The FAST and the Delirious: Why the Stampede to Free Ad-Supported Platforms Looks Like a Rerun of the Streaming Wars
As we leap into FAST’s new era, media companies once again must devise clever ways to get and keep viewers and advertisers, in large enough numbers and low enough cost to make money.
Olympics 2024—How Team USA Is Targeting Gen Z With New Marketing Leaders and Agency
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee has reset its marketing game as it approaches the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Looking to be more strategic in its outreach to fans, the organization behind Team USA has hired a new chief brand and fan engagement officer, and appointed Wieden+Kennedy to develop a creative platform.
Peacock to Host First-Ever Exclusive NFL Game
NBC’s Peacock streaming service will host its first exclusive NFL game on Dec. 23 when it broadcasts a primetime matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Buffalo Bills.
Telly Offer Viewers Free TVs in Exchange for Targeted Ads and Data
The company expects to make money selling targeted advertising, selling data about what its customers are watching and how they respond to advertising, and through an array of apps that will be available to users.
Here’s What Media Giants Face as They Try to Charm Advertisers This Week
Media companies making their pitches to advertisers this week will have to do their best to overcome a lot of noise in the industry, including the writers’ strike and a softer ad market.
Bobbi Gearhart Named VP/News Director at KTTV Los Angeles
She starts in June and comes from KGTV San Diego, where she was news director.
NBCU and Amazon Strike New FAST Channel Deal for NBC and Telemundo Stations
We’re thrilled to bring our NBC and Telemundo stations’ local news, weather and community information to Fire TV audiences and Echo Show users,” said Meredith McGinn, executive vice president of diginets and local production, NBCU Local.
Cassady Velasco Promoted To News Director At KSBW
The station veteran moves up from assistant news director to oversee journalism at Hearst’s NBC affiliate in Monterey-Salinas, Calif.
WWL Ups Nicole Waivers to News Director
“Nicole is a leader who brings a passion for the people of Southeast Louisiana,” said WWL President/General Manager Tod Smith.
NBCU Names Mark Marshall Interim Ad Sales Chair; Linda Yaccarino Seen Headed to Twitter
On the eve of NBCU’s upfront presentation, Mark Marshall has been named interim chairman, global advertising and partnerships, replacing Linda Yaccarino, who is leaving NBCU and expected to become CEO of Twitter.
Political Kicks off Early in Sluggish Ad Market
Early political spending points to a big haul for TV next year, and it helps now to battle headwinds in the advertising marketplace. “Local advertising remains relatively stronger than national, largely due to the return of automotive spending. But we do feel pressure across the whole advertising marketplace,” said E.W. Scripps COO Lisa Knutson.
Americans Bet $220B on Sports in 5 Years Since Legalization
“While the milestones of legalized sports betting that have led up to now are remarkable, this industry is excitingly still far from being fully realized,” said Jason Robins, CEO of DraftKings.
Cross Screen Media, AdImpact Partner on Local Cross-Screen Measurement
“We are excited to add AdImpact’s local linear TV data to our CTV measurement so that advertisers can see the whole picture and, most importantly, understand how to tactically drive incremental reach,” said Michael Beach, CEO of Cross Screen Media.
Nexstar Doubles It Up in San Diego
Nexstar has agreed to acquire KUSI-51 in San Diego, noting that together with KSWB, “the two stations will offer more local news and information programming in the market than all of the other local stations combined.”
KBB: New-Vehicle Prices Fell Again Last Month
The average price Americans paid for a new vehicle in April remained below the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the second consecutive month. According to Kelley Blue Book, incentives hit their highest point in a year in April.
NBC Wants to Line up Advertisers for 50th Season of ‘SNL’
The 50th season of “Saturday Night Live” isn’t slated to kick off until fall of 2024. But that doesn’t mean NBC has to wait to start lining up sponsors. Eager to discuss ideas, NBCU intends to talk to advertisers about the possibilities in the industry’s annual “upfront” sales session.
Nielsen Remains Currency of the TV Realm in 2023-24 Upfront
Buyers and sellers are still playing with alternative currencies such as VideoAmp, iSpot are Comscore, but nothing will take the place of C3/C7 ratings in a majority of this year’s upfront sales.
Missouri Sports Betting Hopes Fade
Barring a last-minute miracle, Missouri sports betting legislation appears dead as the session winds down this week. It now appears increasingly unlikely lawmakers will reach a deal legalizing sports betting in the Show-Me State.
Legal Vermont Sports Betting Only a Governor Signature Away
Governor Scott told reporters that “It’s being done here in the state and we just need to find a path forward that we can provide for the protections necessary to make it viable for us and for Vermonters.”
Dish Becomes the Latest Major Pay TV Operator to Accelerate to Double-Digit Cord-Cutting Rate
Dish lost 318,000 satellite-TV customers in the first quarter and has seen its subscriber ranks decline at a rate of 11.2% since the end of March 2022, according to MoffettNathanson.