Axios

Microsoft flaunted its head start in generative AI this week as Big Tech reported earnings.

Why it matters: Investors increasingly want to see more results than hype.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission this week said it would not amend its controversial "gag rule" tied to settlement agreements.

Why it matters: The long-standing policy has been criticized over the years by targets of its enforcement actions, advocacy groups and even judges, who say the policy flies in the face of the First Amendment.

Spotify on Friday announced a new multiyear deal to distribute "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast exclusively, while still allowing the show to be available on other platforms, including Apple, Amazon and YouTube.

Why it matters: The deal represents a shift in Spotify's podcast strategy toward owning the distribution and monetization rights to the show across its platform and others.

Sure, Super Bowl LVIII is a big game for San Francisco and Kansas City, but it's also huge for hilarious and heartwarming commercials.

By the numbers: 30-second ads for the big game are going for $7 million, according to AdAge.

What we're watching: A zany ad featuring Sir Patrick Stewart and Peppa Pig, debuts for Lionel Messi and Kris Jenner, and a viral moment recreation from David and Victoria Beckham.

S&P Global has promoted Christina Twomey to global head of communications, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: In this role, she will oversee communications for all of S&P's global businesses divisions.

• Details: Twomey reports to chief purpose officer Dimitra Manis and manages a team of more than 50 communicators who oversee reputation management, media relations, risk mitigation and internal communication.

What she's saying: "Today's communications landscape is more dynamic than ever," says Twomey.

• "My role now is focused on ensuring a cohesive, omnichannel communications strategy that amplifies the impact of our strategic vision and investment areas."

What she's watching: Growing stakeholder demands, the increase of misinformation and disinformation, and the adoption of generative AI.

• News Corp tapped Disney alum Arthur Bochner as chief communications officer and executive vice president.
• Starbucks promoted AJ Jones to chief corporate affairs officer and named Lyft and Microsoft alum Dominic Carr as chief communications officer.
• Amazon Studios alum Chelsey Summey joins Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group as senior vice president, communications.
• Salesforce alum Brad Burns joins Snowflake as chief communications officer.
• Carolyn Guss has been appointed interim chief communications officer at Salesforce.
• Beth Leonard has been named chief corporate affairs officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance.

• Edelman promoted Kirsty Graham to U.S. CEO.
• The Weber Shandwick Collective named Laura Schoen as chief health care officer; Pam Jenkins as chief public health officer; Jamie Dowd as president for health, Americas; Rachael Pay as president for health, EMEA; Nicole Arens as D.C. health care team lead; and Jamie Murphy Dawson as senior vice president.
• Believeco:Partners has named Boston Consulting Group alum Mario Simon as CEO.
• Nikki Festa O'Brien has been named CEO of Greenough Communications.
• Ben Beckley joins RevHealth as CEO.
• Danny Robinson has been appointed CEO of The Martin Agency.
• Mike Rosich has been appointed global president of DNA Communications.

Biden Administration:

• Niambé Tomlinson is press secretary at HUD, and Allie Peck is a press assistant at the Department of Energy.

Nonprofit:

• Ann Andrews Morris is chief communications and marketing officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
• Nick Ragone joined Jefferson Health as executive vice president and chief marketing officer.
• Aleis Stokes is chief external relations officer at Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.
• Kyle Veazey has been promoted to chief of staff and communications at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — ALSAC.
• Mariam Wahba is associate director, communications, for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

• AP: Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux is an editor for surveys and polling.
• Axios: Andrew Childers is senior news editor; Claire Reilly is a social host for Axios Local — San Francisco; and Gregory Castillo is a social host for Axios Local — Texas.
• Bloomberg: Brad Stone is editor of Businessweek, and Tom Giles is senior executive editor for global technology news.
• The Boston Globe: Erin Douglas is a climate reporter.
• Business Insider: Julia Naftulin is an editor for special projects.
• Chicago Tribune: Olivia Olander will cover state government.
• CBS News: CIA alum Andrew Boyd is a contributor.
• CNBC: Christina Passariello is San Francisco bureau chief.

Local newsletter company 6AM City has raised more than $10 million in series A funding round led by local broadcaster Tegna, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Amid a grim publishing landscape, few dollars are being invested in local media startups outside of philanthropy.

Divorce has become a major life milestone replete with specialized parties, large support networks and a whole industry ready to capitalize on the big change — just like weddings.

Why it matters: Cultural attitudes toward ending a marriage have become far less negative, and in the process divorce has gotten more commodified, from services marking the transition to digital culture that lightens the mood.

The U.S. economy added 353,000 jobs in January, while the unemployment rate held at 3.7%, the Labor Department said Friday.

Why it matters: The first look at the 2024 labor market shows it's on fire — not slowing down as previously thought.

If January is any indication, the U.S. debt market wants to put the angst of the rising rate era behind it.

What's happening: The corporate bond and loan markets — where large companies borrow money — just saw one of their busiest months in recent memory.

The stories about layoffs in media and tech are starting to make people freak out a bit over the health of the economy. But taking a step back, the high-level economic data isn't so worrying.

The big picture: The job market is cooling, but it's still pretty strong.

Welcome to the era of "loud budgeting," where speaking up about saving money and not overspending is no longer taboo.

Why it matters: The new personal finance trend — born on TikTok — is a quick reversal from last year's social media fad of flaunting luxurious purchases.

Stewart Butterfield, co-founder of Slack, told me the most searing lesson he learned starting a unicorn business is the seeping insidiousness of growing staff so fast that it creates mounds of make-believe, make-work, Jim VandeHei writes.

• He calls it "hyper-realistic, work-like activities."

Why it matters: Most leaders and managers always want more — more staff, more budget. But more staff and budget beget more work. This can quickly create work just to fill time — and not fulfill critical work needs.

The Messenger was sued in a class action lawsuit by former employees Thursday, a day after the company shuttered, leaving roughly 300 people without jobs, or severance pay, according to the suit.

Why it matters: The lawsuit adds to the drama surrounding the sudden closure of the news site — which burned $50 million in cash in a few months after launching, leading to its demise.