☀️NETFLIX Scores with Int'l, PAR Pics
NETFLIX joins film remake parade / ABC gets NBA ratings score / DISNEYFOX gets sci-fi pic
Mornin! This is Sean McNulty (connect with me on LINKEDIN here if ya like or email me at seanmcnultynyc@gmail.com), and here’s the Hollywood + Media news to know on WEDNESDAY, March 12, 2025.
Where who had the return of Crystal PEPSI on their 2025 bingo card?
Yes, it seems that in addition to enthusiastically endorsing the study of things like cod liver oil and steroids to treat the measles and saying that “we don’t know what the risk profile is” for the measles vaccine (despite 62 years of widespread use) — our new health secretary is now coming for artificial dyes in food products.
And as RFK Jr. described this as a “strong desire and urgent priority” — better get those Trump administration donations in the works, PEPSI.
Now, who wants to tell Trump his DIET COKE is changing? 😳
PLUS: Gotta love DISNEY testing the “If a tree falls in the forest . . .” philosophical quandary in the realm of PR, with the red carpet at its Snow White premiere not having interview press this weekend.
OTHERWISE:
Lotta economic indicators are emerging here in mid-March . . . although inflation / the CPI was a “mere” 2.8% in February (below analyst estimates, although still significantly above the Fed’s 2% goal). But otherwise — yeah it’s a slow pop culture day so let’s look at some #unfunfacts.
FIRST: It’s always nice to have calendar coincidences, like the 5th anniversary of major Covid shutdowns and the start of 25% tariff enforcement sharing the same dates. Eh, they don’t use Mexican and Canadian steel & car parts in TESLAs right?
THEN: It’s the economy, stupid — exhibit #142.
AND: The sentiment underlying that chart is something retailer KOHL’S is seconding in its official company guidance — it has slashed its dividend and is forecasting FY25 sales to be -5% to -7%, noting a significant expected pullback in spending among folks earning under $50k and $100k. KOHL’S stock was -24% on the earnings report data yesterday (despite Q4 numbers not being terrible).
DELTA also significantly cut its revenue forecasts for 2025, although more due to pullback on the corporate spending side of the equation 👀 (although broader consumer spending is also expected to see a hit).
AGAIN: These are just forecasts and actual results can always vary — but public companies are required to share their actual internal forecasts that they’re modeling their business decisions upon . . . and this is what we’re getting.
OH: You’re now also paying to check your bags on SOUTHWEST.
ALTHOUGH: #Funfact — SOUTHWEST said as recently as September that its “Our bags fly free” policy gave the company $1.8B of additional market share, and would only bring in about $1B to $1.5B of revenue if they charged for them.
The Chief Transportation Officer who put together that proposal is now leaving the company on April 1.
PLUS: Average U.S. household consumer debt crossed $10k (adjusted for inflation) for the first time since 2009, according to data in a new WSJ read.
BUT: Let’s try and be a bit more positive to round out here 😁, as STARBUCKS is bringing back the practice of writing positive notes on your coffee cups! Well, that’s because their new boss is making them, but hey — go “Seize the day!” everybody. 💪
🎥 THE SILVER SCREEN
