Headlines
68% of Americans Reject Government Pressure on Broadcasters
As the debate over free speech and government power has moved from the abstract to the urgent, two new national surveys reveal how Americans themselves view these tensions over free speech, media accountability, and the role of government in content decisions.
Broadcast TV’s Existential Crisis Is (Now) Unavoidable
The crisis facing broadcast television isn't looming on the horizon anymore — it's here. Viewership has tipped decisively toward streaming, advertising is shifting to more-targeted digital platforms, and historically reliable revenue streams that have sustained local stations for decades are eroding rapidly.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Deal Digest: MARC Radio Group Adds Fourth Florida Market.
Roger Holler’s MARC Radio Group has filed a $6 million deal to buy country “B-94.7” WPHR, AC WGYL (93.7), soft AC “97.1 The Ocean” WOSN, adult hits “99.7 Jack FM” WJKD, and WTTB (1490) from Mitchell Rubenstein’s Vero Beach Broadcasters.
Television
TV Ratings Were Undercounting Sports For Years. Not Anymore
A significant change to Nielsen’s ratings methodology is yielding noticeable — but not massive — gains to some sports programming.
NFL Opt-Outs Make Disney’s ABC Debate Everyone’s Problem
With opt-outs looming and a stake in ESPN, the NFL is rewriting the rules of broadcast economics, potentially turning licenses from a hedge to a liability.
Public TV Broadcasters Begin Eliminating Programming, Services
Public TV stations are beginning to shut down operations and reduce services, particularly in rural areas after federal funding was cut earlier this year.
Radio
Nielsen 3-Minute Rule Impact: Mornings, PM Drive, Weekends Are All Up
With both PPM and nationwide listening data reflecting the change from a five- to a three-minute qualifier now available, Nielsen has seen clear trends benefiting radio advertising and programming, as reported in a Wednesday Radio Advertising Bureau webinar.
Holiday Shopping Creates Big Opportunities for Local Media Advertising
Despite fourth quarter signaling the end of the year, it is also actually a huge advertising opportunity for the year. Retail and other industries see bumps in spending, making it critical to promote their business to rake in holiday shopping sales.
Podcasts Are Telling Stories in “Truly New Ways” — Redefining Audio
At the IAB Podcast Upfront in New York, iHeartMedia on Tuesday put forward a sweeping case that podcasting has become not only mass-reach but also the most “compelling, influential medium” for advertisers seeking engaged audiences.
FCC
Broadcasters Face Delays As FCC Suspends Normal Operations.
The government shutdown is having an impact across Washington, including at the Federal Communications Commission.