Feb 18, 2017

Could Trump even help Oscar ratings?

Chris Pizzello / Invision,AP

That's the suggestion in an L.A. Times article, "ABC sells all its Oscar ad time; advertisers brace for political speeches," by Meg James: "Some Oscar advertisers, who bought their spots months ago, might be bracing for a furor over politics [during the ceremony, a week from tomorrow], particularly if conservatives decide to tune out. But if the Grammys were any indication, this year's Oscar ratings could be higher than last year when the Academy Awards broadcast attracted 34.4 million viewers, an eight-year low.

  • Ashwin Navin, chief executive of Samba TV, a data and analytics firm: "Trump has been very good for television ... The politically charged environment has been good for television, including these award shows."
  • Samba analyzed the Grammys audience for the Grammys and found that about half the 26 million viewers who tuned in didn't watch the show last year. Most of the new viewers were younger.
  • Gavin: "There is a replacement of the audience going on, and this new base of viewers is paying attention to these issues ... People really care about what Meryl Streep says."

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15 states broke single-day coronavirus records this week

Data: Compiled from state health departments by Axios; Map: Danielle Alberti/Axios

At least 15 states broke their single-day novel coronavirus infection records this week, according to state health department data reviewed by Axios.

The big picture: The number of coronavirus cases increased in the vast majority of states over the last week, and decreased in only two states plus the District of Columbia, Axios' Andrew Withershoop and Caitlin Owens report.

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Axios
Updated 13 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 11,143,945 — Total deaths: 527,681 — Total recoveries — 6,004,593 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET: 2,818,588 — Total deaths: 129,584 — Total recoveries: 883,561 — Total tested: 34,213,497 — Map.
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  5. Politics: Trump extends PPP application deadline — Kimberly Guilfoyle tests positive.
  6. World: Mexican leaders call for tighter border control as infections rise in U.S.
  7. Sports: 31 MLB players test positive as workouts resume.
  8. 1 📽 thing: Drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback.
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Rashaan Ayesh
14 hours ago - Health

In photos: America celebrates July 4 during global pandemic

Photo: Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

The U.S. has already celebrated Easter, graduations and so much more during the coronavirus pandemic, and now it can add July 4 to the list.

The state of play: Axios' Stef Kight writes public parades and fireworks displays around much of the country are being canceled to prevent mass gatherings where the virus could spread. Hot-dog contests and concerts will play to empty stands and virtual audiences — all while American pride treads an all-time low.

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