The stock was down 9.2% before the opening bell, extending its losses to more than 44% since reaching a record high in June 2025.

The latest forecast is the second straight quarter in which Netflix has guided below analysts’ estimates. Following the update, at least 11 analysts lowered their price targets for the company’s shares.

Although Netflix has expanded beyond its traditional subscription business, adding advertising, live programming and higher subscription prices to increase revenue per user, investors are still focused on whether it can continue attracting new subscribers.

Jeffrey Wlodarczak, an analyst at Pivotal Research Group, said subscriber growth remains the company’s biggest challenge as younger viewers spend more time on free social media platforms than on long-form streaming services.

“The story lacks excitement,” he said.

He added, “We believe this will result in slower subscriber growth and attempts by the company to offset this via more aggressive price increases and investment in content.”

Analysts also pointed to stronger competition from established streaming rivals such as Disney as well as YouTube, which continues to attract younger audiences with free video content.

Jefferies analysts said Netflix’s content line-up for the second half of 2026 is weaker than the one it offered a year earlier, which could make it harder to reassure investors.

Netflix has also reduced the amount of performance data it shares with the market. The company stopped publishing quarterly subscriber figures in 2025 and announced that, from January 2027, it will release its viewing-hours report once a year instead of twice.

Despite the recent decline, Netflix still trades at a premium compared with some of its biggest rivals. Its shares are valued at about 19.9 times expected earnings over the next 12 months, compared with 13.5 times for Disney and 6.6 times for Comcast.

With the decline, investors are currently concerned that Netflix may find it difficult to maintain the strong growth that once set it apart, especially as viewers have more entertainment choices and free online platforms continue to gain ground.

The post Netflix Shares Fall 9% as Weak Earnings Forecast Disappoints Investors appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This gap already says a lot about the relationship between journalism and public relations.

In 2026, the global public relations industry is valued at over $114 billion and still growing. At the same time, journalism is facing challenges such as shrinking newsrooms, high legal threats, and declining press freedom across more than half of countries worldwide.

These two forces do not operate in isolation, instead, they collide every day, in press statements, and breaking news cycles and crisis moments where the story is still being created.

Both sides work the same story from different directions. While one tries to shape it, the other tries to verify it, with the public sitting in the middle, deciding what is true.

The opening move: who speaks first often shapes everything

When a company faces a scandal, a policy change, or a product failure, PR teams move first. A statement is drafted, with key phrases chosen carefully, tone is controlled and timing is strategic.

Journalists, meanwhile, begin asking different questions:

• What actually happened?
• Who is responsible?
• What evidence supports this?

The first version of the story is usually not the final one, but it can be the most influential. In the news environment, early framing is important.

What journalism actually does

Journalism is built around one central function, which is public accountability through verification. Its role is not to protect organisations but to examine them.

That includes:

• checking claims before publication
• challenging official statements
• sourcing independent evidence
• publishing findings that may be uncomfortable for powerful actors

But journalism today is under stress. Press freedom has declined to its lowest level in 25 years, with more than half of countries now classified as having “difficult” or “very serious” conditions for media work.

In some cases, legal pressure is used even before stories are published. Media organisations report high use of lawsuits and legal threats as a way to discourage investigation itself.

This shouldn’t be ignored because journalism only works when it can challenge power without fear.

What PR actually does

Public relations is usually misunderstood as simple spin but it is more structured than that.

At its core, PR is about managing how organisations communicate with the public, investors, regulators, and customers.

That includes:

• drafting official communication
• managing reputation during crises
• maintaining media relationships
• translating corporate decisions into public messaging

The PR industry is now worth more than $114 billion globally, with steady expansion driven by digital media and real-time communication demands.

PR is not always reactive, as in many cases, it is proactive, building narrative before any crisis exists. But it operates with a clear priority, where the organisation’s reputation comes first.

The dependency nobody admits openly

Journalism and PR depend on each other more than they admit.

Journalists rely on PR for:

• official statements
• data releases
• access to spokespeople
• clarification during fast-moving events

In fact, a significant share of journalists say they depend on PR professionals for research and information gathering.

PR relies on journalists for:

• credibility
• public reach
• third-party validation
• long-term narrative authority

But the relationship is uneven, because PR can distribute a message, but journalism decides whether it becomes news.

The conflict between the two systems is seen daily in newsroom decisions.

1. Control vs independence

PR aims to control messaging, while journalism resists control.

2. Speed vs accuracy

PR pushes immediate response, but journalism prioritises verification.

3. Reputation vs accountability

PR protects the brand, journalism tests it.

4. Access vs pressure

PR controls access to information, journalism risks losing that access if it becomes too critical.

Both systems are designed to do different jobs.

The separation between journalism and PR is no more as clean as it once was.

Today:

• branded content looks like news
• corporate messaging spreads through social platforms without media filters
• influencers now function as informal PR channels
• newsrooms rely more on press releases due to reduced staff

At the same time, audiences are fragmenting. Global trust data shows fewer people now consume information from sources that challenge their views, shrinking shared understanding of reality itself.

This creates a new environment where perception is not built in one place, but across many small, overlapping channels.

A truth about influence

PR usually determines the first draft of public perception, while journalism creates the lasting version. The difference between the two is time, verification, and independence.

One works in minutes, the other works in days, sometimes weeks. But over time, it is the verified version that tends to stay.

Journalism and PR are not enemies but two different systems built for different results. PR builds narrative and protects reputation, while journalism tests it and protects public understanding.

Neither fully controls perception alone, but together, they create what the public eventually believes happened.

And with trust being fragmented and information moving faster than verification, that balance is more important now.

The post Journalism vs PR: How Media Power, Reputation, and Truth Collide in Modern Communication appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The acclaimed program is presently filming its sixth season after previously tracing the late monarch’s life across several decades.

“As a mark of respect, filming on ‘The Crown’ was suspended today,” a Netflix spokeswoman said in a statement.

“Filming will also be suspended on the day of Her Majesty The Queen’s funeral.”

The multiple Emmy-winning series began in its first season with Queen Elizabeth’s wedding to Prince Philip in 1947.

The royal family’s involvement in 1990s events, such as Princess Diana’s passing, is scheduled to be covered in the fifth season, which will debut in November and will feature Imelda Staunton in the Queen’s place.

Netflix has not yet revealed any information regarding season six, although it is anticipated to depict more contemporary events, such as what happened when Diana was killed in a terrible automobile accident and how it affected the royal family.

The announcement came as Hollywood stars and executives from Netflix and other major studios gathered in Toronto for the city’s international film festival.

Theaters turned off their illuminated marquees in the Canadian city on Thursday to mark the death of the Commonwealth monarch, while flags were lowered and the famous CN Tower also dimmed its lights.

Former “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe was among the stars to address the Queen’s death at the festival, telling reporters that her absence felt “weirdly inconceivable and surreal right now.”

“My parents and I, nobody of my age or their age has ever lived in a country without her,” he said on the red carpet for his new movie “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.”

The post Netflix Suspends ‘The Crown’ Filming Following Queen Elizabeth’s Demise appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The group is celebrating with the launch of a bold company manifesto and video campaign, highlighting two decades of innovation, growth, and its mission to make the digital world more accessible for everyone.

From its humble beginnings in Miami in 2005 to becoming a global leader in the digital advertising ecosystem, Aleph has consistently challenged the status quo, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities in over 150+ markets worldwide, with 60+ exclusive partnerships, serving more than 26,000 advertisers globally and 1500+ employees worldwide.

Aleph’s success has been fuelled by its commitment to creating lasting value, extending the reach of digital advertising and making a difference in emerging markets.

“When we started, we didn’t dream of being part of the digital world; we dreamed of making it possible for everyone to be part of the digital world,” reads the manifesto.

This philosophy has driven Aleph’s evolution from a small startup to a global powerhouse, playing a pivotal role in connecting businesses, brands, and consumers through digital platforms.

“Our collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital growth,” said Stanislaus Martins, managing director for West Africa at Aleph.

“With Aleph’s expanded partnership with Pinterest and TikTok, we can now offer brands in Nigeria access to one of the world’s leading visual discovery and social media platforms, helping them reach millions of users passionate about discovering new ideas. These partnerships unlock new opportunities for Nigerian advertisers to connect with engaged audiences, driving meaningful engagement and business growth. Together, we’re excited to help businesses in Nigeria thrive in the digital age,” added Martins.

A Bold Vision for the Future: To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Aleph is unveiling a corporate manifesto video featuring employees from around the globe.

The campaign captures Aleph’s unique philosophy: “At Aleph, there’s no room for small dreams. That’s why big things happen.”

The video highlights the company’s journey and commitment to empowering businesses and individuals by providing access to the tools and platforms they need to thrive in the digital economy.

How Big is Your World? As part of the celebration, Aleph invites the world to reflect on its own digital transformation ambitions through the campaign tagline, “How Big Is Your World?”

The campaign encourages businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals to dream bigger and explore the limitless possibilities of the digital transformation era.

Aleph’s story is not just one of business success but of a vision realised through collaboration and innovation.

“Our success has always been about more than growth,” says Gaston Taratuta, founder and CEO of Aleph. “It’s been about helping others grow, from our partners and clients to the communities we serve.”

The post Driving Digital Transformation in Emerging Economies Through Media, Fintech & EdTech appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This multi-year agreement grants OpenAI access to a large library of content from News Corp publications, with potential financial benefits exceeding $250 million over five years.

The deal makes it possible for OpenAI to utilize current and archived articles from News Corp’s portfolio for two key purposes: training its AI models and directly answering user queries. 

This collaboration aligns with OpenAI’s recent strategy of securing content licenses from well-known media outlets. Agreements with The Financial Times, Dotdash Meredith, and social media platform Reddit highlight this trend.

Financial compensation for News Corp isn’t solely limited to cash. The deal reportedly includes “credits for use of OpenAI technology,” indicating potential access to cutting-edge AI tools for News Corp. 

Again, the partnership facilitates knowledge exchange, with News Corp offering “journalistic expertise” to OpenAI to ensure “the highest journalism standards” are upheld within its products.

This agreement comes amidst the need for media companies to scale their relationship with AI. While some are embracing content licensing partnerships with OpenAI, others are taking a more adversarial approach. 

The New York Times, New York Daily News, and other publications have filed lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging copyright infringement related to the training of AI models on their content.

The post News Corp, OpenAI Seal Multi-Million Dollar Deal to Enhance ‘Journalistic Expertise’ appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

As the curtains draw on this chapter, a disconcerting narrative unfolds—one where brands, in their relentless pursuit of popularity, risk losing their very essence, succumbing to the siren call of trends, be they controversial or lacking enduring significance.

The dance between popularity and authenticity became increasingly intricate, with brands opting for clout over impact.

A fervor to be at the forefront of the latest trends, regardless of their long-term implications, left a palpable void—a chasm that, at times, seemed insurmountable.

Within the media landscape, the struggle for attention reached new heights, and as the cacophony of voices vied for the spotlight, brands found themselves at a crossroads.

The essence of their identity teetered on the precipice, caught between the gravitational pull of new media’s allure and the anchor of their brand’s foundational values.

The pursuit of popularity, though a tempting endeavor in the age of metrics and clicks, saw many brands lose themselves in the vortex of trends – often controversial, seldom carrying the weight of long-term impact.

It became a numbers game, where the instant gratification of virality overshadowed the enduring resonance of authenticity.

In the quest for clout, the echoes of brand essence began to fade into the background, drowned out by the cacophony of what’s trending.

The fine line between maintaining a brand’s unique identity and succumbing to the magnetic pull of new media started to blur perilously.

As we stand on the cusp of 2024, it’s imperative for brands to reevaluate their strategies and recalibrate their compasses.

The allure of numbers should not supersede the profound impact that authenticity and purpose can impart. So, what lessons can we glean from this narrative, and how can brands redefine their trajectory in the uncharted territory of 2024?

1. Rediscovering Authenticity in the Age of Clout

In the pursuit of likes, shares, and trending hashtags, brands must pause and reflect on their core values.

Authenticity remains an unrivalled currency in the digital age. In 2024, a strategic return to the roots of brand identity can set the stage for a genuine connection with audiences.

2. Substance Over Sensation

It’s time for brands to ask the crucial question—what legacy are they building? Substance trumps sensation in the long run. Crafting content and campaigns that resonate on a deeper level, leaving a lasting impact, should take precedence over fleeting moments of online applause.

3. Embracing Impactful Narratives

The power of storytelling cannot be overstated. Brands should shift their focus from fleeting controversies to narratives that stand the test of time. Impactful storytelling not only captures attention but also engrains brand messages in the collective consciousness.

4. Striking a Balance with New Media

While the allure of new media is undeniable, brands must tread carefully. Embrace the platforms that align with your values and goals, rather than succumbing to a one-size-fits-all approach. Thoughtful curation over indiscriminate participation is key.

As the curtain rises on 2024, the call-to-action echoes loud and clear. It’s time for brands to navigate the abyss with purpose, steering away from the perilous dance between popularity and authenticity.

The new year beckons as a canvas for brands to redefine their narrative, reclaim their identity, and weave a story that transcends the fleeting trends of today, resonating with the hearts and minds of tomorrow.

*Tofunmi Akinseye, CEO and Publisher of Savvy Media Africa, is a highly accomplished professional in the media and communications field.

The post Media 2023 Reflections | by Tofunmi Akinseye appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

To borrow a satirical quip, “Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.” – Abraham Lincoln. This gives a sound warning to everyone digitally inclined in our global system. To date countless individuals still fall victim to fake news, unable to discern it from authentic news. So, let’s walk you through the evaluation of fake news, with critical thinking and scepticism at the fore.

Through this journey, keep in mind Mark Twain’s timeless wisdom: “If you don’t read the newspaper, you’re uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you’re misinformed.” While this looks like an irony, it emphasizes the challenges of discerning truth in the media sector.

Source Evaluation

Check the Domain: Investigate the website’s domain. Legitimate news outlets usually have established domains.

About Us Section: Authentic news sites provide clear information about their mission, editorial team, and contact details.

Cross-Verification

Multiple Sources: Confirm information with multiple reliable sources. Consistency across reputable outlets increases credibility.

Fact-Checking Websites: Utilize fact-checking websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or PolitiFact to verify claims.

Headline Scrutiny

Sensationalism: Beware of exaggerated or sensational headlines. Legitimate news sources maintain a neutral tone.

Misleading Headlines: Ensure that the content matches the headline; misleading titles are a common tactic.

Authorship Assessment

Author Credentials: Check the author’s qualifications and expertise. A lack of author information can be a red flag.

Biased Affiliations: Be cautious if the author has strong affiliations that may compromise objectivity.

Publication Date Awareness

Timeliness: Check the publication date. Misinformation often resurfaces, and outdated news can be misleading.

Contextual Relevance: Consider whether the timing aligns with the story’s significance.

Media Literacy

Question Photos and Videos: Verify the authenticity of visuals. Images and videos can be manipulated to convey false narratives.

Understanding Satire: Satirical content, if misunderstood, may contribute to misinformation. Be aware of satirical sources.

Social Media Scrutiny

Check Source Credibility: Verify the legitimacy of the social media account sharing the news. Look for verification badges.

Watch for Echo Chambers: Be cautious of information spreading within closed online communities without external validation.

Critical Thinking

Question Biases: Be aware of your own biases and how they might influence your perception of news.

Evaluate Supporting Evidence: Authentic news is supported by evidence, not just opinions.

Review the URL

Typos and Strange Characters: Pay attention to the URL for typos or unusual characters. Legitimate sites have professional-looking URLs.

Consult Experts

Consult Subject Matter Experts: If the news involves a complex topic, seek opinions from experts in the field to validate information.

There you have it, information is abundant in this period, but not always accurate, equip yourself to be above misinformation.

The post How to identify fake (false) news appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Originally associated with military applications, drones have found their way into commercial and civil domains, promising remarkable benefits and efficiencies. From agriculture to logistics, let’s take a look at the potential uses of drones and how they are revolutionizing various sectors.

1. Agriculture: Cultivating the Skies

Drones are taking precision agriculture to new heights by providing farmers with valuable data and insights. Equipped with specialized sensors, the technology can monitor crop health, detect early signs of diseases or nutrient deficiencies, and optimize irrigation practices. 

This data-driven approach enables farmers to make informed decisions, increase yields, and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, leading to more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.

2. Construction and Infrastructure: Elevating Project Management

In the construction industry, they have become essential tools for site surveying, mapping, and progress monitoring. They can rapidly capture high-resolution aerial images and 3D models of construction sites, allowing project managers to assess site conditions, track progress, and identify potential issues. 

This real-time data facilitates better project management, improves safety, and streamlines workflows, ultimately speeding up construction timelines and reducing costs.

3. Environmental Conservation: Guardian of Nature

This technology is an ally in environmental conservation efforts. They assist researchers and wildlife biologists in monitoring and protecting endangered species, tracking animal migrations, and surveying remote and inaccessible areas. 

Additionally, drones are instrumental in monitoring deforestation, illegal logging, and wildfires, enabling rapid responses to environmental threats and preserving precious ecosystems.

4. Logistics and Delivery: Soaring Efficiency

The logistics industry has embraced drones for last-mile delivery, offering faster and more cost-effective solutions for transporting goods. With their ability to navigate congested urban areas and reach remote locations, drones have the potential to revolutionize the delivery process. 

Companies like Amazon and DHL have already piloted drone delivery services, promising swifter deliveries and reduced carbon emissions.

5. Search and Rescue: Aerial Lifesavers

In search and rescue operations, drones help in locating missing persons, assessing disaster-stricken areas, and providing real-time situational awareness to first responders. 

Equipped with thermal imaging and advanced camera technology, drones can quickly cover large areas and identify heat signatures or survivors in need of assistance, significantly improving the chances of successful rescue operations.

6. Media and Entertainment: Capturing Cinematic Perspectives

Drones have transformed the media and entertainment industries, enabling filmmakers, photographers, and content creators to capture breathtaking aerial shots that were once prohibitively expensive. 

Whether filming epic action sequences or documenting stunning landscapes, drones provide a new dimension to storytelling, captivating audiences with cinematic perspectives.

7. Infrastructure Inspection: Soaring Inspectors

In the energy and infrastructure sectors, drones are replacing risky manual inspections with safer and more efficient aerial assessments. 

Drones equipped with cameras, lidar, and other sensors can inspect power lines, pipelines, bridges, and buildings, identifying structural issues and defects without requiring human workers to climb dangerous heights.

As this innovation continues to evolve and their capabilities expand, their potential applications are limited only by imagination and regulatory frameworks. While their benefits are undeniable, integrating drones into various industries requires careful consideration of safety, privacy, and ethical concerns. 

As technology advances and regulations adapt to accommodate drone operations, we can expect to see drones increasingly taking flight across numerous industries, unlocking a world of possibilities in the sky.

The post The Potential Uses of Drones in Various Industries, From Agriculture to Logistics appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The Nigerian media sector is experiencing rapid growth and facing strong competition as it continues to evolve.

P+ Measurement Services, a leading media intelligence consultancy, analyzed the top media performers in the Nigerian subscription-based streaming services, telecommunications, and insurance sectors for the second quarter of 2023.

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of each industry’s media share, considering the advancements in subscription-based streaming services, the telecommunications sector’s expansion, and the insurance sector’s consistent performance. 

The media analysis monitors over 1.3 million online publications in the local and global media space, including blogs, news sites, forums, and digital media, as well as approximately 1,380 print publications (including daily, weekly, and monthly publications), from which various meta-data were harvested.

In the Nigerian subscription-based streaming industry, Netflix Nigeria emerged as the top performer, out of the five brands monitored, capturing a significant media share of 47%, followed by Amazon Prime Video and Showmax Nigeria with 29% and 24% respectively.

The Nigerian telecommunications industry saw a competitive landscape with several key players.

The top media performers, out of the five brands monitored, in terms of media share: MTN Nigeria and Airtel tied for the top position, each capturing 30% of the media share. Globacom secured 25% and 9Mobile 15%.

Out of the ten leading insurance brands monitored, five insurance companies stood out as top media performers, with Leadway Assurance maintaining its position as the top performer in Q2, capturing 39% of the media share.

Coming in second was AIICO Insurance with 19%, AXA Mansard Insurance ranked third with 18%, NEM Insurance came in fourth with 15%, and Mutual Benefits Assurance with 9%.

Analysis of Top Reputational Drivers in Q2, 2023

During the second quarter, noteworthy media drivers in the subscription-based streaming services sector in Nigeria included Netflix Nigeria’s innovative approach of reimagining folktales with African filmmakers, transforming them into dark fantasy dramas. Amazon Prime Video achieved a significant milestone for the brand with Jade Osiberu’s ‘Gangs of Lagos’ setting a new record.

Additionally, Showmax Nigeria collaborated with Upbeat to host a special screening party for children on Children’s Day, where they had the opportunity to hang out with Jay Jay Okocha.

The Nigerian telecommunications industry witnessed several significant PR drivers during the period. One noteworthy development was MTN Nigeria’s securing approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission to lease NTEL’s spectrum, which greatly influenced the industry. Airtel Nigeria experienced a boost in its brand recognition and reputation following the appointment of Carl Cruz as MD/CEO. Similarly, Globacom garnered attention and media coverage as Chief Executive Officer Mike Adenuga celebrated his 70th birthday.

Furthermore, 9Mobile made headlines with its announcement of a substantial N70 billion investment in network modernization, driving its presence and impact in the market.

Leadway Assurance garnered significant attention by achieving a groundbreaking milestone as the first insurer to surpass N100 billion in premium income within the insurance sector. In a notable display of Corporate Social Responsibility, AIICO Insurance directed its investments toward the healthcare industry.

AXA Mansard Insurance experienced remarkable growth of 13% in revenue during the first quarter, contributing to an increased level of media engagement for the brand. NEM Insurance demonstrated its commitment to policyholders by disbursing a substantial sum of N12.3 billion in claims during the 2022 financial year.

Additionally, Mutual Benefits Assurance witnessed Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, the chairman, offering valuable insights to the younger generation about the significance of making favorable first impressions during the launch of his book.

The Q2 2023 #StreamingServices and #Insurance #Telecommunication Media Performance Audit Report is available here. 

The post MTN, Netflix, Leadway Top Q2 ’23 Media Performers across Telecoms | Streaming | Insurance Sectors appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Adesina, who previously held positions as the Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, disclosed this information during an interview with The Crest on May 26th, his last working day.

The appointment as Executive Vice Chairman was approved by the company’s founder, Senator Orji Kalu.

Adesina shared that when he expressed his intention to leave The Sun newspaper, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu advised him not to resign, offering him the opportunity to return if he didn’t enjoy his government role or even after serving for eight years.

Consequently, Senator Kalu issued him a letter appointing him as the Executive Vice Chairman, as confirmed by Adesina.

According to The Crest, there is a time gap before Adesina starts his new position to allow him to take a well-deserved rest.

During his eight-year tenure as the ex-President’s spokesperson, he was unable to take leave. The report also mentioned that Adesina intends to retreat to a peaceful location to write his memoirs.

Before he was appointed Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) by ex-President Buhari on May 31, 2015, Femi Adesina served as the president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)

The post Femi Adesina Returns to The Sun Newspaper as Executive Vice Chairman appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.