World News
AC MILAN MAKES DEBUT APPEARANCE AT SXSW 2024 BRIDGING FOOTBALL WITH ENTERTAINMENT
Yesterday, AC Milan – the globally renowned soccer club headquartered in Milan, Italy – made its debut appearance at South by Southwest (SXSW), the internationally renowned festival held annually in Austin, Texas.
AC Milan took center stage at the event, with Chief Marketing Officer Tania Moreno participating in the panel “From Goals to Touchdowns: Cultivating Brands Across Continents,” alongside the Chief Marketing Officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Moderated by Sportico journalist Asli Pelit, the panel offered valuable insights into AC Milan’s strategies for enhancing its international presence and expanding its fanbase.
AC Milan’s participation at SXSW 2024 reflects the Club’s strategic positioning as a sports entertainment icon, capable of transcending the playing field, captivating the passions, especially of younger generations, living at the intersection of different worlds such as music, fashion, and lifestyle. A journey that is experiencing a phase of rapid acceleration thanks to the vision, skills, and expertise of RedBird Capital Partners – which acquired the Club in 2022 – in sports business, media, the ability to develop global brands, and create virtuous synergies.
Created in 1987, SXSW has evolved into a global showcase, annually hosting over 300,000 attendees, featuring thousands of artists and speakers from across the globe and serving as a meeting point for diverse industries such as technology, film, television, music, education, and sports. Through conferences, festivals, showcases, exhibitions, and screenings, SXSW brings together a diverse global audience, reflecting a dynamic convergence of ideas and perspectives. This unique environment serves as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal platform for AC Milan to showcase its brand and engage with a global audience.
Some of the key topics addressed during AC Milan’s participation at SXSW below:
Tania Moreno on maintaining brand consintency and leveraging AC Milan’s platform to spread positive messages
“Maintaining consistency in brand representation while adapting to various platforms is paramount. With over 500 million fans globally and nearing our 125th Anniversary, AC Milan holds a fortunate position in the football world. We ensure brand guidelines are upheld across all platforms, yet tailor strategies to each. Cultural nuances are key when connecting with our international fanbase.
As a brand with a significant platform, it’s important to us to leverage it beyond engagement and revenue. We have a responsibility to convey the right messages and actively contribute to positive change. Whether it’s advocating against racism in football or promoting social causes, we recognize the power of our platform in effecting meaningful change and shaping a better future for the global community.”
Tania Moreno on AC Milan’s key markets
“Outside of Italy, some of our key markets are the US, and the Middle East, each offering unique opportunities. In the US, we are super proud to have a player like Christian Pulisic to expand the reach of what we do, but he is not our strategy. Our main strategy involves targeting a significantly younger audience compared to other markets. We leverage existing brand equity from brands and categories that are important to this demographic, allowing us to cultivate authentic relationships and authentically engage them. In the Middle East, we opened an office at the end of last year and we also have some fantastic partners like Emirates that allow us to expand our reach.”
Tania Moreno on leveraging cultural trends
“Cultural trends play into our expansion strategy. From entertainment to fashion, our approach extends beyond football to be able to catch the attention of a new audience, who might not necessarily follow the sport. Our most recent Fourth kit launch was a perfect example of that, with over 60% of the audience engaging with our Instagram posts comprised non-followers, which demonstrated our ability to attract new demos beyond the realm of AC Milan fans.”
Tania Moreno on AC Milan and technology
“We leverage technology to address our business challenges and enhancing fan experiences. As an example, in tackling issues like racism in football, we utilize AI to sift through social media comments, swiftly identifying and removing hate speech. Additionally, we will harness technology to personalize content on our website, providing tailored experiences for our audience. We have also experimented with AR-powered filters, such as our recent Fourth kit filter, offering fans unique interactive experiences in our stadium . Leveraging our extensive archive of over 100 years of content, we are exploring AI solutions to tag players and streamline content creation processes, ensuring we deliver compelling highlights and videos efficiently. Our focus remains on solving real-world business problems through technology, rather than solely prioritizing engagement metrics.”
AC Milan’s presence at SXSW 2024 underscores the Club’s strong connection with the US market. With 43 million fans in the US and recognition as the most-followed Serie A club in
the country as well as the best-regarded Italian soccer Club according to international market research YouGov, AC Milan is deeply rooted in the American sports landscape.
The Club’s partnerships with the New York Yankees and YES Network, the recent Fourth kit launch with its partner PUMA and Los Angeles streetwear brand PLEASURES – AC Milan’s most successful kit launch – as well as last summer’s Pre-Season Tour in the West Coast, represent some key highlights that testify its presence and influence in the USA.
World News
Iraqi TikTok star Om Fahad shot dead outside Baghdad home
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Radio & TV
2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) to air LIVE on DStv
MTV has announced the 2024 “VMAs” will make its return to New York on Tuesday, September 10th at the UBS Arena. Airing LIVE on MTV, DStv Channel 130 on Wednesday, 11 September at 1:00am WAT and 2:00am CAT around the world in more than 150 countries. This year’s global fan-filled phenomenon will celebrate the best music videos of the past year with supersized performances, epic tributes, and unforgettable appearances from the world’s biggest celebrities.
“We’re excited to bring this year’s VMAs to UBS Arena, one of the country’s newest and most cutting edge venues,” said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. “Celebrating one of music’s biggest nights with the incredible, robust New York area fans is something we’ve been looking forward to since the moment last year’s show ended.”
“It’s an honor to host MTV and the VMAs at UBS Arena,” said Mark Shulman, Senior Vice President of Programming, UBS Arena. “This is the culmination of bringing a world class event to a venue that offers state of the art capabilities and the best in fan amenities. We look forward to welcoming this year’s top artists, fans, and viewers worldwide to experience our arena and campus at Belmont Park.”
“We are excited to welcome back the MTV Video Music Awards to New York State,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “From its origins at Radio City Music Hall in 1984 to this September’s event at the UBS Arena, the VMAs continue to captivate millions, showcasing the very best in music video artistry. As we prepare to host this 40th anniversary event, let’s embrace the spirit of creativity and innovation that defines our state’s cultural landscape.”
The “VMAs” will air across MTV’s global footprint of linear and digital platforms in more than 150 countries and territories, reaching over 319 million households.
Additional details will be announced closer to the show. Follow @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all-things #VMAs.
World News
Major step in malaria prevention as three West African countries roll out vaccine
In a significant step forward for malaria prevention in Africa, three countries—Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone—today launched a large-scale rollout of the life-saving malaria vaccine targeting millions of children across the three West African nations. The vaccine rollout, announced on World Malaria Day, seeks to further scale up vaccine deployment in the African region.
Today’s launch brings to eight the number of countries on the continent to offer the malaria vaccine as part of the childhood immunization programmes, extending access to more comprehensive malaria prevention. Several of the more than 30 countries in the African region that have expressed interest in the vaccine are scheduled to roll it out in the next year through support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as efforts continue to widen its deployment in the region in coordination with other prevention measures such as long-lasting insecticidal nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention.
Benin, which received 215 900 doses, has added the malaria vaccine to its Expanded Programme on Immunization. The malaria vaccine should be provided in a schedule of 4 doses in children from around 5 months of age.
“The introduction of the malaria vaccine in the Expanded Programme on Immunization for our children is a major step forward in the fight against this scourge. I would like to reassure that the malaria vaccines are safe and effective and contribute to the protection of our children against this serious and fatal diseases,” said Prof Benjamin Hounkpatin, Minister of Health of Benin.
In Liberia, the vaccine was launched in the southern Rivercess County and will be rolled out afterwards in five other counties which have high malaria burden. At least 45 000 children are expected to benefit from the 112 000 doses of the available vaccine.
“For far too long, malaria has stolen the laughter and dreams of our children. But today, with this vaccine and the unwavering commitment of our communities, healthcare workers and our partners, including Gavi, UNICEF and WHO, we break the chain. We have a powerful tool that will protect them from this devastating illness and related deaths, ensuring their right to health and a brighter future. Let’s end malaria in Liberia and pave the way for a healthier, more just society,” said Dr Louise Kpoto, Liberia’s Minister of Health.
Two safe and effective vaccines — RTS,S and R21 — recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), are a breakthrough for child health and malaria control. A pilot malaria vaccine programme in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi reached over 2 million children from 2019 to 2023, showing a significant reduction in malaria illness and a 13% drop in overall child mortality and substantial reductions in hospitalizations.
In Sierra Leone, the first doses were administered to children at a health centre in Western Area Rural where the authorities kicked off the rollout of 550 000 vaccine doses. The vaccine will then be delivered in health facilities nationwide.
“With the new, safe and efficacious malaria vaccine, we now have an additional tool to fight this disease. In combination with insecticide-treated nets, effective diagnosis and treatment, and indoor spraying, no child should die from malaria infection,” said Dr Austin Demby, Minister of Health of Sierra Leone.
Malaria remains a huge health challenge in the African region, which is home to 11 countries that carry approximately 70% of the global burden of malaria. The region accounted for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of all malaria deaths in 2022, according to the World Malaria Report.
“The African region is taking positive steps in scaling up the rollout of the malaria vaccine – a game-changer in our fight against this deadly disease,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Working with our partners, we’re committed to supporting the ongoing efforts to protect, save the lives of young children and lower the malaria burden in the region.”
Aurelia Nguyen, Chief Programme Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, noted: “Today we celebrate more children gaining access to a new lifesaving tool to fight one of Africa’s deadliest diseases. This introduction of malaria vaccines into routine programmes in Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone alongside other proven interventions will help save lives and offer relief to families, communities and hard-pressed health systems.”
Progress against malaria has stalled in these high-burden African countries since 2017 due to factors including climate change, humanitarian crises, low access to and insufficient quality of health services, gender-related barriers, biological threats such as insecticide and drug resistance and global economic crises. Fragile health systems and critical gaps in data and surveillance have compounded the challenge.
To put malaria progress back on track, WHO recommends robust commitment to malaria responses at all levels, particularly in high-burden countries; greater domestic and international funding; science and data-driven malaria responses; urgent action on the health impacts of climate change; harnessing research and innovation; as well as strong partnerships for coordinated responses. WHO is also calling attention to addressing delays in malaria programme implementation.
World News
Kid Cudi cancels tour after breaking foot at Coachella
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World News
The Un Certain Regard Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes
The Canadian actor, director, screenwriter and producer Xavier Dolan will be the President of the Un Certain Regard Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes. He will be joined by French-Senegalese screenwriter and director Maïmouna Doucouré, Moroccan director, screenwriter and producer Asmae El Moudir, German-Luxembourg actress Vicky Krieps, and American film critic, director, and writer Todd McCarthy. They will be in charge of awarding prizes for the Un Certain Regard section, which showcases art and discovery films by young auteurs.
This year, 18 films have been selected, including 8 first films. The 2023 Un Certain Regard top prize went to director Molly Manning Walker’s debut feature How to Have Sex.
When the light breaks by Rúnar Rúnarsson will open the Un Certain Regard section on Wednesday May 15, 2024.
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