Category Archives: TV Programming (Cable)

Tribune Broadcasting

Posted on by 
by James Natalie

 

Tribune logo image courtsey wikipedia.org

History

Founded in 1847, the Tribune Company has demonstrated its powerful stance in the media industry as its newspapers, television stations, radio stations, and websites now reach over 80 percent of households nationwide. [1]

After its television division started out in 1948 with the establishment of WGN-TV in Chicago and WPIX-TV in New York, two stations that proved to be the heart of Tribune Television, Tribune Television continued to prosper and in 1981 the Tribune Broadcasting Company was born. Already having acquired a third television station, Denver’s KWGN-TV, Tribune Broadcasting went on to buy stations in Atlanta, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Boston in years to follow.

Chicago Cubs playing at Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
photo courtesy cubs.com

However, popular for its Chicago Cubs baseball broadcasts on WGN-TV and WGN Radio, Tribune Broadcasting Company’s first order of business in 1981 was stringing a deal with the Wrigley family to purchase the Chicago Cubs baseball team for a total of $20.5 million. WGN-TV, along with WGN Radio, have been broadcasting Cubs games ever since. [1]

Noteworthy events for Tribune’s television stations:

  • 1958: KGWN-TV begins as Denver’s first television station.
  • 1958: Los Angeles’ KTLA-TV is first television station to own a helicopter for news reporting.
  • 1959: WPIX-TV introduces the instant replay method during a New York Yankees baseball game. [1]

Key Personnel

Nils Larsen photo courtesy mediabistro.com

Samuel Zell – Chairman of Tribune Company

Eddy Hartenstein – President and CEO, Tribune Company; Publisher and CEO, Los Angeles Times

Nils Larsen – Chief Investment Officer, Tribune Company; President and CEO, Tribune   Broadcasting [2]

 

Current Rankings

The Tribune Company is currently ranked as the 22nd most leading media company in the United States. As of September 30th, 2012, Tribune Company has recorded a 3% decrease in net U.S. media revenue from $3.20 billion in 2010 to $3.11 billion in 2011. Within that span, Tribune’s broadcast TV medium (Tribune Broadcasting) net U.S. revenue also dropped from $748 million to $715 million. [3]

However, Tribune Broadcasting has affiliates in New York (WPIX-TV), Los Angeles (KTLA-TV), Chicago (WGN-TV), Philadelphia (WPHL-TV), and Dallas-Fort Worth (KDAF-TV). [4] According to the Nielsen 2012-13 DMA ranks effective September 22nd, 2012 for the 2012-2013 TV season, these markets rank 1-5 respectively and are estimated to reach nearly 19.3% – almost one-fifth – of the United States collectively, totaling 22,019,930 homes. [5] With these affiliates representing WPIX, WGN, myTV, and CW, they carry a number of popular syndicated programs such as Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory and Friends. In addition, with these WPIX, WGN, myTV, and CW stations having their own local news, Tribune relies heavily on these five stations as a constant source of revenue despite the recent downward trend. [6] [7] [8] [9]

FOX photo courtesy clearchannel.com

Tribune Broadcasting has bigger affiliations with major networks such as FOX and ABC. Tribune has seven FOX affiliated stations, all within Neilsen’s top 50 estimated markets for the 2012-2013 TV season – Seattle-Tacoma (#12), Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto (#20), Indianapolis (#26), San Diego (#28), Hartford & New Haven (#30), Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek (#39), and Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York (#43). Tribune’s one ABC affiliate in New Orleans ranks just outside the top fifty, coming in at #51. For the full rankings click here.

ABC photo courtesy news10.net

FOX has enjoyed the early 2012-2013 season success of its shows such as New Girl and The X-Factor, while ABC has watched its 2012-2013 season start with a bang as its popular programs such as Modern Family, Grey’s Anatomy, Once Upon a Time, Revenge, and The Middle dominated the season premiere ratings. These affiliates prove to be some of Tribune Broadcasting’s biggest investments for constant revenue. [10]

Current Activities

Samuel Zell photo courtesy Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press

The Tribune Company is clearly experiencing financial difficulty and trying to stay alive in the broadcasting industry to keep up with its competitors. In December 2007, Tribune was bought out by current Chairman Samuel Zell for $8.2 billion, but a year later in December 2008, Tribune filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Zell’s buyout is believed to have been completed by using mostly borrowed money from banks, therefore raising Tribune’s debt to $13 billion at the time bankruptcy was filed. Much of the turmoil over the past years has not fully receded, but Tribune is now on the back end of this deal and concentrating on solving it. [11]

July 23, 2012

Tribune Company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy was signed off by Judge Kevin Carey, allowing the company to be owned by a number of hedge funds and banks.

JP Morgan Chase & Co. photo courtesy elitedaily.com

Under the order, Oaktree Capital Group LLC, JP Morgan Chase & Co., and Angelo, Gordon & Co. will be the new primary owners of the Tribune Company. [12]

August 9, 2012

Several groups objected the decision by Judge Kevin Carey and filed appeals to stop Tribune’s exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy until a higher court can oversee the situation. Among these groups are Aurelius Capital Management, but more interestingly, Samuel Zell, the very man who people blame Tribune’s problems for. Tribune complains that a delay to exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy can cost anywhere between $1.5 billion and $3 billion. Staying in bankruptcy could disable potential broadcasting partnerships and other strategic opportunities, and Chief Executive Eddy Hartenstein says it will put Tribune at a competitive disadvantage, forcing them to play “catch-up” with other companies. Although Zell’s comments were not provided, challengers to the ruling such as Aurelius Capital Management said that a delay would not harm Tribune, stating that Tribune has instead benefited and seen its value increase since they have been in bankruptcy. Tribune’s attorneys attribute this trend to Tribune’s exemption to pay interest on its loans, allowing them to increase profits. [13]

August 25, 2012

 

Cablevision photo courtsey curepc.org

Cablevision dropped several Tribune Broadcasting stations over its continued fight over retransmission fees. On August 17, 2012, Cablevision dropped Tribune’s CW affiliates in New York (WPIX-TV), Denver (KWGN-TV), and Waterbury, Connecticut (WCCT-TV), and its MyNetwork affiliate in Philadelphia (WPHL-TV). Cablevision added on to that list of valuable stations with new losses of Tribune’s FOX affiliate in Hartford (WTIC-TV) along with WGN America nationwide. Cablevision is one of the most popular television services in the New York metropolitan area and other Western states that reaches millions of customers. [14] Cablevision stated that Tribune removed these stations “even after Cablevision agreed to pay all the fees they demanded.” Tribune countered that by saying they “never made any threat to withdraw these stations or demand that Cablevision remove them.” [15] [16]

September 21, 2012

As a result of Judge Kevin Carey’s decision to release Tribune from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company has been looking to restructure. At the head of the list of CEO possibilities is Peter Liguori, as sources believe he is the “leading candidate.” Mr. Liguori has previously been President of Fox Broadcasting and Chief Operating Officer of Discovery Communications. Peter stepped down from his role as COO of Discovery Communications to become a strategic advisor for the telecommunications and media team of the private equity firm, Carlyle Group LP. If Liguori was to become the new CEO of Tribune, he would replace Eddy Hartenstein, who has been serving since May 2011. However, appointing a new CEO will prove to be a time consuming task. Tribune must first receive permission by the Federal Communications Commission to fully emerge from bankruptcy. Also, Tribune has to form a new board of directors and have that, too, approved by the FCC. Then, the company’s new projected owners, Oaktree Capital Group LLC, JP Morgan & Chase Co., and Angelo, Gordon & Co. have to approve Mr. Liguori as the new CEO. Before Peter Liguori, other powerful names such as Jeff Zucker and Michael Eisner had been rumored to be the leaders for the new CEO of Tribune. [17]

November 16, 2012

The Federal Communications Commission approved Judge Kevin Carey’s decision and granted waivers for Tribune Company to emerge from bankruptcy. Tribune and the FCC agreed on equal distribution of power within public airwaves between Tribune’s new primary owners, Oaktree Capital Group LLC, JP Morgan & Chase Co., and Angelo, Gordon & Co. Tribune is expected to fully exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy within the next several weeks. [18]

Works Cited:

[1]: History page, Tribune  http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?page_id=2313 Retrieved 6 December 2012

[2]: About page, Tribune http://corporate.tribune.com/pressroom/?page_id=2 Retrieved 6 December 2012

[3]: Major Media Companies – Tribune Company, Advertising Age http://adage.com/datacenter/mediatrees2012/#141 Retrieved 6 December 2012

[4]: Markets & Stations – Tribune Company, TV Basics http://www.tvb.org/markets_stations#!id=661&type=broadcast_group Retrieved 6 December 2012

[5]: 2012-2013 DMA Ranks, Neilsen http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/measurement/television-measurement.html Sept. 22, 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2012

[6]: WPIX New Yorkhttp://pix11.com/ Retrieved 6 December 2012

[7]: WGN Chicago http://www.wgntv.com/ Retrieved 6 December 2012

[8]: MyPHL17 Philadelphia http://www.myphl17.com/ Retrieved 6 December 2012

[9]: The CW33 Dallas – Ft. Worth http://nightcaptv.com/ Retrieved 6 December 2012

[10]: Summer/Fall 2012 Premiere Ratings, TV Basics  http://www.tvb.org/measurement/summer_primetime_broadcast Retrieved 6 December 2012

[11]: Samuel Zell, New York Times http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/z/sam_zell/index.html Aug. 31, 2009. Retrieved 6 December 2012

[12]: “Bankruptcy Judge Endorses Tribune Co. Ch. 11 Plan,” Peg Brickley, Dow Jones http://bankruptcynews.dowjones.com/article?an=DJFDBR0020120723e87nmnkqo&r=wsjblog&ReturnUrl=http%3a%2f%2fbankruptcynews.dowjones.com%3a80%2farticle%3fan%3dDJFDBR0020120723e87nmnkqo%26r%3dwsjblog Jul. 23, 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2012

[13]: “Tribune Says Bankruptcy Appeal Could Cause $1.5 Billion Damage,” Peg Brickley, Dow Jones http://bankruptcynews.dowjones.com/article?an=%20DJFDBR0020120809e889lsurs%20&r=wsjblog&ReturnUrl=http%3a%2f%2fbankruptcynews.dowjones.com%3a80%2farticle%3fan%3d%2520DJFDBR0020120809e889lsurs%2520%26r%3dwsjblog Aug. 9, 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2012

[14]: About page, Cablevision http://www.cablevision.com/about/ Retrieved 6 December 2012

[15]: “Cablevision Loses Tribune’s WGN America, Hartford Fox Affiliate,” Todd Spangler, Multichannel News http://www.multichannel.com/cable-operators/cablevision-loses-tribunes-wgn-america-hartford-fox-affiliate/140004 Aug. 25, 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2012

[16]: “Cablevision Drops Tribune-Owned WPIX, KWGN, WCCT, WPHL in Yet Another Fee Dispute,” Phillip Dampier, Stop the Cap http://stopthecap.com/2012/08/21/cablevision-drops-tribune-owned-wpix-kwgn-wcct-wphl-in-yet-another-fee-dispute/Aug. 21, 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2012

[17]: “Tribune eyes former Discovery executive Liguori as CEO,” Ronald Grover and Peter Lauria  http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/21/us-tribune-liguori-idUSBRE88K16R20120921 Sept. 21, 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2012

[18]: “FCC grants Tribune Co. waivers, clears way to end bankruptcy,” Jim Puzzanghera, Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-tribune-fcc-waivers-20121116,0,1824756.story Nov. 16, 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raycom Media

Posted on by

        by Katherine J Hart

Courtesy Raycom Media

Raycom Media is a broadcasting and television production company. It is one of the nation’s largest broadcasters with regional cable deals and exclusive digital media rights to the Atlantic Coast Conference college athletics. Rraycom owns and operates Raycom Sports, Tupelo-Honey Productions and Broadview Media. The company affiliates with national broadcasting leaders like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and MNTV for local news. This network reaches 37 regional television markets with 48 different stations, is watched in 12.6% of U.S. television households, and is viewed in 18 states. (1)

Contact

Raycom Media Inc., RSA Tower 201 Monroe St. 20th fl., Montgomery, AL 361404. Telephone: 334-206-1400. Fax: 334-206-1555. http://www.raycommedia.com

Courtesy Raycom Media

Paul McTear, President and CEO

Courtesy Raycom Media

Wayne Daughery, Executive Vice President and COO

Jeff Rosser, Don Richards, Leon Long, and Brad Streit are all Television Vice Presidents

History
Raycom Media was created in 1996. Bert Ellis formed the Ellis Communications group in 1992 with control over 13 television stations and two radio stations. Ellis then went on to purchase Raycom Sports, a marketing firm that had already been in business for 15 years. The merge to become Raycom Media occurred after Ellis sold his share to a growing media group that had ownership in the South and Midwest region of the country. Three parties, including Federal Broadcasting’s TV Group, Retirement Systems of Alabama and the original Raycom Media came together to expand their broadcasting power. This new Raycom Media corporation joined with Malrite Commuications in 1998 and acquired The Liberty Corporation in 2006. Lincoln Financial Sports was also bought by Raycom Sports in 2007 and the company continues to look for ways to grow today.   (2)

Raycom Media, Inc. Current Events

September
September 7, 2012, Raycom Sports announced the start of the “Ultimate Road Trip” Contest. This event ran from September 8 to November 8, 2012 and was sponsored by Chevrolet and the ACC. The ACC Road Trip Driven by Chevy is a television program on Raycom Sports and it launched this sweepstakes. Two grand prize award trips for the 2012 Country Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee were up for lottery as well as speciality prizes that were drawn throughout the two months. Fans entered online by visiting the site, www.theACC.com/RoadTrip or going to www.Facebook.com/theACC. The  promotion rewards those who tune into the weekly program and linking the love of football to the love for country music. The ACC Road Trip Driven by Chevy program highlights the traditions, campuses, and tailgates of the ACC college games and has been honored with Emmy Awards and Telly Awards. The host, Tommy Kane brings a comical narrative with spunky energy to the inside look of what makes every college in this conference unique and fun. (3)

Courtesy Raycom Sports

October
On October 10, 2012, Raycom Media released a statement on the website titled “Proud of Our Management Diversity.” The main page of the company website highlights the initiative to stay involved in the communities it serves, and to provide various viewpoints on news and local issues. This goal is in constant progress, and as the news release states, Raycom is successful in this work. The National Association of Black Journalists has recognized Raycom Media as having the highest diversity index of all broadcast groups surveyed. 31 of its 179 television newsroom managers are people of color, and overall, at least 60% of the companies stations have one person of color or more in a ranking position. Raycom had made an effort, starting in early 2012 to work with the National Association of Black Journalists to focus on the promotion of the people of color perspective. According to Bob Butler, Vice President of NABJ, Raycom is the only television group to welcome the diversity initiative and create such quick progress across their companies leadership portfolio. (4)

November
WXIX-TV, a Raycom owned station in Cincinnati, Ohio is making news of its own for some bad reasons. On November 14, 2012, Tricia Macke, a co-anchor for the evening newscast, was suspended by her station for making remarks that have been interpreted as homophobic. The comments were written on Facebook and were directed at Rachel Maddow, the MSNBC host. Bill Lanesey, the general manager of WXIX-TV kept Macke off air for two days as she worked to mend the controversy. The GLAAD division in the Ohio area demanded a response from the vocal news anchor. Tricia Macke apologized online for any offense caused by her comments, and she made it clear that her words in no way reflected the opinion and position of her employer, WXIX-TV, and more broadly, Raycom Media.  (5)

Raycom Media Networks Current Events

Raycom Sports: Raycom Sports is the most prominent division of Raycom Media Inc. With owned television rights to the Atlantic Coast Conference, ACC, since the 1980s, Raycom Sports is the central viewing station for these college football and men’s basketball games. A sublicensing agreement was met with Raycom Sports and ESPN in 2012 that Raycom will be the national syndicator for the ACC conference and this deal will continue until at least 2027. Raycom Sports created the Belk Bowl, a tournament featuring the Big East versus the ACC leagues. Raycom is involved in the operations of these games and also organizes the ACC Championships. Ken Haines and about 50 employees working under him, run Raycom Sports in Charlotte, North Carolina. (3)

Courtesy Louisville Cardinals

September 9, 2012: Viewers express unhappiness with Raycom’s coverage of Clemson University football games. Commercials for local business often interupted the video feed, and even some blank screens have appeared during the broadcast. Fans of ACC football worry that this quality professionalism from the network will lower the status and reputation of the league overall.

October 26, 2012: Business Journalist, Erik Spanberg, in Charlotte, NC speculates that the new network Speed, a News Corp. owned property could grow in the Charlotte area to become an all-encompassing sports channel. This would mean new competition for Raycom Sports who is also based in Charlotte. Raycom Sports provides general sports news and specializes in ACC college athletics. With Speed moving into the area, Raycom Sports could lose viewers.

November 20, 2012: Raycom Sports recieved six nominations for the 27th Annual Midsouth Regional Emmy Awards. The winners will be announced in January 2013. “Havoline Football Saturdays in the South,” “Kings of the Court,” and “ACC Road Trip” were nominated this year.

Bounce TV: Bounce TV features programing of movies, sports, documentaries, and original television shows that are all centered on African American perspective. It is the first broadcast network of its kind and was founded by Martin Luther King III, Will Packer, and Rob Hardy, along with many other contributors. Currently the station hosts its own shows such as Back Stage Pass, Off the Chain, and Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids. (6)

September 26, 2012: On the network’s one year anniversary, the company has seen great growth and has expanded to Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis and Orlando. IT has reached an estimated 80% of African American homes and at least 60% of all U.S. television households. The station will start airing African American focused movies, such as Monster’s Ball and Pride coming up soon this year. (7)

October 3, 2012: Bounce TV announced it will be premiering its newest series, “Off the Chain”, hosted by Rodney Perry.

November 7, 2012: Bounce TV announced that they will air their first boxing telecast and will continue airing matches throughout the season.

Raycom Media Program Current Events

Right this Minute: Raycom created this weekday television show that covers news and pop culture. This program is interactive in that it is paired with a website and video blog. It is different than most telecasts in that its material is supplied by citizen journalists. Most of the video is supplied by cellphone, webcam, digital cameras, and Skype feeds from average people all over the world. Viral video sensations are highlighted on the show and it is up to date and current for new viewers to relate to. Interestingly, this program is a cooperation of Cox Media Group, Raycom Media Inc. and E.W. Scripps Company, along with MagicDust. (8)

September 4, 2012: The program expands into seven more markets in its second year in production. It will now be available in Detroit, Denver and San Diego which spreads its reach to about 30% of U.S. TV homes and 45 TV markets.

Sources

  1. http://www.raycommedia.com/about/
  2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raycom_Media
  3. http://www.raycomsports.com/chevrolet-and-acc-road-trip-launch-%E2%80%9Cultimate-road-trip%E2%80%9D-contest-this-weekend/
  4. http://www.raycommedia.com/news/121010.htm
  5. http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/tvbizwire/2012/11/news-anchor-suspended-over-all.php
  6. http://www.bouncetv.com
  7. http://madamenoire.com/218645/more-ounce-to-the-bounce-network-celebrates-b%C2%B4day-and-new-deals/
  8. http://www.rightthisminute.com/

Ion Media Networks

Posted on by 
by Daniel Buczakowski

Address:  601 Clearwater Park Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone:    (561) 659-4122
Website: ION Media Networks

Key Executives:

Brandon Burgess
Chairman and CEO

Chris Addeo
Marketing

Stephen Appel
Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Quinn
Finance

Terri Santisi
Administration

Marc Zand
Programming Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Douglas Holloway
Distribution

Dan Hsieh
Innovation
Michael Hubner
Legal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph Koker
Stations

David Glenn
Engineering
Russel Frederickson
On-Air Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major Competitors

Fox Broadcasting Company
Colombia Broadcasting System (CBS) Broadcasting Inc.
Sinclair Broadcasting Group Inc.
American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
The CW Television Network

A Brief History

ION Media Networks was founded in 1984 as Paxson Communication in Clearwater Florida.  Owning multiple radio stations and a few ABC and NBC network affiliate stations, Paxson Communication eventually became Florida’s largest radio group.  In 1994, Paxson acquired 55 percent of American Network Group for $2.5 million.  As American Network Group was a publicly held company, Paxson itself became a public company, and by doing this avoided the costs inherent with an initial public offering (IPO).  This also gave Paxon access to public capitol to help the company grow through more acquisitions.  In 1998 the company decided to build it’s own independent television company, and PAX TV (Later to be known as the PAX network) was born.  1994 was a big year for Paxson, this was the year they also acquired their first television stations, WPBF-TV  in West Palm Beach, Florida, WTLK-TV in Atlanta and Rome, Georgia, and WYVN-TV in Martinsburg, West Virginia.  By the end of 1997, Paxson had grown so large that it owned more then 60 stations and covered 60 percent of all US households, and had revenues that exceeded $88 million after selling it’s radio division to Clear Channel Communications for $693 million in cash.  However, operating loss had also grown to $22 million, a major difference from the $4 million of 1996.  This was just the beginning of Paxson’s financial problems, for by 1998, Paxson’s operating capitol had shrunk to $1.8 million and it’s net loss had risen to $137.9 million, while total revenue was only $134.7 million.  By the year 2007 after lengthy legal battles with NBC Universal, the company’s founder Bud Paxon sold his shares of the company and retired.  Branden Burgess replaced him as President and C.E.O. and the company was renamed ION Media Networks Inc.

History of Financial and Legal problems

1999 Paxson reports a negative cash flow of $102.6 million with a long term debt of $382 million.

September 1999:  NBC buys 32% share in Paxon for $415 million.  Effectively bailing Paxson out and to Paxon’s consternation, becoming effectively an equal partner rather than a minor shareholder.

December 4, 2001:  Paxon files and arbitration to block NBC’s acquisition of Telemondo.

September 2002:  Paxon arbitration against NBC was denied.

November 13, 2003:  NBC requests redemption of it’s $549.2 million investment in Paxon.

August 2004:  NBC Universal files lawsuit against Paxon.

November 7, 2005:  In and agreement with NBC Universal, Lowell Paxon leaves the company and sells his shares to NBC Universal.  He is replaced with Brandon Burgess.

November 2007:  ION Networks is taken to trial by Positive Ions Inc. for trademark infringement.  ION Networks loses and is forced to pay Positive Ions $1.7 million.

May 19, 2009:  ION Media Networks files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with $2.7 billion of debt.

December 2009:  Emerges from bankruptcy as a privately owned company under the ownership of its bondholders and secured lenders.

Today

Currently, ION Media Networks is one of the largest privately owned television networks in the country, with over 60 television stations in North America.   Under Brandon Burgess’ direction, ION Media Networks has rewritten it’s policies to follow four main objectives:

  • Innovation

By fostering an environment which gives it’s employees the freedom to explore new ideas, while also helping them stay focused to the task at hand, ION Media Networks is able to create new opportunities as opposed to rehashing the same ideas over and over.

  • Diversity

Understanding that sometimes the greatest ideas come from differing viewpoints, ION Media Networks takes great pride in hiring a diverse group of employees.  Their motto being that multiple inputs often yield the most valuable outputs.

  • Empowerment

By providing the tools and support needed to succeed, Ion Media Networks empowers their employees to take the necessary steps to accomplish their goals.

  • Accountability

ION Media Networks fully stands behind all of it’s employees.  Holding themselves accountable not only to their audience, but to themselves as well.  Each employee shares in the companies success as well as the burden of their failures.

Major Divisions

ION Media Networks is broken down into four major divisions:  ION Television, Qubo, ION Life and Dyle.

 

One of the fastest growing television networks in the nation, ION Television focuses on syndicated network shows as well as introducing new original programming and special event programming.  A leader in the Adult 25-54 and Women 25-54 demographics, ION Television reaches more than 100 million US households.  Starting in October of 2012, ION Television adopted an 108-hour network programming schedule, providing general entertainment programming from 11am – 3am Mondays – Fridays, 1pm – 3am Saturdays and Sundays.  All other times are filled with religious programming or infomercials.

Programs:

Cold Case
Criminal Minds
Flashpoint
House
Law & Order:  Criminal Intent
Leverage
Numb3rs
Psyche
WWE Main Event
My Name is Earl
Without a Trace
Married With Children
Monk

Specifically targeting children in the 5 – 8 age range, Qubo offers quality children’s programming 24/7.  Available via over-the-air coverage, cable, satellite and telco, Qubo has won multiple awards from both the FCC and the US government in recognition of it’s dedication to improving children’s health and reducing childhood obesity.  Qubo was also recognized by the US government as one of the most trustworthy sources of children’s television.  Qubo is a joint venture between Ion Media Networks, NBC Universal, Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, Scholastic Corporation and DreamWorks Classics.

Programs:

Taste Buds
Jakers
Harry and his Bucket Full of Dinosaurs
Timeblazers
Willa’s Wild Life
The Mysteries of Alfred Hedgehog
Artzooka!
Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?
Animal Atlas
Dex Hamilton Alien Entomologist
Animal Exploration with Jarod Miller
Peralie
3 2 1 Penguins!
Gofrette
Turbo Dogs
Mighty Machines
Jane and the Dragon
Rescue Heroes
Babar
My Friend Rabbit
Jacob Two-Two
Vita Minix
Marvin the Tap-Dancing Horse
The Zula Patrol
Miss BG
Pecola
Pippi Longstocking
Rupert Bear

Focusing on adult viewers, ION Life is dedicated to helping people live healthier, more active lives.  Featuring programs featuring:  home design, wellness, healthy and active living, adventure and community engagement, ION Life is is focused on celebrating life’s positive adventures.  Available via over-the-air coverage, cable, satellite, and telco.  The Network was going to be named iHealth prior to Ion Televisions name change.

Programs:

Absolute X
Alive + Well
Body Fuel
Drop In
Gadget Girlz
Killer Comebacks
My Green House
Planet X
Positive Living
Power Yoga
Smart Cookies
Style by Jury
The Right Fit

The mobile branch of ION Media Networks, Dyle Mobile TV allows viewers to watch broadcast television shows right on their mobile Android and IOS devices.  Partnering with major broadcasters ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox among others, the application also allows viewers access to live local and national news as well as sports and entertainment.  Although currently limited in coverage, future expansion is expected soon.  You can check availability in your area on their coverage map.

Recent News

June

ION Television debuts WWE Main Event.

August

ION Television acquires off-Network rights to Numb3rs

ION Television acquires Law & Order:  Criminal Intent

September

Flashpoint debuts Season 5

October

ION Media Networks announces agreement with DirecTV

Refrences

[1] ION Media Networks Homepage:  http://www.ionmedianetworks.com/
[2] Ion Television: http://iontelevision.com/
[3] Fox Broadcast Company: http://www.fox.com/
[4] CBS Broadcasting Inc.: http://www.cbs.com/
[5] Sinclair Broadcasting Group Inc: http://www.sbgi.net/
[6] Qubo: http://www.qubo.com/
[7] ION Life: http://www.ionlife.com/
[8] Dyle: http://www.dyle.tv/
[9] Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_Media_Networks
[10] Press releases: http://www.ionmedianetworks.com/press
[11] Answers.com: http://www.answers.com/topic/ion-media-networks-inc
[12] ABC: http://abc.go.com/
[13] The CW: http://www.cwtv.com/
[14] NBC Universal: http://www.nbcuni.com/
[15] Corus Entertainment: http://www.corusent.com/home/default.aspx
[16] Nelvana: http://www.nelvana.com/
[17] Scholastic Corporation: http://www.scholastic.com/home/
[18] DreamWorks: http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/

* All images are courtesy of ION Media Networks *

AMC Networks

Posted on by 
by Jose Blanco

Courtesy of underconsideration.com

Key Exceutives

 

Charles Dolan Executive Chairman
Josh Sapan President & Chief Executive Officer
Ed Carroll Chief Operating Officer
Sean S. Sullivan Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Jamie Gallagher Executive Vice President & General Counsel
John P. Giraldo Chief Accounting Officer
Bob Broussard President, AMC Networks Distribution
Rob Doodian Executive Vice President, Human Resources
Ellen Kroner Executive Vice President, Communications & Marketing
Steven Pontillo Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer
David Evans Senior Vice President, Broadband
Paul Rehrig Senior Vice President, Business Development

Highest Competitors  

1. Showtime

2. HBO

Corporate Headquarters

AMC Networks Inc.
11 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001
Main Phone #: (212) 324-8500

 

Brief Network Description

Previously known as Rainbow Media Holdings (a division of the Cablevision, the American cable television company), AMC Networks [1] is a public entertainment company that focuses on specialty television and independent film production based in New York City. Within their branch of premium cable television channels, AMC Networks focuses on producing original content through their multiple channels (AMC, WE tv, the Sundance Channel, and IFC).  On July 1st of 2011, Cablevision made AMC Networks [1] become a publicly traded company, leaving former Rainbow Media president, Josh Sapan, as President and CEO of AMC Networks. Previously recognized for their airing of classic movies, the company began producing original content in 2007 with the launch of programs such as “Mad Men” in AMC (their most popular channel to which the company was named after).

mad-men.jpg

Courtesy of Zap2it.com

Ever since,  AMC Networks has promoted the creation of high-quality original content in their programming. With hit shows such as “The Walking Dead”, “Mad Men”, and “Breaking Bad”, all of which have received critical acclaim and popular appraisal, AMC Networks has marked its presence in the television industry, especially with through their channel AMC. As their tagline states; “Story matters here.”.

This Year for AMC Networks

Third Quarter 2012 Results

AMC Networks has been seemingly busy this year, given to their known legal dispute [2] with DISH Network early on this summer that led the American cable company to “drop” all of AMC Networks’ programming since this July to early October until the dispute was finalized. A deeper analysis regarding to the  legal dispute and it’s result will continue further along the reading. Given to situations such as the previously stated, the company’s operating income (OI) decreased 8% in its Q3 [3] of this year (in comparison to Q3 of 2011) to a total of $87 million and its AOCF (adjusted operating cash flow) decreased 10.9% to $110 million (Q3 as well). According to AMC Networks’ most recent quarterly report, these blatant decreases in OI and AOCF are due to “ the impact of the litigation and associated carriage dispute with DISH Network.”. Now, OI also decreased due to “flat operating income at national networks and a $9 million increase in the operating loss at International and Other.” Normally when the network refers to its “International and Other” operation, its regarding its independent film production company IFC films, but AMC Networks is currently working on expanding its market on a global scale by opening up markets in Asia, Latin America, Europe, Canada, and Africa. [4]

Regardless of the networks decreasing OI and AOCF, the company has seen a steady increase in net revenues this year by a significant 17% ($332 million by the en of this year’s Q3 ) and an increase of 40% in share value this year (AMCX)[5], a share which is now traded at $52.25.  These revenues, which were off set by their legal disputes, were due to not only the success of their programming but also to their growth in digital and licensing distribution (which is one of the primary reasons for the incitement of their current and past conflicts with cable companies such as DISH Network) through deals with online platforms such as Amazon.com, Netflix, and iTunes. Within their national networks, this led to an increase of 24.3% of revenues to $199 million [3]. Although use of online platforms has increase, Josh Sapan announced at the 40th Annual UBS Global Media and Communications Conference that took place recently on Dec. 4th “Our company has taken a rather more restrained approach on making our shows more accessible online. As a matter of policy its not good for the ecosystem, we chose to very selectively to sell our content.” then adding “We will support it. We will have to carefully manage where our rights go. We are in a position to balance that quite well and we have been compensating it for some time. We will be a good and healthy participant.” while referring to these online platforms [4].

DISH Network and AMC Networks

Now, what is this huge legal mumbo jumbo with DISH Network all about? AMC Networks current strategy consists of profit maximization through affiliate fees [5]. What they do is come up with two to three hit programs (“The Walking Dead”, “Mad Men”, and “Breaking Bad”) which make the channel indispensable to the carrier then fill the rest of the channels programming with inexpensive content such as non-fiction/reality programming (“Comic Book Men”, “Whisker Wars”). As posted in an article by Bill Gurley regarding affiliate fees on Abovethecrowd.com; “How can a cable company not offer “Mad Men”.” And they can’t and AMC knows so. Hence within their contracts they bundle up their other channels and relatively go better off in the contract [5].

dish_logo.jpg

Courtesy of infospace.ischool.syr.edu

“DISH felt that the network had devalued its admittedly popular dramas… by selling them to outlets such as Netflix, iTunes, and Amazon.com” according to an article on fool.com [6]. DISH felt as if they were being cut out and not just that, but AMC was demanding an increase in affiliate fees (which makes sense do to the success of their programs). DISH argued that AMC’s ratings did not meet with their demands.  Given to their disagreements, DISH dropped all programming from AMC Networks in July 2012. But AMC, as well put in fool.com, “won’t be bullied”[6] .

They retaliated by launching ads denouncing DISH’s decision to drop them from programming. With campaigns such as the “Put Zonbies Back” ad that showed footage of people costumed as zombies scrawling through the streets of New York City (in real life) promoting their apocalyptic series “The Walking Dead” and retaliating the carrier’s decision to drop it’s programming.

These campaigns gave way to fan made spoofs and responses that demanded DISH to bring back AMC programming.

They did not stop there. Through their advertising, they gave DISH customers a week to “switch” providers and leave DISH [7].

Many doubted on AMC’s success given that their viewership had decreased 7%-9% in July when compared to 2011, according to the video by the Wall Street Journal [8]. With these decreases in ratings, AMC gave advertisers free time spaces in online streaming trying to push the ratings up.  “You’d be surprised, there’s been a bit of a drop off since the black out started (referring to ratings when DISH dropped AMC)… these are niche products and as a result don’t have the same financial impact.” argued the WSJ [8].

Before the premiere of the third season of “The Walking Dead”, both parties agreed upon a settlement [9]. AMC and Cablevision would receive $700 million and receive a 20% stake with Voom HD, which offers up to 21 channels of HD programming. DISH acquired wireless spectrum licenses that cover up to 45 separate markets.

 

Television Channels

 

200px-Amc_logo.svg.png

Courtesy of wikemedia.org

A speciality cable television channel that focuses on providing original content such as their hit shows “The Walking Dead”, “Mad Men”, and “Breaking Bad” and airing classic films.

Recent News

People at the WSJ must have been biting their tongues when the “The Walking Dead” premiered on Oct. 14th and received 10.87 million viewers. But the real breakthrough [10]came with the show’s midseason finale that reached 15.2 million viewers on the night of the premiere, a 58% increase in comparison to its previous season finale (yet this was only the mid-season finale) and breaking records for cable television.  It surpassed all other fall programs that appeal to the 18-49 age demographic such as “the Big Bang Theory” and “Modern Family”. Plus, the show’s new follow-up talk show “the Talking Dead” received a viewership of 2.2 million.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUvKSXO_Ipc

In February, AMC will premiere two new non-fiction tv-shows, “Immortalized” and “Freakshow“,  “The Walking Dead“, “the Talking Dead“(both returning Feb. 14th 2013), and the hit reality tv show “Comic Book Men” will also return that same month [11].

 

SundanceChannel.jpg

Courtesy of media.sundancechannel.com

The Sundance Channel is a cable television channel that airs original programming, independent films, documentaries, and short films plus recent news regarding the current year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Recent News

The Sundance Channel announced in November its upcoming releases of 5 new dramas of high caliber talent and “non-formaulative” story lines. These new premieres include shows such as “Valentines”, based off a novel by Olaf Olafsson and produced by Robert Redford that follows the life of a New York lawyer and his three daughters. Other shows include “Death in the Modern Age”, “T”, and “Behind the Sun” [12].

972772_orig.jpg

Courtesy of patrickgallo.weebly.com

 The IFC Channel (Independent Film Channel) airs independent film, original programming, and news and buzz relate to the independent film industry. IFC airs programs that range from slightly off comedies such as “Portlandia“, the multiple chapters of the R. Kelly “hip-hopera” “Trapped in the Closet“, to the absurdity behind beard competitions in the reality tv show “Whisker Wars“.

Recent News

AMC Networks has entered into fierce negotiations with Verizon in the past month concerning contract renewals.  Pressure has also escalated in negotiations with Timewarner concerning the networks low-rated channels that are being bundled with their stronger channels such as AMC. Both carriage companies have threatened to drop [13] the networks programming as a result of weak ratings from both  IFC and WE tv.

wetv-logo.jpg

Courtesy of 1.bp.blogspot.com

WE tv airs is a cable television channel that targets women and women’s issues. Programming includes documentaries, some original programming, talk shows, fashion shows, older feature films, and some re-runs of other TV shows. Their  latest hits include “Mary Mary“, a program that follows the lives of the famous gospel duo composed of the two ATkins-Campbell sister, Erica and Tina.

References

1. AMC Networks Homepage http://www.amcnetworks.com/default

2. Dish Network Settles Suit With AMC -WSJ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203406404578070960821103982.html

3.Third Quarter Report of AMC Networks 2012 http://www.amcnetworks.com/release_release_press.jsp?nodeid=6602

4.40th Annual UBS Global Media and Communications Conference http://cc.talkpoint.com/ubsx001/120312a_im/?entity=15_EJSUBIR

5.http://abovethecrowd.com/2010/04/28/affiliate-fees-make-the-world-go-round/

6.http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2012/10/22/amc-and-dish-work-out-a-new-deal-the-zombies-are-b.aspx

7.http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2012/07/15/amc-breaking-bad-news-for-dish-but-its-great-for-i.aspx

8. Drama of the Lost Dish Network http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAWgizbYfGw&feature=player_embedded

9. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/amc-back-dish-lawsuit-settled-381472

10. AMC’s “The Walking Dead” is The First Cable Series to Beat Every Other Show of the Fall Broadcast Season in Adult 18-49 http://www.amcnetworks.com/release_release_press.jsp?nodeid=6607

11. http://www.amctv.com/

12.Sundace Channel’s New Shows http://www.amcnetworks.com/release_release_press.jsp?nodeid=6601

13.http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-03/time-warner-cable-threatens-to-drop-low-rated-networks.html