What we read this week: March 2
What We Read This Week - March 2
“Lester Hold to Exit ‘NBC Nightly News’ After Decade Behind the Desk” (Variety)
Takeaways:
Legacy media organizations are having to contend with economic pressures from streaming, social media & other modern news sources.
Holt’s alignment with Dateline NBC to bolster its long-form investigative journalism offerings reflects a broader industry shift towards in-depth storytelling.
Audiences are gravitating towards platforms that offer comprehensive and investigative content over traditional news formats.
“Finding Nirvana in a Pair of Socks” (The New York Times)
Takeaways:
Fashion-forward consumers are willing to invest in high-end, distinctive pieces when those items align with & elevate their personal style.
Innovation, versatility & durability are essential elements in building the appeal of investment clothing items.
Consumers are seeking joy in small moments & things (i.e. a pair of unique socks).
“The Wellness Club is Gen Z’s Country Club” (VOGUE)
Takeaways:
Traditional gyms are evolving into community-centric wellness clubs, offering not just fitness facilities but also spaces for socializing and relaxation.
Wellness clubs are becoming preferred venues for social interactions, moving away from traditional bars and clubs.
Younger generations are seeking multifaceted spaces that support their desire for community, and there is a large subset of the market willing to pay the (often high) membership fees.
“Selma Blair on Life With MS — And Why She Missed Travel Most of All” (Travel + Leisure)
Takeaways:
Making a return to travel can be invigorating for people with chronic illnesses & disabilities, providing them with new perspectives and a sense of rejuvenation.
There are strong therapeutic benefits to traveling, exploring new places & meeting new people.
Leading hotel brands like Rosewood, Hilton & Marriott International are prioritizing & investing in accessibility well beyond requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The End of Seriousness” (The New Yorker)
Takeaways:
Significant events, such as airline crashes, are often reduced to memes and jokes on social media platforms, leading to a diminished public discourse on critical topics.
Brands & institutions are adopting lighthearted tones in communications, even when addressing serious issues.
The prevalence of shallow humor serves as a barrier to genuine engagement in important conversations, making it challenging to foster substantial societal change.
“Conan O’Brien Understood the Assignment” (The Atlantic)
Takeaways:
Conan O'Brien's extensive media experience enabled him to command the Oscars stage, appealing to both the live audience & viewers at home.
O'Brien adeptly navigated the ceremony's tone, balancing lighthearted entertainment with the acknowledgment of recent serious events.
His monologue included sharp commentary on industry dynamics (i.e. Amazon's acquisition of the James Bond franchise) & showcased his ability to infuse humor with insightful cultural observations.
“Why Are We So Obsessed With Blue?” (The New York Times - T Magazine)
Takeaways:
Artists, writers & musicians have historically utilized the color blue to convey depth, emotion & introspection.
The color’s calming effect makes it a consistently popular choice in interior design and branding for consumers seeking serenity.
According to surveys, blue is by far the world’s most popular hue, driving demand in industries like fashion, art and publishing.
“The Art World Returns To a Post-Fires Los Angeles” (The Atlantic)
Takeaways:
Proceeding with the Frieze Los Angeles art fair as planned despite the recent fires underscored LA’s commitment to art and cultural expression.
Some artists adapted to the circumstances by salvaging and incorporating remnants of their work affected by the fires into new creations.
Artists & galleries collaborated to ensure the success of the fair, and collectors & enthusiasts participated actively, highlighting the importance of art as an outlet during challenging times.
“The Milei Effect: Million-Dollar Contracts Lure Argentine Soccer Stars Home” (Bloomberg)
Takeaways:
The Argentine peso has appreciated under President Milei’s administration, enabling local soccer clubs to offer competitive contracts & retain players that may have otherwise sought opportunities abroad.
This talent retention is expected to result in higher attendance at matches, increased merchandise sales and greater viewership, further stimulating economic activity for Argentina.
Ultimately, these changes can enhance the quality of local competitions and strengthen national pride.
Following the media outlets you want to be featured in helps you understand what their contacts are looking for. And the best part? This is something anyone can do without hiring professional support.
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