Transcript

Hello, I’m Erika, and welcome to today’s episode of ‘Just a Moment News’ on this 19th of September, 2024. Let’s dive into today’s top stories:

Starting with South Africa, the recent Census 2022 has led to a significant shake-up in budget allocations for most big cities, excluding Cape Town and Buffalo City. Nelson Mandela Bay, for example, is facing a budget cut of up to 30% over the next three to five years. This adjustment is based on a new population count that found 1.6 million fewer households than previously estimated, affecting provinces like Gauteng and North West the most. The Treasury plans to implement these changes gradually, starting in the 2025/26 budget, to limit annual reductions to 5%.

In sports news, Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has been addressing the buzz around hosting a UFC event in South Africa and the country’s bid to bring back Formula 1. He confirmed ongoing negotiations for the UFC event and expressed optimism about securing a Formula 1 Grand Prix, citing discussions with F1 and FIA leadership about inclusivity and recognizing Africa’s unique car culture.

Over in Hollywood, the generative AI startup Runway has inked a deal with Lionsgate to develop a custom video model using the studio’s extensive movie catalog. This partnership marks a significant step for AI in the creative process, providing tools for filmmakers and directors at Lionsgate to augment their work. This deal comes amid new California legislation restricting the use of AI digital replicas and a lawsuit against Runway for allegedly using copyrighted works without permission.

YouTube has announced a major revamp of its TV app, aiming to enhance user experience and compete more effectively with other streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+. The update will introduce features like immersive previews and better organization of videos into episodes and seasons, with a rollout expected to start this year and continue into 2025.

In legal news, MrBeast’s production company and Amazon are facing a lawsuit from contestants of the “Beast Games” reality show on Amazon Prime. The lawsuit alleges unsafe working conditions and a culture of misogyny and sexism, among other issues, with several contestants reportedly hospitalized during production.

Lastly, an interesting story from the world of nature and media: WildEarth, a streaming platform known for its live safaris, has been described as the “Netflix of nature.” Despite past financial difficulties, the company is now profitable and expanding its reach globally, aiming to make nature accessible to a broader audience through innovative technology and educational initiatives.

That wraps up our news for today. I’m Erika, and you’ve been listening to ‘Just a Moment News.’ Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you next time.

Keywords - moment, daily, news