Latest news with #US300


West Australian
3 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Women politicians in the US fight for 'potty parity'
For women state politicians in Kentucky, USA, choosing when to go to the bathroom has long required careful calculation. There are only two stalls for women on the third floor of the Kentucky Statehouse, where the House and Senate chambers are located. Female politicians — 41 of the 138-member legislature — needing a reprieve during a lengthy floor session have to weigh the risk of missing an important debate or a critical vote. None of their male colleagues face the same dilemma because, of course, multiple men's bathrooms are available. The legislature even installed speakers in the men's bathrooms to broadcast the chamber's events so they don't miss anything important. House Speaker David Osborne allows women to use his single-stall bathroom in the chamber, but even that attracts long lines. "You get the message very quickly: This place was not really built for us," said Lisa Willner, a Democrat from Louisville, reflecting on the photos of former lawmakers, predominantly male, that line her office. The issue of potty parity may seem comic, but its impact runs deeper than uncomfortably full bladders, said Kathryn Anthony, from the University of Illinois School of Architecture. "If you have an environment that is designed for half the population but forgets about the other half, you have a group of disenfranchised people and disadvantaged people," she said. There is hope for Kentucky's lady legislators. A $US300 million ($A451 million) renovation of the 155-year-old Capitol — scheduled for completion by 2028 at the earliest — aims to create more women's restrooms and end Kentucky's bathroom disparity. The Bluegrass State is among the last to add bathrooms to aging statehouses that were built when female legislators were not a consideration. In the $US392 million ($A589 million) renovation of the Georgia Capitol, expanding bathroom access is a priority, said Gerald Pilgrim, chief of staff with the state's Building Authority. It will introduce female facilities on the building's fourth floor, where the public galleries are located, and will add more bathrooms throughout to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. "We know there are not enough bathrooms," he said. There's no federal law requiring bathroom access for all genders in public buildings. Some 20 states have statutes prescribing how many washrooms buildings must have, but historical buildings — such as statehouses — are often exempt. Over the years, as the makeup of state governments has changed, statehouses have added bathrooms for women. When Tennessee's Capitol opened in 1859, the architects designed only one restroom — for men only — situated on the ground floor. According to legislative librarian Eddie Weeks, the toilet could only be "flushed" when enough rainwater had been collected. "The room was famously described as 'a stench in the nostrils of decency,'" Weeks said. Today, Tennessee's Capitol has a female bathroom located between the Senate and House chambers. It's in a cramped hall under a staircase, sparking comparisons to Harry Potter's cupboard bedroom, and it contains just two stalls. The men also just have one bathroom on the same floor, but it has three urinals and three stalls. Aftyn Behn, who was elected in 2023, said she wasn't aware of the disparity in facilities until contacted by The Associated Press. "I've apparently accepted that waiting in line for a two-stall closet under the Senate balcony is just part of the job," she said. "I had to fight to get elected to a legislature that ranks dead last for female representation, and now I get to squeeze into a space that feels like it was designed by someone who thought women didn't exist, or at least didn't have bladders," Behn said. In Colorado, female House representatives and staff were so happy to have a restroom added in the chamber's hallway in 1987 that they hung a plaque to honour Arie Taylor, the state's first black woman legislator, who pushed for the facility. The plaque, now inside a women's bathroom in the Capitol, reads: "Once here beneath the golden dome if nature made a call, we'd have to scramble from our seats and dash across the hall ... Then Arie took the mike once more to push an urge organic, no longer do we fret and squirm or cross our legs in panic." The poem concludes: "In memory of you, Arie (may you never be forgot), from this day forth we'll call that room the Taylor Chamber Pot."


Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Women politicians in the US fight for 'potty parity'
For women state politicians in Kentucky, USA, choosing when to go to the bathroom has long required careful calculation. There are only two stalls for women on the third floor of the Kentucky Statehouse, where the House and Senate chambers are located. Female politicians — 41 of the 138-member legislature — needing a reprieve during a lengthy floor session have to weigh the risk of missing an important debate or a critical vote. None of their male colleagues face the same dilemma because, of course, multiple men's bathrooms are available. The legislature even installed speakers in the men's bathrooms to broadcast the chamber's events so they don't miss anything important. House Speaker David Osborne allows women to use his single-stall bathroom in the chamber, but even that attracts long lines. "You get the message very quickly: This place was not really built for us," said Lisa Willner, a Democrat from Louisville, reflecting on the photos of former lawmakers, predominantly male, that line her office. The issue of potty parity may seem comic, but its impact runs deeper than uncomfortably full bladders, said Kathryn Anthony, from the University of Illinois School of Architecture. "If you have an environment that is designed for half the population but forgets about the other half, you have a group of disenfranchised people and disadvantaged people," she said. There is hope for Kentucky's lady legislators. A $US300 million ($A451 million) renovation of the 155-year-old Capitol — scheduled for completion by 2028 at the earliest — aims to create more women's restrooms and end Kentucky's bathroom disparity. The Bluegrass State is among the last to add bathrooms to aging statehouses that were built when female legislators were not a consideration. In the $US392 million ($A589 million) renovation of the Georgia Capitol, expanding bathroom access is a priority, said Gerald Pilgrim, chief of staff with the state's Building Authority. It will introduce female facilities on the building's fourth floor, where the public galleries are located, and will add more bathrooms throughout to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. "We know there are not enough bathrooms," he said. There's no federal law requiring bathroom access for all genders in public buildings. Some 20 states have statutes prescribing how many washrooms buildings must have, but historical buildings — such as statehouses — are often exempt. Over the years, as the makeup of state governments has changed, statehouses have added bathrooms for women. When Tennessee's Capitol opened in 1859, the architects designed only one restroom — for men only — situated on the ground floor. According to legislative librarian Eddie Weeks, the toilet could only be "flushed" when enough rainwater had been collected. "The room was famously described as 'a stench in the nostrils of decency,'" Weeks said. Today, Tennessee's Capitol has a female bathroom located between the Senate and House chambers. It's in a cramped hall under a staircase, sparking comparisons to Harry Potter's cupboard bedroom, and it contains just two stalls. The men also just have one bathroom on the same floor, but it has three urinals and three stalls. Aftyn Behn, who was elected in 2023, said she wasn't aware of the disparity in facilities until contacted by The Associated Press. "I've apparently accepted that waiting in line for a two-stall closet under the Senate balcony is just part of the job," she said. "I had to fight to get elected to a legislature that ranks dead last for female representation, and now I get to squeeze into a space that feels like it was designed by someone who thought women didn't exist, or at least didn't have bladders," Behn said. In Colorado, female House representatives and staff were so happy to have a restroom added in the chamber's hallway in 1987 that they hung a plaque to honour Arie Taylor, the state's first black woman legislator, who pushed for the facility. The plaque, now inside a women's bathroom in the Capitol, reads: "Once here beneath the golden dome if nature made a call, we'd have to scramble from our seats and dash across the hall ... Then Arie took the mike once more to push an urge organic, no longer do we fret and squirm or cross our legs in panic." The poem concludes: "In memory of you, Arie (may you never be forgot), from this day forth we'll call that room the Taylor Chamber Pot."

Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
Could these apps help you live forever?
Would you want to live to 100? Maybe even 150? What if you could live forever? A century ago, health fanatics pinned their hopes on animal gland transplants – think monkey testicles sewn onto human testicles – in the belief it would restore youth and vigour, reversing the ageing process. Others turned to health tonics containing radioactive elements such as radium, which promised a youthful glow but often led to devastating results. More recently, tech billionaires have been injecting the blood of teenagers to try to rejuvenate their ageing bodies. In 2025, a new generation of health products is continuing the illustrious promise of living longer. Their websites are compelling: 'Peak health starts now'. 'We're your super app for health.' 'Future-proof your body.' The difference between now and 100 years ago? These fountains of youth are predominantly delivered via a smartphone – do not involve monkeys or young people – and are more anchored in actual science. Some of them are, at least. There are potentially billions of dollars on offer for the companies that can get there first. Biohackers, tech bros and the 'Huberman crowd' – followers of American neuroscientist and wellness podcaster Andrew Huberman – are early adopters of these new preventative care apps in pursuit of better sleep, healthier bodies and ultimately a desire to extend their lifespan. Proponents say that while many people already track their 10,000 steps and heart rates, most lack access to the deeper health data that could identify potential concerns before they develop into serious conditions. In the US, flashy apps such as Superpower are leading the charge. That app, co-founded by Australian expat Max Marchione, is already worth more than $US300 million ($453 million) and has more than 150,000 people on its waiting list. In Australia, a similar race is heating up, and some of its players are confident they can conquer the US, too. The apps are ballooning in valuation and hype but are facing their biggest test: can they broaden their customer base beyond early adopters and tech geeks to everyday users? Can they get mums and dads excited about biomarkers, gut microbiomes and toxins? An AI doctor in your pocket One of Australia's leading contenders is Everlab, which describes itself as the nation's leading personal longevity clinic. The start-up combines diagnostics, digital doctor consultations and AI to tackle chronic disease, and tens of thousands of Australians are on its waiting list. Everlab is led by chief executive Marc Hermann, who says the COVID pandemic prompted a new generation of people to become fanatical about healthcare and taking better care of themselves. His start-up charges $2999 annually for its longevity program, in which customers are screened for more than 1000 diseases, offered year-round diagnostics and provided a '50-year personalised health road map'. A cheaper tier for $1199 a year includes blood tests, doctor consultations and personalised intervention plans. If Everlab has its way, it might eventually replace GPs, according to Hermann. 'I really do believe that we will end up in this world where everyone will have their AI doctor in their pocket,' he says. 'The north star we are building towards is autonomous healthcare. So building a system that has all the context surrounding you, all your data, genetics, ethnicity, family history, and then creating a super personalised roadmap for your health. 'We want to build towards offering lifelong care that is deeply connected and holistic, versus just a one-off testing service.' To date, Everlab has processed more than 1 million biomarkers through full-body health testing, and says one in four test results are abnormal. For 2.5 per cent of members, the findings have been life-changing, according to Hermann, uncovering serious conditions such as blocked arteries, gastrointestinal tumours, early-stage cancers and congenital brain abnormalities. 'Our target audience is that 40-to-60 age range, people that want to have peace of mind and a clinician that they can really trust ... Just average Australians who are conscious about being on top of their health.' The company has raised $15 million to expand internationally and get a leg-up in the arms race. 'We are seeing a major shift,' Everlab investor Laura Sillam, principal at New York-based Left Lane Capital, said. 'From concierge clinics to diagnostics memberships and longevity programs, consumers are increasingly willing to invest out-of-pocket in proactive health solutions. This trend extends far beyond early adopters, biohackers or the so-called 'Huberman crowd' in coastal US cities. 'Demand is surging globally, with consumers showing a clear willingness to pay for superior healthcare experiences that prioritise personalisation and quality. We believe this shift isn't just a trend ... It's the future of healthcare.' 'The last health app you need' Everlab is far from the only local start-up attempting to corner the market. Sydney-based firm Bright is building the 'super app for health' and is courting US investors including venture capital giant Sequoia. Its app is far cheaper than rivals – just $20 a month, not hundreds or thousands – and is targeting 1 million users by the end of 2026. 'Our vision is to be the last health app you need,' the company's pitch deck to investors reads. 'We are building a $20 billion business in two years. One billion people use health apps today. Bright is ready to replace them all.' Those are bold claims and, so far, the company has racked up 6000 paying subscribers for its app, which pulls in health data from a user's Apple Watch or Garmin fitness tracker to create a full picture of health and then offer AI-generated insights and recommendations. Chief executive Bryan Jordan says building Bright from Australia has brought challenges, particularly given the limited financial capital on offer locally. 'We don't think the full picture of health should be reserved for the tech crowd. We're building Bright for everyone because everyone deserves to see their full picture.' Then there's Superpower. Arguably the hottest app in its class globally, its founding team in San Francisco have pulled in tens of millions in funding from Silicon Valley venture capital firms as well as celebrities Vanessa Hudgens, Steve Aoki, Logan Paul and NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo. For $US499 a year, the 'super app' offers a 24/7 concierge, and biannual lab testing that analyses more than 100 blood biomarkers across 21 categories, which executives say is 10 times more comprehensive than a standard physical. Tests take 10 minutes and are completed twice a year either at home or at one of 2000 partner labs across the US. Co-founder Max Marchione is a former student at St Aloysius College in Sydney's Milsons Point. A third of the app's 80 or so staff are Australians. 'The current healthcare system currently leaves most people visiting primary care doctors on a reactive basis after a problem arises, not before,' he says. 'We are on a mission to rescue 100 million people from the limits of traditional reactive care.' Others are taking a more extreme approach. Snake oil Bryan Johnson is a US-based millionaire who doesn't just want to live for 100 years, or even 150. Johnson wants to live forever. The subject of a recent Netflix documentary, Johnson has launched the Blueprint project which has a simple end goal: 'Don't die.' Johnson has spent $US4 million to date on obtaining immortality and calls himself 'the world's most measured man'. At one point he transferred blood plasma from his 18-year-old son – and gave some of his own to his 70-year-old father – but stopped after it didn't produce positive results. As The Guardian puts it: 'He rises at 4.30am, eats all his meals before 11am, and goes to bed – alone – at 8.30pm, without exception. In the intervening hours, he ingests more than 100 pills, bathes his body in LED light, and sits on a high-intensity electromagnetic device that he believes will strengthen his pelvic floor.' On his Blueprint website Johnson sells a range of supplements and pills, and even a bottle of olive oil called 'snake oil'. Closer to home, multimillionaire property developer Tim Gurner has made headlines for his radical biohacking regime. His Melbourne-based longevity club Saint Haven spruiks a $250,000 annual package offering annual full-body MRI, brain scans and monthly blood testing. 'Anything that is out there that's a biohacking or testing thing, I've done it,' he told Forbes Australia. 'From micro-dosing mushrooms to infrared saunas to steam to [smart ring] Oura, lymphatic drainage. Everything. I want to try everything and see what works for me.' Millionaires can afford to try anything. But can everyday Australians benefit from these contentious innovations? Professor Luigi Fontana from the University of Sydney, a world expert in longevity, says there's legitimacy in apps such as Everlab and Superpower. But he's also concerned the hype may be getting ahead of the science. 'These platforms have real potential to empower users with insights that complement – not replace – traditional healthcare, especially when integrated with regular check-ups and foundational habits like structured exercise programs, sleep and healthy nutrition,' he says. Loading 'But the promise only holds if the science is sound and the interventions are grounded in the best clinical evidence, not hype.' Hermann, chief executive of Everlab, says he thinks most Australians should want to sign up to his app. 'We don't want to build a luxury for service for the top 1 per cent,' he says. 'We think this is something that can help most people. Being data-driven is the solution to better care. 'We don't think it makes sense to run an MRI scan on every 18-year-old. We just believe that, if you have a certain set of risks, the potential upsides are way bigger than the downsides.'

The Age
5 days ago
- Health
- The Age
Could these apps help you live forever?
Would you want to live to 100? Maybe even 150? What if you could live forever? A century ago, health fanatics pinned their hopes on animal gland transplants – think monkey testicles sewn onto human testicles – in the belief it would restore youth and vigour, reversing the ageing process. Others turned to health tonics containing radioactive elements such as radium, which promised a youthful glow but often led to devastating results. More recently, tech billionaires have been injecting the blood of teenagers to try to rejuvenate their ageing bodies. In 2025, a new generation of health products is continuing the illustrious promise of living longer. Their websites are compelling: 'Peak health starts now'. 'We're your super app for health.' 'Future-proof your body.' The difference between now and 100 years ago? These fountains of youth are predominantly delivered via a smartphone – do not involve monkeys or young people – and are more anchored in actual science. Some of them are, at least. There are potentially billions of dollars on offer for the companies that can get there first. Biohackers, tech bros and the 'Huberman crowd' – followers of American neuroscientist and wellness podcaster Andrew Huberman – are early adopters of these new preventative care apps in pursuit of better sleep, healthier bodies and ultimately a desire to extend their lifespan. Proponents say that while many people already track their 10,000 steps and heart rates, most lack access to the deeper health data that could identify potential concerns before they develop into serious conditions. In the US, flashy apps such as Superpower are leading the charge. That app, co-founded by Australian expat Max Marchione, is already worth more than $US300 million ($453 million) and has more than 150,000 people on its waiting list. In Australia, a similar race is heating up, and some of its players are confident they can conquer the US, too. The apps are ballooning in valuation and hype but are facing their biggest test: can they broaden their customer base beyond early adopters and tech geeks to everyday users? Can they get mums and dads excited about biomarkers, gut microbiomes and toxins? An AI doctor in your pocket One of Australia's leading contenders is Everlab, which describes itself as the nation's leading personal longevity clinic. The start-up combines diagnostics, digital doctor consultations and AI to tackle chronic disease, and tens of thousands of Australians are on its waiting list. Everlab is led by chief executive Marc Hermann, who says the COVID pandemic prompted a new generation of people to become fanatical about healthcare and taking better care of themselves. His start-up charges $2999 annually for its longevity program, in which customers are screened for more than 1000 diseases, offered year-round diagnostics and provided a '50-year personalised health road map'. A cheaper tier for $1199 a year includes blood tests, doctor consultations and personalised intervention plans. If Everlab has its way, it might eventually replace GPs, according to Hermann. 'I really do believe that we will end up in this world where everyone will have their AI doctor in their pocket,' he says. 'The north star we are building towards is autonomous healthcare. So building a system that has all the context surrounding you, all your data, genetics, ethnicity, family history, and then creating a super personalised roadmap for your health. 'We want to build towards offering lifelong care that is deeply connected and holistic, versus just a one-off testing service.' To date, Everlab has processed more than 1 million biomarkers through full-body health testing, and says one in four test results are abnormal. For 2.5 per cent of members, the findings have been life-changing, according to Hermann, uncovering serious conditions such as blocked arteries, gastrointestinal tumours, early-stage cancers and congenital brain abnormalities. 'Our target audience is that 40-to-60 age range, people that want to have peace of mind and a clinician that they can really trust ... Just average Australians who are conscious about being on top of their health.' The company has raised $15 million to expand internationally and get a leg-up in the arms race. 'We are seeing a major shift,' Everlab investor Laura Sillam, principal at New York-based Left Lane Capital, said. 'From concierge clinics to diagnostics memberships and longevity programs, consumers are increasingly willing to invest out-of-pocket in proactive health solutions. This trend extends far beyond early adopters, biohackers or the so-called 'Huberman crowd' in coastal US cities. 'Demand is surging globally, with consumers showing a clear willingness to pay for superior healthcare experiences that prioritise personalisation and quality. We believe this shift isn't just a trend ... It's the future of healthcare.' 'The last health app you need' Everlab is far from the only local start-up attempting to corner the market. Sydney-based firm Bright is building the 'super app for health' and is courting US investors including venture capital giant Sequoia. Its app is far cheaper than rivals – just $20 a month, not hundreds or thousands – and is targeting 1 million users by the end of 2026. 'Our vision is to be the last health app you need,' the company's pitch deck to investors reads. 'We are building a $20 billion business in two years. One billion people use health apps today. Bright is ready to replace them all.' Those are bold claims and, so far, the company has racked up 6000 paying subscribers for its app, which pulls in health data from a user's Apple Watch or Garmin fitness tracker to create a full picture of health and then offer AI-generated insights and recommendations. Chief executive Bryan Jordan says building Bright from Australia has brought challenges, particularly given the limited financial capital on offer locally. 'We don't think the full picture of health should be reserved for the tech crowd. We're building Bright for everyone because everyone deserves to see their full picture.' Then there's Superpower. Arguably the hottest app in its class globally, its founding team in San Francisco have pulled in tens of millions in funding from Silicon Valley venture capital firms as well as celebrities Vanessa Hudgens, Steve Aoki, Logan Paul and NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo. For $US499 a year, the 'super app' offers a 24/7 concierge, and biannual lab testing that analyses more than 100 blood biomarkers across 21 categories, which executives say is 10 times more comprehensive than a standard physical. Tests take 10 minutes and are completed twice a year either at home or at one of 2000 partner labs across the US. Co-founder Max Marchione is a former student at St Aloysius College in Sydney's Milsons Point. A third of the app's 80 or so staff are Australians. 'The current healthcare system currently leaves most people visiting primary care doctors on a reactive basis after a problem arises, not before,' he says. 'We are on a mission to rescue 100 million people from the limits of traditional reactive care.' Others are taking a more extreme approach. Snake oil Bryan Johnson is a US-based millionaire who doesn't just want to live for 100 years, or even 150. Johnson wants to live forever. The subject of a recent Netflix documentary, Johnson has launched the Blueprint project which has a simple end goal: 'Don't die.' Johnson has spent $US4 million to date on obtaining immortality and calls himself 'the world's most measured man'. At one point he transferred blood plasma from his 18-year-old son – and gave some of his own to his 70-year-old father – but stopped after it didn't produce positive results. As The Guardian puts it: 'He rises at 4.30am, eats all his meals before 11am, and goes to bed – alone – at 8.30pm, without exception. In the intervening hours, he ingests more than 100 pills, bathes his body in LED light, and sits on a high-intensity electromagnetic device that he believes will strengthen his pelvic floor.' On his Blueprint website Johnson sells a range of supplements and pills, and even a bottle of olive oil called 'snake oil'. Closer to home, multimillionaire property developer Tim Gurner has made headlines for his radical biohacking regime. His Melbourne-based longevity club Saint Haven spruiks a $250,000 annual package offering annual full-body MRI, brain scans and monthly blood testing. 'Anything that is out there that's a biohacking or testing thing, I've done it,' he told Forbes Australia. 'From micro-dosing mushrooms to infrared saunas to steam to [smart ring] Oura, lymphatic drainage. Everything. I want to try everything and see what works for me.' Millionaires can afford to try anything. But can everyday Australians benefit from these contentious innovations? Professor Luigi Fontana from the University of Sydney, a world expert in longevity, says there's legitimacy in apps such as Everlab and Superpower. But he's also concerned the hype may be getting ahead of the science. 'These platforms have real potential to empower users with insights that complement – not replace – traditional healthcare, especially when integrated with regular check-ups and foundational habits like structured exercise programs, sleep and healthy nutrition,' he says. Loading 'But the promise only holds if the science is sound and the interventions are grounded in the best clinical evidence, not hype.' Hermann, chief executive of Everlab, says he thinks most Australians should want to sign up to his app. 'We don't want to build a luxury for service for the top 1 per cent,' he says. 'We think this is something that can help most people. Being data-driven is the solution to better care. 'We don't think it makes sense to run an MRI scan on every 18-year-old. We just believe that, if you have a certain set of risks, the potential upsides are way bigger than the downsides.'

Courier-Mail
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
South Park creators reach whopping $2.3 billion streaming deal with Paramount+
Don't miss out on the headlines from TV. Followed categories will be added to My News. South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have reached a five-year agreement with Paramount to stream the show on its Paramount+ service – and the deal is reportedly worth more than a billion dollars. According to the LA Times, the streamer will house the fan-favourite animation for $US300 million ($460 million) per year for five years, earning Park County – Parker and Stone's company – a total of $US1.5 billion ($2.3 billion). The whopping amount maintains the satirical cartoon's status as one of the world's most valuable TV franchises of all time. South Park creators Trey Parker (left) and Matt Stone have negotiated a deal to house the series on Paramount+ for five years, worth $460 million per year. Picture:As part of the deal, which is still being finalised, Park County agreed to produce 10 new episodes of South Park a year, giving fans of the long-running Comedy Central series plenty to look forward to beyond Season 27, which premieres this week. The premiere date had already been delayed for two weeks as the licensing-deal negotiations were complicated by Paramount's pending sale to US media company Skydance. The LA Times reports that South Park creators were looking for a decade-long deal for the show, but Skydance – the company that will merge with Paramount – did not favour this option. Earlier this month, Parker and Stone expressed their frustrations over the licensing battle, saying in a statement that it was damaging their series. A per the deal, there will be 10 new episodes of South Park per year, so expect to see more antics from Kenny, Cartman, Stan and Kyle. 'This merger is a sh**show and it's f***ing up South Park,' they wrote in a statement posted on X. 'We are at the studio working on new episodes, and we hope the fans get to see them somehow.' According to The Hollywood Reporter, in June the duo also threatened legal action against incoming Paramount president Jeff Shell for allegedly interfering in contract negotiations with potential streamers, such as Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix. South Park first debuted on 1997 and has since released more than 300 episodes But the high-stakes negotiations were soon back on track, with Paramount agreeing to a five-year term rather than a 10-year deal proposed by Parker and Stone. Skydance signed off on the transaction. In addition, Parker and Stone are in talks to renew their previous $US900 million ($1.3 billion) deal to keep the show on US cable channel Comedy Central through to 2027. South Park first debuted on 1997 and has since released more than 300 episodes. The series has also won a slew of awards, including five Emmys for Outstanding Animated Program. Originally published as South Park creators reach whopping $2.3 billion streaming deal