MIAMI BEACH — Normally, a collection of some of the broadcast TV industry’s most influential figures, from Nexstar Media Group founder Perry Sook to Byron Allen, can be found walking the halls of the Fontainebleau while attending a major global conference that also regularly attracts key representatives from top media brokerage Kalil & Co.
This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NATPE Miami conference is a virtual affair. And, it kicks off Tuesday (1/19) with four days of sessions that very much includes production — in addition to content, research and investment.
Indeed, the key themes for each day include Revenue (Investment, Advertising, & Subscription), Audience (Research, Marketing & Promotion), Content (Acquisition & Distribution Sales), and Production (new content).
Additional topics include Station Groups, and Web Series.
The January 19 sessions are focused on Revenue topics. For January 20, Audience is the track of choice. Then, on Thursday and Friday, respectively, are Content and Production sessions.
“The BIG Opening,” scheduled for 9am Pacific/Noon Eastern/6pm CET, is focused on the vision of television in 2021 and features a “fireside” conversation with an industry leader.
As RBR+TVBR previously reported, it’s a two-part affair that begins with NBCUniversal Television and Streaming Chairman Mark Lazarus participating in an interview with NBC News’ TODAY co-host Hoda Kotb.
That’s followed by an interview with Univision Communications Chief Digital Officer Sameer Deen, conducted by familiar NATPE Miami presenter Sara Fischer, the Axios journalist.
The two-part opener lasts an hour, and that’s followed by a 45-minute session those in the tech world that serve the broadcast TV industry may want to sit in on.
“A New Day for TV Stations” starts with a presentation from Nielsen VP of Audience Insights Justin LaPorte precede a panel discussion moderated by veteran Hispanic media executive Court Stroud. He’ll chat it up with Catherine Herkovic, EVP and Managing Director of Local Television for Nielsen, and the SVP for NBC’s COZI TV multicast network and newly launched millennial-focused NBCLX offering, Meredith McGinn.
And, there’s a digital session that is likely of interest to many.
For those focused on Production, a full day of sessions on Friday is likely of keen interest.
The day kicks off with a discussion on MVPDs and the “programming, packaging, and promotion of content.” Then, there is a discussion on international co-productions, followed by what could be a very lively chat on whether or not networks and local stations creating opportunities for affordable content in 2021.
In this two-part session, a leading distributor, Ira Bernstein, discusses the push and pull of the deal. The second part sees no-longer-retired comedian and Tonight Show host Jay Leno discuss his return to broadcast TV with the remake of the classic game show “You Bet Your Life.” He’s joined by Co-Host Kevin Eubanks and Producers Tom Werner and David Hurwitz.
Other highlights include a 1pm Wednesday conversation with FOX Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy on the best strategic practices for retaining and growing audiences. That’s followed by a discussion between Meredith Vieira, Sherri Shepherd, and FOX EVP/Programming and Development Stephen Brown on the creative side of content as an uplifting force, especially in difficult times.
— With reporting from Adam R Jacobson
To download the full agenda, please click here.
