Discord explores virtual rewards for its ad product as it prepares for a potential IPO
Users can earn Orbs by completing 'Quests,' Discord's ad format where advertisers incentivize users to watch product videos or play games by rewarding them with virtual items. The addition of Orbs gives users the chance to redeem exclusive digital items from Discord's Shop, including Nitro credits, profile badges, avatar decorations, profile effects, and items from main collections.
It's clear that the goal of Orbs is to encourage more interaction with Quests as Discord seeks to demonstrate to partners that it can offer a scalable ad business. The company has reportedly discussed a possible IPO with investment bankers, per The New York Times.
Image Credits:Discord
Last month, Peter Sellis, Discord's senior vice president of product, highlighted the success of Quests. He reported that, over the past year, more than 70 Quests achieved a 10% acceptance rate with millions of rewards earned, according to the company's internal data.
Quests are located in the bottom left corner of the app on PC and gaming consoles. Plans are in place to expand Quests to mobile devices in June.
The Orbs experiment may also entice users who don't have a subscription to try Nitro, as they can spend Orbs on credits instead of using a payment method. For instance, users need 1,400 Orbs to get three free days of Nitro, which typically costs $10 per month.
Orbs is being rolled out to a small group of users and will soon expand globally.
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Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Yahoo
MediaCo Reports Second Quarter Net Revenue of $31.2 Million and First Half of 2025 Net Revenue of $59.3 Million
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Year-to-date Adjusted EBITDA was $2.9 million, up $7.4 million from the prior year, driven by higher revenue and improved operational management. Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 5% from a negative margin in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to the "Definitions and Disclosures Regarding Non- GAAP Financial Information" section herein, the reconciliations at the end of this press release and additional information on our website. 2025 Second Quarter Financial Summary Three Months Ended June 30, Change (Dollars in thousands) 2025 2024 % NET REVENUES $ 31,245 $ 26,202 19 % NET LOSS $ (8,800 ) $ (48,307 ) 82 % % Margin(1) (28 )% (184 )% ADJUSTED EBITDA(2) $ 1,791 $ (5,222 ) 134 % % Margin(1)(2) 6 % (20 )% 2025 First Half Financial Summary Six Months Ended June 30, Change (Dollars in thousands) 2025 2024 % NET REVENUES $ 59,275 $ 32,908 80 % NET LOSS $ (17,406 ) $ (51,984 ) 67 % % Margin(1) (29 )% (158 )% ADJUSTED EBITDA(2) $ 2,918 $ (4,499 ) 165 % % Margin(1)(2) 5 % (14 )% (1) Net Income margin is Net Income as a percentage of Net Revenue. Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Revenue. (2) Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to the "Definitions and Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Information" section herein, the reconciliations at the end of this press release and additional information on our website. Albert Rodriguez, MediaCo CEO and President, commented, "We're proud to report a 19% year-over-year revenue increase this quarter, clear proof that our business is not only strong but gaining real momentum. Even more compelling is the 345% surge in first half digital revenue, which now accounts for 33.0% of our total ad income. This growth is fueled by our deep connection with multicultural audiences and the cultural relevance we deliver across every platform. It's a powerful validation of our strategy and indicates that MediaCo is leading the charge in today's digital-first economy. This quarter delivered record revenue, with P18–49 growth in five of the last seven months. EstrellaTV was the only Spanish-language broadcast network to post year-over-year prime-time growth for the full quarter—proof of our consistent performance and enduring audience connection." Debra DeFelice, CFO and Treasurer, commented, "MediaCo delivered a record second quarter, reflecting continued strength across our portfolio. Growth was driven by increases in radio and TV advertising revenue, record-breaking digital performance, and disciplined expense management. Our successful integration of Estrella Media assets from the most recent acquisition, combined with the progressive realization of synergies across markets and multiple delivery platforms, is fueling strong, sustainable results. We remain focused on delivering strong operating performance, enhancing cash flow, and executing on our long-term growth strategy, while advancing our content offerings and accelerating digital expansion. These initiatives position us to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the second half of the year." Company and Business Highlights MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) is a diverse-owned, multi-platform media company serving multicultural audiences across the U.S. Through a network of iconic brands—including Hot 97, WBLS, EstrellaTV, Estrella News, Que Buena Los Angeles and the Don Cheto Radio Network—MediaCo reaches over 20 million people monthly via television, radio, digital, and streaming platforms. The company's innovative and culturally resonant content spans music, news, and entertainment across major local and national markets. New Programming: EstrellaTV is poised for continued growth with new sports, original, and acquired programming. The network secured multi-year rights to all Tigres, Tigres Femenil, Juarez, and Juarez Femenil Liga MX home games across all platforms. It also acquired multiplatform rights to the live music reality show Objetivo Fama and greenlit another season of Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento: Nueva Era for fall. Events: The 31st annual Summer Jam sold out the Prudential Center, featuring A Boogie, Wit Da Hoodie, Gunna, GloRilla and more and is back in June 2026, promising an even bigger show. In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, MediaCo's Spanish-language radio stations hosted sold out music festivals in Los Angeles, Houston and Dallas with over 40,000 in attendance. Digital & Streaming: MediaCo expects remarkable year-over-year digital and streaming revenue growth, fueled by EstrellaTV's Spanish-language brands and rising demand for CTV and FAST channels on major platforms. FAST watch time and monetized CTV ad inventory grew significantly in Q2. EstrellaTV and Estrella News were ranked as the top Latino-focused mixed IP FAST channels in the most recent Amagi/Ampere report. In Q2, FAST monthly watch time topped 310M minutes and monetized premium CTV ad inventory rose 290% YoY. MediaCo expanded its FAST footprint and ad mix with WAPA+ and Todos Novelas via Hemisphere Media. HOT 97's digital platforms amplified Summer Jam with record engagement in social reach up 1,000% to 38M users and web/app visitors up nearly 80% YoY. Hot 97 TV, a new FAST channel for Hip Hop and Afro culture, is set to launch this summer and is an example of the many initiatives with Trace to expand Afro-Urban content globally. HOT 97 and WBLS also launched commercial-free stations on TuneIn's premium service for new revenue opportunities. Radio: In early 2025, MediaCo's radio division grew primetime A25-54 audiences 24% vs. the prior four months, outpacing the market's 18% growth. Gains were led by KBUE/LA (+56%), KRQB/Riverside/San Bernardino (+46%), Dallas stations (+38% combined), Houston (+19%), and New York (+14% combined). Broadcast TV: EstrellaTV posted year-over-year prime time growth in five of the last seven months. Q2 P18-49 Mon–Sun prime averaged 15.3k viewers, up 23% YoY, driven by new originals and news programming. On May 14, the semifinal Liga MX match (Tigres UANL vs. Toluca) delivered the network's largest full coverage P18-49 audience ever (+157% vs. season average). June marked the third straight monthly gain, with Mon–Fri prime up 29% YoY. Local TV: EstrellaTV Local saw strong year-over-year growth in the combined April–May book averages. Three of the network's largest owned-and-operated stations posted gains in weekday prime among P18-49: KRCA/LA nearly doubled its audience (+96%), QFAA/Dallas grew +49%, and KZJL/Houston surged +143%. WGEN/Miami also delivered impressive results, up +198% in weekday prime among P25-54. Forward-Looking Statements This communication includes or incorporates forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"). You can identify these forward-looking statements by our use of words such as "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "continue," "potential," "opportunity" and similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative. Such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, are based on managements' estimates, assumptions and beliefs regarding our future plans, intentions and expectations. We cannot guarantee that we will achieve these plans, intentions or expectations. All statements regarding our expected financial position, business, results of operations and financing plans are forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. We have included important facts in various cautionary statements in this communication that we believe could cause our actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements that we make. The forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers or dispositions. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. For more details on factors that could affect these expectations, please see MediaCo's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Definitions and Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Information We define Adjusted EBITDA as consolidated Operating loss adjusted to exclude restructuring expenses, business combination transaction costs, unusual and non-recurring expenditures and non-cash compensation included within operating expenses, as well as the following line items presented in our Statements of Operations: Depreciation and amortization, Loss on disposal of assets, change in fair value of warrant shares liability and Other income. Alternatively, Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Net loss, adjusted to exclude Provision for income taxes, Interest expense, net, Depreciation and amortization, Loss on disposal of assets, Change in fair value of warrant shares liability, Other income, and Other adjustments. We use Adjusted EBITDA, among other measures, to evaluate the Company's operating performance. This measure is among the primary measures used by management for the planning and forecasting of future periods, as well as for measuring performance for compensation of executives and other members of management. We believe this measure is an important indicator of our operational strength and performance of our business because it provides a link between operational performance and operating income. It is also a primary measure used by management in evaluating companies as potential acquisition targets. We believe the presentation of this measure is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by management. We believe it helps improve investors' ability to understand our operating performance and makes it easier to compare our results with other companies that have different capital structures or tax rates. In addition, we believe this measure is also among the primary measures used externally by our investors, analysts and peers in our industry for purposes of valuation and comparing our operating performance to other companies in our industry. Since Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, operating loss or net loss as an indicator of operating performance and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. Because it excludes certain financial information compared with operating loss and compared with consolidated net loss, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, users of this financial information should consider the types of events and transactions which are excluded. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measurements to the GAAP financial results cited in this news announcement, please see the supplemental tables at the end of this release. About MediaCo Holding Inc. MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) is a diverse-owned, multi-platform media company serving multicultural audiences across the U.S. Through a network of iconic brands—including Hot 97, WBLS, EstrellaTV, Estrella News, Que Buena Los Angeles and the Don Cheto Radio Network—MediaCo reaches over 20 million people monthly via television, radio, digital, and streaming platforms. The company's innovative and culturally resonant content spans music, news, and entertainment across major local and national markets. More info at MEDIACO HOLDING INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) Three Months Ended June 30, Change (Dollars in thousands) 2025 2024 $ % NET REVENUES $ 31,245 $ 26,202 5,043 19 OPERATING EXPENSES: Operating expenses 34,774 34,647 127 — Corporate expenses 1,554 3,445 (1,891 ) (55 ) Depreciation and amortization 1,697 1,431 266 19 Loss on disposal of assets 5 5 — N/A Total operating expenses 38,030 39,528 (1,498 ) (4 ) OPERATING LOSS (6,785 ) (13,326 ) 6,541 (49 ) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Interest expense, net (3,855 ) (3,782 ) (73 ) 2 Change in fair value of warrant shares liability — (31,027 ) 31,027 N/A Other income 2,119 10 2,109 21,090 Total other expense (1,736 ) (34,799 ) 33,063 (95 ) LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (8,521 ) (48,125 ) 39,604 (82 ) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 279 182 97 53 NET LOSS $ (8,800 ) $ (48,307 ) 39,507 (82 ) MEDIACO HOLDING INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) Six Months Ended June 30, Change (Dollars in thousands) 2025 2024 $ % NET REVENUES $ 59,275 $ 32,908 26,367 80 OPERATING EXPENSES: Operating expenses 63,986 41,297 22,689 55 Corporate expenses 3,147 6,835 (3,688 ) (54 ) Depreciation and amortization 3,466 1,564 1,902 122 Loss on disposal of assets 144 5 139 2,780 Total operating expenses 70,743 49,701 21,042 42 OPERATING LOSS (11,468 ) (16,793 ) 5,325 (32 ) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Interest expense, net (7,609 ) (3,918 ) (3,691 ) 94 Change in fair value of warrant shares liability — (31,027 ) 31,027 N/A Other income 2,230 20 2,210 11,050 Total other expense (5,379 ) (34,925 ) 29,546 (85 ) LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (16,847 ) (51,718 ) 34,871 (67 ) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 559 266 293 110 NET LOSS $ (17,406 ) $ (51,984 ) 34,578 (67 ) MEDIACO HOLDING FINANCIAL MEASURESRECONCILIATIONS OF NET LOSS TO EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA (1) AND NET LOSS MARGIN TO ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN(1) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (Dollars in thousands) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Net revenues $ 31,245 $ 26,202 $ 59,275 $ 32,908 Net Loss $ (8,521 ) $ (48,125 ) $ (17,406 ) $ (51,984 ) % Margin (28 )% (184 )% (29 )% (158 )% Provision for income taxes 279 182 559 266 Interest expense, net 3,855 3,782 7,609 3,918 Depreciation and amortization 1,697 1,431 3,466 1,564 EBITDA $ (2,690 ) $ (42,730 ) $ (5,772 ) $ (46,236 ) Loss on disposal of assets 5 5 144 5 Change in fair value of warrant shares liability — 31,027 — 31,027 Other income (2,119 ) (10 ) (2,230 ) (20 ) Other adjustments 6,595 6,486 10,776 10,725 Adjusted EBITDA(1) $ 1,791 $ (5,222 ) $ 2,918 $ (4,499 ) % Margin (1) 6 % (20 )% 5 % (14 )% (1) We define Adjusted EBITDA as consolidated Operating loss adjusted to exclude restructuring expenses, business combination transaction costs, unusual and non-recurring expenditures and non-cash compensation included within operating expenses, as well as the following line items presented in our Statements of Operations: Depreciation and amortization, Loss on disposal of assets, change in fair value of warrant shares liability and Other income. Alternatively, Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Net loss, adjusted to exclude Provision for income taxes, Interest expense, net, Depreciation and amortization, Loss on disposal of assets, Change in fair value of warrant shares liability, Other income, and Other adjustments. We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue. We use Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, among other measures, to evaluate the Company's operating performance. These measures are among the primary measures used by management for the planning and forecasting of future periods, as well as for measuring performance for compensation of executives and other members of management. We believe these measures are an important indicator of our operational strength and performance of our business because they provide a link between operational performance and operating income. They are also primary measures used by management in evaluating companies as potential acquisition targets. We believe the presentation of these measures is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by management. We believe they help improve investors' ability to understand our operating performance and make it easier to compare our results with other companies that have different capital structures or tax rates. In addition, we believe these measures are also among the primary measures used externally by our investors, analysts and peers in our industry for purposes of valuation and comparing our operating performance to other companies in our industry. Since Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are not measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, operating loss or net loss, or net loss margin as indicators of operating performance and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are not necessarily measures of our ability to fund our cash needs. Because they exclude certain financial information compared with operating loss, consolidated net loss, and consolidated net loss margin, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, users of this financial information should consider the types of events and transactions which are excluded. View source version on Contacts Investor Contact: Debra DeFeliceChief Financial Officer and TreasurerMEDIACO HOLDING
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Why this week's inflation report could be a hit to the economy no matter what the data says
The July inflation report could bring bad news for markets and the economy, no matter what the data shows. Investors are worried about too-hot inflation, which could take a rate cut off the table for September. On the other hand, a sharp drop in inflation could stoke concerns about an imminent slowdown. A key inflation report is looming, but it's possible that the July data paints a dismal picture of the economy whether it shows prices rose or fell. The July consumer price index report is expected to show that prices rose 0.2% last month and 2.8% year-over-year. The consensus expectations reflect a slightly hotter pace of inflation from the prior month, with consumer prices rising 2.7% year-over-year in June. Rising inflation is bad, but there's a chance that falling inflation is taken as a dire warning, as well, sources told Business Insider. Here's the logic: If inflation comes in too hot, that will undermine the possibility that the Fed could cut interest rates in September. The Fed resuming rate cuts is a major bullish catalyst that the market has been looking forward to for months. Hotter-than-expected inflation could also be construed as a sign that President Donald Trump's tariffs are finally starting to raise prices for consumers, which will stoke concerns about the health of the US economy. If inflation comes in too cold, that would compound some of the evidence that suggests the US economy is slowing, something that markets have been fretting over since the July nonfarm payrolls report showed weak job growth in the month, as well as sharp downward revisions for the prior two months. In either case, stocks could see a negative reaction following tomorrow's CPI print, Michael Brown, a senior research strategist at Pepperstone, told Business Insider. Brown said he believed the larger downside risk to equities was if inflation came in too hot. If inflation comes in colder-than-expected, any following sell-off could be short-lasting, he said, as investors will quickly pivot their attention to Fed rate cuts on the horizon. "If we get a hot number, all of a sudden there's a lot of doubts around that September meeting, and we're suddenly looking at probably some headwinds to equities as we price in a slowdown in the economy," he told BI. Investors began to price in a September Fed rate cut with more certainty after the job market proved to be much weaker than expected in July. Markets see an 86.5% chance the Fed could cut rates a quarter-point in September, according to the CME FedWatch tool, down slightly from 90.4% last week. Justin Weidner, an economist at Deutsche Bank, also sees a potential negative reaction in the market no matter what CPI does tomorrow. If inflation comes in higher than expected, that makes the calculus for a Fed rate cut in September "more tricky," he told BI. But if prices are cooler than expected, it be enough cause for concern about the economy to prompt the Fed to issue a jumbo-sized 50 basis-point rate cut in September. "On the flip side, if it's kind of weaker, weaker than expected, you have some pullback," Weidner added of the potential reaction in stocks. Natalie Gallagher, principal economist at Board, also saw the risks to tomorrow's CPI report cutting both ways. Gallagher said she expected inflation to be 2.9%, hotter than consensus estimates. That will likely "mark the beginning of a longer trend," she said in a note, pointing to concerns that inflation could begin to lift off as tariffs work their way through the economy. "The real surprise would be if these pressures don't show - that would suggest demand is softening to a point that businesses can't raise prices, which is a troubling signal for US growth," she said. The outlook for Fed rate cuts will largely depend on the trajectory of inflation in the coming months, Brown said. Markets will also be paying close attention to Fed Chair Powell's comments, particularly at Jackson Hole, where the central bank hosts its annual summer symposium. There's a chance investors could be getting too complacent about expecting Fed rate cuts, Brown said, pointing to high odds markets see for a September cut. "I'm sort of 50-50 as to whether they pull the trigger in September," Brown said. "You'd say maybe they should, but then this is a Fed that has been bitten already relatively recently by inflation that ran away from them, frankly unexpectedly, and I think that memory is still going to be quite fresh in the mind." Read the original article on Business Insider Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
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Dollar holds gains ahead of inflation data; Aussie awaits RBA
By Kevin Buckland TOKYO (Reuters) -The U.S. dollar held steady on Tuesday, with markets braced for a key consumer inflation report later in the day that could shape expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. The Australian dollar was steady hours before a policy decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia. The U.S. dollar index - which measures the currency against six counterparts, including the euro and yen - was steady at 98.497 as of 0046 GMT, after advancing 0.5% over the past two sessions. Prior to that, the dollar had retreated as U.S. President Donald Trump's dovish-leaning pick to replace a Fed governor, and similarly inclined potential candidates for chairman, led traders to increase easing bets. In addition, Fed officials have sounded increasingly uneasy about the labour market, signalling their openness to a rate cut as soon as September. Cooling inflation could cement bets for a reduction next month, but if signs emerge that Trump's tariffs are fuelling price pressures, that might keep the central bank on hold for now. Traders currently put the odds of a quarter-point cut on September 17 at about 89%. "Risk-reward heading into U.S. CPI this week is for a modest USD bounce as any upside surprise will challenge market pricing of almost a full cut by September," TD Securities strategists wrote in a research note. "A downside surprise, on the other hand, is unlikely to move Fed pricing and the USD as much," they said. "The reasoning is that for the Fed to consider an outsized cut of 50 basis points, the catalyst will be further deterioration in the labour market and not a downside CPI miss." Economists polled by Reuters expect core CPI to have risen 0.3% in July, pushing the annual rate higher to 3%. The greenback rose 0.1% to 148.28 yen on Tuesday. The euro was flat at $1.1615. The dollar on Monday largely ignored Trump's signing an executive order extending a pause in sharply higher tariffs on Chinese imports for another 90 days, a move that some market participants said was expected. With the United States and China seeking to close a deal averting triple-digit import tariffs, a U.S. official told Reuters that chip makers Nvidia and AMD had agreed to allocate 15% of China sales revenues to the U.S. government, aiming to secure export licences for semiconductors. The yuan was flat at 7.1935 per dollar in offshore trading. The Aussie fetched $0.6518 , little changed from Monday with economists and investors widely expecting a quarter-point rate reduction from the RBA, after second-quarter inflation came in weaker than expected and the jobless rate hit a 3-1/2-year high. However, the risk of a surprise has been amplified by a change in decision-making at the central bank, and many traders were caught out when the policy board refrained from lowering rates last month. Cryptocurrency bitcoin was unchanged at around $118,845, after it climbed as high as $122,308.25 on Monday that took it close to the all-time peak of $123,153.22 from mid-July.
