Category Archives: Interactive Companies

20th Century Fox

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Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp

10201 West Pico Boulevard,
Los Angeles, California 90035

Mail: P.O. Box 900,
Beverly Hills, California 90213
Phone: 310-277-2211
Fax: 310-203-1558
www.foxmovies.com [1]

20th Century Fox’s iconic logo.

Summary:

20th Century Fox is a film production and distribution company under Fox Entertainment

Recent Best Picture winner, Life of Pi, is a 20th Century Fox film.

Group which is a part of the media conglomerate, News Corporation. The company releases about 14 films a year many of which have been very successful [1]. 20th Century Fox formed in 1935 and has been one of the top film studios for almost a hundred years [2]. The subsidiary companies to 20th Century Fox include Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox International Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios [1]. 20th Century Fox is most notably responsible for James Cameron’s films Avatar and Titanic as well as classics such as the Star Wars series, Home Alone, the Ice Age series, Independence Day, The Sound of Music, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and hundreds more [4].

 

Fox Searchlight’s logo

Fox Searchlight is a speciality division under 20th Century Fox. The company tends to release smaller budget, niche-genre films. Many of Fox Searchlight’s films have earned Academy Award nominations and wins such as Little Miss Sunshine, Juno, Slumdog Millionaire, The Descendants, and Black Swan [4].

Executives [15]

Rupert Murdoch

  • Chris Petrikin- Executive Vice President, Global Communications
  • Rupert Murdoch- Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
  • Robert Marick- Executive Vice President
  • Ricardo Crespo- Senior Vice President of Global Creative
  • Thomas E. Rothman- Board Member
  • Robert Harpe- Board Member
  • James Gianopulos- Board Member

 

Financial Information

News Corp’s current share price is $30.9 up 36.6% from 19.58 at this time last year. Their revenue for the year 2012 was $34.33 billion a 2% increase from their 2011 revenue of $33.4 billion [3].

This graph represents the share price of News Corp stock since 2008.

This graph represents the share price of News Corp stock since 2008 [9].

20th Century Fox is currently number 4 in the market, holding an 11.7% share. It has grossed $256.9 million. Compared to its position in April of 2012, it is down $40 million in revenue, with the same amount of films released. In 2012, they finished 6th in the market with a 9.5% share, releasing 15 films. 2012 was a successful year, having increased profits from 2011 by 4.9%, up from $977 million to $1 billion [4].

Fox Searchlight is currently 16th in the market with a .2% of the market share. It has currently grossed $4.5 million at the box office with the release of 4 films so far this year. Searchlight finished 2012 grossing $117.8 million, down 22.7% from the 2011 gross of $152.4 million. For 2012, Fox Searchlight was 12th in the market a slight decline from their 2011 position of 11th in the market. In 2012 they released 10 movies and in 2011 they released 11, most likely causing the decline in profits [4].

 Competitors

The Weinstein Company is independently owned unlike most studios that fall under a media conglomerate.

20th Century Fox competes most closely with the five other major studios (Columbia Pictures, Warner Bros, Disney, Universal, and Paramount.) Universal is currently number one in the market, followed by the Weinstein Company, and Buena Vista. Universal has only released 2 films so far this year, one being the successful film, Identity Theif, and have still been experiencing profits from their late 2012 releases including the award winner Les Miserables. Beuna Vista released the high grossing, Oz The Great and Powerful. The recent wild success of the Weinstein Company has caused it to become more comprable in profits to 20th Century Fox than to Fox Searchlight though they release similar types of films. This has largely been due to their award winning films Django Unchained and Silver Linings Playbook. 20th Century Fox has held a high position in the market due to the success of The Croods. Other 2013 releases inclue Broken City and A Good Day to Die Hard [4].

Recent News

After a phone hacking scandal in 2011 and increased pressure from shareholders, News Corp will be splitting into two separate companies mid-2013. 20th Century Fox and all other Fox brands will become a part of a new company titled Fox Group. The publishing side of the company will remain News Corporation. Fox Group is slated to be led by Chase Carey, president and chief operating officer, Rupert Murdoch, chief executive and chairman, and James Murdoch, who will serve as the deputy chief operating officer [6]. Due to this split, 20th Century Fox’s co-chairman Tom Rothman will be resigning, leaving co-chairman, Jim Gianopolus, to lead the entire film division [11].

The 2013 release of The Croods has been notable for more than just its success at the box office. The film is the first to be released under DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox’s new partnership. Formerly, DreamWorks films were distributed by Paramount but the two companies ended this agreement late last year. This new deal has been very profitable for 20th Century Fox, as The Croods grossed $44.7 million in its opening weekend alone [7].

20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios are currently preparing for the release of the film Epic. Director, Chris Wedge, known for the Ice Age films, claims that Epic shows both technological advancement and genre evolution for Blue Sky [12]. The companies are heavily promoting the film that is set to release in May. Teaming up with Rite-Aid, the film will be an official charity partner of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals [13].

20th Century Fox is taking initiative to lead the industry in the new medium of digital media. In September, the Home Entertainment division decided

to release digital copies of the film Prometheus three weeks before the DVD and Blu-ray release. In attempt to make online films more accessible and affordable, the company is also moving to dispel online piracy. 20th Century Fox is the first of the major studios to place such high importance on the release of digital content, calling the initiative Digital HD. Fox will release all recent films on Digital HD in addition to the effort to have over 600 Fox titles available on other digital platforms [8]. 20th Century Fox as well as other studios are currently in a prolonged legal battle with Google due to online piracy issues. The companies are requesting Google to remove links to pirated content but Google is responding by publishing the requests from these companies with direct links to the pirated content. This phenomenon is being called “copyright irony.” [14]

Fox Searchlight recently announced that it will be releasing the upcoming film, Twelve Years A Slave, rather than the parent company 20th Century Fox. The Steve McQueen film features Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, and the young Quvenzhane Wallis. It will premier in December [10]. Fox Searchlight currently has two films in theaters: Danny Boyle’s thriller Trance and Chan-wook Park’s Stoker which experienced festival success [10].

 

Sources:

[1] http://www.newscorp.com/management/20film.html

[2] http://www.cobbles.com/simpp_archive/zanuck-schenck.htm

[3] http://finance.yahoo.com/q/ks?s=NWS+Key+Statistics

[4] http://www.boxofficemojo.com/studios

[5] TRF 235 Lecture Notes: Barbara Jones, Class 2

[6] http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/03/news-corp-announces-its-corporate-split-and-the-closing-of-the-daily/

[7] http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/25/movies/the-croods-and-olympus-has-fallen-lead-the-box-office.html?_r=2&

[8] http://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/20th-century-fox-s-mary-daily-taking-digital-lead/238751/

[9] http://finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=NWS+Interactive#symbol=nws;range=20080103,20130401;compare=;indicator=volume;charttype=area;crosshair=on;ohlcvalues=0;logscale=off;source=undefined;

[10] www.foxsearchlight.com

[11] http://www.medialifemagazine.com/people-9-17-12/

[12] http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=101806

[13] http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1149205

[14] http://businessofcinema.com/hollywood/twentieth-century-fox-and-others-in-piracy-battle-with-google/71643

[15] http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/people.asp?privcapId=35867

Photos

1.http://www.foxstudios.com/data/image/teasers/category_bg_home.jpg

2.https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/495817344/FoxLogo_FanfareVersion.jpg

3.http://www.impawards.com/2012/posters/life_of_pi.jpg

4.http://www.foxsearchlight.com/media/blog_post_images/fsl_logo2.jpg

5. http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowldc/files/2010/09/rupert-murdoch.jpg

6. http://cdn.pastemagazine.com/www/articles/2010/11/19/weinstein.jpg?1290168446

7. http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BODU3NzI5ODc1NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODQ2NDU1OA@@._V1_SX214_.jpg

8. http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/threatlevel/2011/09/FBI_Anti-Piracy_Warning.jpeg

Tribune Broadcasting

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Anthony Phillips

Tribune Company
435 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312.222.9100 / www.tribune.com

Company Overview

In 1847, this Chicago based company was created with the start up of the Chicago Daily Tribune, which had a circulation of 400 copies (1). After success in the newspaper industry, the Tribune Company has expanded its media platforms with the launch of its first radio station WGN in Chicago in 1924, and then its insertion into the TV industry in 1947 (2). With its rapid expansion in publishing, digital and broadcasting, Tribune has now become one of the principal multimedia companies in the nation.

Tribune Broadcasting Overview

After the company launched its first television station, KTLA- TV, Los Angles in 1947, the company expanded rapidly, tripling its station ownership by the next year. Now, Tribune is one of the leading broadcasters, with ownership of 23 major-market television stations across the US reaching an estimated 80 percent of TV households.  The company also has a hand in the cable industry, with the WGN America cable network, which has an average viewership of over 70 million households through cable and satellite providers (3).

 

Executives

Peter Liguori

CEO of the Tribune Company, Liguori has worked for the Fox Broadcast Company, and most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Discovery Communications before coming on board with Tribune.

Larry Wert

President of Broadcast media, Wert was appointed in February 2013, and is in charge of the company’s 23 television stations and WGN Radio in Chicago (4).

Matt Cherniss

President & General Manager of WGN America & Tribune Studios, Cherniss is responsible for creation, strategy, and operations of the WGN superstation and Tribune Studios (5).

Chandler Bigelow

Appointed in March 2008 as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Bigelow oversees all corporate finance functions (6).

 

Assets

The staple of its broadcasting, WGN America, offers an array of content as “home of the superfan” with popular shows in syndication, movies, news, and Chicago based sports (7).  As of July 2012, coverage estimates for WGN America were a little over 66 percent reaching a little under 76 million households (10).

With its ownership of 23 major-market television stations, Tribune has thirteen affiliations with The CW, seven with Fox, two with MyNetworkTV, and one with ABC (8). In addition to these major market stations, Tribune Broadcasting also has ownership of the CLTV, Chicagoland Television, which partnered up with Tribunes prominent WGN-TV station in Chicago to deliver 24 hour local and regional news coverage for the Chicago Area (18).

Financial Information

tribune-bankruptcy__130118005350

(19)

Tribune used to be a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange as of 1983, but in late 2007 the company became privatized again. In December 2008, due to an unexpected decline of revenue and too much debt to handle, Tribune had to file petitions for Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court (11).  After four years of restructuring, Tribune was able to recover from Chapter 11 with a new term loan of $1.1 billion and $300 million revolving credit facility to maintain operations of the company (12). Even though Tribune is now a private company, they still voluntarily report annual and quarterly financial statements, but they are only estimations and subject to change. On September 23, 2012 the third quarter results were released publicly, and the company had an estimated $2.2 billion operating revenue with a net income of $254 million. Since these financial statements are voluntary for the company they only have reports of the entire company and subsidiaries together. The only assets reported for the broadcasting division were the broadcast rights for this quarter, which were $26 million (9). With an up haul of restructuring and reorganization, Tribune has shown with their profitable assets that they are on their way out of bankruptcy. Tribune also has equity interests in broadcasting and digital content like the Food Network, NimbleTV, and TOPIX, which all have been helpful in its financial return and have contributed a good amount of success to Tribune’s already existing assets.

In the News

As of April 2nd Tribune Broadcasting’s creative division, Tribune Creative Group has partnered up with the production company Turbo Dog Productions. With its advances with equipment and creative expertise, this newly formed partnership will expand Tribunes footprint in its advertising. Turbo Dog Productions will now be located in Manhattan under the newly formed Pix11 studio, with state-of-the-art equipment like Motion Capture technology, a Virtual Camera system, full CGI and VFX, and multiple green screens (14). Andrew Kessler, CEO of Turbo Dog Productions stated that this new collaboration, “will ensure we remain significantly ahead of our competition and further our ability to provide both our domestic and overseas clients with the highest quality of content over the full spectrum of visual creative materials” (14).

PHL17, Tribune’s MyNetworkTV affiliate in Philadelphia announced on March 28 that the station would broadcast the 2013 Season Opener for the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team game against the Atlanta Braves, with a pregame show at 6:30pm following up to the opener at 7:05pm (15). Nielsen ratings the next day estimated that the game averaged an 11.5 household rating, which set an unprecedented record high for the station over the last 17 years. These results gave an estimate that over 339 thousand homes tuned into the game, making it the number one programmed broadcast for the night (16).

Combined with its already prominent scheduling of popular syndicated shows like 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, and Scrubs, WGN America announced on March 26th that they would be adding additional network shows to the mix. Hoping to boost ratings, Tribunes cable network will be airing marathon blocks of

The Vampire Diaries and Arrow. Original content from The CW Network, both of these shows have been the most popular shows to date for the network, with The Vampire Diaries being the highest-rated drama while Arrow has been the most-watched show. With the new addition of these shows through block programming, WGN America hopes to get viewers attention so they “can catch up on all the action-packed drama before the final original episodes of the season on The CW” (17).

Works Cited

(1)–    http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?page_id=2313

(2)–    http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/tribune-company-history/

(3)–    http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?page_id=4200

(4)–    http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?page_id=5253

(5)–    http://chicagoradioandmedia.com/news/3169-tribune-broadcasting-forms-new-studio-hires-new-head-of-wgn-america

(6)–    http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?page_id=2352

(7)–    http://www.wgnamerica.com/

(8)–    http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?page_id=2311

(9)–    http://www.tribune.com/emergence/Tribune_2010_2011_Q32012_Financial_Statements.pdf

(10)–http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/08/18/cable-network-coverage-estimates-as-of-july-2012/145322/

(11)–http://dm.epiq11.com/TRB/Project

(12)–http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?p=5081

(14)–http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?p=5382

(15)–http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?p=5393

(16)–http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?p=5395

(17)–http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?p=5365

(18)–http://cltv.com/about/#axzz2PvIHRjPw

(19)– http://www.deadline.com/tag/tribune-co/

(20)– http://www.deadline.com/2012/07/tribune-fox-affiliation-tv-stations/

(21)– http://www.suntimes.com/business/18206595-420/nbc-5-gm-wert-to-lead-tribunes-wgn-tv-radio-other-stations.html

(22)– http://www.deadline.com/2013/03/matt-cherniss-joins-tribune-as-president-gm-of-wgn-newly-formed-tribune-studios/

(23)– http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20081101/ISSUE02/100030896/chandler-bigelow

(24)– http://vimeo.com/26967191

(25)– http://www.beyondhollywood.com/kiera-cass-the-selection-lands-at-the-cw-as-as-tv-series/the-cw-logo/

Scripps Networks Interactive

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by Lauren Nicholas
Screen shot-scripps

– Scripps Networks Interactive logo (x)

9721 Sherrill Boulevard
Knoxville, TN 37932                                                                                                               865.694.2700

www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com

Who is Scripps Networks Interactive

Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI) is a cable television network that offers a variety of popular “slice of life” brands across numerous mediums such as television, digital media, mobile, and publishing. The network is practiced exclusively in the lifestyle genre housing syndicated shows on popular channels such as Food Network, Travel Channel, and HGTV. Scripps is truly an interactive network with shows that inspire its audience, about 144 million unduplicated viewers per month, to try new things and explore the world around them.

Due to the style of its shows Scripps is known for integrating products into the actual program. With its number 1 rank in persuading viewers to buy new products, Scripps Network has become a favorite among advertisers. [1] [2] 

History

Scripps Networks Interactive first began to develop into the company it is today in 1994 with the debut of HGTV (formally Home & Garden Television). However, its roots date back to 1878 when Edward W. Scripps founded The Penny Press in Cleveland. Penny Press established the E.W Scripps Company as one of the post-war era’s most influential newspaper publishers. Following the success of HGTV, the company debuted additional channels through the late 90s and early 2000s including but not limited to, the DIY Network (1999) and Cooking Channel (formally Fine Living Network) (2002).   In 2008 Scripps expanded into two publicly traded companies. E. W. Scripps Company houses broadcast television, news, and community educational services. Scripps Networks Interactive houses interactive media, and cable television. Today, Scripps Networks Interactive has grown to include six channels all of which have an active online presence through channel websites, social media pages and online videos. [3]

Key People

 

Kenneth W. Lowe

– Kenneth W. Lowe (x)

 

Kenneth W. Lowe – Chairman, President and CEO

Joseph G. NeCastro – Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

John Lansing – President Scripps Networks

 

 

Brands/Channels

Food Network logo

Food Network logo (x)

Food Network: Food Network is a unique channel that reaches viewers through TV, the web and magazine.  The channel is distributed to more than 100 million American households. The channel also has a growing international presence with availability in more than 150 countries, including Great Britain, India, Asia and Africa. [4] 

DIY Network logo

– DIY Network logo (x)

DIY Network:  DIY is a home improvement channel that answers questions about home craft projects and makeovers. DIY reaches more than 56 million American households. [5]

HGTV logo

– HGTV logo (x)

HGTV: The veteran channel of Scripps Networks Interactive has everything you could ask for about the home and its surrounding landscape. HGTV offers a number of how-to home improvement series that focus on artistic renovations, crafts and maintenance. HGTV boasts a following of more than 95 million American households. [6]

Cooking Channel logo

Cooking Channel logo (x)

Cooking Channel: As its catch phrase “Stay Hungry”, suggests Cooking Channel is a station that is as passionate about food as its viewers. Following the model of many series on Scripps other channels Cooking Channel features various instructional shows about proper cooking habits and features various unique recipes. [7]

Travel Channel logo

-Travel Channel logo (x)

Travel Channel: Travel Channel is a station all about the world around us. Programs offer beautiful adventures to its viewers by looking at the culture, food and homes of different nations. Travel Channel reaches more than 95 million American households. [8]

 

GAC logo

– GAC logo (x)

GAC: Great American Country (GAC) offers programs that focus on style of country living.  Programs give viewers access to country music videos, cooking shows and reality TV series. GAC reaches more than 59 million American households. [9]

Finances

As of April 8th 2013 Scripps Networks Interactive stock is priced at $66.89. This is an increase of about 1.43% from yesterdays stock prices. The companies current market capitalization, as of April 5th, is about $9.82 billion.  The companies current annual net income is about 681.48 million which is a great increase of about 60% from 411.56 million in 2011. Scripps seems to be doing very well with 305.80 million this quarter. [10]

Recent/Future News

January 2013

Last July Scripps Networks Interactive closed a carriage deal with Comcast that included TV Everywhere. Over the next 18 to 24 months, Scripps chairman and CEO Kenneth Lowe, plans to expand the companies TV Everywhere deals. TV Everywhere deals are

Scripps Networks Brands

– Scripps Networks Brands (x)

sure to substantially benefit Scripps series especially those that specialize in cooking. TV Everywhere could extend the amount of time a viewer spends watching a show. With channels like Food Network, viewers can take their laptops, tablets or smartphones into the kitchen to continue watching a program while the cook along with the show host. Lowe stated that Scripps could see more ratings as a result because their will be multiple platforms rather than a single stationary TV screen. However, some trouble lies within properly tracking TV Everywhere ratings. Nielsen Media Research insists it can consistently and accurately track TV Everywhere ratings, however, Lowe remains somewhat apprehensive. He states that the problem is with pricing and technical issues with programmers and rating companies. [11]

February 2013

Scripps Networks Interactive has been making progressive moves to expand its presence over seas by selecting two new additions to its international leadership team.  Derek Chang and Márcio Fonseca have been named managing director of Asia Pacific and Latin American respectively. Food Network and Travel Channel already have a substantial

Jonathan Phang host of Caribbean Cookbook

-Jonathan Phang host of Caribbean Cookbook (x)

viewership in some parts of the Asian Pacific but Scripps is looking to further expand its market reach through wider distribution and additional program availability. Both Food Network and Travel Channel shows are rich with content related to Asian countries and have become the premiere brands in the life style programming categories. Chang, along with Scripps, have great plans for the future of these channels. Similarly, though Scripps is less established in Latin America, managing director Fonseca will carry out various growth strategies to launch the networks international presences. With these two new managers Scripps Networks now has a growing presence in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific and Latin America. [12] [13]

Late this February Scripps Networks Interactive ventured into the VOD market with its first streaming video-on-demand partnership with Amazon. Scripps licensed many episodes of its top series to Amazon Prime. Though the deal was only about $15million, small potatoes compared to deals by CBS and Time Warner, it is expected to grow over time. Customers of Amazon Prime will have access to series from HGTV, Food Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel. These programs include but aren’t limited to “Rachael Ray’s Week in a Day”, “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” and “Iron Chef America.” Some of these series will almost be available to buy and download from Amazon Instant Video. These new deals with Amazon are part of Scripps new initiative to offer their programs whenever and wherever their viewers want it. [14]

April 2013

Travel Channel prepares for the spring season with two new series added to its lineup; “Red, White & New,” and “Dig Wars”. These two original series will premiere in late April and mid-June respectively with back to back new episodes. “Red, White & New,” is produced by Powderhouse Productions, and has cast Steve Watson as its show host. Watson will travel across the nation to discover original and unique American inventions. The show aims to celebrate new American ingenuity by highlighting people who invent interesting tools that transform their lives in exciting ways.

Robotic exoskeleton, “Big Arm”

– Robotic exoskeleton, “Big Arm” (x)

These inventions include a robotic exoskeleton that gives its wearer a form of super human strength, an extreme design of the classic Pogo stick that allows high jumping with compressed air-power, a the world’s first working water-powered jet pack! Host Steve Watson will test these inventions first hand while discussing the inspiration behind each project with the inventors. 

 “Dig Wars,” is produced by Sharp Entertainment and in june it will feature three teams as they hunt down relics across the country to uncover this nations hidden history. These teams will challenge each other head-to-head to unearth the most valuable relics through the exploration of numerous historical locations in America. Each episode, once they arrive on site, teams will work from sunrise to sunset using their archeological knowledge to gain victory. When the hunt ends the team’s treasures will be judged by a local expert who declares the winner. [15]

Food Network prepares for the its spring line up with a the new program “Giving You The Business”. The series is produced by Cineflix, and will follow employees that are selected by the company’s CEO to compete for the opportunity to own a food franchise. The twist, however, is that the contestants don’t know they are in a competition. Hand-selected for their devotion to the company the employees take part in various hidden-camera challenges meant to test the skills and knowledge that are typical in management positions. The winner is judged by the CEO, and is awarded their own franchise. The show is set to premiere April 25th and will feature Famous Famiglia as its first victim with Walter Bond as the show’s host. [16]

 Sources

1: Scripps Networks Interactive logo: http://www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com/our-company/about-us/

2: Who is Scripps: http://www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com/our-company/about-us/     http://brandedcontent.adage.com/cableguide2012/network.php?id=60

3: History: http://www.scripps.com/scripps-timeline

4: People: http://www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com/our-company/leaders/

5: Lowe-photo: http://www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com/newsroom/media-assets/?start1=37

6: Brands: http://www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com/our-brands/

7: Food Net photo: http://www.foodnetwork.com/about-us/about-foodnetworkcom/index.html

8: DIY photo: http://www.diynetwork.com/

9: HGTV photo: http://www.hgtv.com/about-us/questions-for-hgtvcom/index.html

10: GAC photo: http://www.gactv.com/

11: Cooking Channel photo: http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/site/about-us.html

12: Travel photo: http://www.travelchannel.com/

13: Finances: https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE%3ASNI&ei=DnNjUYDBFKXulgOl8wE

14: Scripps Networks Brands photo: http://brandedcontent.adage.com/cableguide2012/network.php?id=60

15: TV Everywhere deal: http://www.multichannel.com/cable-operators/scripps-more-tv-everywhere-deals-come/141093

16: Jonathan Phang photo: http://www.travelchanneltv.asia/series-info.asp?series=Jonathan+Phang+Caribbean+Cookbook&ID=1652#.UWNkXXAgNFs

17: Asia Pacific expansion: http://ir.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=222475&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1788325&highlight=     http://ir.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=222475&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1798372&highlight=

18: Amazon Prime deal: http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/492101-Scripps_Networks_Puts_Shows_on_Amazon.php

19: Travel Channel series: http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/03/12/new-additions-to-travel-channels-spring-lineup-red-white-new-dig-wars/173165/

20: robo photo: http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/whats-new-on-travel-channel/photos/red-white-and-new

21: Giving You The Business: http://www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com/newsroom/company-news/Employees-unknowingly-compete-for-own-food-franchise-in-new-Food-Network-series/

22: Giving you the Business video: http://youtu.be/JPtTw1bmPD0

 

 

 

Ion Media Networks

Posted on by 
by Mike DelloStritto

Ion Media Networks [14]

Ion Media Networks [14]

601 Clearwater Park Road West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Phone: (561) 659-4122

EXECUTIVES

ABOUT ION MEDIA NETWORKS

Ion Media Networks was founded in 1984 under the name “Paxson Communications”.  It wasn’t until 2006 that the company rebranded itself into what is now known as Ion Media Networks.  The company today focuses their efforts in three areas: general entertainment television, special interest television, and mobile television.

Ion is considered a pioneer when it comes to providing their audiences with special interest television.  They are the first to have launched two 24/7 DTV channels: Qubo and Ion Life [1].  Qubo is a safe haven for young kids to access entertainment that is always “good fun”.  Qubo claims to be one of the few networks that offer age-appropriate programming to the underserved age group of 5 to 8 year olds.  Ion Life is a channel dedicated to those with healthy, active lifestyles.  The various programming options on this channel look to inspire, entertain, and encourage people to live their best possible lives.

In addition to special interest television, Ion co-founded the industry movement to bring television to mobile devices.  Ion is a founding member of Mobile Content Venture (MCV), along with NBCUniversal, Fox and leading broadcast station groups [2].  Their division of mobile television, Dyle, provides viewers with access to live, local broadcast television through compatible mobile devices in select markets.

General entertainment television is Ion’s most prominent media outlet.  They are a leading, high quality U.S. network, constantly providing innovation and growth to the industry.  They serve an adult audience ages 25-54, and have recently expanded their reach to 260 million Americans in over 100 million U.S. households [3].  Their viewership has doubled since rebranding to “Ion Television” in 2008, climbing from nowhere to inside the top 15 cable ratings [4].  Their slogan “Positively Entertaining” lives up to the bill with syndicated programming such as: Criminal Minds, Numbers, Cold Case, and their original series Flash Point, in addition to many others.  Their programming also includes various movie titles.

THE BEGINNING OF THE CAMPAIGN

Ion Television’s lineup of fully syndicated programming makes it difficult to persuade marketers to advertise on their channel.  It is presumably more attractive for marketers to reach out to one of Ion’s competitors such as CBS or Fox, and advertise where programming is more diverse.  Ion isn’t holding an upfront in 2013 to gain advertising on their channels like ABC, A&E, truTV, and Bravo (to name a few) are holding [5].  Instead, Ion must develop unique and creative ways to reach their advertisers.

Announced on March 4, 2013, the rebranding of Ion television and their new multi-tiered B2B campaign, introducing the ‘Ionthusiasts’, is exactly the creative buzz the network needs [6].  To go along with the campaign, Ion television will be releasing their new network logo under their already established tagline “Positively Entertaining”.

INTRODUCING THE IONTHUSIASTS

The bulk of the campaign is centered on the “Ionthusiasts”.  According to independent research studies conducted by the network, Ion leads all of cable in adult co-viewing in households watching TV together.  The data shows Ion is number 1 in cable for hours watched per viewer, and 69% of these committed viewers are watching marathons on a routine basis.  After digesting this data, Barker DZP, the New York-based agency that developed the creative decided, “Ion viewers are highly engaged and unique in their passion for the network’s programming, they make an appointment to watch this content live for several hours at a time, which is why ‘Ionthusiasts’ is such an appropriate descriptor” [7].

Barker DZP Advertising [21]

Barker DZP Advertising [21]

The campaign will carry media buys across many different platforms including spots in print and out-of-home; however, the most intricate are the online spots.  The network chose Barker DZP’s approach because, “their campaign truly reflected the attributes of our viewers…we found the perfect moniker that fully represents the quality of our audience and their enthusiasm for the Ion Television brand” [8].

The Ionthusiasts have a separate website displaying the three fictional couples (the Ionthusiasts) based on Ion’s key demographics: adults 25-34, 35-44, and 45-54.  Each couple has a “profile” explaining some key facts about the particular age demo.  These facts include: why they watch Ion Television, the percentage of having kids, some hobbies they enjoy, and their personality traits [9].

Ion Demographics [21]

Ion Demographics [22]

  Each couple even has a little video so the advertisers can see each demographic in action.

Dean & Steph [23]

Dean & Steph [23]

Next, there is a “Learn About Ion” tab that contains a sizzle reel of their top shows [10].  However, the site goes even more in depth with an interactive section, allowing advertisers and marketers to drill down even deeper into the types of people that watch Ion Television.  In order to receive a username to partake in the interactive part of the site, you must be an employee of a media planning & buying agency, advertising agency, or an advertiser [11].  Once you receive a username, you can play an interactive game that follows one of the Ionthusiasts families through their day.  At each stoppage you make a decision to progress the family further along; this is useful to an advertiser because an “Ionthusiasts Fact”, which gives the player even more intricate details about the exact viewer, supports each decision you end up making.  As you can see in the picture, the fact explains, through an MRI Spring 2012 Study, that Ionthusiasts are pet owners, suggesting the answer to the question is to travel to the pet store [12].

Interactive game [24]

Interactive game [24]

  These Ionthusiasts Facts clue marketers and advertisers into the minute details of each demographic, creating opportunities for super specified advertising to develop.  For example, if Pet Smart knows that Ion has a very dedicated viewing audience, and that same dedicated audience owns pets, purchasing a media buy on this channel would be ideal for both parties.  In addition to gaining insight on viewers, the marketers that play the game can earn points that go towards prizes such as iPads, vacations, and gift cards.

 THE ION LONGUE

Ion Lounge [25]

Ion Lounge [25]

Ion Media Networks did not neglect their dedicated fans through their campaign and rebrand.  They developed an offshoot from the Ion Television website called the “Ion Lounge” [13].  It is a fun, colorful, and interactive site for fans to get their Ion fix long after their favorite show is over.  The Ion Lounge allows you to play games and answer trivia about the shows.  Each time you complete a game or answer a question right, you earn points that can later be traded in for prizes.  These prizes do not compare to the Ionthusiasts prizes the marketers can win, but rather act as a token of fan-hood for the network with items such as t-shirts, tumblers, and drawstring bags.  In addition, fans can create their very own “Ion Lounge” and upload it to the gallery where others can view the creation.  It’s simple, but a great way to keep the viewers active with the brand.

It takes a creative genius such as those working at Barker DZP to develop such an ambitious and unique plan for attracting advertisers, but it seems as though Ion certainly has a good thing in the works thus far.  It is still early in the campaign, but I’m sure they are going to be very happy with the results when it comes to an end.

 

 

Sources:

[1] Ion Media Networks Milestones

[2] Mobile Content Venture

[3] Ad Age Branded Content

[4] Ion Media Networks Milestones

[5] 2013 Upfront Season Overview

[6] TV News Check – Ion New Look

[7] TV by the Numbers – Multi-Tiered B2B

[8] Broadcasting Cable – ‘IONTHUSIASTS’ Marketing Campaign

[9] Meet the Ionthusiasts

[10] Ion Television Sizzle Reel

[11] Ionthusiasts – How it Works

[12] Ionthusiasts – Dean & Stephanie

[13] Ion Lounge

[14] Ion Media Networks Logo

[15] Brandon Burgess

[16] Chris Addeo

[17] Jeff Quinn

[18] Douglas Holloway

[19] Old Ion Logo

[20] New Ion Logo

[21] Barker DZP Logo

[22] Ion Demographics

[23] Dean & Steph

[24] Interactive game

[25] Ion Lounge

[26] Lounge example

[27] Lounge homepage

 

 

 

 

 

Universal Pictures

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by Kayla Bressi

 Universal Pictures

Universal Logo

http://www.nbcuni.com
http://www.universalpictures.com

 A Brief History:

Universal Studios Inc, or Universal Pictures, is one of 6 major movie studios. It is owned by Comcast and is a division of NBC Universal. Some of their most notable films include E.T: The Extra Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Meet the Fockers, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Jaws. [1]

In addition to theatrical film, Universal Pictures has also produced direct to DVD and classic films, as well as the broadway hits Wicked and Billy Elliot: The Musical. [3]

 

Key Executives

Brian Roberts

Brian Roberts is the chairman and CEO for Comcast Corporations. His company is the majority owner of NBC Universal.  [2]

 

Eddie Cunningham

Eddie Cunningham, president of Universal Pictures International Entertainment, joined the company in 1994. He currently overseas distribution in international countries and looks for opportunities for international business opportunities. [2]

 

Jimmy Horowitz

Jimmy Horowitz is the president of Universal Pictures. He has worked for the studio for 18 years, and has helped oversea and lead Universal Stage Productions to success.[2]

 

 

Cindy GardnerCindy Gardner is the Senior Vice President of Internal Communications and NBC Universal & Corporate Affairs. Cindy overseas corporate media relations, philanthropy, and organizes special events. [2]

 

 

 Recent Releases

Jurassic Park 3D PosterJurassic Park 3D
Release Date- April 5th, 2013
http://www.jurassicpark.com

While the original debut in 1993 saw blockbuster results, there are mixed reviews on whether or not a 3D version of Jurassic Park was necessary.

Since the 3D release was set around the time of the movie’s 20th anniversary, some have said it seems like a celebration. Alicia Loots from Hollywood.com says, “a 3D re-release feels like an interesting way to pay homage to a film that was way ahead of its time technologically.” [4] However, some seem to disagree, calling it a “gimmick.”

Many fans asked a popular youtube channel, “Screen Junkies” to make a spoof regarding the conversion of this classic blockbuster into 3D.

 

Originally opening with $47 million in 1993, Jurassic Park made $7 million on Friday and is expected to make $18 million over the weekend. These results put it behind Evil Dead, which made close to $11.5 million. According to CinemaBlend.com, “The huge blockbuster opening this weekend was made 20 years ago, and the horror film is a remake of a classic from the 80s, but the box office is humming as if both of them were brand new.” [5] With a production budget of only $10 million, Jurassic Park 3D should prove to be profittable for Universal Pictures. [6]

 

Identity ThiefIdentity Thief
Release Date- February 8th, 2013
http://www.identitythiefmovie.com

Identity Thief, featuring Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy, was the #1 film during its opening weekend, racking in $34.5 million.  [7]

As of April 7th, Identity Thief had an estimated domestic total of $131,254,000 and a worldwide total of $157,054,000. It is also currently rotten, with only a 20% approval rating on RottenTomatos.com. It is set to release on DVD and Blu-Ray on June 4th, 2013.

 

 

Les Miserables
Release Date: Dec 25, 2012
http://www.lesmiserablesfilm.com

Les Miserables all-star cast helped put this movie in the top of Universal Picture’s most recent accomplishments in film. With famous actors and actresses, including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Sacha Baron Cohen, Amanda Seyfried, and Helena Bonham Carter, Les Miserables started out strong. On opening day, Les Miserables made $18.1 million, putting it in first place for a musical on opening day. [8]Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman in Les Mis

In an interesting move, the actors of Les Miserables sang live during filming, instead of along to a pre-recorded rendition. Some support this, however according to Sandy Schaeffer on Screenrant.com, theatre die-hards tend to prefer “dedicated singers, rather than performers who are actors first and singers second.” [9]

Les Miserables was nominated for 8 Oscars, and won 3 of them: Actress in a Supporting Role, Makeup and Hairstyling, and for Sound Mixing. [10] It has a domestic total of $148,809,770, and a worldwide total of  $435,809,770, meaning this film had more foreign success. [11] It also currently has a fresh rating of 70% on RottenTomatoes.

Despicable Me 2
Release Date: July 3rd, 2013
http://despicableme.com

Fan Art of Despicable Me

Following the success of Despicable Me, which gathered a worldwide total of $543,113,985, ( Putting it at #6 on Universal Picture’s top grossing films), Universal Pictures decided to create a sequel that is set to release this summer.

On the official movie website for Despicable Me 2, you can find a collection of pictures, items, and gifs from loyal fans and other websites, such as Tumblr.

 

 

 

Universal Pictures Despicablimp

To promote the film, Universal Pictures has launched a large “Despicablimp.” TheDespicablimp will cross over the United States 3 times, set to make its first appearance at the Nickelodeon’s  Kid’s Choice Awards in March. [12]
Fans are able to visit the “Despicablimp Command Center.” They can share sightings on twitter, instagram, and flickr using the hashtag #despicablimp. Fans can also enter a sweepstakes for a trip to the premiere, and a ride in the Despicablimp. There is an interactive map that allows fans to see fan sightings as well as future tour stops. [13]

 

Important Future Releases:

Jurassic Park 4

Universal Pictures recently named Colin Trevorrow to direct the future Jurassic Park 4.  Trevorrow has previously directed “Safety Not Guaranteed” and two other films. [14] 

 

In Other News:

Backed by Universal Pictures, Prima Cinema is offering a box that will allow viewers to watch theatrical releases at home. For a price, ($35,000), you can get a box in your home that allows the newly-released films to play on your television. There is also an additional cost of $500 per movie. So far, Universal Pictures is the only film studio to offer its titles, including Les Miserables, Jurassic Park 3D, and Identity Thief. The worry that this might affect theatre sales is lessened by Prima’s hefty price tag. Prima also insures that the home viewing of these theatrical releases will not be viewed by more than 25 people in a single home theatre. [15]

 

 

 

 

[1] Top Universal Films- http://www.boxofficemojo.com/studio/chart/?studio=universal.htm

[2] NBC Universal Corporate Site- http://www.nbcuni.com/corporate/

[3] NBC Universal Pictures History- http://www.nbcuni.com/film/universal-pictures/

[4] Jurassic Park Poster Reavealed- http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/43830315/jurassic-park-3d-the-bigger-the-dinosaur-the-better-poster?page=all

[5] Katey Rich on Friday’s Box Office- http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Both-Evil-Dead-Jurassic-Park-3D-Bring-Big-Friday-Box-Office-36808.html

[6] Jurassic Park 3D Financial Figures- http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=jurassicpark3d.htm

[7] Identity Thief Opening Weekend- http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-11/-identity-thief-is-weekend-s-no-1-film-34-5-million.html

[8] Opening Day for Les Mis-http://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3593&p=.htm

[9] Live Music Performances in Les Mis- http://screenrant.com/les-miserables-music-songs-featurette/

[10] Oscar Nominees – http://oscar.go.com/nominees

[11] Les Mis Box Office Info- http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=lesmiserables2012.htm

[12] The Despicablimp- http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-pictures-and-illumination-entertainments-despicable-me-2-despicablimp-takes-flight-on-march-23-199574591.html

[13] Despicablimp Website- http://www.despicablimp.com

[14]  Jurassic Park 4 Director- http://www.salon.com/2013/03/15/universal_pictures_names_jurassic_park_4_director/

[15] Prima Cinema- http://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/news/2013/04/05/universal-films-available-in-home.html

 

Interactive

Gallery

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 by Martha Ramos, Molly Shea, Lauren Teng     INTERACTIVE MEDIA Interactive mediais communication based on a user experience in which individuals and/or groups of individuals interact with content through various media devices such as gaming consoles, mobile phones and … Continue reading →