single global currency." — Jack Dorsey

"The future of finance is crypto, whether it’s in payments, contracts, or savings." — Changpeng Zhao

"Crypto offers freedom to the unbanked and hope to the underprivileged." — Elizabeth Stark

"The new frontier of innovation is in decentralization. Blockchain leads the charge." — Don Tapscott

"Digital currency is here to stay, and it’s only a matter of how long before governments embrace it." — Brad Garlinghouse

Pop Culture

Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking

The Million Dollar Man vs IRS
Money INC vs Right To Censor
Santa vs Grinch
Bulls vs Bears
Crypto King vs Mr World Bank
Citizens vs NWO
Neo vs Agent Smith
John McAfee vs You Know Who!
TKO vs Naysayers
Jake Paul, Polymarket and BETR vs Naysayers
Pro Boxing vs Newspaper Reports
VKM vs The World
Paul Bros vs Mainstream Wokes
Mr X vs Mr Bluesky
Chris Jericho vs Dirtsheets
NFL vs everyone
Zuffa vs MVP
Netflix vs World
Meta vs Australia
White Light vs Dark Matter
Lexis King vs NIL's (WWE NXT)
Volk vs Naysayers (UFC: Sydney, Australia)
Brock Lesnar vs Everyone! (WWE Royal Rumble)
Roman Reigns vs CM Punk (WWE WrestleMania)
Green vs The Coal Miners Daughter
AC/DC vs Swifties
Triangle v World Bank
Sarah's Oil vs Big Oil
Mr X vs Mr VOX
Mr X vs Mr Platformer
Mr FOX vs Mr Vice
Fox And The Hound vs The View
The Masked Superstar vs Mr Jones
The Undertaker vs Mankind
UFC Legends vs Father Time
Vinnie Vegas and Oz vs Los Americanos
NXT GM vs The Don
Mr Moneymaker vs Mr Regulator
Mr Blockchain vs Mr EU
WWE Unreal vs The Old Guard
Reality TV vs John Pilger Type Journalism and Docos
Mr Real Deal vs Mr Grifter
Mr Truth vs Mr Shock Jock
Mr X vs Mr Bluesky: Rematch
WWE Wrestlers vs NFL Super Bowl Players
Bondi Beach vs Maroubra Beach
Coney Island vs Virgin Islands
Paul Bros vs Bunny and Gaga
Standard TV vs Woke TV
Humans vs Bots
Ice Ballers vs Snowflakes
Blue Collar vs White Coller vs "Elites" vs Free Spirits: Freebird Rules
Dave vs HAL 9000

Markets, Cryptos and Culture

Sydney, Australia to Wall Street, New York

February 7, 2026

Black Friday In The USA Sees Some Light Arrive; Crypto True Believers Rejoince And Regain Some Lost Ground

Australians See Yanks Regain Some Smiles

"All That Glitters"

Sorting Pure Gold From Fools Gold?!

Who Is Putting The Crypto And Market Strings?

Roller Coaster Ride Continues Into The Weekend ...

"All That Glitters" Edition: Part 6

"Gold" (Spandau Ballet)

"You Got the Silver" (The Rolling Stones)

"Goldfinger" (Shirley Bassey)

"Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" (The Wolf Of Wall Street theme) Cannonball Adderley

"Stretch Your Face" (TOBACCO). Silicon Valley theme

"Diamonds" (Rihanna)

"Falling Down" (1993). (James Newton Howard)

"Every 1's a Winner" (Hot Chocolate)

"Still Humble" (def rebel)

"Clubbed to Death". (The Matrix theme). Kurayamino Mix. (Rob D)

"Bulls on Parade" (Rage Against the Machine)

Markets

ASX 200 futures up 102 points/1.2% to 8749
AUD +1.4% to US70.21¢
BTC $71,212.23 +11.54%
Wall St:
Dow +2.5%
S&P +2%
NAS +2.2%
VIX -4.01 to 17.76
Gold +3.9% to $US4963.65 an ounce
Silver 77.978 +7.14 +10.08%
Oil +0.6% to $US67.93 a barrel
Iron ore -1.6% to $US99.00 a ton

News

Crypto: too early to be greedy

Market Overview

The crypto market cap has lost more than 8% in the last 24 hours to $2.22T, dropping to $2.09T at its lowest point. The Crypto fell below last April's lows and rolled back to levels last seen in September 2024. The market did not hold on to the strong line that had served as support and resistance for more than two years. Either this is a switch to panic mode, or we saw a short-term overreaction during a period of reduced liquidity, and cryptocurrencies will partially rebound in the coming days.

The sentiment index fell to 9, where it was last seen in June 2022. In general, reaching single-digit levels is a very rare occurrence. At the same time, we warn again that such oversold conditions may be followed by months of consolidation or bottoming out. Thus, in 2022, the market only bottomed out in November, falling by about a quarter, and the momentum for growth only appeared in January.

Bitcoin, at its lowest point at the start of trading on Friday, fell to $60K, ending up just one step away from its 200-week moving average, which is just below $58K. Bitcoin only fell below this line in 2022 and the following year, 2023. Before that, in 2015, 2019, and 2020, touching this line effectively stopped the sell-off, attracting buyers.

News Background

The collapse of the crypto market reflects a decline in interest in digital assets at the institutional and regulatory levels, according to Deutsche Bank. Three factors are putting pressure on Bitcoin: a steady outflow of institutional investor funds, changes in traditional Bitcoin market relationships, and the loss of regulatory momentum that previously supported liquidity and reduced volatility.

The collapse of Bitcoin was caused by the actions of large market participants, not panic among private investors, said technical analyst Peter Brandt. In his opinion, the nature of the movement, when BTC updated its lows for eight days in a row, has all the signs of a “planned sell-off.”

Tension was heightened by unconfirmed rumours of a $9 billion sale of bitcoins by a Galaxy Digital client.

Stifel admits that bitcoin could collapse to $38K due to the high correlation of cryptocurrencies with the falling US tech sector.

According to DeFiLlama, the net inflow of funds to Binance over the past 24 hours amounted to almost $700 million. The data refuted rumours circulating on social media about mass withdrawals and account closures after Binance reported technical problems with withdrawals on February 3rd.

According to Bloomberg, there is still disagreement in the US over the Clarity Act. The current version of the document prohibits the accrual of interest for staking. Crypto companies are making new concessions to US banks, but the parties have not yet reached an agreement. (FxPro)

News

Gold News

Gold tries to prove that the bull trend is not yet broken After the most significant sell-off since 1980, gold is attempting to stabilise. Bears argue that the bubble has burst and events will unfold as they did in 2011. Back then, after falling from record highs, the precious metal entered a multi-year downtrend. Bank of America notes that volatility remains elevated. This allows us to talk about gold as a speculative asset and reduces central banks' demand for bullion. This is especially true given some recovery of confidence in the US dollar.

Bulls argue that the fundamentals of the gold market remain intact. US government debt is growing rapidly, which devalues Treasuries and the greenback. Political and geopolitical risks remain high. The Fed will resume its cycle of policy easing. Also, precious metals do not seem expensive at these levels. The Dow Jones index exceeded its value by 1.3 times in 1980, and during the dot-com crisis, its ratio soared above 40. Currently, it is just over 10.

Events at the end of last week unfolded too quickly. By the close of last week, the collapse had reached historic proportions, leaving scars on the market at the start of February. Formally, we see the week closing in positive territory and an impressive rebound of $550 from Monday's lows. It is also worth mentioning that the price reached these levels for the first time just two weeks ago. Nevertheless, we remain in the bear camp, assuming that the three-year bull market has already been broken. We may see attempts to grow and even break through $5000, but we expect that too many will sell gold at these levels/ (FxPro)

News

UK/Europe News

The Bank of England sank the pound

Markets now pricing the BoE will cut its rate in March.

Neither slowing inflation nor the strength of the euro scared the ECB.

While the ECB decided to support its currency, the Bank of England deliberately sank the pound. Both regulators left rates unchanged, but this is a dovish pause. Four out of nine MPC members voted to cut the repo rate from 3.75% to 3.5%, while markets had expected only two.

Andrew Bailey noted that there is an even chance of the next rate cut next month, as inflation is sure to fall significantly. As a result, the futures market raised the probability of such an outcome from 20% to 60%, pressuring GBPUSD.

The ECB showed much more mercy to the euro. On the eve of the Governing Council meeting, investors were concerned that the slowdown in inflation in the eurozone to 1.7% in January and the 13% strengthening of the euro against the USD over the past year would provoke ‘dovish’ rhetoric from Christine Lagarde.

But eventually, she noted that the ECB would not make decisions based on a single data point and that the strengthening of the euro was already factored into its forecasts. EURUSD bulls breathed a sigh of relief. They were helped by disappointing data on the US economy. In 2025, it created 1 million fewer jobs than in 2024.

According to Challenger, layoffs are occurring at the fastest pace since the global economic crisis of 2008-2009. ADP is signalling a slowdown in employment, and unemployment claims are exceeding forecasts. The Fed has already cut rates three times pre-emptively in response to signs of a cooling jobs market. If the negative trends continue, the monetary easing will resume earlier than expected. After a series of disappointing reports, derivatives have raised the odds of an April rate cut to 40%. If the BLS employment statistics bring an unpleasant surprise, they could rise to 50%, which is bearish for the US dollar.

It is hard to say how the greenback will react to the armed conflict in the Middle East. The erosion of confidence in it due to Donald Trump's policies has led to the loss of its status as the main safe-haven asset. Gold has taken its place. However, the January-February sell-off of the precious metal and rumours of a burst bubble could change everything. Will the US dollar regain its former glory? (FxPro)

News

The Lead Up

24 Hours Ago

ASX snaps two-day winning run as silver tumbles

The Australian sharemarket snapped a two-day winning streak on Thursday, with the S&P/ASX 200 closing down 38.60 points to 8889.20, while the price of silver tumbled by 15 per cent. Silver miner South32 declined 4 per cent to $4.60, while BHP fell 3.9 per cent to $50.36. Gold miner Genesis Materials declined by six per cent to $6.87 and uranium miner Paladin Energy slumped nine per cent to $12.36, while stocks to rise included the Commonwealth Bank, which rose 1.4 per cent to $159.28, and Regal Partners, up 5.1 per cent to $3.07. (RMS)

News Lead Up

ASX rises as miners rally; Yancoal soars 9pc

The Australian sharemarket posted a strong gain on Wednesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 adding 0.8 per cent to close at 8,927.8 points. BHP rose 4.5 per cent to $52.40, Northern Star Resources was up 6.2 per cent at $28.55 and Woodside Energy advanced 3.1 per cent to $25.84. However, Origin Energy was down 3.6 per cent at $11.12 and Synlait Milk shed 13.5 per cent to end the session at $0.45.

News Lead Up

24 Hours + Ago

Miners

Glencore soothes Rio concerns with US deal

Glencore has secured a preliminary, non-binding agreement to sell a 40 per cent stake in its Mutanda and Kamoto copper mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The deal was struck just days before the expiry of a deadline for Rio Tinto and Glencore to finalise their proposed merger or extend the negotiations. The consortium that will buy a minority stake in the two copper mines is headed by Orion Resource Partners, in which the US government has a stake. Rio Tinto has concerns about the two mines' links to Israeli businessman Dan Gertler, who was sanctioned by the US government in late 2017.

News

NYSE

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) saw mixed performance during the latest trading session on February 4, 2026. While the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.52% to close at 49,501.30, the broader NYSE Composite Index edged up just 0.41% to finish at 22,975.59. In contrast, tech-heavy indices like the Nasdaq and S&P 500 faced pressure, sliding 1.5% and 0.5% respectively as investors rotated out of major software and semiconductor names.

Recent Market Trends (February 2026)

Rotation out of Tech: Investors are increasingly moving capital from high-valuation AI and software companies into "real economy" Dow components.

Active IPO Market: Veradermics Inc (MANE) made a massive debut on the NYSE on February 5, 2026, with shares soaring 118% from their $17.00 IPO price.

Semiconductor Consolidation: Texas Instruments announced the acquisition of Silicon Laboratories for $7.5 billion, causing SLAB shares to surge nearly 50%.

Healthcare Volatility: Eli Lilly shares jumped 10% after strong Q4 results, helping the company reclaim a $1 trillion market cap, even as other healthcare firms like Novo Nordisk slumped on cautious outlooks.

Market Outlook and Valuations

As of early February 2026, major Wall Street analysts remain generally optimistic for the year, projecting total returns for the S&P 500 of approximately 6% to 11% by year-end.

Current valuations suggest that the U.S. equity market is trading at roughly a 5% discount to fair value estimates, with small-cap and late-cycle technology stocks identified as especially attractive. However, experts warn that elevated volatility is likely to persist due to shifting government policies and potential risks in the AI sector.

News Lead Up

24 Hours Ago +

Crypto market updates local lows

Market Overview

The crypto market cap fell 2.2% to $2.59 trillion, briefly touching $2.49 trillion, and is continuing its descent to last April's lows. Solana was hit particularly hard by the sell-off among the top coins, losing 6.8% compared to 2.9% for Bitcoin and 1.6% for Ethereum. Tron outperformed the market, gaining 1% on the day and losing only 2.3% over 7 days and 2.8% over 30 days, compared to a 14.5% and 18.1% decline in total cap, respectively.

Bitcoin broke through its 2025 lows on Tuesday and briefly fell below $73,000, back to its early November 2024 lows. Although there has been some rebound since the start of Wednesday, the sequence of lower local highs and lows indicates that selling on the rise prevails in the markets. Bulls, for their part, may point to oversold conditions on the RSI and divergence, where a lower local price low corresponds to a higher local low on the relative strength index. There were two such instances in 2024 and 2025, followed by gains of more than 20% and 60%, respectively. However, during the 2020 bear market, such signals did not work. News Background

Demand in the BTC spot market is drying up, with additional pressure from stablecoin outflows from trading platforms. Uncertainty surrounding the Fed's policy and the possible appointment of Kevin Warsh threaten to strengthen the dollar. This has a negative impact on risky assets, according to Arctic Digital.

There are no catalysts for growth in the crypto market, and selling pressure remains. In such conditions, Bitcoin risks falling to $56,000-58,000, according to Galaxy Digital.

The current crypto winter is closer to its end than its beginning, according to Bitwise. The crypto market is nearing the end of its decline phase, according to Compass Point. The base scenario assumes that BTC will bottom out in the $60,000-68,000 range.

According to a JPMorgan survey, asset managers from 30 countries around the world are betting on artificial intelligence, leaving cryptocurrencies out of the picture. Only 17% of respondents consider digital assets to be a key topic.

The German division of ING Bank has opened access to exchange-traded notes (ETNs) focused on cryptocurrencies to retail clients. The instruments allow investors to invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana through the familiar banking interface. (FxPro)

News

Gold

Gold inflates a new bubble

The US dollar may suffer because of Kevin Warsh

Gold volatility remains elevated

The drop of US stock indices amid new developments in artificial intelligence has caused the US dollar to retreat. Software stocks have been hit hardest by Anthropic's innovations. The US market no longer looks as exceptional as it once did, with investors tending to diversify their portfolios and sell off American stocks. Coupled with a reassessment of Kevin Warsh's views as Fed chairman, this brings back interest in buying EURUSD. The futures market gives a 59% probability of a federal funds rate cut in June and expects two acts of monetary expansion before the end of the year. MUFG Bank notes that Kevin Warsh is respected by the markets. Donald Trump's choice in his favour has eased concerns about the Fed losing its independence and boosted confidence in the US dollar. However, the former FOMC official intends to cut rates. Rumours are growing on Forex that they will fall by 100-125 basis points. The Fed is not a one-man show. It will require a change in the economic outlook of the majority of the Open Market Committee, and this process is already underway. According to Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin, companies are not raising prices due to customer resistance. They are absorbing the tariffs. This is good news for inflation. The US economy is growing thanks to the artificial intelligence ecosystem and serving wealthy customers. The retreat of the US dollar has strengthened investors' desire to buy gold after the slump. Political and geopolitical tensions remain high, fuelling interest in gold as a safe-haven asset. In percentage terms, the precious metal recorded its largest daily gain since March 2009. At that time, investors were actively buying it due to the global economic crisis. However, Bank of America warns that there was no decline in volatility after gold collapsed on Black Friday, 30 January. The indicator continues to remain at high levels, increasing the risks of a new bubble forming. As the parliamentary elections approach, hedge funds are increasing their sales of the yen. If the Liberal Democratic Party strengthens its position in the lower house, interest in ‘Takaichi trade’ will return, inspiring USDJPY bulls. (FxPro)

News

The Lead Up

24 + Hours Ago ...

Cryptos

Very limited rebound in crypto

Market Overview

The crypto market capitalisation grew by 1.7% in 24 hours to $2.65 trillion. Once again, the positive sentiment in global financial markets came to the rescue of crypto. BNB is leading the rebound, benefiting from the support of the founder of Binance and Doge, which was mentioned again by Musk. At the same time, local resistance has formed in the market at $2.65-2.68 trillion, where the rebound has been losing momentum since the beginning of the month.

Bitcoin is trading above $78K, about 5% higher than Monday's lows, but hitting resistance from 1 February. This limited rebound is causing bearish sentiment about the immediate prospects for Bitcoin and the whole crypto market. News Background

According to CoinShares, global investment in crypto funds fell by $1.696 billion last week, following an outflow of $1.732 billion the week before. Investments in Bitcoin fell by $1.321 billion, in Ethereum by $308 million, in XRP by $44 million, in Solana by $32 million, and in multi-asset funds by $14 million.

The options market indicates that investors are beginning to form positions in anticipation of a local bottom. Long-term Bitcoin investors have moved into unrealised losses, which allows the market to transition into an ‘extremely bearish’ phase, according to CryptoQuant. The market has also been negatively affected by a persistent lack of liquidity for several months.

Bernstein expects the crypto market decline to end when Bitcoin reaches the highs of the previous cycle in the $60,000 range. The subsequent reversal will lay the foundation for the ‘most significant cycle’ for BTC.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg Intelligence strategist Mike McGlone reiterated his forecast for the current year, according to which Bitcoin could fall to $10,000. In his opinion, the current year may resemble the crisis years of 2008 and 2000-2001.

Corporate Ethereum holders suffered a major loss after the asset's value fell. According to BitMineTracker, the ‘paper’ losses of BitMine, the largest holder of the second-largest cryptocurrency, amounted to $6.95 billion. Investor Ross Gerber called this ETH purchase potentially ‘the worst deal in history.’

Hong Kong-based Trend Research has already begun to reduce its positions, selling 33,589 ETH ($79 million) at a loss. Japanese financial holding company Nomura is also reducing its investments in cryptocurrencies. However, Strategy continues to buy, acquiring another 855 BTC ($75.3 million) over the past week at an average price of $87,974. (FxPro)

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

Media Man

Cryptocurrency, Finance and World

"Volatility is Satoshi’s gift to the faithful." - Michael Saylor

"Bitcoin is a tool for freeing humanity from oligarchs and tyrants, dressed up as a get-rich-quick scheme." — Naval Ravikant

"We have elected to put our money and faith in a mathematical framework that is free of politics and human error." — Tyler Winklevoss

"You can't stop things like Bitcoin. It will be everywhere, and the world will have to readjust. World governments will have to readjust." — John McAfee

"Bitcoin is the most important invention in the history of the world since the Internet." — Roger Ver

"Cryptocurrency is such a powerful concept that it can almost overturn governments." — Charles Lee

"In the future, national currencies will become obsolete. Bitcoin will become the single global currency." — Jack Dorsey

"The future of finance is crypto, whether it’s in payments, contracts, or savings." — Changpeng Zhao

"Crypto offers freedom to the unbanked and hope to the underprivileged." — Elizabeth Stark

"The new frontier of innovation is in decentralization. Blockchain leads the charge." — Don Tapscott

"Digital currency is here to stay, and it’s only a matter of how long before governments embrace it." — Brad Garlinghouse

Pop Culture

Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking

The Million Dollar Man vs IRS

Money INC vs Right To Censor

Santa vs Grinch

Bulls vs Bears

Crypto King vs Mr World Bank

Citizens vs NWO

Neo vs Agent Smith

John McAfee vs You Know Who!

TKO vs Naysayers

Jake Paul, Polymarket and BETR vs Naysayers
Pro Boxing vs Newspaper Reports
VKM vs The World
Paul Bros vs Mainstream Wokes
Mr X vs Mr Bluesky
Chris Jericho vs Dirtsheets
NFL vs everyone
Zuffa vs MVP
Netflix vs World
Meta vs Australia
White Light vs Dark Matter
Lexis King vs NIL's (WWE NXT)
Volk vs Naysayers (UFC: Sydney, Australia)
Brock Lesnar vs Everyone! (WWE Royal Rumble)
Roman Reigns vs CM Punk (WWE WrestleMania)
Green vs The Coal Miners Daughter
AC/DC vs Swifties
Triangle v World Bank
Sarah's Oil vs Big Oil
Mr X vs Mr VOX
Mr X vs Mr Platformer
Mr FOX vs Mr Vice
Fox And The Hound vs The View
The Masked Superstar vs Mr Jones
The Undertaker vs Mankind
UFC Legends vs Father Time
Vinnie Vegas and Oz vs Los Americanos
NXT GM vs The Don
Mr Moneymaker vs Mr Regulator
Mr Blockchain vs Mr EU
WWE Unreal vs The Old Guard
Reality TV vs John Pilger Type Journalism and Docos
Mr Real Deal vs Mr Grifter
Mr Truth vs Mr Shock Jock
Mr X vs Mr Bluesky: Rematch

Magnificent 7, Markets, Stocks, Tech, Media

Past, Present And Future ...

Today/Current/Before The Bell!

Feb 6

TKO Group Holdings Inc $211.90 +3.74 +1.80%
Alphabet Inc Class A $322.86 -8.39 -2.53%
NVIDIA Corp $185.41 +13.60 +7.92%
Tesla Inc $411.11 +13.90 +3.50%
Amazon Dotcom $210.32 -12.37 -5.55%

(Google Finance)

News Lead Up

Wall Street, New York

Jan 22

Netflix Inc $83.54 -1.82 -2.13%
Alphabet Inc Class A $330.54 +2.16 +0.66%
NVIDIA Corp $184.84 +1.66 +0.91%
http://Amazon.com Inc $234.34 +3.04 +1.31%
Apple Inc $248.35 +0.70 +0.28%
Meta Platforms $647.63 +34.67 +5.66%
Tesla $449.36 +17.92 +4.15%
Microsoft Corp $451.14 +7.03 +1.58%

Bonus:

Entertainment/Media

TKO Group $200.13 -4.29 -2.10%
Walt Disney Co $113.21 +0.020 +0.018%
Paramount Skydance Corp $11.78 +0.18 +1.55%
Warner Bros Discovery Inc $28.36 -0.17 -0.60%
News Corp Class A $26.73 +0.60 +2.30%

Combat Sports

X Marks The Sweet Spot For Combat Sports Fans, Media, Publishers and everyone else with time management considerations and deadlines; Work/Life/Sports Balance!

Friday to Sunday

February 2026

News

WWE 2K26 Unveils Dominik Mysterio's Slick Entrance Video

The 83-second clip shows Mysterio, son of Rey Mysterio and current Intercontinental Champion with The Judgment Day, mouthing his theme's lyrics like 'Respect isn’t given. It’s taken' amid pyrotechnics and faction graphics. Fans love the authentic details, from updated tattoos and dynamic crowd reactions to his evolving heel vibe, though some critique minor belt plate sizing. WWE 2K26 hits shelves March 13, 2026, with upgrades like refined models and improved audio, building excitement for more reveals.

News

Jade Cargill Sets First Title Defense Against Jordynne Grace on SmackDown

WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill teamed with powerhouse Jordynne Grace to beat Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez in an impromptu SmackDown tag match Friday night. Post-match chaos led to Grace challenging Cargill for her first title defense on the February 13 episode. Cargill, who's held the belt since November after beating Tiffany Stratton, addressed online critics by confirming the match while noting the fans chanted her name. The win sets up high stakes as Grace eyes gold ahead of WrestleMania 42.

News

Oba Femi Crushes Kit Wilson in Explosive SmackDown Debut

Oba Femi, real name Isaac Odugbesan and former NXT North American Champion with a record 273-day reign, answered Wilson's open challenge on Friday's WWE SmackDown after the Aussie ranted about 'toxic masculinity' from Royal Rumble stars. Femi stormed the ring with green pyros, hit a powerbomb and his Fall From Grace finisher, then trolled Wilson online as 'Oba Feminists.' R-Truth hyped his smashing style backstage, Matt Cardona mocked Wilson with a 'CRY BA BY!' pic, and insiders call him lightning in a bottle ahead of Elimination Chamber.

News

Tiffany Stratton Wins Triple Threat, Enters Women's Elimination Chamber

On Friday's WWE SmackDown, Stratton dazzled in jewel-encrusted purple gear, outlasting Green and Lash Legend in a high-flying triple threat match at the United Center in Chicago. Green stole early spotlight with a wild Coast to Coast dive, while Legend traded heavy hits in sleek black attire. Now the first woman locked in for Elimination Chamber, Stratton eyes WrestleMania, with more qualifiers like Giulia vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Zelina Vega set for next week.

News

Orton and Stratton Qualify for Elimination Chamber with Signature Wins

On Friday's SmackDown, Randy Orton outlasted Aleister Black and Solo Sikoa in a triple threat qualifier, hitting his patented RKO to punch his ticket to Elimination Chamber in Chicago's United Center on February 28. Tiffany Stratton dazzled in her return match, eliminating Lash Legend and Chelsea Green to claim the first women's spot, with fans chanting 'It's Tiffy Time' amid her glamorous entrance. These wins kick off the road to the six-person steel cage matches, where victors could earn WrestleMania 42 title shots, as more qualifiers continue on SmackDown and Raw.

News

Cody Rhodes Drops 'Raheem' Zinger on Reigns-Punk WrestleMania Feud

On Friday's WWE SmackDown, Rhodes opened the show by ambushing Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre after losing the 2026 Royal Rumble to him, then took a playful jab at Reigns picking CM Punk for WrestleMania 42 Night 2 on April 18-19 in Las Vegas. His quip about a 'measuring contest' where both stars are glad he's not involved—thanks to his fan-meme 'Raheem' moniker—drew huge cheers and racked up reactions on WWE's clip. The night also saw McIntyre call Punk 'Fragile Phil,' a Jacob Fatu ambush, and qualifiers set for next week's Elimination Chamber including Rhodes teaming with Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn.

News

WrestleMania 42 Main Events Feature Reigns vs. Punk and McIntyre vs. Rhodes

Fresh off his dominant Royal Rumble win in Saudi Arabia, Reigns heads to WrestleMania 42 on April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium for a World Heavyweight Championship match against champion CM Punk on Night 2. Night 1 eyes a grudge rematch between Drew McIntyre, who dethroned Cody Rhodes in a brutal Three Stages of Hell on SmackDown with Jacob Fatu's interference, and Rhodes seeking payback. WWE's booking shifted multiple times under Triple H, sidelining plans like Punk vs. Rhodes or Breakker's Rumble push due to injuries and creative choices prioritizing top draws Reigns, Rhodes, and Punk.

News

Zaria and Lainey Reid Trade Sharp Barbs Ahead of NXT Jacksonville Showdown

The exchange started Friday when Alabama's high-energy Lainey Reid hyped the Jacksonville Armory house show with emojis and a tag to Sol Ruca. Australia's explosive Zaria hit back Saturday in a 47-second video, mocking Reid's partying while boasting her own grind and capping with 'Sol's a cat person.' Reid fired right back at Zaria's alliance with Ruca before both signed off with taunts, setting up their confirmed in-ring clash tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET after doors open at 6:30 p.m.

News

Lola Vice and Mr. Iguana Win AAA Mixed Tag Titles from Page and La Hiedra

The match went down live at Auditorio José María Arteaga in Mexico, where Ethan Page teamed with La Hiedra on short notice to defend the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championships. Mr. Iguana dazzled with high-flying dives and submissions in his green mask, while former MMA fighter Lola Vice unleashed leg kicks and strikes to pin La Hiedra for the win—her first career title. Backstage, The Undertaker posed with the new champs, capping a night of WWE-AAA crossover magic as fans celebrated Vice's breakthrough.

News

WWE 2K26 Screenshots Tease Dual Belts and Wild Stunts

2K revealed first-look screenshots for WWE 2K26, highlighting a ringside podium that holds two championship belts at once—a fix for a long-standing fan complaint—and high-flying moments with luchadores Místico and Rey Fénix. The game promises over 400 superstars like Cody Rhodes and legends such as Hulk Hogan, new match types including Inferno and Dumpster brawls, and a revamped Ringside Pass with six seasons of free and premium content drops. Designer Cornell Gunter emphasized steady unlocks without paywalls, though some fans question pricing and recycled looks like Reigns'. Streamer Troydan laughed off the shopping cart chaos as peak absurdity.

News

Kuniev Grinds Out Decision Win Over Almeida at UFC Vegas 113

At UFC Vegas 113, Kuniev (13-3-1) earned a unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28) over sixth-ranked Almeida (22-5) by keeping the fight standing, landing strikes, and dominating clinches despite Almeida's early wrestling attempts. The Russian, stepping in on short notice with a strong wrestling base, outworked the Brazilian who landed just 14 significant strikes over three rounds. Fans groaned at the lack of finishes, memeing Almeida's style while praising Kuniev's pressure that likely lands him in the top 10.

News

UFC

Basharat Edges Vazquez in Wild Short-Notice UFC Thriller

Javid Basharat claimed a unanimous decision (29-28 x3) over debutant Gianni Vazquez in a bantamweight catchweight bout at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. Basharat controlled early with strikes and grappling, survived a fierce second-round rally from Vazquez, and regained top position in the third. The win ends Basharat's two-fight skid since June 2024, while Vazquez impressed fans and reporters with his toughness in his first UFC appearance.

News

Veretennikov Crushes Niko Price with Brutal 1:42 TKO at UFC Vegas 113

In the welterweight prelims at UFC Vegas 113, Kazakh striker Veretennikov trapped UFC veteran Niko Price against the fence and unleashed a right hand, knee, and elbow that left Price limp just 1:42 into the bout. The referee stopped it quickly after Veretennikov kept attacking, marking his first knockout in nearly two years and snapping a 1-3 UFC skid. Price, now 1-5 in his last six, absorbed another highlight-reel finish, while the 36-year-old Veretennikov declared post-fight he's just getting started.

News Bonus

Super Bowl Weekend/Sunday

Conservatives Push Kid Rock Halftime Show Over Bad Bunny's NFL Performance

Ahead of Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, conservative influencers urge viewers to skip Bad Bunny's halftime headlining set on NBC and Peacock, opting instead for Turning Point USA's free 'All-American Halftime Show' featuring Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett streaming on X, Rumble, YouTube, and TBN around 8 p.m. ET. Bad Bunny, the first solo Latino headliner with over 90 million monthly Spotify listeners, drew criticism from figures like Nick Adams and Brigitte Gabriel over unverified claims and his past anti-Trump gestures, while NFL officials defend the pick to boost international appeal. The competing shows highlight divided tastes, with some calling the split cultural segregation, as kickoff nears at 3:30 p.m. ET between the San Francisco 49ers and the NFC champion. (Grok)

Markets, Cryptos And Culture

February 2, 2026

Sydney, Australia to Wall Street, New York

"All That Glitters" Edition

"Gold" (Spandau Ballet)
"You Got the Silver" (The Rolling Stones)
"Goldfinger" (Shirley Bassey)
"Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" (The Wolf Of Wall Street theme) Cannonball Adderley
"Stretch Your Face" (TOBACCO). Silicon Valley theme
"Diamonds" (Rihanna)
"Falling Down" (1993). (James Newton Howard)
"Every 1's a Winner" (Hot Chocolate)
"Still Humble" (def rebel)
"Clubbed to Death". (The Matrix theme). Kurayamino Mix. (Rob D)

Markets

ASX futures down 60 points/0.7% to 8809
AUD +0.2% at US69.71¢
Bitcoin $78,107.72 -0.94%
Dow -0.4%
S&P -0.4%
Nasdaq -0.9%
Gold -8.9% to $US4894.23 an ounce
Silver 84.634 -31.16 -26.91%
Brent oil +0.1% at $US68.38 a barrel
Iron ore -0.9% at $US103.85 a ton

Numbers Double Check

Australian Dollar: $0.6949 USD (down $0.0076 USD) Iron Ore: $103.55 USD (down $0.95 USD)
Iron Ore: $103.85 USD (down $0.93 USD)
Oil Price (WTI): $65.21 USD (down $0.26 USD)
Gold Price: $4,893.20 USD (down $405.49 USD)
Copper Price: $5.9670 USD (down $0.2165 USD)
Dow Jones: 48,892.47 (down 179.09 points)

News

ASX set to fall as investors expect RBA to raise rates

Futures pricing suggests that Australian equities will shed about 0.7 per cent when the market opens on Monday, following a negative lead from Wall Street. The Reserve Bank's monetary policy board meeting on Tuesday will be the key focus for local investors in the coming week, with financial markets now pricing in a 74 per cent chance of an interest rate rise. Investors will also be closely watching movements in the price of gold and silver; both precious metals fell sharply on Friday, as the Trump administration confirmed that it will nominate Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as the chairman of the Federal Reserve. The S&P/ASX 200 shed 0.6 per cent to close at 8,869.1 points on Friday, although it gained 1.8 per cent in January. (RMS)

News

Crypto News

Feb 2

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing significant downward pressure as of early February 2026. Bitcoin (BTC) has seen sharp declines, trading around $77,000–$78,000 (down roughly 1.5–2% in the last 24 hours and more over the past week), following a weekend sell-off that triggered liquidations and erased recent gains. This extends from highs earlier in the cycle, with analysts warning of potential further downside, possibly testing $75,000 or lower in a corrective phase, amid cooling institutional demand and macro factors like Fed policy speculation and commodity sell-offs (e.g., silver).Major altcoins are also hit hard: Ethereum (ETH) is down around 10% recently, hovering near $2,300–$2 ,400.
XRP has dropped about 11%.

Other assets like Solana, Litecoin, and Cardano are seeing similar 9–12% declines in recent sessions.

Overall crypto liquidations have exceeded $2.5 billion in short periods, with leverage unwinds contributing to the volatility. Bitcoin ETFs have recorded substantial outflows (around $6 billion cited in reports), signaling reduced institutional enthusiasm temporarily.

News

Miners

Energy/Resources

Australia and World

Cracks in Glencore, Rio merger plans

Rio Tinto investors are contemplating a potential $340 billion merger with Glencore that is motivated by a wish to own Glencore's copper assets. With financial information firm S&P Global having recently predicted that copper demand will jump from 28 million tonnes last year to 42 million tonnes by 2040, big mining companies like Rio and BHP are all trying to get access to copper resources. Glencore has pledged to almost double its copper production by 2035 to 1.6 million tonnes, but the discovery of an ancient ceramic pot in a remote part of the Argentinian Andes last year could potentially harm that forecast. It was discovered at the site of a $US9.4 billion ($13.4 billion) copper mine known as El Pachon that Glencore is hoping to develop, and it serves as a timely reminder that mines such as it will need to be approved, funded and built rapidly if Glencore is to meet its targets. (RMS)

News

Rio, Chinalco team up on $1.3b Brazil deal

Rio Tinto and the Aluminium Corporation of China (Chinalco) have acquired a 68.6 per cent stake in Companhia Brasileira de Aluminio for almost $US902.1 million ($1.3 billion). The Brazilian company owns electricity generators, bauxite mines, alumina refineries and aluminium smelters, with Rio and Chinalco also partners in Guinea's Simandou iron ore project. The deal comes a week before Rio is due to consummate or extend merger discussions with Glencore, whose aluminium division includes bauxite mining and alumina refining assets in Brazil. (RMS)

News

Glencore courted Blair's key man

The latest release of the Jeffrey Epstein files by the US Department of Justice have revealed interesting emails in the lead-up to Glencore's 2011 public listing on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges. The emails show that ex-UK cabinet minister Peter Mandelson touted his potential as a possible chairman of Glencore to the mining company's then CEO Ivan Glasenberg, and that Glasenberg appeared to lobby for Mandelson to get the job. Mandelson did not end up succeeding in his bid to become Glencore chairman, but his lobbying firm Global Counsel reportedly won lucrative work advising Glencore on international political issues. (RMS)

News

Teammates still kicking the big goals

Sierra Nevada Gold was recently awarded an exploration permits in Saudi Arabia, as was Australia's richest person, Gina Rinehart. She has an estimated fortune of about $46.3bn, while Sierra Nevada Gold has a market capitalisation of just $16m. It is run by former VFL champion Peter Moore, who won two Brownlow medals during his career, along with playing in four losing grand finals for Collingwood; he said Sierra Nevada Gold's success in securing an exploration permit indicated that the Saudis were not as worried about a firm's bank balance as they were about its expertise. (RMS)

News

Inside WA Police's elite gold squad

Western Australia is home to the world's only specialised gold-stealing detection unit, although the Kalgoorlie-based police section is more commonly referred to as "The Gold Squad". Its $390,000 annual operating expenses are funded by 15 gold mining companies and the Perth Mint, with gold squad Detective Sergeant Graham Baylor saying a lot of its work is intelligence-based. At a current price of around $7,620 per ounce, stealing even a small amount of gold can mean a big windfall for thieves, so he says it is surprising that the record price of gold has not led to a jump in gold-related crime, (RMS)

News

Latimore to hit Nasdaq with minerals venture

Billionaire Brisbaned-based businessman Matt Latimore will list his coal trading business M Resources on the US Nasdaq after raising $US270 million ($386 million). M Resources' main asset is Illawarra Metallurgical Coal, which operates two mines south of Sydney, while it also trades in materials such as graphite and lithium. Latimore founded M Resources in 2011, with its revenue rising from $1.3 billion in 2024 to $1.5 billion last year, boosting its profit by almost 15 per cent to $109 million, while he expects strong demand for metallurgical coal for decades to come, with steel makers so far unable to find a cost-effective lower carbon alternative. (RMS)

News

Kambalda's future unclear on 60th anniversary of nickel discovery

It was 60 years ago this week that nickel was discovered on the edge of a salt lake at Kambalda in Western Australia. However, the future of nickel mining at Kambalda remains very uncertain, after the WA nickel sector collapsed in 2024, with three underground mines at Kambalda being among the casualties. More than 1.6 million tonnes of nickel has been mined from Kambalda over its history, while 24 nickel mines have operated in the Kambalda district in the past 60 years. Mining magnate Andrew Forrest will have a big say in Kambalda's future prosperity, with his private company Wyloo completed a $760 million takeover of Kambalda nickel miner Mincor Resources in 2023, but barely six months later its mines were shut. Dewatering operations are continuing around the clock so the mines do not flood, enabling a future restart, though Zoran Seat from Wyloo could not say when that might be. (RMS)

News

Gas crisis on horizon if no intervention

State and federal energy ministers are assessing whether to give new "last resort" powers to the Australian Energy Market Operator in an attempt to avoid gas supply shortfalls set to hit southern states from 2028. Modelling undertaken by Acil Allen has found wholesale spot gas prices would double to over $20 a gigajoule across the east coast gas market if no changes are made to current market settings, but Australian Energy Producers, which represents major oil and gas suppliers, said the proposal to give AEMO new powers risks undermining the objectives of the Gas Market Review. (RMS)

News

Roy Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Outlet Of The Month' award

Sky News Australia wins Media Man 'News Company Of The Month' award

The Australian Financial Review wins Media Man 'Newspaper Of The Month' award

Netflix wins Media Man 'Streaming Service Of the Month' award

WWE wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promotion Of The Month' award

Mack Trucks wins Media Man 'Truck Brand Of The Month' award

Caterpillar wins Media Man 'Heavy Equipment Company Of The Month' award

RAM wins Media Man 'Light Truck Of The Month' award

Gina Rinehart wins Media Man 'Mining Disruptor Of The Month' award

Jim's Mowing wins Media Man 'Australian Business Of The Month' award

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

Media Man

Cryptocurrency, Finance and World

"Volatility is Satoshi’s gift to the faithful." - Michael Saylor

"Bitcoin is a tool for freeing humanity from oligarchs and tyrants, dressed up as a get-rich-quick scheme." — Naval Ravikant

"We have elected to put our money and faith in a mathematical framework that is free of politics and human error." — Tyler Winklevoss

"You can't stop things like Bitcoin. It will be everywhere, and the world will have to readjust. World governments will have to readjust." — John McAfee

"Bitcoin is the most important invention in the history of the world since the Internet." — Roger Ver

"Cryptocurrency is such a powerful concept that it can almost overturn governments." — Charles Lee

"In the future, national currencies will become obsolete. Bitcoin will become the single global currency." — Jack Dorsey

"The future of finance is crypto, whether it’s in payments, contracts, or savings." — Changpeng Zhao

"Crypto offers freedom to the unbanked and hope to the underprivileged." — Elizabeth Stark

"The new frontier of innovation is in decentralization. Blockchain leads the charge." — Don Tapscott

"Digital currency is here to stay, and it’s only a matter of how long before governments embrace it." — Brad Garlinghouse

Pop Culture

Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking

The Million Dollar Man vs IRS
Santa vs Grinch
Bulls vs Bears
Crypto King vs Mr World Bank
Citizens vs NWO
Neo vs Agent Smith
John McAfee vs You Know Who!
TKO vs Naysayers
Jake Paul, Polymarket and BETR vs Naysayers
Pro Boxing vs Newspaper Reports
VKM vs The World
Paul Bros vs Mainstream Wokes
Mr X vs Mr Bluesky
Chris Jericho vs Dirtsheets
NFL vs everyone
Zuffa vs MVP
Netflix vs World
Meta vs Australia
White Light vs Dark Matter
Lexis King vs NIL's (WWE NXT)
Volk vs Naysayers (UFC: Sydney, Australia)
Brock Lesnar vs Everyone! (WWE Royal Rumble)
Money Inc vs Right To Censor
Mad Men vs Queer Eye
Sky News Australia vs Woke Media
FOX vs The Hound
Polymarket vs Underground Bookies

Markets, Cryptos and Culture

January 2026

Jan 27

Sydney, Australia re-opens

to Wall Street, New York

Media Man's X Returns With A Bang

Gold Glitters And Crypto's Start To Shine Edition

"Ruby Tuesday" In Sin City Sydney
"Tuesday's Gone" Lynyrd Skynyrd
"Gold" Spandau Ballet
"Stretch Your Face" Silicon_Valley theme (Tobacco. Composer)
"Mercy, Mercy, Mercy"(Cannonball Adderley). The Wolf of Wall Street theme

Markets

ASX 200 futures up 52 points/0.6% to 8880
AUD +0.4% to US69.18¢
BTC $88,344.02 +0.64%

Wall St:
Dow +0.8%
S&P +0.6%
NAS +0.5%
VIX -0.26 to 15.83
Gold +1.1% to $US5043.71 oz
Oil -0.4% to $US65.61 a barrel
Iron -1% to $US103.55 a ton

10-year yield: US 4.21% Aust 4.81%

Cryptos

The crypto market rose due to dollar weakness

Market Overview

The crypto market cap has fallen by 5% over the past seven days. The decline resumed at the start of the new week, with total capitalisation falling to $2.9T amid slippage in an illiquid market. In recent hours, however, positive momentum has prevailed, bringing the market back to $2.97T due to the weakness of the US dollar and global purchases of risky assets. But even now, cryptocurrencies remain a lagging class of risk-sensitive assets, falling short of metals and the strongest global currencies.

Bitcoin hit a low for the day near $86K, its lowest level since December. After that, the market received support from the weak dollar, which, like a tide, lifted all boats at once. The technical bearish picture remains relevant, despite the gains in recent hours. BTC remains below its key moving average lines and has not attempted to break through the support of the last two months. News Background

Outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US over the past shortened week nearly offset the previous week's inflows, reaching their highest level in almost 11 months. According to SoSoValue, net outflows from spot BTC ETFs amounted to $1.33 billion. Net weekly outflows from spot Ethereum ETFs in the US exceeded $611 million.

Bitcoin holders began to record net losses for the first time since October 2023, signalling the asset's entry into an ‘early bear market.’ Bitcoin is now trading below the acquisition price of 75% of the total supply, signalling growing pressure from sellers, Glassnode notes.

The main reason for BTC's weakness is large-scale sales by long-term holders, rather than concerns about quantum computing, according to Checkonchain.

Activity on the Ethereum mainnet has exceeded that of layer 2 (L2) solutions since the Fusaka upgrade. Token Terminal has called this trend a ‘return to the mainnet.’ At the same time, there has been an outflow of liquidity from ‘add-ons.’

The adoption of cryptocurrencies by banks, large corporations and investment companies is no longer an ‘optional or peripheral’ process, notes auditing firm PwC in its report on global cryptocurrency regulation for 2026. ‘Institutional participation has passed the point of no return.’

DAT companies accumulating cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets will face ‘severe consolidation’ in the coming year — only a few of the largest players with Bitcoin and Ethereum on their balance sheets will survive, warns Pantera Capital. (FxPro)

News

Interventions spooked the dollar

Rumours of coordinated intervention caused the USD index to plummet.

The risk of a new shutdown is putting pressure on the greenback.

The US dollar started in the last week of January with a down gap amid investor fears of coordinated currency intervention. Japan's Deputy Finance Minister Atsushi Mimura said that the authorities would respond to speculative actions on the Forex in close cooperation with the US. In 1985, such cooperation ended in a spectacular collapse of the USD. Will we see history repeat itself?

Politics is encroaching on the economy. Donald Trump intends to use non-market methods to lower the key policy rate by replacing the Fed chair and filling the FOMC with doves. The US president has repeatedly spoken out in favour of a weaker currency, which would increase the competitiveness of American manufacturers. Tokyo's interest in strengthening the yen to lower import prices and slow inflation is being exploited by Washington for its own purposes.

Countries are forced to respond to the uncertainty of Donald Trump's policies and the associated slowdown in economic growth with fiscal stimulus measures. According to Apollo Global Management estimates, government support measures will accelerate GDP growth in the US and Germany by 1 percentage point in 2026 and in Japan by 0.5 percentage points. This leads to an increase in public debt. The Germans can afford this, which has a positive effect on the EURUSD.

Pressure on the US dollar has intensified due to the growing risks of another shutdown. Dissatisfied with the shootings in Minneapolis, Democrats are not going to vote for the government funding package without serious changes to the national security system. The government risks being sidelined again, which will negatively affect GDP growth. The same goes for the devastating winter storm, which could bring hardship to nearly 200 million Americans. Already, 11,900 flights have been cancelled at airports from Dallas to Boston, and about 900,000 consumers are without power.

In 2025, the US economy managed to withstand tariffs and the shutdown thanks to investments in artificial intelligence, productivity growth and the wealth effect. However, will it be resilient in 2026? If not, the US dollar risks weakening.

Gold was the main beneficiary of the fall in the USD index. Its price rose by 17% so far this year and is approaching $5,100 per ounce. (FxPro)

News

Jan 27

Gold and silver mania lifts ASX to 3-month peak

The Australian sharemarket climbed to a three-month high on Tuesday as investors returned from the long weekend to surging precious metal prices, looking past the noise of shifting US trade policies.

President Donald Trump said in a social media post that he will increase tariffs on South Korean goods, including autos, from 15 per cent to 25 per cent as he accused the ally’s legislature of “not living up” to its trade deal with Washington.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index gained 85.3 points, or 1 per cent, to 8945.40, rebounding from last week’s 0.5 per cent loss. If sustained, it would be the index’s biggest one-day rise this year.

Of the 11 sectors, nine were in the green, led by materials and energy.BHP leapt 2.9 per cent, regaining its position as Australia’s most valuable listed company for the first time in 18 months, unseating the Commonwealth Bank, which managed a modest 0.6 per cent gain.

Miners led the charge as gold and silver set fresh records. Bullion hit $US5100 an ounce, and silver topped $US114 on Monday. As a result, Horizon Minerals jumped nearly 8 per cent, Alkane Resources leapt 3.9 per cent, and Newmont rose 1.8 per cent.

Among silver mines, Investigator Silver and Silver Mines advanced 8.3 per cent each, while, Sun Silver pushed up 6 per cent.Elsewhere, Rio Tinto gained 2.2 per cent, and Capstone Copper was the biggest index gainer, up 8 per cent.

In the index-heavy financial area, all the big banks were in the green, led by Macquarie Group, up 2 per cent. National Australia Bank rose 1.3 per cent.

Family app Life360 and mining group Alcoa were the two biggest laggards, down more than 8 per cent.

In currencies, the Australian dollar climbed to US69.40¢, nearing its strongest level in three years, on growing expectations the Reserve Bank will lift the cash rate next month.

Higher borrowing costs would boost the appeal of Australian-denominated assets such as government bonds.

Also supporting the Aussie was a broadly weaker greenback on fears of a partial US government shutdown this week.

Republicans and Democrats are at odds over funding for the Department of Homeland Security after the fatal shooting of a second US citizen by federal immigration officers in Minnesota. (AFR) *full coverage via subscription to The Australian Financial Review

News

Jan 27

Stocks

Shares in DroneShield cratered 6 per cent despite doubling revenue in the December quarter, from a year ago.

Iron ore giant Fortescue Metals rose 1.3 per cent after sweeping up all remaining shares of dual-listed Alta Copper at $C1.40 ($1.47) per share, as the mining giant expands into the red metal.

Wholesaler company Metcash rallied 1.2 per cent following the appointment of Bruce Sabatta as the new chief executive of its food service and convenience business, from next month.

Brazil-focused explorer and producer Karoon Energy trimmed early gains and was trading flat despite posting a lower output in the December quarter, from the September period.

Jewellery retailer Michael Hill International jumped 4 per cent after reporting a stronger half-year profit than a year ago despite record gold prices.

Insurer group AUB was placed on a trading halt after launching a $400 million institutional placement to finance a UK acquisition.

Santos leapt 3.1 per cent on news it had finally shipped its first liquefied natural gas cargo from a delayed Barossa project in the Timor Sea.

Health tech group Cyclopharm soared 18 per cent after its lung imaging technology received a major endorsement from America’s top medical professionals.

News

Numbers Double Check

Australian Dollar: $0.6918 USD (up $0.0080 USD)
Iron Ore Feb Spot Price: $103.55 USD (down $0.10 USD) Oil Price): $60.58 USD (up $1.25 USD)
Gold Price: $5,036.89 USD (up $117.01 USD)
Copper Price: $5.9240 USD (up $0.1240 USD)
Dow Jones: 49,446.27 (up 347.56 points on Friday's close)

News/Profile

Wall Street

Physical Street and Landmark

Wall Street is an eight-block-long street in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan.

Location: It runs between Broadway and South Street, ending at the East River.

Key Landmarks: It is home to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Federal Hall National Memorial, where George Washington was inaugurated.

History: The name originates from a 17th-century defensive wall built by Dutch settlers to protect New Amsterdam from potential British or Native American attacks.

Financial Industry Metonym

The term is a metonym for the U.S. financial markets, including stock exchanges, investment banks, and brokerage firms.

Institutions: Major firms associated with Wall Street include JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley.

Current Activity (January 2026):

As of January 24, 2026, markets have seen volatility following a week of "policy whiplash" related to international tariff threats. Recent trading shows the S&P 500 flat, while the Nasdaq has risen 0.3% despite a 17% tumble in Intel stock.

Media and Publications

The Wall Street Journal: A premier business-focused international newspaper headquartered in Midtown Manhattan.

Pop Culture: The street’s high-stakes culture has been immortalized in films like Oliver Stone’s Wall Street (1987) and Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

Media Man

Cryptocurrency, Finance and World

"Volatility is Satoshi’s gift to the faithful." - Michael Saylor

"Bitcoin is a tool for freeing humanity from oligarchs and tyrants, dressed up as a get-rich-quick scheme." — Naval Ravikant

"We have elected to put our money and faith in a mathematical framework that is free of politics and human error." — Tyler Winklevoss

"You can't stop things like Bitcoin. It will be everywhere, and the world will have to readjust. World governments will have to readjust." — John McAfee

"Bitcoin is the most important invention in the history of the world since the Internet." — Roger Ver

"Cryptocurrency is such a powerful concept that it can almost overturn governments." — Charles Lee

"In the future, national currencies will become obsolete. Bitcoin will become the single global currency." — Jack Dorsey

"The future of finance is crypto, whether it’s in payments, contracts, or savings." — Changpeng Zhao

"Crypto offers freedom to the unbanked and hope to the underprivileged." — Elizabeth Stark

"The new frontier of innovation is in decentralization. Blockchain leads the charge." — Don Tapscott

"Digital currency is here to stay, and it’s only a matter of how long before governments embrace it." — Brad Garlinghouse

Pop Culture

Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking

Santa vs Grinch

Bulls vs Bears

Crypto King vs Mr World Bank

Citizens vs NWO

Neo vs Agent Smith

John McAfee vs You Know Who!

TKO vs Naysayers
Jake Paul, Polymarket and BETR vs Naysayers
Pro Boxing vs Newspaper Reports
VKM vs The World
Paul Bros vs Mainstream Wokes
Mr X vs Mr Bluesky
Chris Jericho vs Dirtsheets
NFL vs everyone
Zuffa vs MVP
Netflix vs World
Meta vs Australia
White Light vs Dark Matter

News

Pop Culture

It’s All About the Money [”The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase]

By Jimmy Hart & J.J. Maguire

Intro

(Money, money, money, money, money...)

[Verse 1]
(Money, money, money, money, money...)
Everybody's got a price
Everybody's gonna pay
(Money, money, money, money, money...)
Because the Million Dollar Man...
Always get his way
(Money, money, money, money, money...)

[Verse 2]
(Money, money, money, money, money...)
Some might cost a little
Some might cost a lot
(Money, money, money, money, money...)
But I'm the Million Dollar Man...
And you will be bought
(Money, money, money, money, money...)

[Outro]
(Money, money, money, money, money...)

News/Profile Flashback

Vinnie Vegas was a professional wrestling persona used by the actor and retired professional wrestler Kevin Nash from 1992 to 1993 in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This gimmick was a wisecracking pseudo-mobster character, inspired by Steve Martin's character in the 1990 film My Blue Heaven.

Career Overview

WCW Debut: Kevin Nash was repackaged as Vinnie Vegas on January 21, 1992, at the event Clash of the Champions XVIII.

Stables and Tag Teams: He was initially part of a stable of large wrestlers called "A Half-Ton of Holy Hell," managed by Harley Race. Later, he joined the "Diamond Mine" stable led by Diamond Dallas Page, forming a tag team known as the Vegas Connection. Other stablemates included the future Scott Hall (Diamond Studd) and Raven (Scotty Flamingo).

Departure to WWF: The Vinnie Vegas character was not considered successful due to a lack of character development and inconsistent booking. Nash left WCW for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in June 1993, where he achieved superstardom under the ring name Diesel.

Later Success: Nash later returned to WCW in 1996 and was a founding member of the influential New World Order (nWo) faction under his real name, Kevin Nash, and the nickname "Big Sexy".

News/Profile Flashback

Michael Wall Street

"Michael Wall Street" most commonly refers to Michael Wallstreet, a ring name used by professional wrestler Mike Rotunda (born 1958). It can also refer to Michael Douglas, the actor famous for portraying the corporate raider Gordon Gekko in the film Wall Street.

Professional Wrestling (Mike Rotunda)

Mike Rotunda adopted the persona of Michael Wallstreet (and later V.K. Wallstreet) in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) starting in 1990.

The Gimmick: A wealthy "financial wizard" from Lower Manhattan who used a computer (managed by Alexandra York) to predict the length and outcome of his matches.

Signature Moves: His finishing move was often called the "Stock Market Crash".

Notable Teams: He is also well-known for his time in the WWF as Irwin R. Schyster (I.R.S.), where he teamed with Ted DiBiase to form Money Inc..

Legacy: Rotunda was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 as part of The U.S. Express.

Film and Finance (Michael Douglas)

Gordon Gekko: Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Gordon Gekko in the 1987 film Wall Street.

Cultural Impact: The character became the archetypal symbol of 1980s corporate greed, famous for the line "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good".

Sequel: Douglas reprised the role in the 2010 sequel, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.

Current Status (2026)

Mike Rotunda: As of early 2026, Rotunda remains a respected veteran in the wrestling industry. Recent reports from late 2025 indicated he had been hospitalized for a serious heart condition but was moved to a rehabilitation center for recovery.

Michael Douglas: He continues to be active in the entertainment industry as an actor and producer.

Miners

Hancock Prospecting

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd is a privately owned Australian company primarily involved in the mining of iron ore and, increasingly, the agriculture sector. It is led by Executive Chairwoman Gina Rinehart, Australia's richest person.

Company Overview

Founded: 25 November 1955 by Lang Hancock.
Headquarters: Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

Ownership: The company is privately held, with Gina Rinehart owning the majority stake (76.6%).

Core Business: Hancock Prospecting has evolved from purely mineral exploration into a major producer, primarily in iron ore and agriculture, and is considered one of the most successful private mining companies in the world.

Major Projects and Investments

Hancock Prospecting has a diverse portfolio of major projects and strategic investments.

Roy Hill: This is a mega integrated iron ore mine, rail, and port project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, which is Australia's largest single iron ore mine.

Hope Downs: A significant iron ore project operated as a 50/50 joint venture with Rio Tinto Iron Ore, which includes four open-pit mines.

Atlas Iron: Hancock Prospecting acquired Atlas Iron in 2018, which operates several iron ore mines including Mount Webber, Sanjiv Ridge, and Miralga Creek.

Agriculture: Through its agribusiness division, Hancock Prospecting is Australia's second-largest producer of beef with ownership interests in numerous cattle stations and a majority stake in S. Kidman & Co. It is also a 50% partner in the award-winning Bannister Downs Dairy.

Critical Minerals and Energy: The company has diversified its investments into other strategic commodities necessary for the "green transition", including stakes in publicly traded companies involved in:

Lithium: Investments in Australian firms like Liontown Resources and Azure Minerals, as well as Germany's Vulcan Energy Resources.

Rare Earths: Significant shareholdings in global rare earths producers such as US-based MP Materials and Australia's Lynas Rare Earths, as well as exploration-stage companies.

Copper, Coal, Oil and Gas: Exploration and production interests in these commodities across Australia and internationally, including projects in Ecuador, Canada, and the UK.

Pop Culture Flashback

Heart Of Gold
Song by Neil Young ? 1972

Lyrics

I want to live
I want to give
I've been a miner
For a heart of gold

It's these expressions
I never give
That keep me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keep me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old

I've been to Hollywood
I've been to Redwood
I crossed the ocean
For a heart of gold

I've been in my mind
It's such a fine line
That keeps me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keeps me searching
For a heart of gold
And I'm getting old
Keep me searching
For a heart of gold

You keep me searching
And I'm growing old
Keep me searching
For a heart of gold
I've been a miner
For a heart of gold

Markets, Cryptos And Culture

January 2026

Digital Bush Telegraph

Wrestling With Numbers And Showbiz Edition; Mining For Intel!

Sin City Sydney, Australia
Wednesday January 14

Past High Noon Update

to

Wall Street, New York
Lucky/Unlucky Tuesday January 13

ASX futures up 5 points or 0.1% to 8789 near 6am AEST
AUD -0.4% at US66.85¢
Bitcoin $95,297.29 +4.38%
Dow -0.7% S&P -0.3% Nasdaq -0.3%
Gold +0.1% to $US4599.68 an ounce
Brent oil +2.9% at $US65.70 a barrel
Iron ore -0.9% at $US108.20 a ton

Numbers Double Check

Australian Dollar: $0.6680 USD (down $0.0033 USD) Iron Ore Feb Spot Price: $108.20 USD (down $0.85 USD)
Oil Price: $61.11 USD (up $1.60 USD)
Gold Price: $4,582.10 USD (down $26.34 USD)
Copper Price: $6.0015 USD (down 0.0210 USD)
Dow Jones: 49,082.27 (down 507.93 points)

News

Shares

BHP Group Ltd $48.02 +0.44 +0.91%

Elders Ltd $7.49 +0.16 +2.11% (ASX)

Rio Tinto plc ADR Common Stock $83.59 +0.71 +0.86%

Mineral Resources ADR $39.49

TKO Group Holdings Inc $208.89 +9.82 +4.94%

Tesla Inc $447.20 -1.76 -0.39%

Trump Media & Technology Group Corp
$13.99 +0.070 +0.50%

Palantir Technologies Inc $178.96 -0.45 -0.25%

NVIDIA Corp $185.81 +0.87 +0.47%

Netflix Inc $90.32 +0.91+1.02%

Paramount Skydance Corp $12.14 -0.0100 -0.082%

Alphabet Inc Class A $335.97 +4.11 +1.24%

Microsoft Corp $470.67 -6.51 -1.36%

Porsche Automobile Holding SE Unsponsored Germany ADR $4.37 -0.026 -0.59%

Volvo ADR $33.38 -0.51 -1.50% (Parent company of Mack Trucks)

Bally's Corp $16.64 -0.0100 -0.060%

Wynn Resorts Ltd $116.40 -0.44 -0.38%

MGM Resorts International $34.65 -0.17 -0.49%

Red Rock Resorts Inc $62.38 +0.51 +0.82%

News

Australia

ASX rallies as copper surge boosts BHP, Rio

The Australian sharemarket posted a solid gain on Tuesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 adding 0.6 per cent to close at 8,808.5 points. The rising price of copper and gold boosted the resources sector, with BHP up 2.3 per cent at $47.58 and Northern Star Resources ending the session 3.6 per cent higher at $26.35. Suncorp Group in turn finished one per cent higher at $17.26 and Austral advanced 6.7 per cent to $8.73. However, Woodside Energy fell 1.7 per cent to $23.31 and GQG Partners was down 8.6 per cent at $1.64. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Mining (Australia and World)

Rio may finally land its Glencore megamerger

The prospects of a merger between Rio Tinto and Glencore may have been boosted by the former's appointment of Simon Trott as CEO last year. He is like to be more amenable to a deal than his predecessor, Jakob Stausholm, who is said to have objected to Glencore's proposal in previous merger talks that its CEO Gary Nagle rather than himself should head the combined group. Meanwhile, Rio Tinto's dual listing in Australia and the UK may be a challenge in sealing a merger. Glencore's coal mines are also likely to be problematic, given that Rio Tinto has exited the sector and these assets would conflict with its environmental, social and governance policy. (RMS)

News

Crypto: sell-the-growth continues

Market Overview

The crypto market capitalisation grew by 1% over the past day and is down 1% from a week ago. Bitcoin received a boost from reports of a criminal investigation against the head of the Federal Reserve, which created momentum for a flight from US assets. In our view, this precedent is negative for risk appetite.

Bitcoin jumped to $92,500 but saw a significant influx of sellers, returning to $90,300 at the time of writing. Testing of the 50-day moving average as support continues. A slip below $90K could have a strong psychological effect, quickly taking the price to $87K and then sending it lower below $80K.

XRP is losing for the seventh day in a row, like Bitcoin, rolling back to the 50-day MA and close to the round level of $2.0. The coin is still up 10% since the beginning of the year, but the initial momentum has clearly lost steam, as there are too many people in the markets willing to sell on the rise. Most likely, this change in strategy for all cryptocurrencies will characterise the market in the coming months.

News Background

The total open interest in Bitcoin derivatives has fallen to its lowest level since the end of 2022, according to CryptoQuant. Historically, reaching such levels has preceded periods of consolidation or even bullish reversals.

Bitcoin could reach $2.9 million by 2050 in a base case scenario, according to VanEck's forecast. This will happen if the first cryptocurrency becomes a currency for international settlements and enters the reserves of central banks. The main obstacle to mass adoption remains the scalability of the network. VanEck emphasised the importance of developing second-level solutions that will speed up transactions and reduce commissions.

Monero (XMR) is regaining its status as the leading anonymous coin amid the crisis in the Zcash ecosystem following the departure of its development team. The asset has been growing steadily for several weeks, outperforming most of its competitors in the sector.

There are more and more signs in the crypto market pointing to the end of the sell-off. Among them are the stabilisation of outflows from ETFs, the situation with perpetual futures and positions on the CME, according to JPMorgan.

MSCI's decision on 6 January regarding companies accumulating cryptocurrencies is also favourable for cryptocurrencies. The global provider of stock indices has decided not to exclude them from its indices during the review in February 2026. (FxPro)

News

Crypto market grows with risk appetite in stocks

Market Overview

The crypto market gained 0.75% over the past 24 hours to $3.13T in another attempt to turn towards growth, pushing off the 50-day moving average. Appetite for crypto grew amid a rebound in US financial markets during Monday’s trading and continued growth in Japanese stocks on Tuesday morning. Steady risk appetite began to spread to cryptocurrencies, which had underperformed the market for many weeks.

Bitcoin has exceeded $92K since Monday evening, attempting to climb above levels seen a week ago. There were wide fluctuations on Monday, with an impressive increase in sales when the price rose above $92K, but this did not deter the bulls from continuing their attempts. It would be too hasty to conclude sustained risk appetite while the price remains below previous local highs of $95K. An optimistic view of the situation considers a series of rising local lows since November.

Ethereum is holding above $3,000, carefully forming a bottom at this level over the past five days. At the end of last month, a similar support level was near $2,920. As with Bitcoin, ETH is trading above the 50-day MA, but still below the local peak on 6 January.

News Background

Retail investors continue to offload loss-making assets due to fears of volatility, which is increasing selling pressure, according to CryptoQuant.

Profit-taking and shifting expectations in the options market indicate that investors are postponing bullish expectations to a later date, not believing in a quick rally. Optimism about a breakout in the first quarter is fading, QCP Capital notes.

Views of cryptocurrency content on YouTube have fallen to their lowest levels since 2021, ITC Crypto notes. A similar decline in social interest has also been recorded on social network X.
According to Arkham Intelligence, the DAT company BitMine has increased the amount of locked assets on the Ethereum network to 1.08 million coins. The value of the portfolio exceeded $3 billion.

The theory of Ethereum’s ‘demise,’ based on its prolonged decline against Bitcoin, is untenable, said MN Trading founder Michael van de Poppe. In his opinion, the ETH/BTC rate has already bottomed out. The key argument in favour of growth is the increase in the volume of stablecoins on the Ethereum network.

South Korea has lifted its ban on corporate investment in cryptocurrencies. Legal entities will be able to allocate up to 5% of their share capital to coins from the top 20 by market capitalisation, excluding stablecoins. (FxPro)

News

The yen returned to the Takaichi trade

The dollar resumed its growth after the lawsuit against the Fed chairman

Rumours of early elections in Japan drove up USDJPY quotes. ‘We’re screwed!’ -- that’s how Donald Trump described the possible Supreme Court’s ruling against his tariffs. The US will have to return hundreds of billions of dollars, not to mention the cancellation of investments that other countries intended to make in exchange for lower import duties. In fact, the White House screwed up a little earlier when the Justice Department informed Jerome Powell about the lawsuit. The Fed chairman and the markets perceive this event as a factor putting pressure on the central bank. Lowering rates under pressure from the president could lead to uncontrolled inflation, as has occurred in several emerging market countries in the past. Investors will demand a higher risk premium on bonds. Higher Treasury yields will weigh on the economy.

The greenback is poised to benefit from both the Supreme Court’s repeal of tariffs and the lawsuit against Jerome Powell. The latter led to a rise in EURUSD and allowed the euro to be sold at a higher price. The refund of previously paid fees could be seen as a fiscal stimulus that will boost the US economy. The strength of the dollar was one of the reasons for the USDJPY’s surge to its highest level since July 2024. The second factor was rumours of early elections in Japan. The new prime minister’s ratings are high, and she intends to strengthen the Liberal Democratic Party’s position in parliament. As a result, investors are returning to a so-called ‘Takaichi trade’ with stocks rising while the yen is weakening.

The USDJPY rally is forcing the government to return to verbal interventions. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama expressed concern about the speculative nature of the yen’s weakening at a meeting with her American counterpart. She said that Scott Bessent is also unhappy with what is happening on Forex.

Now the markets are trying to determine the levels of Tokyo’s potential intervention in the international currency market. In 2024, it resorted to currency interventions four times near the 160 level, a very close call with 159 now.

Gold took advantage of the growing distrust of fiat currencies. It reached a new record high. As a result, CME changed its margin calculation methodology to reduce volatility. Its increase at the end of 2025 caused precious metals to retreat. (FxPro)

News

Crude Oil counteracts

While developments in Venezuela acted as a headwind for oil prices, events surrounding Iran provided clear support. Expectations of an influx of cheaper supply from Latin America pushed Brent crude to its lowest level in eight months. However, escalating tensions in the Middle East helped North Sea crude find a floor and rebound. The four-day rally in black gold highlights a renewed rise in geopolitical risk premiums.

According to Capital Economics, mass protests, oil workers' strikes, the blockade of the shadow fleet, and Tehran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz could push Brent prices up by $15-20 per barrel. Iran is a much larger oil producer than Venezuela, ranking fourth in OPEC. It accounts for about 3% of global production, or 3.3 million barrels per day. Exports are estimated at 2 million barrels per day, with about 90% going to China. The country's share of China's black gold imports is estimated at 15%. Venezuela's share is only 2%. Western sanctions have significantly undermined Tehran's potential. At the peak of its glory in the 1970s, Iran's share of global production was 10%. Investors are hedging against the risks of Brent's rally continuing at its fastest pace since the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran last summer. At the same time, the market is considering two key scenarios for further developments. Either there will be a supply crisis, or the resumption of the trade war between the United States and China will deal a blow to the world economy and global demand for oil. Following Donald Trump's announcement of additional 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Tehran, such a scenario is quite likely. Such a rapid rally in Brent would not have happened if speculators had not built up huge short positions in North Sea crude against the backdrop of events in Venezuela. Their unwinding is leading to a rebound. Demand for oil call options has jumped to its highest level since October. A significant share of them are trading with strike prices at $80 per barrel. (FxPro)

News

Sports Culture

NRL broadcast deal focus for game changes

The Australian Rugby League Commission's chairman Peter V'landys still hopes the NRL's next broadcasting rights deal will be worth at least $5bn. He contends that in order to achieve a record rights deal the NRL must evolve by making rule changes that will make the sport more exciting and attract new viewers. The ARLC and the NRL are currently consulting with the league's 17 clubs regarding a number of proposed rule changes for the 2026 season; they include giving the team that concedes a try the option of either kicking off or receiving the ball. V'Landys notes that previous rule changes have boosted NRL viewership from just 137 million in 2019 to 224 million in 2025. (RMS)

News

Jan 12

Tech/A.I

Joint statement from Google and Apple

Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year.

After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google's Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards. (Source: Google/Alphabet)

https://blog.google/company-news/inside-google/company-announcements/joint-statement-google-apple/

News

Pop Culture

NETFLIX BECOMES OFFICIAL HOME OF WWE LIBRARY IN UNITED STATES

January 6, 2026 – Netflix and WWE today announced an expansion to their long-term partnership that will see the world’s leading entertainment service become the home of WWE’s library in the U.S.

Beginning immediately, Netflix is the new U.S. home for WWE’s library of Premium Live Events (prior to September 2025) including WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble, as well as award-winning documentaries and original programming.

This follows the January 2025 launch of WWE on Netflix, where Monday Night Raw has become a weekly staple in the global English Top 10. Past episodes of Monday Night Raw are also available as part of the WWE library on Netflix.

The arrival of WWE’s library on Netflix also comes ahead of Season 2 of original behind-the-scenes documentary series WWE: Unreal on January 20.

News

Pop Culture

Pro Wrestling

AJ Styles Returns to TNA Wrestling LIVE January 15 on Premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC

Jan 9, 2026

The premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC will be PHENOMENAL.

For the first time since Slammiversary, AJ Styles makes his jaw-dropping return to TNA Wrestling as a new era begins LIVE January 15 from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas.

What will "The Phenomenal One" have in store as TNA Wrestling makes history once again?

Also on the loaded lineup:

Frankie Kazarian vs. Mike Santana for the TNA World Championship

The IInspiration vs. The Elegance Brand for the TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship

Elijah and The Hardys vs. Order 4

Plus more!

Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC debuts January 15, 2026 at 9/8c LIVE from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas.

News

Pop Culture

Pro Wrestling: WWE - Studio/Production News

WWE is set to be an important part of a new initiative that Fanatics is launching.

It was announced today that Fanatics and production company OBB Media have linked up to launch Fanatics Studios, which will see Fanatics produce its own feature films and documentaries, unscripted and scripted original programming, live event specials, premium digital series, and more. WWE is listed among the partners — with a “multi-project commitment across unscripted and digital content.”

"YEE(A)T with The Usos: Fanatics Studios will debut an unscripted culinary series with WWE Superstars Jimmy and Jey Uso, who will take their tag team efforts on the road with a BBQ travel show featuring fellow WWE superstars and celebrity friends distributed across WWE’s social and YouTube channels"

News

Jan 12

Netflix - WWE News

“Netflix members welcomed WWE with a bang (but thankfully, no permanent injuries). In 2025, our members watched 525M hours of WWE content”... “Of this total, Raw accounted for nearly 340M views and 185M views for Premium Live Events broadcast outside of the US like SmackDown, WrestleMania, Elimination Chamber, Money in the Bank, Night of Champions and Royal Rumble.” ...

Netflix scribed that Raw ranked in the top 10 of its category most weeks, with it only falling outside of the rankings in December when “Stranger Things” took up much of the top 10.

“Since Raw’s official Netflix debut on January 6, 2025, the show has made the Global English TV Top 10 nearly every week it’s been on service (47 out of a possible 52 weeks),” Netflix wrote. “Over 52 shows, Raw has averaged more than 3M views per week.

“And it’s not just in the US, the birthplace of the WWE. Raw has made the Top 10 in 34 countries, including the US (51 weeks), Bolivia (49 weeks), Canada (48 weeks), the UK (40 weeks) and Mexico (38 weeks).”

Media/TV Biz

Research: Netflix leads growth in streaming ad-tiers

Jan 13

Global usage of ad-supported subscription tiers increased across Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max between Q4 2024 and Q3 2025, according to research from Digital i.

The highest growth in adoption was on Netflix, with 40 per cent of active accounts using its Standard with Ads plan in Q3 2025, in the 20 countries measured by Digital i.

This was up by 14 per cent from the 26 per cent of subscribers on that tier in Q4 2024 that were recorded in Digital i’s trend report, Evolving Streamer Strategies, in 2025.

Ad-supported tier usage rose from 35 per cent to 44 per cent on Disney+ during that period and from 22 per cent to 28 per cent on HBO Max. Prime Video remained the service with the highest ad-supported tier usage, but this fell from 88 per cent of subscribers in Q4 2024 to 82 per cent in Q3 2025.

Digital i measures streaming audience data in the UK, the US, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Australia, South Korea and Japan. (Wires)

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

Media Man

Cryptocurrency, Finance and World

"Volatility is Satoshi’s gift to the faithful." - Michael Saylor

"Bitcoin is a tool for freeing humanity from oligarchs and tyrants, dressed up as a get-rich-quick scheme." — Naval Ravikant

"We have elected to put our money and faith in a mathematical framework that is free of politics and human error." — Tyler Winklevoss

"You can't stop things like Bitcoin. It will be everywhere, and the world will have to readjust. World governments will have to readjust." — John McAfee

"Bitcoin is the most important invention in the history of the world since the Internet." — Roger Ver

"Cryptocurrency is such a powerful concept that it can almost overturn governments." — Charles Lee

"In the future, national currencies will become obsolete. Bitcoin will become the single global currency." — Jack Dorsey

"The future of finance is crypto, whether it’s in payments, contracts, or savings." — Changpeng Zhao

"Crypto offers freedom to the unbanked and hope to the underprivileged." — Elizabeth Stark

"The new frontier of innovation is in decentralization. Blockchain leads the charge." — Don Tapscott

"Digital currency is here to stay, and it’s only a matter of how long before governments embrace it." — Brad Garlinghouse

Pop Culture

Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking

Santa vs Grinch
Bulls vs Bears
Crypto King vs Mr World Bank
Citizens vs NWO
Neo vs Agent Smith
John McAfee vs You Know Who!
TKO vs Naysayers
Jake Paul, Polymarket and BETR vs Naysayers
Pro Boxing vs Newspaper Reports
VKM vs The World
Paul Bros vs Mainstream Wokes
Mr X vs Mr Bluesky
Chris Jericho vs Dirtsheets
NFL vs everyone
Zuffa vs MVP
Netflix vs World
Meta vs Australia
Google Deepmind and Gemini vs X
Paul Bros vs Lucha Bros
Office Workers vs Field Workers

Markets, Cryptos and Biz

December 2025

Dec 31

Sydney, Australia to Wall St, New York

Digital Bush Telegraph

Last Day Of The Year Edition!

Markets

ASX 200 futures down 6 points/0.1% to 8701

AUD +0.01% to US66.95¢

Bitcoin $88,370.39 +1.37%

Wall St:

Dow -0.2%
S&P -0.1%
Nasdaq -0.2%
VIX +0.16 to 14.36
Gold +0.4% to $US4348.71 an ounce
Silver +8.2% to $US76.30/oz
Brent oil -0.03% to $US61.92 a barrel
Iron ore -0.1% to $US105.70 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.12% Australia 4.74%

Cryptos

Bitcoin $88,370.39 +1.37%
XRP $1.8738 +1.15%
BNB $860.21 +1.11%
Dogecoin $0.1229 +0.07%

Shares

Media Man Favs

TKO $214.17 -1.94 -0.90%

Alphabet Inc Class A $313.85 +0.29 +0.092%

Netflix Inc $93.78 -0.37 -0.39%

Paramount Skydance Corp $13.51 +0.0100 +0.074%

Porsche Automobile Holding SE Unsponsored Germany ADR $4.64 +0.040 +0.87%

Mercedes Benz Group ADR $17.67 +0.13 +0.74%

Volvo ADR (Owner/Parent of Mack Trucks) $32.10 +0.13 Today +0.42%

Formula One Group Series A $89.26 +0.42 +0.47%

Microsoft Corp $487.53 +0.43 +0.088%

Meta Platforms Inc $666.01 +7.32 +1.11%

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp $259.74 +1.79 +0.69%

Imax Corp $37.24 -0.21 -0.56%

News Corp Class A $26.39 +0.14 +0.53%

CoStar Group Inc $67.86 +0.26 +0.38%

eBay Inc $87.10 -0.64 -0.73%

PayPal Holdings Inc $59.10 -0.39 -0.66%

Wynn Resorts Ltd $120.33 -1.94 -1.59%

Rio Tinto Ltd $146.77 -0.24 - 0.16% (ASX)

BHP Group Ltd $60.92 +0.53 +0.88%

Hancock & Gore Ltd $0.22

Mineral Resources Ltd $54.33 -0.13%

Evolution Mining Ltd $8.41 -0.34 -3.91%

Caterpillar Inc $577.39 -1.22 -0.21%

Tesla Inc $454.43 -5.21 -1.13%

Trump Media & Technology Group Corp
$12.57 -0.59 -4.48%

Gold.com Inc $33.45 +0.030 +0.090%

Amazon.com Inc $232.53 +0.46 +0.20%

News Lead Up

12 + Hours Ago

Dec 30

Sydney, Australia to Wall St, New York

Digital Bush Telegraph

Markets

ASX 200 futures pointing down 6 points/0.1% to 8711

AUD -0.3% to US66.93¢

Bitcoin $87,218.84 -0.73%

Wall St:
Dow -0.5%
S&P -0.4%
Nasdaq -0.5%
VIX +0.59 to 14.19

Gold -4.4% to $US4335.01 an ounce
Silver -6.8% to $US71.94/oz
Platinum -13.8% to $US2118.03/oz
Brent oil +1.8% to $US61.75 a barrel
Iron ore +1.3% to $US106.05 a tonne

10-year yield: US 4.11% Australia 4.75%

Cryptos

Bitcoin $87,218.84 -0.73%
XRP $1.8529 -0.70%
BNB $852.81 -0.71%
Dogecoin $0.1231 -0.64%

Stockmarket

US Stock Market Overview (as of late December 2025)

The US stock market is in a strong bull run heading into the final days of 2025, with major indices near all-time highs and on track for a robust year-end close. Trading volume has been light post-holidays, but sentiment remains positive amid resilient economic growth, AI-driven gains, and expectations of a "Santa Claus rally" (the seasonal uptrend in the last five trading days of the year and first two of the next).

Key Index Levels (from the most recent close on December 26, 2025)

S&P 500 — Closed at approximately 6,930 (down slightly that day but hit an intraday high near 6,946). Up nearly 18% year-to-date, with the index eyeing the psychological 7,000 milestone in the coming sessions.

Dow Jones Industrial Average — Closed at around 48,711 (fractionally lower), up solidly for the year.

Nasdaq Composite — Closed near 23,593, up about 22% YTD, led by tech and AI stocks

Markets were closed on December 27 (weekend) and reopen on December 29 for the last few trading days of 2025. Expect thin liquidity and potential for modest moves as investors position for 2026.

Broader Context

2025 has been a resilient year despite challenges like early tariff impacts, AI spending concerns, and Fed rate adjustments (benchmark now at 3.50%-3.75%). Tech and AI names (e.g., Nvidia crossing $5T market cap) have dominated, but there's been rotation into cyclicals, materials, and foreign equities. Precious metals like gold and silver are at historic highs amid safe-haven demand.

Wall Street forecasts for 2026 are bullish, with many targeting S&P 500 levels between 7,100–8,100. However, history suggests potential pullbacks after strong years, so caution on overvaluation is advised. (Grok)

News

Dec 24

Precious metals rewarded for success

The US dollar is falling as a safe-haven asset amid growing risk appetite.

Gold is performing well, but other assets in the sector are looking even better.

GDP growth of 4.3% in the third quarter did not help the US dollar. It would seem that the strength of the economy, the rise in Treasury bond yields and the decline in the likelihood of the Fed easing monetary policy in March to less than 50% should have cooled the hot heads of the EURUSD bulls. However, greed reigns supreme in the financial markets.

The S&P 500 closed at a record high, which had a negative impact on the USD index.

Donald Trump was encouraged by the success of the US economy, citing tariffs as the main reason. The president said that the new Fed chairman would cut rates if the market was performing well. Investors should be rewarded for their success. Support from the White House is helping US stock indices, improving global risk appetite and reducing demand for the dollar as a safe-haven asset. In such conditions, high-yield currencies feel most at home.

The British pound reached a three-month high against the greenback, and the Australian dollar reached a 14-month high. After the Reserve Bank signalled the end of the monetary policy easing cycle, the futures market began to price in expectations of a cash rate hike in 2026.

By Christmas, the start date for monetary tightening had shifted to June, which created a tailwind for AUDUSD.

Investors in a Bloomberg survey see the Bank of England's neutral rate at 3.25% and estimate the chances of it falling to 3% in 2026 as fifty-fifty. They are more dovish than the BoE. At their December meeting, Andrew Bailey and his colleagues opted for caution, which supported GBPUSD. Meanwhile, gold has broken through the psychologically important level of $4,500 per ounce.

JP Morgan forecasts XAUUSD to rise to 5,000 by the end of 2026 and estimates the scale of bullion purchases by central banks and retail investors at 585 tonnes per quarter. According to the bank, every 100 tonnes above the base 350 tonnes leads to a 2% increase in precious metal prices.

Gold has already gained more than 70% in value in 2025 and is heading for its best performance since 1979.

Other assets in the precious metals sector are growing even faster. Prices for silver, platinum and palladium have more than doubled this year. Along with strong investment demand, fears about the introduction of US import duties are playing into their hands. (FxPro)

News

Dec 29

A confident Euro and a vulnerable Yen

Rapid GDP growth in the eurozone has helped EURUSD.

USDJPY risks rising to 164. Christmas week turned out to be the worst for the US dollar since June. Falling Treasury yields and new S&P 500 records caused the USD index to retreat. The chances of the Fed easing monetary policy in March rose above 50% again, and there is active discussion in Forex about the new Fed chair. Historically, central bank chiefs have had a significant influence on the FOMC. Donald Trump's man could bring down interest rates and the greenback. However, the Fed is not a one-man show. Decisions are made collectively based on incoming data. The longer the pause in the monetary expansion cycle lasts, the higher the chances of a correction in the EURUSD to an upward trend. In this case, the yield differential between US and German bonds will remain wide. Money will flow from Europe to the United States, strengthening the dollar. In the medium term, monetary policy divergence and a narrowing gap in GDP growth could play in favour of the euro. Financial Times experts expect the eurozone economy to expand by 1.2% in 2026 and 1.4% in 2027. In 2025, it will grow by 1.4%, significantly more than the 0.9% forecast at the end of 2024. Faster economic growth in the currency bloc has been one of the key drivers of the EURUSD's 13.5% rally this year. Another trump card for the euro has been the divergence in monetary policy. Financial Times experts believe that the ECB's deposit rate will remain at 2% until the end of 2026 and rise to 2.25% in 2027. The futures market expects two acts of monetary expansion from the Fed next year. The narrowing of the spread between US and German bond yields is a strong argument in favour of maintaining the upward trend in EURUSD. Meanwhile, the number of yen bears is growing after the Bank of Japan failed to bring about a serious correction in USDJPY by raising the overnight rate in December. BNP Paribas forecasts the pair to rise to 160 by the end of 2026, while JP Morgan forecasts 164. The strengthening of the greenback has caused gold to retreat from record highs. The precious metal is heading for its best annual performance since 1979. Since the beginning of the year, it has risen by more than 70%, partly due to capital inflows into ETFs. The reserves of the largest specialised exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Shares, have increased by more than 20%.

News

Dec 29

Miners and Metals

Nickel price jumps as Indonesia signals big production cut

Nickel prices are at a seven-month high after Indonesia, the world’s biggest producer, signalled plans to cut supply of the metal in a Christmas gift for struggling Australian miners who have been shuttering projects.

The rising prices came after Indonesian media reported Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia had confirmed plans for unspecified production cuts. A group representing Indonesian nickel miners this month said it expected Jakarta to enforce a 34 per cent cut in volumes next year.

While the size of the cuts has not been finalised, the comments suggest the worst could be over for miners after a two-and-a-half year period in which prices for the metal were crushed by excess production in Indonesia.

Nickel was a fashionable commodity for investors between 2017 and 2022 on expectations that demand would rise in line with the metal’s use in the batteries used in electric vehicles. Prices reached $US30,000 a tonne in late 2022, but a wave of Indonesian supply emerged in 2023 as new technology allowed low-grade material to be cheaply processed into top quality metal.

The extra supply pushed nickel prices below $US20,000 since mid-2023, forcing Australian miners like BHP and Panoramic Resources to mothball their Western Australian mines, refineries and smelters.

The price had slumped to $US14,110 a tonne at the London Metal Exchange on December 16, but has rallied to $US15,430 after reports of Indonesian production cuts. The price had not been above $US15,400 since May.

The recovery could help BHP’s nickel assets just 14 months before a self-imposed deadline to decide whether they should be permanently closed. BHP mothballed the assets last year in the belief the supply surge was a structural change to nickel markets, and not merely a cyclical one.

BHP announced at its August half-year results that it would attempt to sell the assets, but finding a buyer has proved difficult given the enormous rehabilitation obligations attached to them. If a buyer cannot be found, BHP will permanently shut the nickel division in February 2027.

Another potential winner from a nickel price recovery would be businessman Duncan Saville, whose companies control the mothballed Savannah mine in WA. The mine closures have seen Australian exports slump from about 180,000 tonnes in 2017 to 81,000 tonnes this year.

The Industry Department provided a gloomy outlook for the sector in a report published on December 19, predicting prices would stay low, and export volumes would fall further as IGO Limited prepared for the Nova-Bollinger nickel mine in WA to reach the end of its working life.

Closure of Nova would leave Glencore’s Murrin Murrin operation as the last remaining major nickel mine in the country.

Industry Department economists predicted Australia will ship just 49,000 tonnes of nickel in 2027; down 73 per cent in a decade.

Batteries account for about 16 per cent of global nickel demand, with the stainless-steel sector still buying about 63 per cent of the world’s nickel.

Fitch predicts nickel prices will average $US16,000 a tonne in 2026.

Silver continues to soar

Signs of recovery in nickel prices come as silver prices have soared. The precious metal was fetching $US28.83 an ounce on the final trading day of 2024, but soared to a record high $US79.27 on Boxing Day 2025.

Financial markets have traditionally used gold prices to determine an appropriate price for silver, and the rally in silver prices is partly linked to the earlier rally in gold prices over the last 12 months.

Very few mines are primarily focused on silver production, with the metal typically occurring as a byproduct at mines that are focused on copper, zinc or lead. Australia’s biggest silver producers include South32’s Cannington mine in Queensland, Glencore’s Mount Isa hub and BHP’s Olympic Dam.

Iltani Resources, an ASX-listed miner exploring for silver, zinc, lead and indium near Herberton in Queensland, is one producer that has seen its share price jump more than 200 per cent alongside the silver rally.

“It puts us in a really good position to hit 2026 with a really aggressive drill program,” said Iltani managing director Donald Garner. (AFR). *Full article and coverage via The Australian Financial Review

News

VC/Sports Biz/Tech News

Jake & Logan Paul Announce $30M Venture Fund Backing AI, Robotics Startups

Anti Fund, co-founded by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and entrepreneur Geoffrey Woo, closed its oversubscribed $30 million Anti Fund I on December 3, bringing the firm’s total assets under management to more than $65 million. The firm named influencer and WWE star Logan Paul as a general partner, marking the first time the Paul brothers have become business partners.

According to a press release, the venture capital firm concentrates its investments in artificial intelligence and robotics companies. Anti Fund focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage ventures, as well as select growth-stage industry leaders. The portfolio includes OpenAI, Anduril, Ramp, Cognition, Polymarket, Flock Safety, and Physical Intelligence.

Investment Strategy

Anti Fund employs what it calls an “extreme barbell strategy,” making first checks of $100,000 to $500,000 for 10% ownership in technical founders, while also deploying $10 million or more in growth investments into industry leaders.

The fund’s limited partners include institutional investors Aquarian Holdings and Autilus Partners, as well as individual investors Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon. Focuspoint Private Capital Group served as the exclusive placement agent for the fund.

Founder Background

Woo holds a bachelor’s degree with honors and distinction in computer science from Stanford and has co-authored numerous U.S. patents and peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Jake Paul built his career as a professional boxer and entrepreneur. Logan Paul founded PRIME, a beverage brand, and performs as a professional wrestler.

“Jake, what I realized is that he is essentially an avatar of the American dream, and I think Logan, in a very similar parallel sense, also represents that,” Woo said in an interview with FOX Business.

“When Jake named Anti Fund, I think we all share the same belief, that the people that create the future are the crazy ones that believe they can do it.”

Business Philosophy

The firm positions itself as founder-friendly, emphasizing what it calls the intersection of capital and attention. While capital remains a commodity, Anti Fund leverages the Paul brothers’ cultural influence to source founders and accelerate portfolio company growth.

Jake Paul discussed his long-standing interest in venture capital, noting he met with companies including Google, Uber, and Twitter in Silicon Valley as a teenager.“

Not only are we investors, but we can disrupt Logan with PRIME, me with W, Betr is always in the top five in the App Store is absolutely crushing it,” Paul told FOX.

“And these are companies that we’ve incubated ourselves, because if no one else is building it and we see a hole in the market, we can hire the best teams and grow and scale these companies in a major way.”

Anti Fund has incubated and funded several of Jake Paul’s business ventures, including W and Betr Media.

Rudy Sahay, founder and managing partner of Aquarian Holdings, said the fund closing “validates the confidence investors have in their strategy” and noted the firm “carved out a unique position at the intersection of frontier technologies and culture.”

Best Quotes

Cryptocurrency, Finance and World

"Volatility is Satoshi’s gift to the faithful." - Michael Saylor

"Bitcoin is a tool for freeing humanity from oligarchs and tyrants, dressed up as a get-rich-quick scheme." — Naval Ravikant

"We have elected to put our money and faith in a mathematical framework that is free of politics and human error." — Tyler Winklevoss

"You can't stop things like Bitcoin. It will be everywhere, and the world will have to readjust. World governments will have to readjust." — John McAfee

"Bitcoin is the most important invention in the history of the world since the Internet." — Roger Ver

"Cryptocurrency is such a powerful concept that it can almost overturn governments." — Charles Lee

"In the future, national currencies will become obsolete. Bitcoin will become the single global currency." — Jack Dorsey

"The future of finance is crypto, whether it’s in payments, contracts, or savings." — Changpeng Zhao

"Crypto offers freedom to the unbanked and hope to the underprivileged." — Elizabeth Stark

"The new frontier of innovation is in decentralization. Blockchain leads the charge." — Don Tapscott

"Digital currency is here to stay, and it’s only a matter of how long before governments embrace it." — Brad Garlinghouse

Pop Culture

Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking

Santa vs Grinch
Bulls vs Bears
Crypto King vs Mr World Bank
Citizens vs NWO
Neo vs Agent Smith
John McAfee vs You Know Who!
TKO vs Naysayers
Jake Paul, Polymarket and BETR vs Naysayers
Pro Boxing vs Newspaper Reports
VKM vs The World
Paul Bros vs Mainstream Wokes
Mr X vs Mr Bluesky

News Lead Up

12 + hours ago

News

Media Man Favs

TKO $216.11 -1.33 -0.61%
Alphabet Inc Class A $313.56 +0.050 +0.016%
Netflix Inc $94.15 -0.32 -0.34%
Paramount Skydance Corp $13.50 -0.090 -0.66%
Porsche Automobile Holding SE Unsponsored Germany ADR $4.60 -0.040 +0.86%
Mercedes Benz Group ADR $17.54 +0.11 +0.63%

Markets, Cryptos and Biz

December 2025

Dec 30

Sydney, Australia to Wall St, New York

Digital Bush Telegraph

Markets

ASX 200 futures pointing down 6 points/0.1% to 8711

AUD -0.3% to US66.93¢

Bitcoin $87,218.84 -0.73%

Wall St:
Dow -0.5%
S&P -0.4%
Nasdaq -0.5%
VIX +0.59 to 14.19

Gold -4.4% to $US4335.01 an ounce
Silver -6.8% to $US71.94/oz
Platinum -13.8% to $US2118.03/oz
Brent oil +1.8% to $US61.75 a barrel
Iron ore +1.3% to $US106.05 a tonne

10-year yield: US 4.11% Australia 4.75%

Cryptos

Bitcoin $87,218.84 -0.73%
XRP $1.8529 -0.70%
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Stockmarket

US Stock Market Overview (as of late December 2025)

The US stock market is in a strong bull run heading into the final days of 2025, with major indices near all-time highs and on track for a robust year-end close. Trading volume has been light post-holidays, but sentiment remains positive amid resilient economic growth, AI-driven gains, and expectations of a "Santa Claus rally" (the seasonal uptrend in the last five trading days of the year and first two of the next).

Key Index Levels (from the most recent close on December 26, 2025)

S&P 500 — Closed at approximately 6,930 (down slightly that day but hit an intraday high near 6,946). Up nearly 18% year-to-date, with the index eyeing the psychological 7,000 milestone in the coming sessions.

Dow Jones Industrial Average — Closed at around 48,711 (fractionally lower), up solidly for the year.

Nasdaq Composite — Closed near 23,593, up about 22% YTD, led by tech and AI stocks

Markets were closed on December 27 (weekend) and reopen on December 29 for the last few trading days of 2025. Expect thin liquidity and potential for modest moves as investors position for 2026.

Broader Context

2025 has been a resilient year despite challenges like early tariff impacts, AI spending concerns, and Fed rate adjustments (benchmark now at 3.50%-3.75%). Tech and AI names (e.g., Nvidia crossing $5T market cap) have dominated, but there's been rotation into cyclicals, materials, and foreign equities. Precious metals like gold and silver are at historic highs amid safe-haven demand.

Wall Street forecasts for 2026 are bullish, with many targeting S&P 500 levels between 7,100–8,100. However, history suggests potential pullbacks after strong years, so caution on overvaluation is advised. (Grok)

News

Dec 24

Precious metals rewarded for success

The US dollar is falling as a safe-haven asset amid growing risk appetite.

Gold is performing well, but other assets in the sector are looking even better.

GDP growth of 4.3% in the third quarter did not help the US dollar. It would seem that the strength of the economy, the rise in Treasury bond yields and the decline in the likelihood of the Fed easing monetary policy in March to less than 50% should have cooled the hot heads of the EURUSD bulls. However, greed reigns supreme in the financial markets.

The S&P 500 closed at a record high, which had a negative impact on the USD index.

Donald Trump was encouraged by the success of the US economy, citing tariffs as the main reason. The president said that the new Fed chairman would cut rates if the market was performing well. Investors should be rewarded for their success. Support from the White House is helping US stock indices, improving global risk appetite and reducing demand for the dollar as a safe-haven asset. In such conditions, high-yield currencies feel most at home.

The British pound reached a three-month high against the greenback, and the Australian dollar reached a 14-month high. After the Reserve Bank signalled the end of the monetary policy easing cycle, the futures market began to price in expectations of a cash rate hike in 2026.

By Christmas, the start date for monetary tightening had shifted to June, which created a tailwind for AUDUSD.

Investors in a Bloomberg survey see the Bank of England's neutral rate at 3.25% and estimate the chances of it falling to 3% in 2026 as fifty-fifty. They are more dovish than the BoE. At their December meeting, Andrew Bailey and his colleagues opted for caution, which supported GBPUSD. Meanwhile, gold has broken through the psychologically important level of $4,500 per ounce.

JP Morgan forecasts XAUUSD to rise to 5,000 by the end of 2026 and estimates the scale of bullion purchases by central banks and retail investors at 585 tonnes per quarter. According to the bank, every 100 tonnes above the base 350 tonnes leads to a 2% increase in precious metal prices.

Gold has already gained more than 70% in value in 2025 and is heading for its best performance since 1979.

Other assets in the precious metals sector are growing even faster. Prices for silver, platinum and palladium have more than doubled this year. Along with strong investment demand, fears about the introduction of US import duties are playing into their hands. (FxPro)

News

Dec 29

A confident Euro and a vulnerable Yen

Rapid GDP growth in the eurozone has helped EURUSD.

USDJPY risks rising to 164. Christmas week turned out to be the worst for the US dollar since June. Falling Treasury yields and new S&P 500 records caused the USD index to retreat. The chances of the Fed easing monetary policy in March rose above 50% again, and there is active discussion in Forex about the new Fed chair. Historically, central bank chiefs have had a significant influence on the FOMC. Donald Trump's man could bring down interest rates and the greenback. However, the Fed is not a one-man show. Decisions are made collectively based on incoming data. The longer the pause in the monetary expansion cycle lasts, the higher the chances of a correction in the EURUSD to an upward trend. In this case, the yield differential between US and German bonds will remain wide. Money will flow from Europe to the United States, strengthening the dollar. In the medium term, monetary policy divergence and a narrowing gap in GDP growth could play in favour of the euro. Financial Times experts expect the eurozone economy to expand by 1.2% in 2026 and 1.4% in 2027. In 2025, it will grow by 1.4%, significantly more than the 0.9% forecast at the end of 2024. Faster economic growth in the currency bloc has been one of the key drivers of the EURUSD's 13.5% rally this year. Another trump card for the euro has been the divergence in monetary policy. Financial Times experts believe that the ECB's deposit rate will remain at 2% until the end of 2026 and rise to 2.25% in 2027. The futures market expects two acts of monetary expansion from the Fed next year. The narrowing of the spread between US and German bond yields is a strong argument in favour of maintaining the upward trend in EURUSD. Meanwhile, the number of yen bears is growing after the Bank of Japan failed to bring about a serious correction in USDJPY by raising the overnight rate in December. BNP Paribas forecasts the pair to rise to 160 by the end of 2026, while JP Morgan forecasts 164. The strengthening of the greenback has caused gold to retreat from record highs. The precious metal is heading for its best annual performance since 1979. Since the beginning of the year, it has risen by more than 70%, partly due to capital inflows into ETFs. The reserves of the largest specialised exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Shares, have increased by more than 20%.

News

Dec 29

Miners and Metals

Nickel price jumps as Indonesia signals big production cut

Nickel prices are at a seven-month high after Indonesia, the world’s biggest producer, signalled plans to cut supply of the metal in a Christmas gift for struggling Australian miners who have been shuttering projects.

The rising prices came after Indonesian media reported Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia had confirmed plans for unspecified production cuts. A group representing Indonesian nickel miners this month said it expected Jakarta to enforce a 34 per cent cut in volumes next year.

While the size of the cuts has not been finalised, the comments suggest the worst could be over for miners after a two-and-a-half year period in which prices for the metal were crushed by excess production in Indonesia.

Nickel was a fashionable commodity for investors between 2017 and 2022 on expectations that demand would rise in line with the metal’s use in the batteries used in electric vehicles. Prices reached $US30,000 a tonne in late 2022, but a wave of Indonesian supply emerged in 2023 as new technology allowed low-grade material to be cheaply processed into top quality metal.

The extra supply pushed nickel prices below $US20,000 since mid-2023, forcing Australian miners like BHP and Panoramic Resources to mothball their Western Australian mines, refineries and smelters.

The price had slumped to $US14,110 a tonne at the London Metal Exchange on December 16, but has rallied to $US15,430 after reports of Indonesian production cuts. The price had not been above $US15,400 since May.

The recovery could help BHP’s nickel assets just 14 months before a self-imposed deadline to decide whether they should be permanently closed. BHP mothballed the assets last year in the belief the supply surge was a structural change to nickel markets, and not merely a cyclical one.

BHP announced at its August half-year results that it would attempt to sell the assets, but finding a buyer has proved difficult given the enormous rehabilitation obligations attached to them. If a buyer cannot be found, BHP will permanently shut the nickel division in February 2027.

Another potential winner from a nickel price recovery would be businessman Duncan Saville, whose companies control the mothballed Savannah mine in WA. The mine closures have seen Australian exports slump from about 180,000 tonnes in 2017 to 81,000 tonnes this year.

The Industry Department provided a gloomy outlook for the sector in a report published on December 19, predicting prices would stay low, and export volumes would fall further as IGO Limited prepared for the Nova-Bollinger nickel mine in WA to reach the end of its working life.

Closure of Nova would leave Glencore’s Murrin Murrin operation as the last remaining major nickel mine in the country.

Industry Department economists predicted Australia will ship just 49,000 tonnes of nickel in 2027; down 73 per cent in a decade.

Batteries account for about 16 per cent of global nickel demand, with the stainless-steel sector still buying about 63 per cent of the world’s nickel.

Fitch predicts nickel prices will average $US16,000 a tonne in 2026.

Silver continues to soar

Signs of recovery in nickel prices come as silver prices have soared. The precious metal was fetching $US28.83 an ounce on the final trading day of 2024, but soared to a record high $US79.27 on Boxing Day 2025.

Financial markets have traditionally used gold prices to determine an appropriate price for silver, and the rally in silver prices is partly linked to the earlier rally in gold prices over the last 12 months.

Very few mines are primarily focused on silver production, with the metal typically occurring as a byproduct at mines that are focused on copper, zinc or lead. Australia’s biggest silver producers include South32’s Cannington mine in Queensland, Glencore’s Mount Isa hub and BHP’s Olympic Dam.

Iltani Resources, an ASX-listed miner exploring for silver, zinc, lead and indium near Herberton in Queensland, is one producer that has seen its share price jump more than 200 per cent alongside the silver rally.

“It puts us in a really good position to hit 2026 with a really aggressive drill program,” said Iltani managing director Donald Garner. (AFR). *Full article and coverage via The Australian Financial Review

News

VC/Sports Biz/Tech News

Jake & Logan Paul Announce $30M Venture Fund Backing AI, Robotics Startups

Anti Fund, co-founded by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and entrepreneur Geoffrey Woo, closed its oversubscribed $30 million Anti Fund I on December 3, bringing the firm’s total assets under management to more than $65 million. The firm named influencer and WWE star Logan Paul as a general partner, marking the first time the Paul brothers have become business partners.

According to a press release, the venture capital firm concentrates its investments in artificial intelligence and robotics companies. Anti Fund focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage ventures, as well as select growth-stage industry leaders. The portfolio includes OpenAI, Anduril, Ramp, Cognition, Polymarket, Flock Safety, and Physical Intelligence.

Investment Strategy

Anti Fund employs what it calls an “extreme barbell strategy,” making first checks of $100,000 to $500,000 for 10% ownership in technical founders, while also deploying $10 million or more in growth investments into industry leaders.

The fund’s limited partners include institutional investors Aquarian Holdings and Autilus Partners, as well as individual investors Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon. Focuspoint Private Capital Group served as the exclusive placement agent for the fund.

Founder Background
Woo holds a bachelor’s degree with honors and distinction in computer science from Stanford and has co-authored numerous U.S. patents and peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Jake Paul built his career as a professional boxer and entrepreneur. Logan Paul founded PRIME, a beverage brand, and performs as a professional wrestler.

“Jake, what I realized is that he is essentially an avatar of the American dream, and I think Logan, in a very similar parallel sense, also represents that,” Woo said in an interview with FOX Business.

“When Jake named Anti Fund, I think we all share the same belief, that the people that create the future are the crazy ones that believe they can do it.”

Business Philosophy
The firm positions itself as founder-friendly, emphasizing what it calls the intersection of capital and attention. While capital remains a commodity, Anti Fund leverages the Paul brothers’ cultural influence to source founders and accelerate portfolio company growth.

Jake Paul discussed his long-standing interest in venture capital, noting he met with companies including Google, Uber, and Twitter in Silicon Valley as a teenager.“

Not only are we investors, but we can disrupt Logan with PRIME, me with W, Betr is always in the top five in the App Store is absolutely crushing it,” Paul told FOX.

“And these are companies that we’ve incubated ourselves, because if no one else is building it and we see a hole in the market, we can hire the best teams and grow and scale these companies in a major way.”

Anti Fund has incubated and funded several of Jake Paul’s business ventures, including W and Betr Media.

Rudy Sahay, founder and managing partner of Aquarian Holdings, said the fund closing “validates the confidence investors have in their strategy” and noted the firm “carved out a unique position at the intersection of frontier technologies and culture.”

Best Quotes

Cryptocurrency, Finance and World

"Volatility is Satoshi’s gift to the faithful." - Michael Saylor

"Bitcoin is a tool for freeing humanity from oligarchs and tyrants, dressed up as a get-rich-quick scheme." — Naval Ravikant

"We have elected to put our money and faith in a mathematical framework that is free of politics and human error." — Tyler Winklevoss

"You can't stop things like Bitcoin. It will be everywhere, and the world will have to readjust. World governments will have to readjust." — John McAfee

"Bitcoin is the most important invention in the history of the world since the Internet." — Roger Ver

"Cryptocurrency is such a powerful concept that it can almost overturn governments." — Charles Lee

"In the future, national currencies will become obsolete. Bitcoin will become the single global currency." — Jack Dorsey

"The future of finance is crypto, whether it’s in payments, contracts, or savings." — Changpeng Zhao

"Crypto offers freedom to the unbanked and hope to the underprivileged." — Elizabeth Stark

"The new frontier of innovation is in decentralization. Blockchain leads the charge." — Don Tapscott

"Digital currency is here to stay, and it’s only a matter of how long before governments embrace it." — Brad Garlinghouse

Pop Culture

Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking

Santa vs Grinch
Bulls vs Bears
Crypto King vs Mr World Bank
Citizens vs NWO
Neo vs Agent Smith
John McAfee vs You Know Who!
TKO vs Naysayers
Jake Paul, Polymarket and BETR vs Naysayers
Pro Boxing vs Newspaper Reports
VKM vs The World
Paul Bros vs Mainstream Wokes
Mr X vs Mr Bluesky

News

Media Man Favs

TKO $216.11 -1.33 -0.61%
Alphabet Inc Class A $313.56 +0.050 +0.016%
Netflix Inc $94.15 -0.32 -0.34%
Paramount Skydance Corp $13.50 -0.090 -0.66%
Porsche Automobile Holding SE Unsponsored Germany ADR $4.60 -0.040 +0.86%
Mercedes Benz Group ADR $17.54 +0.11 +0.63%

News

Media and Marketing News via Media Man Group

Niche media, marketing and media campaigns the way to go, says Media Man agency

SEO News

Blogs

Media Man Int Blog Media Man News Blog

News, Markets, Biz, Politics, Mining, Media, Marketing, Culture: Australia and World

December 2025

December 1

Markets

Australian Dollar: $0.6540 USD (up 0.0011 USD)
Iron Ore: $105.40 USD (down $1.30 USD)
Oil: $58.55 USD (down $0.55 USD)
Gold: $4,219.23 USD (up $61.79 USD)
Copper: $5.2780 USD (up $0.1155 USD)
Bitcoin: $87,321.17 -3.98%
Dow Jones: 47,716.42 (up 289.30 points)

News

ASX tipped for solid start ahead of GDP data

Futures pricing suggests that Australian equities will gain about 0.1 per cent when the market opens on Monday, following a positive lead from Wall Street. The release of GDP data for the September quarter is set to be a key focus for local investors in the coming week, as they seek guidance on the outlook for official interest rates. Inflation data released last week has heightened speculation that the next rate move may be up rather than down. The S&P/ASX 200 shed 0.37 per cent to close at 8,614.1 points on Friday, and it fell by three per cent in November. (RMS)

News

Nov 28

Gold may have doubled, but miners a gamble

Factors such as its 'safe haven' staus and record buying by central banks have seen the price of gold rise by more than 50 per cent so far in 2025. The share prices of Australian-listed gold producers have also rallied during 2025, and some have posted solid returns over the last decade. However, analysis shows that just 100 of the 172 listed gold miners in 2015 are still in business now. Meanwhile, about 40 per cent of the survivors have posted a negative return over the last 10 years. (RMS)

News

'Bloodbath': Black Friday deals pose a dilemma for small business

Australians are expected to spend nearly $7bn over the four days of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, and up to $39bn over the month of November. Indeed, Black Friday has evolved to essentially become a one-month sales event, and there is a growing expectation among consumers that every store will offer big discounts. However, Black Friday is challenging for many small businesses, which simply cannot match the deep discounts of large retailers. This is highlighted by research from the Council of Small Business Organisations; it found that 60 per cent of small business owners do not pay themselves at least occasionally, while 25 per cent have used their personal savings to stay afloat. (RMS)

News

Australia's Most Trusted and Distrusted Brands + The Retail Landscape

Join Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine to discover Australia's most Trusted and Distrusted brands; how traditional retail brands are being impacted by Temu, Shein, and AliExpress; how the dramatic shift to low prices is affecting discount department stores like Kmart and Big W; whether Amazon has finally become the digital category killer, impacting Myer, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman; whether Coles and Woolworths are finally showing real signs of reputational recovery; and whether the retail sector seeing a rise in distrust amid all the upheaval. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Media and Marketing

Sport keeps TV afloat as Seven pips Nine

The Seven Network has become Australia's top-rating commercial free-to-air broadcaster for a fifth consecutive year. Seven's national audience share across the 2025 rating year was 41.6 per cent, ahead of the Nine Network on 40.5 per cent. Seven's total audience share across all five free-to-air networks was 29.4 per cent, followed by Nine (28.7 per cent), the ABC (21.5 per cent), Ten (12.6 per cent) and SBS (7.7 per cent). Nine's live coverage of the NRL Grand Final was the highest-rating program for the year, with a record 4.56 million viewers; the AFL Grand Final attracted a total audience of 4.18 million. (RMS)

News

The Age misses mark on AFL deal

A spokesman for DAZN says the UK-based sports-focused streaming company "categorically refutes" a recent media report which suggested that it could seek to renegotiate Foxtel's current seven-year AFL broadcasting rights deal. The Age reported last week that unnamed sources had claimed that DAZN believes it is paying too much for the AFL rights. Foxtel was acquired by DAZN earlier in 2025, in a deal that is said to have been worth about $3.4bn. (RMS)

News

News media eyes $600m yearly boost

Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok and Apple are estimated to have had combined revenue of $41bn in Australia during fiscal 2024. They could potentially pay local news publishers about $610m a year via the federal government's News Bargaining Incentive, which will penalise technology companies that fail to secure content deals with the nation's news publishers; based on the revenue of the 'big five', the financial penalty for not striking such deals could be around $920m a year. The NBI would apply to all digital platforms that operate "significant" social media or search services, even if they do not feature any news content. (RMS)

News

Magazine stable faces carve-up

Private equity firm Mercury Capital still hopes to sell the whole of Are Media to a single buyer. However, sources at Are have said there is speculation within the publisher that several potential suitors have expressed interest in selectively buying some magazine titles, and shunning the less profitable ones. Mining magnate Andrew Forrest is said to have been approached about buying the flagship Australian Women's Weekly via his family company, Tattarang, which already owns the RM Williams magazine. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

AI threat slashes billions from classifieds giants

Jarden analyst Tom Beadle has downplayed the risks that online classified advertising groups are facing due to the growing use of artificial intelligence platforms. He contends that AI companies are unlikely to develop a 'killer application' that will disrupt the business of Real Estate Dotcom Dot Au http://realestate.com.au owner REA Group in the near term. However, REA Group's market capitalisation has fallen by nearly $9bn since August, while CAR Group - which owns Car Sales http://carsales.com.au - has shed 16 per cent of its value. Nevertheless, there are fears that AI platforms will be increasingly used to directly search for jobs, homes or cars. (RMS)

News

Nov 28

Free entry gets museum record-breaking visitors

Analysis of the annual reports of museums in Australia shows that consumers continued to embrace the nation's cultural institutions in 2024-25. Museums Victoria had the highest patronage, with 1.93 million visitors during the financial year; however, this was 13 per cent lower than previously. Meanwhile, Western Australia Museum was the nation's second-most-visited museum, with visits to its three sites rising by 21 per cent year-on-year to 1.2 million. WA Museum chair Sheila McHale notes that visitor numbers were boosted by the state government's decision to waive entry fees during the 2024-25 summer. (RMS)

News

Mining/Resources/Energy

Nov 28

Inside the battle for BHP's future

There is growing speculation that BHP's CEO Mike Henry is preparing to step down after six years in the role. However, BHP's merger talks with Anglo American last week showed that Henry is still deeply engaged in high-stakes strategic endeavours, rather than easing into retirement. Potential internal candidates to succeed Henry when he eventually steps down include Geraldine Slattery, Rag Udd, Vandita Pant and Catherine Raw. Meanwhile, some BHP directors believe that the resources group should simplify its commodities portfolio by exiting the coal sector and focusing on copper; indeed, analysis shows that both BHP and Rio Tinto have underperformed those of pure-play copper mines in recent years. (RMS)

News

Nov 28

Bitcoin stalled at a critical resistance

Market Overview

The crypto market cap corrected by 0.4% to $3.10T, pausing the cautious rebound from last Friday. Yet we can’t talk about the rebound running out of steam, as there was strong growth the day before. But we do not see any increase in optimism, as just about one in seven coins has gained in the last 24 hours, compared to a decline for most.

The sentiment index rose to 25, the threshold for exiting the territory of extreme fear, despite the latest round of weakness. The index’s dynamics are likely to attract buyers who were eager to enter the market but were waiting for a discount after the highs were set in early October.

Bitcoin has fallen below $ 91K, stabilising near the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of the decline since November 11th. The area near $90K was significant for the market about a year ago, serving as support for the correction after the growth momentum in early November. There is some risk that it will now act as resistance, reinforcing the bearish signal of a possible end to the rebound. A rise above $95K would signal a victory for the bulls and a return to a bull market, while a decline below $87K could open the way to $80K, driving the market into a depression.

News Background

Kronos Research describes the current dynamics as a classic rebound from oversold conditions. The market has cleared out excess long positions, creating room for growth, according to Presto Research.

Futures and options data point to a return of bullish sentiment. The market is ‘ready for growth’ after speculative longs were closed over the past two weeks, according to GSR.

According to CryptoQuant, in November, the Binance crypto exchange increased its stablecoin reserves to a record $51.1 billion. The growth of this indicator can be seen as a positive factor for the crypto market.

The potential exclusion of Strategy from the S&P 500 index and continued outflows from spot crypto ETFs could bring back bearish sentiment and trigger sell-offs, warns QCP Capital.

Bolivia will include cryptocurrencies and stablecoins in its national financial system to modernise it.

Cryptocurrencies will be allowed to be used as a means of payment, savings accounts, credit products and loans. The authorities’ decision is a result of the country’s challenging economic situation. (FxPro)

News

Heavy Industry News

Mack Trucks wins Media Man 'Truck Manufacturer Of The Month' award

Caterpillar wins Media Man 'Heavy Equipment Manufacturer Of The Month' award

Bingo Industries wins Media Man 'Construction Brand Of The Month' award

Elders wins Media Man 'Agribusiness Of The Month' award

Landman wins Media Man 'Streaming Series Of The Month' award (Oil/mining industry based story via Paramount Plus)

Jim's Mowing wins Media Man 'Franchise Of The Month' award

News

Pop Culture Flashback

Citizen Kane (1941)

Directed by Orson Welles | Written by Orson Welles & Herman J. Mankiewicz | Cinematography by Gregg Toland

Why it’s considered one of the greatest films ever made:

Revolutionary storytelling: Non-linear structure jumping through multiple perspectives and timelines — decades before it became common.

Iconic moments/lines:

“Rosebud…”

The campaign speech with the giant Kane poster

The slow push-in on young Charlie playing in the snow as his future is decided

“Old age… it’s the only disease, Mr. Thompson, that you don’t look forward to being cured of.” (Bernstein)

News

Salt of the Earth (1954

Mexican workers at a zinc mine call a general strike. It is only through the solidarity of the workers, and importantly the indomitable resolve of their wives, mothers, and daughters, that they eventually triumph.

Best Quotes

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

Media Man

Roy Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Provider Of The Month' award; Runner-ups: X, Google News, Yahoo! Finance

World News, Markets: Australia and New York, Biz, Culture, News

October 2025

Freaky Friday Further Spooks Market, Investors Of All Nature; Did You Survive October?!

Numbers: (Near Live)

Sharemarket

Gold 4,002.93 +0.32 +0.01%

Bitcoin $109,675.25 +1.61%

Ethereum $3,861.37 +2.34%

Alphabet Inc Class A $281.19 -0.29 -0.10%

TKO Group Holdings Inc $188.40 +0.62 +0.33%

Netflix Inc $1,118.86 +29.86 +2.74%

Microsoft Corp $517.81 -7.95 -1.51%

BHP Group Ltd $43.45 -0.43 -0.98%

Rio Tinto Ltd $132.87 -0.56 - 0.42%

Oct 31

Gold: correction is not over yet

The strengthening of the US dollar and higher Treasury yields have brought the gold price back below $4000.

Yellow metal is gradually losing its wild cards. It managed to reach a record high thanks to devaluation trading, expectations of aggressive monetary expansion by the Fed, Donald Trump's threats of 100% tariffs against China, geopolitics, pessimistic forecasts for the global economy, and active purchases of bullion by central banks.

However, the White House is no longer attacking the Fed as aggressively as before. The US and China have found common ground. The Middle East conflict has been resolved, and the global economy is proving resilient in the face of tariffs. The Fed is cautious about lowering rates, and central bank activity in the bullion market is declining.

The other two examples of similar velocity of gold rose were 1979 and 2011. The experience of those years shows that the surge and collapse were followed by long periods of consolidation. In other words, after a period of retreat from the top, the precious metal will find its trading range and settle within it. But for the weeks ahead, we continue to see more risks of further decline. (FxPro)

News

Verbal interventions do not help yen

The Fed will make things clear
The ECB may lower rates in the future.

• The truce between the US and China is fragile.
• The Bank of Japan has not given any signals.
• Interventions did not scare USDJPY.

The Bank of Japan's passivity and the ECB's reluctance to spring surprises weakened the yen and the euro, adding fuel to the USD index rally.

The market continues to reassess its views on the fate of the federal funds rate and is buying the US dollar. At the same time, growing uncertainty is boosting demand for the greenback as a safe-haven currency. The trade deal between the US and Beijing is being compared to a truce with hidden risks of escalation. The Supreme Court's cancellation of tariffs in November could even trigger chaos in the financial markets.

The ECB has no reason to complain about the eurozone economy. In the third quarter, it accelerated from 0.5% to 0.9% year-over-year, thanks to the gradual adjustment of exports to US tariffs, a strong labour market, solid household balance sheets, and a prolonged cycle of rate cuts.

However, risks remain. The Governing Council's doves warn of a slowdown in GDP and inflation under the influence of high US tariffs and a strong euro. The futures market gives a 40% probability of a deposit rate cut by mid-2026. This puts pressure on EURUSD. The euro could stumble at any moment and fall off the cliff near the 1.1550 mark.

On the contrary, the chances of a Fed rate cut in December fell from more than 90% at the start of the week to 67%. At the same time, Treasury bond yields are rising, which is supporting the US dollar.

USDJPY managed to restore its upward trend due to the Bank of Japan's reluctance to signal an increase in the overnight rate in the future. Kazuo Ueda cited uncertainty in the US economy and the need for new wage data, saying he was not afraid of a situation where sluggishness could trigger a surge in inflation.

The yen was not helped by the acceleration of consumer prices in Tokyo from 2.5% to 2.8% and verbal interventions. According to Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama, the government is closely monitoring speculative movements on Forex and is ready to intervene. However, such statements only temporarily cooled the bulls' enthusiasm for USDJPY. Moreover, hedge funds are positioned for the US dollar to rise towards 160 yen. (FxPro)

News

With no help from Powell, Crypto is again hoping for technical support

Market Overview

The crypto market cap continues to fall, dropping to $3.58 at the end of the day on Thursday, but stabilising near $3.7 trillion at the beginning of the day on Friday. In other words, we are seeing a local rebound, but each time, lower local highs are being recorded. On the other hand, since July, there have been enough buyers on dips in the $3.5 trillion range.

Bitcoin fell to $106K at the end of the day on Thursday. Attempts to recover on Friday with a return to $110K now look like a rebound. The first cryptocurrency has clearly fallen under stronger gravity in recent days. Perhaps the start of a new month will give buyers a boost. However, the aura of a historically positive month, so-called Uptober, lasted only for the first few days, followed by an impressive decline.

News Background

In recent months, long-term investors have increased their sales of BTC, tripling them from June to October, according to Glassnode. The primary buyers of the asset were investors who purchased Bitcoin at an average price of $93K.

The inability to consolidate above $113K after six months of steady trading at high levels indicates a weakening of buying activity. If the trend continues, a pullback to the next significant support level around $88K is possible, Glassnode warns.

In October, the volume of spot trading in Bitcoin on the largest exchanges reached a record high, exceeding $300 billion, according to CryptoQuant. This indicates an increase in liquidity and market stability.

Strategy founder Michael Saylor said that Bitcoin will reach $150K by the end of the year. His long-term forecast for the next 20 years assumes an average annual growth rate of approximately 30% for BTC.

According to Nansen, on-chain activity on the Ethereum network has risen to a monthly high. Despite this, fees on the ETH network remain near historic lows. The surge in on-chain activity comes amid a deterioration in other indicators. For example, the number of active addresses has been steadily declining since May.

The anonymous cryptocurrency Zcash has grown by 700% in a month due to a surge in ‘demand for privacy.’ The volume of secure transactions in Zcash reached a record 4.9 million ZEC. However, the ZEC price is still 89.2% below its historic high, reached in October 2016 at just under $3,200. (FxPro)

News Lead Up

Oct 28

The Fed will make things clear

Strong statistics are helping the dollar.

The Fed may spring a surprise.

The US asks the Bank of Japan to loosen its grip.

The Aussie becomes the favourite.

The de-escalation of the US-China trade conflict has shifted market attention to central bank monetary policy. Finance Minister Scott Bessent said that the negotiations had created a successful framework for the two countries' leaders to sign a deal. Beijing says a preliminary consensus has been reached. The risks of a trade war have receded, US stock indices have hit new highs, global risk appetite has increased, and the EURUSD has risen.

The futures market gives a 98% probability of a cut in the federal funds rate to 4% in October and a 95% chance of a cut to 3.75% in December. Derivatives expect a further cut in March. The ECB is expected to pause rate cuts until 2027. The deposit rate last fell to 2% in June. Since the summer, Christine Lagarde said the European Central Bank feels comfortable.

Some Bloomberg experts predict a rate hike in 2026. This would require an improvement in the European economy. Pleasant surprises from eurozone business activity and German business sentiment indicate positive GDP growth in the fourth quarter. In July-September, gross domestic product most likely grew by 0.1%.

The divergence in monetary policy between the ECB and the Fed, coupled with positive signals from the European economy, gives EURUSD bulls hope for a recovery in the uptrend. However, events in France continue to dampen the euro. The Socialists do not rule out a new vote of no confidence in the government if parliament do not accept their proposal to raise taxes on the rich to reduce the budget deficit.

While EURUSD awaits the results of the Fed and ECB meetings, the yen is strengthening thanks to verbal interventions. Government officials have stated that they will continue to closely monitor the dynamics of the yen on the international currency market. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama noted that monetary policy issues were not directly discussed at the meeting with Scott Bessent. If they were discussed indirectly, the risks of currency intervention may increase. Investors preferred to play it safe and close some of their long positions on USDJPY. (FxPro)

News

The Land Down Under including ...

Sin City, Sydney, Australia ... and

The Bush Telegraph including Outback Australia

Oct 31

ASX finishes flat after Wall Street losses; ANZ unveils $1.1b profit hit

The Australian sharemarket spent most of the session in the green but ultimately finished flat, after a negative lead from Wall Street as investors digested a raft of corporate news and the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The S&P/ASX 200 closed the session 3.6 points, or 0.04 per cent, lower to 8881.9, dragged down by consumer discretionary (-1.7 per cent) and utilities (-1.1 per cent).

“Australian shares are down over the week after high September quarter inflation data signalled no chance of a rate cut at next week’s RBA meeting and raised doubt about future cuts,” said AMP Capital deputy chief economist Diana Mousina.

“There were large falls in healthcare, tech, consumer discretionary and real estate. European equities are up over the week and Chinese shares have had another strong rally and are outperforming.”

The Reserve Bank will be meeting next Tuesday, on Melbourne Cup Day, and is widely expected to keep rates on hold. Hopes of a cut were dashed after higher than expected inflation figures were released earlier this week.

“The [RBA] board is likely to be unanimous in its decision to keep rates steady,” said Mousina.

“Financial markets are pricing in some chance of another rate cut and pricing is unlikely to change after the meeting.”

Finishing at the top of the bourse was Healius, gaining 6 per cent. Vault Minerals rose 5.8 per cent and Westgold Resources lifted 5.4 per cent.

Financial stocks were mixed. Commonwealth Bank and Westpac both closed 1 per cent higher, while National Australia Bank declined 0.1 per cent and ANZ lost 0.6 per cent after it revealed a $1.1 billion hit to its profits due to a range of significant items, including costs relating to job cuts.

Mining stocks are also mixed. Among iron ore heavyweights, Rio Tinto added 0.4 per cent, BHP shed 1 per cent and Fortescue slid 0.9 per cent. Gold miners jumped as the price of the safe haven climbed back over $US4000. Evolution Mining gained 3.5 per cent, Newmont rose 3.2 per cent and Northern Star rose 3.5 per cent.

At the bottom of the index was insurance broker Steadfast Group, shedding 9.7 per cent. Alcoa Corporation fell 4.9 per cent and Lovisa fell 4.8 per cent.

In the energy sector, Santos fell 0.9 per cent while Woodside Energy rose 1.2 per cent. Origin Energy slumped 2.8 per cent, while AGL closed 1.3 per cent higher. Late on Friday, AGL said it had begun consultations with its workforce about job cuts as it reviews costs and proposes changes to its organisational structure. No decisions on redundancies have been made yet, but it is expected that about 200 employees will be affected.

Endeavour Group, the operator of Dan Murphy’s and BWS finished unchanged after a first-quarter update that showed retail liquor sales had fallen by 1.4 per cent. Meanwhile, the group’s pubs, clubs and hotels business grew sales by 4.4 per cent, driven by strength across all four pillars of food sales, bars, gambling and accommodation. Overall, total sales declined 0.3 per cent for the quarter.

The Australian dollar was trading at US65.46¢ at 4:17pm AEDT.

Overnight, the US sharemarket sank from its record heights as Wall Street sifted through mixed developments on everything from the US-China trade war to profits for big tech behemoths.

The S&P 500 fell 1 per cent and pulled further from its all-time high set on Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 109 points, or 0.2 per cent, and the Nasdaq composite dropped 1.6 per cent from its record set the day before.

Stocks were also mixed in Europe and Asia, coming off a much-anticipated meeting between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies. Trump hailed his talk with China’s Xi as a “12” on a scale of zero to 10, and Trump said he would cut tariffs on China. But while the talks may offer some stability for the near term, major tensions remain between the two countries.

Plus, stocks had already run to records earlier this week on expectations for potentially big improvements coming out of the Trump-Xi talks.

“The result was fine but fine isn’t good enough, given the expectations going in,” said Annex Wealth Management chief economist Brian Jacobsen. “The results were more like small gestures, instead of a grand bargain.”

Also feeling the burden of high expectations were some of Wall Street’s most influential stocks.

Meta Platforms dropped 11.3 per cent, cutting into what had been a 28.4 per cent jump for the year so far, and was the heaviest weight on the S&P 500. Analysts said investors were likely perturbed by how much Facebook’s parent company said it’s planning to spend in 2026. Companies across the industry have been on an investment spree to build out their artificial-intelligence capabilities, and the concern is whether it will all pay off.

Microsoft sank 2.9 per cent, even though it reported stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Analysts pointed to how it also expects to spend more on investments in 2026 than in 2025, while growth for its Azure business may have fallen a bit short of some investors’ expectations.

On the winning side of big tech was Alphabet. Shares of Google’s parent company climbed 2.5 per cent after its profit and revenue for the latest quarter easily topped analysts’ expectations.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury held at 4.08 per cent, where it was late Wednesday, up from 3.99 per cent the day before Fed Reserve chair Jerome Powell’s warning of a looming end to quantitative tightening.

In sharemarkets abroad, indexes dipped by 0.5 per cent in France and by less than 0.1 per cent in Germany after the European Central Bank decided not to move its main interest rate.

News

Media (Global)

ESPN, ABC and more than a dozen other Disney-owned channels have disappeared from YouTube TV after the two companies failed to renew their content deal before expiration.

The blackout cuts off major sports programming, including NFL games and college football, for more than 8 million subscribers.

Google contends that Disney is demanding "costly economic terms" that would drive up prices for YouTube TV subscribers.

Disney says YouTube is refusing to "pay fair rates" for its channels and is "using its market dominance to eliminate competition".

YouTube TV — which has become one of the largest TV providers in the country as linear cable fades — has increasingly found itself in carriage disputes as it tries to set new payment standards for the streaming era.

Because virtual pay-TV providers are not regulated in the same way as their traditional pay-TV peers, these disputes give companies like YouTube TV an opportunity to reshape agreements in the digital era in a way that better suits their objectives.

YouTube TV is reportedly looking for Disney to make its streaming content — like Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ — available to YouTube TV subscribers.

Disney, which is trying to build its own streaming services, has little incentive to do that!

News

Markets via Sydney, Australia

October 31, 2025

Roy Morgan Summary

Australian Dollar: $0.6549 USD (down $0.0021 USD)

Iron Ore: $106.95 USD (down $0.80 USD)

Oil Price (WTI): $60.22 USD (down $0.18 USD)

Gold Price: $4,022.53 USD (up $73.21 USD)

Copper Price: $5.1005 USD (down $0.1025 USD)

Bitcoin: $106,919.01 USD (down 3.29% in last 24 hours)

Dow Jones: 47,522.12 (down 109.88 points on yesterday's close)

News

Media (Australia/World)

'Irreplaceable' Murdoch confidante cuts News Corp ties after 20 years

News Corp Australia veteran Siobhan McKenna will step down as the media group's head of broadcasting at the end of this year. She was appointed to the role in 2017, and had responsibility for Foxtel and Sky News Australia; there has been speculation about her future at News Corp since the sale of Foxtel to sports streaming group DAZN earlier this year. McKenna will also retire as the chair of Lachlan Murdoch's Nova Entertainment and his private investment vehicle, Ilyria. She had been Murdoch's closest advisers, and media reports earlier in 2025 revealed that she had been the 'architect' of a plan to change the Murdoch family trust in favour of Lachlan. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Oct 31

Mining/Resources

MinRes downplays lithium firesale talk, hits iron ore record

Mineral Resources has advised that it shipped a record 11.4 million tonnes of iron ore in the September quarter; its average realised price was 14 per cent higher quarter-on-quarter at $US90 ($137) per tonne. The average realised price for its lithium was in turn up 31 per cent at $US849 per tonne. The company has hired JPMorgan to help sell parts of its lithium portfolio, but chief financial officer Mark Wilson says a stronger balance sheet means it does not need to divest lithium assets and will only consider deals that are good value. (RMS)

News

China will squeeze rare earths projects: Lynas MD

Lynas Rare Earths has posted revenue of $200.2m for the September quarter, which is 66 per cent higher than previously. Meanwhile, CEO Amanda Lacaze says the companymade a deliberate choice to buy equipment for its cracking and leaching plant near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia from non-Chinese suppliers, which has increased the cost of the refinery by about 30 per cent. She has warned that new rare earths projects in Australia and the US will also incur higher construction costs because Chinese suppliers will restrict access to equipment and consumables. Iluka will also source most of the equipment for its Eneabba rare earths refinery from non-Chinese suppliers. (RMS)

News

Industry push to end WA ban on uranium mining

An inquiry into Western Australia's role in assisting the global decarbonisation effort has prompted calls from many mining companies for the state to lift its ban on new uranium projects. The WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy contends permitting four proposed uranium projects to proceed would produce more than $1 billion in annual exports, create 9,000 jobs and generate $50 million in royalties, but Australian Manufacturing Workers Union WA general secretary Steve McCartney says it would run a campaign against the Cook Labor government if it moves to change its policy on uranium mining. (RMS)

News

Santos calls AFP over fake email

Santos has asked the Australian Federal Police and cyber authorities to investigate the use of a fake email address to seek confidential documents and other information about the company. A number of Santos employees had received an email purporting to have been sent by chief strategy officer Tracy Winters at various times, including during the recent failed merger talks between Santos and an Abu Dhabi-led consortium. The same email account had been used in October 2023, when Santos director Yasmin Allen received an email that was highly critical of Winters and CEO Kevin Gallagher. (RMS)

News

Best Quotes

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." — Benjamin Franklin

"Bottoms in the investment world don't end with four-year lows; they end with 10- or 15-year lows." — Jim Rogers

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful." — Warren Buffett

Media Man "Bullish is a mindset"

Media Man Web Tips

Search Engines Are Still the First Port of Call Says Media Man

It’s not just about buyer independence-it’s about where they’re doing their research. Google’s B2B research found that 71% of B2B researchers start with a generic search query. That’s a huge audience you could be reaching with optimised content.

Google B2B Research

“71% of B2B researchers start their research with a generic search query.”

Think about this: if your content doesn’t rank for relevant search terms you’re giving visibility to companies that are investing in SEO. With more B2B companies expected to invest heavily in search in 2025 not being in the game puts you at a disadvantage.

SEO Generates Quality Leads

Let’s be really real: lead generation is the lifeblood of any B2B company. And here’s a hard fact—many outbound tactics are less effective than they used to be. For example data from HubSpot shows that SEO leads have a close rate of 14.6% compared to 1.7% for outbound methods like cold email/calls or print advertising.

People trust what they find themselves especially when it comes to big business decisions. When your site appears in organic search results it’s seen as more credible and authoritative so leads generated through SEO are often more sales ready.

An expert B2B SEO Agency will be able to show you how to put this into practice.

Your Competition Isn’t Slowing Down

SEO is a marathon not a sprint and your competition knows it. In 2024, 64% of B2B marketers increased their SEO budgets according to the Content Marketing Institute. This trend is expected to continue in 2025 as businesses realise that maintaining strong organic visibility is key to long term growth.

What does this mean for you? If you’re not upping your SEO game you’re giving your competition a free pass to own the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages).

How to Build a Winning B2B SEO Strategy

Creating a robust SEO strategy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Let’s walk through some practical steps to get your B2B company ready to dominate search results in 2025.

1. Keyword Research

First off the bat and up off the grappling mat, you need to rethink how you approach keyword research. With the rise of voice search and AI-driven algorithms, long-tail, conversational keywords are becoming more important than ever. Think of how people naturally speak or ask questions when using voice assistants. Tools like Google Trends, SEMrush, and Ahrefs are invaluable for uncovering these new opportunities.

To give your keyword strategy more edge, try targeting terms that directly match your buyers’ intent. Instead of going for broad and highly competitive keywords like “SEO services,” it might be smarter to aim for more specific phrases, such as “best SEO services for B2B companies.” This way, your content reaches people who are actively looking for what you offer.

2. Content Creation with E-A-T in Mind

Next, let’s talk about content quality. Google places a heavy emphasis on content that demonstrates Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—known as E-A-T. If your content is shallow or lacks credibility, it won’t stand a chance in the rankings. In 2025, B2B companies need to produce well-researched, data-driven articles, case studies, and whitepapers.

One effective way to boost your content’s credibility is by collaborating with industry experts. Featuring quotes or insights from well-known professionals adds authority to your writing. Also, linking to reputable sources can strengthen your content’s trustworthiness. Remember, this isn’t about churning out generic blog posts; it’s about delivering high-value content that solves real problems for your target audience.

3. Focus on Technical SEO

Even the best content won’t perform well if your website has technical issues. Make sure your site is fast, secure, and mobile-friendly. Google’s Core Web Vitals are key indicators of how well your site meets user experience standards. If your site loads like a snail or is riddled with broken links, potential clients won’t stick around.

Take the time to audit your website regularly. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify where you’re lagging. Fix any broken links, compress images to improve loading speed, and implement HTTPS if you haven’t already done so. Technical SEO might sound complex, but it’s a game-changer for ranking and user experience.

4. Optimise for Voice & Visual Search

Voice search is booming, and it’s only going to get bigger in 2025. People speak differently than they type, so your content needs to reflect that. Consider how someone might verbally ask a question, and try to optimise for those conversational phrases.

Visual search is also gaining traction. Tools like Google Lens are changing the way people search for products and information. To capitalise on this trend, make sure your images are high quality and have descriptive file names and alt text. Structured data can also help search engines better understand your visual content, giving you an edge in image-based search results.

5. Prioritise User Experience (UX) and Core Web Vitals

Google’s algorithms have evolved to prioritise user experience, and Core Web Vitals are now critical ranking factors. These metrics measure how quickly your site loads, how stable its layout is, and how smoothly users can interact with it. If your site delivers a poor experience, your rankings will suffer.

To tackle this head on, run a UX audit and identify areas for improvement. Maybe your page takes too long to load, or your buttons are hard to click on mobile. Small fixes can make a big difference. Tools like Lighthouse can help pinpoint specific issues, and even minor adjustments can have a major impact on your SEO performance.

6. Link Building & Digital PR

Link building has shifted from quantity to quality. Earning backlinks from high-authority websites is far more effective than spamming random directories. The key is to focus on building relationships. Engage in digital PR by creating shareable content, collaborating with influencers, or contributing guest posts to well-regarded industry sites.

High-quality links signal to Google that your content is trustworthy and valuable, boosting your chances of ranking higher. Remember, one link from a respected publication can be more powerful than dozens from low-quality sources.

7. Monitoring & Analytics

Finally, SEO isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and fine-tuning. Set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your progress. Keep an eye on traffic, keyword rankings, and page performance. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to tweak your approach.
Metrics can tell you a lot about what’s resonating with your audience and where you might be falling short. Being data-driven in your approach will help you stay agile and responsive to new challenges in the ever-changing world of SEO.

Key SEO Trends to Watch for in 2025

The SEO landscape is always evolving, and 2025 will be no exception. Staying ahead of the curve means anticipating trends that could significantly impact your B2B strategy. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

1. Voice Search and Conversational Queries

Voice search is becoming a more dominant force, with nearly 50% of all searches expected to be voice-based by 2025/2026, according to Statista. People are using digital assistants like Siri and Alexa to ask conversational, natural questions. To adapt, your content should mirror these speech patterns. Think about optimising for questions like, “What’s the best B2B SEO strategy for 2025?” rather than shorter, less specific keywords.

2. AI and Personalisation

Artificial Intelligence continues to transform SEO. Google’s AI algorithms are increasingly able to understand user intent and deliver highly personalised search results. This means creating content that is not only keyword-rich but also contextually relevant. Machine learning tools can help you analyse user data and tailor your content to better engage your audience. In 2025, personalisation will be crucial for keeping prospects engaged and coming back for more.

3. Visual Search Will Continue to Rise

Visual search technology, like Google Lens, is reshaping how people find information. B2B companies can’t afford to ignore this trend. Optimising images is more important than ever, and using structured data to make visual content easily discoverable will give you a significant edge. For example, companies selling complex machinery can use visual search to help engineers or procurement specialists identify and learn about components in an instant.

4. Continued Emphasis on E-A-T

Google shows no signs of backing away from its focus on E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). This means businesses will need to keep investing in high-quality content, obtaining backlinks from reputable sites, and regularly updating existing content to maintain its relevance. B2B companies that demonstrate subject matter expertise and provide trustworthy, well-researched content will fare better in the search rankings.

5. Sustainability and Ethical Practices in SEO

Believe it or not, ethical and sustainable business practices are becoming a consideration in SEO. Search engines are beginning to reward companies that showcase corporate responsibility. Whether it’s environmentally friendly practices or social initiatives, demonstrating these values transparently on your site could give you a leg up. This is especially important as more clients make purchasing decisions based on a company’s values and impact.

Final Thoughts

The importance of a solid B2B SEO strategy cannot be overstated. The world of SEO is complex and ever-changing, but that’s exactly why you can’t afford to neglect it. From understanding evolving buyer behaviour to embracing new technologies like voice and visual search, there are countless opportunities to make your brand more visible and authoritative.

Remember, SEO is a long-term investment. The companies that succeed are the ones that stay adaptable, keep up with trends, and commit to continuous improvement. Your competitors are already doubling down on their efforts, and falling behind could mean losing out on high-quality leads and valuable sales opportunities.

To get ahead in business including online business, start implementing these strategies now. Stay proactive, keep monitoring your performance, and be ready to tweak your approach as new developments emerge. And if you’re looking for expert guidance on navigating this ever-changing landscape, our B2B SEO agency is here to help you grow your online visibility and drive meaningful results.

The future is here and the future is search-driven. Make sure your B2B business is ready to shine.

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Streaming Entertainment via Grok; X TV Tipped To Eventually Go Head To Head With YouTube, Netflix, But Will Take Many Years To Get To That Point; Customers Waiting To Churn/Switch. Changes Ahead For WBD, HBO, Binge, Paramount And Many Others - Too Many To List! Media Man Founder and Subscriber TV Veteran

Streaming entertainment has transformed how we consume media, offering a vast array of movies, TV shows, music, and more directly to our devices. Here's a breakdown of what's happening in this space as of my last update:

Major Players:

Netflix: Known for its original content like "Stranger Things," "The Crown," and "Squid Game." They've been pushing into gaming and have been experimenting with ad-supported models.

Amazon Prime Video: Comes with Amazon Prime membership. Notable for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "The Boys," and its integration with shopping and other Amazon services.

Disney+: A powerhouse for family entertainment, featuring Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and classic Disney content. It's also expanding its library with more adult-oriented content under the Star banner in some regions.

HBO Max: Offers premium content like "Game of Thrones," "Chernobyl," and a vast library of movies. It's also known for its DC Universe shows.

Apple TV+: While newer, it's making waves with high-quality originals like "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," and "See."

Peacock (NBCUniversal): Provides a mix of free and premium content, including "The Office," WWE, and original series like "Punky Brewster."

Paramount+: Combines CBS All Access with content from Paramount, Nickelodeon, MTV, and more, featuring shows like "Star Trek: Discovery" and "The Stand."

Trends and Developments:

Original Content: There's a massive push towards creating exclusive content to attract subscribers. This includes movies, series, documentaries, and even live sports.

Global Expansion: Services are increasingly focusing on international markets, either by offering local content or by making their service available in more countries.

Bundling: Companies are bundling their streaming services with other products. For example, Disney has bundles with Hulu and ESPN+.

Ad-Supported Models: To combat rising costs, some platforms like Netflix have introduced or are considering ad-supported tiers.

Direct-to-Streaming Releases: Movies are increasingly bypassing traditional theatrical releases, going straight to streaming platforms, especially noted during global health crises.

Quality Over Quantity: While there's a lot of content, platforms are also focusing on high-quality, award-winning productions to stand out.

Interactive Content: Some platforms are experimenting with interactive movies or shows where viewers can choose the plot direction.

Technological Integration: Enhanced with technologies like 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for audio, providing a cinematic experience at home.

Challenges:

Content Saturation: With so many platforms, there's a risk of content fatigue among viewers.

Churn: Subscribers frequently switch between services based on what's currently available, leading to high turnover.

Regulatory Scrutiny: Issues like market dominance, content licensing, and privacy are increasingly under regulatory lenses.

Piracy: Despite advanced measures, piracy remains a challenge, especially for content not easily accessible in certain regions.

If you're interested in a specific aspect of streaming entertainment or want to know about recent developments since my last update, feel free to ask! If there's a particular service or type of content you're curious about, I can dive deeper into those areas. (Grok)

News

Streaming TV

Streaming TV has revolutionized how we consume television content, offering a vast array of shows, movies, and original programming through internet-based platforms rather than traditional cable or satellite TV. Here's a breakdown of what you might be interested in regarding streaming TV as of my last update:

Key Players:

Netflix: Known for its extensive library, original content like "Stranger Things," "The Crown," and "Squid Game," and a global reach.

Amazon Prime Video: Comes with an Amazon Prime subscription, offering shows like "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "The Boys," and movies, plus the integration with shopping services.

Hulu: Offers a mix of current TV episodes, a robust library of older content, and originals like "The Handmaid's Tale." It's also notable for its live TV option.

Disney+: Focuses on family-friendly content, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic. Hits include "The Mandalorian" and "WandaVision."

HBO Max: Home to HBO's acclaimed series like "Game of Thrones," "Chernobyl," plus a wide range of Warner Bros. movies and new originals.

Apple TV+: While newer, it's gaining traction with high-quality originals like "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," and "Foundation."

Peacock: NBCUniversal's service, offering a mix of free and premium content, including "The Office," "Parks and Recreation," and new originals.

Trends and Features:

Ad-Supported vs. Ad-Free: Many services now offer tiers where you can choose between watching with ads for a lower price or paying more for an ad-free experience.

Live TV Streaming: Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV allow streaming of live broadcast channels, appealing to sports fans and those who still want traditional TV experiences.

Bundling: Some platforms offer bundles with internet service providers or other streaming services to reduce costs.

Original Content: There's a significant push towards exclusive, original content to differentiate services, leading to a golden age of TV with high-quality, diverse programming.

Global Expansion: Services are increasingly focusing on global markets, offering localized content or subtitles/dubbing in multiple languages.

Technological Considerations:

4K and HDR: Many services now offer content in 4K resolution and HDR, enhancing viewing quality.

Offline Viewing: Most services allow downloading content for offline viewing, which is great for travel or areas with poor internet.

Smart TVs and Devices: Streaming is not just for computers or smartphones anymore; smart TVs, streaming sticks (like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick), and gaming consoles have made streaming accessible on almost any screen.

Challenges:

Content Fragmentation: With content spread across multiple services, there's a growing issue of "streaming fatigue" where consumers feel overwhelmed by the number of subscriptions needed.

Price Increases: As content quality and exclusivity rise, so do subscription costs, leading to discussions about the cost-effectiveness of streaming vs. traditional cable.

Piracy: The fragmentation and cost have somewhat revived piracy concerns as viewers look for ways to access content without multiple subscriptions.

If you're looking for recommendations or have specific questions about streaming services or shows, feel free to ask! If there's been a significant update or new service since my last update, you might want to check the latest reviews or news for the most current information. (Grok)

Media Man

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Streaming Movies Top 10 (North America)

August 27, 2024

1. Furiosa (Max)

2. The Union (Netflix)

3. Jackpot (Prime Video)

4. The Instigators (Apple TV+)

5. Alien (Hulu)

6. The Bikeriders (Peacock)

7. Immaculate (Hulu)

8. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Hulu)

9. Alien: Covenant (Hulu)

10. Twister (Max)

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Top 10 Streaming TV (North America)

August 27, 2024

1. Bad Monkey (Apple TV+)

2. The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)

3. Industry (Max)

4. The Bear (Hulu)

5. From (Prime Video)

6. Presumed Innocent (Apple TV+)

7. Emily in Paris (Netflix)

8. Time Bandits (Apple TV+)

9. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Netflix)

10. Evil (Paramount+)

Media Man

Media/Entertainment: Australia

TV Week Logie Awards 2024

Winners

Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television - Larry Emdur

Best Drama Program - RFDS, Seven Network

Best News or Public Affairs Presenter - Ally Langon, A Current Affair, Nine Network

Best Comedy Entertainment Program - Have You Been Paying Attention?, Network Ten

Best Lead Actor in a Drama - Felix Cameron, Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix

Beat Scripted Comedy Program - Utopia, ABC

Best Current Affairs Program - Australian Story, ABC

Best Lead Actress in a Drama - Deborah Mailman, Total Control, ABC

Best Sports Coverage - FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, Seven Network

Best Competition Reality Program - MasterChef Australia, Network 10

Best Factual or Documentary Program - John Farnham: Finding The Voice, Seven Network

Best Miniseries or Telemovie - Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix

Best News Coverage or Public Affairs Report - Ben Roberts-Smith: The Truth, 60 Minutes, Nine Network

Best Structured Program - Gogglebox Australia, Foxtel and Network 10

Best Lifestyle Program - Travel Guides, Nine Network

Bert Newtown Award for Most Popular Presenter - Larry Emdur, The Chase Australia and The Morning Show, Seven Network

Best Supporting Actor - Bryan Brown, Boy Swallows Universe

Best Lead Actor in a Comedy - Rob Sitch, Utopia, ABC

Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent - Felix Cameron, Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix

Best Supporting Actress - Sophie Wilde, Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix

Best Children's Program - Bluey, ABC

Best Entertainment Program - The Voice Australia, Seven Network

Best Lead Actress in a Comedy - Kitty Flanagan, Utopia, ABC

News Corp puts Foxtel up for sale after asset review

By Sam Buckingham-Jones

August 9, 2024

News Corp, the publishing and broadcast giant controlled by the Murdoch family, has put its majority-owned Australian pay television platform Foxtel up for sale after a nine-month strategic review of its assets.

Outlining its financial results on Friday, News Corp said there was “third-party interest” in Foxtel, which owns a pay TV business, streaming services Binge and Kayo Sports, and aggregation platform Hubbl.

“We are confident in the company’s long-term prospects and are continuing to review our portfolio with a focus on maximising returns for shareholders,” News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson said.

“That review has coincided recently with third-party interest in a potential transaction involving the Foxtel ... We are evaluating options for the business with our advisors in light of that external interest.”

News Corp owns 65 per cent of Foxtel, and Telstra owns the rest.

Foxtel has spent the past decade pivoting to the streaming era, building Kayo and Binge – which have much leaner profit margins – while preserving its legacy base of around 1 million subscribers who pay, on average, $90 a month. It has grown its total paying subscription base to 4.7 million people.

Any sale of Foxtel would have a flow-on effect on long-term content deals, multi-billion dollar sports rights packages, and more.

Mr Thomson told analysts that News Corp had a “significant overture that we are naturally assessing”, but declined to provide further details.

“We have full faith in the potential of Foxtel and the talented team at Foxtel,” he said. “On behalf of shareholders, we have to evaluate any interest … You’ll have to stay tuned. Not indefinitely, not perpetually, not ad infinitum.” (Credit: The Australian Financial Review) @FinancialReview

Full article via subscription to The Australian Financial Review

https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/news-corp-puts-foxtel-up-for-sale-20240809-p5k0yv

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Elon Musk’s X Files Antitrust Suit Against Global Advertising Alliance

August 6, 2024

Elon Musk’s social media platform X has launched a significant antitrust lawsuit against the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) and several of its member companies, alleging an illegal ad boycott that targeted the platform. The lawsuit, filed in Texas, is aimed at GARM, its parent firm World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), and members including CVS Health, Mars, Orsted and Unilever.

In an open letter to advertisers, X CEO Linda Yaccarino highlighted the reasons behind the lawsuit, stating that it was a direct response to GARM’s actions which allegedly cost the company billions of dollars. “This is not a decision we took lightly, but it is a direct consequence of their actions,” Yaccarino wrote. “The illegal behavior of these organizations and their executives cost X billions of dollars” per The New York Post.

The lawsuit is seeking trebled compensatory damages and injunctive relief, according to a complaint viewed by The New York Post. GARM, led by Robert Rakowitz, is an initiative of the WFA, which represents many of the world’s largest companies and ad organizations, including Disney and Coca-Cola. Its members control 90% of global marketing spending, nearly $1 trillion per year.

Yaccarino emphasized that the issue extends beyond financial damages. “This case is about more than damages — we have to fix a broken ecosystem that allows this illegal activity to occur,” she added.

According to The New York Post, the suit argues that the boycott undermined the marketplace of ideas by financially harming certain viewpoints over others. (Credit: PYMNTS)

Full article and coverage via PYMNTS

https://pymnts.com/cpi-posts/elon-musks-x-files-antitrust-suit-against-global-advertising-alliance/

PYMNTS is a former Media Man 'Business News Outlet Of The Month' award winner and finalist

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Elon Musk takes GARM, several companies to court over alleged advertising boycott of X outlined in bombshell report

August 7, 2024

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has taken several companies and an advertising alliance to court over allegations of a "boycott" of X.

Elon Musk has waged “war” against advertisers as his social media platform X filed an antitrust lawsuit against a global ad alliance and several major companies, accusing them of illegally boycotting the site.

X filed a suit in a federal court in Texas against the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) and its members CVS Health, Mars, Orsted and Unilever.

The suit comes after a report from the US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee found GARM and its members “directly organised boycotts” and employed other indirect tactics to target disfavoured “platforms, content creators” and news organisations to demonetise them.

It alleges that GARM’s boycott led advertisers to pull money from X under the guise of “brand safety” concerns.

X’s CEO Linda Yaccarino argued this tactic hindered users on the social media platform from accessing a wide breadth of ideas by funding alternative viewpoints.

“The consequence - perhaps the intent - of this boycott was to seek to deprive X’s users, be they sports fans, gamers, journalists, activists, parents or political and corporate leaders, of the Global Town Square,” she wrote.

“To put it simply, people are hurt when the marketplace of ideas is undermined and some viewpoints are not funded over others as part of an illegal boycott.”

Mr Musk shared his colleague’s statement to the platform and boldly declared: “We tried peace for 2 years, now it is war.”

He later encouraged “any company who has been systematically boycotted” to file a suit.

Following his post, video sharing platform Rumble joined Mr Musk’s lawsuit, claiming it has also been impacted towards GARM’s alleged skew away from right wing voices and ideologies.

The platform announced its move on X where it accused GARM of being “a conspiracy to perpetrate an advertiser boycott of Rumble and others, and that's illegal”.

Since Musk took over the social media platform in October 2022, X has suffered a serious dive in ad dollars with the platform taking in US$2.5 billion in 2023, according to Bloomberg.

This was down from the US$1bn it was bringing in every quarter of 2022.

Musk triggered controversy again in November 2023 when he endorsed an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that Jewish communities push “hatred against whites”.

The X owner responded: “You have said the actual truth,” sparking an advertiser exodus that was reported to have lost the company as much as $75m, per The New York Times.

He made headlines again in the same month after blasting advertisers boycotting the social media platform, boldly declaring: “Go f**k yourself”.

“If somebody is going to try to blackmail me with advertising, blackmail me with money, go f**k yourself. Go f**k yourself. Is that clear? I hope it is,” he said. (Sky News Australia)

Full article and coverage via Sky News Australia

https://www.skynews.com.au/business/media/elon-musk-takes-garm-several-companies-to-court-over-alleged-advertising-boycott-of-x-outlined-in-bombshell-report/news-story/7bac6243aada770042d14ca84afc23e7

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Market, Commodities and Financial News Snapshot via Media Man

August 7, 2024

Australian Dollar: $0.6520 USD (up $0.0024 USD)

Iron Ore Sep Spot Price (SGX): $102.85 USD (down $0.70 USD)

Oil Price (WTI): $72.96 USD (down $1.02 USD)

Gold Price: $2,389.45 USD (down $19.96 USD)

Copper Price (CME): $4.0095 USD (up $0.0085 USD)

Bitcoin: $56,485.71 USD (up 3.10% in last 24 hours)

Dow Jones: 38,997.66 at 5.02pm NY time (up 294.39 points on yesterday's close)

(Roy Morgan Summary)

Twitter vs many other fact checker war and debate continues; Biden major casuality

Wrestling News niche has reached saturation point

Media and marketing news gets an impressive lift Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Australian Financial Review; News Limited's The Australian publishing impactful and insightful media and marketing news behind firewall

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Fox News Channel crushes CNN, MSNBC during historic news week to finish No. 1 in all of cable

Americans relied on Fox News for critical information and analysis

Americans relied on Fox News Channel for information and analysis during last week’s historic news events.

The aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Trump, JD Vance being named Trump’s running mate, the momentous Republican National Convention and President Biden dropping out of the race resulted in one of the most significant news cycles of all time from July 15-21.

During that time, Fox News topped all of television among primetime viewers, beating out broadcast competition and posting its highest-rated week since the 2020 election among both total day and primetime viewers.

During the RNC, Fox News averaged 6.7 million viewers from 8-11 p.m. ET for a staggering 75% share of the entire cable news primetime audience. CNN drew 1.2 million and MSNBC managed an average audience of 1.1 million.

On Sunday, Fox News reported that Biden ended his reelection campaign before CNN or MSNBC when anchor Mike Emanuel informed the audience at 1:50 p.m. ET. From 2-4 p.m. ET, as the news unfolded, Fox News averaged 3.5 million viewers compared to two million apiece for CNN and MSNBC.

Fox News then bumped regularly scheduled programming and attracted a primetime audience of 3.3 million on Sunday night with continued coverage of Biden stepping aside.

During the week of July 15, Fox News averaged 2.5 million total viewers to crush all cable competition. MSNBC averaged 716,000 to finish second, CNN managed 571,000 to finish third, followed by the Hallmark Channel and ESPN.

During primetime, Fox News averaged five million viewers compared to 1.3 million for No. 2 ESPN, while MSNBC, CNN and Hallmark rounded out the top five.

When it comes to the advertiser-coveted demographic of adults age 25-54, Fox News averaged 376,000 total day viewers compared to 174,000 for No. 2 ESPN. During primetime, Fox News averaged 790,000 demo viewers with runner-up ESPN averaging 528,000, followed by CNN, USA and TBS. Fox News beat CNN and MSNBC combined in all categories.

All data courtesy of Nielsen Media Research. (Fox News)

News

News.com.au holds number one news traffic ranking in April for fourth consecutive month - May 22, 2023

News.com.au has retained the number one news website traffic ranking for the fourth month in a row, reaching 12.71 million Australians in April.

The latest Ipsos Iris report showed the news website has resolidified its market-leading stance, although there was a three per cent dip month-on-month in unique audience. Average time on site per person, sitting at 29 minutes and 55 seconds, also slipped modestly compared to March.

Oliver Murray, news.com.au editor, pointed out April was a month when many should’ve switched off to enjoy Easter and the school holidays.

“It’s testament to our team that we kept serving up news they needed to read,” he said.

That content offering drew in the largest and most engaged audience in the news category, he pointed out – six in 10 online Australians.

“We saw a 17 per cent month-on-month increase in our sports audience to become the number one sports brand, driven by our NRL and AFL coverage,” Murray said.

“Australians also turned to us for travel news, reaching an audience of 2.541 million and leading the travel news category.”

The gap between news.com.au and rival ABC News, sitting in second spot, is sizeable. The national broadcaster’s web offering attracted the eyeballs of 11.14 million Aussies.

Rounding out the top five was nine.com.au with 10.73 million unique viewers, 7news.com.au on 10.06 million, and Daily Mail Australia on 8.35 million.

The Ipsos Iris report found 20.2 million people used a news website or app in April, with engagement increasing by 1.2% to almost six hours per person, per month.

Major news events ranging from the death of comedian Barry Humphries to the arrest of former US President Donald Trump and the federal budget helped fuel the increase, it said.

The report called out travel-related browsing in the month, given Easter and the school holidays, with 16.9 million Aussies aged 14 and above visiting a travel website or app in April.

Those in the 55-plus age bracket spent the most time browsing – 33% more than those under 55 – while women were more likely to use travel sites and apps than men. People aged 25 to 39 are the largest cohort engaging with travel content online.

(News.com.au)

News

Sydney Morning Herald is the country’s best-read masthead May 22, 2023

The Sydney Morning Herald has retained its position as Australia’s top masthead, with more readers across all platforms than any other over the 12 months to March this year.

Total News figures from the industry’s official data provider, Roy Morgan, showed 7.7 million people, or about one in three Australians, read the masthead. It puts the Herald ahead of its traditional NSW rival, the News Corp-owned Daily Telegraph, which has 3.98 million readers.

The Herald’s sister paper, The Age, cemented its place as the most-read Victorian masthead with 5.2 million readers, and the outlets’ Good Weekend magazine was the premier Saturday insert. It had an average print readership of 754,000 people, up 4 per cent for the quarter.

Print was a particular bright spot for this masthead, with the Monday to Friday newspaper recording 17 per cent growth year over year and quarterly growth of 4 per cent, taking its average readership per edition to 417,000. It marks the sixth consecutive quarter of growth for the physical newspaper, while the Sun Herald’s Sunday print edition was steady, up 1 per cent, to a readership of 423,000. In the last four weeks, an average of almost 1.9 million people read the printed paper.

The Herald and Age’s Good Food and Traveller titles had audiences of 1.49 million and 1.56 million, respectively, each month. Sunday Life had an average issue print readership of 419,000, and Domain defied a softening real estate market, seeing annual growth of 7 per cent and quarterly growth of 5 per cent, to record an average issue print readership of 537,000.

“I am proud of our team for achieving such a strong result, particularly given the challenging environment all publishers are finding themselves in right now,” Herald editor Bevan Shields said.

“The Herald continues to set the benchmark for quality journalism in Australia and I want to thank our subscribers and readers for their continued support for what we do.”

Roy Morgan’s data covers all news brands and digital news websites and tracks audiences on Apple News and Google News.

(The Sydney Morning Herald)

News

Financial Review most-read business masthead. By Sam Buckingham-Jones - May 22, 2023

The Australian Financial Review is the country’s most-read premium business masthead, reaching a print and digital audience of 3.5 million people, figures released by Roy Morgan show.

More than 1.1 million people read the print edition of the Financial Review over the past four weeks, and the masthead reported its third consecutive quarter of growth and a year-on-year increase of 6 per cent. The Australian suffered an annual drop of 17 per cent in print readership for the same period.

The Financial Review’s combined print and digital audience fell slightly from last quarter, from 3.6 million to 3.5 million, but the decline was smaller than rivals.

The AFR Weekend print edition readership grew 59 per cent, on the Roy Morgan figures, and 11 per cent in the last quarter. The weekend and weekday print editions have recorded their highest quarterly result since 2018.

The Australian Financial Review Magazine recorded a print readership of 481,000, after quarter-on-quarter growth of 12 per cent and annual growth of 14 per cent. This is AFR Magazine’s highest quarterly result since 2018.

“After the hit from COVID-19, it’s encouraging to see readers return to the newspaper edition of the nation’s premium business, finance and political publication,” said the masthead’s editor-in-chief, Michael Stutchbury.

“That’s an endorsement of the newsroom’s journalism, including our breaking and ongoing pursuit of the PwC tax scandal.

“At the same time, the Financial Review continues to hold the most digitally focused readership of any newspaper brand as we increase our share of that national market.”

Nine’s total publishing assets – including the Financial Review, nine.com.au, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WA Today, Domain Digital and more, reach a de-duplicated audience of 16.6 million Australians across print and digital.

ThinkNewsBrands, a group representing news publishers, says 16.5 million Australians read news each week and 20.6 million or 96 per cent of Australians read news each month.

The Total News readership figures are produced each quarter by Roy Morgan for ThinkNewsBrands.

(The Australian Financial Review)

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Netflix finally reveals how much it makes from Australians - 1st June 2023

Netflix made more than $1 billion from Australians last year, a figure the company reported for the first time after deciding no longer to funnel revenues through a Netherlands-based subsidiary.

Accounts lodged by the streaming giant show Netflix Australia made $1.06 billion in 2022, up from $30.7 million the year before.

The increase in reported revenue came after the company’s local subsidiary changed how it bills. It now describes itself as a “distributor of access” to Netflix Service as opposed to a provider of services for its parent company.

It was previously estimated that Netflix made between $790 million and $1.4 billion from Australians, but customers were billed by Netflix International BV. But from January 1 last year, customers were billed by Netflix Australia, meaning subscription revenue was recognised and taxed locally.

The accounts, filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, show Netflix Australia paid $966 million to the Netflix Group in distribution fees and other costs, meaning it made just $22.7 million from total revenues of $1.06 billion.

After paying $6.9 million in income tax, it reported $15.8 million profit for the year.

“As Netflix continues to grow and invest in Australia, we want our corporate structure to reflect our business activities here,” a spokesman for Netflix said last year when The Australian Financial Review reported the structural change.

In 2021, Netflix Australia reported $30.7 million in revenue, $2.4 million in profit pre-tax, and $1.5 million in profit after its $868,000 income tax bill.

Netflix does not disclose subscriber numbers for Australia, but the revenue figures included in its latest accounts implies the service has around five million customers locally, if its standard plan, $16.99 per month, is used as a guide. It has four monthly price tiers including a new, cheaper one that now adds some advertising.

According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, streaming services made a combined $2.49 billion in Australia in 2021.

The disclosure of Netflix’s true Australian revenue comes as the federal government considers introducing quotas that would force streaming companies to spend a certain amount making shows locally.

Some suggestions have been forcing them to spend between 10 and 20 per cent of local revenue on Australian shows, meaning Netflix would be required to spend, depending on the rate, between $100 million to $200 million.

ACMA estimates streaming providers spend $335.1 million on Australian content in the 12 months to the end of June last year, up from $178.9 million the year before.

Netflix has been contacted for comment.

News

Mistakes and miscalculations: How the Murdochs and Fox got it so wrong - 30th May 2023

In August 2021, the Fox Corp. board of directors gathered in Los Angeles. Among the topics on the agenda: Dominion Voting Systems’ $US1.6 billion ($2.5 billion) defamation lawsuit against its cable news network, Fox News.

The suit posed a threat to the company’s finances and reputation. But Fox’s chief legal officer, Viet Dinh, reassured the board: Even if the company lost at trial, it would ultimately prevail. The First Amendment was on Fox’s side, he explained, even if proving so could require going to the Supreme Court.

That determination informed a series of missteps and miscalculations over the next 20 months, according to a New York Times review of court and business records, and interviews with roughly a dozen people directly involved in or briefed on the company’s decision-making.

The case resulted in one of the biggest legal and business debacles in the history of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire: an avalanche of embarrassing disclosures from internal messages released in court filings; the largest known settlement in a defamation suit, $US787.5 million; two shareholder lawsuits; and the benching of Fox’s top prime-time star, Tucker Carlson.

And for all of that, Fox still faces a lawsuit seeking even more in damages, $US2.7 billion, filed by another subject of the stolen election theory, voting software company Smartmatic.

Caught flat-footed

Repeatedly, Fox executives overlooked warning signs about the damage they and their network would sustain, the Times found. They also failed to recognise how far their cable news networks, Fox News and Fox Business, had strayed into defamatory territory by promoting President Donald Trump’s election conspiracy theories — the central issue in the case. (Fox maintains it did not defame Dominion.)

When pretrial rulings went against the company, Fox did not pursue a settlement in any real way. Executives were then caught flat-footed as Dominion’s court filings included internal Fox messages that made clear how the company chased a Trump-loving audience that preferred his election lies to the truth.

It was only in February that Murdoch and his son with whom he runs the company, Lachlan Murdoch, began seriously considering settling. Yet they made no major attempt to do so until the eve of the trial in April, after still more damaging public disclosures.

At the centre of the action was Dinh and his overly rosy scenario.

Dinh, a high-level Justice Department official under President George W. Bush, declined several requests for comment, and the company declined to respond to questions about his performance or his legal decisions. “Discussions of specific legal strategy are privileged and confidential,” a company representative said in a statement.

The second half of 2020 brought Fox News to a crisis point. The Fox audience had come to expect favourable news about Trump. But Fox could not provide that on election night, when its decision desk team was first to declare that Trump had lost the critical state of Arizona.

In the days after, Trump’s fans switched off in droves.

The Fox host who was the first to find a way to draw the audience back was Maria Bartiromo. Five days after the election, she invited a guest, Trump-aligned lawyer Sidney Powell, to share details about the false accusations that Dominion, an elections technology company, had switched votes from Trump to Joe Biden.

Soon, wild claims about Dominion appeared elsewhere on Fox, including references to the election company’s supposed (but imagined) ties to the Smartmatic election software company; Hugo Chávez, the Venezuelan dictator who died in 2013; George Soros, the billionaire investor and Democratic donor; and China.

‘Fox News did its job, and this is what the First Amendment protects. I’m not at all concerned about such lawsuits, real or imagined.’

Fox’s chief legal officer Viet Dinh

On November 12, a Dominion spokesperson complained to Fox News Media chief executive Suzanne Scott and Fox News Media executive editor Jay Wallace, begging them to make it stop. “We really weren’t thinking about building a litigation record as much as we were trying to stop the bleeding,” said Thomas A. Clare, one of Dominion’s lawyers.

As Fox noted in its court papers, its hosts did begin including company denials. But as they continued to give oxygen to the false allegations, Dominion sent a letter to Fox News general counsel Lily Fu Claffee, demanding that Fox cease and correct the record. “Dominion is prepared to do what is necessary to protect its reputation and the safety of its employees,” the letter warned.

Fox, however, did not respond to the Dominion letter or comply with its requests — now a key issue in a shareholder suit filed in April, which maintains that doing so would have “materially mitigated” Fox’s legal exposure.

Three months after the election, another voting technology company tied to the Dominion conspiracy, Smartmatic, filed its own defamation suit against Fox, seeking $US2.7 billion in damages. Dominion told reporters that it was preparing to file one, too.

Dinh was publicly dismissive.

“The newsworthy nature of the contested presidential election deserved full and fair coverage from all journalists. Fox News did its job, and this is what the First Amendment protects,” Dinh said at the time. “I’m not at all concerned about such lawsuits, real or imagined.”

The Fox legal team based much of the defence on a doctrine known as the neutral reportage privilege. It holds that news organisations cannot be held financially liable for damages when reporting on false allegations made by major public figures as long as they don’t embrace or endorse them.

An early warning came in late 2021. The judge in the case, Eric M. Davis, rejected Fox’s attempt to use the neutral reportage defence to get the suit thrown out, determining that it was not recognised under New York law, which he was applying to the case. Even if it was recognised, Fox would have to show it reported on the allegations “accurately and dispassionately”, and Dominion had made a strong argument that Fox’s reporting was neither, the judge wrote in a ruling.

That ruling meant that Dominion could have access to Fox’s internal communications in discovery.

That was a natural time to settle. But Fox stuck with its defence and its plan.

Treasure trove

At nearly every step, the court overruled Fox’s attempts to limit Dominion’s access to private communications exchanged among hosts, producers and executives. The biggest blow came mid-last year, after a ruling stating that Dominion could review messages from the personal phones of Fox employees, including both Murdochs.

The result was a treasure trove of evidence for Dominion: text messages and emails that revealed the doubts that Rupert Murdoch had about the coverage airing on his network, and assertions by many inside Fox, including Carlson, that fraud could not have made a material difference in the election.

The messages led to even more damaging revelations during depositions. After Dominion’s lawyers confronted Rupert Murdoch with his own messages showing he knew Trump’s stolen election claims were false, he admitted that some Fox hosts appeared to have endorsed stolen election claims.

During Carlson’s deposition last year, Dominion’s lawyers asked about his use of a crude word to describe women — including a ranking Fox executive. They also mentioned a text in which he discussed watching a group of men, who he said were Trump supporters, attack “an Antifa kid”. He lamented in the text, “It’s not how white men fight,” and shared a momentary wish that the group would kill the person. He then said he regretted that instinct.

There is no indication that Carlson’s texts tripped alarms at the top of Fox at that point.

The alarms rang in February, when reams of other internal Fox communications became public. The public’s reaction was so negative that some people at the company believed that a jury could award Dominion more than $US1 billion. Yet the company made no serious bid to settle.

All along, the Fox board had been taking a wait-and-see approach.

But the judge’s pretrial decisions began to change the board’s thinking. Also, in those final days before the trial, Fox was hit with new lawsuits. One, from former Fox producer Abby Grossberg, accused Carlson of promoting a hostile work environment. Another, filed by a shareholder, accused the Murdochs and several directors of failing to stop the practices that made Fox vulnerable to legal claims.

The weekend before the trial was to begin, the board asked Fox to see the internal Fox communications that were not yet public but that could still come out in the courtroom.

The board learned for the first time of the Carlson text that referred to “how white men fight”. Dinh did not know about the message until that weekend, according to two people familiar with the matter.

By the time the board learned of the message, the Murdochs had already determined that a trial loss could be far more damaging than they were initially told to expect. A substantial jury award could weigh on the company’s stock for years as the appeals process played out.

“The distraction to our company, the distraction to our growth plans — our management — would have been extraordinarily costly, which is why we decided to settle,” Lachlan Murdoch said at an investment conference this month.

The text also helped lead to the Murdochs’ decision to abruptly pull Carlson off the air. Their view had hardened that their top-rated star wasn’t worth all the downsides he brought with him.

Still pending is the Smartmatic suit. In April, Fox agreed to hand over additional internal documents relating to several executives, including the Murdochs and Dinh. In a statement reminiscent of Dinh’s early view of the Dominion case, the network said that Fox was protected by the First Amendment.

“We will be ready to defend this case surrounding extremely newsworthy events when it goes to trial, likely in 2025,” the statement said.

News

Lachlan Murdoch explains $1.2b settlement, says Fox News won’t change ‘successful strategy’ - 10th May 2023

Fox News paid $US787 million ($1.16 billion) to settle a recent lawsuit on its reporting after the 2020 election to avoid a divisive trial and lengthy appeals process, its parent company’s chief executive said.

Lachlan Murdoch, executive chairman and CEO of Fox Corp., also noted that a Delaware judge “severely limited” Fox’s defences against Dominion Voting Systems, which said the network defamed it by airing bogus charges of election fraud that it knew was untrue.

Fox Corp announced that it had lost $US50 million the previous three months, which it attributed to the lawsuit settlement. Murdoch, who answered questions from financial analysts, was speaking in public for the first time since the case ended and Fox fired its most popular anchor, Tucker Carlson. Carlson has just announced he is launching a new show on Twitter.

Murdoch said viewers, and investors, should expect no change in direction from Fox News.

“We made the business decision to resolve this dispute and avoid the acrimony of a divisive trial and multi-year appeal process, a decision clearly in the best interests of the company and its shareholders,” he said.

Fox still believes it was properly exercising its First Amendment rights to report on newsworthy fraud allegations made by former President Donald Trump, even though that defence was shot down in a pre-trial court ruling in the Dominion case, Murdoch said.

That’s important, since Murdoch said Fox intends to use the same defence against a similar lawsuit by another elections technology company, Smartmatic. That case is not expected to go to trial until at least 2025, he said.

Despite being asked directly about Carlson’s exit, Murdoch didn’t mention the former prime-time host’s name and referred to his reign obliquely. Fox has not explained why it cut ties with Carlson.

“There’s no change in programming strategy at Fox News,” he said. “It’s obviously a successful strategy. As always, we are adjusting our programming and our lineup and that’s what we continue to do.”

Although hurt by the Carlson exit, Fox News remains the leading cable news network.

Fox has lost viewers following Carlson’s firing. Last week’s substitute host, Lawrence Jones, reached between 1.28 million and 1.7 million last week in a time slot where Carlson usually drew around 3 million, the Nielsen company said.

Yet Fox has gained more than 40 new advertisers in that hour, the network said, confirming a report in Variety. Advertisers like Gillette, Scott’s Miracle Gro and Secret deodorant that had considered Carlson’s show a toxic environment have signed on.

(AP)

News

Jesse Armstrong on the roots of Succession: ‘Would it have landed the same way without the mad bum-rush of Trump’s presidency?’ - 27th May 2023

It has been the TV drama of our time – a brutal, hilarious unpicking of how power works. As the series comes to an end, its creator looks back at its origin and the unholy trinity of men who helped inspire Logan Roy

My first vivid memory of the project that would develop into Succession was trying to get out of it. It was about 2008 and I was on location for the filming of Peep Show, the UK sitcom my longtime writing partner Sam Bain and I wrote together. Between that show and my work on The Thick of It and In the Loop, and a bunch of other things, I was feeling overcommitted. That particular day we were pretending a very normal field in Hertfordshire was a safari park. I sloped off from set and, hiding from imaginary lions, tried to elegantly step away from the project.

I failed. And in the following months as I wrote, slowly, I became certain the script was a dud. It was stodgy and odd. The original idea, a faux-documentary laying out Rupert Murdoch’s business secrets, with them delivered straight to camera, evolved as I worked into a sort of TV play, set at the media owner’s 80th birthday party. Channel 4 were supportive, but it was an odd form, this docudrama/TV-play, and difficult to make happen. Around 2011, after a read-through in London where John Hurt played Rupert, the project essentially died.

My US agent was the first person I recall suggesting a totally different approach. A fictional family, a multi-series US show. For five years or so, I dismissed the idea, certain that a portrayal of a fictional family would never have the power of a real one. Four works changed my mind: HBO’s excellent Robert Durst documentary, The Jinx; Sumner Redstone’s grimly business-focused autobiography, A Passion to Win; James B Stewart’s propulsive DisneyWar; and Tom Bower’s fascinating Robert Maxwell biography Maxwell: The Final Verdict. These turned the idea of doing a media-family drama without a singular real-life model from a terrible betrayal of reality into a tantalising chance to harvest all the best stories. Here was an opportunity to explore all the most fascinating family dynamics within a propitiously balanced fictional hybrid media conglomerate. I took a long, deep dive into rich-family and media-business research.

I talked about this, as-yet-unwritten, idea in half-ironised terms as ‘Festen-meets-Dallas’

When Sam and I decided to bring things to a close on Peep Show, I flew out to pitch this media show around LA. I had a clear idea of where I wanted to develop it, but my agent persuaded me appetites would be whetted if we had a number of potential homes. So I spent three days doing a round of pitch meetings where I talked about this as-yet-unwritten idea in half-ironised terms as “Festen-meets-Dallas”. No stars, Dogme 95 camerawork. Scared of driving on the five-lane highways, I bumped around town in the back of a Honda Civic while a nice young man from my US agent’s mailroom ferried me between rooms stocked with identical tiny bottles of water and executives of vastly varying degrees of interest.

Eventually, I got to HBO, the place I most wanted the show to land, home to The Sopranos and Six Feet Under. I knew they might be receptive. Frank Rich – once known as the “Butcher of Broadway” for his theatre criticism, but now an in-house consigliere – had championed my work there to the boss, Richard Plepler, and I’d previously developed a show with them. So, out the back of a French-style bistro on a three-cappuccino high, I pitched it to their head of drama and comedy, Casey Bloys.

Sometimes a pitch stretches thin and threadbare, the fabric renting as you go, the other party peeping grimly through the holes. Other times, the air thickens, and you can feel the atmosphere in the room turn oxygen-rich as the enthusiasm you are trying to project transforms into an enthusiasm you are actually feeling.

By the time I left LA, HBO had made an offer and Adam McKay, fresh from The Big Short, had said he would be interested in directing. I’d written another Succession forerunner, a script about the US political strategist Lee Atwater, for Adam and his producing partner Kevin Messick. It had been one of the few LA experiences I’d had where the excitement expressed at the start of the project sustained through the writing and attempts to get it made.

This was 2016 and, once back in the UK, I wrote the pilot through the spring and summer in a one-room flat I rented on Brixton Hill, south London, walking across Brockwell Park each morning, listening to podcasts and reading news about the Brexit referendum. Scotland had recently voted by a narrow majority to stay inside the UK and the abiding sense right before the Brexit vote was, yeah, change looms, it glistens, menacingly, promisingly, but it doesn’t happen. Not really. Really, everything stays the same.

But then it did happen. And across the Atlantic, the Trump campaign was igniting – even if initially his candidacy felt like a slightly amusing, slightly too-vivid flash in the pan. Into early autumn, in fact, all serious people were still explaining to one another that Trump couldn’t happen. Although I suppose, looking back, there was a notable lack of detail in terms of the mechanism by which he would be stopped.

I think a lot of the better films and TV shows I’ve been involved with have at their heart a quite simple impulse around which the more subtle layers are spun. In the Loop’s spark was anger at the Iraq war. Chris Morris’s Four Lions I think was driven by his gut feeling that something was very wrong with the way we understood jihadi terrorism in the UK. Peep Show was about oddball male friendship, perhaps even “masculinity”.

I guess the simple things at the heart of Succession ended up being Brexit and Trump. The way the UK press had primed the EU debate for decades. The way the US media’s conservative outriders prepared the way for Trump, hovered at the brink of support and then dived in. The British press of Rothermere, Maxwell, Murdoch and the Barclay brothers, and the US news environment of Fox and Breitbart.

The Sun doesn’t run the UK, nor does Fox entirely set the media agenda in the US, but it was hard not to feel, at the time the show was coming together, the particular impact of one man, of one family, on the lives of so many. Rightwing populism was on the march across the globe. But in the fine margins of the Brexit vote and Trump’s eventual electoral college victory, one couldn’t help but think about the influence of the years of anti-EU stories and comment in the UK press, the years of Fox dancing with its audience, sometimes leading, sometimes following, as the wine got stronger, the music madder. It was politically alarming and creatively appealing: to imagine the mixture of business imperatives and political instinct that exist within a media operation; to consider what happens when something as important as the flow of information in a democracy hits the reductive brutality of the profit calculation inside such a company. How those elements might rebound emotionally and psychologically inside a family as it considered the question of corporate succession.

For Logan Roy, Murdoch, Redstone and Maxwell were my holy trinity of models. But Conrad Black, Brian L Roberts of Comcast, Robert Mercer of Breitbart, Julian Sinclair Smith of Sinclair, Tiny Rowland, Rothermere, Beaverbrook and Hearst all fed in. The three central models were wildly different, of course: the self-made refugee Maxwell and the already-rich Murdoch, a scion of Australian journalistic royalty, both so different from the tough Boston lawyer Redstone who started with a couple of his father’s drive-in cinemas.

But they were connected by a strong interest in a few things: a refusal to think about mortality (Redstone and Murdoch both used to make the same joke about their succession plan: not dying); desire for control; manic deal-making energy; love of gossip and power-connection; a certain ruthlessness about hirings and firings. And most of all, an instinct for forward motion, with a notable lack of introspection.

Perhaps the best part of Redstone’s autobiography for a casual reader is the opening, where he recounts clinging by one hand to a hotel balcony through a fire. Despite suffering third-degree burns over half his body, years of rehabilitation, excruciatingly painful skin grafts, he says this event, after which he made all his biggest business plays, had no impact whatsoever on the trajectory of his life.

Whether due to all this grist, or the aligning of the political planets (in)auspiciously, the pilot came unnervingly easily. Getting names in a script to feel real can be hard for me – they’re a tell-tale sign of whether I’m living inside it. Kendall, Shiv, Roman, Connor. They all felt right straight off the bat. Their inspirations, I suppose, were the children of these magnates: three of the Maxwell kids, the ones closest to the business (the boys, Ian and Kevin) and to their father (Ghislaine). Brent and Shari Redstone, with whom Sumner played a tough and complicated game of bait-and-switch over CBS-Paramount succession. And the Murdoch children, Prudence, Lachlan, James, Elisabeth, Chloe and Grace.

But getting those names for the Roy children made them feel like their own individuals to me. It allowed me to pour in just what I wanted from the real world, fill each with all the faults they might have inherited, while giving me room to add some extra, just for them.

Greg and Tom came fast, too. Tom from two roots. One was thinking about the sort of lunks I’ve occasionally seen powerful women choose as partners. Plausible, manly men with big watches and a soothing affable manner. That mixed with the deadly courtier, a more 18th-century figure, minutely attuned to shifts in power and influence, an invisible deadly gas that occurs in certain confined places and rises to kill anyone unwise enough not to take precautions. A hanger-on sustained by some Fitzgeraldian illusions about the world, a sense that perhaps the rich really are different from us and a romantic ambition to make it in New York City.

Greg, I guess, was a distant relative of the sort of political adviser I had myself briefly been. Gormless, clueless, out of place and gauche. But not without an eye for a deal. And, I hope, a little more wheedling and insinuating than I ever was.

The scenes flowed. I put all research aside and followed my nose and wrote pretty much exactly what I wanted

The charge between these two semi-outsiders struck me from the start as toxic and comic. Tom, the interloper, is like an organism that has found a precarious but rewarding perch above some deep oceanic vent and adapted itself to conditions perfectly. He is not pleased at all to see a similar creature scuttling along hoping to share the same cramped evolutionary niche. That first half-bullying, half-provocative exchange they share in the outfield at a softball game in the pilot landed them right in the middle of a stew they’ve been cooking in ever since.

The scenes flowed. I had eaten a very large amount of research, but once I was writing I put it all aside and followed my nose and wrote pretty much exactly what I wanted. It felt funny but odd and broken-ended, fragmentary, abrupt, oblique and slightly brutal. When I emailed it off, I had the familiar feeling that Adam, Frank and HBO might email back to say not only was it not good, it wasn’t even actually, technically, a script. But their response was frighteningly positive. Almost as though the script was finished, after what was, I thought, a quick first draft. I think every other episode of Succession has gone to at least 30 drafts – usually 50. The pilot barely hit 15.

We had our read-through in New York on US election day 2016. Before we started, I made the sort of joke lots of people made that day, assuming the polls were right and Hillary Clinton was going to squeeze it. That night we gathered in Adam McKay’s apartment to watch the results roll in. Much later, I walked a long walk back from Soho to where I was staying near the United Nations looking at the electoral college numbers projected on to the Empire State Building.

We started filming the next day.

I still wonder whether Succession would have landed in the same way without the mad bum-rush of news and sensation Trump’s chaotic presidency provided. Trump wasn’t the firebombing of German civilians, and nor is Succession Slaughterhouse-Five, but I do sometimes think about Vonnegut saying no one in the world profited from the firebombing of Dresden, except himself.

This is an edited extract from Succession: The Complete Scripts – Seasons One, Two and Three (Faber & Faber), out now at £20 each. To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copies for £17.60 each from guardianbookshop.com.

The final episode of Succession airs in the UK on Sky Atlantic/Now on Monday. Jesse Armstrong donated the fee for this article to the Writers Guild of America strike assistance fund.

News

LIV Golf announces new pay-per-view option - 26th May 2023

"The hope for LIV is to grow off the success first seen on YouTube in 2022, where the league attracted tournament audiences of several hundred-thousand views in the U.S. and abroad."

Going forward, LIV Golf Series events will be available via a pay-per-view option on YouTube.

The new deal was detailed by James Colgan of Golf.com.

“Less than six months after signing a media rights agreement with the CW, LIV announced Friday that it has created a new, pay-per-view broadcast option to run on YouTube,” Colgan reported. “The PPV broadcast will cost $3 per tournament day, LIV said in a release announcing the decision, and will run in addition to the league’s agreement with the CW.”

Colgan also detailed that “A LIV source indicated that the CW is aware of the decision to introduce a pay-per-view model, and that the decision does not violate any of the league’s preexisting broadcast agreements.”

“The hope for LIV is to grow off the success first seen on YouTube in 2022, where the league attracted tournament audiences of several hundred-thousand views in the U.S. and abroad. The league already has its own direct-to-consumer subscription platform, LIV Golf Plus, which the PPV channel will run counter to. LIV broadcasts will continue to be streamed for free on the CW app.”

This announcement comes less than two weeks after a rather embarrassing moment for the tour. One week before LIV’s Brooks Koepka triumphed at the PGA Championship, the Saudi-backed golf series was in Tulsa.

On one hand, it was a perfect showcase event for LIV. Two of its most high-profile players, Dustin Johnson and Cam Smith, went to a three-way playoff (along with Branden Grace). But most of the people watching did not get to see Johnson’s eventual triumph.

The CW, the league’s primary broadcast partner, went away from coverage in the vast majority of its markets, showing “regularly scheduled programming.” Jim Nantz was quick to make a joke at LIV’s expense on the matter at the PGA Championship. The CW also announced a change, saying that all events will be shown to their conclusions going forward.

[Golf.com]

News

WWE Night Of Champions Reportedly Earned Highest Viewership Of Any Saudi Arabia Show - 31st May 2023

According to a report from Fightful Select, Saturday's Night of Champions PLE scored WWE the highest viewership out of any of the company's Saudi Arabia events since the partnership between the two began in 2013. The report states that Night of Champions brought in an 18% increase in viewership compared to last year's Crown Jewel event, and the company is reportedly quite happy with its holiday weekend results.

Night of Champions was headlined by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn successfully defending the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline, with a major angle taking place on the show that saw The Usos turn on Reigns after more than a year of build-up and tension.This marks the second time a tag team match has served as the main event of a major WWE show in recent months. Additional matches on the show included Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles to decide the first WWE World Heavyweight Champion, a singles match between Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus, and a Backlash rematch pitting Brock Lesnar against Cody Rhodes, among others.

To date, WWE has held nine PPVs and PLEs in Saudi Arabia, along with three house shows. Back in 2019, WWE announced that they had "expanded their partnership" with Saudi Arabia, and that they would be hosting two major events per year in the Middle Eastern nation through at least 2027. Though it hasn't been announced yet, WWE will likely return to Saudi Arabia for another Crown Jewel event later this year.

News

Pat McAfee Comments On Empty Seats At AEW Double Or Nothing - 31st May 2023

All Elite Wrestling's Double or Nothing pay-per-view took place this past weekend at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the event, Wrestlenomics' Brandon Thurston tweeted images of empty seats inside the venue. Wrestling Observer's Bryan Alvarez also posted a photo from his ringside position, which showed many unoccupied places behind Orange Cassidy after he retained the AEW International Championship in a Blackjack Battle Royal. Former "WWE SmackDown" commentator Pat McAfee has weighed in with his thoughts.

"Anytime you get a shot away from hard cam, you know what I mean, you can really see a lot of things," McAfee said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "AEW found out this weekend or whatever at one of their events, it's like three quarters of an arena completely empty. They don't want that photo out anywhere."

Ahead of the pay-per-view going live on Sunday night, WrestleTix revealed 10,229 tickets had been distributed for an 11,641 setup inside the T-Mobile Arena, leaving 1,412 tickets available. An Anarchy in the Arena match headlined the show, with Blackpool Combat Club's Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, reigning ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta picking up the win in that bout against The Elite's Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, and "Hangman" Adam Page.

AEW's next major standalone show, All In, which will take place on August 27 at Wembley Stadium in London, England, has currently sold over 65,000 tickets and has a gate of over $8 million. No matches have been announced for AEW's first event across the pond as of this writing. Ticket sales for All In have slowed following an initial surge.

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WWE-UFC merged company to be called ‘TKO Group Holdings’ - 16th May 2023

A name has emerged for the group.

Coming out of WrestleMania, it was announced by Endeavor that an agreement had been reached with WWE and the company would be merging with UFC to form a new sports and entertainment company.

The deal has not been formally finalized but a name for the merged group has been revealed. CNBC’s Alex Sherman and Mike Calia published a story and an Endeavor spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that the new group is going to be called ‘TKO Group Holdings’.

It will trade under the New York Stock Exchange as ‘TKO’.

The merger between WWE and UFC is being valued at $20 billion. Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel will be the CEO of TKO Group and Vince McMahon is going to serve as Executive Chairman.

News

Nick Khan Says WWE In Talks With International Cities For 2024 PLEs

It sounds as though WWE will continue expanding its PLEs into international markets next year. Speaking at the JP Morgan Global Technology, Media & Communications Conference, WWE CEO Nick Khan stated that the company was discussing the potential for additional overseas shows in 2024.

"We're in conversations now with a lot of international cities about doing 2024 shows there," Khan said. "Also, part of the intent is to match those up with our media rights, even if they're not up to over-deliver for incumbent partners who can then invite their partners in the international city to the event, and host them. It's good for our overall business." Khan's comments came as part of a conversation about countries offering subsidies to WWE for bringing shows there, as the company brings a great deal of revenue to the city for major events. Khan cited recent events in Puerto Rico as well as the Dallas, Texas area as examples.

Previous rumors pointed toward Australia as a potential location for a future international WWE PLE. However, it's unknown if negotiations with the country have progressed in the months since.

WWE has steadily ramped up its major international shows over the last five years, with the company holding several yearly events in Saudi Arabia, as well as last year's Clash at the Castle and the upcoming Money in the Bank both being held in the United Kingdom. It seems fans around the world should stay on the lookout for upcoming announcements regarding WWE's international schedule in 2024.

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“We Let People Go”: Months After $21.4 Billion UFC-WWE Deal, Endeavor CEO Recalls “Horrible” Time for Organization - 2nd June 2023

The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges for individuals and organizations alike, and the UFC was no exception. The promotional frontman Dana White has reflected on those uncertain times and shared the struggles the organization faced in keeping things going. Despite the pandemic, White was determined to keep the show running and provide entertainment for fight fans worldwide. While the rest of the world was shut down, the UFC managed to organize consistent events, albeit on a smaller scale. However, this arduous journey was not without its fair share of hardships.

Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor, the parent company of the UFC and William Morris Endeavor talent agency, revealed the significant challenges they encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though Endeavor recently secured a massive $21.4 billion deal to acquire the WWE, during the COVID-19 days, the company found itself at rock bottom struggling to stay afloat.

When Covid-19 posed a threat to the UFC

In an interview on the “Freakonomics Radio” podcast, Emanuel shared how the pandemic affected the company financially. During the interview, podcast host Stephen Dubner asked Emanuel, “Did you think COVID might kill Endeavor?”. Reflecting on this, the 62-year-old CEO replied, “It was bad,” He continued, “I’d never had to fire that many people.”

Emanuel mentioned that the continuation of UFC fights during the pandemic played a crucial role in saving the company, accounting for approximately 70% of their revenue that year. Further talking about the struggles to keep the organization alive during the pandemic, the Endeavor CEO stated, “We had our ESPN deal. We then started making deals for writers. So we stored all the cash. We didn’t let anything out. We let people go, which was horrible, or furloughed them.”

Through the storm, Endeavor’s leadership team, led by Emanuel, proved to be the lighthouse that guided them to safer shores. The UFC’s resilience and the implementation of innovative strategies, such as the ‘Fight Island’ events, not only salvaged the company but also became a beacon of hope for other professional sports leagues.

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“Very, Very Easy for Jon Jones”: Ex-UFC Star Ruthlessly Shuts Down Tyson Fury Days After Boxer’s Callout of UFC Champ in Ugly Public Feud - 1st June 2023

The claim made by Joe Rogan that Tyson Fury would stand no chance against Jon Jones has sparked an intense and never-ending debate. Recently, another prominent figure from the UFC, the world of mixed martial arts, has jumped into this heated discussion. However, ‘The Gypsy King’ himself strongly opposed the take of the UFC commentator and didn’t hold back in expressing his views. In fact, he went as far as bashing Rogan and proudly proclaimed himself to be ‘the baddest man on the planet’.

As the back and forth continued between Fury and Rogan, UFC president Dana White has stepped in, proposing a potential fight between Fury and Jones. However, the WBC heavyweight champion firmly refused to step into the octagon, dismissing the idea altogether. This decision faced an immediate backlash from fans who had eagerly anticipated the materialization of this debate inside the fighting arena.

Despite the disappointment felt by fans, it becomes evident that the 34-year-old boxer has no intention of venturing into the octagon. On the contrary, a former UFC welterweight challenger believes that Fury would fare well in the realm of mixed martial arts. However, he warns that there may be unforeseen challenges along the way.

Tyson Fury will have a Jon Jones threat in MMA

During a recent interview, the former UFC fighter Dan Hardy shared his reflections on the latest happenings in the combat sports world, ranging from boxing to MMA. However, it was the Tyson Fury-Jon Jones debate that took center stage.

The 41-year-old Hardy began by heaping praise on ‘The Gypsy King’ for his potential in MMA, stating, “Tyson Fury doesn’t come from a boxing background. He comes from a fighting man background. Tyson Fury sees himself as a fighter first that boxes, and I think he looks at mixed martial arts and sees lots of ways he can capitalize on the changing of the rules.”

Continuing his analysis, Hardy mentioned Fury’s collaboration with Tom Aspinall and how he has showcased proficient elbows and knees in the videos shared with him. ‘The Outlaw’ confidently stated, “I feel like Tyson Fury would be really good if he crossed over to mixed martial arts. Of course, there’d be a lot for him to learn. The main issue would be, he’d be very, very easy for Jon Jones to take down. And I think that’s something that Tyson has not experienced and has not and has not really quite comprehended.”

Meanwhile, Jon Jones recently made a strong statement in his heavyweight debut, securing a first-round victory against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 after returning from a three-year-long hiatus.

This certainly explains Dan Hardy’s warning to Tyson Fury. How do you think ‘The Gypsy King’ would fare in MMA?

News

Dwayne Johnson to Return as Luke Hobbs in New ‘Fast and Furious’ Standalone Film - 7th June 2023

Dwayne Johnson is returning to the “Fast and Furious” universe with a new standalone film, reprising his franchise role as Luke Hobbs.

Universal Pictures announced the project on Thursday. Longtime “Fast and Furious” collaborator Chris Morgan wrote the untitled film’s script. Plot details were not available, though individuals familiar with the deal said the new movie will bridge between the events of the just-released “Fast X” and the upcoming “Fast X: Part II,” which is expected in 2025. Johnson just appeared as Hobbs, a diplomatic security service agent, in a credits scene for “Fast X.”

Johnson will produce the film with Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia for their Seven Bucks Productions, along with Vin Diesel and Samantha Vincent via their One Race Films. Additional producers include Chris Morgan for his Chris Morgan Productions, Jeff Kirschenbaum for Roth/Kirschenbaum Films and Neal Moritz for Original Film.

Screenwriter Morgan wrote and produced “Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” and “The Fate of the Furious.” He’s also scripted and executive produced the fifth, sixth and seventh entries in the franchise. Directed by Louis Leterrier, “Fast X” opened at No. 1 around the world in May with $320 million and became the second-biggest global opening of 2023.

Johnson announced Hobbs’ return with a video posted to social media with the caption: “Your reactions around the world to Hobbs’ return in ‘Fast X’ have blown us away. The next ‘Fast & Furious’ film you’ll see the legendary lawman in will be the Hobbs movie that will serve as a fresh, new chapter & set up for ‘Fast X: Part II.'”

“Last summer Vin Diesel and I put all the past behind us,” Johnson added. “We’ll lead with brotherhood and resolve – and always take care of the franchise, characters & fans that we love. I’ve built my career on an ‘audience first’ mentality and that will always serve as my north star.”

Johnson is repped by WME, lawyers Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc. and The Lede Company.

Seven Bucks has co-produced films like Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” and the DC Studios entires “Black Adam” and “DC League of Super-Pets.” Original series include NBC’s “Young Rock” and “The Titan Games.” Johnson will next produce and star in “Red One” at Amazon Studios and Disney’s live-action “Moana.”

News

13 States Comment On Possibility Of Allowing Gambling On WWE Matches

In March 2023, CNBC reported that WWE was working toward legalizing gambling on wrestling matches, enlisting the services of accounting firm Ernst & Young, with Michigan, Colorado, and Indiana mentioned as the initial targets. As of now, betting on WWE matches is only available at offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline.ag, based out of Antigua, and Bovada, based out of Latvia. Betting on matches in America would open up new streams of revenue for WWE and add some mainstream legitimacy to the sports entertainment powerhouse.

Since that report broke, however, it's been nothing bad news for WWE in the gambling department. Dave Meltzer has reported that WWE's efforts aren't going well — Colorado denied talking to WWE and said that "By statute, wagers on events with fixed or predicted outcomes ... are strictly prohibited in Colorado." Indiana told Casino.org that it had "no interest in approving wagering on scripted events," and Michigan also denied any recent talks with WWE, while New Hampshire Lottery Commission executive director Charlie McIntyre deemed it "very unlikely" betting on WWE gets approved in New Hampshire.

In light of this, Wrestling Inc. reached out to multiple states about the possibility of legalized betting on WWE matches. Each gambling commission was asked 1) how likely WWE would be to succeed if they pitched gambling on matches to them, and 2) if there were any regulations, laws, or statutes that barred betting on something with predetermined outcomes. 13 states -– Arizona, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington -– responded. While their responses varied slightly, overall, they paint a picture of increasingly fewer opportunities, and increasingly more obstacles, for legal gambling on WWE matches to get approved.

At least three states say they wouldn't allow gambling on WWE as a matter of policy, even if there are no explicit laws against it.

Kerry Hemphill, Manager of Sports Betting Product at the Oregon Lottery, made it clear that gambling on WWE wouldn't be allowed as a matter of policy in the Beaver State: "Although there is no law or statute that forbids it, Oregon Lottery sports betting policy is to not accept wagers on scripted events with predicted outcomes."

Seth Elkin, Assistant Director of Communications for Public Affairs for Maryland Lottery and Gaming, also told us his state had made a determination on the matter. "Maryland's sports wagering law and regulations prohibit forms of wagering that are contrary to public policy or unfair to bettors," he said. "We've determined that it is unfair to bettors, and therefore not in the public's interest, to accept wagers on sports entertainment events that have predetermined outcomes, like professional wrestling."

Meanwhile, a representative from the South Dakota Department of Revenue simply said, "WWE wrestling matches would not be eligible for sports wagering in South Dakota."

Iowa and Ohio say no to betting on predetermined events

Two more states said that predetermined events weren't permitted, but made a point to highlight policy and procedure. Brian J. Ohorilko, Administrator of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, also shot down gambling on wrestling for the time being.

"Predetermined events are not permitted in the State of Iowa," he told Wrestling Inc. "Iowa law defines and permits professional sporting events and sports-related events; however, fixed or predetermined outcomes are not explicitly permitted. As such, and for other integrity concerns, the commission has not permitted predetermined events in any of the approved wagering markets."

Ohorilko also brought up the process that would be required for any kind of legalization: "From a practical standpoint, any request would need to come with a legal opinion as to how this would be permitted under Iowa law," he said. "It would need to go through legal review with consultation from the AG office. If legal review passes, the commission would still need to review policy and integrity concerns with respect to the activity having predetermined outcomes. Approval would be needed before this type of wagering activity could take place."

Ohio tells a similar story. Jessica Franks, Director of Communications for the Ohio Casino Control Commission, pointed us towards Rule 3775-11-01 of the Ohio Administrative Code — the process for adding to Ohio's catalog of wagers and events. She said the Commission's review of such requests includes, but is not limited to, the following criteria:

The quality of the governing body's documented integrity program.

The general availability of information related to the governing body.

The professional or skill level status of athletes.

The history of integrity related to events sanctioned by the governing body.

This already puts the WWE in shaky territory, but it's seemingly locked out for good with the following consideration: "Please note that the Commission will not approve requests for wagers/events involving 'Events which are pre-recorded or in which the outcome has been otherwise previously determined.'"

Arizona and Connecticut have laws against betting on fixed outcomes

At least two states have laws in place that would ban gambling on WWE matches.

Max Hartgraves, Public Information Officer at the Arizona Department of Gaming, provided a straightforward statement: "Arizona statute prohibits gambling on fixed events."

Meanwhile, when asked how likely WWE would be to garner approval for gambling on matches, Kaitlyn Krasselt, Communications Director at Connecticut Department of Consumer Protections, said "I cannot speculate on that." That said, she did inform Wrestling Inc. about state regulations on gambling: "Connecticut law only allows wagering on sporting or athletic events. WWE is sports entertainment. The 'matches' are predetermined by the company and are scripted. There is no regulation body for professional wrestling, and WWE is one of several companies that offers this type of entertainment. With a predetermined outcome, this would not be considered a sport. It is considered entertainment. Wagering on the Oscars, for example, is also not permitted in Connecticut."

That last part is significant, since CNBC's report mentioned that WWE executives were using Oscar betting as an example for regulators.

Maine and Montana agree with most of their colleagues

Two states specifically cited the statements from Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, and New Hampshire in their responses. After hearing that four other states had expressed skepticism over betting on WWE, Maine Gambling Control Unit Executive Director Milton Champion said, "On the surface, without looking into the matter, I would concur with my colleagues. Operators will submit with their application events that they want to take wagers on, and I shall approve them."

Daniel Iverson, Content Manager for the Montana Lottery, said something similar. "Montana does not intend to add WWE markets, for the same reasons our counterparts cited," he advised, before directing any questions on state law to the Montana Department of Justice Gambling Control Division.

New Jersey and Massachusetts punted, for now

Two states we contacted declined to comment on the matter, not wanting to address issues that haven't come before them yet. Thomas Mills, Communications Division Chief of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, said, "I appreciate your question, but am unable to speculate on a hypothetical action the Commission may or may not take."

Dan Prochilo, Public Information Officer at the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, responded that "The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) cannot comment on any hypothetical discussion with an operator or league about future sports betting opportunities." He added that "In New Jersey, an entity seeking permission for a contest to be authorized for wagering on a sports event is required to submit its proposal to DGE for evaluation and approval pursuant to state law and regulations."

Prochilo also provided the state's legal definition of a "sports event" for the purposes of gambling. Notably, it includes the phrase "A 'sports event' shall include any live competition or talent contest, including awards competitions[.]"

New Jersey and Massachusetts are two of the only states that allow betting on the Oscars, with New Jersey okaying it in 2019 (the first state to do so) and Massachusetts greenlighting it in 2023. It's unknown if WWE will approach either state or how each state would respond, but at bare minimum, WWE's argument to treat wrestling like the Oscars for betting purposes might carry some weight.

Washington and New Mexico illustrate the challenges of Tribal gaming

Washington is unique among the states who responded to us, in that sports wagering is only available on Tribal lands yet still regulated by the state. Sports wagering was legalized, subject to terms of Tribal/State Compacts, on Tribal lands in 2020. All wagering, even online betting, must take place on Tribal lands, and each casino decides bets within certain limitations. The Angel of the Winds Casino and Resort and the ilani Casino Resort, for example, don't 100% overlap on sports offered for betting.

But WWE, or any wrestling, won't be joining those offering under current rules and regulations. Dan Wegenast, Agent In Charge for the Tribal Gaming Unit of the Washington State Gambling Commission, pointed Wrestling Inc. towards the Tribal/State Compacts for sports wagering. He also stated that "Washington State law and the Tribal/State Compacts for sports wagering ... prohibit wagers on events with known outcomes."

To further illustrate the complications of garnering approval for gaming on Tribal lands, a representative from the New Mexican Gaming Control Board told Wrestling Inc. that sports betting is illegal in their state, but legal with some Tribes. That said, New Mexico does not regulate Tribal gaming, meaning that approval would likely have to be worked out with each Tribe individually.

There are other obstacles, too

It's worth noting that gambling laws are constantly changing. Many states without gambling –- such as North Carolina -– have spent years hammering out legislation that would approve gambling off Tribal lands. Additionally, for states with legalized gambling, internal policies are not inherently laws, and can be subject to change under the right circumstances.

That said, even if WWE manages to get gambling on matches approved anywhere, that's only one part of the battle: They still need casinos and/or sportsbooks to be willing to accept wagers at all, and there's resistance in this field, as well, as demonstrated in subsequent coverage from CNBC. FanDuel deems it unlikely that they'd ever accept bets on WWE, noting that the Academy Awards –- which held once per year -– are vastly different than dealing with WWE's weekly programming. Additionally, when BetCEO Adam Greenblatt was asked if he had any interesting in accepting bets on WWE, he responded "NFW."

Between the overwhelming majority opinions of the 13 states who responded to Wrestling Inc., the states that have already responded, and the reluctance of sportsbooks to include anything that looks less than credible, WWE faces an increasingly uphill battle if they want to make betting on wrestling matches legal anywhere in the United States.

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Australian Media Wars: Warburton Most Wanted, by Greg Tingle - 8th April 2011

G'day media watchers, news media movers n shakers, punters, sports nuts, legal eagles, one and all. Today we probe the fun and games relating to James Warburton's early departure from Channel Seven, with the intention of starting at Network Ten, which has seen JW a regular in Australian court and talk of the Australian media landscape. Media Man with the Warburton media war special...

AFL Rights Raised Via Warburton Stoush; Day 2 In Court Update...

Channel Seven's commercial director advised the process for awarding the Australian Football League's next sports broadcasting contract still had some way to run, the NSW Supreme Court heard on day 2 of the court hearing. Bruce McWilliam was giving evidence during the second day of Channel Seven's legal bid to postpone its former chief sales and digital officer James Warburton starting his new job as chief executive of Channel Ten. The current AFL broadcast deal, involving Seven, Ten and pay television operator, Foxtel, is in its final year. The AFL is understood to be seeking $1 billion in rights fees for the next 5-year deal. Quizzed by the super legal eagle - barrister for Warburton, John West, QC, whether the result of negotiations between the AFL and broadcasters would be known very soon, McWilliam said, "There's no end in sight in the current process in my mind." McWilliam then went on to say initial expectations were that the negotiations would be concluded at about the time of last year's AFL grand final but these kept being delayed. Channel's Seven and Ten made a preliminary presentation to the AFL recently, McWilliam told the court. He also said additional meetings would likely take place. "It just depends what the AFL requires and how they wish to conduct the process," McWilliam said. Ten announced Warburton's appointment as chief executive on March 2, with a commencement date of July 14 this year. Channel Seven states that conditions in Warburton's employment contract and participation in a management equity plan, dictate that Warburton has to wait until October 2012 before commencing work with any other media firm. That's quite a wait. Warburton's legal team says it believes the proposed transaction that will have Seven's media assets transferred to West Australian Newspapers Holdings, via a series of complex transactions, will cause the management equity plan to cease to exist. With that would disappear some of the restraints included in the plan on Warburton working for another media company. McWilliam said the proposed deal, due to be voted on by WAN shareholders later this month, would not dissolve the management equity plan. "'The scheme most definitely continues," McWilliam said. The case continues.

Media Contacts Printed Off By Warburton's Computer Prior To Resignation; Day 3 In Court...

Confidential contact details of clients, agencies and Seven Network staff were printed from James Warburton’s computer the day before he resigned from the company it has been alleged in court. On the third day of the trial brought by Seven, the NSW Supreme court also heard that Warburton’s knowledge of tech Channel Seven had acquired that allows products to be superimposed into programs had the potential to harm the business. Seven is attempting to hold back Warburton from switching to Ten to become its chief executive until October next year, claiming he is in breach of a management equity plan. Warburton wants to start at Ten in July this year. Referring to a document of good old fashioned Microsoft Outlook contacts, the network director of sales at Seven and Warburton’s former deputy, stated in an affidavit: "I note from the information at the bottom of the document that it appears to have been printed by Mr Warburton’s executive assistant… at 8.39am on 1 March 2011, being the day before Mr Warburton resigned from SMG. The contacts list includes the telephone and email contact details of numerous SMG employees and a number of SMG clients and agencies." Under a heading in his affidavit called "Virtual advertising", Burnette told how in December last year Channel Seven inked a deal with a company that provides technology which enables products to be superimposed into a program during the post production-phase. He said Warburton’s inside knowledge of a potential revenue stream it could deliver to Seven was information a competitor would value highly. Burnette also recounted a chat he had with Warburton in December last year after Seven’s direct group sales manager, David Bellamy, announced he was resigning to move to Ten. Burnette claims Warburton said: "OK. He needs to be put on gardening leave immediately and keep him from starting for the three months or whatever the maximum is." The hearing continues.

Warburton Advised Leave Channel Seven Immediately Sir...

Commercial director of Channel Seven, Bruce McWilliam, said it would have been "very impolite" for him to have told a departing executive, James Warburton, that he wouldn't be able to take up Ten's offer as chief executive for a year because of anti-competition rules within a management equity participation scheme. McWilliam advised he had requested HR staff to check the restraint period, and had been aware that a press release from Channel Ten stated Warburton would start with the network as chief executive in July. McWilliam said Warburton told him that Seven's chief executive, David Leckie, wanted him out of the building immediately. "I … wouldn't always take what is said at face value," McWilliam told the restraint of competition case brought by Seven against Warburton. He believed it was "harsh to someone who had been with the company so long". In an affidavit put forward in the court, McWilliam advised Leckie had told him he didn't want Warburton "mixing with staff and being around whatever deals are done, it is untenable". McWilliam said: "But you didn't imply he was terminated did you?", to which Leckie responded, "Of course not. I am not stupid. I said to him, "You have to go on gardening leave, or whatever it is called." The court was advised that while Warburton had run the numbers for Channel Seven's passing interest in MasterChef, and was the sole Seven executive who advised against broadcasting Wimbledon as it was a "dying tradition", Warburton could not retain so much confidential information in his head that would justify Seven restraining him from working in the television industry until October 2012. Warburton's barrister, John West, QC, rejected Seven's contention of Warburton's "total mastery". In one cheeky interlude with McWilliam, West said: "You really can't help yourself, you keep on over-egging the custard", to which McWilliam responded: "He doesn't just forward emails. If the information in the email was incorrect he would have gone back to them and corrected it …" The hearing before Justice Michael Pembroke continues.

Warburton Didn't Steal Media Documents; Day 4 (18th Apri 2011)...

SMG (Seven Media Group) has withdrawn on claims that ex executive James Warburton stole confidential information upon his sudden departure from the firm. Warburton walked on Seven in March to join competitor Ten Network as chief executive officer, a move that pissed off Seven. Warburton was to have commenced with Ten in July, but Seven has taken legal action in the NSW Supreme Court in a bid to delay him starting until October 2012. Seven contends provisions in his employment contract and participation in a management equity plan at Seven constrain him from working at another media firm. Seven had also argued in court that Warburton had snatched confidential information when he left the group, including strategy reports as well as ratings and revenue data. In the NSW Supreme Court yesterday, Tony Meagher, SC, representing Seven told the court that this claim has now been retracted. "There is no longer a threat he will use the confidential information," Meagher told the court, according to news reports. The case continues today, with Seven Media boss executive David Leckie to take the stand after the media group's HR. Australian media has been talking about the case under watercoolers and in coffee shops since it commenced, and the legal eagles are understood to be making a financial killing, as is often the case on high level legal media battles. WAR...BURTON - sure sounds like he's ready for another round on Aussie media wars. James Packer might like to see him take on Ten's gaming arm (or whatever the secret project might be). Bang!

*The writer owns shares in Network Ten

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Australia Day Special, by Greg Tingle - 26th January 2011

G'day and Happy Australia Day everyone. Ok, we know some of you punters, journos, high rollers - casino whales, entertainment news junkies, politicians, insiders, outsiders and legal eagles are from across the globe are not Australia, nor have ever been down under, but you get the idea. Did you know that some indigenous Australia's call Australia Day 'Invasion Day'! That's because most history books show that Captain James Cook and his crew invaded Australia on this day in 1988. They are known by a new names including the First Fleet, while some aborigines will always think of them and murderous mongrels, who stole their land and pride. It's easy for many of us to get the point of the blackfellas (affectionate). Media Man and Gambling911 with a bush tucker bag full of Australian gambling, casino, poker, media and sports news. Fair winds...

Queensland Banana Bender State: Pub Pokies And Online Pokies Becoming More Popular?...

One armed bandits are maintaining their popularity in 'The Sunshine State'. It's understand that punters might have only a 1 in a million chance of winning really big, lotto - millionaire style, but they just keep coming back for more. Yep, throw another dime in the pokie baby. Queenslanders "invested" close to $2 billion last year as the punters passion for the slots maintained its fever pace. The total pokies expenditure of $1.81 billion was slightly down on the previous year, it was the third year consecutively the number exceeded $1.8 billion. We're also learned that the 2008 figure of $1.83 billion was an all-time record. Now, this is important - those numbers Do Not take into account the rabid take up and roll our of online poker or sports betting. You know, betting over the global medium - the internet. Overall, Queenslanders spent $7 million less on pokies than last year and $28 million less than in 2008, but it still works out at in excess of $150 million every month down the slots August was the year's biggest month for slot gamblers, who put close to $170 million in the throats of the one armed bandits. August was also the biggest month for gamblers in 2008, with more than $173 million lost. Pokies remain by far the most popular games for punters in Australia, bringing in most of the estimated $17 billion spent on all forms of gambling down under each year. Some insiders think that the reduction in official spending was more a sign of the increased popularity of internet and sports-based gambling. Concentrating on pokie figures, it appears Queenslanders gambled more at the height of the global financial crisis two years ago than they did throughout 2010.

Tassie 'Devil' Gambling Tycoon Devilish Quotes...

David Walsh from Tasmania was such a big hit with the readership we thought we would dig up a few more of the red hot 'The Devil's' quotes, that are too good not to share. First a refresher...Art and gambling do mix, at least that's the experience of Brits Damian Aspinall, Phil 'Tuffers' Tufnell, Australian artist Gina Sinozich, Media Man (bodypaint and burlesque "fetish") and Tasmanian gambling whale - tycoon, David 'Wicked' (satire) Walsh. You will pick up on Dave's affectionate nickname by us later. We like you David, ok mate. Tasmania's most famous or infamous gambling figure, millionaire, David Walsh yesterday gave us a peak into his art exhibit...the biggest (and weirdest) private art gallery in Tasmania, if not the Asia Pacific. The $110 million Museum of Old and New Art is nestled on the banks of Hobart's Derwent River.

Quotes By The Tasmanian Devil!...

"FUCK the art, let's rock'n'roll."

"I think formal curation is a form of mental masturbation."

"I'm not really that interested in a bunch of big names. Most of the works are by people most people haven't heard of and still won't have heard of because there's no wall labels."

"I don't want to lose control (or) something that ends up looking like a pale version of the National Gallery of Victoria".

"Subversive adult Disneyland".

"Please see reception if you are planning a pool party or a ritualistic orgy."

"It's the opportunity to mess with your head. I like the idea of people having a couple of beers and looking at the art, having a couple more and changing their mind."

"Just a privileged guy with a megaphone"

"It’s like a rich man’s soap box. I’m standing on my soapbox and I’m shouting my views like they mean something."

"I’ll take all the popular stuff out. And if you go to the toilet two or three times we’ll recommend a good urologist."

“My brother once said about me that I’d rather be outside a barrel pissing in than inside the barrel pissing out. I’m anti this idea that we know what we’re doing with certainty. I kinda think that most things that are good happen to people largely by accident, but then they start looking for explanations. You see the views of rich, successful people on television, and they tell you why they got rich and successful; they don’t interview all the people who went through the same process and didn’t. I think most things are complete crap. I want to show that you can be fortunate without believing that your fortune was anything other than fortune."

"There are so many things we do that we hide from. We hack open cows and eat their guts but we compartmentalise that away from our lives so we can pretend it’s not happening. And on a larger, more important scale, if each of us acted individually to say ‘OK, we f…ed up the atmosphere, it is our personal responsibility’, humanity would behave in a very different way."

"One of the things about having money is that … I feel a bit of guilt and a level of privilege, and it seems to be an obligation to do something, and since art is what I’ve been doing....but it wasn’t really like that. It was: I bought this small gallery, bought a bigger one, and gradually it became something of this scale. It’s become a lot more serious endeavour than I intended it to be. There’s a bit of thumbing my nose at the establishment and trying to bypass academia, but mainly I just wanted it to be a bit of fun. And it is. And it will be."

"The gambling is all a computer thing that is going on right now".

Website

Museum of Old and New Art

Queensland: Cairns Reef Hotel Casino Poised To Raise Big Bucks For Flood Relief On Australia Day...

Punters, let's all spare a thought for those who have been attacked by the floods on Australia Day. Numerous events are being planed around Australia, from 'Sound Relief' to and initiative from the Cairns Reef Hotel Casino 'Bring on the Sun' It will be one of the biggest events on the Australia Day calendar for the city and all funds raised will go to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal. There's a good old fashioned sausage sizzle, competitions and female performers including the Marlins’ cheer squad. "The whole idea is slanted towards the female performer," entertainment manager Bruce Stewart said. "We’ve got an eclectic blend of female artists coming to perform as well." Cazalys, El Mundo Tapas Bar and the Marlin Coast Bowls Club will also host events to raise money for flood victims. Cairns Regional Council will hold events across the region, including the ever-popular celebrations on the Esplanade. Mayor Val Schier said the council was expecting a good attendance as usual with residents keen to get outside and celebrate our sunburnt country in the green and gold. "Even last year when it poured, a huge number of people came to the Aussie breakfast; we expect the same will happen this year, rain, hail or shine. It is one of those days where people can come together as a community and help celebrate why it is great to be an Australian. We live in a fantastic country and it is good for people to get out and enjoy it." Pubs and clubs will also get into the Aussie spirit with a number of activities on offer. Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club has a patriotic, fun-filled day planned with activities that pay homage to Australia’s heritage such as the much-anticipated pie-eating competition. "Everybody is welcome to come along and have some fun while tucking into our Aussie selection of meat pies, icy beers, lamingtons and classic Australian music by DJ Danny from Millennium Sounds," director of sales and marketing Darlene Holdsworth said.

Events

Join the celebrations

Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club Australia Day celebrations
What’s on: Australian menu served from noon in Restaurant 59, pie-eating and thong-throwing competitions start at 1.30pm. Pies, icy beers, lamingtons and classic Australian music on offer at the resort.
Time: 12pm. Entry free.

Bring on the Sun at Cairns Reef Hotel Casino
What’s on: Entertainment, sausage sizzle, raffles, jumping castle and more with all proceeds going to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal.
Time: 2pm. Entry free.

Shane Warne And Poker Mates Get VIP Star Treatment At Australian Open Tennis Sunday Night...

The spinner got there at 8pm hoping to get star VIP treatment for 14 of his closest mates. In the mix was was Joe Hachem, who he had earlier caught up with at the launch of the Aussie Millions Poker Tournament at Crown Casino. Warne requested an escort (no, not that type silly) when he arrived and posed mostly for photographs with his sunglasses on. He also spent time in Andy Roddick's player's box during his loss to Swissman Stanislas Wawrinka. It been a big couple of days for "poker her" for the legend, playing rendezvous with Liz Hurley in LA. He is expected to play in the second round of the poker tournament and could face off against Gary Ablett Jr and Jeff Fenech tomorrow. Blett made it through to the second round.

Australian Financial Review Goes Gaga For Lady Gaga; Gets Facts Wrong (We Think)...

It took us a few months of going through newspapers but we finally found the AFR to make a slip up, and its a doozy....An article reads "the complex will have a few upmarket bars, including one on the roof, and an events theatre to house live acts – think Lady Gaga – as well as awards nights." With Gaga's level of popularity she would require a much larger venue than Star City. Earlier this year, she - they played two concerts at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, capacity 12,000 or thereabouts. Do the math.

Australia's Kylie Minogue To Do The Colosseum At Caesars Palace Las Vegas: Aphrodite Live...

Mark is down Kylie fans the word over. She's doing Ceasers Sunday May 22, 2011 8pm

Melbourne: Aussie Joker Comedian Performs At Packer's Crown; Raises Cash For Flood Relief...

Melbourne folks at Crown Casino recently enjoyed 'The Jokers Comedy That Rocks' at Crown Casino. James Packer's casino donated all proceeds from last Friday night’s show to Queensland flood victims. Organiser William Leitch has happy with the way things went and showcased an evening with some of the city’s top stand-up artists, including Brad Oakes, Christine Basil and Greg Fleet. It's understood he got close to 150 people to come along, and he may be invited back on upcoming Friday nights.

Top 100 ASX Listed Companies Respond To Flood Cry For Help; Gambling And Gaming Industry Steps Up; Mining Firms and Banking Bastards Lead Charge...

1. BHP Billiton: $1.3 million (in addition, matching employee donations)

2. CBA: $1.35 million

3. Westpac: $1 million

4. ANZ: $1 million

5. NAB: $1 million

6. News Corp: $500,000 and Blue Ribbon campaign

7. Rio Tinto: $1 million ($700,000 to Premier Relief, $300,000 to Emerald community)

8. Wesfarmers: $7.5 million (plus $3.5 million from Coles customers)

9. Telstra Corp: up to $1 million by matching staff contributions (so far $338,000; is also supplying phones and free calls to people affected)

10. Woolside Petroleum: $122,395 (corporate + employees)

11. Woolworths: $6.9 million (matching customer donations in Woolies, Big W, Dick Smith dollar for dollar)

14. Fortescue Metals: Matching staff donations dollar for dollar

15. CSL: $250,000

16. QBE Insurance: not releasing a statement

17. Origin energy: $1 million

18. Macquarie Group: $200,000 (combined staff and company effort with fundraising activities continuing both here and overseas)

19. AXA Asia Pacific: No response

20. Santos: $500,000 plus use of helicopters and vehicles for clean up. Also $50,000 for flooding in WA

21. Coal and Allied Industries: (see Rio Tinto)

22. AMP: $250,000 + matching employee contributions to WA flood appeal up to $250,000

23. Suncorp Group: $100,000 (staff and customers have donated $1.5million)

24. Foster's Group: $500,000

25. Brambles: No response

26. Leighton Holdings: No response

27. Orica: No response

28. Oil Search: No response

29. Stockland: Donated $250,000 to the Premier's flood relief appeal, another $30,000 to the Mayoress Rockhampton regional flood appeal and are matching employee donations dollar for dollar

30. Coca. Cola Amatil: No response

31. Amcor: No response

32. Westfield Retail Trust: No response

33. IAG: No response

39. Crown: Donation tins in Crown complexes and have committed to matching all donations as well as staff contributions

52. Tabcorp Holdings: $1 million

78. Tatts Group: Going to run a dedicated lottery for the Queensland flood appeal where all profits will go to the Premier's Flood Appeal. They ran the same thing in Victoria after the Black Saturday bushfires. It will run on Wednesday 2 Feb in Queensland and is expected to raise $200,000. In addition, another donation will be made from the unclaimed prizes fund of an as. yet undecided amount

79. Fairfax Media: Matching staff donations

100. Seek: Reported it had made a donation to the Premier's Flood Appeal but chose not to disclose how much

Brisbane: Flood Relief Money Gets Spend On Pokies, Vice - Piss Up At Pubs...

It's been reported in a number of Queensland newspapers that the $1000 flood relief grants that went to many good folks in Granville are being used to feed slots and buy piss (beer) rather than food and necessities. Two Maryborough publicans say that in some instances the answer to that is yes, and they are disgusted. One of the publicans was so incensed by the misuse of flood relief money she telephoned Fairfax Media to complain. "A man came in bragging about how he’d got the $1000 payout because he told Centrelink he was stuck in Granville – but he was here the whole time. It makes me sick that people are openly admitting they’ve got the money for nothing, while there are people who’ve died or lost everything." She said Centrelink should have screened the applications more carefully to make sure only people who were genuinely in need received the cash. Another pub owner said his one armed bandits had not stopped buzzing since the grants became available. "We were quiet during the actual floods but this week’s been totally different. The pokies and the bottle shop have been going non-stop." Yeah, Aussie continue to love a punt, rain, hail, shine or flood!

Aussie Millions Game 8 Results...

The London based chap took down the $1,100 8 game mixed event title at Crown Casino in Melbourne adding AUD$23,800 to his almost $1.2 million in career tournament earnings. He entered the final table as the short stack, but managed to grind his way to victory and nudge away Australia's Bruno Portaro for the victory. The event marked Ashby's 8th final table appearance at the Aussie Millions that includes a side-event win back in 2005 and a seventh-place finish in the main event in 2009. Ashby also won his first WSOP bracelet this summer in the $1,500 7 Card Stud event and went well in the $10k H.O.R.S.E. for his biggest career score of $378,027. The 2011 Aussie Millions $1,100 8-Game Mixed event drew 68-players and paid the final 7.

Here are the results:
1 Richard Ashby AUD$23,800
2 Bruno Portaro AUD$16,320
3 Casey Kastle AUD$10,880
4 Daniel Ospina AUD$6,800
5 Oliver Gill AUD$4,760
6 Dane Coltman AUD$3,400
7 Paul Ravesi AUD$2,040

Aussie Main Event Day 1b: PartyPoker And Full Tilt Poker Players Feel The Pain...

PartyGaming's PartyPoker and Full Tilt Poker's powers that be likely won't be celebrating. Ok, they got news coverage and exposure, but its because their players are out. Yep, history maties. Full Tilt went well on Day 1a but Day 1b was rooted. Many of the big name pros went down for the count as locals stepped up. 209 players entered the Crown Poker room but after 7 levels of play, 80 remained. David Oppenheim, Annette Obrestad, Carlos Mortensen, David Benyamine, Andrew Feldman, Steve Yea, Andy Bloch and Gus Hansen were some of the Full Tilt players who died. Other casualties included Luke Santo, Raj Ramakrishnan, George Moussa, Michael Pedley, Graeme Putt, Martin Comer, Dennis Huntly, Jamie Pickering, Bruno Portaro, Casey Kastle, Ben Savage and Tim Marsters. 2005 World Champion Joe Hachem (tweeting he struggled with jetlag following a recent trip to the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.) Defending champ, 2010 Aussie Millions Main Event winner Tyron Krost (PartyGaming's PartyPoker pro went down too). A new champ will be crowned in 2011 with plenty of Aussies still in contention. The field kicked off with Jeff Rossier in the lead with 154,900, closely followed by Michael Ottobra (143,400) and Martin Drewe, After winning the Opening Event last week and going deep in another event, Drewe is now set in the chip leaders in the Main Event after getting to 136,100. Jay “SEABEAST” Kinkade did nicely with 128,700, Haibo Chu (113,900), Manny Stavropoulos (85,600), Sorel Mizzi (74,400), Michael Egan (61,100), Kent Hunter (56,400), Jeff Lisandro (55,000), Eric Assadourian (50,300), Scott Montgomery (49,200), Chris Ferguson (45,400), Lee Nelson (30,200), Neil Channing (28,800), Roland de Wolfe (26,100), Aleks Brkovic (24,600), Jackie Glazier (21,900), Grant Levy (18,300), Gary Benson (10,500) and Mel Judah (7,200) amongst those who will return on Day 2. The 3rd and final flight of the 2011 Aussie Millions Main will commence Tuesday with another strong field and a few big names expected. Even Van Marcus will front up. Van, is your Red Ferrari safe this time mate? We're looking for more good fodder to write about. How about do a publicity stunt and make world wide headlines ago. Maybe someone at Crown Casino - Crown Limited might be open to it. Stanger things have happened... like Ferrari's getting stolen on site, casino fights and a man getting stuck in the Crown Casino kitchen grease vacuum.

Aussie Millions Event #9 Day 1b: Rossiter In Front...

It was down to business with players investing AUD$10,600 to buy in all with the goal of becoming the 2011 Aussie Millions Champion. 7 seven levels of play, and the 209-player field went to 80. Jeff Rossiter is in front with 154,900. Martin Drewe, 2011 Aussie Millions Event #1 winner with 136,100 - now 3rd on the leaderboard. Australian Jay Kinkade is on 128,700, and European Poker Tour mainstay Jeff Sarwer sits 5th with 120,500. Randy "nanonoko" Lew has 110,000 and Gavin Griffin 101,700 in 9th ninth and 10th place. Sorel Mizzi, Jeffrey Lisandro, Eric Assadourian, Team Full Tilt's Chris Ferguson, Full Tilt Poker Red Pros Scott Montgomery and Roland de Wolfe, Neil Channing, and Lee Nelson have also all made it to Wednesday's Day 2, but it was touch and go for some of them, testing the skill VS luck debate. Full Tilt Poker $25,000 Shootout Invitational winner David Oppenheim, Annette Obrestad, Carlos Mortensen, Andy Bloch, David Benyamine, Andrew Feldman, Gus Hansen, Joe Hachem, and David Steicke all had to say goodnight nurse. PartyGaming's - PartyPoker Tyron Krost was eliminated in a hand VS Gavin Griffin where his Ace-Queen couldn't best Griffin's Aces. The 3rd and final Day 1 flight commences Tuesday in Melbourne, Australia at 12:30 p.m. local time.

Getting board of poker yet? If so, try your luck er skill at Baccarat or Craps. If your more into luck, check out the slots like Cleopatra, Sinatra, Rambo, Goanna Gold and The Terminator. Rumour goes PartyGaming also have, or will soon get, a World Poker Tour themed online slot game. We recommend punters open an account with PartyCasino, PartyGaming and World Poker Tour, just to have all based covered. Party appears to still be the most popular online casino brand in Australia despite big efforts by the likes of 888. Marvel slot games are forecast to be some of the most popular of this year with Captain America and Thor tipped to hit Australia cinema's this year, with Spider-Man also getting a remake. Whatever your casino game of choice, good luck, and let us know how you go guys and girls. Spin to win.

Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money

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Aussie Pay TV Foxtel Top Dog Highlights Piracy Concerns With Hi Tech...

Foxtel big cheese (chief executive) Kim Williams has issued a public warning that the upcoming NBN (National Broadband Network) down under in Oz could quite likely increase video piracy. Williams, along a legal eagle, has encouraged Canberra members of Parliament and media companies, big and small, to campaign against the theft of intellectual property. Maybe KW say have effective the 'Get Up' and 'Internet Blackout' days were, where driven forward using media and people power. Williams advised that a co-ordinated effort of the TV industry, the government and the NBN Co as well as new laws were badly needed to prevent greater rates of piracy in a high-speed digital world. Readers, I think we know he's telling the truth, as apposed to some of the porkies coming out of the Labor government recently. "We need an allied plan in terms of appropriate legal adjustments, otherwise you are creating the equivalent of the largest road train in the world backing up to rob the world's largest jewellery store without the police force to stop them. Copyright theft and privacy are very serious crimes. Companies like Foxtel and other media companies that are dependent on the sanctity of intellectual property need to become much more effective advocates in working with government to find appropriate remedies." News Corp leaks have been spreading the message to other small and mediums size media outlets such as Media Man, in a way an insider described as "a kind of Wikileaks way". Copyright reform is high on the must do list for many media firms A "convergence review" of broadcast media policy announced by your friend and ours (satire) Communications Minister Stephen Conroy earlier this month is set to consider copyright issues, of which there are quite a few. "I think you'd have to be short-sighted not to be concerned about piracy," said another leaker from Australian free TV. "What we have had in our favour is the large file size of a TV show or movie which makes it harder to download, but clearly as technology gets better, you reduce the complexity of piracy." Foxtel regards the NBN as an "opportunity" and has embraced online distribution, getting a deal in place to broadcast channels online through Microsoft's Xbox console and offering sub customers a comprehensive movie download service. The FTA (free to air) networks are also offering catch-up TV services such as the ABC's iView player and James Packer's Network Ten has plenty on offer too, with Bondi Rescue understood to be the most popular over the past few years. TV execs reckon that their large audiences give them the scale to outbid new internet broadcasters for quality content. "Of all the media organisations in Australia, in television and electronic media at least, we are the most adaptive and most innovative and have the longest record of investing in innovation so it's business as usual for us," Williams said. Stay tuned for more on Aussie piracy (and privacy) wars.

Channel Nine: Nine Entertainment Co Poised For A Great 2011...

A fresh Channel Nine will be the one to watch next year as everyone awaits the forecast relisting on the ASX of the television network in the first half of 2011. Private equity owner CVC Asia Pacific looks about ready to launch an estimated $5 billion initial public offer after an improved ratings performance in 2010. Even better, improved advertising conditions for free-to-air television are in swing and likely to continue for many months, if not over a year. The owners have rebranded the network as Nine Entertainment, scrapping the PBL brand that had been associated with the television station, and revamped the management team headed up by David 'Gyng' Gyngell. A Media Man insider said "The smart money says this will work out well for Nine. We are ready to buy in. Network Ten was give a fresh life with Packer, we bought shares, and will do the same with Nine in a heartbeat. The support is there, and Network Nine has the richest history in Australian TV, not to mention the highest ratings when you look at the landscape over a few decades. They didn't get the tag 'The One' for nothing". Another insider on the funds side of things said a float was an "odds on" chance in 2011. CVC currently owns 99.3% of Nine Entertainment, which holds assets including Nine, ACP Magazines, ticketing firm Ticketek and half stakes in the NineMSN and carsales website portals. Then known as PBL Media, the company was formed when James Packer's Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd split its media and gaming assets circa 2006. 'Our James' held onto the gaming assets, such as Melbourne's famous tourism landmark, Crown Casino, and formed a JV with CVC on the media assets. CVC initially held 50% of Nine Entertainment, but increased its holding to 99.3% in 2008. Nine has roughly $4 billion of debt due to mature in 2013 and 2014. Gyngell told fund managers Nine Entertainment was expected to post a 35% increase in earnings in 2010/11, according to numerous news media reports. Nine is able to consider an IPO due in large part to the strong bounce in advertising in 2010, with most media companies reversing the savage declines experienced in 2009. Free-to-air television, which was one of the main beneficiaries of the lift in advertising, also received a boost thanks to a few government decisions. Communications Minister Stephen Conroy quickly cut TV licence fees by 33% in 2010 and 50% next year. Then, an updated anti-siphoning list gave pay-television the right to bid directly for some AFL and NRL footy games, thus also permitting the free-to-air stations to broadcast certain first-run events on their digital channels instead of their main channel. The latter concession could likely be good news for Ten Network Holdings Ltd's all-sport digital channel One. Ten's share registry was raided late in 2010, resulting in 3 new board members, the "forced" departure of executive chairman Nick Falloon and left a few folks up in the air about Ten's future. Packer returned to free-to-air television alongside mate Lachlan Murdoch in October, spending $280 million to buy 18% of the company and securing 2 seats on the board. The transaction is being investigated by the competition watchdog (ACCC) because Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd, chaired by Packer, and News Corp, of which LM is a director, both hold interests in ONE rival and pay-tv station Fox Sports. Some speculate that Packer is keen to shut down One, but we hope not, as we love the wrestling and UFC, as does much of the Aussie public. Ten's latest shareholder and director, mining tycoon and Australia's most well to do woman, Gina Rinehart, has also made next to no comment about why she bought 10% of the television network in November. While the ratings of ONE are smaller than the digital offerings from the other free-to-air digital channels such as GO! and 7Mate, the all-sport is profitable and drawing in viewers and advertisers.

Aussie Pay TV Operators Foxtel And Optus Get Cosy In Bed Together; Will Boost Subs...

Optus will commence marketing Foxtel to its customers again after the two companies inked a new deal on subscribers. The smart move comes around two years since Optus stopped actively promoting Fox. Foxtel is facing up to increased competition from the new free to air digital channels and Internet-delivered TV services. The new deal will see Optus customers offered Foxtel’s HD services for the first time via the iQ HD settop box. At present, Foxtel is offering 20 HD channels...a major point of difference to free to air, which has seen the main channels available only in standard definition since the launch of the secondary digital channels. Optus will also be able for the first time to sell Foxtel via satellite where it does not have a cable network, in order to build bundled offerings to customers. Foxtel CEO Kim Williams went on record, "The audio visual entertainment market is increasingly competitive with the arrival of terrestrial multichannels and new IPTV providers, and we welcome these agreements as they provide solid incentives for Optus to offer the full suite of Foxtel subscription services into the future." Optus CEO Paul O’Sullivan was prepared to say "Foxtel has been a strategic partner and customer of Optus for many years and we’re pleased to be able to extend the breadth of Foxtel services we sell to our customers." Come February the deals will be promoted to the public.

One HD; Network Ten: Be Prepared For Games and iGaming in 2011...

With the likes of media and gambling tycoon joining a board of directors come numerous benefits and unique opportunities, and Ten is learning quickly. Have you already spotted the gaming promos being ramped up? More mentions of Crown Casino on TV? How about the coverage of The Poker Star last year, and the appearance of Packer mates Shane Warne and Joe Hachem on The 7PM Project earlier this year, and all of the gaming related fundraisers. Coincidence? No, of course not. Insides tell Media Man to expect a lot more gaming, gambling and sports betting on the network next year, and maybe even some 2 way TV stuff, along with gaming related reality TV. Stay tuned to this dial for more on this developing news story.

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