http://www.mediapost.com/Noneen-usFri, 03 Feb 2012 17:10:00 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/167215/does-early-and-conflicting-upfront-news-make-you-h.htmlSift all the TV advertising news in one big pot. Hmmm... spicy. Viacom revealed a suddenly soft scatter market in the middle of the fourth quarter. Then one forecaster said the 2012 upfront marketplace starting this spring will be up a strong 8% in the price per thousand viewers.Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:10:00 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/167215/does-early-and-conflicting-upfront-news-make-you-h.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/167064/with-universal-sports-nbc-sports-two-networks-m.htmlToo many wannabe sports networks for the average viewer? There might be some confusion -- especially when they seem to belong to the same company.Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:33:56 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/167064/with-universal-sports-nbc-sports-two-networks-m.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166960/as-x-factor-exes-out-big-time-talent-will-big-a.htmlIt's all about "business" at Fox's "X-Factor," according to outgoing judge Paula Abdul, who didn't elaborate further. Does this "business" come down to what advertisers want? Last year, major sponsors paid a premium to be associated with the much-anticipated show. Its guaranteed rating of 6 to 7 for the 18-49 audience seemed reasonable, considering that the similar "Idol" was still rocketing along at 8-plus ratings. But "X-Factor" actually delivered a bit under a 4 rating.Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:20:00 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166960/as-x-factor-exes-out-big-time-talent-will-big-a.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166914/you-can-advertise-digital-tv-shows-on-cable-tv-.htmlAre you marketing an original TV show on the Internet -- and hoping to get an audience of a decent size? You need to advertise on TV. At least that's what those behind Glenn Beck's digital video efforts seem to think.Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:51:00 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166914/you-can-advertise-digital-tv-shows-on-cable-tv-.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166832/give-viewers-what-they-really-want-much-less.htmlLess programming usually means more viewers -- especially for sports and reality shows. ESPN is reporting that, through 14 NBA games, its total viewers are up 21%, to 2.1 million. And its numbers are 31% higher among 18-49ers -- a 1.7 average rating so far. The NBA, in the midst of a shortened season, seems to have pushed viewers to climb on board for what has been called a "sprint" finish.Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:20:52 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166832/give-viewers-what-they-really-want-much-less.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166715/bite-on-this-shared-content-vs-product-placement.htmlViewing a way-too-long product placement for Subway in a recent "Hawaii Five-0" episode on CBS got me thinking: What if a friend, who got a quick lunch bite, talked highly about his meal at a certain sandwich franchise? Shared comments from a friend would have top billing, of course -- even versus paid ads or brand placements that are easier to digest, resulting in just a shrug-of-shoulder response.Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:52:13 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166715/bite-on-this-shared-content-vs-product-placement.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166649/with-family-tv-getting-old-fashioned-can-co-vi.htmlStill looking for family entertainment on TV? "Modern Family" and shows like that might not entirely cut it. Big consumer product marketers continue to try to find new ways to promote family TV shows. But what is this really about?Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:09:53 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166649/with-family-tv-getting-old-fashioned-can-co-vi.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166557/new-broadcast-networks-need-good-after-market-o.htmlHere'w an easy TV business quiz: If you were starting a new broadcast network, what would be its target? Women 18-34? Young men? Older citizens? How about Hispanic-Americans? Census data -- and trends --- show that's perhaps the only direction where there is assured growth.Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:45:39 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166557/new-broadcast-networks-need-good-after-market-o.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166466/for-true-engagement-follow-viewers-extra-enterta.htmlHow do you measure true TV engagement? I'm not talking about wistfully sending off an email, a tweet, or a Facebook update about what the girls should be doing on "Gossip Girl," "New Girl" or "2 Broke Girls." I'm talking about old-school pulling-out-the-wallet engagement.Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:51:04 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166466/for-true-engagement-follow-viewers-extra-enterta.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166341/sampling-or-piracy-are-viewers-thieves-lazy-or.htmlFor some, there is a fine line between sampling and piracy. For others, the goal posts keep moving. Where does marketing end and stealing start? If you go to a disreputable website and get CBS' "Two and a Half Men" episode a day early, are you stealing? Yes, more than likely. But if you go to an honorable website, say Hulu or XfinityTV, and get the premiere of NBC's new show "Smash" early, it's not thievery, just marketing.Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:19:00 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166341/sampling-or-piracy-are-viewers-thieves-lazy-or.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166228/super-bowl-media-buying-makes-you-be-sharp.htmlMore new advertisers will offer commercials in the upcoming Super Bowl than in recent memory -- probably the most since the Super Bowl in 2000, when 19 new dot-com advertisers spent lavishly, only to mostly disappear soon afterward. What does this say? Lessons are hard to learn? Traditional TV is far from dead? If anything, it means media buying and planning professionals will gain lots of knowledge -- both good and bad -- and fast.Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:02:44 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166228/super-bowl-media-buying-makes-you-be-sharp.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166135/new-music-entertainment-channel-can-take-lessons.htmlWhat's your first thought when you hear about a new "music, pop culture, entertainment lifestyle" network? You're about to yawn, perhaps? But wait. Take note of the names attached to this new project, called AXS TV (you can pronounce it "Access TV") -- Ryan Seacrest, media and sports billionaire Mark Cuban, live entertainment impresario AEG, and powerful Hollywood agent Creative Artists Agency.Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:57:00 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166135/new-music-entertainment-channel-can-take-lessons.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166072/networking-for-all-your-entertainment-in-2012.htmlYears ago I had a crazy friend who wanted to start a network. Not a cable network, mind you, a broadcast network. She had no experience -- except as a producer for a made-for-TV movie. "Hmm, that's kind of ambitious," I said cautiously, Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:49:40 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166072/networking-for-all-your-entertainment-in-2012.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166008/for-program-marketing-smashes-in-2012-nets-use-th.htmlDoes broadcast need to be more like cable when selling shows? Does the Internet need to be more like broadcast when selling its shows? Does cable need to be more like the Internet? When it comes to new programming -- like the original shows on Hulu, YouTube and smaller video/TV platforms -- what are the exact marketing parameters?Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:21:38 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/166008/for-program-marketing-smashes-in-2012-nets-use-th.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165916/entertainment-copycats-we-need-your-content.htmlFrom the late-to-the-party-entertainment-copy department: Madonna now claims Lady Gaga has been stealing her act -- and perhaps a song. This is not new in the entertainment industry. Artists have been stealing from each other for a long time, since one cave owner decided to copy a nice sketch of deer being hunted on a neighbor's cave wall.Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:45:53 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165916/entertainment-copycats-we-need-your-content.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165810/the-value-of-long-running-shows-for-viewers-and-ad.htmlNews that David Letterman might still be on CBS late night in 2014 -- which will give him a stint (including his run on NBC) of 32 years on the air -- might make some wonder about the value of long-running shows in the digital age.Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:39:00 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165810/the-value-of-long-running-shows-for-viewers-and-ad.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165730/a-television-network-by-any-other-name.htmlBroadcast networks increasingly have to contend with a "phantom" prime-time network that doesn't really have a name. Like the Tea Party, this network doesn't really have a structure or headquarters, nor does it do presentations to TV critics and reporters. But it has certain wants -- such as ridding itself of big bureaucratic obstacles like costs that may tax viewers' patience. We speak of time-shifted viewing, of course.Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:14:48 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165730/a-television-network-by-any-other-name.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165607/could-failed-network-shows-have-had-longer-runs-a.htmlWho hasn't seen well-written and well- produced, but short-lived, prime-time network shows? And who hasn't thought: "Too bad they weren't on cable"? Two current network entertainment chiefs -- NBC's Robert Greenblatt and Fox's Kevin Reilly -- would agree. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:17:21 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165607/could-failed-network-shows-have-had-longer-runs-a.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165409/just-in-time-entertainment-may-be-coming-just-i.htmlJust in time means giving you something when you need it. For instance, I need a Broadway-themed, musical drama -- preferably on Monday nights. What luck! NBC seemingly has one. And -- despite my prior knowledge -- just-in-time advertising apparently would have helped me out. NBC had planned to run a boatload of commercials about the new program during the Super Bowl on Feb. 5, a Sunday night. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:59:09 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165409/just-in-time-entertainment-may-be-coming-just-i.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165291/olbermann-and-current-tv-always-current-always-d.htmlI can understand some of what Keith Olbermann has been going through at Current TV. For example, I watched a repeat of Current TV's Iowa caucus coverage the day after the event. I don't think CNN, Fox Newsor MSNBC offered reruns of its live coverage the next day. You want to play with the big boys? Play big -- or at least look the part. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:55:57 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165291/olbermann-and-current-tv-always-current-always-d.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165256/spend-lots-on-commercials-hope-for-the-best-an.htmlGovernor Rick Perry spent the most TV money of all Republican Presidential candidates in Iowa -- $17 million, according to one estimate -- only to gain a low fifth place in Tuesday's caucus. Does TV still work as a marketing tool? Yes, up to a point. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:11:37 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165256/spend-lots-on-commercials-hope-for-the-best-an.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165175/stop-dancing-around-and-give-us-the-results.htmlToo many reality shows -- especially on the broadcast networks -- add extra programming and extra nights, teasing viewers while waiting for those all-important "results." The multiple airings per week work out well for reality producers and their growing license fees. But maybe not so much for viewers.Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:03:42 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165175/stop-dancing-around-and-give-us-the-results.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165080/can-kids-tv-marketing-result-in-them-riding-aroun.htmlMy six-year-old was hit with a Scooter Store commercial during Qubo's running of "Maisy." "What's Medicare?" she asked me.Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:21:11 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/165080/can-kids-tv-marketing-result-in-them-riding-aroun.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164785/how-actors-and-athletes-get-near-and-over-th.htmlAlec Baldwin singlehandedly continues to do some of NBC's best marketing work for "30 Rock": He keeps saying outrageous stuff or getting in the middle of testy issues -- like being a passenger on a airline. What's his secret? He doesn't go over the Sheen-edge.Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:51:40 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164785/how-actors-and-athletes-get-near-and-over-th.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164752/entertainment-greening-big-media-should-give-co.htmlIndependently owned Tennis Channel has gotten the better of the big bad cable industry --specifically Comcast Corp -- for now. A judge has ruled that Comcast was wrong in putting Tennis Channel on a pay tier -- at $5 a month extra for consumers -- while similar sports networks Versus and the Golf Channel, both owned by Comcast, got a free ride and better channel positions.Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:08:00 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164752/entertainment-greening-big-media-should-give-co.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164560/lessons-from-louis-cks-digital-success.htmlLouis C.K.'s recent digital comedy event should make the likes of every semi-recognized TV performer and producer sit up and take notice. Recently, viewers spent $5 for simple digital access to watch his comedy performance at the Beacon Theater. Louis C.K. told The New York Times he pulled in 1 million people. With production costs coming to $250,000, that meant he profited some $750,000. Easy entertainment math.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:48:48 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164560/lessons-from-louis-cks-digital-success.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164492/how-will-the-end-of-the-first-x-factor-season-a.html"The X Factor" didn't do "American Idol"-like numbers this fall -- but it gave Fox some high notes for the season. Fox gained mightily this fall -- growing some 14% in its live-plus-seven-day rating. "X-Factor" filled a big gap for Fox and, coupled with surprising "New Girl," the network did well. Give major kudos to Fox, which has topped the charts as the number one network among the key 18-49 viewers for many seasons. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:32:33 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164492/how-will-the-end-of-the-first-x-factor-season-a.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164363/getting-siri-ous-about-tv-remotes-future.htmlApple's Siri -- the voice recognition interface that helps me make a spinning class reservation or reminds me to buy my father a new Elvis Presley-style toupee -- could be the future that will eliminate TV remotes. It's the entertainment butler I never had. Most importantly, it will eliminate the need for electronic program guides. This could drastically shift -- again -- the way we watch television. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:11:00 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164363/getting-siri-ous-about-tv-remotes-future.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164335/can-social-media-and-mobile-apps-really-change-tv.htmlHow many different digital services and apps do I need to connect socially with the TV shows I watch? One? Five? Fifteen?Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:46:48 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164335/can-social-media-and-mobile-apps-really-change-tv.htmlhttp://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164251/in-pressing-times-tv-executives-to-press-more-fle.htmlExecutives of broadcast and cable networks, local stations and other TV media need to press the flesh more than ever -- at the right time, with the right people. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:58:14 -0500http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164251/in-pressing-times-tv-executives-to-press-more-fle.html