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Volume 24, Issue 245, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher
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Tuesday Morning December 18th, 2007
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| WGA Strike Central: Day 44 |
Leno and Conan to return January 2nd
After two months of repeats, "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" will resume broadcasting all-new episodes beginning Wednesday, January 2, 2008. "During the 1988 writers strike, Johnny Carson reluctantly returned to 'The Tonight Show' without his writers after two months. Both Jay and Conan have supported their writers during the first two months of this WGA strike and will continue to support them. However, there are hundreds of people who will be able to return to work as a result of Jay's and Conan's decision," said Rick Ludwin, EVP/Late Night & Primetime Series.
Said Leno: "This has been a very difficult six weeks for everybody affected by the writers strike. I was, like most people, hoping for a quick resolution when this began. I remained positive during the talks and while they were still at the table discussing a solution "The Tonight Show" remained dark in support of our writing staff. Now that the talks have broken down and there are no further negotiations scheduled I feel it's my responsibility to get my 100 non-writing staff, which were laid off, back to work. We fully support our writers and I think they understand my decision."
Said O'Brien: "For the past seven weeks of the writers' strike, I have been and continue to be an ardent supporter of the WGA and their cause. My career in television started as a WGA member and my subsequent career as a performer has only been possible because of the creativity and integrity of my writing staff. Since the strike began, I have stayed off the air in support of the striking writers while, at the same time, doing everything I could to take care of the 80 non-writing staff members on Late Night. Unfortunately, now with the New Year upon us, I am left with a difficult decision. Either go back to work and keep my staff employed or stay dark and allow 80 people, many of whom have worked for me for fourteen years, to lose their jobs. If my show were entirely scripted I would have no choice. But the truth is that shows like mine are hybrids, with both written and non-written content. An unwritten version of Late Night, though not desirable, is possible - and no one has to be fired. So, it is only after a great deal of thought that I have decided to go back on the air on January 2nd. I will make clear, on the program, my support for the writers and I'll do the best version of Late Night I can under the circumstances. Of course, my show will not be as good. In fact, in moments it may very well be terrible. My sincerest hope is that all of my writers are back soon, working under a contract that provides them everything they deserve."
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TV News ®
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Martin front and center?
The center we're thinking about is the one in the center of a dart board commonly called a bullseye. FCC Chairman has an Open Meeting agenda on sunshine notice which promises a little something to deplore no matter where one stands on the watchdog-legislator-stakeholder continuum. No matter what happens, it won't go far enough, or it'll go too far. Today's meeting will likely feature a vote on Martin's proposal to eliminate cross-ownership restrictions in the top 20 markets. Beyond that, other items on the docket include: * minority/female/SDB media ownership; * a look at localism with the strong possibility of new measures aimed at broadcast programming and reporting requirements; * and national ownership caps for cable MSOs. Martin resisted direct calls from senators at last week's Commerce Committee FCC oversight hearing to postpone the vote, citing his belief that there is no possibility of building a political consensus on the cross-ownership issue. Enactment of a Byron Dorgan (D-ND)-Trent Lott (R-MS) bill to delay today's vote appears to be tardy, but Dorgan may well bring back his Resolution of Disapproval tactic for a return engagement, this time without Dennis Hastert (R-IL) nor Tom DeLay (R-TX) available to kill it in the House. And past and present Democratic presidential candidates John Kerry (D-MA) and Barack Obama (D-IL) have promised to put legislation in place to deny the funding necessary to implement the easing of cross-ownership restrictions if, as expected, Martin gets his 3-2 party-line victory.
TVBR observation: This meeting is almost a mortal lock to produce howls of protest from all corners of the debate, a flurry of legislative activity and a visit to the nation's judiciary system. As such, if you have any plans that hinge on any of the issues before the Commission today, we'd write them down in pencil for the time being.
Markey wants more ownership info on file
Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet chair Ed Markey (D-MA) has a preview of a GAO report in hand noting a dearth of minority and female broadcast owners. He further notes GAO's difficulties in completing the study due to the lack of pertinent ownership information at the FCC. GAO said that information was often incomplete or not readily available. "It is past time for the FCC to address our nation's abysmal record on female- and minority-owned broadcast media," said Markey. "The FCC should work diligently to address this important public policy matter soon. Further, the FCC must take action to improve its data collection and management program so that in the future, better and more comprehensive data are available upon which to base policy decisions." Markey also cited stakeholder positions on cross-ownership based on the GAO study. It found that 21 of 30 business stakeholders were in favor of repealing the rule restricting such combinations, but only one out of five stakeholders representing newspapers were looking for a repeal. The full GAO report is expected to be completed early next year.
RBR/TVBR expands;
Kaufman on board
Moving faster every day in the electronic business, the skills of key executives become more precise and focused. RBR/TVBR has been searching for the past year to find the right quality of broadcasting executive with front line experience, plus a strong passion for the radio and television medium, to join our team. Today, RBR/TVBR publisher Jim Carnegie announces that Dave Kaufman has joined the RBR/TVBR staff in our Sales/Marketing department. Kaufman, a 36-year front line broadcast executive, most recently spent the past five years as VP of Affiliate Relations for ABC Radio Networks and, prior to ABC, seven years with Westwood One as VP/GM and VP Affiliate Relations Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services. His experience also includes 25 years on the station rep side, 23 of which were with Major Market Radio Sales, a rep firm of Interep.
Kaufman says, "Over the past 20 years if you have spent any time in the radio business you know who and what RBR is. Also, the high level of integrity RBR, TVBR and the company represent. What is exciting today is having the opportunity to take my years on the front line and apply this experience to the next level with the RBR & TVBR team. It is the ultimate for any broadcaster today to be a part of the electronic media evolution. Knowing that I can help to make a difference and RBR/TVBR gives me this shot to do just that, make a difference," said Kaufman.
"RBR/TVBR always attempts to bring on broadcasters with a key level of experience that adds depth to our company team roster. Dave Kaufman, with his network and rep knowledge, will be valuable to any company doing business with RBR/TVBR. The saying of 'Been There Done That' is what best describes what RBR & TVBR needed and I am glad Dave is with us," said RBR/TVBR publisher Jim Carnegie. "Today, more than ever, our Radio & TV business needs experienced broadcasters as we all face new challenges in this electronic media world - and I state this emphatically - Experience, there is No Substitute," added Carnegie.
For many of you that know Dave Kaufman, he can be reached at DKaufman@rbr.com or at 973-839-8151. He is in the saddle and hits the ground running when RBR & TVBR begins another new and interesting broadcast media publishing year on 01/03/08. RBR/TVBR: First - Fast - Factual + Independently owned for 25 years.
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Storm knocks down WNEP TV towers
The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports heavy snow and ice buildup -- coupled with high winds -- caused WNEP-TV's (ABC) 800-foot tower to collapse just before 7 a.m. Sunday, taking the station's main broadcast signal off the air. Comcast Cable customers and Dish Network subscribers continued to receive the WNEP signal because they have fiber feeds. The rest of the area is relying on video streaming from the station's website. The towers are among dozens located on Penobscott Mountain near Mountain Top, PA. WNEP's tower collapse was not immediately apparent because a power outage in the area knocked all local TV stations and several local radio stations off the air around that time. When power was restored to the mountain, most stations resumed broadcasting, but WNEP didn't. Other companies are receiving WNEP's digital signal and down-converting it to analog, said the paper. WNEP is working to get a signal to several cable companies and DirecTV. For many cable systems this will mean replacing their analog receivers with digital ones.
Scripps re-ups Rachael Ray
Scripps Networks has nailed down Food Network star Rachael Ray for an additional two years. She'll do 60 more episodes of her daytime show, "30 Minute Meals," plus a new primetime series launching next month. "Rachael's Vacation," premiering January 12 at 9:00 pm ET/PT, follows Rachael ray as she takes time to sneak away and have a vacation, albeit with a camera crew in tow. Viewers will follow as she discovers the distant cities, countries, foods, and lifestyles that continue to amaze and excite her. "Rachael is the quintessential example of the homegrown stars we create at Food Network. She has been with us since 2001 and we have built a strong partnership that will continue for years to come and bring more new and exciting projects," said Brooke Johnson, President, Food Network.
Don't fire until you see th...Oh, go ahead and fire
Byron Dorgan (D-ND) is not waiting around to see what FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has up his sleeve before going public against it. In fact, he's rounded up a 24-member bipartisan posse of senators, including four Republicans and one independent, informing Martin that if he goes ahead with his plan to remove cross-ownership restrictions in the top 20 markets, they will "immediately move legislation that will revoke and nullify the proposed rule. We are notifying you and others of this proposed action in order to make certain you understand the consequences of ignoring the need for and the right of the American people to play a constructive role in attempts by a federal agency to change rules that have substantial impact on the American people. In light of this, we request and expect that you will postpone the action scheduled for December 18, 2007." The letter cites lack of proper window for citizens to read, understand and comment on the proposed rule change, only 28 days from the proposed rule's unveiling on 11/13/07 until 12/11/07. Martin has said that to the contrary, the public has been given ample time to discuss the issue of cross-ownership, and that his decision to release the proposal in advance was an extraordinary and unnecessary act done in deference to the many requests the FCC has had to see the proposed changes prior to an open meeting vote.
Joining Dorgan in signing a letter to Martin stating their intentions are Commerce Committee Chair Daniel Inouye (D-HI) and Ranking Member Ted Stevens (R-AK); current presidential candidates Barack Obama (D-IL), Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY); and Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Trent Lott (R-MS), John Kerry (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Mark Pryor (D-AR), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Bob Casey (D-PA), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Russ Feingold, (D-WI) Jon Tester (D-MT), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Larry Craig (R-ID), Joe Biden (D-DE), and Bill Nelson (D-FL).
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Ad Business Report TM
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MAGNA Global ups estimates of VOD, DVR households
MAGNA Global has updated its On-Demand models to account for the most recently completed quarter and modified its historical data slightly to incorporate new information about the past and extended their forecasts through 2012. MAGNA's year-end 2012 forecast for DVR subscriber households is 42.9 million (36.5% of TV households), up from their estimate of 23.1 million (20.8% of TV households) as of the end of Q3 2007. By 2012, they expect that true Video-on-Demand (distinct from the simulated VOD offered by DBS providers DirecTV and EchoStar) will reach 62.8 million households (approximately 53.5% of television households). This compares with 34.6 million VOD households (31.2% of total TV households) at the end of the Q3 2007. MAGNA estimates DirecTV added more than 500,000 DVR subscribers, as more than 50% of new subscribers ordered advanced set-top boxes (HD and/or DVR). By their estimates, the company now has approximately 4.9 million households with DVRs (29.6% of total subscribers)
Despite a smaller overall subscriber base, similar dynamics are driving EchoStar's DVR subscriber levels, which they estimate now total 5.4 million households (39.2% of total subs). Comcast remains the leading provider of DVRs and VOD among cable operators. The company reported that it now has 5.8 million HD and/or DVR customers as of the end of 2007. With approximately 225,000 DVR additions by MAGNA estimates, they believe the company now has 3.7 million DVR homes (equal to 15.4% of its total customer base). Comcast also has by far the largest number of subscribers with access to video-on-demand: virtually all of its 14.7 million digital subscribers have access at the present time. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, Comcast provided new VOD viewing data for these customers. Reporting 6 billion VOD views from launch in 2004 through to the end of November, the company posted 1 billion views between August and September (250 million per month) up from 1.5 billion from January to August (around 200 million per month).
IPG shuttering Media First; Bill Cella to leave
Interopublic Group (IPG) has decided to move its Media First International, a media agency acquired in 2002, into Initiative NA, effective 1/1. Also on that day it has been announced Bill Cella will step down as CEO of its Magna Global Worldwide unit and as vice chairman of DraftFCB. Cella has led Magna Global since its formation in 2001. Said Cella in a statement: "Throughout my career, I have always been motivated and attracted to working on world-class brands with world-class people and delivering significant results. At Magna, I believe my job is done and I am proud of my accomplishments. I am looking forward to the next chapter which will include the opportunities that a combination of traditional and digital media represent for the future." Media First will be shut down and CEO Ed Weiner will reportedly become a group account director at Initiative handling former Media First accounts. Media First clients include Delta Dental, Northwest Airlines, Cablevision Systems, Vtech and Fuse.
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| Media Business Report TM |
Talkers back to the news megaphone
The biggest news story during the week of 12/2/07-12/7/07, according to the Project for Excellence in Journalism, was the 2008 campaign with a 19% share of the news hole, followed by the situation in Iran, which grabbed 11%. Talkmeisters were obviously paying attention to the coverage of those two sagas, and upped their share of the talk hole to 34% and 18%, respectively. After that, topics of interest between the journalists and talkers began to diverge. Both thought domestic terrorism was a 5% topic, but newsers placed it #4 behind a 7% focus on the Omaha mall shooting, while talkers were putting it slightly behind immigration, which got 5% of their attention. Meanwhile, Talkers took a look at one of their own: Don Imus came in #8 with 2%, but was absent on the news top ten chart.
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| Washington Business Report TM |
FEC goes local with new feature
Are you wondering how much money is being stored up for the 2008 battle for Congress in your state's senatorial contest (of contests if you're in Wyoming or Mississippi)? How about your own Congressional district? A new campaign map available at the Federal Election Commission's website puts these facts a few mouseclicks away. The baseline information on the front page of fec.gov shows that Democratic House candidates have raised 142.5M and spent 70.4M, compared to Republicans who have raised and spent 97.2M and 52.2M, respectively. Democratic Senate candidates have raised 117.2M and spent 35.2M, compared to Republicans, who have raised and spent 47.6M and 13.6M, respectively. However, the outstanding feature is the associated map. Just click on your state to check out the fundraising prowess of the senate candidates in your state as well as each candidate in each congressional district. Then make sure you do what's necessary to get your fair share.
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| Cable Business Report TM |
The N takes teen scene around the clock
No longer sharing a cable schedule with Noggin, aimed at the pre-school set, The N goes 24 hours a day beginning at 6:00 am on New Year's Eve, December 31st. The Viacom network's 24/7 channel for teens will feature a daytime block of TEENick programming and welcome new shows to its nighttime schedule of originals. "Queen Bees," premiering in July 2008, is a reality series designed to rehabilitate mean girls. "The N's Student Body," premiering in August 2008 and hosted by Laila Ali, brings together two rival high schools for a "life-changing mission of personal health and wellness. The N has also acquired the rights to such teen favorites as "Saved by the Bell" and "That 70s Show."
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| Entertainment Business Report TM |
ABC unveils midseason lineup
Fans of "Lost" now have only a little over a month to wait. The series returns to the ABC schedule on Thursdays, beginning January 31. As ABC took the wraps off its midseason, strike-impacted broadcast schedule, the network said new series offerings will include "Cashmere Mafia," "Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann," "Eli Stone" and "Oprah's Big Give." Returning series include "According to Jim," "Just for Laughs," "Supernanny" and "Wife Swap." Later in the second season, the Alphabet net says new seasons of "Dancing with the Stars" and "The Bachelor" will begin March 17th.
| Here is a look at ABC's lineup for the second half of the TV season |
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| Ratings & Research |
Big numbers for "Survivor"
CBS is crowing that "Survivor: China" won its time period in viewers and key demos in every broadcast this season. Sunday's finale, which saw 22-year-old flight attendant Todd Herzog win the one million bucks prize, kept that record intact. "Survivor: China Finale," which aired 8:00-10:00 pm, was first in viewers (15.10 million), adults 25-54 (6.3/14) and adults 18-49 (5.2/12). The finale out delivered Survivor: China's season averages by +4% in adults 18-49, +3% in adults 25-54 and was slightly ahead in viewers. Immediately following, "Survivor: China Reunion" was first in adults 25-54 (5.5/13), second behind NBC's tentative football delivery in households (7.3/12), viewers (12.22 million) and adults 18-49 (4.5/11).
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| Stock Talk |
How low can they go?
Continued worries about the economy, not helped by former Fed chairman Alan Greenspan giving a speech on "stagflation," sent stock prices lower yet again on Monday. The Dow Industrials were down 173 points, or 1.3%, to 13,167.
Most TV stocks joined the down trend. Gray Television saw its Class A drop 5% and its common 4.4%. Belo was off 3.4%.
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| Stocks |
Here's how stocks fared on Monday
| Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
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Acme
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ACME
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2.39
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-0.21
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Lincoln Natl.
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LNC
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56.16
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-1.07
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Belo
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BLC
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16.05
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-0.56
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LIN TV
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TVL
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11.79
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+0.46
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| CBS CI. B |
CBS |
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26.14
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-0.01
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McGraw-Hill
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MHP
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44.64
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-0.78
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| CBS CI. A |
CBSa |
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26.29
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+0.14
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Media General
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MEG
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20.91
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+0.07
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Clear Channel
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CCU
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34.75
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unch
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Meredith
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MDP
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55.66
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-0.26
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Disney
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DIS
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32.99
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-0.02
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News Corp.
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NWS
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20.82
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-0.32
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Emmis
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EMMS
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4.54
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+0.08
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Nexstar
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NXST
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8.33
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+0.03
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Entravision
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EVC
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7.25
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unch
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Ion Media
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ION
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1.29
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-0.06
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| Equity Media |
EMDA |
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2.84 |
+0.01 |
Saga Commun.
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SGA
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6.38
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+0.01
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Fisher
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FSCI
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35.90
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-0.35
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SBS
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SBSA
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1.82
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-0.03
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Gannett
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GCI
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36.19
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+0.89
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Scripps
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SSP
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42.95
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-0.71
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Gen. Electric
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GE
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36.48
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-0.43
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Sinclair
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SBGI
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9.13
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-0.12
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| Google |
GOOG |
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669.23
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-20.73
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SWMX
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SWMX
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0.01
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unch
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Gray
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GTN
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8.00
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-0.37
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Time Warner
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TWX
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16.50
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-0.39
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Gray, C1. A
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GTNa
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8.60
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-0.45
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Tribune
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TRB
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32.29
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-0.28
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Hearst-Argyle
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HTV
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21.68
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-0.12
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Wash. Post
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WPO
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758.05
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-18.25
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Journal Comm.
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JRN
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8.44
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-0.07
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Young
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YBTVA
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1.05
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+0.10
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Bounceback
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We want to
hear from you.
This is your column, so send your comments and
a photo to tvnews@rbr.com
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Below the Fold
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Cable Business Report
The N takes teen scene
Around the clock, No longer sharing a cable schedule with Noggin...
Ad Business Report
MAGNA Global ups estimates
Of VOD, DVR households modified its historical data to incorporate new info...
Entertainment Business Report
ABC unveils midseason lineup
Fans of "Lost" now have only a little over a month to wait...
Ratings & Research
Big numbers for "Survivor"
Won its time period in viewers & key demos in every broadcast this season...
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Stations for Sale
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Market your Stations For Sale
in our daily epapers.
Contact
Jim Carnegie
jcarnegie@rbr.com
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TV Station Auction
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WTVE-TV 51 / DTV25
Philadelphia DMA
Full-Power Commercial Independent. Licensed to Reading, PA. Carried on nearly 2 million households
The auction of WTVE will take place at 9:30 AM EST on January 3, 2008 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 900 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Qualified bids are due on December 21, 2007. The minimum bid price is $12 million and a refundable deposit of $200,000 is due on that date. A copy of the Sale Motion, Bidding Procedures and/or Bidding Procedures Order may be obtained by written request:
J. Scott Victor
Senior Managing Director
(610) 940-5802
jscott.victor@nationalcity.com
Michael J. Gorman, Associate
(610) 940-3615
michael.gorman@nationalcity.com
Ryan C. Cole, Analyst
(610) 940-2619
ryan.cole@nationalcity.com
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TV Media Moves
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Upped at MTV
Shelly Sumpter Gillyard has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Talent for Nickelodeon and MTV Networks Kids and Family Group. The promotion adds "Senior" to her title and expands her current responsibilities to include oversight of all casting and talent relations for The N, the MTV Networks Kids & Family Group network for teens.
Smart promotion
Victoria Smart has been promoted from Manager to Director of the Membership Department for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. She will oversee all aspects of the Membership Department including member recruitment and outreach, annual elections for the Television Academy's Board of Governors, verification of Emmy voter eligibility, and administration of the Membership staff. The promotion comes at a time of increased Peer Group events, mixers and Nominee Receptions and other special projects. These will now be handled by the out-going Membership Director, Barbara Chase who is assuming a new position as Executive Producer of Special Projects.
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More News Headlines
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Anchor charged
with slapping cop
KYW-TV (Ch. 3, CBS) Philadelphia news anchor Alycia Lane was arrested over the weekend in Manhattan and charged with slapping an undercover New York police officer and calling the female officer a "dyke." The altercation occurred after a man with Lane yelled at the plainclothes cops for driving so slowly. Lane has pleaded not guilty and her attorney denies that she struck anyone.
Online holiday retail spend up 18%
comScore released an update of holiday season e-commerce spending for the first 44 days of the November - December 2007 holiday season (November 1 - December 14). More than 22 billion has been spent online during the season-to-date, marking an 18% gain vs. the corresponding days last year. Monday, December 10 reached 881 million in sales (up 33% versus last year), registering as the heaviest online spending day of the season and the heaviest online spending day on record. This year's 18% online retail spending growth rate stands well below the 26% rate at the same time last year. An analysis of online spending by household income reveals that slower growth among lower income households is weighing on the overall season-to-date growth. While households earning at least 100,000 have increased their online spending 28% versus year ago, households making less than 50,000 have increased their spending by just 10%.
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TVBR Radar 2007
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Television News you won't read any where else. TVBR--First, Accurate, and Independently Owned.
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WGA Strike Central, Day 43
WGA files unfair labor practices complaint
The Writers Guild of America has filed an unfair labor practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board claiming studios violated federal law by breaking off negotiations. The WGA demanded in a statement Thursday that AMPTP return to the bargaining so the six-week strike can be ended.
12/17/07 TVBR #244
Latest details on WGA strike
impact on programming
Carat Programming announced it would also like to see both parties get back to the negotiating table and work out a fair and equitable agreement as soon as possible. From a recent newsletter: "Our main goal is to deliver the GRPs we purchased in the upfront. We continue to pay close attention to maintaining the integrity of our clients' delivery as it pertains to overall strength of schedules.
12/17/07 TVBR #244
Broadcasters, associations strike back at micromanaging from DC
No one knows yet what will be in the Proposed Rulemaking on Broadcasting Localism that FCC Chairman Kevin Martin will unveil at tomorrow's meeting, but based on what's been leaking from the Commission into press reports, broadcasters are worried that Martin wants to bring back the bad old days of excessive regulation and micromanaging by Washington bureaucrats.
TVBR observation: If the rumors about what Chairman Martin has up his sleeve are true, he is seriously disconnected from reality. Rather than enhancing "localism," some of the proposals would serve to force many of the remaining "mom & pop" owners to consider selling out of the business. Read More in this report page of TVBR.
12/17/07 TVBR #244
WGA Strike Central, Day 40
DGA won't negotiate until
after the New Year
Some good news for the WGA. The Directors Guild of America (DGA) issued two statements saying they have chosen to wait to negotiate with AMPTP to give WGA and the AMPTP more time to return to the negotiating table to conclude an agreement.
TVBR note: Read the full DGA statements here in TVBR
12/14/07 TVBR #243
LIN in retrans battles
LIN Television says it has reached an impasse in retransmission negotiations with Cable One and expects the MSO to stop carrying KASA-TV (Ch. 2, Fox) Albuquerque in New Mexico come tomorrow (12/15), when the current retrans agreement expires. LIN has also filed an FCC complaint against Atlantic Broadband for continuing to carry WIVB-TV (Ch. 4, CBS) Buffalo on systems in New York and Pennsylvania even though it has no retrans agreement with LIN. Since the complaint was filed this week, LIN told TVBR that Atlantic Broadband has removed WIVB from its systems in the Erie, PA DMA, where there is another CBS affiliate as well, but that the station remains on without LIN's consent in the Buffalo DMA. There is more to this Retrans Battle in TVBR
TVBR observation: In the course of 2007 various TV group owners began to report substantial retransmission consent revenues in their quarterly conference calls. This has become an important new revenue stream - and one worth fighting for. Most MSOs seem to have accepted the fact that they now have to pay for the major broadcast networks (and the valuable news product of their local affiliates), but there will no doubt continue to be occasional retrans battles.
12/14/07 TVBR #243
WGA Strike Central, Day 39
Nets looking to scrap the upfront?
Along with being the first to pull out of the now-cancelled Winter Television Critics Association tour, NBC may be the first net to officially scrap upfront events due to the WGA strike. Execs at each of the other big three confirmed the strike was driving the movement toward a mid-May week without any circus-like upfront events.
12/13/07 TVBR #242
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TVBR Classifieds
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New Positions
Available in TVBR Classifieds.
See TV Careers.
Hard finding that key person
to fill the important position at your organization? TVBR Classifieds, Results with Service. Contact April McLynn at classifieds@rbr.com
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©2007 Radio Business Report, Inc. All rights reserved.
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