|
|
|
|
|
Volume 23, Issue 41, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher
|
Tuesday Morning February 28th, 2006
|
|
|
TV News ®
|
 TV is #1 news source
54% of Americans have a daily local broadcast TV news habit, and more than three out of four go there for news, if not every day, then several times a week. The total with a weekly habit is 77%. Only 6% say they never ever watch local TV news. The information is from a new HarrisInteractive poll. The poll combined broadcast and cable national networks, with 49% going there daily and 71% going daily or several times weekly. Other categories are newspaper (41%/63%), online (40%/60%), radio news (32%/54%), talk radio (22%/37%), national newspaper (10%/18%) and satellite radio (12%/19%). Only about one in ten completely avoid network, newspaper and online year round; two in ten avoid radio news, a third avoid talk radio, and four in ten avoid the national papers. Not surprisingly, with it's as-yet limited subscribership, satellite radio was never used by almost seven in ten. Although in general, the older the form of media, the older the age group using it, there are a few surprises in HarrisInteractive's demo chart. Even the 59-and-older crowd was more likely to go online for news than what HarrisInteractive calls Echo Boomers - - however, that seems to be partly a results of the younger group's distate for news in general.
| Read demographic results here |
Competition douses Olympic flame
The February sweeps don't end until tomorrow, but they pretty much wrapped up for NBC over the weekend as the Torino Winter Olympics concluded. And while the Peacock net is crowing about winning three weeks in a row for primetime viewership, with an average 20.5 million viewers in primetime through Saturday, it's clear that the Olympics is no longer a guaranteed ratings bonanza. Rather than roll over and schedule reruns, as had been the practice in past Olympic months, ABC and Fox saw a ratings weakened NBC and decided to battle the Olympics head-on. Fox's "American Idol," which no one had heard of four years ago, proved its strength and handily beat NBC's Olympics coverage in the key 18-49 demo each night it aired - - including a special edition last Thursday. And ABC went full bore, scheduling "Dancing with the Stars" for the February sweeps and airing new episodes of hits "Desperate Housewives," "Lost" and "Grey's Anatomy." So, while NBC will likely win the sweeps in Household ratings and total audience delivery, ABC is on track to win the 18-49 demo and Fox is nipping at NBC's heels for 2nd place, with two more episodes of "Idol" to air tonight and tomorrow before the books are closed on the February sweeps.
 TVBR observation: Would it have made a big difference for NBC if popular figure skater Michelle Kwan hadn't been injured (2/14/06 TVBR #31) and skier Bode Miller had delivered even a single medal after all the hype he had going into the Winter Games? Perhaps it would have helped NBC's ratings somewhat. But we think there's really been a shift in how Americans relate to the Olympics. Big fans of specific sports are being drawn more and more to the Internet and to NBC Universal's own telecasts of Olympic events on multiple cable channels - - as shown by NBC Uni's own figures that viewership was up 18% from four years ago (and that was a US event in Salt Lake City) on its cable nets and page views on NBCOlympics.com more than doubled from four years ago. Devoted fans aren't willing to wait for a primetime package of the day's highlights, so they leave that to the casual viewers who are attracted to the glamour of the Olympics more than any particular sport. Fortunately for NBC, there are still many millions of such viewers, so it appears that the network hit its guarantees to advertisers and won't have to deliver any makegoods for its Olympics primetime coverage. But it's clear that having the Olympics is no longer a free ride to several weeks of ratings domination.
GM pension funds cut DirecTV stake
DirecTV announced a deal to buy 1.55 billion bucks worth of its stock back from various General Motors pension funds. The transaction, which was expected on Wall Street, will reduce the pension funds' stake in the satellite TV company to less than 10%. The deal to buy back the huge 110 million-share block was negotiated at 15.50 per share, a slight discount to DirecTV's Friday closing price of 15.68. After closing, which is expected by this Friday (3/3), the GM pension funds will still own slightly less than 115 million shares of DirecTV stock. The pension fund shares had not been included back in 2003 when News Corporation paid General Motors itself 6.6 billion for a controlling stake in DirecTV (4/10/03 TVBR #71). It had long been anticipated that DirecTV would be a willing buyer whenever the pension funds decided to sell, but a tax barrier had kept DirecTV from being able to buy back its own shares until late December. Its board of directors announced early this month that they had authorized management to buy back up to three billion bucks worth of stock. More than half of that will now go to the pension fund deal. "We view the news as neutral as investors expected DTV to repurchase most if not all of GM pension fund shares when they became available for sale," analyst Lale Topcuoglu said in a note to clients.
|
|
|
 Governing principles to guide election spending
There are 435 seats in the House of Representatives, but thanks to the continued improvements in the science of gerrymandering, few are expected to seriously contested this year. According to one Reuters report, as few as 33 may be in legitimate doubt at this point. However, there are only 50 individuals who lay temporary claim to residency in a governor's mansion. 36 are in play this year, and about half of them will be party to a spirited competition. The Republicans have the most to lose, defending 22 states to the Democrat's 14. Another way to look at it is in terms of races where an incumbent is exiting due either to retirement or term limits. In nine such cases, Republicans are defending eight to only one for the Democrats. Both sides have big state targets - - Republicans are hoping to snatch Pennsylvania and Michigan, and the Democrats have even bigger targets, including California and New York.
TVBR observation: It all boils down to cash. The national party organizations have a stake in this, which means that national cash could be flowing into 2006 hot spots. Democrats think they have a real chance to pick up a lead, and Republicans will do all they can to see that the Democrats fail in this endeavor. It all means more cash headed to broadcast outlets.
Univision selling Entravision stock to...Entravision
Univision has announced step two in its effort to reduce its stake in Entravision below 15% by March of this year and 10% in the next seven years as required in a settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ). Univision is selling seven million Entravision shares back to Entravision for 7.30 per share, or a total of 51.1 million bucks. Besides Univision itself, Entravision owns the largest collection of Univision and TeleFutura affiliates. But it wasn't TV that led to the antitrust issue. Rather, DOJ required the reduction when Univision sought permission to acquire Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation, now Univision Radio, back in 2002. DOJ gave the merger a green light in 2003, but required Univision to reduce its stake in Entravision from 27% to no more than 15% by March 26, 2006 and 10% by March 26, 2013. Univision previously reduced its stake by trading 90 million worth of Entravision stock for KLOK-AM & KBRG-FM San Jose, CA. The newly announced stock purchase, which is set to close Thursday (3/2), will get it below the 15% target with a few weeks to spare. According to Wachovia Securities analyst Marci Ryvicker, the stock buyback will be accretive to Entravision and she has adjusted her estimates accordingly.
Casino ad rules clarified
Several readers have written to point out that the article regarding Casino advertising in the last issue (2/27/06 TVBR #40) required clarification. Since the advertisement of casino gambling could have federal and state criminal consequences please review the following, before making any decision regarding casino advertising.
| Read More... |
|
|
|
|
| Cable Business Report TM |
 Expo TV luring local
advertisers to VOD
Expo TV, in concert with Adelphia Media Services, has launched a nationwide effort to attract local advertisers to on-demand advertising by offering them exposure to its consumer audience, it was announced by Bill Hildebolt, president of Expo Communications. The advertising initiative capitalizes on the positive results experienced from Adelphia's distribution of Expo TV's on-demand commerce platform. Expo TV was launched on a number of Adelphia systems last year, including Los Angeles and West Palm Beach, two of the MSO's largest clusters of subscribers. Expo TV is now available in over 4 million on-demand homes through cable distribution partners including Adelphia, Charter Communications, Insight Communications and Bresnan Communications.
| Read More... |
|
|
|
|
|
Ad Business Report TM
|
TNS: U.S. as spend increased 3% in 2005
Total ad expenditures in 2005 increased 3.0% to 143.3 billion compared to 2004, according to data released by TNS Media Intelligence. Total ad spend during Q4 '05 also advanced 3% against the same period in 2004. The majority of 19 media measured by TNS MI experienced growth during 2005. Internet display advertising registered the largest gain, up 13.3% to 8.3 billion on the strength of accelerated spending from dot-com brands. For the year, these online brands accounted for 49.7% of total internet expenditures, the highest level since the dot-com bust.
| Read More... |
 J.L. Media signs for PPM
Arbitron announced today that J.L. Media has signed an agreement for the company's Portable People Meter ratings service when deployed in the Houston and Philadelphia markets. J.L. Media is one of the top advertising firms in the country with accounts approaching 600 million in annual billing. Some of J.L. Media's clients include Old Navy, Tempur-pedic, Modell's, Subaru and Fox and Tribune TV Stations. Stan Gerber, executive vice president, Chief Marketing Officer, J.L. Media stated, "J.L. Media is proud to be among the first media agencies to embrace the PPM measurement technology. We believe the PPM will significantly enhance the measurement of radio audiences, enabling us to plan and purchase even more effective advertising campaigns on our client's behalf."
Coors Light launches new advertising
to support NASCAR No. 40 car
Coors Light, the primary sponsor of the No. 40 car, driven by Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) rookie David Stremme, announced new programs to support its 2006 sponsorship and bring the excitement of racing to consumers. Coors Light is creating and distributing "Trackside Chats" in conjunction with four races throughout the season, giving race fans a behind-the-scenes look at the world of NASCAR through the eyes of rookie driver David Stremme. During these interviews, Stremme will comment on what it's like to race in the NEXTEL Cup series and his experiences on and off the track. Stremme's first streaming audio file will be available for download in conjunction with the Golden Corral 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 19th. Other new Coors Light programs supporting the 2006 NEXTEL Cup season include:
| Read More... |
 Heineken launches Heineken Premium Light
Heineken USA is inviting domestic light beer drinkers to "succumb to smooth" with the national launch of Heineken Premium Light. Within the U.S. beer market, light beer accounts for nearly 50% of total volume, with the import specialty and light beer segments driving growth (Beverage Marketing 3Q 2005). Heineken Premium Light was tested in Phoenix, Dallas, Providence and Tampa during the summer and fall of 2005. It quickly became the #2 imported light beer brand across these four markets and continues to gain momentum. The launch of Heineken Premium Light will be supported by a national 50 million campaign, and is headlined by a simple. Elegantly simple layouts of a Heineken Premium Light bottle, with compelling taglines such as "Succumb to Smooth," entice consumers to re-examine their "relationship" with their current domestic light beer. The ad campaign breaks 3/1 with a massive interactive and viral campaign to engage consumers. Print breaks 3/3 with a full-page ad in USA Today, supported by national print including an impact unit in Maxim Magazine. Out-of-home begins 4/1 for the off-premise phase supported by television kicking off later that month. In addition, 11 major kick-off events are slated for March.
|
|
|
|
| Washington Media Business Report TM |
Putting food on the docket
The Federal Trade Commission has opened up an inquiry, as required in order to get its funding for HY 2006, into the "marketing activities and expenditures of the food industry targeted toward children and adolescents." You know the drill - - watchdogs are convinced that we can solve the problem of childhood obesity if we can just rein in objectionable advertising. Interested parties are free to submit commentary and evidence to support their own particular take on the topic. The initial deadline for comments is 4/3/06.
All quiet on the Southwestern front
The rumor mill has it the FCC is ready any day now to release landmark decisions on various cases of alleged indecency pending before it, up to and including the infamous 2004 Super Bowl incident. As of deadline today, no sound or print on the topic of indecency has emerged from the FCC's SW Washington digs. They say it's the waiting that's the hardest...
|
|
|
|
| Entertainment Media Business Report TM |
 CBS to offer wireless video
and picture alerts
CBS Corp. has announced a wireless initiative enabling consumers to obtain breaking news and entertainment alerts that include video and pictures for a monthly subscription fee. "As a leading content creator we are committed to deepening our consumer's relationship with CBS brands and programming," said Leslie Moonves, President and CEO, CBS Corp. "This move underscores our strategy of offering best-in-class content on as many platforms as possible while seeking out new revenue streams." The "CBS Alerts," which will be called "CBS News TO GO" and "ET TO GO," will be available beginning next week. The service will include content from CBS News and "Entertainment Tonight" for monthly fees of 99 cents and 3.99, respectively. Subscribers will receive up to five alerts daily and have the option to read text and, if their mobile phone allows, see matching pictures and video. "CBS Alerts" will be available for all mobile phone models and wireless carriers. "Consumers want to see news and be a part of celebrity happenings as soon as video is available," said Cyriac Roeding, VP/Wireless, CBS Digital Media. "'CBS Alerts' represent the next generation in wireless news and entertainment content by packaging text with a more rich visual experience in near real time." CBS will run promos during selected programming instructing consumers on how to sign up for "CBS Alerts" via their mobile phones and at CBS.com, CBSNews.com and ETonline.com. The technology partner for "CBS Alerts" is m-Qube, a mobile channel enabler that helps companies develop, deliver and bill for mobile content, messaging and applications. Previously, CBS announced a partnership with Amp'd Mobileto view CBS and UPN clips on demand. CBS said it plans to announce additional wireless initiatives in the coming weeks and months.
|
|
|
|
| Ratings & Research |
 ABC celebrates Sunday blow-out
The closing ceremonies of the Torino Winter Olympics on NBC couldn't compete with the season finale of "Dancing with the Stars" on ABC Sunday night. ABC is crowing that the two-hour finale, which saw former 98 Degrees singer Drew Lachey and his pro dancing partner Cheryl Burke crowned champions, drew 22.2 million viewers - - 8.2 million more than NBC's Olympic coverage. And ABC followed with a new episode of "Grey's Anatomy," which it says outdrew NBC and CBS (a "CSI" rerun) combined. ABC is hailing the day as its most watch Sunday lineup (excluding Super Bowl and Oscar telecasts) since November 1999.
|
|
|
|
| Stock Talk |
Stocks rise as oil drops
It's a repeat of an often-seen scenario - - oil prices declined on Monday, so stock prices moved up. The market was also helped by an upbeat outlook from Verizon. The Dow Industrials gained 36 points, or 0.3%, to 11,097.
TV stocks joined in the advance. Disney gained 1.4% on a Barron's report that Apple Computers might be contemplating a takeover bid. The big gainer, though, was LIN, up 4.6%, with no news to account for the move.
|
|
|
|
| Stocks |
Here's how stocks fared on Monday
| Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
|
Acme
|
ACME
|
|
3.60
|
-0.01
|
LIN TV
|
TVL
|
 |
9.70
|
+0.43
|
|
Belo
|
BLC
|
|
21.63
|
-0.12
|
McGraw-Hill
|
MHP
|
|
54.31
|
unch
|
| CBS CI. B |
CBS |
|
24.83
|
+0.30
|
Media General
|
MEG
|
|
50.95
|
+0.65
|
| CBS CI. A |
CBSa |
|
24.80
|
+0.26
|
Meredith
|
MDP
|
|
54.91
|
-0.08
|
|
Clear Channel
|
CCU
|
|
28.27
|
+0.12
|
News Corp.
|
NWS
|
|
17.14
|
-0.02
|
|
Disney
|
DIS
|
|
28.38
|
+0.40
|
Nexstar
|
NXST
|
|
4.02
|
-0.11
|
|
Emmis
|
EMMS
|
|
16.66
|
+0.11
|
NY Times
|
NYT
|
|
28.90
|
+0.41
|
|
Entravision
|
EVC
|
|
7.50
|
+0.10
|
Paxson
|
PAX
|
|
0.95
|
-0.01
|
|
Fisher
|
FSCI
|
|
42.70
|
+0.06
|
Saga Commun.
|
SGA
|
|
9.87
|
-0.01
|
|
Gannett
|
GCI
|
|
62.79
|
+0.08
|
SBS
|
SBSA
|
|
5.70
|
-0.01
|
|
Gen. Electric
|
GE
|
|
33.32
|
+0.18
|
Scripps
|
SSP
|
|
48.43
|
-0.19
|
|
Granite
|
GBTVK
|
|
0.14
|
+0.02
|
Sinclair
|
SBGI
|
|
7.71
|
-0.08
|
|
Gray
|
GTN
|
|
8.55
|
+0.05
|
Time Warner
|
TWX
|
|
17.31
|
+0.04
|
|
Gray, C1. A
|
GTNa
|
|
8.22
|
unch
|
Tribune
|
TRB
|
|
30.72
|
+0.05
|
|
Hearst-Argyle
|
HTV
|
|
24.00
|
-0.09
|
Univision
|
UVN
|
|
33.83
|
-0.08
|
|
Jeff-Pilot
|
JP
|
|
60.95
|
+0.04
|
Wash. Post
|
WPO
|
|
759.10
|
-0.90
|
|
Journal Comm.
|
JRN
|
|
12.45
|
-0.07
|
Young
|
YBTVA
|
|
3.02
|
-0.14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bounceback
|
 We want to
hear from you.
This is your column, so send your comments and
a photo to tvnews@rbr.com
|
|
|
Below the Fold
|
Entertainment Media
Business Report
CBS to offer wireless initiative
Enabling consumers to obtain news and entertainment...
Cable Business Report
Expo TV luring
Local advertisers to VOD...
Ad Business Report
Total ad expenditures
2005 increased 3.0% compared to 2004 of 19 media measured...
Washington Media Business Report
Rumor mill has it the FCC
Ready any day to release landmark decisions...
|
|
|
TVBR Radar 2005
|
|
Television News you won't read any where else. TVBR--First, Accurate, and Independently Owned.
|
MyNetwork TV a network or not
TVBR hears there's a bit of an issue out there as to whether MyNetwork TV is really a network or not. Care to clarify? Bob Cesa, EVP/Advertising Sales Twentieth Television & DIRECTV - "When something is new, some may not have heard everything the way we wanted it to come out. First of all, it is a network service that we're starting. We going to run in-pattern, just as the WB and UPN networks did, with the same stations. We haven't, certainly, cleared all of the stations. We've got a long way to go, but our launch pad is our 10 stations that reach 25% of the country...."
02/27/06 TVBR #40
More media agencies
look at MyNetwork TV
Jon Mandel, Chairman/MediaCom US was unmoved: "I don't know why you're calling me about a network-this is not a network. This is a syndicator with a group deal. All it is, is a syndicator selling a program to the vertically-integrated station group that's trying to get other people to go in. Big deal. Every syndicator wants to be a network. It's pretty funny-just because you call yourself a network doesn't make yourself a network."
02/24/06 RBR #39
FCC and/or CBS ready to
sound off on indecency?
According to numerous reports, the long-awaited next round in the indecency wars is about to commence. Decisions on 40-some separate cases are ready to be unveiled. The big enchilada will be the refusal of the Commission to back down from its 550K action against CBS Television for the infamous 2004 Super Bowl incident featuring Janet Jackson.
TVBR observation: After getting hit with a number of FCC fines, then-CBS honcho Mel Karmazin vowed to comply and fight but Karmazin is long gone but the fight of this incident continues.
02/24/06 TVBR #39
 "MyNetwork TV" coming 9/5
News Corp./FOX TV unveiled plans for "MyNetwork TV," a new localized network/programming service for its 10 stations left "without a net" after the shutdown of UPN, and others who decide they don't want the new CW Network. It will launch 9/5. The new net will supply prime-time programming including two hour-long telenovela dramas from Twentieth Television: "Desire" and "Secrets." It will also feature several reality shows. Business overview at the agency level - PHD CEO Steve Grubbs "..Their biggest challenge at this point is going to be distribution. If they are able to put some compelling programming on the air, that will help distribution as well as investment."
TVBR observation: First CW network now MyNetwork TV and it is a long way until the new season begins. Heck, it is only February. It is going to be a very interesting year.
02/23/06 TVBR #38
Clear Channel says corner
has been turned
Has weathered the tough year of 2005. The loss of inventory due to its less is more (LIM) initiative caused a 6% loss in radio revenue over the course of 2005, but the positive effect has been an increase in ratings, thanks to stations with less commercials and fewer breaks. Outdoor did well but there's more on the CCU drawing board - - or to put it another way, there will be further stress placed on items already on the drawing board. In particular, CCU execs noted the increased reliance by the automotive category in the Internet.
TVBR observation: Weathered the tough 2005 is correct and now the hard work begins as all clear eyes will be on 'LIM' by comparing the apples to apples. The radio medium waits for the Q1 2006 conference call results as many report that pacing for first quarter is way off in many markets and second quarter as of today is so-so.
02/22/06 TVBR #37
NAA investing 50M to push newspaper advertising
Not surprisingly, newspaper publishers think that newspapers are the most effective vehicle for advertisers to gain some ROI. The Newspaper Association of America is spending 50M to get that message out.
 TVBR observation: Too bad the ads are only going into newspapers and online. Maybe they'd be more effective if they used broadcast to get the word out. We personally read the newspaper yesterday, part of it anyway (some minor travel prevented as thorough a reading as usual). Hmmmmm...(chinstroke chinstroke)... we can't remember a single ad, though. What was that on the sports page, tires? Yeah, probably - - there are usually some tires there. But we're not sure. Certainly no clue which tires, if any... Don't get us wrong - - we love the newspaper. It just doesn't often get us into a particular store to buy a particular item. How about you?
02/21/06 TVBR #36
If Ya Need One, Just For Laughs
Sent to the editors of RBR/TVBR a song all about the FCC. So we share, if you need a laugh this morning, FCC Family Guy
|  Watch It Here |
Senators want to fill in white space
From both sides of the aisle appear to be tripping over one another to get a bill on wireless broadband on its way into the law books. Although there are two bills up for consideration, they appear to share a common approach - - use of "white space" in the broadcast spectrum.
TVBR observation: Stevens goes to pains in his version to make sure that broadcasters already resident in this spectrum are protected and "...urges the FCC to further establish an interference complaint resolution process..." There's more than one key spectrum involved in this story, and that is the political spectrum. Support for this measure is far and wide, leaving no reliable port for opponents. It will be key for broadcasters to make sure safeguards are part of any final language should either of these measures proceed.
02/21/06 TVBR #36
Hedge funds are changing the
broadcasting lending landscape
They're the new kids in town - - and these are big kids with lots of money. Over the past year or two, hedge funds have discovered the radio and television station business. They've become aggressive players in the lending market and have made other lenders become more competitive as well. All in all, it's been good news if you've needed to borrow money for a broadcast acquisition or refinancing.
TVBR note: If you did not see this special report read issue
02/20/06 TVBR #35
Cable-friendly study not friendly
Retransmission consent is just one facet of the ongoing battle between broadcast and cable. Broadcast Investment Analysts (BIA) have entered the fray with a study of a report on the topic from Arlen Communications which was entered in to the Congressional record by the American Cable Association. BIA's take? "Simply put, many of the arguments and analyses presented in the Arlen Study either omit or mischaracterize true broadcast industry conditions and lack sound economic reasoning."
02/170/6 TVBR #34
|
|
|
|
 |
Director of Sales
Sunny Santa Rosa a place to be with KFTY-TV seeking a DOS with 5 years experience from a top 75 market. If you are NSM or LSM needing challenge and growth then this is the place to be at KFTY-TV.
See TV Careers
Companies Looking
1. TeleFutura 49
2. Local Sales Manger KQCA-TV
3. Top TV editor for TVBR
4. Sales executive for TVBR
See TV Careers
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Help Desk
|
Having problems with our epapers?
Please send Questions/Concerns to:
Memberships@rbr.com
If you wish to remove your name completely from our database use this link __UNSUB__
TVBR Epaper -- 108 annual
or just 9 a month
|
|
|
|
©2006 Radio Business Report, Inc. All rights reserved.
Television Business Report -- 2050 Old Bridge Road, Suite B-01, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 -- Phone: 703-492-8191
|
|
