The Daily Data sums up the numbers making headlines.
Here are the figures for Tuesday, February 4, 2020.
N95 Masks
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, countries around the world are racing to ensure a steady supply of face masks. Specifically, N95 masks are in high demand. They are different because they are surgical-grade. N95 is the designation given by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health because they can block 95% of airborne particles. N95 masks are worn by medical professionals around the world. For N95s purchased in the U.S., guess where most of them are produced? Mexico and China. Learn more via Bloomberg.
1 Streaming Service
All it takes is just one: HBO acquired the film rights to the documentary about Russell Simmons after Oprah Winfrey and Apple TV+ backed out. On the Record premiered last week at the Sundance Film Festival. Before exiting, Oprah was slated to be the film’s executive producer. The documentary tells the story of several women who’ve accused Simmons of sexual assault (including rape). On the Record will only be available on the company’s streaming service, HBO Max. However, HBO has not ruled out a theatrical release. Before HBO agreed to release the film by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, multiple distributors passed on making a bid: Focus Features, Amazon, CNN Films, IFC, Roadside Attractions, Showtime and Netflix. Learn more at Deadline.
4th Place
Thanks to a voting app glitch, the results of the Iowa caucus are messed up. At the time of this writing, both Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg have claimed winning. The only thing clear from the voting results so far is that Joe Biden came in 4th place. It is expected that the Senate will vote to acquit Trump today. Keep in mind that Trump’s State of the Union address is also tonight at 9PM ET. Along with the Iowa debacle, analysts are predicting that Trump will have more than enough political ammunition to strengthen his positioning as stable candidate, when compared to the Democratic Party. Watch the State of the Union live.
$20 Billion
Instagram has reported it’s annual ad revenue for 2019: $20 billion. This represents more than a quarter of Facebook’s total revenue. Remember, unlike YouTube, none of the ad profit generated by Instagram goes to creators or influencers. The company has managed to establish a business model where content acquisition costs next to nothing. Brands have to pick up the tab through direct partnerships with creators and influencers. Learn more at The Verge.