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Volume 22, Issue 97, Jim Carnegie, Editor & Publisher

Tuesday Morning May 17th, 2005

TV News®

NBC adds six new series for Fall sked
In NYC yesterday, NBC announced its 2005-06 Fall primetime schedule with a lineup of three new dramas, one new comedy and two unscripted series. The new dramas include "E-Ring", pictured, starring actors Benjamin Bratt and Dennis Hopper (Wednesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET), "Inconceivable" (Fridays, 10-11 p.m. ET) and "Fathom." New comedies being include "My Name Is Earl" (Tuesdays, 9-9:30 p.m. ET), "Four Kings," and "Thick and Thin." The annual program announcement was made by Jeff Zucker, President, NBC Universal Television Group and Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment, before the advertising community, affiliates and press at Radio City Music Hall. "NBC viewers will see fresh talent and bold, original concepts in our new series next year," said Reilly, "Our goal is to create real excitement, especially at 8 p.m., which will pay dividends throughout each night. We're eager to be number one again, and this freshman class, combined with NBC's powerful core schedule and recent successes like "Medium," "The Biggest Loser" and "The Office," represent a major step toward getting there."
| We have the highlights and NBC's new fall schedule |

Scripps launching broadband nets
to "super serve" consumers
Building on the success of its fast-growing consumer-oriented cable networks, Scripps networks is preparing to launch several niched broadband channels which will build on its existing brands, including HGTV (Home & Garden Television) and DIY (Do It Yourself). Like recently launched HGTVpro.com (1/14/05 TVBR #10), the niche channels will offer content on demand - - except that the new offerings will be aimed at consumers, rather than professional builders. "We will be leveraging the power of our lifestyle brands and their popular websites to 'super serve' audiences with specific passions related to our cable networks. For instance, under HGTV.com we are developing a specific broadband channel programmed to be a deep and rich resource on developments in kitchen design as our first entry into this business," said John Lansing, President of Scripps Networks. The second broadband niche offering will be project- or hobby-related, while the third is likely to be related to food. Current plans are to launch as many as 10 over the next two years. To support the aggressive rollout of the broadband channels, the company recently reorganized its Emerging Media group. The broadband initiative was placed under the direction of Burton Jablin, President of HGTV, who recently was named Executive Vice President overseeing the broader content strategy for Scripps Networks (12/16/04 TVBR #244). Peter Clem shifted from Scripps Productions, where he was a leading producer, to serve as Vice President for broadband programming and production. Jablin said the broadband channels will combine high-quality video with interactive space planners, 3-D graphics packages and other tools to create a richness of content and depth of information currently not available on topics such as kitchen remodeling, crafting, woodworking, gardening and more. Several national advertisers are already onboard, including GMC, Lending Tree and Whirlpool.

TVBR observation: This is sort of like the magazine business, where the publishers of well-known consumer titles also issue undated specialty magazines focusing on a narrow niche. To the consumer looking for that specific type of information, the content is fresh and up-to-date, even if the publication has been on the store shelf for several months. This editor bought some several years back on kitchen remodeling. Haven't remodeled a kitchen since then, so never bought them again. But the Internet is now where consumers go when they want to research a specific area that's not a part of their everyday life. With the value of its brand names, Scripps should be well positioned to draw those consumers to its niche broadband offerings of ad-supported content on demand.

TVBR observation:
What's at stake at Univision
If you're wondering what's up with Televisa suing Univision for 1.5 million bucks (5/11/05 TVBR #93), rest assured it's not about one and a half million greenbacks. The legal bills alone will probably run well over that for both companies. Univision last year paid 170 million in royalties to its two big foreign program providers, Mexico's Televisa and Venezuela's Venevision, both of which are major shareholders of Univision as well. RBR/TVBR estimates that about two-thirds of that went to Televisa, which provided 36% of the programming on the Univision network and 23% of the programming on its younger sibling, TeleFutura. Since the money in question is chicken feed, it seems likely that Televisa has another reason to bring suit. Televisa CEO Emilio Azcarraga Jean has made no secret of the fact that he wants to become a major player in US television, and may even apply for US citizenship (he's married to an American) so he can own stations here. But Univision has the US rights to Televisa programming tied up through 2017. Azcarraga doesn't want to wait until he's 49 to make his play. If Televisa can win the 1.5 million case over royalties for the "Premio Lo Nuestro" music awards show, it may gain some leverage to get out of the long-term contract for its novellas and other programming that are key elements of the Univision/TeleFutura schedules. But look for Univision to put up quite a fight. That programming would be hard to replace and it's estimated that the Televisa programming accounts for nearly half of Univision's network TV ad sales. On the other hand, the payments from Univision account for less than 5% of Televisa's total revenues. Azcarraga is betting that he can make a lot more than that if he's free to run his own show in the US market. The down side, though, is that Televisa owns more than 30 million shares of Univision stock. If it wins the fight, it could also see its investment decline sharply from its current 780 million plus.

What's "The Deal" with Kevin Martin?
The Deal.com has taken a look at new FCC Chairman Kevin Martin - - actually, it has tried to bring him into focus in the old crystal ball. It basically sees a new version of free marketeer Michael Powell, albeit armed, in all probability, with a new strategy for pushing Powell's agenda. The Deal.com speculates that the massive grab bag of initiatives which came together in the ill-fated 6/2/03 media ownership rulemaking will be broken into bit-size bits. First up is likely to be the liberalization of cross-ownership restrictions, which the Third Circuit said suffered from flawed cap rationales rather than a flawed rationale, period. Indeed, the court noted that often, co-owned newspaper/broadcast operations were leading in-market news providers. Since there is no hurdle, or a shallow hurdle on this issue, it may provide an ideal starting point for the new chairman.

TVBR observation: Think The Deal is on to something? Michael Copps does. Speaking at a House communications caucus led by Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) last week Copps predicted exactly this strategy. That means if Martin is counting use of the element of surprise to come in under the radar, he may as well forget it. Copps and Adelstein are prepared to go on their national tour again, be it over one issue at a time or the whole grab bag at once.

FitzSimons is a true Samaritan
Tribune Company Chairman, President and CEO Dennis FitzSimons has been selected to receive the Samaritan Award from the NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) at next month's 7th annual Service to America Summit in Washington, DC. "Through his recent chairmanship of the FCC's Media Security and Reliability Council, his role with the McCormick Tribune Foundation and his leadership in numerous community organizations, Dennis FitzSimons exemplifies what makes a true Samaritan in our industry," said NAB President and CEO Eddie Fritts. FitzSimons is one of five directors of the 50-year-old McCormick Tribune Foundation, one of the nation's largest charitable organizations, with combined assets of nearly 1.5 billion. Foundation grants in partnership with Tribune businesses totaled 43 million last year. Also, the Tribune broadcast stations and newspapers provided 27 million in in-kind charitable giving last year, primarily in the form of donated air time and ad space.

A devil's-eye view of VNRs
The devil's in the details, they say, so what is the key difference between the VNR bill successfully attached to a spending bill by Robert Byrd (D-WV) and that submitted by Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and John Kerry (D-MA) now languishing for a good part of the summer in the Senate Commerce Committee? In a nutshell, the Byrd amendment requires that the source of all VNRs be clearly presented at some point. The Lautenberg-Kerry bill requires that sourcing be included on all footage. While few on the Hill, or among witnesses invited to the Hill have a problem with the fundamentals of clear sourcing, both Barbara Cochran of RTNDA and Doug Simon of DS Simon Productions (a VNR producer) had problems with continuous sourcing. A big problem is that it would be construed as disruptive to a newscast's visual style, and would result in worth material being left off the news. Take the case of an extremely famous, and utterly noncontroversial VNR (except for members of the Flat Earth Society and such) - - one that you've no doubt seen over and over again, even if you were born to late to catch it live. We refer to Neil Armstrong's first step onto the Moon. That's right, ladies and gentlemen. No members of the press were along for the ride on that little adventure, so all the footage we saw was via VNRs from the government, as was pointed out last week by Simon. We'll look at further implications of VNR legislation in the days ahead.

Upfront 2005

ABC struts its stuff
The housewives may be desperate, but there's no desperation at Disney's ABC in putting together its lineup for fall. Unlike recent years, ABC is on a roll and looking to be the big market share gainer from this year's upfront. In addition to "Desperate Housewives," ABC has bona fide hits in "Lost" and, most recently, "Grey's Anatomy." Continuing to grow on the drama side, it has high hopes for "Commander in Chief," staring Geena Davis as the first female US President, and "Invasion," which should appeal to folks who were hooked on the "X Files" a few years back. Despite its resurgence, ABC is still weak in the 18-49 demo, where it's in third place, barely ahead of poor old NBC. It's expected to roll out several new comedies today, and thinks it has a keeper in recently launched "Jake in Progress," but it looks like the end of the road for "My Wife & Kids" and "8 Simple Rules." If only ABC could turn the corporate battle at Disney into a reality TV series - - Michael Eisner and Bob Iger pitted against Roy Disney and Stan Gold in something that would be a cross between "The Apprentice" and "WWE Smackdown!" Now that would be reality television!

TVBR observation: One thing that ABC does have going for it is cross-promotion on its extensive Disney platform - - including cable (ESPN, Disney Channel, etc.), its owned & operated radio network and stations (including "Radio Disney" which is going gang-busters in its demo) and theme parks. So ABC has a big opportunity if it can get back to its roots of youth and use those assets to marketing the network's programming content. But make a commitment and don't blink in the gunfight against NBC and CBS. Don't just hope for the buyers to be impressed by last season's gains. Keep pushing!

Conference Calls Q1 2005

TV down at Block
Block Communications reports that Q1 TV revenues were down 6.4% to 9.1 million. Of course, political advertising was down, but the company said both local and national sales were also off for the quarter. Newspaper revenues were down 1.4% to 60.1 million, with advertising sales down 0.5%. Companywide (including cable and other), Q1 revenues were down 0.3% to 105.1 million. The company's operating loss doubled to 2.5 million for the period. Block is privately owned, but has public bonds.

Adbiz©

Cadbury Schweppes names
The Digital Edge AOR
The Digital Edge, Mediaedge:cia's interactive communications division, has been named digital AOR for Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages (CSAB). Effective immediately, The Digital Edge will handle all strategic digital planning, buying and execution duties for Dr Pepper, 7 Up, Sunkist, Diet Rite, Snapple, Motts and other Cadbury-Schweppes beverages. "We are thrilled to be working with CSAB, especially on 2006 planning, as digital channels have become more integral to their communications strategies," said Jay Krihak, partner and group director, The Digital Edge.

JWT appoints Marian Salzman as EVP,
Director of Strategic Content
Bob Jeffrey, Worldwide CEO and Chairman of JWT, the largest advertising agency in the U.S. and fourth largest in the world, announced today that Marian Salzman has been named EVP/Director of Strategic Content, and a member of the agency's Worldwide Executive Committee. In the newly created post, Salzman will hold responsibility over global knowledge management, including corporate intelligence, and corporate communications at JWT. The dual role calls for Salzman to oversee all of JWT's PR resources to ensure cohesive and strategic internal and external communications about the agency on global, regional, and local levels, and to spearhead the development of consumer insights, trend reports, and other thought leadership pieces. Over the past four months, Salzman has acted as a consultant to JWT.

Philips Launches
new branding campaign
Royal Philips Electronics announced the launch of the second wave of its brand campaign based on the concept of 'Sense and Simplicity'. The ads are designed to give customers a "distinctive image of a sharper, more focused enterprise to deliver simpler end-user experiences." The company will spend more than 100 million between April and June to bring its message to customers in 11 key markets around the world. The next wave of the branding effort will again focus on affluent decision makers in the 35-54 demo. The integrated campaign started yesterday in the US and will run through the end of June. The media spend is 25 million and will include network and cable, magazine and newspaper, an online component, as well as airport advertising in selected cities. The second wave of the campaign was developed together with DDB, Philips' global AOR, and Carat for buying. It will also run via broadcast, print and online in China, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the U.K. in addition to four new markets featuring the original creative executions: Brazil, India, Russia and Spain.

Ad Council scores 83% increase in upfront commitments
The Ad Council, as part of an upfront procurement strategy initiated last year, the council has reportedly so far secured 470 million in pro bono media commitments for 2005, an 83% value increase over upfront commitments for the previous upfront. For FY 2004, American media companies donated 1.7 billion in ad time and space for Ad Council campaigns, a 33% increase over the donations it received in 2003. The council attributed the increase to its upfront outreach effort and a bigger presence in local markets - - the council added regional directors in New York, LA, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas.

Media Markets & MoneyTM

TV hitting double of ditch days
In the early days of radio consolidation, many were analyzing their markets, deciding where and whether to grow or get out - - and for the last year or so, that's also been the case in TV land - - however, as often or not LMAs are involved in the face of court-delayed regulatory relief. The story this time is about WEMT-TV in the Tri-Cities TN-VA market, known to radio as Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol. According to Kalil & co. which handled brokerage chores, Sinclair has decided that this market is not a keeper, and is selling to two different companies for 7M. One - - Aurora Broadcasting Inc. - - will get the license for 1.4M, and the other - - BlueStone Television Inc. - - will get the intellectual or non-license assets for 5.6M. WEMT, which carries Fox on Channel 39, will in effect double up with BlueStone's WCYB-TV, which has NBC and Channel 5. BlueStone will handle sales and administrative chores while Aurora sees to the programming of the station. Sinclair confirmed its double down or double-time it out strategy. "In the past six months, we have announced the sale of 325M in single station market assets that we were unable to duopolize," said honcho David Smith, "but were able to sell at very attractive multiples of cash flow."

TVBR observation: If the local TV caps every get a boost, this sort of deal will be happening all over the place.

Emmis goes Dutch
Emmis Communications has begun the "Dutch Auction" tender offer it announced last week at the same time it said it might sell its TV group (5/11/05 TVBR #93). Here's how it will work. Shareholders who want to sell shares back to the company may tender them at any price they choose within the range of 17.25 to 19.75 per share. Based on those tenders, Emmis will determine the lowest per-share price which will enable it to buy 20,250,000 shares. Everyone will get that price, even if they offered to sell for less. The tender offer is currently scheduled to expire at midnight (EDT) on June 13th, unless extended by Emmis. Meanwhile, the company has filed a lawsuit in an Indiana state court to clear the way for the tender offer. It seems that the anti-dilution language for its outstanding convertible preferred stock would award holders of those preferred shares a lower conversion price than anyone had anticipated once the tender offer to buy back 39% of Emmis' Class A common shares is completed. The company wants the court to correct that formula. Closing of the tender offer is contingent on winning that lawsuit or, preferably, a declaratory judgment from the court. Otherwise, the tender offer will have to be called off and Emmis will look for another way to "deliver value to its shareholders" without triggering the anti-dilution provision.

Washington Beat

A call to arms from Commissioner Copps
Michael Copps was at the Free Press Media Reform Conference in St. Louis, and predictably he was exhorting the troops to rise up for another round of resistance as the FCC, Congress and perhaps even the Supreme Court look laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the media. Copps repeated a concept he shared on Capitol Hill last week, saying, "those awful rules that an FCC majority passed two years ago to loosen our media protections have been sent back to us by the courts. That's the good news. The bad news is they were sent back to whom? To the very same folks who dreamed them up in the first place. They screwed it up once. Believe me, they're 100% capable of screwing it up again." He added, "..a lot of pressure is going to be brought on the FCC to write new rules, write them quickly, and write them inside the Commission, far away from the sunlight of public participation and public input." He called on all in attendance to use every means at their disposal to keep the issue in the public eye.

Programming

Univision enters home DVD market
Univision has formed Univision Home Entertainment and launched its own DVD label, Unicine. It will release content from the Univision Television Network's extensive Spanish-language movie library, with distribution to be handled by Ventura Entertainment's Studio Latino. The first ten Unicine titles, available beginning May 24, will include the following action, comedy and drama feature films: "La Diosa del Puerto," "Taquito de Ojo," "Corazón de Tequila," "Secuestro," "Sinaloa," "Compadres a la Mexicana," "Escuadrón de la Muerte," "El Fisgón del Hotel," "Verdugo de Traidores," and "Asalto en Tijuana." How big is the potential market? According to Univision, only 1% of the 1 billion DVDs sold in the US last year were in Spanish. Yet, Hispanic Americans now make up 14% of the total US population with 715 billion in annual buying power - - estimated to grow to one trillion by 2010. Univision says 34 million Hispanic Americans, or 84% of the US Hispanic population, have access to a DVD player. In addition, it said, studies show that Hispanics rent and buy more DVDs than non-Hispanics. The new Univision Home Entertainment will be overseen by Univision Television Group president Michael Wortsman.

FOX orders 2nd season of
"Meet Your New Mommy"
FOX has ordered a second season of "Trading Spouses: Meet Your New Mommy." In season two of the unscripted series, more moms and dads will try out the ultimate life change, leaving their own family to take over - for one week - a family much different from their own. Families participating in the show will again receive a 50,000 prize but, unbeknownst to the participants, how the cash is spent will be up to the surrogate parent. Rocket Science Laboratories produces. Jean-Michel Michenaud and Chris Cowan serve as executive producers. Jeff Cvengros is co-executive producer. Charles Duncombe serves as executive in charge of production.

CNN.com readies new streaming video package
CNN.com will make its existing online video offerings available for free beginning 6/20 as it prepares a new video package. CNN is redesigning its home page to prominently feature the free video, which currently can be found by clicking on links marked "video." CNN now charges 12.99 a month for video as part of the Real SuperPass package from RealNetworks. The site is switching to Microsoft's Windows Media Player 9 to deliver the free video, however the partnership with RealNetworks might continue when the premium video package is launched in the fall, reported the AP. The company said the premium offering would deliver multiple live feeds and provide access to CNN's video archives.

Stock Talk

Oil drop raises stocks
Once again, stock prices are moving in the opposite direction of oil prices - - and that was a good thing Monday, as oil prices came down. The Dow Industrials were up 112 points, or 1.1%, at 10,252.

TV stocks got a slight boost. The Radio Index gained 0.539, or 0.3%, to 198.155. Other than the penny stocks (Granite up 13.5%, or two and a half cents, and Paxson up 2.9%, or two cents), there were no big movers. Fisher was up 2.1% and Young declined 2.8% as the day's bookends for TV stock trading.

Stocks

**Here's how stocks fared on Monday**
Company	Symbol	Close		Change	Company	Symbol	Close		Change
Acme	ACME		4.03	+0.06	McGraw-Hill	MHP		87.73	+0.60
Belo	BLC		23.80	+0.07	Media General	MEG		59.29	+0.53
Clear Channel	CCU		30.02	+0.09	Meredith	MDP		47.98	+0.24
Disney	DIS		27.07	+0.07	News Corp.	NWS		15.98	-0.04
Emmis	EMMS		17.96	-0.03	Nexstar	NXST		4.98	-0.07
Entravision	EVC		7.41	+0.04	NY Times	NYT		32.92	+0.20
Fisher	FSCI		49.25	+0.99	Paxson	PAX		0.71	+0.02
Gannett	GCI		76.20	+0.65	Saga Commun.	SGA		13.70	-0.31
Gen. Electric	GE		36.24	+0.54	Scripps	SSP		51.39	+0.39
Granite	GBTVK		0.21	+0.03	Sinclair	SBGI		8.02	-0.02
Gray	GTN		12.25	+0.05	Time Warner	TWX		16.95	unch
Gray, C1. A	GTNa		11.58	+0.08	Tribune	TRB		37.14	+0.17
Hearst-Argyle	HTV		24.63	-0.07	Univision	UVN		26.29	+0.23
Jeff-Pilot	JP		49.77	+0.71	Viacom, Cl. A	VIA		34.35	-0.22
Journal Comm.	JRN		16.43	+0.30	Viacom, Cl. B	VIAb		34.22	-0.28
Liberty Corp	LC		36.50	+0.38	Wash. Post	WPO		817.70	-3.70
LIN TV	TVL		15.18	-0.05	Young	YBTVA		5.48	-0.16

Bounceback

Send Us Your Opinions We want to
hear from you.
This is your column, so send your comments to tvnews@rbr.com

Please accept my nomination of Hyundai (5/13/05 TVBR #95) for the Lamest Corporate Announcement Award 2005, if there is such a thing. A company positioning itself by what it is not going to do. Brilliant!

Robert Botik
Austin, Texas
(I have stock in Sirius and XM)

Stations For Sale

Class "A"
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TV Market #86 with excellent equipment and full metro coverage. Network possibilities available. Outstanding opportunity for experienced TV operator.
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cliff@cliftongardiner.com

RBR - Radio News

XM hits 4M
subscriber mark
It happened sometime last week, someone bought and activated the four millionth XM Satellite Radio receiver now in operation. CEO Hugh Panero noted that it took 23 months from launch for XM to reach one million subs. The move from three million to four million took less than five months. XM says it remains committed to hitting its target of 5.5 million by the end of 2005. Meanwhile, rival Sirius was at 1.1 million subscribers at the end of Q1 and projecting that it would hit 2.7 million by year's end.

RBR observation: Time to put up or shut up. Both XM and Sirius have been telling investors for years that four million is the magic subscriber number that will turn them cash flow positive. Since XM reached the mark in mid-quarter, it's not obligated to end the flow of red ink from operations in Q2, but it had better show a positive number in Q3 - - and in every quarter thereafter. We wait with baited breath.

Radio & Television
Business Report
The First Real Monthly
Business Media Magazine

'05 Clock is Ticking -
Heading for Closure

June Magazine
National Sales:
EDI - Electronic Data Interchange, sometimes synonymous with Electronic Invoicing
Kathy Crawford, MindShare President, Local Broadcast, speaks her mind on EDI, specifically stating what solutions she needs from the software and keying entries to get stations faster payment in an exclusive column. States straight up, "Lest you should all think that our work is done in the world of EDI. Think again!" EDI- the focus of the future of national spot dollar. Who is and who isn't involved. From the rep firms to the software companies, we get answers. The Clock is ticking on EDI. Closure in '05?

Reserve your Ad Marketing
Space today Advertising space
is limited, contact:
June Barnes jbarnes@rbr.com
Jim Carnegie jcarnegie@rbr.com

"Make sure you receive
this June EDI Report "
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TVBR Radar 2005

Television News you won't read any where else. TVBR--First, Accurate, and Independently Owned.

NBC claims breech by Paxson
You had to see this coming. Although Paxson Communications President Dean Goodman has told TVBR that the company has no intention of going all-infomercial, NBC Universal has now filed an arbitration claim accusing Paxson of breeching its contracts with NBC Uni, which owns about a third of Paxson. TVBR observation: We won't try to predict how the arbitrator will rule, but it's clear that both companies would be much happier if they could find a way to get out of their long-troubled relationship. The problem, though, is finding someone with two billion plus to cash out both NBC Uni and Bud Paxson so this valuable collection of FCC licenses and cable carriage agreements can be put to a better use than scoring a 0.4 average Nielsen rating. But until that buyer shows up, Goodman is going to have to focus on cutting costs and stemming the flow of red ink - - whether NBC Uni likes it or not. 05/16/05 TVBR #96

Next up:
Product placement disclosure
Senate Commerce Committee hearing which we thought was worth mentioning. Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein "We are also seeing reports of a rising tide of product placement, and I'm concerned that there seems to be a lack of awareness of the need for disclosure under our rules in this area as well, This practice is likely to increase, given that embedding products within programming is partly a response to the fact that technology increasingly allows consumers to view television content how and when they choose." TVBR observation: No fake we all are aware that commercial zapping is motivating advertisers to seek out new and improved ways of getting their names, products and services out there. It may soon come to pass that disclosure in the form of text scrolling down on a third of the screen at the speed of light while a promo for a future show is occupying the other two thirds may be seen as inadequate. Watch for this issue to come up big in the next few years. Someone please get real and understand the situation and get out of the white tower. Are we seeing another out of control commission? 05/16/05 TVBR #96

Missouri easing auto ad rules
Broadcasters in Missouri should soon be able to pitch auto dealers to increase their radio and TV advertising - - without having to use a big chunk of their air time with legal disclosures. The state legislature has approved a wide-ranging bill dealing with regulation of auto dealers.
TVBR observation: Kudos to Missouri Broadcasters Association President Don Hicks and his members for successfully lobbying to have the Internet/phone option added to Senate Bill No. 390. No more need for fast-talking announcers to try to fit 20 seconds of disclaimers into 10 seconds of air time so there'll be enough time left at the front to make a sales pitch to sell a car or truck. 05/16/05 TVBR #96

Interep investor denies hostile intent
Its proposals aren't being warmly welcomed by CEO Ralph Guild and the board of Interep, but officials of Oaktree Capital Management say their effort to press the company on a financial restructuring should not be regarded as "hostile." Rather, as Interep's largest bond holder and the owner of more than 2% of its stock, Oaktree says it is seeking an outcome which will be good for investors, clients and employees.
RBR observation: The folks at Oaktree don't like the "vulture capital" description frequently applied to the 28 billion bucks investment firm, but they don't deny that they seek out distressed companies and try to profit by pressing them to put their financial house back in order. Regardless of whether or not he likes having Oaktree as an investor, Ralph Guild is going to have to recapitalize Interep - - which he is now working on with Allen & Co. - - so employees and clients can have confidence in the rep firm's future. And Oaktree isn't the only party calling for him to put a succession plan in place. As Ralph prepares to celebrate 50 years in the rep business in 2007, some clients and others now want to know who's going to be setting the agenda for the next era at Interep. 05/16/05 RBR #96

Zucker: "We have to do better this fall than we're doing now"
He will not attempt to hide from the network's problems in addressing the buying community today, Monday 5/16, during presentation of fall programming at Radio City Music Hall. "I will acknowledge up top the reality of the situation," "We're not going to run from that. We're not going to hide from that. We're not going to let the elephant sit in the room. I'll handle the fact it was a tough year...Let's be honest.
TVBR observation: OK lets be honest, TVBR has sent Mr. Zucker email to help with this issue and no reply at this writing. Advice is: Content is King and Presentation is Queen. The ace is Passion and commitment. Without these you don't win. 05/13/05 TVBR #95

Who's hot? Who's not?
Wall Street assesses the Upfront
Starts now, fall schedules and start booking ad purchases it's not just Madison Avenue that will be watching. How the nets do in the upfront affects the bottom line and stock performance of their parent companies, so Wall Street is keeping a close watch on the goings on. In advance of the annual hoopla, Goldman Sachs is predicting that the total take from this year's upfront will be down 5% from last year, the first decline in five years, although CBS and ABC should do well because of their improved positions in the ratings. CIBC World Markets isn't so pessimistic, it projects a 2% rise in upfront bookings and also sees CBS and ABC as the big gainers. .
TVBR observation: Pay close attention as this spills over into your national spot and local business. Make sure your staff and colleague are also be reading Television Business Report, not then tell them to go to www.tvbr.tv and get it.
05/13/05 TVBR #95

Sirius problem:
Stern may backfire with carmakers
Decision by Hyundai to make XM Satellite Receivers standard equipment in all of its '07 cars rather than rival Sirius, came down to one issue: Howard Stern. Surveying 300-400 Hyundai owners execs were stunned by how many people wrote-in, unprompted, that they were, in his words, "uncomfortable with programming from Stern." Also preferred the way the XM logo looked on the receiver faceplate, saying that AM/FM/XM is "neat and clean." RBR observation: Guess those Hyundai owners haven't ever heard Opie & Anthony on XM's "High Voltage" channel and don't realize that XM also offers the Playboy Channel. Those are already up and running on XM, while Stern won't debut on Sirius until next year. 05/13/05 RBR #95

Journal has its sights on Emmis TV
Hours after the group went on the auction block, Journal CEO Steve Smith was telling a Robert W. Baird investor conference in Chicago that his company was interested in buying the Emmis TV. In fact, Smith called Jeff Smulyan before last month's NAB'05 and told him that if Emmis were ever to consider selling Journal would be interested. But there's still a question of where values are in the market today, although he said that's less of an issue in TV than in radio.
05/12/05 RBR #94

Latest rumor: Disney may sell radio
Lot up for sale, the latest rumor to make the rounds is that Disney CEO-to-be Bob Iger may be interested in selling the ABC Radio group.
RBR observation: This rumor seems to pop up about once each year. The only thing that might give it more credence this time is the changing of the guard at Disney. With Bob Iger taking over as CEO, he's looking at what sort of company he wants to be running going forward. But Disney has always been much more of a buyer than a seller, so don't be surprised if the radio operation stays right where it is. Also, there's the question of whether this is a great time to sell. With stock prices so low for the public companies, they can't pay a premium price for even beachfront properties at least nothing this big. That would greatly limit the pool of potential bidders.
05/12/05 RBR #94

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