Headlines
TVB: Broadcast/Cable Still Provides Widest Reach, Most Viewing Time
Broadcast and cable channels reached 81% of the population; local news is still the most trusted news source
Scripps’ Lawlor Wants FCC To Review Streaming Rules
With the video marketplace in a state of flux, federal regulators need to review rules that determine how local TV stations gain carriage on streaming platforms like YouTube TV, Scripps Sports President Brian Lawlor said Wednesday.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Deal Digest: Portland AM Sells For $1.2 Million.
Volodymyr Velyky’s The Great Media Group has filed a $1.2 million deal to buy ethnic “Slavic Family Radio” KXPD (1040) from Irina Baranova’s PIN Investments. In a related deal, Afisha Advertising Agency will also buy Afisha Russian Advertising Agency and Afisha Magazine.
Neuhoff Family To Exit Radio Station Ownership
In a transaction that sees Tucson-based brokerage Kalil & Co. in an exclusive role, the Neuhoff Family has struck an agreement that will see it sell its radio stations in both Danville and Decatur, Ill.
Octillion Media Acquired By TEGNA’s Premion Unit
The connected TV/OTT advertising platform for regional and local advertisers owned by TEGNA has acquired what is being described as “a next-generation demand-side platform” focused on the same segment of the ad pie as TEGNA’s Premion LLC.
Radio
FCC Opens Door To GBS ‘ZoneCasting’ Implementation
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel on Wednesday (1/31) circulated the order and “FNPRM,” which would allow FM broadcasters to air original programming from a booster — the lynchpin behind GBS’s proprietary ZoneCasting offering, which was demonstrated at KSJO-FM in San Jose and at an FM radio station in Jackson, Miss. — WRBJ-FM.
CTV/OTT
NBC Spot On Puts Local Auto Dealers In CTV Driver’s Seat
Auto dealers have historically been high-octane local television advertisers, but the shift to streaming has left many of them in neutral.
NBCUniversal, working with auto marketing tech company Constellation has launched Spot On Automotive, which enables even dealers with small budgets to buy targeted, high-quality connected TV ad inventory.
Syncbak, Gray Launch Zeam, New Local Station Streaming Platform
Backed by Gray Television, Morgan Murphy and the National Association of Broadcasters, OTT video company Syncbak is launching Zeam, a new free streaming platform for local stations.
Media
2024 Update on Super Bowl Advertising and Promotions
As a life-long fan of the Baltimore Ravens (the life of the Ravens, not my life), my interest in the Super Bowl XVII has waned a bit. The opposite is true for those who seek to profit from the playing of the game. Accordingly, following are updated guidelines about engaging in or accepting advertising or promotions that directly or indirectly reference the Super Bowl without a license from the NFL.