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Shareholder Urges Microsoft to Boot Jeffrey Epstein Pal from Board of Directors

NLPC

In a letter to the lead independent director for Microsoft Corporation, National Legal and Policy Center has asked for the removal of billionaire Reid Hoffman from the company’s board of directors, due to his hyper-partisan political activities and his connections to the late convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, whose private island Hoffman visited in 2014. NLPC owns stock in Microsoft and is also sponsoring a shareholder proposal at this year’s annual meeting, which will be held on December 7, 2023. LinkedIn, which was co-founded by Hoffman, was acquired by Microsoft in December 2016. He joined Microsoft’s board in March 2017. As NLPC’s Paul Chesser wrote in his letter to the company’s top independent director, Sandra Peterson, Hoffman has shown poor discernment in his associations, poor judgment in his political and social actions, and utter disregard for Microsoft’s reputation and shareholder value. “Reid Hoffman’s wealth and arrogance have clearly gone to his head and he appears to think he doesn’t have to be accountable to anyone,” said Chesser, who is director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project (CIP). “Whether its visiting ‘Pedophile Isle’ with Jeffrey Epstein, or calling the likely 2024 Republican presidential nominee ‘The Disease President,’ or simply advising aspiring entrepreneurs to ‘ignore your customers,’ Hoffman obviously would rather satiate his sensual impulses than properly oversee the fiduciary responsibilities of a major technology company,” said Luke Perlot, associate director and chief researcher for the CIP. In the heavily footnoted letter to Microsoft, NLPC pointed out three major reasons that make Hoffman unsuitable for the board: his close association with Epstein; his unrestrained, hyper-partisan political urges; and his hypocritical views regarding “civic participation” and his own company’s censorship practices. Excerpts from the letter: According to Axios, Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Epstein both aggressively fundraised for the [MIT Media Lab], with Mr. Hoffman also inviting Mr. Epstein to join him at an August 2015 dinner in Silicon Valley that included tech entrepreneurs Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel. In an email to Mr. Thiel, according to the Wall Street Journal, “Hoffman wrote that Epstein was a ‘mostly fun, very interesting guy, you may find him perverse, but very smart on biology, computation, macro econ.’”… Mr. Hoffman’s extremely poor judgment leaves many unanswered questions. Recognizing Mr. Epstein as “perverse,” how did Mr. Hoffman justify ongoing collaboration with the convicted pedophile, who maintained his own luxury island to traffic underage girls to fulfill the sexual desires of himself and his associates? How could a highly educated, savvy and instinctive tech billionaire agree to visit such a place, with such a person, with such a detestable reputation, unless it was intentional, showing utter disregard for his own image and that of the businesses and organizations with which he is identified? … MotiveAI, another firm credited with “with backing from billionaire LinkedIn chairman Reid Hoffman,” ran ads through associated limited liability companies that featured offensive content and disinformation…. Facebook pages with MotiveAI associations made sexist comments about former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Republican megadonor Rebekah Mercer. One such page called Rep. Gabbard a “C.W.I.L.F.,” which stands for a “Congresswoman I’d like to f---”… Mr. Hoffman…could easily advocate for [LinkedIn] to remain open to all for reasoned political debate, but there is no evidence that he does. In fact, his own history indicates that he encourages such snubs. As a self-styled expert on venture capital-funded startups…Mr. Hoffman recommends one counterintuitive business practice for an alleged path to success: “Ignore your customers.” Is this an image that Microsoft wishes to project? NLPC called for Peterson to ask for Hoffman’s resignation, and if he refuses to do so, then to seek his removal. Hoffman is listed as a nominee for re-election to the board on the company’s proxy statement. “Reid Hoffman has been very successful in business but he has shown very poor judgment,” said Peter Flaherty, chairman of NLPC. “Wealth should not be an exemption from decent behavior. Microsoft will be a better company when Hoffman leaves the board.” Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 danrenejr@gmail.com Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

October 24, 2023 10:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

National Survey Reveals Women of All Ages Cite Mental Health as Their Number One Health Concern

LevLane

LevLane Advertising, an award-winning full-service agency headquartered in Philadelphia, has released the results of its 2023 Women’s Health Concerns Survey of 400 women, ages 18+, which explores how women are approaching various aspects of their health and wellness. The survey, which was conducted by a market research provider on behalf of LevLane, paints a concerning picture, as women report deprioritizing sexual/reproductive health and almost every other aspect of their well-being, while mental health concerns take priority. This is true even in the younger age groups where sexual health is traditionally considered as a primary concern (ages 18-34). Across all ages 18+, just 6% of all women reported sexual health as their number one priority. The majority of women (53%) reported mental health as one of their top three health concerns, with 26% saying that it was their number one concern. Stress management (45%), sleep health (33%) and heart health (32%) were among the other top concerns, while reproductive/sexual health (19%), diabetes (18%), pregnancy/post-partum (11%) and menopause/perimenopause (11%) were ranked lowest overall. Women 55+ were the only age group to report something other than mental health as their top concern. That cohort reported both heart health and stress management as tied for their number one priority. “Coming out of COVID, we expected to see a bump in mental health as a concern, but we were all taken aback by just how many women across all age groups cited it as their top concern,” said Liz Weir, chief marketing officer at LevLane. “Even in younger age groups, where we would expect to see more of an emphasis on sexual and reproductive health or pregnancy and post-partum, we found that women are putting those things on the back burner to prioritize mental health.” The study is the first in a series planned by the agency. The forthcoming surveys will continue to focus on specific aspects of women’s health with the goal of better understanding the broader women’s healthcare landscape. “In their efforts to address mental health concerns, an unintended consequence could be neglecting other very critical aspects of their well-being,” said Karla Loken, DO, OBGYN, FACOOG and chief medical officer for FEMSelect. “We need to address women’s health comprehensively; neglecting one area will ultimately lead to consequences in another. Women are juggling a lot of things, and this research is signaling that women need more support, including education and awareness on promoting a balanced approach to physical, mental and emotional health.” The study also found that many women are opting out of support, with half (50%) of the respondents saying they are not seeking support for their top concern/priority and have no intention of doing so. Additional Survey Findings: - 10% of Women 18-24 reported sexual and reproductive health as a top priority - 35% of women 35-44 said mental health was their top priority - Women 18-24 were the age group most concerned with cancer as a top 3 priority - Women 35-44 were the only age group to include obesity as a top 3 priority or concern - Women in the 18-34 bracket tend to start their health journeys with online search or through friends and family - Women 34+ tend to start their health journeys with their primary care physicians (PCPs) For complete survey results, please contact Lauren Stralo below. About LevLane LevLane Advertising is a full-service independent advertising agency headquartered in Philadelphia and has been building brands people love for nearly 40 years. The award-winning agency integrates traditional creative expertise with cutting-edge digital capabilities in its menu of services, including search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), programmatic media, strategy, creative and branding, media and analytics, social media, content marketing, and public relations. For more information about LevLane and its capabilities, connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Contact Details LevLane Advertising Lauren Stralo +1 484-747-0172 lweir@levlane.com Company Website https://www.levlane.com

October 24, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Meet CenterPoint Securities, Broker To Your Favorite Traders

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Day traders like Humbled Trader, Madaz Money and Kristjan Kullamägi have an almost cult-like status among their followers even if their approaches differ. One thing they do have in common is their reliance on CenterPoint Securities to execute their trades. The brokerage, which just entered the Canadian market, is loved by many active traders, particularly those interested in complex trading strategies. Humbled Trader, for example, just ranked it best brokerage for shorting for those with large accounts (over $30,000). So what’s so great about this broker getting attention from your favorite traders? A lot, according to its fan base. A Fast And Reliable Trading Platform Take its advanced trading platform for starters. It offers active traders and investors a sophisticated trading screen that includes advanced charting, level 2 data and 30+ unique order routing options. It's a favorite with traders because of its specialized routes, smart routing technology and direct market access. It's fast, reliable and fully customizable, which is what active traders need. Large Inventory Of Hard-To-Borrow Stocks CenterPoint is designed for the serious trader. It is built from the ground up for active traders and investors, which is why its list of hard-to-borrow stocks is a big draw. These are stocks that traders want to short but find that borrowing the shares needed is difficult. It often means having a broker locate the shares which takes time and added fees. CenterPoint relies on its in-house stock loan desk along with multiple outside resources, giving traders multiple options. CenterPoint makes it easy, too. All you have to do is enter the ticker and number of shares to borrow, and the short locate tool does the work. If there are shares available, you will know how much it costs to borrow them before executing the trade. You don’t pay any fees unless you accept the locate. The hard-to-borrow list is updated daily as is its list of over 5,000 easy-to-borrow stocks. With both lists, traders have a lot of options to potentially make money. The locate tool is backed by an in-house securities lending team that’s skilled at finding hard-to-borrow stocks. CenterPoint also has over a decade of experience, which attracts active traders who want to deal with professionals. At CenterPoint, over 100 million shares are located monthly, and more than 20,000 locate orders are filled. The average order fill size is over 4,000. Experience Matters Being able to lend customers hard-to-borrow stocks is a big reason traders come, but that’s not the only reason they stay with the brokerage, which is backed by ClearStreet – the fintech with over $400 million in capital. CenterPoint has top-notch customer support that often gets accolades in reviews. The company requires only $30,000 to open an account and gives customers a 14-day free trial. You can test drive it without any upfront costs. CenterPoint may not offer commission-free trades, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t cheap. Commissions are as low as $0.001 per share. Locate fees vary by time, stock and how many shares are available. Active traders are also rewarded for trading – as trading volume increases, commission fees decrease. Every CenterPoint client is also eligible for the company’s locate discount program, with discounts of up to 30%. CenterPoint may not be for the casual trader, but active ones seem to be flocking to it thanks to its reputation for finding hard-to-borrow stocks, its advanced trading platform and competitive pricing. For those active investors looking to short a large variety of stocks, it can be just the tool they need. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 24, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Trust Stamp Has Presented A Viable Technology for The Alternative To Detention Market

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga The incarceration industry capitalizes on the assumption that incarcerating people is necessary. This assumption has led to the establishment of detention facilities that sometimes prioritize financial gain over the welfare of detainees. While there may be instances where detention is necessary for national security or public safety reasons, it is important to recognize that more humane alternatives to detention exist. Trust Stamp Inc. (NASDAQ: IDAI) is working to create viable alternatives to detention facilities. The company specializes in trust and identity services used globally and has launched its new Tap-In Band TM as an alternative to detention. The Tap-In Band is a wrist-worn, tamper-resistant band that is hypoallergenic and equipped with NFC technology. This technology enables discrete check-ins and communication with people who are enrolled in community-based supervision programs. By using the GPS and NFC technology in a user's mobile phone, the Tap-In Band allows the user to verify their location and well-being. They can tap the band to their phone to gain direct access to a personalized web portal with messaging and other features. The use of the Tap-In Band also enhances facial biometric authentication, which uses the phone's camera. The band is tamper-proof, and Trust Stamp holds the patent covering multi-factor authentication using a band and biometric authentication. Unlike current ankle and wrist-worn technologies, the Tap-In Band does not have a battery. This removes concerns about battery failure and the inconvenience of charging. Additionally, the band doesn't contain GPS tracking technology, which can ease user apprehension about intrusive monitoring. If someone tries to remove the band, the band will permanently notify tampering, even if the band is competently repaired. The Tap-In Band also uses Trust Stamp's patented IT2 identity tokenization process, which allows users to biometrically authenticate without storing any biometric images or templates. Gareth N. Genner, Trust Stamp’s Chief Executive Officer shared, “The Tap-In Band is the result of three years of market discovery and development and is a game-changer. The band is battery-free and has a fitness band-styled design that provides secure authentication without imposing embarrassment or discomfort. We are not publicly releasing final images of the customizable aesthetic design but I will say that the Band is available in a variety of colors with optional design features that ensure that the underlying use-case is not obvious to an onlooker. The use of our IT 2 identity tokenization, combined with data flows that do not require any data to be received or processed by Trust Stamp or any other vendor, ensures that the legitimate privacy and safety concerns that are raised by legacy technologies are removed with the Tap-In Band. While the Tap-In Band can be used for continual monitoring programs, we believe that the highest and best use is to support programs that require scheduled or randomly triggered check-ins.” Alternative programs to detention, like Trust Stamp’s Tap-In Band, offer a more compassionate and cost-effective approach. Not only are these programs more humane, but they also provide significant savings to society. Instead of investing in expensive detention facilities, these programs offer affordable alternatives that allow individuals to remain in the community while their cases are being processed. These programs typically have a high success rate, ensuring compliance with proceedings while providing support and supervision. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 24, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Nearly A Third Of Japan’s 36 Million Seniors Are At Risk Of Aging Frailty – Could Lomecel-BTM, Longeveron’s (NASDAQ: LGVN) Cell Therapy Help?

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga Nations all over the world are getting older, but Japan is leading the charge, with nearly a third of its total population over 65 — making Japan the oldest society in the world. While longer lifespans are great news, the growing number of seniors is bringing increased attention to the issue of aging frailty and its impact on the quality of life in those lengthening golden years. As people age, it can be common for systems in the body to start declining, including a decline in muscle mass and a slowing down of the immune system. The cumulative effect of this and other age-related decline is sometimes referred to as aging frailty, and for people with aging frailty, there appears to be increased vulnerability to death or severe disability as a result of minor events like a fall or a mild infection, as well as increased risk of not surviving common surgeries that become increasingly needed as people age. Over the last few years, aging frailty has risen rapidly in Japan, from 11.5% of adults 65 and older in 2017 to over 17% today. Meanwhile, over 31% of Japanese seniors are pre-frail, meaning they meet one or more criteria for frailty and are at high risk of becoming frail in the next few years. To address this emerging crisis, Longeveron (NASDAQ: LGVN) is currently conducting clinical trials to evaluate Lomecel-B™, its off-the-shelf cell therapy candidate, as a potential treatment for aging frailty. Might Lomecel-B™ Help Target Underlying Causes Of Aging Frailty? Lomecel-B™ is made from medical signaling cells (MSCs) derived from the bone marrow of healthy adult donors. It is believed that MSCs travel to sites of damage or inflammation in the body and may promote cellular regeneration and repair. In a previous Phase 2b trial on aging frailty, a single intravenous (IV) infusion of Lomecel-B™ was shown to have improved the walking distance during a six-minute walk test after nine months. Another clinical trial is ongoing in Japan, with the first patient having been dosed in April, 2023. The trial will enroll approximately 45 patients who will be randomly split into three groups. One group will serve as the placebo-control group, while the other two will each receive either a low or high dose of Lomecel-B™ in a single infusion. If approved, Lomecel-B™ could become the first FDA-approved treatment in the United States for Aging-related Frailty on the market, filling an unmet need that appears likely to become more prevalent in the coming years. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 24, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Amid Economic Uncertainty, Businesses Are Looking For Services That Help Drive Growth – Givex Can Help

Benzinga

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga In a landscape riddled with economic uncertainties that don’t seem to be eased by the Federal Reserve’s aggressive monetary policy, inflation is sending shockwaves across industries, demanding adaptive business models. Various industries are grappling with the rippling effects of these economic changes, but some – due to the nature of their businesses – are better equipped to adapt than others. Amid this climate, Givex Corp.’s (OTCQX: GIVXF) (TSX: GIVX) SaaS model seems to exhibit meaningful signs of resilience, illustrating the company's ability to withstand the challenges of inflation and broader economic hardship. Givex's strength lies in its revenue stream. While inflation influences the purchasing power of money, it doesn’t necessarily alter the frequency with which businesses utilize services like the one Givex provides or the value these companies provide. But to understand this fully, we need to grasp the core of what Givex offers. The Givex Platform At A Glance Since its inception in 1999, Givex has established itself as a premier SaaS platform, concentrating on capturing intricate details of consumer-merchant transactions, be it in-store or online. This capability enables merchants to conduct business seamlessly and efficiently and provides them with invaluable insights into customer behavior. By understanding these patterns, businesses can refine their strategies, enhance offerings and ultimately, drive higher profits. Central to Givex's offerings are its omnichannel point-of-sale (POS) solution, gift card solutions, loyalty programs and more. All these services capitalize on the power of real-time data analysis. The platform's emphasis on capturing detailed customer interactions – pivotal in this data-driven era – provides businesses with a competitive edge. Additionally, Givex's robust infrastructure, backed by PCI Level 1 certification, ensures data reliability and security. The ability to seamlessly integrate with other systems further enhances its appeal to businesses seeking adaptability without sacrificing stability. Why Merchants Seem To Be Flocking To Givex Givex's success in attracting a wide array of merchants is made clear by its range of clientele and the holistic value it brings to businesses. Renowned brands like Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR), Best Western, 7-Eleven, and Wendy's Company (NASDAQ: WEN) are just a few names in a growing list of enterprises that have found value in partnering with Givex. With its comprehensive tech solutions spanning gift cards and GivexPOS to loyalty programs and payment services, Givex is a catalyst for growth across countless sectors. Givex’s ability to capture detailed transactional insights could prove invaluable in a business landscape where understanding customer behavior is critical to success. Moreover, customers aiming to stay afloat during inflationary periods may view Givex as a much-needed tool for insight-driven improvement. In the face of economic fluctuations, businesses desire partners that can drive transformative change to combat challenges like inflation. And Givex, with its comprehensive suite and a track record of reliability, emerges as that crucial partner. Givex's Revenue Streams To offer clarity on exactly how Givex generates revenue, below is the company’s multifaceted business model: Recurring Revenue Streams: Monthly and regular recurring service fees are foundational to Givex's revenue structure. Transactional components, including card production and individual transaction fees, also contribute significantly. Digital And Online Services: Revenue is generated from online ordering platforms and affiliated applications. Managed services and associated development fees further improve this segment. Hardware And Technical Solutions: Hardware sales encompass a variety of equipment, ranging from POS systems to kiosks, Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) and unattended retail units. Installation and support fees are levied for the seamless integration and upkeep of these solutions. Payments And Financial Services: Givex offers various payment and financial solutions, encompassing Merchant of Record services, GivexPay and GiftPass, each contributing to its revenue. This comprehensive approach ensures that Givex maintains a steady and diversified income stream, bolstering its financial resilience through economic rain or shine. Financial Durability Givex’s SaaS model, combined with its various revenue streams, helps to ensure a reliable cash flow. And the numbers would seem to support that – for Q2 2023, Givex showcased revenue growth of 15%, reaching $19.4 million and proving that even in inflationary climates, certain business strategies can thrive. The 20% growth in the Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) for the trailing twelve months (TTM) further solidifies Givex's position. The ARR's surge, increasing by $11.8 million to hit $71.1 million by June 2023, subtly underscores the company's ability to offer consistent value, even when the broader economy struggles. The company also reports that no single client brings in more than 2% of revenue – another indicator of resilience because it means that if one client does leave, it doesn’t have a very large impact. Furthermore, the company’s low client churn rate of less than 1% also highlights client trust and satisfaction; a trust that Givex can deliver effective solutions irrespective of economic headwinds. An Inflation-Resilient Anchor In Economic Uncertainty? In times of economic unpredictability, businesses seek stability and growth potential. Givex offers both. As inflation continues to influence various industries, Givex's SaaS model and its robust platform seem to demonstrate resilience and the promise of steady growth. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 24, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

FiscalNote (NYSE: NOTE) Unveils Enhanced Global Policy Dashboard With Comprehensive Coverage Of Over 80 Countries

Benzinga

By Jad Malaeb, Benzinga FiscalNote Holdings Inc. (NYSE: NOTE), a leading AI-driven technology provider of global policy and market intelligence, has announced an expansion of its global policy dashboard, offering unparalleled coverage and analysis of policy, regulatory and legislative developments across more than 80 nations. This enhanced Global Policy Dashboard supplements FiscalNote's array of award-winning global analysis, monitoring and reporting services and AI-driven policy platforms. It gives FiscalNote customers unprecedented access to a vast directory of global policy data, creating a comprehensive stakeholder network in key operating nations. This empowers efficient collaboration by sharing timely knowledge and actionable insights, ultimately driving effective solutions and results. The Global Policy Dashboard aggregates policies and regulations from primary international sources worldwide, enabling customers to scan the policy landscape and stay informed about global policy insights. Intuitive features, interactive maps, customizable charts and a user-friendly interface facilitate easy navigation and review of evolving policies impacting organizations. It highlights emerging trends, identifies potential risks and uncovers new opportunities. Key features of the Global Policy Dashboard include: Access to global policies curated from official international sources, encompassing a wide range of policy areas. Legislation tracking for over 80 national governments and transnational entities, including bills, amendments, votes and enactments. Comprehensive coverage of proposed and enacted regulations, with hearings, whitepapers and intergovernmental consultations. The platform offers collaborative functionality, enabling multiple team members to view information and data in a single view. Additionally, it provides human-generated policy analysis and reporting for a deeper understanding of global policy developments. Josh Resnik, President and COO of FiscalNote, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, "By expanding FiscalNote's global policy solutions with our market-leading Dashboard, we're providing decision-makers with unparalleled data and insights to monitor and act on critical policy and stakeholder information from over 80 countries, surpassing any other source. The Global Policy Dashboard is the essential tool for enterprises operating in multiple jurisdictions around the world, solidifying FiscalNote as the most comprehensive, all-in-one solution in the marketplace." FiscalNote Holdings Inc. is a leader in policy and global intelligence, offering a unique blend of data, technology and insights to empower customers in managing political and business risk. Since 2013, FiscalNote has been at the forefront of technology that provides critical insights and tools for proactive action. FiscalNote serves approximately 5,000 customers worldwide, housing industry-leading brands such as CQ, FrontierView, Oxford Analytica, and VoterVoice. With global offices across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, FiscalNote continues to set the gold standard as a comprehensive, all-encompassing solution in the marketplace. For more information about FiscalNote and its family of brands, click here. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 24, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The News Direct Podcast Channel Aims to Ride the Podcasting Wave

News Direct

Podcasting has seen a remarkable transformation since its humble beginnings nearly 20 years ago. Initially overshadowed by other forms of digital communication, podcasts have now taken the world by storm, becoming an influential medium for information consumption and communication. In 2006, a mere 22% of the US population was familiar with podcasts, but fast forward to 2023, and 78% of Americans are in the know, with one-third actively engaging in podcast listening. The podcasting industry is currently estimated to be worth nearly $25 billion, with 5 million podcasts worldwide, featuring a staggering 70 million episodes and a dedicated audience of nearly 465 million listeners. This evolving trend has not gone unnoticed in the public relations sphere, as podcasts by PR luminaries have become as ubiquitous as Taylor and Travis sightings. Recognizing this phenomenon, News Direct recently launched The News Direct Podcast Channel, which is designed as a hub for both its own flagship podcast, " News Directly," as well as a launchpad for other professional podcast programs. With an impressive domain authority of 74 and over a half million monthly visitors, the company's podcast channel aims to provide podcast guests and creators with a high-traffic platform to reach a broad and engaged audience. In a world increasingly driven by short attention spans and a hunger for visual stimulation, the resurgence of podcasts is a remarkable turn of events. Podcasts require an investment of time and mental energy, which in over-scheduled and “digestible” format obsessed times such as these certainly swims against the tide. News Direct management is encouraged to see the public relations industry embracing this trend, as it offers a promising future for the medium and a valuable alternative means to conduct targeted brand messaging. Nevertheless, as podcasts proliferate, there is a risk of oversaturation. To ensure the long-term success of PR podcasts, they must focus on delivering high-quality content, relevant subject matter, and engaging guests. The emphasis should be on sharing vital information and trends, rather than serving as a promotional tool for the hosts. Founder and CEO, Gregg Castano commented "At News Direct, we are committed to setting high standards and promoting diversity of content and viewpoints in the podcasting landscape. Our goal with the News Direct Podcast Channel is to offer excellence, versatility, and variety, both through our 'News Directly' program and the podcasts we showcase on our platform." The future of podcasting remains uncertain, but the current ascent of this medium represents a net positive for the public relations profession. News Direct believes that podcasting's role in communication will continue to evolve and grow, bringing exciting opportunities and fresh perspectives to the communications industry. News Direct is a technology-driven content distribution and amplification platform for PR, IR, corporate communications and marketing professionals. Our automated platform delivers a completely reimagined, modernized user experience for newswire users that has reshaped the industry landscape. Additionally, the company has expanded its offerings to include an array of technology-enhanced message amplification tools ranging from sponsored content to podcasting products, all from one online destination. Contact Details News Direct Media at News Direct +1 917-698-4131 media@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

October 24, 2023 09:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Avenue Z Hires Leading Digital Media and Technology Executive David Corchado to Lead Team in Global Strategy

Avenue Z

The Avenue Z Network, a Strategic Communications and Marketing Advisory, today announced the hiring of David Corchado as Chief Strategy and Technology Officer. Corchado joins the firm to spearhead technological advancement and utilization of data science, following a successful run as Chief Technology Officer of B2B communications firm Investis Digital (acquired by Investcorp). Based in Avenue Z’s New York office, Corchado will work closely with the New York and Boston teams to further the advisory’s Health Technology Practice. "David's expertise in digital media optimization, agile tech stack development, analytics, and cyber-security will be instrumental in driving the next phase of growth for Avenue Z,” said Jeffrey Herzog, CEO of The Avenue Z Network. “This move strengthens Avenue Z’s technology teams, providing strong leadership for our work in digital transformation and accelerating our advantage in building Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences technology programs” continued Herzog. With Corchado joining the executive team, Avenue Z brings on a proven talent that has led global digital transformation projects for consumer brands including Estee Lauder, Toyota, and LG. While at Investis Digital, Corchado led technology strategy and product development, including building the Connect.ID and IDX Virtual Events platforms into solutions recognized by Forrester and used by major brands such as Ocado, Rolls-Royce, Brookfield Partners, Snap, CVS, Vodafone, and Lowes. During his career with iCrossing & TBWA\Chiat\Day Corchado focused on digital media for pharmaceutical advertising and led optimization projects for Merck, Sanofi, GSK, Novartis, and Pfizer. “Building a modern marketing technology stack is now less about writing original code and more about connecting best-of-breed solutions through APIs. We are building bespoke solutions for clients based on their vertical, channel and sustainability goals. Brands are already demanding more efficiency as a result of AI, and my priority is to deploy workforce analytics and smart applications that boost our productivity and quality. With that, we will truly be able to disrupt traditional PR, where the future of digital influence will be machine-driven, but human optimized," said Corchado. The Avenue Z Network is a strategic communications & marketing advisory focused on brand performance and business growth. Avenue Z works with mission-driven brands to create an integrated narrative through public relations, search and social branding, influencer marketing and performance media. Avenue Z provides clients with the platform they need to gain exposure and activate messages across all media. The Company is headquartered In Miami, FL with offices in Orlando and New York City. For more information visit www.AvenueZ.com Contact Details Avenue Z Allie Rosenfeld press@avenuez.com

October 24, 2023 07:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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