Television
Nielsen: November TV Viewing Highlights & Streaming Records
2024-12-11
According to Nielsen's The Gauge report, November witnessed a remarkable nine-month high in TV viewing time in the US. This surge of 5 per cent compared to October marked the largest monthly viewing total since February. The impact on TV viewership during this November interval was primarily driven by sports, the presidential election, and live streaming, each influencing viewing categories in separate weeks.

Uncover the Factors Behind US TV Viewing Spikes in November

Sports and Broadcast Viewing

In November, broadcast viewing saw a significant 3 per cent increase, accounting for 23.7 per cent of total TV viewing time. The first week of the month was particularly dominant for the broadcast category, featuring Games 3, 4, and 5 of the MLB World Series on Fox, along with the regular slate of NFL and college football games. The combined viewing minutes of the final three World Series games exceeded 10 billion, and the Dodgers' victory in Game 5 attracted 18.2 million viewers, making it the sixth most watched broadcast telecast. This concentrated week of broadcast sporting events boosted the category's share to 24.9 per cent in the first week, and increased broadcast sports viewing by 34 per cent over October.

Presidential Election and Cable Viewing

The coverage of the presidential election in the second week of the month led to viewing increases, especially for cable. Although cable ended November with a 25 per cent share of viewing, its share during the election week jumped to 26.5 per cent. Much of this increase was attributed to cable news. Interestingly, cable news viewing only rose by 1 per cent monthly but climbed from 36 billion to 48 billion viewing minutes between weeks one and two (+32 per cent), resulting in a share boost.

Streaming Viewing Trends

Streaming viewership witnessed a substantial 7.6 per cent increase in November, reaching a record share of 41.6 per cent (+1.1 pt.). Some of this growth can be attributed to viewers seeking refuge from the unusual, election-driven news cycle covered by traditional TV networks. During the third week of the interval, the streaming category reached 42.6 per cent of TV viewing. Netflix also experienced peak viewership during this week, hitting 8.5 per cent of TV (compared to its overall monthly share of 7.7 per cent). This peak coincided with the live-streamed Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson boxing match and was fueled by viewing of its original series The Lincoln Lawyer, which had 3.9 billion viewing minutes and was the most watched streaming programme.

Streaming Service Highlights

Three streaming services achieved platform-best shares in November. The Roku Channel saw a 12 per cent increase to 1.9 per cent of TV. Prime Video had a 10 per cent rise to 3.7 per cent of TV. YouTube secured a new category record with 10.8 per cent of TV. Peacock, although falling short of its Olympics-driven platform record, still had the largest monthly increase among streamers at 1.5 per cent (+0.2 pt.). Peacock's significant increase was partly due to Despicable Me 4, which generated 1.5 billion viewing minutes and a 58 per cent increase in kids viewing on the platform.
The 1970s TV Star and Mentalist Kreskin Passes Away at 89
2024-12-11
The Amazing Kreskin, a name that became synonymous with mystery and mind-reading in the 1970s, has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Born George Joseph Kresge Jr. in Montclair, N.J., he showed a fascination with magic and psychology from a young age and began performing mentalist tricks as a teenager.

His Impact on Pop Culture

His television appearances during the 1970s, particularly on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Mike Douglas Show, and Late Night with David Letterman, catapulted him to stardom. His ability to seemingly read minds and perform astonishing feats using only mentalist tricks captivated audiences around the world. He could divine details of strangers' personal lives and guess randomly chosen playing cards with astonishing accuracy. One of his classic live show tricks involved entrusting audience members to hide his paycheck in an auditorium and then relying on his instincts to find it. This added an element of suspense and trust that made his performances truly unique.

The Psychology Behind His Tricks

Kreskin's success wasn't just about the tricks themselves; it was also about his understanding of human psychology. He knew how to engage the audience and make them believe that he had extraordinary powers. By using subtle cues and observing people's reactions, he was able to create an illusion that defied explanation. His ability to make objects seemingly move with just a touch of a finger or guess a card pulled from a deck demonstrated his mastery of psychological manipulation. This aspect of his work added depth to his performances and made him more than just a magician; he was a psychological phenomenon.

His Global Performances

Kreskin didn't limit his performances to just one country or region. He took his talents on the road and performed live around the world. Using audience members as his props, he showed that his abilities were not limited by language or culture. Whether in Europe, Asia, or South America, he was able to connect with audiences and leave them in awe. His performances were a testament to his versatility and his ability to adapt to different environments. He proved that his mind-reading powers were not just a fluke but a genuine talent that could transcend borders.

His Legacy

Even after his death at the age of 89, The Amazing Kreskin's legacy lives on. His influence can be seen in the many magicians and mentalists who have followed in his footsteps. His ability to combine magic and psychology in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking has inspired a new generation of performers. His story is a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary things can be achieved through a combination of skill, talent, and a touch of mystery.
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Jaguar Type 00's Pink Car: In Step with Brand History Despite Controversy
2024-12-11
At first sight, the Jaguar Type 00 concept car presents a rather unexpected sight. Its bright pink hue (alongside a blue option) catches the eye and sparks various reactions. Just like when one first lays eyes on Lady Penelope's Ford Thunderbird car from the 2004 Thunderbirds movie, which can be found at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire - coincidentally, the same location as Jaguar's R & D department. There seems to be an unconscious connection, perhaps inspired during a lunch break visit.

Discover the Hidden Story Behind Jaguar's Pink Phenomenon

Connection to Brand History

Jaguar's new electric Type 00 concept car holds a significant place in the brand's history. Contrary to what some may think, this pink beauty is more in line with Jaguar's heritage than it initially appears. The bright color serves as a bold statement, reminiscent of the brand's past designs and values. It shows that Jaguar is not afraid to take risks and break away from traditional norms.In the past, Jaguar has been known for its sleek and stylish cars, and the Type 00 continues this tradition. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident in every curve and line of the vehicle. It is a testament to Jaguar's commitment to excellence and their ability to create cars that are both beautiful and functional.

Reform and Change in the Automotive Industry

The past 12 months have seen a decline in sales across the automotive industry, with new car sales dipping and increased competition from China in the production of electric vehicles. In response to these challenges, Jaguar has taken the bold step of rebranding and introducing the Type 00 GT. This move is a timely opportunity to recenter the carmaker's product range and focus on their traditional strengths.By introducing the Type 00 GT, Jaguar is showing that they are committed to staying relevant in a rapidly changing market. They are not content to rest on their laurels but are actively seeking ways to innovate and adapt. This rebranding effort is a sign of their determination to remain a leading player in the automotive industry.

Launch Strategy and Comparison to Tesla

Jaguar's approach to the launch of the Type 00 has been quite unique. Instead of the traditional car show unveiling, they chose Miami Art Week, making a bold statement and attracting attention from a different audience. This is not the first time that Jaguar and Land Rover cars have been recognized as art, with the original 1970 Range Rover being the first car to be exhibited at the Musée du Louvre in Paris.The launch strategy has a certain Tesla-esque quality to it - sleek, high-profile, and highly charged. It shows that Jaguar is willing to think outside the box and explore new avenues to promote their brand. By associating themselves with the world of art, they are adding a new dimension to their image and reaching a wider audience.In conclusion, the Jaguar Type 00 concept car is more than just a pink vehicle. It represents a significant step in Jaguar's history and a response to the challenges of the modern automotive industry. With its bold design, rebranding efforts, and unique launch strategy, it is sure to make a lasting impression on the world of cars.
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