Creators Invited to Join Controlled Testing of Live Media Platform Designed for Real-Time Reach and Ownership TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 6, 2026 / Digitalage, a subsidiary of Hop-on, Inc. (OTC:HPNN), today announced the opening of influencer and creator access as part of its controlled testing phase, inviting independent creators to experience a live-first media platform built around ownership, reach, and fair economics. Digitalage is designed for creators who rely on real-time engagem ...

Core Insights - Versant, a media business recently spun off by Comcast, has begun trading independently on Nasdaq, indicating a significant restructuring of Comcast's media assets [1] Company Overview - The separation of Versant from Comcast represents a strategic move to reshape the media landscape under CMCSA, allowing for more focused management and potential growth opportunities for both entities [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential risks facing the U.S. stock market in 2026, primarily focusing on the Federal Reserve's divided stance and the impact of President Trump's tariffs on the economy and stock valuations [4][10][16]. Group 1: Stock Market Performance - The S&P 500's Shiller P/E Ratio, which averaged 17.3 over the last 155 years, closed out 2025 at over 40, indicating a high valuation during a prolonged bull market [2]. - The third year of the bull market saw significant gains, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite increasing by 13%, 16%, and 20% respectively [6][7]. Group 2: Economic and Policy Concerns - Headwinds for the stock market include high valuations and the potential negative effects of tariffs on the U.S. economy, particularly concerning domestic manufacturers [9][10]. - The Federal Reserve's recent history of dissenting opinions during policy meetings raises concerns about its ability to provide a cohesive monetary policy direction, which is critical given the high market valuations and tariff uncertainties [14][16]. Group 3: Federal Reserve Dynamics - The Federal Reserve has experienced unprecedented dissent in its policy decisions, with recent meetings showing conflicting opinions on interest rate adjustments [15]. - Jerome Powell's term as Fed Chair is set to end in May 2026, and the appointment of a new chair without Wall Street's support could lead to a crisis of confidence in the Federal Reserve [17][18].

Core Insights - Digitalage, a subsidiary of Hop-on, Inc., has announced the completion of its Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for a live media platform, which is a significant milestone in its development [1] - The platform is designed for continuous real-time programming, including live news and creator-led broadcasts, showcasing its core capabilities [1] Company Developments - The MVP demonstrates essential features such as live streaming, content replay, audience interaction, creator discovery, and identity-driven distribution [1]

Group 1 - Pascal Grangé will retire in 2026 and has handed over his office as Deputy Chief Executive Officer effective 31 December 2025 [1] - The Board of Directors did not appoint a new Deputy Chief Executive Officer to replace Pascal Grangé, and Stéphane Stoll was appointed Chief Financial Officer on 1 August 2025 [1] - The termination of Pascal Grangé's executive office does not involve specific financial conditions such as severance benefits or non-competition indemnities [2] Group 2 - Pascal Grangé's fixed remuneration is €950,000, with potential variable remuneration subject to performance conditions [2] - The amounts proposed for Pascal Grangé's remuneration will be detailed in the Company's Universal Registration Document [3] - Pascal Grangé will serve as an advisor to the Group's senior management until his retirement, as per the terms of his employment contract [3] Group 3 - Bouygues operates in over 80 countries with 200,000 employees, focusing on construction, energies & services, telecoms, and media [4]

Core Insights - Disney shares are underperforming despite owning some of the most valuable assets in the entertainment industry [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Disney controls a diverse portfolio of assets, including popular franchises and theme parks, which are considered some of the best in the industry [1] - The company's stock performance does not reflect the strength of its underlying assets, indicating a disconnect between market perception and intrinsic value [1] Group 2: Industry Context - The entertainment industry is facing challenges that may impact stock valuations, including changing consumer preferences and increased competition [1] - Despite these challenges, Disney's strong asset base positions it well for potential recovery and growth in the long term [1]

Core Insights - California is experiencing a significant payroll contraction, with over 173,000 jobs lost from January to November 2025, marking a 14% annual increase in job losses, particularly in the tech sector which alone accounted for 75,262 jobs lost [3][4] - Major companies are relocating from California due to challenging business conditions, with Fannie Mae moving to Birmingham, Disney relocating 2,000 jobs to Central Florida, and GAF Energy shutting down its San Jose headquarters for Georgetown, Texas [4] - California's high tax burden, including an 8.84% corporate income tax and additional franchise taxes, is driving businesses away, as companies face a combined tax rate of approximately 29.84% when federal taxes are included [5][6] Industry Trends - The only sectors currently experiencing growth in California are those utilizing research and development (R&D) credits or operating at a net operating loss, with the AI sector and venture capital investments providing some support [7] - AI investment in California has surged to $405 billion for the year, nearly doubling the previous estimate of $250 billion, indicating a significant influx of capital into this sector [7] - The trend of capital flight from California is attributed to excessive regulation and high operating costs, prompting corporations to seek more favorable business environments outside the state [8]

Media Industry - The media industry is described as the worst in history, facing significant challenges due to competition from platforms like TikTok and social media influencers, which fragment audience attention and reduce ad revenue [2] - Artificial intelligence exacerbates these challenges by allowing media companies to blend in with competition, increasing the risk for traditional media firms [3] Restaurant Industry - The restaurant sector is advised against as a bad investment due to narrow profit margins and rising labor costs, which make it difficult to attract and retain talent [4] - Rising food costs are leading consumers to prepare meals at home, negatively impacting restaurant sales; for instance, Chipotle's comparable sales growth was only 0.3% year-over-year in Q3, attributed to persistent macroeconomic pressures [5] Industries Relying on Government Funding - Companies that heavily depend on government funding face risks, especially if government spending becomes unpredictable; this could threaten their viability if funding is reduced [6] Businesses Dependent on Platforms - Companies that rely on social media and e-commerce platforms for brand visibility may struggle during a recession, as their success is tied to the stability of these platforms [7]

Core Viewpoint - Fox Corporation is being considered for a long recommendation as the company shows potential for growth and investment opportunities as 2025 approaches [1] Group 1: Company Analysis - The analyst has been observing Fox Corporation for several years and has recently become more confident in recommending a long position [1] - A fresh evaluation of Fox Corporation is being conducted in light of the upcoming end of 2025, indicating a strategic reassessment of the company's prospects [1]

Core Viewpoint - Fox Corporation is being considered for a long recommendation as the company shows potential for growth and investment opportunities as 2025 approaches [1] Group 1: Company Analysis - The analyst has been observing Fox Corporation for several years and has recently become more confident in recommending a long position [1] - The analysis indicates a fresh look at Fox Corporation's performance and prospects as the end of 2025 nears [1]