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Volume 23, Issue 69, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher
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Friday Morning April 7th, 2006
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TV News ®
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 NBC-ya-later: Media General scores four
NBC Universal has made good on its promise to spin of some of its O&O television stations (1/12/06 TVBR #8). Getting a quartet of them will be Media General, picking up stations in Raleigh, Columbus OH, Birmingham and Providence. The deal will set off another round of selling by the buyer, including but not limited to a cap-required spin-off in Birmingham. The cash transaction is expected to come home at about 600 million bucks. The stations, all of which carry the NBC Television Network, are WNCN-TV Channel 17 in Raleigh-Durham (Nielsen DMA #29); WCMH-TV Channel 4 Columbus OH (Nielsen DMA #32); WVTM-TV Channel 13 Birmingham AL (Nielsen DMA #40); and WJAR-TV Channel 10 Providence RI (Nielsen DMA #51). The only required spin-off for Media General is its Birmingham CBS affiliate, WIAT-TV 42. However, it announced plans to sell CBS affiliates KWCH-TV Wichita KS (along with three satellites), KIMT-TV Mason City IA and WDEF-TV Chattanooga TN, together or separately by year's end.
NBC's Jay Ireland, explained the group's rationale, saying, "NBC Universal's decision to sell these four stations is part of our strategy to focus on larger, duopoly markets in local communities which NBC and Telemundo can serve together." For its part, Media General is happy to have a chance to expand with strong properties. Said Marshall N. Morton, "Our purchase of these stations is consistent with our growth strategy and will advance, in two ways, our goal of building upon our position of strength in growing Southeastern markets. First, we will add the key Raleigh-Durham market to our footprint. Second, the NBC station we are acquiring in Birmingham has a broader signal than the CBS station we currently own, giving us the opportunity to reach more households in that market. At the same time, while the Columbus and Providence stations we are acquiring are outside the Southeast, our station portfolio will benefit from their strength in audience and revenue share and from their position in growing, larger-market DMAs."
 Vieira gets "Today" nod
Jeff Zucker had plenty of warning that Katie Couric was thinking of jumping ship, so the CEO of NBC Universal Television Group had already been lining up her replacement on the "Today" show. In fact, his pick was widely rumored as reported in TVBR and elsewhere. The rumor is correct. Meredith Vieira will jump from ABC to NBC to take the "Today" slot. "Meredith's vast experience as an award-winning journalist, as well as talk show host, make her the ideal candidate for this job. She joins a distinguished legacy of 'Today' show co-anchors: from Barbara Walters to Jane Pauley to Katie Couric. We're lucky to have her as the newest member of 'Today,' and I am thrilled to welcome her to the NBC family," Zucker said. "Before Jeff changes his mind, I am honored to accept this amazing opportunity," said Vieira. "Not only is the 'Today' show a great program within a superb news organization, it's also where America turns to begin the day. I look forward to joining Matt, Ann and Al in giving America the best each morning," she added. With Vieira leaving, it's ABC/Disney that now has a couple of positions to fill. Vieira has been moderator of "The View" since its inception in 1997. She has also hosted the syndicated version of "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire," distributed by Buena Vista Television.
VNU management appeals for shareholder support
The parent company of Nielsen Media Research is still trying to convince shareholders that a nine billion bucks buyout by a group of private equity funds is their best choice. VNU took its case directly to shareholders yesterday with full-page ads in the Wall Street Journal and several European newspapers. The public letter to shareholders address the major issues raised by some major shareholders who are less than pleased with the buyout bid. VNU management insisted that selling the company in pieces would result in less cash for shareholders, rather than more, due to adverse tax consequences. The letter also insisted that proposals to reconfigure the company, cut costs and focus on growth "carry a high level of uncertainty," while the buyout eliminates risk and delivers value to shareholders now. The plea from VNU management urged shareholders to review the fairness opinions from Credit Suisse and NM Rothschild included in the offering documents and the section dealing with the rationale by the executive and supervisory boards in approving the buyout. "In short, the all-cash offer is the right deal at the right time for VNU, our shareholders, clients and employees," the ad said. The tender offer for VNU shares (4/4/06 TVBR #66) is scheduled to end May 5th. Acceptance by 95% of shareholders is required for the deal to go through - - and management faces an uphill battle in reaching that level.
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 UCC crying foul over "Ejector" rejection
The ad, called "Ejector," is designed to attract parishioners to the United Church of Christ - - in particular, people who feel uncomfortable elsewhere. It's been rejected by broadcast networks, and is now being shut out of co-owned cable outlets under the Viacom and NBC Universal umbrellas. They report receiving the following from NBC/Universal's USA Network: "Unfortunately, NBC standards & practices has rejected this spot and it is not approved to air on USA Network," dated March 27. And this from Viacom's MTV: "I just wanted to let you know that currently MTV Networks commercial standards & practices cannot accept this 'Ejector' spot from United Church of Christ because of the political nature of its content," on March 30. UCC says that while ABC Television turned the ad down, it is running on the co-owned ABC Family cable channel. UCC's Ron Buford said, "There could not be a more concrete example of what happens when our media is in the hands of a few corporate elites who simply don't agree with you. They can simply turn you off. Click, goodbye."
TVBR observation: We've been saying all along that all along that it is dangerous to start playing traffic cop when it comes to political and issue advertising. Doesn't it seem fair that if UCC can pay the freight they should be allowed to say their piece? You can just hear the argument Buford made above being repeated before the judge the next time ownership consolidation goes back to court. On the other hand, if a hate group came forward with enough cash to pay the going rate, should they be allowed to spew whatever venom they choose on their own dime? Is there a point where commercial speech becomes the equivalent of yelling fire falsely in a crowded theater? Where is the line? Should there be a line? Who's right, UCC or the networks? Inquiring trade media minds want to know - - our Bounceback section is ready and willing to publish your thoughts on the matter (we only request that all guest authors please include a digital photo).
| Synopsis of ad as provided by UCC |
 V-N-Aaaarrrrrggggghhh!
Stations leaking PR into news
The infamous video news release (VNR) is back. It was a big topic last year after it was learned that they were a frequent PR (the nice term) or propaganda (the not-so-nice term) tool of the Bush administration. Now, watchdogs The Center for Media and Democracy and Free Press have released a study which found 77 such "stories" included in local newscasts without attribution. This time, though, the government is not at the center of the story. The producers behind the latest crop are from the private sector, companies like GM, Capital One, Intel and Pfizer. The watchdogs have organized an email campaign directed to the FCC, saying, "At no time during these newscasts did the stations identify the corporate sponsors as the sources of the material. This deception violates FCC's sponsorship identification rules and broadcasters' responsibility to serve the public. The FCC must investigate this abuse, clarify disclosure requirements and penalize all stations that air fake news." The Radio-Television News Directors Association immediately jumped into the fray with a warning to broadcast stations, saying, "In the wake of a report about the use of video news releases without attribution on local television stations, the Radio-Television News Directors Association strongly urges station management to review and strengthen their policies requiring complete disclosure of any outside material used in news programming." It is redistributing guidelines on the use of VNRs developed by its Ethics Committee to all member stations.
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| Wall Street Media Business Report TM |
News Corporation agrees to poison pill vote
Shareholders of News Corporation are going to get to vote on the company's poison pill that's designed to keep John Malone or anyone else from launching a takeover bid that's not approved by management. The agreement to allow a poison pill vote came just hours before News Corporation CEO Rupert Murdoch was to give a deposition today in a lawsuit brought by shareholders who had claimed that the company went back on a promise to let shareholders vote on whether to extend the poison pill last year and extended it without the promised vote (10/10/05 TVBR #198). The settlement announced late yesterday will now give shareholders that vote this coming October, although management will have the authority to extend the poison pill through October 2009 if necessary to keep Malone at bay.
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Ad Business Report TM
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 Rutman on the upfront
Charlie Rutman, MPG CEO, spoke to us for our May upfront feature story in RBR/TVBR Solutions Magazine. MPG clients include Reckitt Benekiser, Fidelity Investments, Outback Restaurants and Hershey's. Here are a couple excerpts from Harry on this year's upfront/pre-upfront marketplace...so far:
How could you describe this year's marketplace so far?
"Manageable. Over the years a lot of marketplace forces are at work where we've kind of reached a level of equilibrium. Instead of upfront buying being thought of as an Olympic sport I think it's now thought of as a business practice. I think the emotion is kind of gone. You'll still get some posturing in this and this but I would call it manageable."
What about the Nielsen commercial/minute-by-minute and Live/Plus ratings controversies? Will it be have an impact on the upfront?
"Oh yeah, it will have an impact. But I don't want to negotiate in the press. I think what we'll have are professional dialogues, and this is all a work in progress. This is all new and we're not drawing any lines in the sand. I think what our approach is going to be is to try to find a workable place to start and then throughout the year adjust as we become more knowledgeable and smarter. I'd like to think of our relationships as partnerships as opposed to buyers-sellers. If you think like that and you work like that these things tend to not become major obstacles."
Nautica launches new marketing campaign
The Nautica brand announced Ed Burns will appear in its "Navigate life" global marketing campaign, featuring the actor, writer, director, producer and father in a series of ads as he navigates through life situations and showcases his ability to transition from business to an active lifestyle. The effort will celebrate life's travels, adventures and relationships and depicts the spirit of a man of style who takes advantage of life by merging work and play. "Ed Burns is a multi-faceted career and family man which is why we selected him to appear in our new ad campaign. He is a role model for both men and women and represents all-American style," said Denise Seegal, VF Sportswear CEO. "We strive to form an emotional connection with our consumer through our campaigns, featuring people in real- life situations, similar to the events in their own lives. Ed Burns is someone our consumers can emulate and embodies the balanced, energetic lifestyle of the Nautica brand." Laird + Partners NY created the campaign which will appear in over 25 publications, major newspapers in Nautica's top 10 markets and air on television during the summer.
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| Media Business Report TM |
Disney to market phones for kids
Disney unveiled a mobile-phone service Wednesday at the CTIA Wireless 2006 mobile wireless convention in Las Vegas. The Disney Mobile phone service, which starts in June, is intended for teenagers tweens, children between the ages 10 and 12. Parents can use a tool on the phone called "Family Center" to monitor the number of minutes their children are using and set allowances for monthly use of voice minutes and text messages. They can also block out a period of time during which children won't be able to make calls to anyone except in an emergency and can place restrictions on what calls and messages their children can send and receive from certain phone numbers, reported The San Francisco Chronicle. Parents will also be able to track their children using GPS that can pinpoint where their children are on a map. Family members will be able to send priority text messages to one or all members to alert them if they're running late or want a return phone call. The service will feature phones from Pantech and LG. Disney officials said the phones will start at 59.99 with a contract, but it did not release a price for its service. The phones and plans will be sold first online at disneymobile.com and mall kiosks before they go on sale at retail stores later in the year.
Disney Mobile and Mobile ESPN to
launch co-branded mall kiosks
Speaking of those kiosks, Disney Mobile and Mobile ESPN will launch mall kiosks nationwide as part of a distribution agreement that will extend the retail reach of both wireless service providers. Brightpoint will act as a master dealer and manage independent mobile dealers to operate the retail locations. The two-sided kiosks, which reflect the unique products of Mobile ESPN and Disney Mobile, offer Mobile ESPN and Disney Mobile-approved wireless service plans, equipment and accessories. Brightpoint, Disney Mobile and Mobile ESPN have selected 60 key mall locations throughout the US to test the concept and anticipate a national roll out later this year or early 2007. Specific locations have not been disclosed.
 Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and TCM content now on Verizon Wireless V CAST
Verizon Wireless and TBS announced that V CAST customers can view content from Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on their V CAST- enabled phones. Drawing from the world's largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network will provide V CAST customers with video content from the network's original series, including The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, The Powerpuff Girls, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Codename: Kids Next Door and Dexter's Laboratory. V CAST customers who want to view edgy animated comedy and action series can download content from Adult Swim, Cartoon Network's late night sister service with content from original productions, including The Venture Bros., Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Sealab 2021 and Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law. In addition, V CAST customers can continue to access CNN video-on-demand clips from Now in the News (updated hourly), as well as additional programming offered from categories including Top Stories, Business News, Sports, Politics and Entertainment.
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| Washington Media Business Report TM |
FCC open meeting next week
...and that's just about all you need to know about it. Wireless Telecommunications will dominate the proceedings, along with Engineering and Technology items (as it relates to Wireless Telecommunications) and International (also as it relates to Wireless Telecommunications). In short, if you're a broadcaster, don't cancel any prior engagements to fly into Washington for this one.
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| NAB Day Time Planner |
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The following will be attending the NAB.
Call or email to make your
appointment in advance.
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EQUIPMENT
Les Kutasi, Sales Manager; Stainless, Booth #C2447, 215-631-1313, lkutasi@stainlessllc.com
BROKERS
Todd Fowler/David Reeder/Gene Ferry, American Media Services, Bellagio, 843-972-2200, dreeder@ams.fm,
gferry@ams.fm, tfowler@ams.fm
Cliff Gardiner,
Clifton Gardiner & Company,
303-758-6900, The Wynn Hotel, cliff@cliftongardiner.com
Andy McClure/Dean LeGras,
The Exline Company, The Wynn Hotel,
415-479-3484, exline@pacbell.net
Frank Boyle, Frank Boyle & Co., LLC, Hilton Grand Vacations Villa,
703/765-8300, fboylebrkr@aol.com
Gordon Rice, Gordon Rice Associates,
843-884-3590, Treasure Island, gordon@gordonriceassociates.com
John L. Pierce, John Pierce & Company LLC, Mirage Hotel, 859-647-0101, cell 859-512-3015, jpierce@johnpierceco.com
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Jamie Rasnick,
John Pierce & Company LLC, Mirage Hotel, 859-647-0101, cell 513-252-1186, jrasnick@johnpierceco.com
Dick Kozacko/George Kimble,
Kozacko Media Services, The Wynn Hotel, office 607-733-7138, cell 607-738-1219, rkozacko@stny.rr.com
Elliot Evers/Brian Pryor/
Adam Altsuler/Tim Beach
Media Venture Partners, LLC, 415-391-4877,
eevers@mediaventurepartners.com, pcarberryharris@mediaventurepartners.com
Larry Patrick/Greg Guy,
Patrick Communications, Bellagio,
410-740-0250, larry@patcomm.com
Glenn Serafin, Serafin Bros.,
Aladdin Hotel, office 813-885-6060,
cell 813-494-6875, gserafin@tampabay.rr.com
LAWYERS
Gregg P. Skall
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC 202-857-4441, Wynn Hotel gskall@wcsr.com |
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| Entertainment Media Business Report TM |
Interactive Television Networks
launching The Karaoke Channel
Interactive Television Networks announced the launch of The Karaoke Channel, the first IPTV karaoke channel. The Karaoke Channel is the product of a three-year agreement between ITVN and Sound Choice, the leading karaoke music producer in the US. The 24/7 channel will feature thousands of individual song titles from Sound Choice, with titles spanning over 100 years of music and including the biggest hits from every genre. Additional titles will be added every month. "The Karaoke Channel provides our subscribers the fun of karaoke in the comfort and privacy of their own home," said Charles Prast, CEO of ITVN. "We are pleased to add The Karaoke Channel to ITVN's growing lineup of music, film and entertainment channels, including PULSE music video network, ITVN Radio, LacrosseTV, MavTV, the Silver Screen Network and Indie Film Theater." The Karaoke Channel will be available in June for 4.95 per month. ITVN subscribers can also purchase The Karaoke Channel for a 48 hour period for 2.95.
 Telemundo in Mexican production deal
NBC Universal's Telemundo network announced that it has partnered with Groupo Xtra to form a new TV production studio in Mexico. Estudios Mexicanos Telemundo will produce novelas and other programming for broadcast in Mexico, the US and other Spanish-speaking markets. The plan is to begin producing the first novela before the end of this year. The partners are also creating a second company, Palmas 26, which will explore business opportunities in the Mexican TV industry. Groupo Xtra, controlled by the billionaire Saba family, is involved in tourism, real estate and other businesses in Mexico.
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| Ratings & Research |
Study: DVR ownership doesn't change TV ad recall
Millward Brown's 2006 DVR Ad Impact Study shows that there is no difference in ad recall or ad recognition between DVR owners and non-owners for ads aired on network TV during prime time. Using its proven methods for evaluating ad recall and ad recognition, Millward Brown worked with ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC for the project. "This is great news for marketers and the advertising industry," said Michelle de Montigny, SVP/Millward Brown Media Practice. "Counter to recent industry concerns, TV advertising is not dead, and DVR owners are not less engaged with TV ad viewing. Consumers who own DVRs are more likely to pay attention to television during commercial breaks when viewing live and are less likely to be distracted by other activities that non-DVR owners get involved with." Among DVR owners surveyed, 61% of their prime-time viewing was done live, whereas programs were recorded and viewed later 39% of the time. The research findings were consistent across the four categories covered in the study - - Cars, Cell Phones, Fast Food Restaurants and Movies. The results showed no decrease in ad recall or ad recognition among DVR owners in any of the four segments. Interestingly, in the movie category, where advertising campaigns are more short-lived, there was slightly greater ad recall and ad recognition among DVR owners than was reported by non-owners. The study measured ad recall and ad recognition for TV across multiple brands in each of the four categories. All ads aired on Tuesday and Thursday nights in March, during prime time on the four major networks. The survey was conducted online among 2,000 respondents between 48 and 72 hours after the ads aired to give DVR owners time to play back recorded programs.
 The Doctor is back in the list
"Dr. Phil" moved back into the top 10 in the latest week's syndication ratings, provided by the Syndicated Network Television Association (SNTA) based on Nielsen Media Research data. That gave KingWorld six of the top 10 shows as the good doctor bumped Paramount's "Entertainment Tonight" from the list.
| View the Chart |
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| Stock Talk |
Soft retail sales hurt stocks
Major retail chains reported that March sales were unimpressive, which is always bad news for media stocks. But in the broader market there were concerns about inflation, as unemployment claims fell for a third week and oil prices rose. The Dow Industrials finished the day with a loss of 23 points, or 0.2%, at 11,217. However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite managed to post a small gain.
TV stocks closed mixed. LIN gained 2.4% and CBS rose 2.3%. Entravision was the day's worst performer, down 1.1%.
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| Stocks |
Here's how stocks fared on Thursday
| Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
Company |
Symbol |
Close |
Change |
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Acme
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ACME
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4.90
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+0.34
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LIN TV
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TVL
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8.63
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+0.20
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Belo
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BLC
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19.69
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-0.02
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McGraw-Hill
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MHP
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58.30
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+0.42
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| CBS CI. B |
CBS |
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25.47
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+0.57
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Media General
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MEG
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45.85
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unch
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| CBS CI. A |
CBSa |
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25.54
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+0.57
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Meredith
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MDP
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56.48
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+0.48
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Clear Channel
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CCU
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29.30
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+0.18
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News Corp.
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NWS
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18.03
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+0.13
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Disney
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DIS
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27.68
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-0.11
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Nexstar
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NXST
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4.90
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+0.01
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Emmis
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EMMS
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15.51
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-0.02
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NY Times
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NYT
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25.41
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+0.11
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Entravision
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EVC
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8.99
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-0.10
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Ion Media
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ION
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0.92
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-0.01
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Fisher
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FSCI
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42.85
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-0.43
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Saga Commun.
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SGA
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9.01
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+0.01
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Gannett
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GCI
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60.92
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+1.25
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SBS
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SBSA
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5.51
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-0.02
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Gen. Electric
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GE
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34.51
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+0.09
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Scripps
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SSP
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45.79
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+0.51
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Granite
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GBTVK
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0.12
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unch
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Sinclair
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SBGI
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7.84
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+0.06
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Gray
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GTN
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8.52
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+0.16
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Time Warner
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TWX
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16.69
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-0.11
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Gray, C1. A
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GTNa
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8.19
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+0.17
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Tribune
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TRB
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27.18
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-0.13
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Hearst-Argyle
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HTV
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23.13
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-0.07
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Univision
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UVN
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34.77
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+0.02
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Journal Comm.
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JRN
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12.24
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-0.11
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Wash. Post
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WPO
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763.95
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+5.95
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Lincoln Natl.
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LNC
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57.26
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-0.45
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Young
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YBTVA
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3.08
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-0.01
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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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 CW adds a programmer
Michael Roberts has been named Executive Vice President, Current Programming, at the CW, a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation scheduled to launch this fall. He'll already be familiar with some of the shows, since he is currently Exec. VP, Current Programming, at The WB.
The Buzz on Ward
Former Emmis Television Sr. VP of Programming and Marketing has been named Sr. VP of business Development for the "Daily Buzz." The morning news programmed, syndicated to stations covering 39% of US TV Households, is owned 50/50 by Emmis and ACME.
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Below the Fold
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Ad Business Report
Rutman on the upfront
I think it's now thought of as a business practice...
Media Business Report
Marketing phones for kids
Disney unveiled a mobile-phone Service Wed., starts in June...
Entertainment Media
Business Report
Interactive Television Networks
Launching The Karaoke Channel like the old days of following the Bouncing Ball...
Washington Media Business Report
FCC open meeting
Next week, That's just about all you need to know...
Ratings & Research
Study: DVR ownership
Doesn't change TV ad recall...
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Stations for Sale
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New York City
2 LPTVs digital and analog
reaching 8 million people. (Class A)
$8 million cash for BOTH
George Kimble
Kozacko Media Services
520-465-4302
georgewkimble@aol.com
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More News Headlines
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BCFM to honor
Clarke Brown
Clarke Brown, retired President of Jefferson-Pilot's Radio Division, will receive Broadcast Cable Financial Management Association's (BCFM) 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award and serve as Tuesday morning's keynote speaker at the Association's 46th Annual Conference June 11-13 in Orlando. "While it's true that Clarke Brown started out as an advertising account executive, and worked with Hugh Wilson, creator and executive producer for the sitcom 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' his incredible career in the industry wouldn't have provided much inspiration for the show's bumbling advertising executive Herb Tarlek," said BCFM's President and CEO Mary Collins in announcing Brown's selection.
Editor's note: In fact, Clarke was cited as the model for the Tarlek character, based more on wardrobe and attitude than sales ability, where Clarke excelled and Herb, alas, did not.
AIM TV and 2waytraffic build on-air, interactive community
AIM Tell-A-Vision Group, a production and syndication company in the U.S. targeting U.S. born Latinos and interactive content developer and producer 2waytraffic announced plans to involve viewers directly in AIM TV's hit shows American Latino TV and LatiNation. Viewers will be prompted to participate in polls, trivia and send in their opinions about topics addressed in the shows by sending in text messages from their mobile phones. Poll results and viewer comments will then be displayed on-line at www.latination.tv/mobile and www.americanlatino.tv/mobile. LatiNation is a weekly syndicated magazine show that showcases the generation of Latino youth living in the U.S. today and American Latino TV is a syndicated, half-hour program that celebrates the growing American Latino movement in the US. Both formats reach approximately 1.2 million viewers per episode in over 65 million households. Viewers will answer questions and express themselves by sending text messages to the premium number "76666" to participate. A fee of $0.99 will be billed to their mobile phone each time they participate.
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TVBR Radar 2006
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Television News you won't read any where else. TVBR--First, Accurate, and Independently Owned.
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UBS signs on with Ion
Now that the former Paxson Communications has gotten its balance sheet in better order, Ion Media Networks has hired UBS Securities to advise the company on its financial strategy. The move follows the company's successful refinancing of 1.1 billion of debt in December and its report of much-improved Q4 results.
TVBR observation: While Burgess has stopped the hemorrhaging of cash and put Ion back within striking distance of positive cash flow, there are still financial challenges to be dealt with. At some point, of course, NBC Universal would like to cash out of its investment in Paxson/Ion, but not at a bargain basement price. The objective now is to find programming partners to enhance the value of Ion, while at the same time raising some new capital and further improving the balance sheet.
04/06/06 RBR #68
End to cross-ownership ban
The Third Circuit affirmed the FCC's decision to allow broadcast properties to be owned in conjunction with newspaper assets in a single media market. That's the message FCC Chairman Kevin Martin delivered to the Newspaper Association of America. Martin wonders if a easing on cross-ownership restrictions may have been allowed if the issue had been addressed separately from the many other issues included in predecessor Michael Powell's omnibus ruling approach. For more and Martin's comments see
04/05/06 TVBR #67
VNU tender set to end May 5th
The public tender for shares of VNU, the parent company of Nielsen Media Research, has begun and is set to conclude May 5th. Between now and that deadline, the management of VNU and the equity funds offering a nine billion bucks buyout will be facing an uphill battle to convince reluctant shareholders to accept the offer and tender their shares. Look for the annual shareholders meeting on April 18th to be a hot affair as VNU's management makes a last-ditch appeal to salvage this deal.
04/04/06 TVBR #66
Tough quarter for TV stocks
As ad demand, particularly automotive, continues to be soft, most television stocks lost ground in Q1 2006. Of the 34 stocks tracked daily by TVBR, only 13 posted price gains for the quarter. The best and worst performers were penny stocks: Readem here
04/04/06 TVBR #66
Local crews banned
from NFL sidelines
A move that caught everyone by surprise, the National Football League owners voted last week to no longer allow local TV camera crews to shoot video from the sidelines during NFL games. That means the only cameras that will be allowed are those of the national network airing the game and those of NFL Films.
TVBR observation: What is the problem with the NFL? Money - as it is always about the money and NFL Films is the producer of great stuff on the NFL and it makes money from their productions and films. To local stations best make a trip to the local NFL owner and say "Don't cry when fans are not in the stand during a losing season. Last... then have these same discussions with your local radio broadcaster managers in the market. You will get the attention of the local NFL owner real quick. In short - Just an incredibly dumb decision by a bunch of guys with more money than brains. But then, that's the definition of someone who would want to own a pro sports team.
04/0/3/06 TVBR #65
Both sides digging in on VNU bid
Just who will own Nielsen's parent company a few months from now is anybody's guess. Reports from Europe say VNU management is refusing to withdraw its endorsement of a nine billion bucks private equity buyout, even though it looks like the vote won't even come close to the required 95% shareholder approval. CFO, Rob Ruijter, as threatening that if the deal is rejected, he and most other members of the supervisory and executive boards will quit. He may well have to deliver on that threat.
TVBR observation: What happens then? CEO Rob van den Bergh has already announced plans to depart. If Ruijter and the board members quit as well, VNU would be left without anyone in charge. Dissident shareholder Knight Vinke Asset Management says it has candidates for a new CEO in mind and the investment group has also laid out its plan for how VNU should be split up and much of it sold off. But other big investors haven't committed to Knight Vinke's plans. Presumably, life and business would go on as usual at the operating units, such as Nielsen Media Research, AC Nielsen and the publishing group while the company's owners hash out what to do with the company and whom to hire to do it.
Publisher perspective: This is corporate cluster X0Z..K! Only thing saving the motherlands HQ execs and investors buns is the people at Nielsen in the USA staying focused during their jobs and doing it well under these press circumstances. HQ ain't running the day to day and both sides fighting better realize it is the people saving your Knockwurst. It is not brain surgery on how to restructure this excellent company if you are in the broadcasting media business since that is the client base of VNU/Nieslen. Don't know how then just ask if you can forget your pride.
03/31/06 TVBR #64
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