How The Writers and Studios Finally Struck A Deal & Tinder Goes Bougie

TL;DR

Writers strike ends, Tinder introduces $499 tier.

Transcript

Good Morning Brew Daily Show. I'm Toby Howell. And I'm Kyle Hagge. On today's pod, at long last, the writers strike may be coming to a conclusion after the two sides reached a tentative agreement, which means we can finally watch the Drew Barrymore show again. Yes, Drew Barrymore is back. We're also going to be talking about if you're single, get r... Read More

Key Insights

• The writers strike, lasting 146 days, is nearing its end with a tentative agreement between the Writers Guild of America and major studios, pending ratification by WGA members.
• The strike significantly impacted the entertainment industry, causing a 29% decline in filming in Los Angeles and delaying major projects like Venom 3 and Gladiator 2.
• Tinder introduces a $499 monthly subscription tier called Tinder Select, aimed at its most active users, as part of a strategy to increase average revenue per user amidst declining subscriber numbers.
• Lego abandoned its effort to replace oil-based plastics in its bricks due to a higher carbon footprint in the manufacturing process, but remains committed to sustainability with other initiatives.
• The Miami Dolphins' 70-20 win over the Denver Broncos marked a unique score in NFL history, known as a 'scorigami,' drawing attention to the quirky aspect of NFL scoring.
• NASA's Osiris-Rex mission successfully returned samples from the asteroid Bennu, potentially offering insights into the origins of life on Earth.
• Usher is announced as the performer for the Super Bowl halftime show, a decision influenced by Jay-Z's Roc Nation, which has revamped the selection process for performers.
• President Biden plans to support the United Auto Workers strike in Michigan, marking a rare move for a sitting president to publicly back striking workers.

Questions & Answers

Q: What led to the end of the writers strike?

The writers strike, which lasted 146 days, is nearing its end due to a tentative agreement reached between the Writers Guild of America and the major studios. This agreement promises meaningful gains and protections for writers, although it still needs to be ratified by WGA members to take effect. The strike had significantly impacted the entertainment industry, leading to a 29% decline in filming in Los Angeles and delaying major projects.

Q: What is the new Tinder subscription tier?

Tinder has introduced a new subscription tier called Tinder Select, priced at $499 per month. This ultra-premium tier is aimed at the app's most active users, offering exclusive features like enhanced searching and matching capabilities. The move is part of Tinder's strategy to increase average revenue per user amidst declining subscriber numbers, by targeting power users who spend the most time on the app.

Q: Why did Lego abandon its sustainability effort?

Lego abandoned its effort to replace oil-based plastics in its bricks after discovering that the new material would result in a higher carbon footprint when considering the entire manufacturing process. Despite this setback, Lego remains committed to sustainability, with plans to eliminate single-use plastic bags in its packaging by 2025, and exploring other ways to reduce its environmental impact.

Q: What is the significance of the Miami Dolphins' win?

The Miami Dolphins' 70-20 victory over the Denver Broncos is significant because it marked a unique score in NFL history, known as a 'scorigami.' This term refers to a final score that has never happened before in the history of the NFL. The game set multiple records and drew attention to the quirky aspect of NFL scoring, captivating fans and statisticians alike.

Q: What did NASA's Osiris-Rex mission achieve?

NASA's Osiris-Rex mission successfully returned samples from the asteroid Bennu to Earth, marking the first time an American spacecraft has retrieved material from an asteroid. Scientists believe that studying these samples could provide insights into the origins of life on Earth, as Bennu may contain prebiotic compounds that could have contributed to the development of life on our planet.

Q: Who will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show?

Usher has been announced as the performer for the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show. The selection process for Super Bowl performers has been revamped by Jay-Z's Roc Nation, which has been in charge since 2019. This change includes selecting artists that reflect the host city's culture and ensuring that hip-hop acts take a more central role in the performances.

Q: What is President Biden's involvement with the UAW strike?

President Biden plans to visit Michigan to support the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike, marking a significant move as it is rare for a sitting president to publicly back striking workers. This visit aligns with Biden's image as a pro-union president, although he has not yet secured the endorsement of the UAW. His involvement is seen as an effort to strengthen his relationship with labor unions ahead of the 2024 election.

Q: What are some of the challenges faced by companies in sustainability efforts?

Companies like Lego face significant challenges in their sustainability efforts, as demonstrated by Lego's decision to abandon its attempt to replace oil-based plastics due to a higher carbon footprint. This highlights the complex trade-offs involved in sustainability initiatives, where changing one material can have unintended environmental consequences. Companies must consider the entire lifecycle of their products and processes to achieve meaningful sustainability goals.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The writers strike is close to ending with a tentative agreement between the Writers Guild of America and major studios, promising significant protections for writers, although the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike continues.

• Tinder's new $499 monthly subscription tier, Tinder Select, targets its most active users to boost revenue, amidst a trend of increasing prices for exclusive dating app features.

• Lego has halted its effort to replace oil-based plastics due to higher carbon emissions in the manufacturing process, but continues to pursue other sustainability goals like eliminating single-use plastic bags by 2025.