Category Archives: News

Paris 2024: Opening Ceremony Sees 28.6 Million U.S. Viewers

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics garnered an impressive 28.6 million U.S. viewers across NBC and Peacock, marking the most-watched summer Games start since London 2012. This viewership surge represents a significant increase over the 17 million viewers who tuned in for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

NBCUniversal, which paid $7.65 billion for exclusive broadcasting to the Olympics in the US through 2032, saw this as a crucial turn of events. The ceremony, featuring athletes floating down the Seine and a performance by Celine Dion, drew substantial audience interest.

While time zone differences and COVID-19 may have dampened the excitement surrounding the Tokyo and Beijing games, NBCUniversal incorporated celebrity appearances, including Beyoncé introducing Team USA, to encourage viewing.

Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming platform, set new records with over 2.5 million viewers for the ceremony, making it the most-streamed opening ceremony to date and the platform’s biggest entertainment event ever.

American Airlines Reaches Tentative Agreement with Flight Attendants

American Airlines (AAL.O) and its 28,000 flight attendants have reached a tentative labor agreement, according to their union, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA). Although the specifics were not disclosed, the deal addresses concerns about compensation, work rules, and retroactive pay.

After more than three years of negotiations, the agreement will be reviewed by the union’s board before members vote on ratification. APFA President Julie Hedrick stated that if approved, the deal will significantly enhance compensation and work conditions for flight attendants.

The White House closely monitored the discussions, with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and acting Labor Secretary Julie Su previously involved. President Joe Biden praised the agreement, noting it prevents a potentially disruptive strike and underscores the benefits of collective bargaining for workers, companies, and the economy.

According to the airline, the contract promises immediate financial and quality-of-life improvements for flight attendants. The company had previously offered a new contract with a 17% immediate wage increase and higher profit sharing in 2024, but these terms were rejected by the union.

Flight attendants, who had authorized a strike if negotiations failed, have not seen a pay raise in over five years. The union had demanded a 33% immediate raise, citing the challenges faced since the pandemic, including dealing with unruly passengers.

Negotiations began in January 2020 but paused during the pandemic, resuming in June 2021.

Mike Gianoni, Blackbaud CEO, on this year’s inspirational bbcon keynote speaker

Mike Gianoni, the CEO of cloud computing provider Blackbaud, is leading the company’s preparations for its annual bbcon, set for September 24- 26, 2024.

The three-day convention in Seattle, Washington is a top-tier event with over 1,000 social impact and non-profit professionals in attendance, in person and remotely. This year, bbcon will welcome Emmy award-winning actress and nonprofit leader, Sheryl Lee Ralph as its keynote speaker.


Gianoni explained that Ralph embodies the same commitment to social impact that bbcon and Blackbaud promote. “As a fierce advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and action, Sheryl Lee Ralph has so much to share about translating personal passions for impact, motivating for change, and leveraging her own influence and network for positive results,” Gianoni said.

In an ever-changing technological landscape, Blackbaud is the leading provider of software powering social impact.  As CEO, Gianoni has been steering the company at the intersection of technology and social impact by building essential software that accelerates impact through integrated expertise and powerful data intelligence. Throughout his career, Gianoni has brought strong operational expertise and leadership to the tech community, driving value for customers while advancing corporate cultures that encourage teams to thrive.

That is why Gianoni is particularly excited about bbcon 2024 and the list of inspiring keynote speakers that Sheryl Lee Ralph joins from recent years, which has included America Ferrera, Chaunte Lowe, and Simu Liu. “We serve the entire social impact community operating across the globe—nonprofits, foundations, corporations, education institutions, healthcare institutions, and the individual change agents who support them,” he says. “Ralph’s leadership and insights are sure to inspire and catalyze their work driving forward a better future for all.”

Mike Gianoni is a veteran IT service executive. What began in a high school engineering class, Gianoni’s interest in technology has evolved to a full-time career spanning industries and many decades. He earned degrees in both engineering and business, and received an MBA and Honorary Doctorate from the University of New Haven.

Consumer Spending Cools Signaling Economic Shift

The post-pandemic consumer spending spree is beginning to slow, as evidenced by recent reports from major U.S. companies like PepsiCo and Delta Air Lines. Both companies have issued cautious financial outlooks, citing increased price sensitivity among consumers.
The post-pandemic consumer spending spree is beginning to slow, as evidenced by recent reports from major U.S. companies like PepsiCo and Delta Air Lines. Both companies have issued cautious financial outlooks, citing increased price sensitivity among consumers.

PepsiCo noted that the pressure of inflation and high borrowing costs have led to tighter household budgets, resulting in more price-conscious consumers. Similarly, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian pointed to lower fare discounting in the domestic market as customers push back against premium pricing.

This shift in consumer behavior is further supported by the latest inflation data, which showed a significant decline in the monthly Consumer Price Index for the first time since the pandemic. While the 12-month index remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, it has cooled more than expected.

Despite the slowdown in consumer spending, economists do not foresee an imminent recession. While weakening, the labor market still shows healthy wage growth that outpaces inflation. Analysts suggest the economy may be entering a period of “disinflation,” where price growth slows without triggering a full-blown recession.

As more consumer-focused companies prepare to release their business updates in the coming weeks, the market will be closely watching for further signs of this economic shift and its potential impact on various sectors.

Six Flags and Cedar Fair Merger Creates Largest U.S. Amusement Park Operator

Six Flags has completed an $8 billion merger with Cedar Fair. With 42 parks in 17 states, this partnership creates the largest amusement park operator in the U.S. Rollercoaster enthusiasts are watching closely to understand what the impact will be on the future of these parks. Some anticipate improvements in park conditions, while others fear increased admission costs.

Passionate fans, sensitive to changes in park design and history, worry about losing nostalgic elements. For now, the parks will retain their existing branding and names.

Chris Miller, who runs the Coaster Conquest YouTube channel, is cautiously optimistic, hoping for diverse new rides but concerned about potential price hikes for all-park season passes.

The new entity, Six Flags Entertainment Corp., will be led by Cedar Fair CEO Richard Zimmerman. Cedar Fair owns 51% of the company, while Six Flags holds 49%. The merger aims to compete with destination parks like Disney and Universal by leveraging their scale to reduce costs and enhance guest experiences.

Six Flags has faced challenges in recent years, including fluctuating management strategies and a significant stock drop. The merger is expected to provide stability and improved operations. Cedar Fair’s successful management and higher attendance rates offer hope for better service and overall park experience.

Analysts foresee potential benefits such as new season pass options, loyalty programs, and combined intellectual property licenses, potentially leading to exciting new themed rides and attractions. However, some fans worry about losing the distinctive charm of beloved parks.