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Volume 22, Issue 246, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher
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Monday Morning December 19th, 2005
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TV News®
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 TV, a need to know this; Seven finalists for radio ratings competition
With only four passive monitoring devices in testing or beyond, the surprise is that Clear Channel got 34 submissions in response to its RFP for a new radio ratings system. Now seven finalists will be put through their paces by a panel including Ford Motor Co., four media buying companies and 11 radio companies. The next date to mark down on your calendar is March 3, 2006. That's the date when Clear Channel and its associates plan to announce a winner, with a "live test period" to begin in the spring. Along with Clear Channel and Ford, the evaluation team will include representatives from media buyers Mediaedge:CIA (Kim Vasey confirms that she is the rep), Initiative, Mediacom and MPG, plus representatives from these radio companies: ABC, Bonneville, CBS Radio, Clear Channel Radio, Cox Radio, Emmis, Entercom, Greater Media, Journal, Regent and Susquehanna. Clear Channel called that the "initial" evaluation team, indicating that others might be added. "With this many prominent members of the industry on board, we are moving quickly," said Jess Hanson, Sr. VP of Research for CC Radio. "As an industry, we are one step closer to more accurately and credibly measuring radio's true performance and value to advertisers," declared CC Radio CEO John Hogan.
TVBR observation: Clear Channel and its evaluation team have an aggressive timetable. The winner is supposed to be ready to begin deployment for real world radio ratings before the end of 2006. Arbitron has been happily pointing out, repeatedly to anyone who will listen, that PPM is ready to go now - - in fact, it's already being used outside the US - - while everyone else is playing catch-up. But that doesn't make it a slam-dunk for PPM. If someone else really does have a better mousetrap, the radio industry and its advertisers will certainly push for it to be brought to market rapidly. But time is short. Advertisers and agencies have been telling radio for some time now that they want electronic audience measurement - - and they want it yesterday.
Publisher Perspective: Yesterday, All my troubles seemed so far away, Now it looks as though they're here to stay, Oh, I believe in yesterday... For as long as I can remember yesterday has been the middle name of many ad agency executives wanting everything yesterday and not just ratings research. Going back to the mid-'70's when I worked in research at MediaTrend through today and nothing has changed, yet. Here is a question for our ad agency colleagues, 'Are your agency research departments willing to pay to play at the same rates as broadcasters?' Or do you want the radio broadcaster to pick up the total bill? Folks, get real here - good to explore new research but only big money will make this work. The radio business has just about run out of time on this subject as well as HD as the status of radio is fading into 3rd class status position. Last, there is no doubt that Clear Channel has its own agenda as what is good for Clear Channel is good for Clear Channel.
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Who are the magnificent seven?
We already knew that Arbitron and The Media Audit/Ipsos had made RFP entries with devices already well known. The other finalists are Integrated Media Management, Mediamark Research, Paladin Adsolutions, RadioStat and Simmons. "Each of the final proposals selected share common characteristics - - The potential to provide information that is more accurate and timely than the current diary system, as well as the ability to gather radio listening data in a more 'real life' setting than a recall based methodology can. All finalists share the capability for multi-media measurement," said Jess Hanson, Sr. VP of Research for CC Radio. Mediamark Research declined to comment Friday about its entry. But the company is owned by GfK Media Group, which because it's been aggressive on the acquisition front has two technologies for passive audience measurement - - Eurisko's Media Monitor and GfK/Telecontrol's MediaWatch. Since Mediamark has information about the Eurisko device on its website and nothing about the MediaWatch, we're betting its entry in the Clear Channel derby uses the Eurisko Media Monitor. Paladin Adsolutions Managing Founder Steve Walker tells RBR/TVBR that his company's entry is based on its proprietary technology, which can be seen from the consumer perspective at www.radioad.com. People hear an ad on the radio and can get information about the offer via the Internet. "You hear the ad once, you can take action on the first hearing," Walker said of the technology already in use, which gives stations detailed information on ad response. "That radio station now has hard numbers to take to their sponsors," he said. At present, the whole system is Internet-based, but when we asked how that would be adapted to audience measurement, Walker said he couldn't discuss it because the company still has patents pending. Simmons would say nothing about its proposal, except that the company has its own proprietary technology and "We are honored to be considered." None of the other companies (at least of those we could even locate) responded to RBR/TVBR's request for comment on their proposals.
TVBR observation: Who was it in the radio industry that said 'Radio needs to speak with one Voice.' Whoever this person(s) was tell these companies to speak and talk. So people in TV think you have a problem with 'LPM' - someone has got to wake up.
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Nielsen wins patent suit over A/P meters
Nielsen Media Research is celebrating a legal victory in Germany, where a judge for the European Patent Trade Organization ruled against a challenge to Nielsen's Active/Passive meter patent by Arbitron and others. The A/P meters are already in use in the US (more than 1,750 now installed), but we understand the opponents claimed Nielsen's patent application in Europe was overly broad. Nielsen says it will now continue to pursue the European patent, to go with the US one issued in 1997. As you might expect, Arbitron et al is planning to appeal, so this could still be in the European courts for a while.
Double digit downer for Journal Broadcast
 November broadcast revenues were down 16.3% to 13.97 million at Journal Broadcast Group, with this year's lack of political revenue blamed for virtually the entire shortfall for both TV and radio. Radio revenues dropped 6% to 6.93 million and TV revenues plunged 24.4% to 7.03 million. Publishing revenues were also lower, but didn't fall as much. Publishing revenues were down 3.7% to 25.52. Ad revenues for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel dropped 2.5% to 14.49 million while ad revenues for the company community newspapers and shoppers declined 2.9% to 5.15 million.
A la carte pricing makes great theory,
but bundling tough to beat
With sudden pressure from Washington D.C. to offer consumers basic cable TV channels individually, few realize the price per network is actually going down. The monthly subscription price is up because channel packages have gotten much bigger. The average package increased to 64 national basic cable channels today from 27 ten years ago, according to an analysis of data in "Kagan Data Services: Economics of Basic Cable Networks 2006." Those channel figures exclude re-transmission of over-the-air broadcast TV channels and regional channels.
| Basic Cable Cost Per Channel Analysis/Big Basic Package |
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Adbiz©
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 JupiterResearch: Online ad growth to be driven by media and entertainment, financial and automotive
JupiterResearch forecasts that online display and search advertising spending will grow at an average annual rate of 10% between 2005 and 2010, driven by the media and entertainment, financial services and automotive industries. The industries slated for the most impressive growth over that time period are automotive (average 24%) and travel (average 13%). The report, "U.S. Category Advertising Forecast, 2005 to 2010," explores what will drive online spending for top categories and how branding-focused categories are planning to spend on online advertising. "Agencies and publishers must educate themselves on how industry categories prioritize online advertising and tailor their pitches to different industries," said Zia Wigder, VP/Research Director at JupiterResearch. "Growing categories differ in the way they allocate funds to online advertising from their total spending." Findings show that telecom, media and entertainment, and finance are the leading categories online today and make up nearly half of all online display and search advertising spending." JupiterResearch found that health and consumer packaged goods companies are not big spenders online, but their focus on branding will drive them to different media to deliver their consumer messaging. CPGs will continue their focus on display advertising, dedicating 83% of their online advertising budgets to display ads in 2010. By contrast, health brands will increase their investment in search far more substantially from 2005 to 2010.
Sears running 3 to 1 ahead of Wal-Mart in radio spots
In tracking the radio commercials which ran during "Black Friday Week" (the weekdays leading up to and including Thanksgiving) through Tuesday, December 13, the four department stores advertising most on radio, by far, are Sears, Kohl's, JCPenney, and Macy's. Sears ran 21,894 radio spots in 50 top US markets in the past 23 days, followed by Kohl's and Penney's with just over 20,000 spots each, and Macy's with about 13,000. Wal-Mart was the fifth most frequent advertiser on major market radio stations with 6,778 spots, which is about three times fewer radio spots than Sears, Kohl's and Penney's, and half the number of radio spots aired by Macy's during that same period. After Wal-Mart, in order, were Fred Meyer, Mervyns, Target/Super Target stores, and Dillard's. Tenth on the list, A.J. Wright, although using radio heavily in multiple markets ran 3.7 times fewer spots than fifth-ranked Wal-Mart and 12 times fewer spots than top-ranked Sears in those same 23 days. Further down the list, group chain owner May Department Stores, while not placing any of its store chains in the top of this list, does have more individually branded stores advertising on major market radio then any other parent company during the time between November 21 and December 13. Specifically, May-owned properties Hecht's, Filene's, Kaufmann's, Robinson-May, Marshall Field's and Strawbridge's were running radio spots, however, the total spots run by those five chains combined during this period was still less than the number of spots Wal-Mart ran and about 5 times fewer spots than category-leading Sears. Other chains of note: L.L.Bean stores ranked 12th and Kmart 16th on the list of spot advertisers on radio.
 Yahoo! and MMA to offer measurement service
Yahoo! and Marketing Management Analytics (MMA) announced a new service that will help marketers improve ROI by evaluating the offline sales impact of their online marketing programs. This move builds on Yahoo!'s commitment to help marketers deploy a best practice solution for budget allocations across all media. Yahoo! and MMA's marketing ROI assessment model builds on an existing MMA model to include data from Yahoo! showing users' exposure to online graphical and search advertising. This new model provides a focused assessment of online programs on Yahoo!, measured next to programs on other media, and gives insights and recommendations to marketers on both online and offline marketing spend. Marketers can choose to provide MMA with data from other online sites, including direct marketing campaigns and Web site data, to get a broader view of their total marketing programs. "In many ways, online marketing can be more accountable than many offline marketing tactics, but there is still a real need to understand the total sales impact of online and offline programs on a common ROI basis so that optimal budget allocations can be made," said John Nardone, MMA Chief Client Officer. "Clients are shifting more and more of their total spend online, and need to move beyond measurement of clicks and page views to understand what is really working to drive sales."
Comcast media account in review
Comcast has reportedly launched a review for its planning and buying. Incumbent agencies include One to One Interactive and Star Group. Comcast spent 225 million in advertising through 9/05, according to Nielsen Monitor-Plus numbers.
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| Media Business Report |
Manufacturers form HD A-V alliance
Charter Communications, JVC, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics, NBC Universal, Samsung and Sun Microsystems announced the formation of HANA, the High-Definition Audio-Video Network Alliance. HANA members are working together to create a design guideline for secure high definition audio visual networks that will speed the creation of new, higher quality, easier to use HD products. In addition to the founding members, ARM, Freescale Semiconductor and Pulse~LINK have joined HANA as contributing members. HANA expects more members to join by International CES 2006.
| Read More... |
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| Media Markets & MoneyTM |
Live Nation gets index berth
On the day that Live Nation - - formerly Clear Channel Entertainment - - is spun out from Clear Channel Communications this Wednesday (12/21) it will jump into a Standard & Poor's Index, which is always good news to build trading demand. S&P announced that Live Nation, which will trade on the NYSE as "LYV" - - will replace Fedders Corp. on the S&P SmallCap 600 index. Fedders is being dropped for its low stock price and market capitalization.
DG Systems to merge with FastChannel Network
DG Systems and FastChannel Network have entered into an agreement to merge in a tax-free, stock-for-stock deal with 36 million based upon the last reported sale price of DG Systems common stock. The merger of DG and FastChannel combines the industry's leading digital media service firms with television, radio, and print media distribution capabilities; online business intelligence offerings that include the world's largest searchable database of television advertisements; digital asset management tools for archiving and collaboration; and media intelligence offerings that include broadcast verification as well as competitive monitoring.
| The details |
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| Washington Beat |
Commission to postpone new rules on kidvid
The FCC announced Friday it would delay implementation of the new rules on children's programming on digital television to consider a deal hatched by Disney and Viacom and children's advocate groups. The rules, which were to have taken effect 1/1, would require that digital broadcasters up the amount of kids programming they offer if they multicast; impose limits on advertising and preemption of children's programming to air live sporting events; and require that educational and informational programming be labeled with an on-screen "E/I" logo. Disney, Viacom and children's advocates including the United Church of Christ, went to court and reached a compromise that satisfies the concerns of both parties. The FCC said it would give their agreement "serious consideration" and ask for public comment.
 Taking exception:
ESPN doesn't Polka
Claims at last month's Senate Commerce Committee "Open Forum on Decency," witness Matt Polka, President/CEO of the American Cable Association said or implied they are forced to take channels they don't want, to get channels they need to programming conglomerates, a claimed echoed by David Moskowitz of Echostar. Although no companies were mentioned by name, Rosa Gatti of Disney's ESPN wanted to clarify that the Polka statement is at best misleading and at worst flat out incorrect, at least in the case of her company. She says, "The Disney ESPN Media Networks group does not tie the carriage of ESPN or Disney Channel to the carriage of other networks. If an operator so chooses, ESPN and Disney Channel are available on a stand alone basis through separate pricing. Also, under retransmission consent, cable systems have the choice to carry ABC owned stations for either a cash payment or in exchange for (some other form of consideration including) the carriage of other Disney services."
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| Programming |
Novak to quit CNN for Fox News
Columnist Robert Novak, the first journalist to publicly disclose the identity of undercover CIA operative Valerie Plame, is stepping down as a commentator and program host of CNN, effective 12/31, as his contract is expiring. Novak is joining Fox News Channel as a contributor next month, reported WSJ. Novak hasn't appeared on CNN since he was suspended in August after using an expletive and storming off the set during a live interview. He had been debating longtime Democratic strategist James Carville, who teased him saying, "He's got to show these right-wingers that he's got a backbone, you know." He has served as a commentator and host at CNN for 25 years.
New Year's debut set for Sleuth
NBC Universal's new cable network, Sleuth, is set to debut January 1st with pilots from a number of crime shows of yesteryear: "The A-Team," "Knight Rider," "Simon & Simon," "Miami Vice," "Columbo," "The Rockford Files," "Magnum, P.I." and others. The premiere of Sleuth will be enhanced by using these treasured pilots of such favorite crime dramas. It makes for a wonderful introduction to many series that broke new ground for all those that followed and retain a dedicated audience that will only grow starting January 1," said Jeff Gaspin, President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment and Cross-Network Strategy. Also on tap is a "Miami Vice" marathon, running from 8:00 pm (ET) January 2nd through 3:00 am January 3rd. At launch the new network will have more than five million subscribers through distribution deals with Time Warner Cable, the first affiliate to carry Sleuth.
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| Ratings & Research |
Four from cable make top 100
TVB each week sends out data showing how broadcast TV programs claim virtually all of the top 100 spots in the Nielsen ratings. This week the list is for the 18-49 demo, where cable nets actually landed four shows in the top 100 for the 12th week of the TV season. The best performer on cable was ESPN's "NFL Regular Season" in 30th place. Also in the top 100 were USA's "WWE Entertainment," ESPN's "NFL Primetime Live" and TNT's telecast of the movie "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers."
| Top 100 Chart |
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| TVBR Stats |
BIGresearch: December economic and
consumer insights executive briefing
BIGresearch's Consumer Intentions & Actions Survey monitors over 8,000 consumers each month providing unique insights & identifying opportunities in a fragmented and transitory marketplace.
ECONOMY
Whether they're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just looking forward to partying their way into 2006, consumers are expecting a happy holiday season...confidence is up! Those very confident/confident in chances for a strong economy rises to 43.1% from 39.3% in November, though down 5 points from '04 (48.1%). The increase in confidence parallels a decrease in those concerned with political and national security affairs...about one in five (20.2%) continue to worry, down a point from last month (21.2%) and about three points from '04 (23.4%). With their holiday shopping days numbered, in December fewer consumers contend they've become more practical and realistic in their purchases, now at 45.2%, down a point from November (46.2%). But consumers are still more practical than they were a year ago (43.6%). Following suit, those saying they're focused on needs over wants lowers a point from last month to 55.4%, although an increase of more than 4 points from the same time last year (51.0%). Note to Santa: you may be packing your sleigh with plenty of roadside emergency kits, smoke alarms, and flashlights, but please also save room for a few much-needed iPods, Xbox 360s, and special sparklers.
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| Financial |
They have confidence, really?
Although confidence improved in December, news like GM's planned 30,000 worker layoff has consumers feeling less jolly about the outlook for employment. This month, 42.1% are expecting "more" layoffs in the 6 months (up from 40.1% in November), 45.0% are predicting the "same" (down from 46.8%), while 12.9% say "fewer" (down slightly from 13.1%). Personal concerns with becoming laid off stable at 5.0%. Investor confidence in the stock market relatively flat compared to last month...58.0% say they would definitely/probably invest (v. 58.2% in November). Investor planning to buy stocks up a point to 12.3% (v. 11.2% last month), while those planning to sell also up, now at 6.9% (v. 6.0%). Practical consumers attempt to keep debt in check as those holiday bills begin to mound..."paying down debt" remains the financial priority among consumers and more plan to do so over the next 3 months (39.6%) compared to November (38.0%). More also planning to increase savings, but with perhaps holiday shopping to complete, fewer say they'll decrease overall spending. Pay with cash more often flat. With drivers still watching pump prices take a roller-coaster ride (and footing the bill for the ticket), how may this affect spending? Not surprisingly, with holiday cheer left to be spread among family, friends, coworkers, the mailman, et al, fewer consumers contend that the cost of fueling has impacted their spending (30.0% say "no major impact"), compared to last month (26.2%). Long-term effects are evident...in '04, almost the majority (47.2%) cited "no major impact." Look for consumers to adjust this month by turning to their credit cards and cutting into savings. More on Tuesday.
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| Monday Morning Makers & Shakers |
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Transactions: 11/7/05-11/11/05
We don't recall giving anyone the week off. Nevertheless, only two measly little deals made it into the FCC database in the second week of November, and only one of them was in a rated market. Both were way out west, one all the way on the coast of California and the other in old Santa Fe, NM. (We know for a fact that, although price tags are modest, at least the volume figure to pick up next week.)
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Total
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Total Deals
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2
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AMs
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4
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FMs
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1
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TVs
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0
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| Value |
2.55M
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| Complete Charts |
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Radio Transactions of the Week
Moon sets into Bicoastal's only coast
| More... |
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TV Transactions of the Week
You must be kidding |
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| Stock Talk |
Another flat to down day
Wall Street traders just can't get enthused enough to put together a year-end rally. Even with oil prices lower, they still bid stock prices slightly lower on Friday. The Dow Industrials lost six points to 10,876.
TV stocks also fell. LIN dropped 3.3% and Saga 2.4% as the worst performers.
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| Stocks |
Here's how stocks fared on Friday
| Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
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Acme
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ACME
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3.74
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+0.11
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Media General
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MEG
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51.04
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+0.30
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Belo
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BLC
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21.17
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-0.15
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Meredith
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MDP
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51.57
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-0.13
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Clear Channel
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CCU
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32.88
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+0.08
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News Corp.
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NWS
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16.83
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+0.07
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Disney
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DIS
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24.70
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-0.04
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Nexstar
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NXST
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4.48
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+0.11
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Emmis
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EMMS
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19.88
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-0.15
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NY Times
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NYT
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27.25
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-0.28
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Entravision
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EVC
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7.30
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+0.02
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Paxson
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PAX
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0.94
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-0.05
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Fisher
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FSCI
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45.12
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-0.08
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Saga Commun.
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SGA
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11.18
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-0.27
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Gannett
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GCI
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61.82
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+0.40
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SBS
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SBSA
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5.22
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-0.07
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Gen. Electric
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GE
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36.06
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+0.06
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Scripps
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SSP
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46.77
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+0.18
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Granite
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GBTVK
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0.22
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unch
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Sinclair
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SBGI
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9.88
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+0.16
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Gray
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GTN
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10.08
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-0.07
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Time Warner
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TWX
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18.00
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+0.16
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Gray, C1. A
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GTNa
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9.64
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unch
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Tribune
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TRB
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30.80
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-0.09
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Hearst-Argyle
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HTV
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23.74
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-0.01
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Univision
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UVN
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30.25
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-0.07
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Jeff-Pilot
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JP
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55.82
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-0.27
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Viacom, Cl. A
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VIA
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34.11
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+0.12
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Journal Comm.
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JRN
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14.10
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+0.10
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Viacom, Cl. B
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VIAb
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34.03
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+0.08
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Liberty Corp
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LC
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47.00
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-0.04
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Wash. Post
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WPO
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765.25
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+3.25
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LIN TV
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TVL
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11.95
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-0.41
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Young
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YBTVA
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2.68
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+0.06 |
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McGraw-Hill
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MHP
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52.37
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-0.11
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-
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-
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- |
-
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- |
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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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TV Media Moves
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Belo ups Jackson, Engel
Belo announced today that Wesley Jackson has been promoted to senior vice president/general manager, Interactive Media, and Alison Engel has been promoted to VP/Corporate Controller. Both promotions are effective 1/1. Jackson joined Belo in 2000 and has served as vice president/general manager, Interactive Media since 12/04. Engel joined Belo in 2003 and has served as Corporate Controller since February 2005.
Super-Sizemore
for MSNBC.com
Jennifer Sizemore has been promoted to Managing Editor of MSNBC.com and an executive producer of NBC News. She's now overseeing the MSNBC.com newsroom and working closely with the rest of NBC News to maximize web content.
Alan Sawyer now running UPN/Baltimore
Alan Sawyer has been named VP/GM of WUTB-UPN24, a FOX O&O in Baltimore. Sawyer joins WUTB from WOFL and WRBW; the FOX O&O in Orlando, where he has been in sales management since 2000.
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Below the Fold
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Ad Biz
Online ad growth
Being driven by media & entertainment...
Media Business Report
Manufacturers form HD A-V alliance
Working together to create a design guideline for secure high definition audio visual...
Media Markets & Money
Live Nation gets index berth
Formerly Clear Channel Entertainment jumps into a Standard & Poor's Index...
Washington Beat
Commission to postpone
New rules on kidvid...
Ratings & Research
Four from cable make top 100
Best performer on cable was ESPN's "NFL Regular Season"...
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More News Headlines
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Reporter wins
unfair dismissal case against ABC News
A Canadian TV reporter won a case on Friday for unfair dismissal against ABC News, which ended his contract after he refused to go to Iraq. Richard Gizbert, who previously reported from Bosnia and Chechnya, had claimed 3.9 million in compensation from ABC after it fired him in 2004. "This ruling decided he had been unfairly dismissed on the grounds of health and safety," a spokesman for the Central London Employment Tribunal told Reuters. "There will be further hearing to determine compensation in a month or so," he added. Gizbert's claim for breach of contract was dropped. ABC News VP Jeffrey Schneider told Reuters his company will vigorously appeal the decision: "The assignments to war zones and other dangerous places have always been and will always be completely voluntary assignments."
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RBR - Radio News
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Howard Stern farewell rally draws thousands
Thousands of people rallied in NYC Friday to applaud Howard Stern, who broadcast his last show on before heading to Sirius Satellite Radio. Said Stern in front of his fans: "We broke every rule known to radio and mankind and I'm proud of that. And I don't think this ride is over yet. Let the freedom bell be rung, and let it be rung by a stripper! We beat then at their own game, we figured out how to do it...Change the rules, break the chains, the last of a dying breed."
Publisher observation: Ok why did we print this as it is not news that will alter your personal daily business life. Did it for one reason - We have had a full year of 'Howard' milking the free airwaves, all media giving him tremendous free coverage from Fox News Channel, David Letterman, business channels, even the evening network news. I agree with all the comments this year that 'Howard' should have been pulled off the air instead of giving a free ride. But it did not happen, 'Howard' got the best of the total media and that is why he is dubbed 'King of all Media' as his mind works as a programmer and marketer. A lesson all in the media should take a lesson from when it comes to moving forward in marketing our medium and all the benefits. Or better yet, hire 'Howard's' company to market the free radio as I am sure his agent would be glad to take the money. Now the only advice I can deliver - Get over it and move into 2006 by focusing on our radio business and not kick the tin can of 2005 of 'Howard' or satellite radio. Or as I say - suck it up - Next.
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December RBR/TVBR Digital Magazine
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In this issue, we ask for 2006 Wish Lists--everyone from programmers to researchers to radio and media agency CEOs give their take. In AdBiz, we spoke to Sarah Fay, ISOBAR US President about the future of digital marketing. In Streaming, we compared and contrasted two differing measurement methodologies with two of the top rep firms in the space. We also look at the latest in Traffic systems; interviewed Fox News's John Gibson; and learned about WOR-AM NYC's revitalization project. Last but not least, RBR/TVBR looked at the Susquehanna sale to Cumulus and heard from ABC Radio Networks' Dr. Tom Evans about 2006 predictions for radio research.
Read RBR/TVBR in 2 simple steps:
1.Create a simple account with Zinio and download the Zinio Reader.
2. You can then download the
December Issue of RBR/TVBR
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TVBR Radar 2005
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Television News you won't read any where else. TVBR--First, Accurate, and Independently Owned.
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Time Warner first out of the gate
With family tier proposal which is most assured to PO a number of people. To get the 15-channel offering, subscribers will likely have to get a system's digital service and - - get ready for howls from the watchdog community - - they'll likely have to come up with 12.99 over and above the regular basic cable fee. TVBR observation: We can almost hear the keyboards grinding - - probably everywhere from PTC to the Consumers Union. What??!! We are forced to subsidize the filth on the basic basic tier, and then pay even more than the filth costs to get our family package??!! The outrage!! Just watch.
12/16/05 TVBR #245
The Media Audit/Ipsos
challenge PPM
Media Audit has teamed with the UK's Ipsos to propose their own passive measurement challenger to the Portable People Meter. Ipsos is one of four companies which has a passive meter system in operation, although still in the testing phase at this point. Rather than having a proprietary hardware device for panelists to carry, Ipsos loads its software onto Smart Cell Phones to monitor exposure to audio media. And there is more - RBR observation: How many times at how many PPM presentations by Arbitron have we heard someone ask, "Why don't you just put PPM in a cell phone?" It seems like a good idea, but Arbitron officials have always expressed concerns that there are many places where cell phones are not allowed, but they hope PPMs will be. As for Smart Cell Phones, there aren't very many out in use yet by US consumers, so The Media Audit would have to pass out the expensive devices to make its system work. In time it may happen as it will take lots of time and lots of money to get an entire cell industry to get on board. Now it will be interesting to see what the honchos at Clear Channel say on their entries and where they will put their money. But one thing is for sure and you can bet money on this statement - 'Time waits for no one.' Hey maybe Nielsen should look into this deal.
12/16/05 RBR #245
Bidding begins for VNU
Nielsen parent VNU confirms that it's gotten multiple buyout inquiries, which its board is considering. It's not saying anything about the bidders, or whether they're being allowed to look at the company's non-public financial details. Indeed, analysts failed to get any hint of any more detail out of VNU CEO Rob van den Bergh. A report in the Financial Times said the VNU board was seeking at least 32 euros per share for the company. TVBR observation: Despite the collapse of the IMS merger, which was vehemently opposed by VNU's largest shareholders, we were surprised to hear van den Bergh mention that VNU is still going ahead to develop "strategic opportunities" with IMS. Does that add fuel to our previous report that IMS may be a bidder for VNU?
12/14/05 TVBR #244
DirecTV fined 5.3M
Federal Trade Commission's largest fine ever for violation of the "do not call" law for telemarketing, with DirecTV paying 5.3 million in civil penalties. The settlement filed in a California federal court names DirecTV and five firms that did telemarketing on its behalf as defendants, along with six principals of those telemarketing firms. In a separate case announced before the FTC fine, DirecTV has agreed to pay five million bucks to customers in 22 states to settle allegations of deceptive marketing practices.
12/14/05 TVBR #243
MSOs set to unveil family tiers
Reacting to pressure from Capitol Hill, National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) CEO Kyle McSlarrow told a Senate hearing Monday that several cable MSOs are about to announce family-friendly channel tiers - - but he insisted no new law, such as a la carte, is needed. Likewise, Jack Valenti warned against government intrusion. TVBR observation: Monday's hearing was overwhelmingly focused on cable TV, but Chairman Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) did bring up one subject near and dear to the hearts of terrestrial radio and TV broadcasters when he asked about pending bills to dramatically increase indecency fines.
12/13/05 TVBR #242
Publisher observation
On VNU and the attention
Reality time, what is facing the Nielsen side of VNU is going to be difficult with forward motion of 'LPM' and making a decision during the first quarter next year on the Arbitron 'PPM' front as it takes commitment from the top of the company at VNU with technology and money. Not to say the toll it takes on the people inside of Nielsen. Remember this is research not a durable good like a TV station. Research is a fickle business especially when you are the leader as the business executives (the customer) loves you then hates you at any given time. Publishing side - To some extent the same can be said here but to a lesser degree as the money or the prize is Nielsen. Plus, whoever wins the potential battle better know something about the businesses of the titles that are being tossed around for headline attention like Billboard, Hollywood Reporter, Media Week. They look pretty on paper but you better know what the hell you are doing because this is not the old days with those brands. There is tremendous competition on the computer screen(s) today and to print those trade publications mentioned are not getting any healthier as trade publishing print consistently faces difficult time as I personally know from experience as the inevitable decision was faced and made in 2002 by us at RBR & TVBR. Remember expenses will go up for print trade publications just as US Postage prices are rising next year. Under any circumstances VNU bosses have to confront the inevitable and get on the record of attack now on this press coming from the WSJ instead of 'No comment.' TVBR was the first to forecast this show down now the problem is here as the other shoe has hit the floor.
12/12/05 TVBR #241
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