Mediaboss Marketing

Its open season on Americas digital media marketplace, withboththe left and right lining up to take regulatory shots at tech platforms, but for very different reasons. If both sides get their way, the result will be a more politicized media sector and unprecedented government interference with freedom of speech.

Facebook, Google, Twitter, Amazon and Apple have all become political pinatas for federal and state policymakers, with legislation and lawsuits launched seemingly on a weekly basis. But there is considerable confusion in the complaints both parties make about Big Tech.

Democrats want tech companies doing more to limit content they claim is hate speech, misinformation, or that incites violence. Republicans want online operators to do less, because many conservatives believe tech platforms already take down too much of their content.

The only thing unifying both sides is a desire for greater regulatory control of media. In todays hyper-partisan world, tech platforms have become just another plaything to be dominated by politics and regulation. When the ends justify the means, principles that transcend the battles of the day like property rights, free speech and editorial independence become disposable. These are things we take for granted until theyve been chipped away at and lost.

Is there any way to make both sides happy without undermining the digital economy, which has been dominated globally by American firms for over a quarter century?

Thats unlikely, but it hasnt stopped lawmakers from introducing a flurry of bills to weaken or eliminate protections afforded bySection 230, which limits liability for platforms that host user-generated content. Implemented in 1996, it has served asthe cornerstone of Americas ascendancyin the digital world andhelped spur an avalanche of innovation. Gutting it would put all that at risk.

Without admitting it, both sides are really at war against the First Amendment, which protects the editorial decisions made by private companies. To be sure, there is problematic content to be found on digital media platforms, and there aresome legitimate complaintsabout overzealous takedown policies and lack of transparent standards. That does not mean there is an easy policy fix to those problems, however. Butcourts have held repeatedlythat the First Amendment protects efforts by private media firms to devise their own approaches.Just last week, a Texas judge blocked a law that sought to limit social media platforms editorial freedoms. That followed a court in Floridaenjoining a similar lawthis summer.

Critics like to paint large tech companies as nefarious overlords out to destroy civilization. In reality, the problems we see and hear on modern platforms reflect deeper problems in our society. If these companies are to be blamed for anything, its making human communication so frictionless that every person now has a soapbox to speak to the world. Thats both a blessing and a curse. With unbounded speech comes many wonders but also many problems.

Now, large digital intermediaries are expected to make all those pathologies go away through some magical Goldilocks formula whereby they get content moderation just right. Its an impossible task with billions of voices speaking. Bureaucrats wont do a better job refereeing these disputes, and letting them do so will turn every content spat into an endless regulatory proceeding.

It is particularly surprising that someconservatives are joining the choruscalling for common carrier regulations orFairness Doctrine-like speech mandates, which would let government micromanage speech platforms. In this debate,they areinviting comprehensive political control of communications platforms, which is antithetical to a limited government philosophy.

Moreover, why would conservatives believe theyll benefit from more regulation? Even if one accepts the notion that social media platforms discriminate against conservative speakers or viewpoints, will freshly empowered bureaucrats really help them push private platform content moderation decisions in a more pro-conservative direction? The administrative state historicallyhas not been the friendof conservative viewpoints, and regulators are not suddenly going to become more sympathetic to them.

Theyd more likely be shooting themselves in the foot. There has never been more opportunity for conservative viewpoints than right now. Each day on Facebook, the top-10 most shared links aredominated by punditssuch as Ben Shapiro, Dan Bongino, Dinesh D'Souza and Sean HannitySean Patrick HannityLeft and right take aim at Big Tech and the First Amendment Rittenhouse says he's destroying gun used in fatal Kenosha shootings Dr. Oz expected to run for Senate in Pennsylvania as a Republican: reports MORE. Right-leaning content isshared widely on Twittereach day. Websites like Dailywire.com and Foxnews.comget far more trafficthan the New York Times or CNN.

Conservatives should push formore competition and choices,not more regulation and litigation. They should again embracethe vision President Reaganset forth in 1987, when he vetoed a bill to reestablish the Fairness Doctrine: History has shown that the dangers of an overly timid or biased press cannot be averted through bureaucratic regulation, but only through the freedom and competition that the First Amendment sought to guarantee.

It remains the principled path forward.

Adam Thiereris a senior research fellow at theMercatusCenter at George Mason University and author of Evasive Entrepreneurs and the Future of Governance.

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Left and right take aim at Big Tech and the First Amendment | TheHill - The Hill

LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom (StudyFinds.org) Has Thanksgiving already sent your diet spiraling off a cliff? Youre probably not alone. With holiday weight gain a major issue for many, a new study has found the one snack that may keep your holiday appetite (and your waistline) in check prunes.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool discovered that eating more prunes helped a group of dieters control their appetite better, consume fewer calories, and even lose slightly more weight than people choosing others snacks during a 12-week test.

These studies demonstrate that dried fruit can both produce satiety and be incorporated into the diet during weight management, says Professor Jason C. G. Halford, President of the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), in amedia release.

Researchers examined theimpact of eating prunesin two phases. The first compared the reactions of participants who either ate prunes, raisins, or jelly bean-like candies during the experiment. The team found that people eating prunes generally consumed the fewest number of calories during their next meal. The prune snackers also reported feeling less hungry throughout the day, feeling fuller after eating, and feeling as though they couldnt eat as much later on.

In the second part, study authors examined the amount of weight each person lost after completing a 12-week weight loss program. They split the volunteers into two groups, one eating prunes as their daily snack and one who only received guidance onhealthy snackingbut could choose whatever snack they wanted.

Although researchers say the weight loss difference between the two groups was not significant in terms of total pounds lost, results show the prune group participantslost slightly more weighton average (4.4 pounds vs. 3.4 pounds). People eating prunes also told the team they felt it was easier to lose the weight than those eating other snacks.

This study reveals that nutrient dense prunes can provide an advantage over othersnack choicesdue to their favorable effects on satiety and appetite control, adds Andrea N. Giancoli, MPH, RD Nutrition Advisor for the California Prune Board.

These are the first data to demonstrate both weight loss and no negative side effects when consuming prunes as part of a weight management diet, Halford concludes.

A recent poll found that Americansexpect to gain eight poundsduring the holiday season. Although prunes have a reputation of being a snack people only choose to relieve constipation, researchers say putting out a bowl at yournext holiday partymay cure you of festive overeating.

The findings appear in the journalNutrition Bulletin.

Originally posted here:
Prunes may be the secret weapon to prevent holiday weight gain - WGNO New Orleans

WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) this week voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a bipartisan, bicameral bill that authorizes the budget and expenditures for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for Fiscal Year 2022.

The NDAA, which now heads to the Senate, contains several Katko-authored measures including the Domains Critical to Homeland Security Act, a bill that directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify and address risks within the American supply chain. Rep. Katko recently discussed this measure with local manufacturers and business groups at a roundtable he hosted on the supply chain crisis.

Additionally, for U.S. servicemembers, the NDAA also authorizes a 2.7% pay increase, expands parental leave and childcare programs, and reverses the Biden Administrations cuts to military healthcare programs.

I proudly cast my vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act, an annual bill that delivers funding for the Department of Defense, said Rep. Katko. Importantly for Central New York, this years measure includes key federal funding to support manufacturers and workers in Central New York. As our nation continues to face supply chain challenges, this measure also includes a bill I drafted to identify and address areas of concern within our nations supply chain.

Summaries of Katko-authored measures included in NDAA can be found below:

Additionally, Rep. Katko supported the following funding levels in the NDAA, which directly benefit Central New York:

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House Passes NDAA with Katko-Authored Measure to Address Supply Chain Risks & Federal Funding to Support CNY Workforce - Congressman John Katko

Golfer Rory McIlroy saw revenues at the company that controls his management and image rights last year slide close to 40 per cent.

Accounts show that the Dublin-based Rory McIlroy Management Services Ltd had revenues of $14.8 million last year, down $9.37 million. That pushed the business to a pretax loss of $8.03 million.

However, this includes a non-cash writedown of $15.7 million in the golfers image rights during the year in accordance with accountancy rules.

The net cash generated by the company from operating activities, after tax and interest paid, totalled $9.8 million for 2020.

In a note attached to the accounts directors said that counter-intuitively the Covid-19 pandemic has served to underscore the resilience of tournament golf, the business of professional golf and wider participation in the game.

Revenues in 2020 were somewhat impacted by the compressed tour schedule but the medium-term impact on the rights held by the company has undoubtedly been positive.

The main activity of the company is managing royalty earnings and management fees for Mr McIlroy, one of the most marketable players in world golf.

Prize money and other such earnings are not part of the Irish companys revenue because they tend to be treated as income, and taxed by the country where the earnings are won.

On the Covid-19-disrupted US PGA tour in 2020, McIlroy recorded tour earnings of $4.4 million. His US PGA tour earnings this year total an almost identical $4.39 million.

The companys cash pile last year slumped from $15 million to $5.2 million.

At the start of 2020 the company had a $225 million book value placed on McIlroys image rights, which was reduced to $209 million at the end of last year.

Rory McIlroy sits on the board with his father Gerry, Donal Casey and Sean OFlaherty. Last year the pay to directors fell marginally from $2.28 million to $2.1 million.

The company, trading as Rory McIlroy Inc, was established towards the end of 2013 by McIlroy. The golfer opted to locate everything to do with his brand and intellectual property in Ireland, setting up the firm here as part of a strategy to simplify his business affairs.

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Rory McIlroy's management firm ships hit to revenue of $9.37m - The Irish Times

Dec 10, 2021

Greg WyshynskiESPN

Stan Fischler entered the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame on Thursday, enshrined there after a career in sports media that has spanned seven decades and continues on today with a new gig at The Hockey News.

"There's also a sentimental aspect to it that," said the 89-year-old. "I was an original THN subscriber since 1947 and still have a bound version of those magazines and bound books for every season through 1962. The Hockey News is part of my metabolism."

Nicknamed "The Maven," Fischler has written more than 100 books -- including his latest, "Tales of Brooklyn" -- and has had a professorial presence in the New York hockey media as a television reporter and analyst. The Brooklyn native was awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy in 2007 by the NHL for outstanding contributions to American hockey. But he has yet to earn a call from the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

We spoke with Stan recently about his career, the media legacy of his late wife, Shirley, and his thoughts on the NHL today.

ESPN: What did it mean to you to earn induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame?

STAN FISCHLER: My operative word for it is grateful. After all, I've been a fan all my life -- still am -- and the idea of me being honored for doing what I love to do is rather amazing to me. Not that writing a good story, or even a good lede, is a challenge, although it can be very depressing if it doesn't come out right. But the fact that the Hall of Fame committee chooses to value a journalist for a lifetime of hockey writing and hockey TV work is impressive and, therefore, I'm flattered beyond belief.

My only regret is that my parents, Molly and Ben, are not around to be here because they gave me the scrapbook for my 10th birthday (March 1942) and supported me right through to my first paid job (1954) as a publicity assistant for the Rangers.

ESPN: One Hall of Fame down, one to go. Why aren't you in the Hockey Hall of Fame yet?

FISCHLER: I guess I haven't been around long enough.

ESPN: OK, but seriously: What would it mean for you to get into the Hockey Hall of Fame at some point?

FISCHLER: The Toronto thing is a very simple one for me. It's the punchline for a good joke. This has been going on for at least 30 years -- various attempts to nominate me, and it hasn't happened.

So if they don't think I belong ... if I want to get onto the subway at Times Square, my MetroCard works whether I'm in that Hall of Fame or not. I don't have to be in the Hall of Fame if I want to play paddleball in Riverside Park. It doesn't stop me from breathing. They have a right to nominate who they want. But if they don't want me, then they don't want me. It's the last thing on my mind to sulk about.

ESPN: Speaking of legacies, I wanted to hear more your late wife Shirley's influence on subsequent generations of women in the hockey media. In 1971, she was refused access to the press box at Madison Square Garden because of her gender, and took the fight against that policy to the New York City Human Rights Commission to get it overturned. How important was that fight, and what's her legacy in the business?

FISCHLER: If you were media back then, you needed a ticket to get in. So they sent blocks of 15 tickets to the media. If you were covering the game, you went in and you gave the ticket to the usher and then you went to the press box. But on the ticket it said: "Ladies not permitted in press box." This was a Garden order.

2 Related

Shirley's battle with MSG-Rangers to lift the women's ban from the press box was a landmark victory that, sadly, never resonated with contemporary women in the hockey journalism business. For most of the women who know about Shirley, they nod approval and enthusiastically commend her. But it never gets beyond that, such as nominating some award for her gallant move in spite of bitter opposition from the male journalistic fraternity of the time.

Since Shirley shunned publicity, she shrugged off those who suggested she get some publicity out of it. She had other things going -- raising two sons, Ben and Simon, running a women's bookstore the Village, and, in 1993, comforting Simon before and after his heart transplant in August 1993. She won an important fight, but her legacy has been significantly clouded by the fact that her contemporaries either have ignored her contributions or forgot about them.

I had pals who, after Shirley won the case, were mocking her. A couple of the writers, as she walked into the first press conference after the case, said, "Who is that, one of the player's wives?"

She didn't feel she was a pioneer. She felt she was wronged and wanted to make it right. And we lost four friends, and that was it.

ESPN: We saw you at the UBS Arena ribbon cutting at Belmont Park. What did you think of the New York Islanders' new arena?

FISCHLER: I was astounded. I love the arena. I think it's classy. You can walk into the gift shop, and instead of Formica they have Italian renaissance wood tables. Little things that you wouldn't expect, they have covered. It's a beautiful place. Probably the greatest arena in the world for what it wants to serve.

ESPN: Who are your favorite current NHL players?

FISCHLER: Connor McDavid, because he's the best in more ways than any other player. Alex Ovechkin, because he's the closest thing to the explosive and immortal Rocket Richard. Mathew Barzal, because he's electrifying with his skating and puck control. Adam Fox because he plays almost exactly like a favorite, Jewish defenseman of the Blueshirts at the start of the 1950s, Hy Buller, who was a second-team All-Star in his rookie season. And Nico Hischier, because of the manner in which he brings the best of Swiss hockey to the NHL. The Swiss style has been overlooked by many critics.

This season will include 103 exclusive regular-season games across ESPN, ESPN+, Hulu and ABC, and more than 1,000 out-of-market games will be available on ESPN+. How to watch Subscribe to ESPN+ Stream the NHL on ESPN

ESPN: What compelled you to write your latest book, "Tales of Brooklyn?"

FISCHLER: It was a complete accident. Working with Chico Resch over the years, I found him interested in my stories about my family and my growing up in Williamsburg. One particular story -- about me, my Aunt Hattie and getting ice cream during a 1947 blizzard -- appealed to him so much he'd ask me to repeat it.

A year ago, Chico's wife, Diane, asked me to write the story and send it to her. She loved it and asked for another, different, story. And I obliged. After the third, I started sending stories to my friends as well. I got such a positive response I began writing them for the fun of it; and broadened my audience.

When I got to the 20th story, my lit agent, Doug Whiteman said, "If you reach 30, we got a book." By this time, they were coming easy and did 35. And we had a book!

ESPN: What do you want people to get out of it?

FISCHLER: It was a rekindling of my youth. It was a chance to revisit some stories, whether they were fun or dangerous. The goal was to have something for my five grandchildren, to show them what life was like in the Great Depression and in World War II. About me drumming in a jazz band. About the time I almost stole a trolley with my friend Howie at Coney Island. About the time my mother was arrested by the state police. Which is a funny story now, but not so much then. All kinds of nutsy stuff.

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Stan Fischler on why he's not in the Hockey Hall of Fame - ESPN