Robert Bakish Net Worth 2024: What Is The CEO of Paramount Global Worth?

Robert Bakish is the President and CEO of Paramount Global. He has amassed a net worth of $22 million by 2024, according to GuruFocus. His strategic leadership has guided the media conglomerate through industry changes and mergers, maintaining its prominence in the global entertainment landscape. Bakish’s career reflects his deep understanding of media trends and ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

Early Career & Rise At Viacom

robert bakish
Bob Bakish, Shari Redstone, Tom Cruise and Brian Robbins at the premiere of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” held at Rose Theater, at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall on July 10, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by Lexie Moreland/Variety via Getty Images)

Robert Bakish’s career began in the marketing sector before he joined Viacom in 1997. His expertise quickly became evident as he climbed the corporate ladder, taking on several key organizational roles. By 2007, he became President of Viacom’s MTV Networks International, managing the expansion of MTV’s global footprint. His leadership enabled Viacom to strengthen its position in international markets, particularly Europe and Latin America.

Leadership At Paramount Global

robert bakish
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 27: (L-R) Georgia Arnold, Alicia Keys, and Bob Bakish attend the MTV. Staying Alive Foundation 20th Anniversary Gala at Guastavino’s on November 27, 2018, also in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for MTV )

In 2016, Bakish became President and CEO of Viacom. He soon led the company through a critical period. He oversaw its merger with CBS Corporation to form ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global), a media giant encompassing prominent brands like CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures. Bakish played a crucial role in integrating the two companies. He also created a diversified media enterprise that could better compete in the rapidly evolving streaming landscape.

Under his guidance, Paramount Global expanded its streaming services through platforms like Paramount+ and Pluto TV, enhancing its ability to reach new audiences and cater to shifting viewing habits. His focus on content investment and innovative marketing strategies has been vital in solidifying Paramount Global’s role as a leader in entertainment.

Influence & Industry Impact

robert bakish
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 26: Viacom President and CEO Bob Bakish attends the Viacom. Hollywood Office Grand Opening on January 26, 2017, also in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Viacom)

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Robert Bakish is a well-known figure in the media industry. He serves on various boards and has advocated for diversity and inclusion within the corporate environment. Bakish’s influence extends to shaping the direction of media through his strategic vision and commitment to adapting traditional business models to new challenges. Overall, Robert Bakish’s net worth is a testament to his success as a media executive and his ability to navigate complex industry changes. His leadership continues to shape Paramount Global’s growth, ensuring it remains a competitive force in the entertainment world.

The post Robert Bakish Net Worth 2024: What Is The CEO of Paramount Global Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Phil Spencer Net Worth 2024: What Is The CEO Of Microsoft Gaming Worth?

Phil Spencer is the executive at the helm of Xbox and Microsoft’s gaming ventures. He has cultivated a net worth of $25 million by 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. His strategic vision and leadership have been pivotal in shaping the future of interactive entertainment, driving Xbox to new heights in the competitive gaming market. Spencer’s career at Microsoft demonstrates a commitment to innovation and consumer engagement, making him a key figure in the technology and gaming industries.

Leadership & Growth Of Xbox

Phil Spencer
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 28: XBOX CEO Phil Spencer (C) arrives at federal court on June 28, 2023 in San Francisco, California. Top executives from Microsoft and Activision Blizzard will be testifying during a five day hearing against the FTC to determine the fate of a $68.7B merger of the two companies. (Photo by Loren Elliott/Getty Images)

Phil Spencer joined Microsoft in the late 1980s and has held various key positions within the company. Soon, he steadily rose due to his expertise and visionary leadership. Appointed as the head of Xbox in 2014, Spencer has been instrumental in revitalizing the brand and expanding its reach. Under his leadership, Xbox has enhanced its gaming console offerings and expanded into cloud gaming and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. This strategy has broadened Xbox’s user base and strengthened its position in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Strategic Acquisitions & Partnerships

Phil Spencer
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 21: Phil Spencer (2nd L), CEO of Microsoft Gaming, poses for a selfie with the team from Pancake. Games, at a meeting of Microsoft executives and video game developer partners to discuss industry trends and explore the Xbox on March 21, 2023, also in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images for Microsoft)

One of Phil Spencer’s notable achievements has been his approach to acquisitions and partnerships. They have also significantly shaped the gaming landscape. Under his guidance, Microsoft has acquired several major game development studios. These include Bethesda Softworks, which brought iconic franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout under the Xbox umbrella. These acquisitions have enhanced Microsoft’s game library. It further ensured that Xbox remains competitive against rivals like Sony’s PlayStation and Nintendo. Spencer’s strategic foresight in these deals has been critical in securing long-term growth for Xbox.

Advocacy For Inclusivity & Technological Advancement

Phil Spencer
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 21: Phil Spencer (L), CEO of Microsoft Gaming, poses for a photograph with partners from. Sega and Ubitus, at a meeting of Microsoft executives and video game developer partners to discuss industry trends and explore the. Xbox on March 21, 2023, also in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images for Microsoft)

Phil Spencer is also recognized for advocating inclusivity within gaming, promoting a more diverse and welcoming community. He has been a vocal supporter of using technology to break down barriers among players, exemplified by initiatives like Xbox’s accessibility features and support for cross-platform play. His commitment to inclusivity extends beyond game content and into fostering a supportive culture within the industry.

Phil Spencer’s net worth is a testament to his impactful career and his profound influence on the gaming industry. His leadership at Xbox and strategic initiatives have propelled Microsoft’s gaming division to new successes and helped shape the future of gaming, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement.

The post Phil Spencer Net Worth 2024: What Is The CEO Of Microsoft Gaming Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

TikTok Sues US Government Over Potential Ban

TikTok Sues US Government Over Potential Ban

TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have taken legal action against the U.S. government following Congress and President Biden’s enactment of a recent law. This law mandates TikTok to sell its operations within nine months or face expulsion from U.S. app stores. TikTok argues that this legislation infringes upon its constitutional rights, particularly the First Amendment. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., was anticipated, given ByteDance’s firm stance against selling TikTok. The company maintains that the data of its American users is safeguarded.

“There is no question: the Act will force a shutdown of TikTok by January 19, 2025,” the lawsuit states, “silencing the 170 million Americans who use the platform to communicate in ways that cannot be replicated elsewhere,” the lawsuit says. “For the first time in history, Congress has enacted a law that subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban, and bars every American from participating in a unique online community with more than one billion people worldwide.”

The suite continued, “qualified divestiture’ demanded by the Act to allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States is simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally. And certainly not on the 270-day timeline required by the Act. Petitioners have repeatedly explained this to the U.S. government, and sponsors of the Act were aware that divestment is not possible.” 

“There are good reasons why Congress has never before enacted a law like this. Consistent with the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of expression, the United States has long championed a free and open Internet — and the Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that speech “conveyed over the Internet” fully qualifies for “the First Amendment’s protections.” What it comes down to is the Act’s national security argument is iffy and questionable at best. “If Congress can do this, it can circumvent the First Amendment by invoking national security and ordering the publisher of any individual newspaper or website to sell to avoid being shut down. And for TikTok, any such divestiture would disconnect Americans from the rest of the global community on a platform devoted to shared content — an outcome fundamentally at odds with the Constitution’s commitment to both free speech and individual liberty.”

The post TikTok Sues US Government Over Potential Ban first appeared on The Source.

The post TikTok Sues US Government Over Potential Ban appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka Star in New Beats Campaign

Angel Reese, Sha'Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka Star in New Beats Campaign

Beats, a pioneer in audio technology, has expanded its bestselling product family by introducing the all-new Beats Solo Buds true wireless earphones and the next generation of its iconic headphones, Beats Solo 4. Reputable athletes Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka headline the campaign.

The Beats Solo Buds embody the Solo line’s signature attributes of portability, comfort, and premium audio quality in its smallest form factor yet. The Solo Buds are the ultimate on-the-go companion, boasting impressive sound, up to 18 hours of battery life, and seamless one-touch pairing for both iOS and Android users. Available in four premium colors, including Matte Black and Arctic Purple, the Solo Buds will retail for $79.99 starting in June.

Meanwhile, the Beats Solo 4 offers upgraded, powerful sound, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and UltraPlush cushions for unparalleled comfort. With up to 50 hours of battery life and Lossless Audio via USB-C, the Solo 4 sets a new standard in headphone technology. Available in Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink, the Solo 4 is priced at $199.99 and can be ordered today from apple.com.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka Star in New Beats Campaign first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka Star in New Beats Campaign appeared first on The Source.

Half of American Adults Support Ban on TikTok, 46% Believe China Using it to Spy on United States

Half of American Adults Support Ban on TikTok, 46% Believe China Using it to Spy on United States

A recent poll by Reuters/Ipsos reveals a divided sentiment among U.S. adults regarding the potential ban of TikTok. How surprising. Sarcasm. ByteDance, a China-based tech company, owns the popular social media app. With an ambitious law on the horizon that could effectively ban TikTok nationwide by January 2025, about half of Americans express support for the drastic measure, citing concerns over data privacy and Chinese influence.

The legislation, known as the “Protecting Americans’ Data From Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024,” signed by President Biden after receiving bipartisan support in Congress, mandates ByteDance to divest its stake in TikTok within nine months to a non-“foreign adversary” entity. That’s a bold statement, but the lawmakers are serious about this. Failure to comply would result in the app’s distribution being prohibited in America. TikTok intends to challenge the law on First Amendment grounds, but the ban may become a reality if unsuccessful. ByteDance has no plans to sell its interest in the platform.

According to the poll, approximately 50% of Americans support a TikTok ban, 32% oppose it, and 18% are undecided. Concerns about Chinese government surveillance and influence loom large, with 55% believing ByteDance utilizes TikTok to sway public opinion and 46% suspecting espionage activities by the Chinese government.

Senator Maria Cantwell has raised alarms, suggesting that TikTok and ByteDance exploit data and artificial intelligence for surveillance purposes, even targeting journalists covering the company. Past incidents, such as ByteDance firing employees for unauthorized access to TikTok data, further fuel apprehensions.

Concerns about the repercussions of a TikTok ban exist. Ninety percent of respondents believe content creators would migrate to alternative platforms, while 45% worry about adverse effects on small businesses and performing artists. Additionally, 46% fear potential infringements on free speech rights.

The Ipsos/Reuters poll, conducted from April 29-30 with a sample size of 1,022 U.S. residents aged 18 or older, highlights the complexity of public opinion on the TikTok ban issue, with a margin of sampling error of +/- 3.2 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Whatever happens, TikTok has become an influential staple in pop culture, but the connection to China has some people concerned, and possibly, rightfully so. 

The post Half of American Adults Support Ban on TikTok, 46% Believe China Using it to Spy on United States first appeared on The Source.

The post Half of American Adults Support Ban on TikTok, 46% Believe China Using it to Spy on United States appeared first on The Source.

Texting on the Moon? Nokia and NASA Have Joined Forces

apr18 20 nasa apollo proj archive 01

Nokia and NASA have joined forces in an extraordinary venture to bring 4G connectivity beyond our planet’s bounds and into the depths of space. This groundbreaking collaboration is a giant leap forward in our quest to explore the cosmos and promises to revolutionize how we communicate during future space missions.

Nokia, a global leader in telecommunications technology, and NASA, the renowned space agency, are partnering to establish a reliable and high-speed communication network on the lunar surface. By utilizing Nokia’s expertise in developing cutting-edge telecommunications solutions and leveraging NASA’s vast experience in space exploration, the project seeks to overcome the challenges of operating in the harsh lunar environment.

At the core of this endeavor is deploying Nokia’s innovative 4G technology. Unlike traditional communication systems, 4G networks offer faster data transmission rates, greater bandwidth, and enhanced reliability. This means that astronauts, lunar rovers, and mission control on Earth can communicate seamlessly, enabling vital tasks such as real-time telemetry, remote monitoring, and command operations.

The introduction of 4G connectivity on the Moon opens up possibilities for future lunar missions. With a robust communication infrastructure, astronauts will have access to critical data and resources necessary for conducting scientific research, navigating lunar terrain, and ensuring the success of their missions. Moreover, this advancement lays the groundwork for developing a sustainable lunar economy and eventually establishing human colonies on the Moon.

While deploying 4G technology is a significant achievement, Nokia and NASA are already looking ahead to the next frontier: 5G and beyond. With the rapid advancement of telecommunications technology, future lunar missions could benefit from even faster data speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity, opening doors to new levels of innovation and discovery in space exploration.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Nokia and NASA to bring 4G connectivity to space represents a monumental step forward in exploring the cosmos. By harnessing the power of telecommunications technology, we are extending our reach beyond Earth and paving the way for a future where space exploration is more accessible, efficient, and interconnected than ever before.

The post Texting on the Moon? Nokia and NASA Have Joined Forces first appeared on The Source.

The post Texting on the Moon? Nokia and NASA Have Joined Forces appeared first on The Source.

LeBron James’ Tattoo Artist Loses Lawsuit Against NBA 2K Game Publisher

The tattoo artist behind LeBron James ink tried to sue NBA 2K publisher Take-Two Interactive. Jimmy Hayden filed a suit against the video game company, alleging that 2K engaged in copyright infringement because his work on Lebron James has been featured in the game for six straight titles. Hayden had amended the lawsuit in 2019. Several of his claims were dismissed from the case, but Hayden kept his lawsuit going. He ended up still suing 2k over two tattoos that appear on LeBron James in the game.

Now, the lawsuit is dead. A jury sided with Take-Two Interactive on April 19th. LeBron James has been featured in “NBA 2K” since “NBA 2K4”. NBA players are known to have a ton of ink on their bodies. A ruling in favor of Hayden may have opened the floodgates for hundreds of other tattoo artists to make the same claims. Take-Two argued that their right to use LeBron James’s likeness also included The King’s various tattoos. The jury unanimously agreed with the video game publisher.

Read More: NBA Players Vote On Who Is The GOAT: LeBron James Or Michael Jordan?

LeBron James Tattoo Artist Isn’t Giving Up

Hayden isn’t quite finished. He still has other cases related to his work. He has cases involving his tattoos appearing in NBA 2K21 on players Danny Green, Tristan Thompson, and LeBron James once again. The Lawsuit isn’t some frivolous attempt at a cash grab. Take-Two has been in the hot seat before in their depictions of athletes’ tattoos. In 2020, Take-Two won a 2016 lawsuit against tattoo studio Solid Oak Sketches, which alleged similar infringement as Hayden. A judge awarded tattoo artist Catherine Alexander $3700 in damages in 2022 after Take-Two failed to show their use of WWE star Randy Orton’s ink was also fair use.

Tattoos, Athletes, and video games have a long legal history. The NFL requires its players to get waivers from their tattoo artists. This policy was made to stop murky legal situations about copyright from developing. The NBA probably needs to take note of the NFL and copy its policy. In any case, Hayden’s remaining lawsuits will move forward. There is a chance he will win against the giant video game publisher this time. 

[via]

The post LeBron James’ Tattoo Artist Loses Lawsuit Against NBA 2K Game Publisher appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Tesla Recalls All Cybertrucks: What We Know

Despite only being on the road for a handful of months, the Tesla Cybertruck is currently experiencing a recall mandate. Tesla officially launched the trucks to the public in November 2023, teasing them as the future of the automotive industry and specifically championed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Despite Musk’s overt pushing for the Cybertruck, users across the web have maligned the vehicles for their angular style, which many have likened to a low-resolution texture pulled straight from a Playstation 2 video game.

Today, there are roughly 4,000 of these Tesla Cybertrucks currently on the road, and the recall impacts each and every one of them. Without any further preamble, let’s examine the situation with these T-1000 robots on wheels and uncover the truth about the nature of this total recall.

The Recall Centers On The Accelerator

If you or someone you know is a Tesla Cybertruck driver, it’s advisable to follow up on this recall as soon as possible, as it may pose a serious safety issue. News reports have revealed that the accelerator pedal can sometimes stick in place when drivers press down on it, making it difficult or impossible to come to a safe yield or full stop.

Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this issue is caused by soap used in the pad lubricant, which inadvertently causes the gas pedal to become jammed. In an official recall order, the NHTSA wrote, “An unapproved change introduced lubricant (soap) to aid in the component assembly of the pad onto the accelerator pedal. Residual lubricant reduced the retention of the pad to the pedal.”

Tesla Is Under Fire

Obviously, this recall is a serious issue that impacts the public safety of everyone within the vicinity of a Tesla Cybertruck. Furthermore, Tesla’s recent months have seen several financial and personnel issues, with the company just announcing plans to lay off over 10 percent of its global workforce. Tesla has not yet issued an official statement regarding the situation with the Cybertruck recall, though safety regulators have directly blamed the company. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Austin assembly workers used wholly unauthorized soap in the Cybertruck pads.

Tesla explained their announcement of laying off droves of employees as a reaction to dwindling sales in the electric car market. As a dominant force in this market in the past years, Tesla’s low sales figures were quite surprising to many consumers. The electric car company is famously tight-lipped about their total units sold. With only 4,000 Cybertrucks on the road, this puts Tesla behind its competitors, such as Ford, who have managed to move over 7,500 F-150 Lightning electric trucks during the first quarter of the year alone.

The Recall Requires Immediate Action

Due to the nature of Tesla’s tech-forward vehicles, most Tesla recalls in the past have been fixable with quick and easy techniques, including software updates through the cloud. Unfortunately, Tesla will clearly require a more hands-on approach for this accelerator recall, meaning owners of the Cybertruck must bring their shiny new vehicles to a Tesla-authorized service center for the repair. Like other safety recalls, this repair comes at no additional charge to the customer.

[Via] [Via]

The post Tesla Recalls All Cybertrucks: What We Know appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

New Microsoft AI Animates Faces From Photos, Including a Rapping Mona Lisa

2bc89aca ea90 48bb 8f4d e0e535c55c4e

Artificial Intelligence is getting smarter, funnier, and in some ways creepier. Arguably a photo of the most famous painting, the Mona Lisa is capable of doing more than just smirking, with the help of Microsoft’s brand new artificial intelligence technology.

Researchers at Microsoft detailed VASA-1, a new AI model they developed that takes still images of a face with an audio clip of anyone speaking, and it automatically creates a pretty realistic video of that person’s photo speaking. The videos are compelling, with lip-syncing, and natural face, and head movements—spooky stuff. 

Get this: in one demo video, the Microsoft researchers animated an image of the Mona Lisa to spit a comedic rap, originally by actor Anne Hathaway. Well at least it wasn’t a real artist, then we’d have more AI controversy on our hands. 

The output result may be entertaining but may also feel jarring in the product’s authenticity. It just feels too real for some. Now Microsoft said the tech could work within educational applications or, as they put it, “improving accessibility for individuals with communication challenges,” or even virtual companions for humans. Now, that all sounds good, but it may be used for impersonating people and other nefarious uses. Imagine this AI technology used to disrupt creative industries from film to advertising and more.

Microsoft says it is not releasing the VASA-1 model to the public just yet. “We are opposed to any behavior that creates misleading or harmful contents about real persons,” Microsoft researchers said in a recent blog post. They added that they have “no plans to release” the product publicly “until we are certain that the technology will be used responsibly and in accordance with proper regulations.”

The Mona Lisa rapping and all that is fun and games, but until this technology can be responsibly managed, it seems like it’s ripe for potential issues in a world where there’s already enough misinformation floating around. So, the jury is out on this one.

The post New Microsoft AI Animates Faces From Photos, Including a Rapping Mona Lisa first appeared on The Source.

The post New Microsoft AI Animates Faces From Photos, Including a Rapping Mona Lisa appeared first on The Source.

Tesla Cybertruck Recall: Thousands Of Vehicles In Needs Of New Accelerator Pedals

Some bad news for Elon Musk today as there was a massive Tesla Cybertruck recall. According to The Verge, almost every single Cybertruck has been hit with a recall. In total, this makes 3,878 Cybertrucks. The issue with the cars is that they could potentially have a fault accelerator pedal that gets stuck. Subsequently, this could lead to people getting into very serious accidents. Overall, it is not an ideal situation, and consumers want answers.

Moreover, this is especially disappointing for consumers considering how the truck took a long time to come out. Additionally, there have been numerous complaints about the car’s performance and whether or not it was worth the price tag. Tesla as a whole has been under scrutiny these past couple of years, and the Cybertruck situation will not help with that.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Thanks Drake For Putting Him On “Push Ups” Following Official Release

The Tesla Cybertruck Recall Affects Thousands

CHENGDU, CHINA – JANUARY 26: A Tesla Cybertruck is on display at Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu on January 26, 2024 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province of China. Tesla Cybertruck is set to commence its nationwide tour in China, officially named the ‘Tesla Cybertruck Off-Road Wagon China Tour’. The tour will cover eight cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Chongqing. (Photo by Chengdu Economic Daily/VCG via Getty Images)

Subsequently, it will be interesting to see how Tesla handles all of this. Their stock prices have been suffering, and public perception is not good. However, there are Tesla loyalists out there who will overlook these shortcomings.

Let us know what you think of this situation with the Tesla Cybertruck recall, in the comments section down below. Do you think that this is going to be a major problem for Tesla, moving forward? Have you even been interested in their cars? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the tech world. We will be sure to keep you informed on trending stories.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar Response To Drake Is Allegedly Like 2Pac’s “Hit ‘Em Up,” Says Joe Budden Podcast Co-Host

[Via]

The post Tesla Cybertruck Recall: Thousands Of Vehicles In Needs Of New Accelerator Pedals appeared first on HotNewHipHop.