Not only did he transform entertainment as the CEO of TiVo…
He also brought BOTH Netflix and Amazon to the TV screen.
Tom Rogers even revolutionized business news coverage through the creation of CNBC.
In fact, he’s a regular guest on CNBC… as wells as Fox Business Network, Bloomberg TV, and MSNBC.
And now, Tom Rogers has announced his latest new media deal…
He announced the combination of 3 companies to dominate the multi-billion-dollar gaming and esports streaming industry.
Lesley Stahl of CBS News, in announcing his induction into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, said, “Rogers is a guy who gets things done… and he transforms companies along the way.”
And he’s trying to do that with his new combined company called Engine.
Why?
More and more users are turning away from online streaming…
And they are instead focused on the next great media phenomenon… gaming.
This new trend was evident from 2015 to 2017 when the time spent gaming by men between 21 and 30 nearly doubled while the time spent watching TV or movies decreased significantly.
Even Netflix has been forced to admit that games such as Fortnite are now threatening its market share.
In case you haven’t heard of Fortnite, it’s the game that your son, or nephew or the kid next door plays for hours every day.
And it’s probably the biggest cultural sensation to sweep the globe since Pokemon.
But what makes this phenomenon particularly powerful, is that people don’t just play it… they watch it.
More than 7 million people tuned in to watch Fortnite’s “Black Hole” event on the streaming service Twitch in October. It was also the most viewed gaming event on Twitter, with 42.8 million views.
In 2018, the Fortnite World Cup became the biggest event in esports, with 40 million players and a total prize pool of $30 million.
And media gurus like Tom Rogers appreciate that Fortnite is just the tip of the iceberg.
Video games in general have already surpassed nearly every other form of entertainment.
Some estimates see the industry growing to $300 billion by 2025. That’s literally bigger than Hollywood.
And millions are tuning in to watch professional gamers duke it out for big prizes. Traditional sports are struggling with viewership, while esports is witnessing exponential growth.
The timing could not be any better – companies like Engine are positioning themselves for the future.
The Deal Of The Decade
From being the CEO of TiVo to founding CNBC and then bringing Netflix and Amazon to our screens, Tom Rogers rarely gets it wrong when predicting trends in the entertainment space.
And when it comes to his next big bet, he has all of the angles covered.
As he outlined in a recent appearance on CNBC, Rogers believes there are 3 major verticals that people should be watching. Esports, News and Gaming.
In order to get ahead of this trend, Rogers has carefully selected the two companies to merge with his gaming company WinView. The first of those is esports company Torque ( TSXV:GAME, OTCMKTS:MLLLD) and the second is the up and coming news and data platform Frankly Media.
E FOR E-SPORTS
Esports is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and its cultural impact is undeniable.
With 243 million dedicated viewers, esports events are selling out major stadiums around the world and the total market is set to grow to $3 billion by 2022.
In fact, it has already begun to overtake traditional sports when it comes to viewership numbers.
And for companies like Torque Esports (TSXV:GAME, OTCMKTS:MLLLD), the timing couldn’t be better. It is positioning itself as a dominant player in esports, streaming and data as this new media revolution takes hold.
The first of its advantages can be found where Fortnite meets Formula 1, with its World’s Fastest Gamer tournamentset to attract the best esports racers in the world as they battle for a $1 million prize.
The second string to its bow comes in the form of Eden games, its very own game development arm that means it doesn’t only profit from tournaments, tv shows and advertising but from the game itself. This is the company that produced the Formula 1 mobile game and the Gear Club gaming series – two of the biggest racing games on the market.
The final, and arguably most impressive element of this esports giant is its acquisition of Stream Hatchet, a premier name in esport data analytics.
The future is bright for esports, and Tom Rogers is already ahead of the game.
N FOR NEWS
Alongside esports, Rogers is focused on dominating the news space as well. Once again, this is a data play.
The digital advertising space is worth roughly $130 billion, and yet 80 percent of that value is currently being sucked up by Google and Facebook.
Google made $4.7 billion in revenue from news content last year without writing a single word, while all publishers combined only managed $5 billion dollars.
Now Tom Rogers is bringing Frankly into the fold – ensuring his new media giant is covering every inch of the upcoming entertainment revolution.
G FOR GAMING
The final part of Tom Rogers’ mega media merger is his own company, WinView.
Alongside esports and news, Rogers sees gaming as the third pillar of the upcoming media revolution. WinView is the leading platform in the U.S. for skill-based sports prediction mobile games in what it sees as the future of entertainment.
Its unique technology allows viewers to compete with friends in real-time during live televised sports events. The logical extension of this would be to include it in live esports events and live news broadcasts – gamifying entertainments and changing the way we consume content.
From video games, to esports, to live sports and even news, a media revolution is underway. For those, like Tom Rogers, who can see these changes first-hand – the opportunities are endless.
The Media Revolution
While Roger’s new media deal won’t be completed until February, following the companies that are part of this deal gives an insight into what the new company will look like.
Torque Esports (TSXV:GAME, OTCMKTS:MLLLD) is already an exciting new company in the esports industry, and Rogers selection of this disrupter will only increase its publicity.
Frankly Media is incredibly popular among news publishers, breaking the big media cartel that currently starves news networks of their advertising revenue. While it isn’t as large a part of the coming entertainment revolution, it is undoubtedly one way to play Tom Roger’s prediction.
Other companies looking to take advantage of a new entertainment boom:
Celestica Inc. (TSX:CLS) is a manufacturer of electrical devices used in IT, telecommunications, healthcare, defense and aerospace industries. The company has seen strong growth YoY which we expect to continue as the sales expectations are almost 3% better than last years.
While telecommunications stocks have been volatile recently, Celestica’s deals within the gaming industry, including its previous partnership with Microsoft, have helped investors see some upside.
Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR ) is another major player in the Canadian telecoms sector. It owns a ton of infrastructure throughout Canada and its cloud services and open-source projects look to address some of the biggest issues that its customers might face before the customers even face them.
Despite a couple of dips over the past few years, Shaw has rebounded nicely, proving that it can stay with the times as the industry continues to evolve.
Telus Corporation (TSX:T) is Canada’s second largest internet provider, serving over 8 million Canadians from coast to coast. Though it’s not producing its own content, it is carving out its own path in the industry thanks to its innovative approach to technology and investments across multiple sectors.
From healthcare to the Internet of Things and cloud technology, Telus is taking a stake in some of the world’s most important and fastest growing markets, making it a company worth noting.
GameHost Inc (TSX:GH) is a leading entertainment and hospitality provider based in Alberta, Canada. The company operates four primary properties in the Alberta province, each offering slot machines, table games, top-quality hospitality and more meant to appeal to both casual gamers and dedicated gamers alike.
GameHost is well-known for providing dividends to its investors, a plus for those who have stuck with the company over the years. In fact, its focus on increasing value for shareholders is made abundantly clear in its mission to reduce costs and improve offerings, creating some of the highest profit margins in the business.
The Descartes Systems Group Inc. (TSX: DSG) (commonly referred to as Descartes) is a Canadian multinational technology company specializing in logistics software, supply chain management software, and cloud-based services for logistics businesses. The company is making waves in the tech industry with its futuristic products and visionary leadership.
Recently, Descartes announced that it has successfully deployed its advanced capacity matching solution, Descartes MacroPoint Capacity Matching. The solution provides greater visibility and transparency within their network of carriers and brokers. This move could solidify the company as a key player in transportation logistics which is essential in the world of commerce.
By. Lisa Greenwood
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Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.
NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15
— Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.
— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.
— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”
— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”
— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.
— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.
— Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.
— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.
— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.
— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.
— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.
Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.
Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.
Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.
Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.
Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.
Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.
Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.
As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.
Cochise County, AZ — Law enforcement officials in Arizona have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Cochise County, after a manhunt was launched following alleged death threats he made against former President Donald Trump. The threats reportedly surfaced in social media posts over the past two weeks, as Trump visited the US-Mexico border in Cochise County on Thursday.
Syvrud, who hails from Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was captured by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating, “This subject has been taken into custody without incident.”
In addition to the alleged threats against Trump, Syvrud is wanted for multiple offences, including failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces several warrants in both Wisconsin and Arizona, including charges for driving under the influence and a felony hit-and-run.
The timing of the arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to Cochise County, where he toured the US-Mexico border. During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing border issues and criticized his political rival, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for what he described as lax immigration policies. When asked by reporters about the ongoing manhunt for Syvrud, Trump responded, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”
This incident marks the latest in a series of threats against political figures during the current election cycle. Just earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials.
