April Media News
TV Ad-Buying May Change!
In the past, buyers have purchased commercial time based on the Nieslen program rating. With new technology, Nielsen is developing ability to track commercial viewers; including those with (DVR's) digital video recorders. Networks are trying to show there are more people exposed to individual commercials than were being reported.
WPEC-TV12 has hired a new General Manager. Diana Wilkin previously managed CBS and Fox stations in Jacksonville for Clear Channel TV.
Clear Channel has sold 56 stations to Providence Equity Partners for $1.2 billion. The deal includes eight FOX stations with the price 12-13 times multiple. The group is looking to add more stations.
CNN is acquiring equipment and plans to go full High Definition in the fall of 2007.
NFL Football's instant replay is also going HD this fall. New equipment is being installed in 31 stadiums to assist the officials and improve picture quality.
Are you ready for the next 'Reality Show'? Can you say, B-I-N-G-O? Believe it, BINGO is coming to a Network near you. It is in production now and will roll out during May sweeps. What's next? Ring around the Rosy?
Actually, Rosie as in Rosie O'Donnell has announced she is leaving The View in June. Is there another talk show in her future? Does anyone really care?
Bob Barker also steps down from The Price Is Right in June. No replacement has been announced.
In a unscientific poll a few hundred TV station senior executives picked Rudy Giuliani to win the 2008 Presidential race. It'll be interesting to see if they have a proverbial crystal ball.
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin is proposing that broadcasters put their Public Records online. If this eventually passes, it will allow politicians to see what competitors are doing without going to a station.
Interesting stats: 84% of internet users polled watch local tv news at least once a week; 74% access local weather online at least once a month; 53% with a favorite station website-never sample another station site; 13% are very likely to use TV site for sports, real estate, etc.
Since November four of the country's largest station groups have announced plans to go private. CBS sold seven stations for $185 million; ION is being sold to Citadel Investment $2.4 billion; Tribune Co. sold to Sam Zell for $8.4 billion and Univision to a Consortium for $12.3 billion.
In a recent article it was reported that NBC set a low mark for prime time viewing. They recorded their smallest in-season audience since 1987. Only 3 shows ranked in the top 30 with Deal or No Deal showing up twice.
A construction permit (CP) for WNPL 1460 AM in Ft. Pierce has been sold for $975,000. The new owner is Brian McBride and Ft. Myers Broadcasting Co.
Jackie Caruso has joined WTVX as LSM.
