Radio+Television Business Report

As 2021 comes to a close, the Video Advertising Bureau (VAB) has taken a look back at TV advertising trends for the first half of the year.

What stands out from the VAB’s research is the lingering effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the TV advertising landscape.

How has revenue recovered from the onset of a pandemic that saw generally steep declines and where some categories continue to experience slower than hoped for rebounds? A panel of experts will come together Tuesday, November 16 at Forecast 2022 for a provocative discussion about who is going to “show us the money” in the year to come. Moderator: Jack Myers, Media Ecologist/Chairman, MediaVillage
Leah Casterlin, Founding Partner, Media Fortitude Partners
Mark Gray, CEO, Katz Media Group
Steve Lanzano, President/CEO, TVB
Jen Soch, Executive Director/Specialty Channels, GroupM The session is just one of several across Tuesday that you simply need to see for yourself. Secure your seat in Midtown Manhattan for Forecast 2022 by clicking here!

 

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A new report detailing Americans’ growing investments — time and money — in watching television has been released.

What’s the main conclusion? U.S. consumers are spending more money on TV subscriptions and the devices to optimize the viewing experience, and the chances of cancelling a pay TV service remain high.

But, are the findings biased based on the entity that conducted the research?

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The movers and shakers
The visionaries and prognosticators
The issues and opportunities
The ambiance

For 19 years, the Harvard Club has been the site of Forecast, the exclusive financial conference that brings together owners, CFOs, group executives, private equity, and Wall Street investors, as well as industry analysts, to discuss conditions and predictions for the coming year in broadcasting.

This is a distinct — some would say, elite — crowd. These are top-level decisionmakers. These are the people who will chart the course, write the checks, and set the criteria for broadcasting both as a business and as an investment in the coming year.

HERE ARE A FEW OF THE COMPANIES ATTENDING FORECAST THIS YEAR!

This is Forecast. This Tuesday, November 16, at the Harvard Club in New York City.

Do it for your business. Do it for yourself. And let’s not forget the fabulous luncheon and elegant Broadcast Leadership Reception. Classy perks we know you’ll enjoy.

Forecast – it walks the talk. See you there!

President/Publisher, Radio Ink & Radio + Television Business Report

It’s the biggest night in Latin music in the U.S., and Univision Communications has lined up a wide array of advertisers — including several luxury brands — as sponsors for the event.

Look for activity from Bulova, Frontera Wines and Old Parr Whisky, among others, on November 18 when Univision televises the 22nd annual Latin Grammy Awards.

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Television and cross-platform measurement, analytics and attribution company 605 has expanded its collaboration with one of the automotive industry’s data analytics firms.

As such, 605 will further integrate Polk Automotive Audiences and Polk Signals, including anonymized vehicle sales, within the company’s TV measurement and attribution products 605 PLATF0RM and 605 IMP4CT.

The partnership expansion, 605 says, marks another move in its growing commitment to the future of TV advertising, which encompasses the entire lifecycle of planning, optimization, attribution, and eventually, prediction.

“The addition of Polk Automotive Solutions will enhance the planning capabilities of programmers, advertisers and agencies that leverage 605 PLATF0RM by planning and measuring effective TV campaigns against a variety of Polk Automotive Audiences including ‘competitive owners’ and ‘in-market auto intenders,’” the company says. “Clients will benefit from the integration of Polk Signals in the optimization and attribution stages by leveraging 605 IMP4CT and the ‘always on capability’ to track real-time purchase signals of TV and to tie campaign exposure to vehicle sales.”

605 is founded by CEO Kristin Dolan. 

The expanded collaboration builds upon the companies’ previous agreement, which was announced in September 2020.

Spotify Technology S.A. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a company described as a “global leader in digital audiobook distribution.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

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The E.W. Scripps Co. has created a position of VP of Emerging Products. And, the person holding the role will be responsible for Local Media digital “thought leadership,” vision, strategy, development and execution of non-linear opportunities for Scripps’ 61 television stations in 41 markets.

Taking the job? The former product, programmatic and data leader for Cox Media Group.

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It may have been Public Radio Music Day on November 10, but today and on most days, the majority of NPR Member stations attract listeners for their progressive-leaning news and talk programs, including Morning Edition and All Things Considered. 

No wonder, then, that NPR would offer research in partnership with Edison Research that puts a magnifying glass on “the continued increased consumption of spoken word audio in the U.S. and the drivers behind the growth.”

NPR, naturally, is one of those drivers.

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NEW YORK — In 2019 while still under the ownership of The E.W. Scripps Co., Triton partnered up with an audio advertising company that built a Creative Management Platform specifically for radio and online spots.

It was a sign of confidence in New York-based Frequency, which relies on data from a variety of third party providers — such as location, weather, time, device type and content that’s being listened to — to build personalized audio ads.

Now, Frequency is getting an infusion of Dollorydoos, if you will, as one of Australia’s largest radio broadcasting companies is now a minority investor.

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As RBR+TVBR reported earlier this week,  the 12-year-old Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) will be getting new leadership within the first three months of 2022 as its CEO and Managing Director is retiring.

Ahead of her farewell, she’ll be co-hosting a special update webinar “on the four main building blocks of converged TV measurement that are needed to advance new solutions for complete cross-platform video measurement.”

It is an hourlong session scheduled for 1pm Eastern featuring Jane Clarke, who will soon depart CIMM; Alan Wolk, Co-Founder and Lead Analyst at TVREV; and Jon Watts, Executive Director at Project X Institute.

They will provide an overview on the development of TV “Census-like” data; digital census data; cross-media panel or Linked TV & Digital panels; and ID resolution.

The webinar bears the title Demystifying Converged TV Measurement: The Four Building Blocks, and begins with an introduction from Clarke. Wolk and Watts will then share their insight on which companies are in each building block and those companies working to assemble all of the building blocks.

Questions will be taken following their discussion.

To register, please click here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_k-dQ77cBRkW7dPy0tF_voQ. 

Until now, listeners of Educational Media Foundation’s KLOVE Christian Contemporary network had two choices — an FM signal to the far north, near the border with Arizona; or a metro signal that sees its Primm, Nev., based tower boosted with a 70-watt signal off Arden Peak. Still, reaching much of metropolitan Las Vegas was a challenge.

Now, EMF is doing something about it, by swapping that far north FM for an FM translator with a transmitter just five kilometers west of the home of the NAB Show.

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For months, the name Gigi Sohn has been discussed across the Nation’s Capital — first as a potential Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair, and today as a nominee for a Democrat seat as a Commissioner.

Unlike acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, who returned to the Commission after a brief exit after a new nomination by former President Trump, Sohn’s stance on key issues such as Title II broadband reclassification — a.k.a. “Net Neutrality — make her a polarizing choice by the Biden Administration.

Now, according to unnamed sources who spoke with Bloomberg, Rosenworcel and Sohn are set to get separate nomination hearings in the U.S. Senate — a sign that a 2-2 deadlock at the Commission is on course.

The FCC — What Now?

 

The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision allowing the FCC to adopt its media cross-ownership rule rewrite is months in the rearview mirror. Now, some are wondering if further deregulation for broadcast media is completely out of reach, given the Democratic leadership now at the Commission. Then, there is the contentious battle brewing in Congress over the fate of Gigi Sohn, the “Net Neutrality” advocate who Republicans will likely not support as a Democrat with the potential to undo many of the Pai Commission’s accomplishments. What’s to come in Washington matters to you, and Tuesday’s Forecast 2022 session focused on the FCC and Capitol Hill politics couldn’t be more timely. Moderator: Frank Montero, Co-Managing Partner, Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth
Mark Fratrik, SVP/Chief Economist, BIA Advisory Services
Bob Mc Allan, CEO, Press Communication, LLC and PMCM TV, LLC
Justin Nielson, Senior Research Analyst/Broadcast Media, Kagan
Justin Sasso, President/CEO, Colorado Broadcasters Association
There’s still time for you to save a seat and join us at the Harvard Club in Midtown Manhattan for a Tuesday full of insight, information, observations and face-to-face conversation with key decision-makers and influencers in broadcast media.

JOIN US ON NOVEMBER 16 BY CLICKING HERE NOW.

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The Radio + Television Business Report is presently welcoming the broadcast technology community to communicate directly with key decision makers across the radio and television businesses.

With your support, we’re planning a superb pre-CES, pre-NATPE Miami and pre-NAB Show and Radio Show magazine with distribution on December 20.

With this in mind, it is a pleasure to connect with Jesse Foster to learn more about what lies ahead in 2022 for Multidyne in this InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM.

Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Jesse Foster, Multidyne” on Spreaker.

The filing window for applications for new noncommercial educational (NCE) FM new station construction permits has closed.

As such, the Media Bureau has placed a temporary freeze on the filing of any amendments to NCE FM new station applications submitted in the November 2021 filing window.

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It’s a bit of a blemish for the Mouse House, and investors aren’t pleased.

Linear Networks revenues at The Walt Disney Co. decreased 4% in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2021, moving to $6.698 billion from $7.012 billion.

At the same time, operating income decreased 11% to $1.6 billion.

That’s just part of the woes at Disney in its final three months of its 2021 fiscal year, as Disney+ subscription slowdowns were the focal point of investor concerns and those of analysts that had forecast bigger revenue for the company overall.

While international channels improved year-over-year, the domestic story is one that will be questioned.

Domestic Channels revenues for the quarter decreased 5% to $5.4 billion as operating income decreased 14% to $1.4 billion.

The decrease in operating income was due to decreases at Broadcasting and, in particular, to lower results at ABC and the owned television stations.

The decrease at ABC was due to an increase in marketing costs and higher programming and production costs, partially offset by higher affiliate revenue.

And, Disney explains that the increase in programming and production costs was driven by higher average cost of acquired programming in the current quarter, partially offset by the comparison to the additional week of operations in the prior-year quarter.

Affiliate revenue growth was due to an increase in contractual rates, partially offset by the comparison to the additional week of operations in the prior-year quarter.

ABC advertising revenue was comparable to the prior-year quarter as the comparison to the additional week of operations and the broadcast of the Emmy Awards show in the prior-year quarter was offset by higher impressions in the current quarter, reflecting more units delivered, and increased rates.

The decrease at the owned television stations was due to lower political advertising in the current quarter and the comparison to the additional week of operations in the prior-year quarter.

Overall, Disney missed the consensus estimates as compiled by Bloomberg. Revenue came in at $18.53 billion, up from $14.71 billion but shy of the $18.78 billion expected by analysts. Adjusted EPS of $0.37 was seen, rising from -$0.20. However, analysts forecasts put Disney’s fiscal Q4 EPS at $0.49.

Disney+ subscriber forecasts were also off. Disney reported 118.1 million. Analysts expected 119.6 million.

This triggered an after-hours decline for Disney shares. As of 4:54pm Eastern, DIS was off 3.33% to $168.57, following a 66-cent dip in regular trading to $174.45.

Don’t miss Debra OConnell, president of Networks for Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, on Tuesday as she co-chairs Forecast 2022. 

For full details and to register, click here!

Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson and CFO Stu Rosenstein are confirmed as attendees of the upcoming “Q4 Virtual Investor Summit.”

For Wilson, the event comes just 24 hours after the conclusion of Forecast 2022, for which he is a co-chair.

Wilson and Rosenstein will highlight the company’s transformation into what Townsquare calls a “Digital First” enterprise. While radio stations are a key part of Townsquare Media, the company generates nearly 50% of its total revenue from its Digital Platform and Solutions.

They include Townsquare Ignite, and Townsquare Interactive.

The company’s presentation is scheduled for 10:15am Eastern on Wednesday, November 17.

A live webcast and replay of the presentation will be available on the investor relations page of Townsquare’s website at www.townsquaremedia.com.

On June 1, RBR+TVBR first reported on the proposed sale of WTMD-FM 89.7 in Towson, Md., an eclectic Adult Alternative noncommercial operation within the Baltimore market, to Your Public Radio Corporation.

On November 10, “Public Radio Music Day” across the U.S., the transaction closed.

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On December 1, leadership changes at stations in Orlando, Tampa, and Washington, D.C., Univision Communications is gaining control of from Entravision will transpire.

At the same time, Univision is giving a promotion to local leader Roberto Yañez.

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Should Cox Media Group be granted additional time to fully divest itself of two FM radio stations in the state of Florida, needed transactions contingent on the FCC’s approval of the company’s transition to majority ownership by Apollo Global Management?

The Commission wants your input on the matter, so it can make its best informed decision on a request with a short expiration date.

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On Tuesday, November 16, attendees of Forecast 2022 will likely enjoy the last-ever public appearance as NAB President/CEO of former Oregon Senator Gordon Smith.

At the event, presented by RBR+TVBR and Radio Ink, Smith will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in a luncheon presentation from Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley and Hearst Television President Jordan Wertlieb. 

Later in the day, Smith will engage in a roundtable conversation about the NAB’s leadership transition with his successor, Curtis LeGeyt, moderated by former NAB EVP for Industry Affairs and Strategic Planning Steve Newberry, today CEO of Quu.

Ahead of that discussion, Smith on Wednesday delivered his final State of the Industry Address.

We are pleased to offer Smith’s entire address here:

GORDON SMITH STATE OF THE INDUSTRY ADDRESS

2021 MARCONI AWARD WINNERS REVEALED

ROCK STATION OF THE YEAR: KLOS-FM/Los Angeles
SPANISH STATION OF THE YEAR: KLLI-FM “Cali 93.9″/Los Angeles
NEWS/TALK STATION OF THE YEAR: WTOP-FM/Washington, D.C.
MEDIUM MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Dan Potter — The KRMG Morning News with Dan Potter, KRMG-FM/Tulsa
COUNTRY STATION OF THE YEAR: WYCD-FM/Detroit
SPORTS STATION OF THE YEAR: KTCK-AM/Dallas
SMALL MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Frito & Katy, KNDE “Kandy 95” in Bryan-College Station, Tex.
CHR STATION OF THE YEAR: KNDE “Kandy 95” in Bryan-College Station, Tex.
SMALL MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR: WTAW-AM/College Station, Tex.
MAJOR MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR: KYW-AM/Philadelphia
CLASSIC HITS STATION OF THE YEAR: WCBS-FM/New York
LARGE MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR: KTMY-FM/Minneapolis
AC STATION OF THE YEAR: WTMX-FM/Chicago
URBAN STATION OF THE YEAR: WEDR-FM “99 JAMZ”/Miami
COLLEGE STATION OF THE YEAR: WPSC-FM, William Patterson University, Wayne, N.J.
RELIGIOUS STATION OF THE YEAR: WGTS-FM/Washington, D.C.
MEDIUM MARKET STATION OF THE YEAR: KRMG-FM/Tulsa
MAJOR MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: The Musers, (George Dunham, Craig Miller, and Gordon Keith), KTCK-AM/Dallas
LARGE MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Ann Kelly, WDUV-FM “105.5 The Dove” in Tampa
NETWORK SYNDICATED PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Rickey Smiley, Reach Media, Urban One
LEGENDARY MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Ben Downs, Bryan Broadcasting
LEGENDARY STATION OF THE YEAR: WSB-AM/Atlanta