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Volume 22, Issue 85, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher
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Friday Morning April 29th, 2005
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TV News®
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 Auto biz disappointing,
but LIN is fighting back
Although LIN Television CEO Gary Chapman is optimistic about some of the initiatives his company has underway to boost revenues this year - - including deployment of its WAPA-America Hispanic cable network and growing Internet sales - - Q1 came in at the low end of LIN's revenue guidance with a 1.8% drop to 78.4 million. The company is telling Wall Street to expect Q2 to be up in the mid single digits, including two newly acquired stations - - so, down in the low single digits on a same station basis. Chapman says the most  disappointing sector is auto, which was down 2% in Q1. He reported a bright spot, though, in the automotive sector - - LIN's launch of auto classifieds in the Grand Rapids, MI market. The searchable classified ads are, of course, on the Internet, but are promoted on LIN's TV stations - - WOOD-TV (Ch. 8, NBC), WOTV-TV (Ch. 41, ABC) and WXSP-CA (Ch. 15, UPN). The contracts with dealers are for a full year and Chapman says the venture has already generated a million bucks in revenues, which is ahead of plan.
TVBR observation: Times may be tough for car dealers, but they're still spending a ton on newspaper classifieds. Bravo to Chapman and company for figuring out a way to tap into that revenue stream. No doubt LIN will soon expand this to other markets and there will others making similar moves. Go to www.woodtvcars.com to see what all the fuss is about.
NBC gets aboard the self-policing boat
NBC Universal announced that it will join other broadcast and cable entities in an effort to provide parents with better tools with which to control what their children are watching. On the broadcast side, it will run the Parental Ratings icon at the beginning of every program, and after every commercial break, and will provide age and content descriptors. Cable outlets, which include USA, SciFi, Bravo and others, are participating in the NCTA 250M campaign to educate viewers on use of the V-Chip and other devices to block undesirable programming. Chairman/CEO Bob Wright said, "We serve our viewers best by ensuring that they are fully informed about the content of our programs. We particularly want to provide information to parents so that they can judge the appropriateness of programming for their children. These changes provide our network and cable viewers with more frequent and more detailed information about our programs. By enhancing the visibility of content ratings, and raising awareness of the V-chip, we believe parents have the tools they need to make informed decisions." NBC had recently come under fire from the Parents Television Council in particular for its failure to provide the program descriptors, which PTC says makes the V-Chip worthless.
| MORE: From NBC, read the particulars of its new initiative |
Bloomberg wants "Tonight" back
 Look out Burbank! New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is trying to get NBC's "Tonight Show" back in his city. He pressed the idea this week while appearing on "Late Night" with Conan O'Brien - - who is scheduled to take over from Jay Leno in 2009. His Honor got no commitment from O'Brien, who noted, "It's not up to me - - I work for the man." The "Tonight Show" began its run in New York 50 years ago, but moved to the West coast in 1972 while Johnny Carson was host.
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PTC adds NCTA to indecency hit list
The NCTA just announced a 250M campaign to educate viewers about tools at their disposal to protect their children from undesirable programming. The Parents Television Council isn't buying it, calling the campaign a "sham." This follows blistering attacks on the broadcast industry on similar charges. PTCs complaint is based on the same complaint it has with broadcast content - - its study of the ratings system indicates that use of content descriptors is spotty and unreliable, and without them, the V-chip cannot do its job. PTC President Brent Bozell would rather have an a la carte menu option from cable operators. "This $250 million sham is being foisted on American consumers by the cable industry with the sole purpose of shirking responsibility for its product," he said. "In an effort to protect their billion-dollar empires, the cable industry is spending tens of millions of dollars on a red herring like the V-Chip. Instead, the industry should provide the ability for consumers to pick and choose - - and to pay for - - only those cable networks that subscribers want, rather than forcing consumers to pay for channels they don't want. And if the cable industry won't allow that to happen, they should be forced to abide by the very same indecency guidelines which govern network broadcasters."
 Mason Adams dead at 86
Mason Adams had a long acting career, but he's best known for his role as Charlie Hume on the "Lou Grant" TV series, which got him three Emmy nominations (though, unfortunately, no actual Emmy). With his distinctive voice, Adams was also well known for the tag-line, "With a name like Smucker's, it has to be good." Mason Adams died Tuesday at his home in Manhattan at age 86.
Woodruff leaving CNN
Judy Woodruff has told the Associated Press that she is leaving CNN when her contract expires in June. Woodruff said CNN offered her a new contract, but she wanted to get out of daily journalism to teach, write and work on long-form documentaries. She'll also be on CNN from time to time.
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| Publishers Perspective |
 Network TV's Big Problem:
No Passion
Ever wonder why the network programming gurus dump programming as well as your affiliate compensation? No passion or respect for programming content, or a commitment to find that right time slot. Once there were only three networks, now there are six with beaucoup cable channels. In days the network fall line ups will be announced and - nothing new or what guru dumped what program. The words of passion spoken by Jonathan Prince, creator & executive producer of American Dreams (AD) at NAB Vegas just may get your blood pumped again because Prince sees something lacking in TV today - Passion with Commitment. Put these two ingredients together and you have a winner. View Prince's Remarks. AD has all you need in programming, content, presentation, advertising support and what many want from the networks - - family value with education: it's called GOOD TV. It's no secret on my level of passion for the show, and if this is in doubt just re-read these columns 04/05/05 TVBR #67 along with the history of AD's American Bandstand. Bet you didn't know how Bandstand got its Brand - pg 2- 04/05/05 TVBR #67 The biggie - The advertiser was Ford Motor Company. Remember or know their support for American Dreams? No? This is where your national spot is heading--product placement. NBC will keep American Dreams or pull the plug. I say - NBC pull the plug - because you don't have Prince's Passion or Commitment. You now have Monday Night Football (MNF). ABC you did the best thing by not having MNF. It gives the opportunity to re-evaluate some of your programming to build passion and commitment to your lineups. ABC's affiliate board: Get on the phone to those decision-makers and tell them to pick up American Dreams. Remember history and let it repeat itself: American Bandstand (AB) is American Dreams and Dick Clark's AB was a key in building ABC 30 years ago. The first word of these programs and the network is "American." Get to know this program and what makes it tick - Get To Know The Cast.
Two quick reasons to have AD: If you were a teenager in the early 1960s, like I was, you looked forward to watching American Bandstand. Second, if you are too young to remember the 1960s, but are curious about the styles of dress, dialog, boy-girl infatuations, racial tension, religious conflicts over birth control, the "transistor radios" that everyone carried around, the round-screen black and white TVs, all those are very authentic in this TV series. It's a time machine. It's a great show.
See the Ford mini movie for product placement Then View It Here.
ABC Pick it Up - - Build from it - - because it is all American.
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| Conference Calls Q1 2005 |
Q1 nothing to write home about at LIN
LIN Television has been projecting that its core business should be up 0-3% in 2005, but CEO Gary Chapman conceded that wasn't the case in Q1. Rather, the core business was down 1.8% as net revenues also dropped 1.8% to 78.4 million. But while revenues were down, costs were up, so operating income plunged 44% to 8.5 million. "Although our first quarter revenues came in at the low end of our guidance, we remain optimistic about the remainder of the year. We are encouraged that our Spanish language initiatives, new business direct and internet sales are off to a terrific start and we seek to continue to grow these businesses throughout the year. In addition, now that we have closed in the purchase of WNDY and WWHO in Indianapolis, IN and Columbus, OH, we will have the benefit of these growth assets going forward," Chapman said in a comment on the quarter.
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Adbiz©
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Upfront predictions examined
In RBR/TVBR's May print issue examining the upfront process, we look a bit into predictions for 2005-2006's upfront. What about demand and potential CPM increases this time around? We excerpt a bit: It's a bit soft, as most are saying, due to an unimpressive scatter market. In fact, scatter pricing is down 5% overall vs. 2004-2005 upfront pricing. ZenithOptimedia Group predicted in its recent updated forecast that the 2005-06 network upfront will be "relatively soft." "Telecom and retail mergers, government scrutiny, high oil prices and the weak dollar have led advertisers such as P&G, Pfizer, Merck, and Kraft to exercise cancellation options at generally higher rates this year," noted the report, which predicts network TV ad spend will climb only 3% in 2005. | More On The Upfront |
 Med Gen using radio for
snoring products effort
Med Gen, manufacturers of the national brands Snorenz, snore relief throat spray and Good Nights Sleep, sleep aid throat spray, announced it has placed ad commitments with Plus Media Buying Services NY, for a 12 week blitz aimed at the over 100 million snoring sufferers nationally. "Getting the word out about Snorenz, is our most important job, as we move forward to meet our sales objectives," said Paul Kravitz, Med Gen CEO. "As a company, we suffer from publicitis, not having been able to communicate enough publicity for our brands or our company. Thus we suffer from an undervalued stock and under-recognized brands, Snorenz and Good Nights Sleep." Starting with Phoenix on KFYI-AM, the areas leading News/Talk station and continuing on to WBBM-AM Chicago, WIOD-AM-Miami, WBZ-AM Boston, KNX-AM Los Angeles and WINS-AM New York in two-week segments, Snorenz spots will air to a combined 56 million listeners. "This is a product that really works and few know of its existence," Kravitz said in a broadcast, which can be heard on Wall Street Reporter.com.
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| Media Markets & MoneyTM |
Plum skis into second Colorado market
A unique resort-based television group has just snagged its 5th station, getting Channel 16 in Aspen CO from Aspen Skiing Co. The seller has agreed to remain part of the business going forward, providing programming and marketing input. That's important to Plum, which is in small markets and nevertheless tries to emphasize locally-originated programming. This is its second Colorado station, joining Channel 16 Vail. Plum has three stations in northeastern beach areas, including Channel 18 in the Hamptons, Channel 22 in Nantucket and Channel 76 on the Vineyard. Don't go looking for these stations in any FCC database. They're not LPTVs, but rather cable-only channels wired to upper-class resorts.
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| Washington Beat |
Truth in Broadcasting Act introduced
The Senate Commerce Committee has been trying to schedule a hearing on an as-yet unintroduced bill concerning the use of video news releases (VNRs) by the government. Now, thanks to John Kerry (D-MA) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), when the committee finally gets around to having the hearing, it will have a bill to consider, the Truth in Broadcasting Act. The senators noted that such material has been ruled illegal covert propaganda by the Government Accounting Office, and would require that sourcing be provided on all such materials. An amendment similar to this bill attached to an unrelated piece of legislation on 4/14/05 has been withdrawn upon Commerce chair Ted Stevens' (R-AK) promise to hold hearings on a standalone bill. The hearings are expected early next month. Kerry said, "The American people deserve to know that they're not just watching the administration's spin on their local newscasts - - they're paying for it, too. It's one thing to watch Jon Stewart on television. It's another to imitate him with Americans' hard-earned tax dollars. In a time of record-budget deficits, we need to address this abuse of the public trust and waste of money." Lautenberg added, "Our government should not be in the business of fooling the public with fake news stories. If President Bush wants to promote his views, he can do that, but he should not hide behind fake reporters to get his message out. The President already has the 'Bully Pulpit' - he shouldn't need to use puppets pretending to be reporters."
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| Programming |
 "Nanny 911" a go for next season
Fox announced a second season pickup for the unscripted reality series "Nanny 911," hailing it as the #1 new unscripted series among teens 12-17 (and #2 is what?). Fox notes that it has also been gaining in adult viewers. "Nanny 911" follows veteran Head Nanny Lilian and her team of "specialist" nannies - - Stella, Deb and Yvonne - - who are armed with the dos and don'ts of child-rearing. "These diverse and knowledgeable English nannies have specific areas of expertise ranging from proper etiquette to controlling temper tantrums. Each one is ready to help exhausted parents tackle the issues creating chaos in their home and whip their families into tip-top shape," the network said in its PR for the show. "Nanny 911" is produced by Granada America. Bruce Toms and Paul Jackson serve as executive producers. Michael Shevloff and Gerry McKean are co-executive producers.
Paula Abdul responds to impending
American Idol special claims
American Idol judge Paula Abdul is taking a pre-emptive move to derail an impending controversy from an upcoming ABC special on "American Idol." (4/27 TVBR #83). Reportedly it will hinge on Corey Clark, a contestant who was dropped from the show in 2003 after producers learned about a past arrest. He is reportedly trying to sell a tell-all book about his experiences with the program, including an alleged affair with Abdul. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Abdul released a statement to "Access Hollywood": "Paula Abdul will not dignify the false statements made by Corey Clark with a response. Mr. Clark is an admitted liar and opportunist who engages in unlawful activities. He is communicating lies about Paula Abdul in order to generate interest in a book deal." As well, the LA Times reported Wednesday that Abdul's lawyer, Marty Singer, has sent a letter to ABC threatening legal action if it airs the special. The hour-long "Primetime Live" report by anchor John Quinones is scheduled May 4 (10 p.m. ET).
 20th Century Fox launches Familyguy.com
FamilyGuy.com began its rollout yesterday, offering Family Guy fans an interactive online entertainment experience and community to coincide with the return of the animated series 5/1. FamilyGuy.com launches with a sweepstakes offering, "Stewie's Radical Remodel", with a prize package that includes limited edition cel art, action figures, lunchboxes, inflatable chairs, posters, pillowcases and dartboards. FamilyGuy.com will give fans an opportunity to learn more about the show, the episodes, the actors; engage other fans via message boards; get behind the scenes access to the production process via a producers' blog; and enjoy tons of exclusive content, including a "classic clip of the day", scenes from upcoming episodes posted every Friday night, free downloads and buddy icons, and more. An online store offers DVDs, books, mobile phone ringtones, t-shirts and dozens of other Family Guy merchandise.
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| Ratings & Research |
Most watched papal funeral on broadcast TV
All news cable channels may have been wall-to-wall with coverage of the events in Rome as Pope John Paul II died and Pope Benedict XVI was selected to head the Roman Catholic Church, but the TVB has been crunching Nielsen data and found that broadcast TV was the overwhelming choice of viewers who were up early on April 8th to watch the funeral of John Paul II. According to TVB's analysis of Nielsen Media Research metered market data for the top 10 markets on April 8, 80.4% of television viewers of the coverage were watching a broadcast channel, while 19.6% followed the coverage on CNBC, CNN, CNN Headline News or Fox News Channel. TVB found that 2,599,527 viewers in those markets watched the broadcast coverage and 635,296 watched over cable. The aggregate broadcast rating was 8.02 HH; the aggregate cable rating was 1.96. "When it comes to watching historic events, Americans prefer the broadcast networks," said Chris Rohrs, TVB President.
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| Legal Ease |
 A legal-eagle eye view
of the Durbin amendment
We asked attorney Gregg P. Skall of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC for his thoughts on Sen. Dick Durbin's (D-IL) amendment to the McCain 527 bill which would expand the period during which broadcasters must offer political candidates lowest unit charge (LUC), and which would make such ads non-preemptible. Here's what he had to say: "Making broadcasters provide LUC to candidates throughout the year and giving them preemptible status is a terrible idea. It is probably unconstitutional and is tantamount to requiring illegal campaign contributions by all broadcasters. It is no different that requiring that all in the airlines and lodging industry subsidize political candidates by providing them deep discounts and bumping other passengers and guests if a politician wants a reservation. Those industries also rely on public benefits such as road construction and air traffic control and are not so different than broadcasters in that regard. Yet such benefits from them would likely be considered illegal corporate contributions and broadcasters should not be held to a different standard. "Polls demonstrate time and time again that Americans are sick of slickly produced political advertisements, the real reason why political campaigning has become so expensive. My experience is that broadcasters would gladly devote more time to political candidates if they would just come into the studio to speak for themselves and debate their opponents. That is where the real contribution can be made to the political process by America's broadcasters, but they need the cooperation of the politicians. Yet too many of them decline those invitations in favor of prepackaged advertising presentations that do not show what their positions are nearly as well as how good are their advertising agencies."
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| Stock Talk |
A dismal day on Wall Street
Stock prices took a tumble as the government reported that annualized GDP growth for Q1 of only 3.1% - - well below expectations. That raised fears that the recovery is running out of steam, even as inflation heats up and the Fed appears hell-bent on further rate hikes.
TV stocks were down across the board (OK, not quite - - ACME was up a penny). Hardest hit were Paxson, which plunged 12.1%, Emmis, down 4.7%, LIN, which fell 4.6% after its Q1 report, Nexstar, off 4.5%, and Young, down 4.3%.
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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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4.15
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+0.01
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McGraw-Hill
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MHP
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86.13
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-1.02
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Belo
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BLC
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23.23
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-0.20
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Media General
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MEG
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61.25
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-0.44
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Clear Channel
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CCU
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32.00
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-0.37
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Meredith
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MDP
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46.66
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-0.42
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Disney
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DIS
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25.90
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-0.94
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News Corp.
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NWS
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15.88 |
-0.15
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Emmis
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EMMS
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15.38
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-0.76
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Nexstar
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NXST
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5.59
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-0.27
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Entravision
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EVC
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7.78
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-0.23
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NY Times
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NYT
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32.84
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-0.24
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Fisher
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FSCI
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49.25
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-0.05
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Paxson
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PAX
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0.87
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-0.12
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Gannett
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GCI
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76.20
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-0.31
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Saga Commun.
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SGA
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14.20
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-0.55
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Gen. Electric
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GE
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35.67
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-0.73
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Scripps
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SSP
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50.60
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-0.40
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Granite
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GBTVK
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0.25
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unch
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Sinclair
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SBGI
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7.45
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-0.26
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Gray
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GTN
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12.96
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-0.16
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Time Warner
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TWX
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16.86
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-0.40
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Gray, C1. A
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GTNa
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12.38
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unch
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Tribune
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TRB
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37.48
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-0.95
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Hearst-Argyle
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HTV
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24.86
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-0.04
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Univision
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UVN
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26.26
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-0.29
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Jeff-Pilot
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JP
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48.07
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-0.07
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Viacom, Cl. A
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VIA
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35.00
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-0.47
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Journal Comm.
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JRN
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15.17
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-0.33
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Viacom, Cl. B
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VIAb
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34.76
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-0.52
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Liberty Corp
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LC
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35.90
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-0.85
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Wash. Post
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WPO
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858.20
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-1.93
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LIN TV
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TVL
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15.49
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-0.74
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Young
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YBTVA
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7.39
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-0.33 |
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Bounceback
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 We want to
hear from you.
This is your column, so send your comments to tvnews@rbr.com
Should it be changed to the National Association of Podcasters?
Regarding your April 19 "NAB Vegas The funny to start your morning" news clip (4/21/05 TVBR #77) ...what the hell is the NAB thinking?? Why didn't they just give ALL the attendees iPods! Whatever I'm missing with that must mean I've been doing this too long.
Lou Vespasian
Account Manager
Clear Channel Radio
Tulsa, OK
Editor's note: Lou we thought the same thing when it appeared on our computer screen. First it was WOW. Then, na nobody is that dumb. Then we laughed and asked the same question as you. So far nobody at the NAB has answered us so maybe they will answer you. Win an iPod at a radio convention.
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RBR - Radio News
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 Mel raises the bar at Sirius
After beating Q1 expectations for revenues and subscriber numbers, Sirius Satellite Radio CEO Mel Karmazin has increased the company's guidance for 2005. He's now projecting that Sirius will add 1.6 million subscribers this year, bringing its total to 2.7 million by the end of 2005. The previous guidance had been 2.5 million. Sirius is now projecting 2005 revenues of 215 million, up five million from its previous guidance. More importantly, Karmazin reaffirmed his commitment to move the still-young company out of red ink two years from now. The Zen Master told investors he expects not just to make Sirius profitable, but to make it a very profitable company. "Satellite radio is a hot category and we are the hottest company in that category. Consumers love our products and are increasingly recognizing our superior programming," Karmazin told the investors and analysts. According to recent research by Sirius, the biggest impediment to people becoming satellite radio subscribers is not the monthly subscription cost, but the cost of receivers. Thus, Sirius is launching a new 50-buck rebate program to entice people to buy receivers.
RBR observation: Mel is a great salesman and it's always fun to hear him make his pitch, even if we remain skeptical of the long-term viability of the satellite pay radio business. It was interesting to note that Sirius has found that its ad-supported talk and sports programming (plus Howard Stern on the horizon) is increasingly driving its subscriber growth. No wonder they brought in a new CEO who knows how to drive ad sales! Sirius is also reporting a lower churn rate than XM - - a monthly rate of 1.3% for Q1, which it claims is its lowest churn rate ever.
Radio Marches
forward 3%
Radio comps for March 2005 can be written in black ink, according to the latest figures from the Radio Advertising Bureau. A 3% gain in total business matched the gain in local - - a 5% uptick on the national side was insufficient to push the total figure any higher, and non-spot revenue was flat. The RAB said the gain was more impressive than it may look because the radio industry registered a double-digit gain in March 2004. YTD, local is up 2%, national is up 3% and non-spot is down at -2%, which when brewed all together results in a 2% gain.
RBR observation: These numbers, while not what you'd call eyecatching, are certainly in line with what we've been seeing since we got out from under the red-ink splatter of the dot-com bubble burst. What this means is that, while LIM doesn't seem to be causing a major revenue surge, neither does it seem to be punching a gaping hole into early 2005 results.
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Radio & Television
Business Report
The First Real Monthly
Business Media Magazine
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'05 Clock is Ticking -
Heading for Closure
June Magazine
National Sales:
EDI - Electronic Delivered Invoicing
Special Analysis:
Public now Go Private
Media, Markets & Money:
Shakers & Makers in the
Public Market
Reserve your Ad Marketing
Space today Advertising space
is limited, contact:
June Barnes jbarnes@rbr.com
Jim Carnegie jcarnegie@rbr.com
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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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TVBR FIRST
Warning to broadcasters: Politicians into your wallet again
The Senate Rules Committee passed to the full body Senate Resolution 271, which is intended to rein in 527 groups, which were able to indulge in unbridled political ad spending sprees during the 2004 election. But an amendment tacked on at the last minute by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) would also make broadcasters provide even cheaper ads to political campaigns. The bill was sponsored by John McCain (R-AZ).
TVBR observation: There will never be an end to the efforts of politicians to get themselves free or discounted airtime - - we all as a rule are willing to go to bat for our own wallets. However, of all the avenues available to voters to get information about elections, issues and candidates, political ads are the rock-bottom worst. If a proposal involves improving reporting, increasing the number of debates, encouraging town hall meetings, and other vehicles to provide critical information to voters, we're ready to talk. But if the proposal is simply to plunder the inventory of broadcasters so we can find out that Candidate X has a photogenic family, likes flags and is running against Attila the Hun, then forget it. Now we need the NAB at full force and all State Broadcaster Associations to kick in. 04/28/05 TVBR #84
Fritts gives Congress a
DTV counterweight
"[T]he corporate financial interests of a handful of technology companies should not trump the needs of American television viewers. Make no mistake: a premature end to analog television could leave millions of Americans without access to free local TV station signals. The harm to these consumers Read the full text of the letter here 04/28/05 TVBR #84
Universal McCann's Coen:
2004 was better than thought
Tallying up the final numbers for 2004 ad spending - - and concluded that the year came in a bit better than he had projected in December. National advertisers was stronger, while local ad spending lagged. Local radio finished up 3%, rather than the 4% that Coen had projected. Likewise, local TV was up only 7.3%, not 8.5%. Network TV, however, rose 11.2%, not just 9.5%, and national spot TV gained 14.3%, rather than 10%. "Consolidations in many areas have reduced the number of local marketers and often redirected spending into nationally distributed media. The Wal-Mart effect has cut into the available co-op advertising funds.." 04/27/05 TVBR #83
Fox News issues legal threat
to ABC over "Idol" expose
ABC has been warned in writing it could face legal fallout for airing its scathing behind-the-scenes look at Fox's American Idol. Fox owner Rupert Murdoch has informed execs it appears ABC is attempting to maliciously "destroy" the nation's most-watched series as it heads into the final weeks. Fox believes ABC has interviewed a half a dozen losing contestants -- contestants who will claim Idol producers and judges somehow manipulate the show's outcome. TVBR observation: ABC if you have a confirmed story run it and don't get intimidated by Murdoch. Remember what Murdoch attempted with the Glover against Nielsen. ABC as for your programming - we advise you again you need quality content so talk with Jonathan Prince of American Dreams and pick up this program. Don't let the A in ABC stand for Almost and leverage your radio and all broadcast assets. You can make a big difference this fall. 04/27/05 TVBR #83
Raycom launching video channel
Has figure out what to do with one of its multicast digital channels. It's teamed with MTV co-founder Les Garland to launch a new video music channel. The new venture, Tube Music Network, will feature adult contemporary (AC) music and target adults 35+. It will be based in Miami and air on a digital channel of each of Raycom's 39 stations. And before you apply to be a video jock - - don't bother. There won't be any, just non-stop music videos. (At least in the beginning.) TVBR observation: One thing about Garland is he came from Radio first and was a great RKO program director. Always trust a great '70's Top 40 PD.
04/26/05 TVBR #82
Susquehanna sell-off:
Who makes sense?
When it comes to the sale of Susquehanna Media, getting the money together to make a bid isn't the only thing to consider. Financial backing for acquisitions is plentiful for all of the established players. So then there's the strategic question: Who fits and who doesn't? We can guarantee this - - Clear Channel won't be the overall buyer. We examine the possibilities market-by-market.
RBR observation: We've already mentioned that Cox Radio is the ideal buyer, The other really good fit that emerges from our market-by-market analysis is Entercom, although it wouldn't have a use for the cable properties. 04/26/05 RBR #82
Elvis Presley Enterprises
to air first promotional ads on TV
Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) has created two 30-second TV spots designed to attract vacationing families to Graceland, via Thompson & Co. It will be the first time in history that the company has used TV ads to promote Graceland. The commercials, tagged, "Graceland. Where Elvis Lives," will air nationally beginning in late April. EPE is leveraging two primetime CBS shows set to air in during the sweeps month of May. The first, "Elvis," is a two-part miniseries; "Elvis By the Presleys" is a TV special with interviews from Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley. The ads will air on Dish Network's women-targeted channels including HGTV, Lifetime, Food Network, Style, Discovery Home, WE, Lifetime Movie Network and SoapNET. 04/26/05 TVBR #82
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