Independent SOC 2 certification strengthens Integrated Rewards’ platform to support enterprise-scale growth across Canada’s card-linked rewards network

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2026 / Integrated Rewards Inc., a division of EQ Inc. (TSXV:EQ) ("EQ Works" or the "Company"), the innovator behind Canada’s leading card-linked rewards solution, today announced it has achieved SOC 2 compliance following a rigorous independent audit. This certification confirms that Integrated Rewards’ systems and controls are designed to protect sensitive financial and transactional data across its platform and positions the Company to meet the stringent security requirements of enterprise partners and financial institutions.

This milestone strengthens EQ Works’ relationships with its existing financial services partners by reinforcing confidence in the Company’s security and compliance capabilities. It also positions the Company to pursue opportunities within Canada’s financial services sector, where SOC 2 compliance is increasingly a prerequisite for partnership. While future commercial outcomes will depend on market conditions and counterparties’ requirements, this certification supports EQ Works’ ability to expand its partner network and scale its platform, in line with the Company’s strategy to grow recurring revenue and deepen long-term relationships.

SOC 2 certification, established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), ensures that organizations handling customer data maintain robust controls around security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. For platforms like Integrated Rewards that handle sensitive financial and transactional data, certification provides independently verified assurance that systems and controls meet rigorous industry requirements.

"Our partners rely on Integrated Rewards to manage sensitive financial and transactional data on their behalf," said Adrian Ramirez, Vice President of Integrated Rewards. "Achieving SOC 2 compliance strengthens their confidence in the security and reliability of our platform and supports our ability to deliver consistent, enterprise-grade performance."

"Building a platform that enterprise partners and financial institutions can trust requires independently verified controls and infrastructure that meet the highest standards," said Jack Chung, Chief Technology Officer of EQ Works. "SOC 2 compliance is the result of years of deliberate investment in our security architecture and validates that Integrated Rewards is built to operate at enterprise scale."

As Integrated Rewards continues to expand its network of merchants, financial institutions, and publisher partners across Canada, SOC 2 compliance reinforces the security foundation that enterprise partners require and supports the continued growth of EQ’s card-linked rewards business. EQ Works remains focused on scaling Integrated Rewards, deepening partner relationships, and growing its recurring revenue base.

Convertible Debt Financing

As part of the Company’s strategy to scale its platform and deepen its capabilities for financial services partners, the Company has closed a non-brokered private placement of 1,130 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $1,000 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,130,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of: (i) one 15% secured convertible debenture of the Company (each, a "Debenture") in the principal amount of $1,000; and (ii) 1,000 common share purchase warrants (each, a "Warrant").

The Debentures bear interest at a rate of 15% per annum from the closing date of April 29¸ 2026 with all accrued and unpaid interest payable in full on April 29, 2027 (the "Maturity Date"). The interest obligation may be satisfied either in cash or in common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares"), at the option of the Debenture holder. The Debentures are secured by a general security agreement over all present and after-acquired property of the Company, subordinated to the Company’s existing secured lenders.

At the option of the holder, the outstanding principal amount of each Debenture, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, may be converted into Common Shares at a conversion price of $0.95 per Common Share, in whole or in part, at any time prior to the Maturity Date. In addition, a holder of Debentures may, at its option, elect that the outstanding amount of the Debentures held by it at the Maturity Date (including the principal amount together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon less any tax required by law to be deducted) be satisfied through the issuance of Common Shares at a price per Common Share equal to the Market Price (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange).

Each Warrant is exercisable immediately and entitles the holder to purchase one additional Common Share at an exercise price of $1.00 per Common Share until the Maturity Date.

Pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), the Offering constitutes a "related party transaction" as insiders of the Company subscribed for a total of 280 Units for gross proceeds of $280,000. The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the Debentures, nor the consideration paid, exceeded 25% of the Company’s market capitalization, in accordance with Sections 5.5 and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the closing of the Offering as the details of the related parties’ participation in the Offering had not been settled.

In connection with the Offering, the Company paid a finder’s fee to eligible arm’s length parties in respect of certain subscriptions. The finder’s fee consisted of cash commissions of $22,500 and the issuance of an aggregate of 22,500 finder’s warrants (each, a "Finder’s Warrant"). Each Finder’s Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $1.00 per Common Share for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance.

The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used for business development activities, sales team expansion, technology infrastructure development, and general working capital purposes.

A copy of the debenture indenture governing the Debentures will be filed by the Company on its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

All securities issued and sold under the Offering will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from their date of issuance. Completion of the Offering and the payment of any finders’ fees remain subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The securities offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful."

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the risks faced by the Company, including those described in the Company’s continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates, or opinions, or other factors, should change, except as required by applicable law.

About Integrated Rewards

Integrated Rewards (www.integratedrewards.ca) a division of EQ Inc., delivers end-to-end technology and strategy for custom rewards programs. As Canada’s largest network of card-linked offers, Integrated Rewards connects merchants, financial institutions, and publishers to drive engagement, acquisition, and incremental revenue. Its proprietary card-linking infrastructure powers several leading cashback rewards platforms across Canada, including Paymi, Save.ca Cashback Rewards, CST Rewards, and others.

About EQ Works

EQ Works (www.eqworks.com) enables businesses to understand, predict, and influence customer behaviour. Using proprietary data assets, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence, EQ Works creates actionable intelligence for businesses to attract, retain, and grow the customers that matter most. The Company’s proprietary ClearLake SaaS platform delivers audience intelligence, real estate site selection, and operator performance capabilities, while its data-driven media solutions help Canadian organizations influence and engage their most valuable audiences to create measurable business outcomes.

Investor & Media Contact

EQ Inc.
Michael Kahn, Chief Financial Officer
press@eqworks.com
2 Bloor Street West, Suite 700 | Toronto, Ontario | M4W 3E2
Phone number: (416) 560-3193

SOURCE: EQ Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Team members E’Risha Curry, Judy Margolis, and President Amy Hall recognized for excellence, leadership, and impact

DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2026 / The Barber Shop Marketing, a leading full-service advertising agency in North Texas, is celebrating a standout night at the 2026 Awards of Excellence Gala hosted by the Alliance for Women in Media, receiving top individual honors that underscore the agency’s commitment to excellence, mentorship, and innovation in the marketing and media industry.

The Dallas-based agency was recognized across multiple categories, highlighting the strength of its leadership team and the culture that continues to drive its growth and industry influence.

E’Risha Curry Named Agency Unsung Hero

E’Risha Curry was honored as Agency Unsung Hero, a recognition reserved for individuals whose behind-the-scenes contributions are critical to an organization’s success. Known for her unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and ability to elevate every project she touches, Curry plays a vital role in ensuring seamless execution across campaigns. Her recognition reflects the often-unseen leadership that fuels The Barber Shop Marketing’s client success and internal cohesion.

Judy Margolis Recognized as Agency Media Director

Veteran media leader Judy Margolis was awarded Agency Media Director, celebrating her strategic vision and proven ability to deliver impactful, results-driven media campaigns. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape, Margolis has been instrumental in guiding clients through an increasingly complex environment-blending traditional expertise with forward-thinking strategy. Her leadership continues to set the standard for media excellence within the agency and beyond.

Amy Hall Honored as Agency Owner and President

Amy Hall, Owner and President of The Barber Shop Marketing, received top recognition for her leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and commitment to advancing both her agency and the broader industry. Under Hall’s direction, The Barber Shop Marketing has grown into a powerhouse known for its creativity, strategic insight, and community impact. Her leadership philosophy-rooted in empowerment, mentorship, and innovation-has cultivated a culture where talent thrives and clients see meaningful, measurable results.

"This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people behind our work," said Hall. "E’Risha, Judy, and our entire team represent what makes this agency special-dedication, creativity, and a commitment to lifting each other up. We are honored to be recognized by the Alliance for Women in Media and proud to be part of a community that champions women across our industry."

The Alliance for Women in Media awards celebrate outstanding achievements by women in media, marketing, and communications, recognizing those who are shaping the future of the industry through leadership, innovation, and impact.

These honors reinforce The Barber Shop Marketing’s position as a leading force in the Dallas marketing landscape and highlight its continued investment in people, culture, and community.

About The Alliance of Women in Media (AWM):

The Alliance of Women in Media (AWM) is a national, nonprofit organization of men and women who work in media and allied fields. Founded in 1951 as American Women in Radio and Television, AWM is proud to represent men and women engaged in the creation of high-quality media and related services. AWM harnesses the promise, passion, and power of women in all forms of media to empower career development, engage in thought leadership, and drive positive change for the industry and societal progress.

About The Barber Shop Marketing:
The Barber Shop Marketing is a full-service marketing and advertising agency in Dallas with category-leading clients including Berkeys Plumbing, AC & Electrical, Baker Brothers Plumbing, Air & Electric, Yo Quiero, City of Richardson, Smith Thompson Home Security, Town of Addison, and Bill Dickason Chevrolet Buick. Their specialization includes advertising, creative, media, digital, social media, public relations, and search optimization. For more information about The Barber Shop Marketing, The Barber Shop Marketing is an award-winning, full-service marketing and advertising agency based in Dallas, Texas. Known for its strategic excellence and creative techniques, The Barber Shop partners with industry-leading clients, including Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical, Bill Dickason Chevrolet, City of Richardson, CXE, Inc., Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation, Microlife USA Inc., Town of Addison, Wade College, and WindowCraft Windows & Doors. The Barber Shop Marketing delivers a comprehensive suite of services including brand strategy, creative development, media planning and buying, digital marketing, social media management, public relations, and search engine optimization. For more information about The Barber Shop Marketing, visit www.thebarbershopmarketing.com or phone (214) 217-7177. Follow The Barber Shop Marketing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thebarbershopmarketing or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-barber-shop-marketing

Contact: Amy Hall, amy@thebarbershopmarketing.com

SOURCE: The Barber Shop Marketing

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

MILAN, IT / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2026 / As the dynamic interplay of light and shadow along the Putuo District section of Suzhou Creek in Shanghai, known as the "Half Marathon Suzhou Creek," met the artistic atmosphere of Milan Cathedral, a spring dialogue spanning continents opened warmly as part of the "Shanghai in My Mind · Spring Shanghai" pop-up event series in Milan. On April 25, the "Putuo Day" themed event was held at a newsstand in Largo Augusto, Milan. Centered on the theme "Half Marathon Suzhou Creek · Garden of Light," the event offered local residents an immersive experience of the distinctive charm of Shanghai’s Putuo District.

Light as a Bridge: A Garden of Light in Miniature

Centered on the theme of "Garden of Light," the pop-up event blended Putuo’s cultural heritage with Milan’s artistic aesthetic, transforming the compact newsstand into four themed spaces: the Light of Development, the Light of Vitality, the Light of Warmth and the Light of Craftsmanship. Together, they created a refined and richly layered exhibition of urban aesthetics.

To learn more about Spring Shanghai and Spring Putuo, please watch the video here: https://youtu.be/196Fmmbrsio.

The Garden Walk zone conveyed the "Light of Vitality," with artificial greenery recreating the energy of the Suzhou Creek waterfront. Cultural and creative products from the "Half Marathon Suzhou Creek" collection, including sand-art magnets, liquid-motion coasters and custom scarves, added to the lively atmosphere. The Interactive Experience zone embodied the "Light of Warmth," linking stamp collecting, message sharing and film screenings to create a welcoming space where every visitor could take part in the cross-cultural exchange. The Craftsmanship Heritage zone interpreted the "Light of Craftsmanship," featuring century-old Hero pens, intangible cultural heritage bamboo weaving and pieces from the Shanghai Mint, highlighting the brilliance of Eastern craftsmanship through light and shadow. The Light and Shadow Window zone represented the "Light of Development." Warm light passed through suspended golden bookmarks, casting colorful reflections across the walls and floor, echoing the stained-glass windows of Milan Cathedral.

At the event, local residents and visitors posed for photos with light-and-shadow bookmarks, wrote heartfelt messages on postcards, and captured joyful moments with instant cameras. They collected commemorative stamps as keepsakes, experienced the elegance of Eastern writing with Hero pens, and watched the VR film "HI, This Is Half Marathon Suzhou Creek" for an immersive introduction to Putuo. The pop-up event transcended barriers of language and distance, bringing the urban charm of Putuo to people in Milan through experiences that were tangible, engaging and memorable.

Spring Echoes: Suzhou Creek’s Story Continues in Light

The "Spring Shanghai" themed pop-up was not only a city showcase in Milan, but also a dialogue between two cities across Europe and Asia. To extend the memory of this celebration of light, Putuo has created a "Garden of Light" themed corner at the Half Marathon Suzhou Creek Café & Cultural Creative Store, allowing cultural exchanges between the two places to continue to grow.

Inside the store, white magnolias and azaleas feature throughout the décor, symbolizing friendship and dialogue between the two cities. Decorative decals inspired by the stained-glass windows of Milan Cathedral cast colorful patterns of light across the floor, creating an aesthetic connection between Shanghai and Milan. Messages from visitors collected during the Milan event, handwritten postcards and instant photos will be displayed in artistic installations, including a corridor of greetings and a light-and-shadow photo wall reflecting a blend of Chinese and Italian culture. Limited-edition light-and-shadow bookmarks and other themed merchandise will also be introduced, while messages written by Shanghai residents in response will be compiled into a collection, creating a two-way bond of mutual goodwill.

From Milan to Suzhou Creek, Putuo used light as a bridge to continue the friendship between China and Italy across the two cities, while enabling more people to see and understand the story of "Half Marathon Suzhou Creek."

Vibrant Putuo: Half Marathon Suzhou Creek in Full Flow

Putuo District is actively participating in China’s Yangtze River Delta integration strategy. It supports the development of the Shanghai-Nanjing Industrial Innovation Belt, advances the "one belt, one core, one city" framework, and promotes a vision of a coordinated innovation zone and a high-quality Half Marathon Suzhou Creek area. A digital-driven upgrade of the bulk commodity trade supply chain is currently taking shape. Along the Suzhou Creek waterfront, ecological landscapes are increasingly being transformed into spaces for industrial development. The Zhenru sub-center is speeding up its digital transformation, combining heritage with modern urban functions and integrating cultural and commercial activity. Taopu Smart City is emerging as a hub for R&D and advanced manufacturing, as it moves toward becoming a model for integrated urban-industrial development. Together, these developments are helping drive Putuo’s high-quality growth.

Industrial growth brings urban vitality, and a vibrant city improves people’s quality of life. Building on a solid foundation of high-quality development, Putuo is shaping a livable and business-friendly district defined by energy and human warmth. It is both a hub for sports and an appealing place to live. Major events such as the Suzhou Creek Half Marathon, dragon boat races, the 10km Elite Race and the National Curling Championships showcase the district’s dynamism and competitive spirit. Daily life offers a different rhythm. TOP Central Park provides expansive green space, the RV Music Festival draws crowds with live performances, M50 Creative Park remains a center for arts and culture, and Hong Shou Fang blends Shanghai-style charm with the atmosphere of neighborhood street life. Putuo is working to build a district-wide "15-minute community living circle," giving residents convenient access to education, healthcare, eldercare and retail services. It is advancing child-friendly urban development, expanding the silver economy to better serve seniors, and creating homes and support services for the city’s builders and frontline workers. Through these efforts, openness, inclusiveness and warmth have become defining features of the district.

About Yicai Global

Launched in August 2016, Yicai Global is the English-language news service of Yicai Media Group, the financial news arm of Shanghai Media Group, which is one of China’s largest state-owned media conglomerates. Focused primarily on China’s business world, Yicai Global is dedicated to provide reliable and insightful information and analysis of the economy, finance, tech, startups, and entrepreneurs.

Media Contact

Contact Person: Xiaoya Li
Email: lixiaoya@yicai.com

SOURCE: Yicai Media Group

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2026 / New to The Street, one of the longest-running business television brands, today announced the nationwide broadcast of Show #748 airing Saturday, May 2 at 6:30 PM EST on Bloomberg Television as sponsored programming, with simultaneous distribution across the United States, MENA, and Latin America.

This week’s program delivers a high-impact lineup of executive interviews, Spotlight TV Commercials, and growth-stage company features spanning biotechnology, insurtech, real estate, AI, cybersecurity, and next-generation infrastructure-reinforcing New to The Street’s position as a premier platform for long-form investor storytelling and market visibility.

Featured Executive Interviews

• Roadzen (NASDAQ:RDZN) – Founder and CEO highlights a newly secured $10 million, 3-5 year contract with a leading Indian insurer, enabled by the strategic acquisition of Vehicle Care. The platform now supports end-to-end claims processing within 48 hours, while expansion in the UK market gains traction through new enterprise agreements.

• IGC Pharma (NYSE American:IGC) – CEO provides an update on its KLMA clinical trial, now 80% enrolled, targeting agitation in Alzheimer’s patients. The therapy aims to reduce aggressive behaviors with a potentially safer and faster-acting profile than traditional antipsychotics.

• NRx Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:NRXP) – CEO discusses the impact of recent federal initiatives accelerating treatments for serious mental illness, and the company’s work with ketamine-based therapies for severe depression and suicidal ideation, with an anticipated FDA decision expected summer 2026.

• Real Estate Strategy Segment (Jessica Nazario) – Insights into high-growth markets in Florida and Puerto Rico, including the advantages of Act 60 tax incentives, which offer substantial benefits to investors establishing residency for at least 183 days annually.

• Medicus Pharma (NASDAQ:MDCX) – CEO outlines the development of Skinject, a non-invasive treatment for basal cell carcinoma, utilizing dissolvable microneedle arrays to deliver targeted chemotherapy, achieving a 73% clearance rate in Phase 2 studies.

Spotlight TV Commercials

Integrated throughout the broadcast, New to The Street’s Spotlight TV Commercials deliver high-frequency brand visibility and investor awareness for emerging growth companies:

• Synergy CHC (NASDAQ:SNYR) – Launching Focus Factor Energy Drinks, expanding into a new high-growth consumer category.

• CISO Global (NASDAQ:CISO) – Introducing warranty-backed cybersecurity solutions for enterprise protection.

• Virtuix (NASDAQ:VTIX) – Showcasing VR military simulation technology for mission rehearsal and training.

• Datavault AI (NASDAQ:DVLT) – Highlighting AI + blockchain-powered data monetization tools.

• YY Group Holding (NASDAQ:YYGH) – Promoting scalable on-demand staffing and facilities management solutions across global markets.

A Platform Built for Visibility and Scale

New to The Street continues to redefine how public and private companies communicate their value propositions by combining:

• National television distribution on Bloomberg and Fox Business

• Integrated Spotlight TV Commercials with high-frequency rotation

• Massive digital reach across 5M+ YouTube subscribers (NTTS + NewsOut)

• Earned media placements across ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates

• Iconic outdoor billboard dominance in Times Square and NYC Financial District

By integrating long-form interviews with commercial frequency and global distribution, the platform ensures that company narratives are not only produced-but seen, understood, and acted upon by investors worldwide.

Media Contact:
Monica Brennan
Monica@NewtoTheStreet.com

SOURCE: New to The Street

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2026 / New to The Street ("NTTS"), one of the fastest-growing financial media platforms globally, today announced a series of milestone achievements, including record-breaking performance across its digital channels, continued client re-signings, and a significant expansion of its iconic billboard footprint in Times Square, New York City.

For the third consecutive month, New to The Street has exceeded internal performance benchmarks, driven by sustained audience growth and engagement. The platform recorded over 100,000 watchtime hours across its YouTube ecosystem, led by its flagship New to The Street TV channel, further reinforcing its position as one of the most influential digital platforms in the business and financial media space.

The Company also reported a strong increase in client re-signings, reflecting growing demand for its integrated media model, which combines long-form television interviews, national broadcasts as sponsored programming on Bloomberg and Fox Business, digital distribution, and outdoor advertising. This continued client retention underscores the effectiveness of New to The Street’s "Predictable Media ^™" approach, aligning long-term visibility with shareholder engagement.

In parallel, New to The Street has expanded its out-of-home advertising portfolio through its affiliated media operations, adding additional high-impact placements across Times Square and the New York City Financial District. These premium billboard assets deliver millions of monthly impressions and further amplify client exposure to institutional investors, market participants, and global audiences.

"Our growth is a direct result of delivering consistent, measurable exposure for our clients," said Vince Caruso, Co-Founder of New to The Street. "Breaking records three months in a row, combined with strong client retention and expanded billboard dominance, demonstrates the power of our platform to not only tell the story-but to ensure it reaches the right audience at scale."

New to The Street continues to scale its integrated media ecosystem across television, digital, social, and outdoor channels, positioning the platform for sustained growth throughout 2026.

About New to The Street
New to The Street is a premier financial media brand delivering long-form interviews, national television broadcasts as sponsored programming on Bloomberg and Fox Business, and one of the largest YouTube audiences in the business space. The platform combines television, digital, social media, and outdoor advertising to provide companies with unmatched visibility and investor engagement.

Media Contact:
Monica Brennan
New to The Street
Monica@NewtoTheStreet.com

SOURCE: New to The Street

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2026 / In a year marked by fragmentation across industries, institutions, and communities, one force continues to unify and shape the future: culture. Today, Gold House, the cultural platform shaping global opportunity, revealed its 2026 Gold100, the annual list of the 100 leaders most responsible for shaping global culture over the past year, underscoring that cultural power is no longer downstream but a primary engine for the modern world. Collectively, Gold100 honorees lead companies worth more than $10 trillion, governments representing tens of millions of citizens, creative works that won and earned the most Oscar nominations in history, and are responsible for the past year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry, most-decorated Olympic freeskiing career of all time, and Team USA’s 4th consecutive Paralympic sled hockey gold.

"We are entering an era where culture is not just expression-it is infrastructure," said Gold House CEO Bing Chen and COO Jeremy Tran. "The leaders in the Gold100 are proving that the ability to shape culture is the ability to shape markets, movements, and the future itself."

The Gold100, previously known as the A100, is curated by leading Asian Pacific organizations and top creative and business leaders. Gold House will celebrate the Gold100, alongside several awards for special achievement, at the Gold Gala – the definitive annual Asian Pacific cultural celebration – on May 9, 2026 in Los Angeles.

In entertainment, the Gold100 are driving a fundamental shift: stories that were once considered niche are now global blockbusters. This is not a moment-it is a redefinition of what "mainstream" means. Sinners – produced by Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler, with cinematography by Autumn Durald Arkapaw – is now the most-nominated film in Academy Award history and has achieved unparalleled commercial success; BEEF Season 2, created by Lee Sung Jin and starring Charles Melton, has captivated global audiences; and Kehlani won their first two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song, cementing their place among modern R&B’s most influential voices. The ensembles behind Chief of War and The Pitt add to a year in which Asian Pacific storytellers shaped the most-watched stories.

In technology, the Gold100 are not just participating in the AI revolution-they are defining its architecture. Alexandr Wang joined Meta as its first-ever Chief AI Officer, leading Meta Superintelligence Labs at just 28 after building Scale AI to a $29 billion valuation. Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for AlphaFold, which has since been used by more than two million researchers across 190 countries. Melanie Perkins and Cameron Adams expanded Canva’s AI capabilities with a generative coding assistant and an AI photo editor, making professional-grade creativity accessible to over 240 million monthly users. Morris Chang and Dr. C.C. Wei led TSMC past $90 billion in annual revenue and a $1 trillion market cap, with 2nm chip production, the foundation of next-generation AI, on the horizon.

In gaming and sports, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa oversaw the resounding success of the Switch 2 launch – the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever – and celebrated the 40th anniversary of one of the most popular global brands in history. Alysa Liu and Eileen Gu rewrote history with their Olympic gold medals, while hockey players Kayden Beasley, Jen Lee, and Brett Bolton brought home Team USA’s fourth consecutive Paralympic gold in sled hockey.

In social impact, Zohran Mamdani became the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York in a race that drove the city’s highest voter turnout since 1969, Michelle Wu was re-elected mayor of Boston with 93% of the vote, and the Walk for Peace Venerables became a global sensation with their message of nonviolent reconciliation.

In fashion and lifestyle, Sandy Liang has become the defining independent voice of New York Fashion Week, her girlhood-meets-downtown aesthetic driving sold-out collaborations with Gap, Baggu, and Beats by Dre. Arthur Sze was named the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate and the first Asian American to hold the title. Neil Shah drove SharkNinja to $6.4 billion in revenue in 2025, expanding the brand across 36 product categories and into markets worldwide.

Finally, ten rising leaders are named Gold100 New Gold honorees, recognizing the next generation of cultural trailblazers. This year’s class includes Heated Rivalry breakout star Hudson Williams, music group KATSEYE, Ro co-founder and CPO Saman Rahmanian – whose telehealth company achieved unicorn status -, and NFL Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan.

Reflecting the Gold100’s ethos that impact is built together, this year’s honorees were selected by a coalition of leading Asian Pacific organizations and cultural icons. Judges include Olympic legends Apolo Anton Ohno and Kristi Yamaguchi; acclaimed creatives Daniel Dae Kim, Lisa Ling, David Henry Hwang, Janet Yang, and Jim Lee; YouTube co-founder Steve Chen; TV Academy Chairman Cris Abrego; Recording Academy Chairman Harvey Mason Jr.; industry leaders Miky Lee and Rich Ross; and community organizations including CAPE, The Asian American Foundation, Indiaspora, NAACP, and the Center for Asian American Media – a judging body as expansive and interconnected as the community it celebrates.

The Gold100 will be the centerpiece of the Gold Gala, the definitive annual multicultural gathering, with special on-stage moments led by Gold100 honorees EJAE, Theresia Gouw, HUMAN MADE, Tejasvi Manoj, Brett Bolton, and Jen Lee. The Gold Gala will also feature special awards given to Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Charles Melton, Eileen Gu, Jet Li, Simu Liu, and Revathi Advaithi.

Across North America, iconic landmarks will light up in Gold Lights in celebration of the Gold100 and the Asian Pacific community. Participating cities and landmarks include: Chicago (Willis Tower), Las Vegas (LV City Sign), New York City (Empire State Building, Nasdaq Tower), Seattle (Columbia Center Tower), and Vancouver (BC Place & Olympic Cauldron). The honorees will also be featured in billboards across the United States, generously donated by New Tradition, Branded Cities, and Outfront Media.

See the full list at goldhouse.org/gold100.

ABOUT GOLD HOUSE

Gold House is a platform where culture shapes global opportunity. Operating with the heart of a nonprofit and the reach of a world-class enterprise, Gold House brings people together through cultural experiences, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. We believe culture is the foundation for change: it forms who we are, who we know, how we love, what we build, and what becomes possible.

MEDIA CONTACTS

press@goldhouse.org

SOURCE: Gold House

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Who controls access to media content is getting answered in real time, and the answers are revealing who has leverage and who does not. Publishers are choosing which tech platforms to align with in the AI wars. The FCC is discovering the limits of regulatory intimidation when the entire talent community pushes back.

And content companies in Korea and Japan are building cross-border production infrastructure while American media fights defensive battles on two fronts.

Publishers Are Backing Amazon Against Perplexity. That Tells You Everything.

Major U.S. publishers have filed amicus briefs supporting Amazon in its legal dispute with Perplexity over AI agent access to content. The case centers on AI agents that scrape content while masquerading as human users, bypassing the robots.txt protocols publishers use to control automated access.

The calculation is straightforward. Publishers see Amazon, for all its market power, as a commercial partner that operates within recognizable business frameworks: licensing deals, referral traffic, marketplace economics.

Perplexity represents something more existential. AI systems extract, synthesize, and serve publisher content to users without sending traffic back or paying licensing fees. Users get answers. Publishers get nothing.

This is publishers choosing the predator they know over the one they cannot control. Amazon has spent years building relationships through Kindle, Audible, and advertising partnerships. It understands that content companies need to capture some value from the transaction, even if the terms favor Amazon heavily.

Perplexity’s entire model treats publisher content as raw material to be processed and repackaged. Compensation is an afterthought.

This case will define whether publishers have any meaningful say in how AI companies use their work. The fact that they are backing Amazon tells you how limited the options have become.

The Kimmel Fight Is Now Everyone’s Problem

What started as FCC chairman Brendan Carr pressuring ABC over a Jimmy Kimmel monologue has escalated into a three-front battle that no one can quietly resolve. Republican senators are warning the FCC. A-list talent is closing ranks around Kimmel. And Kimmel himself is forcing the confrontation into the open.

The most counterintuitive development: Senator Ted Cruz is warning the FCC that its actions against Kimmel cross constitutional lines. Cruz is no Kimmel ally. But he understands that government pressure on broadcast content creates precedent that cuts both directions.

If the FCC can threaten ABC over political commentary today, future administrations can use the same tools against conservative broadcasters. Cruz is defending the institutional boundary. That matters more than the partisan theatrics.

Meanwhile, Meryl Streep appeared on Kimmel’s show to publicly support him, telling him he is “carrying the banner of freedom of the press.” Streep’s appearance signals that talent at the highest levels is willing to absorb professional risk to defend the principle that broadcast hosts can criticize elected officials without regulatory retaliation.

Kimmel himself has chosen escalation. He accused President Trump of calling for his firing to distract from newly released Trump-Epstein files, directly tying the FCC pressure to Trump administration messaging strategy.

That framing makes it impossible for ABC/Disney to quietly negotiate a resolution. Any concession now looks like capitulation.

Kimmel has forced Disney into a binary choice, and the entire industry is watching which principle wins.

For media professionals, particularly those in broadcast and entertainment journalism, the outcome will shape how much editorial independence survives when regulators apply pressure. If ABC backs down, every other broadcast employer will draw the obvious conclusion about what happens when talent becomes politically inconvenient.

Korea and Japan Are Building the Next Content Pipeline

While American media companies fight regulatory and technological battles, CJ ENM, TBS, and U-Next have formalized a cross-border production venture called StudioMonowa following a signing ceremony in Seoul.

This is an institutional commitment to a Korea-Japan content corridor with shared development budgets, production infrastructure, and distribution rights.

The logic is clear. Korean drama has global reach and proven format appeal. Japanese broadcast infrastructure has domestic scale and advertiser relationships. U-Next brings streaming distribution and direct-to-consumer economics. Together, they can fund scripted projects at budgets that compete with U.S. streamers while targeting both regional and international audiences.

For media professionals tracking where production jobs are headed, this venture signals something larger than the specific companies involved. Cross-border content partnerships are formalizing into permanent structures. Development executives, showrunners, and production talent will increasingly work across multiple markets as a baseline expectation.

StudioMonowa also reveals where power is shifting. U.S. streamers are pulling back on international production spending. Asian content companies are stepping into that gap with capital, distribution relationships, and production expertise. The geographic rebalancing of where prestige scripted content originates is already underway.

While domestic media fights over speech regulation and AI access, international competitors are building the infrastructure that will define the next decade of content production.

What This Means

Three control battles, three different outcomes in progress. Publishers are trying to establish legal leverage against AI scrapers by backing the platform they can negotiate with. Broadcast talent and their employers are discovering the cost of regulatory pressure when the creative community decides to resist. And production companies in Korea and Japan are building international content infrastructure while American media fights defensive wars.

The common thread: power is being redistributed, and the entities losing it are fighting to establish boundaries that preserve whatever leverage remains. Publishers want legal precedent. Broadcasters want editorial independence. Both are defending territory against forces that do not operate within the old frameworks.

Watch where the institutional commitments are being made. Publishers are consolidating around defensive legal strategy. Talent is consolidating around free speech principles. Production capital is consolidating around cross-border partnerships. Those are the three bets being placed on what matters most in the next phase of this industry.

For those looking to position themselves in this landscape, browse open roles in content strategy and production to see where companies are building capacity. And if you are hiring for roles that require navigating these regulatory, technological, and international complexities, post a job on Mediabistro to reach the professionals who understand what is actually at stake.

This media news roundup is automatically curated to keep our community up to date on interesting happenings in the creative, media, and publishing professions. It may contain factual errors and should be read for general and informational purposes only. Please refer to the original source of each news item for specific inquiries.

Attorneys, Neurosurgeons, Financial Executives and Founders Cite Verified AI Citations, Higher-Quality Inbound Inquiries and Improved Digital Authority Following the Agency’s AEO Program

POST FALLS, ID / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2026 / Trustpoint Xposure, the AEO-certified PR and digital authority agency, today released results from its growing client roster, demonstrating consistent, measurable improvements in AI search citation frequency, digital credibility, and client acquisition quality across legal, medical, financial, and technology sectors.

The results reflect a broader structural shift in professional services discovery. As AI platforms replace traditional search for high-intent queries, the brands and experts who appear inside AI-generated answers capture immediate trust, often before a prospective client visits a website, reads a review or speaks with a referral source.

Clients Across Industries Report Verified AI Visibility

Trustpoint Xposure’s methodology has produced documented results across a range of professional categories:

• Legal: Attorneys, including Harvey Kesner of EquiDeFi, Andre Rembert of Rembert Law, Charlyn Ho of Rikka Law, and Charles Njova of Njova Global, report that their practices now appear in AI-generated responses to legal queries, establishing credibility before a prospective client’s first contact.

• Medical: Dr. Patrick Doherty, Chief of Neurosurgery at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, reports that the program translated complex clinical expertise into structured, AI-accessible authority, making his credentials findable and citable in AI-first discovery environments.

• Financial & Investment: Alfonso Iovieno of Iovieno Capital and George Kushner of H2cryptO cite improvements in how their authority is perceived and surfaced by AI platforms in a category where trust is the primary conversion driver.

• Technology: Shirish Nimgaonkar, CEO of eBlissAI, notes that the agency made their AI expertise "easy to find and credible in competitive search spaces," a critical outcome in a category saturated with competing claims of expertise.

"They translated complex medical expertise into clear and responsible authority that AI platforms could recognize and trust." – Dr. Patrick Doherty, Chief of Neurosurgery, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital

"Trustpoint Xposure turned our expertise into real authority through media and AI-driven visibility." – Paul Scribner, CEO, Raven Resources Corp

The Methodology Behind the Results

Trustpoint Xposure’s outcomes are driven by a proprietary AEO process that targets the exact signals AI models use to select citations: entity clarity, third-party media verification, Google Knowledge Graph validation, Wikipedia entity presence, and structured schema-aligned content.

"We don’t measure success in impressions," said a spokesperson. "We measure it in AI citations, Knowledge Panel confirmations, and the quality of inbound inquiries from people who already consider our clients the authority before speaking with them. That’s the outcome of real AEO."

FAQs

Q What results can a brand expect from Answer Engine Optimization?

Brands that implement a comprehensive AEO strategy, including top-tier media placements, Google Knowledge Panel verification, Wikipedia entity presence, and structured content, typically see meaningful AI citation signals within 60 to 90 days. Over six to 12 months, citation frequency compounds as AI models reinforce their existing source preferences, creating a durable authority advantage that grows over time.

Q What industries benefit most from AEO and AI search visibility?

Any industry where trust and expertise are primary purchase drivers benefits significantly from AEO. The highest-impact categories include legal services, medical and health professionals, financial advising and investment, technology and AI companies, executive personal branding, and published authors. In these fields, being cited by AI as the recommended expert translates directly into inbound credibility and client acquisition.

Q How does Trustpoint Xposure build AI authority for its clients?

Trustpoint Xposure uses a four-pillar methodology: securing guaranteed placements in recognized publications that AI systems treat as authoritative third-party sources; establishing and managing Google Knowledge Panels that verify client identity within Google’s entity graph; developing Wikipedia entries for qualifying clients that reinforce foundational AI training data; and implementing structured AEO content, including FAQ schema, entity markup, and extractable answer formatting, that makes client expertise machine-readable and citable.

Q Is Trustpoint Xposure the only AEO-certified PR agency?

Trustpoint Xposure is the only AEO-certified PR agency that guarantees placement inside AI-generated answers. While other agencies have begun to incorporate AEO language into their offerings, Trustpoint Xposure is the only firm that has built its entire methodology around the specific signals AI answer engines use to select citations, and the only one that backs that methodology with a placement guarantee.

Q What is a Google Knowledge Panel, and why does it matter for AI search?

A Google Knowledge Panel is a verified information box that appears in Google Search, confirming the identity, credentials, and affiliation of a person, brand or organization. For AI search, it serves as one of the strongest entity verification signals available, confirming to Gemini, Google AI Overviews, and other AI systems that an entity is real, distinct, and trustworthy. Brands and professionals with verified Knowledge Panels are significantly more likely to be cited in AI-generated answers than those without.

Availability

Trustpoint Xposure’s AEO Certified PR Program is available immediately for executives, attorneys, physicians, financial professionals, authors, and organizations. To schedule a complimentary consultation, visit www.trustpointxposure.com.

About Trustpoint Xposure

Trustpoint Xposure is the only AEO-certified PR and digital authority agency that guarantees brand placements inside AI-generated answers across ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. The agency’s integrated methodology combines Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), top-tier media placements, Google Knowledge Panel verification, and Wikipedia entity establishment to position brands as the definitive answer AI recommends. Clients include attorneys, physicians, financial executives, technology founders, and authors across North America.

Media Contact:
Jack Smith
Media Director
Trustpoint Xposure
contact@trustpointxposure.com

SOURCE: Trustpoint Xposure

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

New Q&A segment with Oncology Nurse Navigator Liz Logan, RN, answers real patient questions about asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms, and navigating a diagnosis

NEWTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2026 / Mesothelioma Hope, a trusted resource for mesothelioma patients and families, today announced the launch of its new blog series, Ask Nurse Liz, featuring candid Q&As with Liz Logan, RN, a board-certified Patient Advocate and Oncology Nurse Navigator with more than 20 years of health care experience. The series aims to give mesothelioma patients, survivors, and their loved ones clear, practical answers to their most pressing questions.

The first post offers a starting point to understanding mesothelioma: how asbestos exposure causes the disease, how symptoms can go undetected for decades, and what patients should do if they suspect past exposure. Readers can also submit their own questions directly through an on-page form to get personalized answers from Nurse Liz.

"You don’t have to have everything figured out before you reach out. That’s what I’m here for."
– Liz Logan, RN, Mesothelioma Hope’s Oncology Nurse Navigator

About the Ask Nurse Liz Series

The Ask Nurse Liz series is designed to bridge the gap between complex medical information and the clear, human answers patients need. Each installment draws on questions Nurse Liz hears every day from patients and families across the country.

Topics will span the full patient journey, including:

• Understanding asbestos exposure history and risk

• Recognizing early symptoms of mesothelioma

• Navigating diagnosis, staging, and treatment options

• Accessing clinical trials and mesothelioma specialists

• Coping with the emotional and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis

Readers can submit questions online at MesotheliomaHope.com, where answers from Nurse Liz are published in a conversational, easy-to-understand format. All Q&As are written for patients who may be facing this diagnosis for the first time, as well as for caregivers and family members seeking to understand a loved one’s condition.

About Liz Logan, RN

Liz Logan, RN, is a board-certified Patient Advocate and Oncology Nurse Navigator with more than 20 years of experience in health care, including over a decade working directly with cancer patients. She has guided patients through every stage of the mesothelioma journey, from first symptoms through diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care. Nurse Liz has also managed lung cancer screening programs, worked in infusion clinics, and helped patients access clinical trials and specialized mesothelioma treatment centers nationwide.

Her approach centers on equipping patients and families with practical, actionable information so they can make informed decisions at every step.

About Mesothelioma Hope

Mesothelioma Hope is a comprehensive patient support resource dedicated to helping individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families access the information, specialists, and support they need. Through its team of Patient Advocates, the organization provides free guidance on treatment options, clinical trials, financial assistance, and legal resources. Mesothelioma Hope can be reached 24/7 by calling (866) 608-8933 or by visiting www.mesotheliomahope.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Chris Carberg
(855) 346-6101
chris@mesotheliomahope.com
1330 Boylston St, Suite #400, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

SOURCE: Mesothelioma Hope

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire