May 5, 2017 - Technology

YouTube to launch 40 free, original shows

Youtube Rego Korosi via Flickr CC

YouTube announced it's planning to introduce a total of 40 original shows over the next year, available free to all consumers. The first few series will look a lot like content viewers are used to seeing on TV, with celebrities like Kevin Hart, Ellen DeGeneres and Katy Perry.

YouTube began producing original content series last year (30 in total) through its subscription service, YouTube Red, and heard positive feedback from advertisers. According to Bloomberg, YouTube is spending "hundreds of millions of dollars" on original content, a far cry from Amazon and Netflix's multi-billion dollar investments.

Why it matters: YouTube has taken many steps to win cord-cutting audiences through subscription-based products, but an ad-supported product available to all billion+ users is perhaps cable TV's biggest threat. Other big players that caught marketer's attention at this season's NewFronts in NYC were Twitter and Hulu.

Go deeper

Orion Rummler
13 hours ago - Health

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.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
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.
  3. States: Photos of America's pandemic July 4 — ICU beds in Arizona's hot spot reach near capacity.
  4. Public health: U.S. coronavirus infections hit record highs for 3 straight days.
  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.
Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
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.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow