World News
Lyft takes a page from Uber’s playbook: Ads on August 10, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Ride-hailing giant Lyft will start displaying ads in-app, as well as via in-car tablets, rooftops and bikeshare stations.
“Lyft has a captive audience throughout their entire ride journey – waiting for their car, matching with their driver, and in ride – and brands can now reach riders in relevant and tailored ways across our suite of Lyft Media products,” said Zach Greenberger, Lyft’s chief business officer, in a statement.
I know what you’re thinking. Thank goodness, more ads! Even better, ads via the app that knows exactly where you are and where you’re going! Getting dropped off at a friend’s place who happens to live near a movie theater? Don’t be surprised if you see an ad for whatever is playing at that cinema when you check your ETA.
Lyft getting into ads shouldn’t surprise anybody. Uber launched its own ads unit in October 2022, and the company forecasts ad revenue will hit $650 million this year. Compared to the $8 billion in revenue Uber pulled via mobility, delivery and freight in Q2, $650 million is chump change. But the room for growth is there, and Lyft undoubtedly sees a chance to bring in more revenue in an asset-light way.
Lyft’s stock has slipped 6% since the company reported its second-quarter earnings. The ride-hailing company met Wall Street analysis’ revenue expectations, projected steady growth for the year and increased its ridership numbers. Yet, revenue per active rider decreased as the company chopped its fares in an attempt to keep its prices competitive with Uber’s.
Over the past year, Lyft has done some belt-tightening in order to focus on its core ride-hailing business. That includes shutting down its in-house car rental service and exploring a possible sale of its shared micromobility unit. Those units are both decidedly not asset-light models. Advertising could present a low capex way to add a revenue stream.
Lyft said its in-app ads will show up on riders’ ETA screens, when they match with a driver and during their trip. Ads will also play on in-car tablets, which drivers can request to “boost their earnings with advertising revenue and higher tips,” according to Lyft.
The company didn’t respond in time to TechCrunch to explain what percentage of ad revenue will go to drivers, if drivers need to pay for the tablets, how much those tablets might cost, or how having a tablet in the backseat can boost tips. Lyft said that drivers who give at least 60 rides per week and have an an-enabled tablet in their car can increase their tips by more than 10% on average.
The company’s current ad partners include Bilt Rewards, Audible and Universal Pictures. Lyft said it’s partnering with Kantar Brand Lift Insights to help brands understand metrics like awareness, purchase intent and brand association. The company will also incorporate Rokt’s ad serving technology and programmatic solutions.
At launch, brands can advertise nationally in the app, across in-car tablets in 12 markets, on car digital screens in five markets and across bikeshare in four markets, according to Lyft.
Ride-hailing giant Lyft will start displaying ads in-app, as well as via in-car tablets, rooftops and bikeshare stations. “Lyft has a captive audience throughout their entire ride journey – waiting for their car, matching with their driver, and in ride – and brands can now reach riders in relevant and tailored ways across our suite
News
Terror Attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas Linked
The start of 2025 has been marred by two horrific terror attacks in the United States, one in New Orleans and another in Las Vegas, both occurring on New Year’s Day. These incidents have left communities reeling and have raised concerns about potential connections between the suspects involved.
In New Orleans, a truck driven by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar plowed into a crowd celebrating on Bourbon Street, resulting in at least 15 deaths and over 30 injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas, deliberately targeted pedestrians while flying an ISIS flag from his vehicle. Following the attack, he exited the truck armed with an assault rifle and opened fire on police officers before being killed in the ensuing confrontation. Authorities discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) within his vehicle and in the vicinity of the attack site, further confirming the premeditated nature of this act of terrorism.
Simultaneously, a separate incident unfolded in Las Vegas when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel. The driver, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, also had a military background and was reported to have detonated the vehicle packed with firework mortars and fuel, resulting in his death and injuring seven others. Investigators are exploring whether Livelsberger and Jabbar had any prior connection, as both men served at the same military base at different times.
While the FBI has confirmed that they are investigating both attacks as acts of terrorism, they have not established a definitive link between the two incidents. However, similarities in their execution—both suspects rented vehicles from the same company—have prompted further scrutiny into their backgrounds and any potential accomplices.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information about either suspect to come forward. The tragic events have sparked discussions about security measures in public spaces, particularly as cities prepare for large gatherings in the coming months.
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Politics
Donald Trump Named TIME’s 2024 Person of the Year
Donald Trump has been selected as TIME magazine’s Person of the Year for 2024, marking his second time receiving this distinction. The former president, who won a historic comeback victory in the 2024 election, was chosen for his significant impact on global affairs and American politics.
TIME editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs explained the decision, citing Trump’s “comeback of historic proportions,” his role in driving “a once-in-a-generation political realignment,” and his reshaping of both the American presidency and the country’s global role. This recognition comes after Trump’s unprecedented achievement of reclaiming the White House after losing reelection four years earlier.
The selection process involved an extensive interview with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November, covering a wide range of topics including the economy, foreign policy, and his plans for a second term. Notably, TIME took the unprecedented step of publishing a comprehensive fact-check alongside the interview transcript, examining 15 distinct assertions made by Trump.
Trump’s relationship with TIME has been tumultuous over the years. While he expressed honor at receiving the title in 2016, he has also criticized the magazine’s selections and even claimed he refused a potential Person of the Year offer in 2017. Despite this, Trump participated in the process this year, granting TIME access for an in-depth interview.
To commemorate the announcement, Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This event marked a significant moment in Trump’s career, as it was his first time participating in this Wall Street tradition.
Trump’s selection as Person of the Year reflects his continued influence on American politics and his ability to reshape the political landscape. As the country prepares for his return to the White House, all eyes will be on how Trump’s second term might further impact both domestic and international affairs.
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Film Industry
Jay-Z Denies Allegations Amid Lawsuit
Jay-Z, the renowned rapper and music mogul, faces serious allegations in a recently amended civil lawsuit. According to ABC News and NBC News, the suit accuses him and Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000.
The lawsuit, initially filed in October 2024, was updated on Sunday to include Jay-Z as a defendant alongside Combs. The plaintiff, identified only as “Jane Doe,” claims she was assaulted after being driven to the party following the awards show.
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, vehemently denies the allegations. He released a statement on X calling the lawsuit a “blackmail attempt” and questioning why it was filed as a civil case rather than a criminal one. The rapper expressed concern about the impact on his family, stating he and his wife Beyoncé would need to discuss the situation with their children.
Combs, who is currently in federal custody on separate charges, has also denied the accusations through his attorneys. The lawsuit alleges that an unidentified female celebrity was present during the incident but did not intervene.
The case has garnered significant media attention, with both artists’ reputations at stake. As the legal process unfolds, the music industry and public await further developments in this high-profile case.
Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!
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