“Secrets and Lies” does not hit the airwaves for another few weeks and little has been written or said about the new show. I expect that to change as we inch closer to the March 1, premier set by ABC. However, of the very limited publicity the show has received, it is worth noting that much of the write-ups focus on how the show differs from possible competition. While critics note that the plot of the murder mystery is not original, they are eager to see how the show is told from a single perspective. Perhaps the most interesting information that has come been revealed is that viewers will know the identity of the killed by the conclusion of the first season. Without seeing ratings it is far too difficult to predict a second seasons for the new show, but if it is renewed, writers will need to develop a whole new mystery.
Tag Archives: ABC
ABC Television Network
by Macy Jenkins
History
The American Broadcasting Company began in 1943, after previously operating as the NBC Blue Radio Network. The first television broadcast was in 1948. In 1996, The Walt Disney Company bought ABC, which is now a part of the Disney-ABC Television Group. Corporate headquarters and network news are based in New York City, while programming is based in Burbank, California.
The Players
Source: disneylandtraveler.blogspot.com
.
Bob Iger
Chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company.
Iger began his career at ABC in 1974. Most recently, he acquired Pixar (2006) and Marvel (2009). He directed the merger between Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. and The Walt Disney Company. [1]
Source: Womensconference.org
Anne Sweeney
Co-Chair, Disney Media Networks; President, Disney/ABC Television Group.
Sweeney oversees ABC Studios, the ABC Owned Television Stations Group, the ABC Television Network, Disney Channels Worldwide, ABC Family, SOAPnet, and A&E Television Networks.
Source: disneyabctv.com
Kevin Brockman
Executive Vice President, Global Communications, Disney/ABC Television Group.
Brockman oversees all corporate, news and entertainment communication efforts worldwide on behalf of the Disney/ABC Television Group.
Source: disneyabctv.com
Rebecca Campbell
President, ABC Owned Television Stations Group.
Campbell is responsible for the company’s eight local TV stations and their digital assets in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno.
First Quarter Report
The Walt Disney Company’s media networks (which include cable and broadcast stations) increased by 7% in 2012, ending with $5.1 billion in revenue. ABC Broadcasting revenue increased by 6% over the last year, going from $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion. This comes after broadcasting operating income increased by $36 million to $262 million in 2012. The increase in operating income was able to increase because of higher advertising revenues. The amount of online advertising increased, as did advertising rates. [2]
Ratings
Each of the broadcast networks has seen a decreased in ratings from last year. As of March 24th, ABC is in fourth place (after CBS, FOX, and NBC) with a 26-week season average of a 2.3 rating. ABC is down 8% from last season. Among total viewers, ABC’s 7.8 million is second only to CBS’ 12.1 million viewers (CBS had the Superbowl and the Grammy’s, while ABC’s main event was the Academy Awards). [3]
Source: nydailynews.com
On Sunday February 24th, 40 million people tuned in to watch Seth MacFarlane host the 85th Annual Academy Awards ceremony. It was the most watched Oscars since 2010. And this year’s saw 1 million more viewers than Billy Crystal’s 2012 ceremony. [4]
Primetime Programming
In January 2013, ABC had television’s number 1 scripted program for adults 18-49,
“Modern Family.” [5] Source: scottfeinberg.com
Top Rated Shows: Modern Family, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Once Upon a Time, Dancing With the Stars, The Middle, The Bachelor, Castle, and 20/20.
On March 21, 2013, “Grey’s Anatomy” beat “American Idol” in the ratings for the first time. And ABC delivered its most-watched non-Oscar week since November during the week of March 18th. [6] Source: homeofthenutty.com
The Taste: The competitive reality cooking show premiered on Tuesday January 22, 2013. The eight-episode season consisted of auditions where the judges blindly tasted food and eventually eliminated teams to find the winner. The premiere earned a 4.0 rating but the spring finale raked in a mere 1.1. Critics say The Taste is simply a less exciting version of NBC’s The Voice. [7] [8]
Zero Hour: The drama premiered on Thursday February 14, 2013. It was the least-watched premiere for a scripted series in ABC’s history (1.3 rating/6.3 million viewers). Two weeks later, it was canceled. [9]
Red Widow: The drama premiered on Sunday March 3, 2013 and was picked up for eight episodes. It’s centered around a woman who discovered her husband’s secret business life after he is murdered. The premiere earned a 1.5 rating and it’s currently the lowest-rated show on the network. However, ABC hasn’t pulled the plug yet. [10]
Splash: The series premiered on Tuesday March 19, 2013 to an audience of 8.8 million and earned a 2.6 rating. It’s ABC’s highest-rated reality TV premiere in two years and the highest-rated reality TV premiere since The X Factor’s Fall 2011 premiere. [11]
Cast of “Splash”. Source: zap2it
How to Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life): The comedy premiered on Wednesday April 3, 2013. It stars Sarah Chalke as a divorced mother who moves back in with her hippie parents. The show premiered with a 2.9 rating. It airs after ABC’s #1 show, Modern Family. [12]
Source: Slant Magazine
(See the “How to Live with your parents…” trailer)
Family Tools: The comedy will premiere on Wednesday May 1, 2013 as a part of ABC’s Wednesday comedy line-up. The series is centered on a man who returns home from the army and has to take over his father’s hardware business. [13]
The only new shows from fall 2012 to escape cancellation (so far) have been Nashville, Malibu Country, and The Neighbors.
ABC Daytime
Daytime television as a whole is not what it once was. The soap opera era is over and only four traditional American soap operas remain on the air across all of the networks. Due to declining ratings, ABC canceled the long-running dramas All My Children in 2011 and One Life to Live in 2012. The sole survivor is General Hospital, which airs at 2pm.
Source: webpronews
The only other daytime programming the network offers is The View at 11am and The Chew at 1pm.
ABC News
ABC’s news programming includes World News with Diane Sawyer, Good Morning America, Nightline, Primetime, 20/20, and This Week with George Stephanopoulos.
Good Morning America was the number 1 morning program in total viewers and in the Adult 25-54 demographic during the fourth quarter of 2012. In fact, it marked the first time the program has won the Adult 25-54 demographic since 1994.
Source: Facebook
Nightline was the number 1 late-night program in total viewers and in the Adult 25-54 demo.
World News with Diane Sawyer beat CBS Evening News in fourth quarter ratings and saw its strongest fourth quarter performance since 2009.
Diane Sawyer has been with ABC News since 1989 and serves as the leading face of ABC’s News Department. Source: ABC News
Online and Mobile
![Election Night 2012 was the most streamed live event in the history of ABC News. [14] Source: Sun Times](https://bejone03.expressions.syr.edu/trf594/files/2013/04/election-night.jpg)
Election Night 2012 was the most streamed live event in the history of ABC News. [14] Source: Sun Times
ABC was the first network to offer a mobile app (released in april 2010). As of April 5th, the app had been downloaded 10 million times, there have been 200 million episode views and more than 1.3 billion ads run. [16]
ABC’s video player is the sixth most downloaded free iPad app of all time. Source: ABC
The Future
ABC still claims the number 1 scripted show, Modern Family, and has a large online presence. But overall, in the era of “blinkandyoumissit,” the major networks have no time to rest before they plot their next moves.
Sources
[1] “Robert A. Iger” http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/about-disney/leadership/ceo/robert-iger
[2] “The Walt Disney Company Reports First Quarter Earnings For Fiscal 2013” http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/sites/default/files/press-releases/pdfs/q1-fy13-earnings.pdf
[3] “2012-2013 Season: CBS Leads Among Adults 18-49 & With Total Viewers Through Week 26 Ending March 24, 2013” http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/03/26/2012-2013-season-cbs-leads-among-adults-18-49-with-total-viewers-through-week-26-ending-march-24-2013/174970/
[4] “Seth MacFarlane-Hosted Oscars Watched By 40.3M, Up From 2012” http://www.deadline.com/2013/02/oscars-2013-tv-ratings-up-from-2012-abc-seth-macfarlane/
[5] “ABC The Only Major Net to Grow Year to Year” http://tvafterdarkonline.com/2013/01/abc-the-only-major-net-to-grow-year-to-year/
[6] “ABC Delivers Its Most-Watched Non-“Oscar” Week Since November” http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2013/03/26/abc-delivers-its-most-watched-non-oscar-week-since-november-209415/20130326abc02/
[7] “The Taste’s Two-Hour Premiere Earned Solid Ratings” http://eater.com/archives/2013/01/23/the-taste-wire.php
[8] “’The Taste’ Ends First Season With A Sad Whimper” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/14/the-taste_n_2876049.html
[9]” ‘Zero Hour’ Canceled: ABC Pulls Anthony Edwards Drama After Three Episodes” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/01/zero-hour-canceled_n_2794162.html
[10] “Red Widow: New ABC TV Series; Cancel or Keep It?” http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/red-widow-new-abc-tv-series-cancel-or-keep-it-27528/
[11] “Ratings: ABC Makes a Big Splash, Body of Proof Rises, Smash Dips, New Normal Drops” http://tvline.com/2013/03/20/ratings-abc-splash-premiere-ncis-la-spinoff/
[12] “’How to Live with Your Parents’ Opens Strong, ‘Modern Family’ is Wednesday’s Number 1 TV Show” http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/04/04/how-to-live-with-your-parents-opens-strong-modern-family-is-wednesdays-number-1-tv-show/176484/
[13] “’Family Tools’ Cut Down To 10 Episodes: ABC’s Midseason Comedy Affected By ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Schedule” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/10/family-tools-cut-down-to-10-episodes-abcs-midseason-comedy_n_2109980.html
[14] “ABC News surges into 2013 propelled by strong 4th quarter 2012 ratings.” http://www.cynopsis.com/files/8013/5759/7642/ABC_NEWS_SURGES_INTO_2013_PROPELLED_BY_STRONG_4TH_QUARTER_2012_RATINGS.pdf
[15] “It’s No April Fools Joke: ‘Taye Diggs Destroys Hip Hop’ on ABC.com/ABCdotcomedy – Video” http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/04/01/its-no-april-fools-joke-taye-diggs-destroys-hip-hop-on-abc-comabcdotcomedy-video/175843/
[16] “Disney/ABC App Downloaded 10 Million Times.” http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/197432/disneyabc-app-downloaded-10-million-times.html#axzz2PslnXpZl
Distribution
By Ali Zaslav
What’s Changed in TV Distribution?
In the television business, distribution is the key component in making content accessible and viewable by consumers on traditional and new platforms. Distribution is not only the way programming reaches audiences, but is a large component of programmers and distributors business models.
Traditionally TV distribution used to be much simpler; it was primarily through TV and consumed on the TV set. In this old media structure there were barriers to reaching consumers, (you would have to own a network or have a program carried by one). Today broadband allows for video content to be carried and viewed on the web. Countless individuals and companies can now reach viewers in new ways with all types of video content.
Television is still the primary way people consume video but new devices and new content are beginning to change consumers viewing behavior. Viewers can watch traditional TV or now have the option to aggregate their favorite videos through many new options like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, or TV Everywhere and watch them on their TV, or a tablet, phone or computer. The rise of new platforms to distribute TV content through DVR and VOD plus online viewership has resulted in a number of exciting developments for programmers and distributors, as well as real threats and challenges.
Right now television content distribution can be broken down into three categories: traditional distributors, new challenging distributors, and programmers that try to take advantage of all avenues of distribution. Programmers now distribute through the traditional multi-channel operators (Time Warner), phone companies (Verizon & AT&T) and satellite distributors (like Dish and DirectTV) and new avenues like apps, TV Everywhere through a cable operator or digital offerings like Netflix.
Traditional Distributors in the TV Market
MSO’s, satellite, and phone companies are actively trying to delve into the growing market of cross platform viewing and video streaming. A recent development is TV Everywhere.
Comcast successfully released Xfinity on demand and struck deals with cable networks, broadcasters, and pay TV to stream their content online for Comcast subscribers. Applications like TV Everywhere are being released by a multitude of distributors, allowing consumers to stream their carried programming on any tablet, phone or computer. Time Warner now has TWC TV and Cablevision has TVtoGO. Phone companies also provide online streaming; Verizon streams FiOS TV and AT&T streams U-verse.
In February, DirectTV joined the online game and released DirectTV Everywhere. For traditional distributors, “TV Everywhere” has become an important part of their distribution model. But their applications have a lot of competition coming from Netflix, HuluPlus and Amazon which offer library’s of content and more recently original or exclusive programming.
Rising Challengers to Traditional Distributors
The development of broadband as a vehicle for video has spurred huge entrepreneurial investment in companies like Netflix, Apple, Amazon, Hulu, YouTube as well as user-generated content. Traditional distributors are being challenged by new online distribution channels like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Apple TV, and Google (YouTube). These distributors are offering very appealing services to consumers and at low costs (Netflix & HuluPlus: both $8 a month and Amazon Prime $79/ yearly), or in the case of the web, Google or YouTube for free (you only need to have broadband). In addition, there is easy access through many devices like the computer, Xbox, iPad, etc with a wide range of content. We know this is appealing to consumers since Netflix recently grew to almost 28 million subscribers[1].
For the past few years Netflix, Amazon and HuluPlus have provided old shows, almost like a library service. This year Netflix shook up its programming strategy when it released original content “House of Cards”. They did what no distributor or programmer has done before: presenting an entire television series “House of Cards” to subscribers upfront. The viewer can than choose to watch the show all at once or at their own pace instead of once a week. In some ways, this strategy makes Netflix a competitor to HBO and cable channels. It also has blurred the lines as to what kind of company Netflix is: a distributor or original programmer? Further following a similar lead, Amazon is now promoting that they have exclusive content that you can only find and watch on Amazon[2].
Apple’s release of the Apple TV has further blurred the lines of traditional distribution; offering the perks of online streaming and TV together. Further Hulu Plus and other services are offered on the Apple TV [3]. These advancements have changed how the media works and how television content is distributed to consumers. Netflix offering original content, the Apple TV, Hulu Plus and Amazon’s exclusive content offerings shows how fast things are transforming in the distribution and video content business TV Programming Distribution Strategies
Broadcast and cable networks, to stay competitive, have been dabbing into online streaming, tablet apps, and phone applications. Most cable networks do their best to offer applications that distribute some recent episodes, behind the scenes clips, best of clips, etc. However cable networks tend to limit the amount of long-form content because the distributors they partner with would not pay them as high of a sub fee for their programming. A critical part of the business model for cable programming services is maintaining a strong sub fee with distributors.
![[15]](https://bejone03.expressions.syr.edu/trf594/files/2013/04/watchespn-e1344529462661.jpg)
Cable channels like A&E, Discovery, History, Lifetime and many others have iPad applications. Disney offers “Watch” to stream ESPN and Disney Channel to computers and other devices [4]. Recently on the broadcast side, broadcasters have been making more content available on their websites and through services like Hulu. Since broadcast don’t rely on sub fees they have been much more aggressive in moving their content to other platforms than cable. And just this month ABC and CBS both came out with tablet applications to stream their television series.
Conclusion
Distributors have been and must adapt to new technologies, platforms and consumer demands. Despite the buzz that cable and broadcast are “dying mediums,” the Neilson graph below shows that while online viewership is increasing, people are still consuming a large percent of content on the TV set[5]. 
The real measure of the success of TV distributors will be how well their offerings satisfy consumer interests in viewing content how and when they want too. If the traditional distributors don’t provide it, new companies like Netflix and Apple will meet that demand.
Television Production
by Elice Miller
Source: http://tvisnotdead.com/category/production/
Overview
In the television business, producing a successful show involves many factors. There are normally three stages to television production, Pre-Production, Principal Photography and Post Production. The main locations where shows are produced are either Los Angeles or New York, however some other U.S. metropolitan areas are also used to produce a show. Before a show can even reach the stage or pre-production programmers will require a package. This is a collection of key assets that differentiate one property from another. The main performers, the producers and the story line are also closely related to the concept and how it will be executed.
Pre-Production
Pre-Production is the stage of production which involves planning and development, financing and deal making as well as securing people to produce and appear in the television show. This is the period of time when a series is scripted, the actors are cast, sets are built and a production crew is hired. The producer or production company create a full-scale budget, schedule and production plan once a project is given a green light. The budget must be planned very carefully in order to assure that the project is delivered without exceeding the available funding and to make sure that the producer makes a profit. Pre-production on a show ends once the planning ends and content starts being produced. Most shows do not get a green light, because they cannot secure financing.
Source: http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-thoughts-on-pilot-season-so-far-one.html
Once a network has given a script a green light, it will order a pilot of the television show. Television pilots are standalone episodes of a television series that are used to sell the television show to a network. These episodes are used as testing grounds to gauge if a series will be successful. Sometimes a network will pick up a show after watching a pilot but will not air the episode. Instead, it will be reshot and even recast after it is given the green light. Variety estimates that around 20 pilots are ordered by a network, which are typically made up of half comedy, half drama. About half a dozen of these are actually picked up to become the premier episodes for the show. The rest are passed by the network and generally never seen again.
The big five networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and CW have ordered nearly 100 pilots for the fall 2013 season. The networks ordered a total of 87 pilots last year. The Hollywood Reporter offered a breakdown of the pilots ordered:
Grand total: 98 (vs. 87 in 2012)
Drama total: 50 (vs. 42 in 2012)
Comedy total: 48 (vs. 45 in 2012)
Single-camera total: 34 (vs. 30 in 2012)
Multicamera total: 14 (vs. 15 in 2012)
Just because a network has picked up a pilot does not mean that it will last throughout the season. If the television show receives low ratings within the first few weeks of airing, a network will normally cancel a show. This spring 2013 saw many new television shows get canceled. Zero Hour (ABC), Do No Harm (NBC), and The Job (CBS) are notable shows that were canceled after airing less than five episodes.
Principal Photography
Source: http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-thoughts-on-pilot-season-so-far-one.html
This is the phase of production when the actors are finalized for their roles and locations have been secured for filming. At this point the development team has created a plan for filming and financing the show. The term principal photography refers to the phase of production when the majority of footage and sound are recorded. This stage takes place either at a soundstage or filmed on location. Filming on location means securing permits to shoot in an actual real-life setting. Shooting a show normally means rigorous 12-hour workdays. Television episodes are filmed in groups called blocks, and rely on the availability of resources and the restrictions of the production schedule. Large sets can be altered to look like many different locations simply by changing set pieces or lighting. For example, a dark scary park can also be a beautiful garden by using contrasting lighting and changing a few set pieces. Techniques like this help to keep the cost of production down, since this is the most expensive phase of production. Most directors and producers will shoot the most expensive production elements first so that the budget can be allocated for the rest of the scenes.
Post Production
Once the first few episodes of a show have been filmed, the post-production phase begins. All of the footage that has been recorded is edited and sequenced and special effects are added. Sometimes additional dialogue needs to be recorded in the studio and it is layered into the recorded footage. During this last stage of production the production team will screen episodes to their target demographic. This can help gauge the public response to the show and if it is negatively received then it can be altered or reedited before releasing to the public.
Production Companies
Source: http://www.marycollins.com/production-companies-and-recording-studios
Production companies provide the physical basis for filming. Television programs are produced in a variety of entities, from small companies to large multinational corporations. Many corporations employ in-house producers for internal communication reasons. Outside production companies will handle Television networks and local stations will employ producers, who’s main job are to control costs and manage brand identities. Producers are held responsible for a television show’s overall quality and survivability. There are a variety of producers that work on a television show.
Producers
Typically, the main producer and the writer are normally the same person; this ensures that a producer can make sure that a project stays true to its brand. There are many different types of producers; the executive producer or the “chief executive” is in charge or everything relating to the production of the show. Executive producers can be the head writers of a show, the CEO of a production company, or a producer on the writing team and may serve on the board of directors. The co-executive producer is second in charge behind the executive producer, and assists with the development and daily management of the show. The associate producer runs day-to-day operations for the show.
Many stations will have producers that work on multiple projects for the network. For example, Seth MacFarlane has three television shows in production on Fox network. Another notable producer is J.J. Abrams, who has produced shows on multiple networks throughout the years.
Sources
1. The Business of Television, Bleumenthol & Goodenough
2. http://www.wisegeek.com/in-the-film-industry-what-is-pre-production.htm#did-you-know
3. http://tvisnotdead.com/category/production/
4. http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5137630_tv-production-process.html
8. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/faces-pilot-season-2013-416223
9. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/06/arts/television/fall-tv-pilot-season-is-in-full-swing.html?_r=0
10. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-pilot-season-2013-by-the-numbers-422351
11. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/02/unaired-tv-pilots_n_2998504.html
12. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/08/do-no-harm-canceled-nbc_n_2649224.html
13. http://videoproductiontips.com/equipment-needed-to-set-up-a-simple-video-studio/
14. http://youtu.be/MBZUkFpRW1I
Programming and Program Development
Programming has traditionally been made up of two dominant genres, the drama and the situational comedy (or sitcom). In a typical week’s prime time schedule, the major five broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, CW, Fox, and NBC) air a combined 43 hours of dramas and 18 hours of comedy. Another notable genre in the current schedule is reality and competition shows which currently make up 14 hours of the broadcast schedule. When looking into the broader scope of television, more and more genres begin to emerge. Currently on cable and premium networks, dramas and sitcoms also dominate the schedule but they are accompanied by more diverse programming such as mini-series, more reality, and developing genres such as mock reality. Schedules are constantly changing and adapting as new programs are developed and programs begin to come off the air. The development process is unique for each genre and the current season has already showed some success and failures.
Drama
The beginning of any drama series typically happens in one of three ways. Either a writer-producer meets with the network and a concept emerges which then turns into a script or a writer-producer already has a script and pitches it to the network. The third common way for a show to develop is for a highly regarded star to decide they want to do a television program and a team is assigned to develop something which fits their needs. Once a script is written and the network approves along with a cast and crew, a pilot is produced and shown to the network. How many pilots are commissioned is dependent upon the networks overall tone, for example The CW is unlikely to produce a large amount of comedy pilots since their schedule is dominated by dramas, along with their current needs. If not many dramas survive the season, more are likely to be commissioned for the next season.
In the current pilot season, Vulture magazine has already spotted several programming trends. One of which is franchise programming. Shows such as NCIS, The Vampire Diaries, and Chicago Fire all have related pilots being worked on. Going off of the success of Once Upon a Time, there is also a tendency towards magical or supernatural themed programs. Vulture predicts a rise in “House” type characters as well as many bigger name stars following Kevin Bacon back to the smaller screen. Much of this is based off of the successes of this past season and an effort to keep promising trends rolling.
One of the more successful launches this Spring was Fox’s The Following starring Kevin Bacon. The show has already been picked up for a second season and has been consistently winning it’s time slot.
A significant drama which went off the air this spring was The CW’s Gossip Girl. While not a major player in the ratings, Gossip Girl was still influential in it’s run on the CW as a trend setter for other programming. The network saw an uptick in the amount of programs focusing on the glamorous and elite such as 90210 and this season’s The Carrie Diaries.
Cable networks typically are more adventurous in their programming and have been seeing a lot of success lately.
Among the biggest successes is AMC’s The Walking Dead. It is a slightly nontraditional show that has garnered huge ratings for the cable network. It was a major Sunday night competitor this season despite not being on a major broadcast network.
Another major program this spring was The History Channel’s mini series The Bible. It received a lot of attention for it’s content and created a viewing war with The Walking Dead.
Comedies
Comedies are developed in a very similar way to dramas. Typically more comedy pilots are produced each year because they are shorter and quicker to make. However, more concepts are abandoned and there are different standards for determining what shows get picked up. A comedy will rarely be picked up just because it’s funny. Comedies are evaluated more based on the current schedule and where there are holes. If a current show is going off the air or needs a stronger lead in, then a comedy has a stronger chance of making it to air. There is also a different target demographic for comedies. They are intended to appeal to younger, typically less educated, and lower income than other types of programming.
NBC had a much hyped new series in 1600 Penn which was given an early release of the pilot. The show did not hold an audience well and saw continually declining ratings. NBC chose to end the season early by airing multiple episodes in a night. The scheduling change combined with declining ratings led to cancellation rumors.
A more successful show this spring has been ABC’s How to Live With Your Parents For The Rest of Your Life. It had a late premiere date but has still seen favorable ratings. It focuses on a single mom having to move back in with her parents and the struggles that ensue from her eccentric family.
This season will see the end of the long running NBC comedy The Office. The show was a hit for the network for many years and led to similar programs such as Parks and Recreation which is still on air. Show Runner Greg Daniels promises a heartfelt goodbye to match the series all around tone and characters.
Reality
There are four general rules that define reality television. The first is that they do not involve actors, at least in the traditional sense. Second, while they may be planned, they are not written in the way that comedies and dramas are. They are always produced on location, and finally they have some sort of special gimmick. When in development, these programs are judged more on the potential of the idea than the reputations of the writers or performers. Reality television has created a place for itself in the schedule over the past few decades. It is especially prominent on cable networks with networks such as E! and Bravo airing almost exclusively reality in their prime time slots. Bravo recently announced they have 17 new series being planned, nearly all of which are reality.
On broadcast networks, it is most common to see reality programming in the form of competition. The Voice saw a cast change this spring with Shakira and Usher replacing Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green as judges. The show has been seeing decent numbers with the new judges.
Emerging Trends
Mock Reality
Reality is clearly a genre which is here to stay. Over the years, reality programming has reached to some pretty extreme levels as far as the types of stories and characters that are put on the air. This has led to a new trend of mock realities, shows which are meant to look like reality shows but are scripted or improv and actually make fun of reality programming.
E! has an hour every week titled “Mock Block Monday” which features two of these Mock Reality Shows. The first is Burning Love which is an imitation of dating shows such as The Bachelor. The second is After Lately which is a supposed documentary of the office of Chelsea Lately, another popular program of theirs.
Other networks are picking up on this trend as well. MTV recently announced a new show, appropriately called Reality Stars, which will be about four friends who get involved in reality television. BET has committed to a second season of The Real Husbands of Hollywood. The show follows men of Hollywood in their “natural environment”.
Social Media
Nielsen announced earlier this winter that it plans to begin using Twitter to measure program popularity. This focus on the “second screen” could give more insight into what viewers are responding too and begin to dictate programming decisions. It can help programmers adapt to the growing social engagement of viewers and use social media trends to their advantage.
Sources
1.http://www.fox.com/the-following/
2.http://epguides.com/grid/
3.http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/04/07/bubble-watch-vegas-craps-out-on-friday-go-on-still-on-the-bubble-how-to-live-with-your-parents-and-hannibal/176840/
4. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/04/07/bubble-watch-vegas-craps-out-on-friday-go-on-still-on-the-bubble-how-to-live-with-your-parents-and-hannibal/176840/
5. http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/03/05/the-following-monday-ratings/
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fFq-w5CxN8
7. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/01/the-walking-dead-ratings_n_2993622.html
8. http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/12/18/gossip-girl-finale-ratings/
9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufkXlmtHJnw
10. http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/12/fall-season-brings-shift-in-tv-ratings-race/
11. http://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/nielsen-using-twitter-data-to-gauge-tv-programming-popularity/
12. http://www.bibleseries.tv/
13. http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2013/apr/060413-mtv-is-launching-a-new-tv-series-called-reality-stars.htm
14. http://www.bravotv.com/blogs/the-dish/bravo-announces-17-new-18-returning-series?page=0,1
15. http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/03/17/the-office-tease-series-finale/
16. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzzerIyOI9s
17. http://www.vulture.com/2013/04/comedy-pilots-2013-everything-you-need-to-know.html
18. http://www.vulture.com/2013/04/pilots-2013-dramas.html
19. The Business of Television, Bleumenthol & Goodenough
ABC Network, O&Os and Affiliates
by Baindu N. Saidu
via: http://www.geek4tv.com/tv-news/tv-news-abc-update-%E2%80%93-abc-cancels-brothers-and-sisters-v-plus-4-more-picks-up-charlie%E2%80%99s-angels-tim-allen-comedy-good-christian-belles-renews-body-of-proof
The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) is one of the oldest American broadcasting networks. Originally created in the 1940’s from the NBC Blue rradio network, ABC is now owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group[1]. The group is composed of Disney’s global entertainment and news television properties, owned television stations group, as well as radio and publishing businesses. This includes ABC Television Network, ABC Owned Television Station Group, ABC Studios, Disney Channels Worldwide, ABC Family, and SOAPnet, as well as Disney/abc Domestic Television and Disney Media Distribution[2].
The parent company, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), together with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company with operations in media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment, Consumer Products, and Interactive Media.
image via: http://clipandfollow.com/amazon-various-disney-hardcover-storybooks-for-5-00-reg-15-99/
Key Disney Executives:
John Pepper – Chairman
Robert Iger – President, CEO
James Rasulo – Senior Executive Vice President, CFO
Alan Braverman – Senior Executive Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel
Kevin Mayer – Executive Vice President
Key Disney Financials (in USD as of 09/29/2012):
Revenue:42, 278m
Net income:5,682m
Revenue per share: 23.57 [4]
Graph from Bloomberg.com (http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/DIS:US/chart)
Walt Disney Co. News (Fall 2012)
- October 30, 2012: Disney Buys Lucasfilm for $4 Billion in cash and stock and will debut a new Star Wars movie, Episode VII,in 2015. George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars franchise and CEO of Lucasfilm, owned 100% of the company[5]. Kathleen Kennedy, current co-chair of Lucasfilm, will become its president, reporting to Walt Disney Studios chair Alan Horn. Kennedy will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars features, with Lucas serving as creative consultant [6].
- November 28, 2012: Walt Disney said that it would boost its annual dividend to shareholders by 25% to 75¢ a share. It was the latest company to do so on jitters over the looming “fiscal cliff.” The dividend announcement came a day after Disney raised $3 billion in a bond offering, part of which would likely go toward funding the bigger shareholder payout [7].
- December 4, 2012: Disney signed an unprecedented movie deal with Netflix, allowing Netflix subscribers to stream films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation, Marvel and Disneynature, starting in 2016. When the deal kicks in, Netflix will become the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for first-run, live-action and animated feature films from the Walt Disney Studios, receiving access to the movies after they’re made available for sale and rental. Netflix managers also cut a separate multi-year deal with Disney to bring some older catalog titles to Netflix streaming immediately[8].
ABC Network
ABC Television network provides broadcast programming to more than 220 affiliated stations across the country. the network encompasses ABC News, respoinsible for news programming on television and other digital platforms, ABC Entertainement Group, responsible for the network’s primetime and late-night fair, ABC Daytime,producers of the network’s daytime programming, and ABC Kids, responsible for children’s programming [9].
ABC Daytime
-September 10, 2012: Katie Couric’s new daytime talk show premiered to an estimated 1.535-million viewers from the top 56 U.S. markets. put Couric comfortably ahead of the freshman talk-show pack. “Katie” outdrew “Steve Harvey” by 87%, “Jeff Probst” by 150% and “Ricki Lake” by 250%[10]. For entire article.
-November 26, 2012: As sweeps month comes to a close, Good Morning America is poised to beat out Today to win November sweeps in total viewers and the key adults 25-54 demo, according to Nielsen. It would be GMA‘s first November sweep win in total viewers since 1995, and its first sweeps victory in the key demo in more than 18 years. [11]. For entire article.
-December 06, 2012: ABC was Daytime’s number 1 network for the 12th consecutive week in Women 18-34 (0.6 rating / 214,000 – tied), and was #1 for the 8th straight week in Women 18-49 (0.9 rating / 569,000 – tied) [12]. For entire press release.
Primetime Programming
ABC Entertainment Group develops and produces compelling programming for broadcast on ABC in addition to other television and digital platforms. The group includes ABC Entertainment, which is responsible for all network primetime and late-night entertainment programming. ABC Studios is responsible for the development and production of primetime and late-night entertainment content for ABC, among other platforms. Disney-ABC Domestic Television is responsible for the content distribution within the United States and Canada [13].
New Programs Fall 2012
New ABC Series Premiering in Fall 2012:
-666 Park Avenue
-Last Resort
-Malibu Country
-Nashville
-The Neighbors
For in-depth information about any of ABC’s Fall premiere shows go here.
Fall Ratings
- October 09, 2012: After two weeks of the 2012-2013 broadcast television season (through Sunday, October 7 2012), NBC is in first place among adults 18-49, with a 2.8 rating average. Runners-up FOX and CBS tied for second, each earning a 2.4 rating average. ABC came in fourth with a 2.1 rating average and Univision was fifth with a 1.4 18-49 rating. The CW finished last with a 0.3 adults 18-49 rating average [14].
- November 13, 2012: After seven weeks of the 2012-2013 broadcast television season (through Sunday, November 11, 2012), NBC is in first place among adults 18-49, with a 3.2 rating average, up 23% from last season. CBS was second, with a 2.8 rating average, down 18% from a year ago. ABC was third with a 2.6, down 7% from a year ago. FOX was fourth with a 2.5, down 29% from last season. The CW finished last with a 0.7 adults 18-49 rating average [15].
- November 27, 2012: ABC Draws its 2nd-Largest Audience Since Season Premiere Week and Claims 4 of the Top 15 Most-Watched TV Shows Overall [16]. For specifics on the individual ratings go here.
- December 04, 2012: After eight weeks of the 2012-2013 broadcast television season (through Sunday, November 25, 2012), NBC is in first place among adults 18-49, with a 3.2 rating average, up 23% from last season. CBS was second, with a 2.8 rating average, down 18% from the prior season. ABC was third with a 2.6, down 7% from the previous season FOX was fourth with a 2.4, down 31% from last season. The CW finished last with a 0.8 adults 18-49 rating average, down 20% from the previous season. Among total viewers, CBS is ahead for the season averaging 11.718 million viewers. ABC is second with 9.168m, followed by NBC with 8.913 m, FOX with 6.853m, and CW with 1.888 million [17].
- December 04, 2012: During the week of November 26, 2012, ABC qualified as the 2nd-most-watched network to CBS, outdrawing an NFL-fueled NBC (8.03 million vs. 7.97 million). And excluding sports, ABC beat out NBC for the week by 10% in Adults 18-49 (2.2/6 vs. 2.0/6). Season-to-Date C3 Ratings (9/24-11/11/12): ABC is the No. 1 network this season in the sales currency of C3 non-sports Adult 18-49 ratings (Commercial Ratings + 3 Days of Playback), out-delivering CBS by 5%, Fox by 10% and NBC by 10%: ABC = 2.3 rating, CBS = 2.2 rating, Fox = 2.1 rating and NBC = 2.1 rating [18].
Coming up
So far in the season, 3 shows have been cancelled, two of which are new series. Private Practice, 666 Park Avenue and The Last Resort will not be seeing anymore seasons. To check the cancellation/renewal index for ABC shows, go here. For information on midseason premieres go here.
Owned and Operated Stations
The ABC Owned Television Stations Group includes WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco, KTRK-TV Houston, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham and KFSN-TV Fresno. The eight owned stations reach 23.3% of all U.S. television households. All are strong performers in their local markets, with most ranking #1 sign-on to sign-off in key A.C. Nielsen ratings for adults 18-49 and 25-54 [20 ].
O & O News:
- September 4, 2012: Owned and operated station, WABC-TV, home to the popular syndicated series “Live! with Regis and Kelly, ” welcomed new co-host Michael Strahan, to thew show, now titled “Live! with Kelly and Michael.” For more on the story click here.
- For more ABC O&O news check out this website.
Affilate Stations
There are over 220 ABC affiliated stations across the U.S.
- November, 21, 2012: KABC remains dominant in L.A. local news. Story here.
- December 07, 2012: Sinclair Broadcast Finalizes TV Station Acquisitions, among them ABC Affiliate stations. story here.
- For information on their activities go here.
References
[1] http://broadcasting.wikia.com/wiki/American_Broadcasting_Company
[2] http://www.disneyabctv.com/division/index_facts.shtml
[3] http://www.mergentonline.com/companydetail.php?compnumber=2488&pagetype=synopsis
[4] same as [3]
[5] http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-buy-lucasfilm-405-billion-384448
[6] http://www.businessinsider.com/disney-buys-lucasfilm-for-4-billion-2012-10
[7] http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118062809
[9] http://www.disneyabctv.com/division/index_facts.shtml
[12] http://www.disneyabctv.com/division/index_facts.shtml
[13] http://www.disneyabctv.com/division/index_facts.shtml
[19]http://www.disneyabctv.com/division/index_facts.shtml
[20] http://www.disneyabctv.com/division/index_stations.shtml
Production
by Jennifer Pittz
© Hollywood Reporter- Getty Images [6]
Recent Changes in Production
Television production continues to go through constant changes as technology progresses. Production equipment is now mobile, lighter, digital, and offers more creative features. Production locations are primarily in big metropolitan cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and Chicago. Production is an aspect of the television business that must stay up-to-date with technological developments and current economic activity to stay competitive and maintain cost efficiency.
Production Houses Migrating out of L.A.
© LA Times – Hollywood, CA [3]
© Jen Pittz [14]
However, September 30, 2012 Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed the Assembly Bill 2026 and Senate Bill 1197 to extend government funding for California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Governor Brown signed the state on for a new two-year, $200 million extension to the existing bill that was due to expire at the end of next year. The new bill will be offered through the 2016-2017 fiscal years [4]. The new bill is positive for productions that are currently in the works or productions that will end by 2016-2017. The bill was overwhelmingly supported by the state Assembly and the Senate. California offers a 20 percent to 25 percent tax credit towards production costs to offset business tax liabilities but compared to what other states offer the bill appears to be limited and not competitive [7]. But for upcoming and long-term productions, the bill does not encourage the film and television industry to stay.
Hurricane Sandy’s Impact on Production
© 2012 The City of New York [4]
After Hurricane Sandy touched down and made land fall October 30 of this year, production throughout the North East came to a halt and was postponed. New York City officials announced that all film permits were to be revoked October 29 and October 30 for Hurricane Sandy precautions [10]. At least nine television shows were hurt by the shutdown including “Blue Bloods” (CBS), “Elementary” (CBS), “Gossip Girl” (CW), “Person of Interest” (CBS), “666 Park Avenue” (ABC) and “The Following” (Fox). Without the production of these new television shows, networks were forced to preempt other shows and shuffle around television programming for the week.
© Huffington Post [12]
© CNN 2012
Other production problems that came with Hurricane Sandy include getting enough news station crews out safely to shoot video and report for air. Stations were forced to be innovative and use the most of technology and social media with limited resources. In order to keep up with breaking news and current updates, CBS sent out its own mobile SUV weather lab to measure wind and rain [15]. Reporters also turned to citizen journalism by means of social media to get video and pictures on the scene. More equipment and labor are needed in order to cover a massive event at different locations and different news angles. CBS sent reporters and equipment from as far as Minneapolis and Dallas to help stations hit by the super storm on the East Coast [15].
Sources
1. Howard J. Blumenthal and Oliver R. Goodenough, The Business of Television, 2006.
2. http://www.resource411.com/content/?pageID=1013
3. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-laedc-report-20121116,0,3320485.story
4. http://www.film.ca.gov/Incentives.htm
5. Dominick, Joseph R., Sherman, Barry L., & Messere, Fritz. (2000). Broadcasting, Cable, The Internet, and Beyond, 4th Edition. Boston: McGraw Hill.
6. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/California-runaway-production-tax-incentive-337952
7. http://articles.latimes.com/2012/sep/30/entertainment/la-et-ct-state-film-tax-credit-20120930
9. http://www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/statistics/stats.shtml
10. http://articles.latimes.com/2012/oct/29/entertainment/la-et-ct-storm-production-20121029
11. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/jimmy-kimmel-cancels-monday-brooklyn-384033
13. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/31/superstorm-sandy-aftermath-nyc-entrtainmen_n_2048791.html
14. http://www.deadline.com/2012/07/tv-production-takes-another-big-hit-says-filml-a/
15. http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/490148/Stations_Improvise_to_Cover_Massive_Sandy.php
Big Media
by Thomas Staudt
Ownership Rules
FCC Proposes Relaxing Media Ownership Rules
The Federal Communications Commission Has Proposed Changing Media-Ownership Rules [19]
Advocates for the proposal suggest that allowing mergers between local television and newspaper outlets will allow the outlets to stay in business in a tougher media economic climate. Without the rule change, the argument is that total media outlets will severely decline do to sustainability issues in the coming decade. [2]
Opponents of the plan claim that relaxing the ownership rules will promote further concentration of ownership, and erode diversity, competition, and localism that are in the public interest. The FCC has agreed to accept further opinions and research on the manner, and will hold off on voting until early 2013. [3]
Tribune Requires Ownership Waiver for Sale
The Tribune Company is an FCC Waiver Away from Emerging from Bankruptcy [20]
Ownership Report
FCC Releases Minority Ownership Report
At the beginning of November, 2012, the FCC released its bi-annual report on the ownership of commercial broadcast stations in theUnited Statesas of the end of 2011. The timing of the report is noteworthy as the FCC is in the midst of examining further deregulation of ownership rules, something critics believe will lower ownership diversity even further.
Of the nation’s 1,348 television stations, whites own 69.4%. That is an increase from 63.4% in 2009 when there were 1,187 stations. Accompanying this, African American ownership fell from 1% to 0.7% and Asian ownership fell from 0.8% to 0.5%. Following national trends, Hispanic ownership rose, but only slightly, from 2.5% to 2.9%. There is also a large gender gap in commercial television ownership. While on the rise, women own only 6.8% of stations in the US as of 2011, up from 5.6% in 2009.
The television ownership statistics are not dramatically different than radio, where whites own 80% of stations, and men own 70%. [5]
Cable Networks
Liberty Media Spins off the Starz Network
Starz Will be Spun Off into Its Own Company by Liberty Media [21]
Fox Purchases Stake in YES to Assist Clearance
On November 20, 2012, News Corp, the parent company of Fox, agreed to purchase a 49% ownership stake in the YES Network. A specific price was not released, but analysts estimate the deal values the network near $3 billion. News Corp completed the deal with Goldman Sachs and Providence Equity Partners. The contract includes a path for Fox to increase its ownership stake to 80%. YES has a contract to air New York Yankees baseball games through 2042, and is expected to be used as strong leverage to increase retransmission rates and guarantee clearance for other Fox properties in the nation’s largest market and surrounding areas. [8]
Current TV for sale
Al Gore’s Current TV is Up for Sale [22]
O&O Stations
Fox Sells WUTB in Baltimore to Deerfield Communications
In May 2012, Sinclair paid $25 million to Fox for the affiliation for WBFF in Baltimore, as well as an option to purchase the Fox owned and operated station in Baltimore, WUTB, by March 31, 2013. The station had served as leverage for Fox when negotiating with Sinclair, as Fox used the threat of pulling the Baltimore Fox affiliation from Sinclair’s flagship, WBFF, and switching to their own WUTB. [10]
On November 29, 2012, Sinclair exercised the option to purchase WUTB, paying an additional $2.7 million for the station. Because Sinclair owns WBFF in Baltimore, the sale is between Fox Television corporate, and a third party Deerfield Communications. Sinclair will control the station through an operations contract with Deerfield, and will owe an additional $25 million to Fox, or Fox can exercise an option to acquire certain stations from Sinclair’s current portfolio. [11]
Television Station Groups
Nexstar Buys 5 TV Stations
Nexstar Broadcasting announced that intends to reinvest its windfall from this year’s political season to purchase 5 television stations in California and Vermont. On November 5, 2012, Nexstar announced that it paid Newport Television $35.4 million for the CBS affiliate, KGPE, in Fresno, CA; the NBC and CW affiliate, KGET, in Bakersfield, and a low-powered Telemundo affiliate, KKEY, in Bakersfield, CA. [12]
In a separate sale, Nexstar Broadcasting announced the completion of a deal November 5, 2012 to purchase Fox affiliate WFFF in Burlington, VT from Smith Media. Nexstar agreed to pay $17.1 million for WFFF and sister station WVNY, an ABC affiliate. The Burlington DMA is important due to its sizeable Canadian audience, including Montreal. [13] Mission Broadcasting is also involved in the transaction due to media ownership laws. The FCC is expected to approve the transaction in the first quarter of 2013, upon which, Utica, NY NBC affiliate WKTV will be the only television station still owned by Smith Media. [14]
Cox buys 4 Newport Stations
COX Media Purchases 4 Newport Television Stations [23]
Sinclair buys 7 Newport Stations
On December 3, 2012 Sinclair Broadcasting closed a deal for $459.7 million for seven stations owned by Newport Media. WKRC in Cincinnati, OH; WOAI in San Antonio, TX; WHP in Harrisburg-Lancaster, PA; WPMI and WJTC in Mobile, AL; WHAM in Rochester, NY, and KSAS in Wichita, KS are the stations included in the deal. Sinclair has already announced sweeping personnel changes at many of the stations involved. [16]
Sinclair and Nexstar in running for 24 Barrington stations
Sinclair Television is a Finalist for Barrington Television Stations [24]
Denali Media Purchases Three Alaska Stations
On November 9, 2012, Denali Media Holdings, Alaska’s largest telecommunications company, announced that it was looking to purchase three additional television stations across the state. As part of a strategy to create a state-wide news and entertainment network, Denali is purchasing the Anchorage CBS affiliate, KTVA, from Media News Group of Denver. It is also purchasing the NBC affiliates in Juneau and Sitka, KATH and KSCT respectively, from North Star Broadcasting. The FCC is expected to approve the sales in early 2013. [18]
References
- Lowry, B. (2012, December 1). “Media-Ownership Rules Need New Look”. Variety. Retrieved from http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118062935
- Johnson, T. (2012, December 5) “FCC: Rule Changes Would Actually Promote Diversity”. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved from http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-12-05/news/chi-tms-variety-fcc-rule-changes_1_cross-ownership-fcc-s-media-bureau-media-ownership
- Kang, C. (2012, December 5). “FCC Relax of Media Ownership Ban Draws Fire.” The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-tech/post/fcc-relax-of-media-ownership-ban-draws-fire/2012/12/05/729dfafe-3e56-11e2-a2d9-822f58ac9fd5_blog.html
- Puzzanghera, J. (2012, November 15). “Tribune Close to Clearing Last Bankruptcy Hurdle”. LA Times. Retrieved from http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tribune-bankruptcy-20121115,0,6621573.story
- Flint, J. (2012, November 14). “FCC Media Ownership Survey Reveals a Lack of Diversity”. LA Times. Retrieved from http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-fcc-diversity-20121114,0,5618853.story
- Lieberman, D. (2012, August 8). “Liberty Media Says it will Spin Off Starz”. Deadline. Retrieved from http://www.deadline.com/2012/08/liberty-media-starz-spin-off/
- (2012, December 2) “Liberty Media Closes in on 50% Ownership of Sirius XM”. Seeking Alpha. Retrieved from http://seekingalpha.com/article/1039341-liberty-media-closes-in-on-50-ownership-of-sirius-xm
- Jannarone, J. (2012, November 20). News Corp. to Buy 49% of YES Network. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324851704578131030193 577240.html
- Sheppard, N. (2012, December 1). “Al Gore’s Current TV May Be Bought By Texas Startup Looking to Make It More Centrist”. Newsbusters. Retrieved from http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2012/12/01/al-gores-current-tv-may-be-bought-texas-startup-looking-make-it-more
- Malone, M. (2012, November 29). “Fox Selling WUTB to Deerfield Media for $2.7 Million”. Broadcast & Cable. Retrieved from http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/490598-Fox_Selling_WUTB_to_Deerfield_Media_for_2_7_Million.php
- Jessell, H. A. (2012, November 29). “Sinclair Makes it a Triopoly in Baltimore”. TV News Check. Retrieved from http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/63866/fox-selling-wutb-baltimore-to-deerfield-llc
- Lieberman, D. (2012, November 5) “Nexstar Buys 5 TV Stations in California and Vermont.” Deadline. Retrieved from http://www.deadline.com/2012/11/nexstar-tv-station-acquisition/
- TV NewsCheck. (2012, November 5).”Nexstar Adding Stations in Calif.and Vt.”. TV News Check. Retrieved from http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/63324/nexstar-adding-stations-in-ca-vt
- Knox, M. (2012, November 5). “Nexstar Acquires Stations in California, Vermont”. Media Bistro. Retrieved from http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/nexstar-acquires-stations-in-california-vermont_b68213
- Eck, K. (2012, December 4). “Cox Media Group Closes on Purchase of Newport Stations”. TV Spy. Retrieved from http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/cox-media-group-closes-on-purchase-of-newport-stations_b71843
- Knox, M. (2012, December 3). “Sinclair, NewportTelevision Close Seven-Station Deal”. TV Spy. Retrieved from http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/management-changes-at-sinclair-stations-as-newport-deal-closes_b71663
- Messmer, J. (2012, November 29). “Sinclair, Nexstar In Running for Barrington”. TV News Check. Retrieved from http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/63834/sinclair-nexstar-in-running-for-barrington
- Associated Press (2012, November 9). “GCI to Buy 3 AlaskaTV Stations”. Fairbanks Daily News Miner. Retrieved from http://newsminer.com/view/full_story/20786800/article-GCI-to-buy-3-Alaska-TV-stations-?instance=home_news_window_left_bullets
- Image. “FCC Logo”. LBA Group. Retrieved from http://www.lbagroup.com/blog/ebs-substantial-service-deadline-extended/
- Image. “Tribune Logo”. Top News. Retrieved from http://topnews.us/content/2675-wsj-reports-tribune-could-file-bankruptcy
- Image. “Starz Logo”. GP Com. Retrieved from http://blog.gpcom.com/?tag=starz
- Image. “Current TV Logo”. TV By the Numbers. Retrieved from http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/10/the-young-turks-with-cenk-uygur-to-launch-on-current-tv-monday-december-5-at-7pm-et/110277/current-tv-logo/
- Image. “Cox Communications Logo”. Dioji. Retrieved from http://www.dioji.com/newspress.asp
- Image. “Sinclair Broadcasting Logo”. Awesome Cake. Retrieved from http://awesomecake.com/portfolio/logo-designs/
Regulation of Distribution
by Baindu N. Saidu
Distribution refers to the means by which television programming is delivered to consumers. It is done through traditional means like Broadcast, Cable or Satellite television, or through newer means like Video on Demand (VOD), Digital Video Recording (DVR), and online Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) services like HULU Plus and Netflix.
When it comes to overseeing and regulating of these different means of mass television distribution, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is the principle government agency in charge. Its jurisdiction covers the means of mass emerging television technologies at the intersection of telephone, internet, computing, and digital signals. [1].
via the FCC website (http://www.fcc.gov/logos)
Several events have been ongoing during this semester related to the regulatory and legal aspects of distribution include a satellite provider, Dish’s disputes with both cable and broadcast networks, and the FCC’s ongoing plans for an incentive auction to reclaim spectrum space for wireless operators.
Dish Network vs. AMC Networks
The Networks’ dispute started years earlier with Cablevision’s lawsuit against Dish over their Voom HD channel which Dish stopped carrying in 2008. AMC was spun off from Cablevision in 2011. In April 2012, Dish notified AMC that it would drop their channels and by July, when their contract expired, Dish removed AMC Network channels AMC, WEtv, IFC, and Sundance from its lineup [2].
The companies indicated different reasons for the dispute. AMC stated that DISH dropped its programming because it wanted to gain leverage in an unrelated lawsuit involving Cablevision and their Voom HD channel [3]. DISH, conversely stated that the dispute was over “bundling,” in which big networks like AMC try to sell several of their channels, both high- and low-rated, to providers in a bundle to get a better price [4].
Image via Deadline website (http://www.deadline.com/tag/dish-network/)
By September, Dish’s 14 million subscribers had been without any AMC channels for more than two months and feared not be able to view the season premiere of the AMC hit show, The Walking Dead, set to premiere October 14. Speaking on the dispute, Dish’s senior vice president of programming, Adam Shull stated that “The problem is they’re asking me to pay for four channels for really what is the price of three shows,” thus Dish wouldn’t be paying for any AMC shows [5].
On their part, AMC turned to social media in a quest to get their channels back on Dish, launching a YouTube video contest for angry Dish subscribers called “Hey DISH, Where’s my AMC?” [6].
The conflict would not be resolved until October 21 when Cablevision and AMC Networks settled their lawsuit with Dish Network for $700 million. The deal brought to end a dispute over whether Dish breached an affiliate agreement by terminating AMC’s Voom HD Network in 2008. At a trial that began in late September, AMC sought some $2.4 billion in damages from what it believed was Dish’s improper termination. Dish had defended itself by saying that it had the authority to cancel the Voom deal based on a contractual clause requiring Cablevision/AMC to invest $100 million per year on the channel. As part of the deal Dish also reached a new carriage agreement with AMC, bringing the network back to their lineup along with IFC, Sundance, and WEtv [7].
Dish Network’s AutoHop vs. Broadcasters
Image via Dish Network Website (http://godish.com/)
Another battle Dish Network has been involved in pertains to the AutoHop feature for its DVR systems, Hopper and Joey. Introduced in March, Autohop, an International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovations 2013 Design and Engineering Award Honoree, allows users who are watching Primetime Anytime recordings to completely skip commercials. When the user starts watching a recording, they are allowed to choose whether or not to skip commercials. Users who choose to skip the commercials move from segment to segment of TV shows without having to watch the ads [8]. This feature has undoubtedly caused uproar with broadcasters, who depend on ad sales for a majority of their revenue.
In May, three of the major broadcasters (CBS, NBC, and Fox) filed suit against Dish Network in Los Angles, contending that the technology violated copyright law. Dish simultaneously filed a suit against ABC, CBS, and NBC in New York seeking a declaratory judgment affirming the legality of their technology [9]. In documents filed August 22, Fox’s lawyer argued that AutoHop was in “violation of the express terms and conditions of its contracts with Fox and federal copyright law. Both parties argued their respective points of view in front of U.S. District Court judge, Dolly Gee, on September 21 in Los Angeles. On November 6, Gee denied Fox’s request for a preliminary injunction that would shut AutoHop down. Gee, in denying Fox said, “Although Dish defines some of the parameters of copying for time-shifting purposes, it is ultimately the user who causes the copy to be made.” She also pointed out that Fox hadn’t proved there would be “irreparable damage” if no injunction was issued. Any harm to Fox, she said, could be relieved by monetary damages. The judge did agree with Fox though that Dish had likely committed copyright infringement and broken the contract between the two companies in making copies of Fox programming for alleged quality assurance [10].
On November 9, Fox filed an appeal against the denial of its request for an injunction, moving the matter from the U.S. District Court to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth District[11]. More legal action from broadcasters followed on November 24 when ABC sought a preliminary injunction from U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain in Manhattan federal court to also block AutoHop [12].
The broadcasters’ reason for going after AutoHop is that it “will ultimately destroy the advertiser-supported ecosystem” they depend on for revenue [13]. The networks make more than $19 billion a year in advertising, money that pays for the high cost of programming. Without advertising, network executives say, media companies would have to charge distributors three times the current rate for their signals, added costs which would be passed on to consumers. Dish, on its part, said that it believes that the AutoHop feature does not violate the networks’ copyrights. Instead, the company said AutoHop is simply an enhancement of existing ad-zapping technologies, and ultimately a matter of consumer choice [14].
FCC Incentive Spectrum Auction
Image via Cio website (http://www.cio.com/article/717594/FCC_Approves_Wireless_Spectrum_Incentive_Auction_Plan)
The FCC is a quasi-autonomous commission that has elements of each of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government. It is part of the group of independent regulatory agencies (see also the FAA, FTC, and SEC) [15]. In its control of television, the FCC performs several distinct functions such as rulemaking, licensing, registration, adjudication, enforcement, and informal influence [16].
Last February, President Obama signed a law empowering the FCC to buy spectrum from broadcasters wishing to give it up and then turn around and auction it to wireless broadband carriers. The FCC is working on the implementing rules for the incentive auction — so-called because broadcasters have a cash incentive to give up their spectrum [17]. They have hopes that the auction could begin as early as 2014, but have until September 2022 to conduct the sale and license the airwaves to wireless companies [18].
For the most part, full-service broadcasters with major network affiliations and newsrooms have said they have no interest in the incentive auction, preferring to hang on to their entire spectrum so they can offer new services. However, other broadcasters that are struggling see the incentive auction as a way to recoup some or all of their investments. Speculators have also entered the market, buying up marginal stations with the intention of selling their spectrum at a profit in the FCC auction [19].
Fall FCC Spectrum Auction News
- September 07, 2012: FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski set to release the FCC’s framework for the spectrum auction with target of having a report and order voted by mid-2013 and the auctions completed by the end of 2014 [20]. Full article.
- October 04, 2012: Chairman Genachowski said that the FCC will exceed its 300 MHz target for freeing up spectrum, a target the commission set in the National Broadban Plan [21]. Full article.
- November 13, 2012: An anonymous group of broadcasters interested in selling their TV spectrum in the incentive auction created the Expanding Opportunities for Broadcasters Coalition and tapped former Fox and Disney lobbyist Preston Padden to lead their efforts before the FCC as the commission writes rules for the auction [22]. Full article.
- December 03, 2012: FCC officials spelled out some financial options in a PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP webcast, urging listeners to file comments as the commission works to write rules for the auction. The deadline for comments on its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was extended to Jan. 25, with reply comments due March 26 [23]. Full article.
With the auction yet to occur, there is more news to come. To stay updated, check out the FCC’s official website.
References
[3] http://adage.com/article/media/dish-network-ceo-charlie-ergen-tv-disrupter/238527/
[4] http://www.npr.org/2012/09/13/161019358/wheres-my-amc-dish-network-dispute-drags-on
[5] http://www.npr.org/2012/09/13/161019358/wheres-my-amc-dish-network-dispute-drags-on
[6] http://www.deadline.com/2012/08/hey-dish-wheres-my-amc-video-contest-launched-channel-dispute/
[7] http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/amc-back-dish-lawsuit-settled-381472
[8] http://godish.com/hopper/autohop.aspx
[9] http://adage.com/article/media/dish-network-ceo-charlie-ergen-tv-disrupter/238527/
[12] http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-11-24/disney-s-abc-asks-judge-to-block-dish-s-autohop
[17] http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/63495/padden-heading-spectrumsellers-coalition
[18] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444772804577623883979783866.html
[19] http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/63495/padden-heading-spectrumsellers-coalition
[20] FCC_Wants_Broadcast_Spectrum_Auctioned_by_2014.php
[22] http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/63495/padden-heading-spectrumsellers-coalition
[23] http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/63935/fcc-mulls-how-spectrum-auction-will-work
Distribution
by Caitlin Desjardin
Overview
In the television world, and the entertainment world in general, distribution is where it all begins. Distribution, and all the various facets that it encompasses, is the machine. It is the force behind every production that is made, behind every network deal that is signed, and behind every advertisement that is created. Essentially, distribution allows the television business to be a business.
When discussing television in the broad sense, it refers to everything from the syndication of programs, to brand creation, to network affiliates, to satellite agreements. [1] It is the way that consumers gain access to content and the way that production companies, networks, and stations earn revenue. The term “distribution” is such a blanket word, because it could be argued that almost everything done in the television industry relates back to some sort of distributional motive.
That being said, the modern state of the distribution world can be divided into three main categories: broadcast, cable, and other media distribution deals. What is so interesting about the current state of the distribution market is that “other media” has increasingly become dominated by internet distribution deals, on services such as Netflix and Hulu. The future of distribution and the television industry in general seem to be heading in this direction, and distribution will be a huge factor in its success.
Broadcast
- NBCUniversaland Verizon (FiOS TV) reached a long-term agreement that would allow Verizon to carry and distribute all NBCUniversal programming live and
on-demand to subscribers. This access to NBCUniversal programming includes broadcast as well as cable, meaning that Verizon can now distribute NBCU subsidiaries such as USA, Bravo, Style, Syfy, Telemundo, E!, and the NBC Sports Network. In the second part of the deal, Verizon was promised rights to carry Olympic Games and four Comcast SportsNet channels, of which include those in the Philadelphia and New England market areas. [2]
- As sometimes happens in the distribution world, and a testament to how powerful those who hold distribution rights can be, there can be disputes, such as the recent one between Cablevision and Tribune TV that strongly impacted Fox affiliates. Cablevision subscribers in states such as NY, PA, CT, and NJ were slammed with no access to Fox stations when Cablevision and Tribune clashed over retransmission fees in late August. As a result, Tribune denied Cablevision customers access to seven affiliates that were Fox, CW, and MyNetwork stations. After two months the blackout ended (terms of the agreement were not released) though it would not be surprising to see these distribution issues regarding retransmission fees appear again in the future. [3]
“We sincerely appreciate the patience of our customers as we worked to reach an agreement that is consistent with our focus on minimizing the impact of rising programming costs.” – Cablevision
- One of the best scenarios for a distribution company is when syndicated television shows prove to be continuously successful. This is certainly the case for the CBSTelevision Distribution company, who distributes Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! in the United States, both of which have been the top syndicated game shows [4] and recipients of countless awards. The ABC Owned Television Stations Group (that reaches over 20% of US households [4]) recently renewed both of these games shows for 2015-2016, meaning that the ABC-owned stations will continue to be able air these shows on their affiliate stations.
#1 Syndicated Program ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Logo [11]
- Stepping away a bit from the specific broadcast television distribution deals, CBS Television Distribution president Scott Koondel was recently named senior VP and chief corporate content licensing officer. Why this is important when talking about the current distribution snapshot is because it shows the change in the structure oftelevision distribution, and where it will most likely go in the future. Because of this restructuring, Koondel will now take on a roll that will require him take on the CBS licensing issues on the Internet, something that CBS was not previously actively involved in. This immense increase in distribution on Internet platforms has grown exponentially as of late, and is really where the entire television industry is headed in the future, with distribution leading the way. [5]
CBS Executive Scott Koondel [10]
Cable
- CNN has created a new subsidiary called CNN Films, that will allow it to integrate documentary films into its television network. CNN Films will buy the desired full-length documentaries, and then distribute them during primetime on CNN. Having this new unit will allow CNN to manage the distribution of their desired documentaries both in terms of showing it on their network, as well as give them the added bonus of potentially distributing the documentaries in theaters. [6]
[12]
- ION Media Networks, Inc. partnered in a recent distribution deal with DIRECTV. This deal, while not specifically released, will allow ION Television to be available nationwide to all subscribers of DIRECTV. [7] Recently, at a Leadership in Communications panel in Syracuse, NY, ION Media executive Doug Holloway discussed the journey of the ION television network, and how important it is to fill the “white” areas of distribution where ION is not currently carried. [8] ION Media Networks Overview (Video)
Other Media
- In what has been regarded as potentially one of the biggest distribution deals of the past couple months, CBS Corporation finally announced that they would be engaging in a licensing agreement that would allow the CBS television library to be distributed via Hulu Plus, the paid subscription service facet of Hulu.com. This means that users will now have the ability to stream classic shows such as “Star Trek” and “CSI: Miami” on Hulu, as opposed to only being able to watch CBS video on the CBS website, as exists now. This is expected to go into effect January 2013. [9]
“This marks another agreement that meets the growing demand for our content on new platforms.” – Scott Koondel, Senior Vice President of Corporate Licensing, CBS Corporation
Conclusion
The overall trend of the current distribution market can be seen clearly, whether it be in Koondel’s position switch, CBS’s licensing agreement, or many of the other recent distribution deals. While television is still the most popular platform to watch content on, more and more consumers are turning towards the Internet. As such, and because distribution is essentially the backbone of the television industry, it must adjust with this rapidly changing market, something that is occurring now and that we will continue to see in the imminent future.
The Future of Television [14]
Sources
1. Blumenthal, H. J., & Goodenough, O. R. (2006). The business of television. New York: Billboard Books.
2. TV News Desk. (2012, 11 27). Nbcuniversal announces wide ranging agreement with verizon fios tv. Retrieved from http://m.bwwtvworld.com/article/NBCUniversal-Announces-Wide-Ranging-Agreement-with-Verizon-FIOS-TV-20121127
3. Block, A. (2012, 10 27). Tribune-cablevision deal ends blackout in new york tri-state area. Retrieved from http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tribune-cablevision-deal-ends-blackout-383665
4. Bibel, S. (2012, 10 29). ‘Wheel of fortune’ and ‘jeopardy!’ reupped through 2016 by abc owned television station group. Retrieved from http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/10/29/wheel-of-fortune-and-jeopardy-reupped-through-2016-by-abc-owned-television-stations-group/155099/
5. Baysinger, T. (2012, 11 8). CBS expands koondel’s role following distribution business restructuring. Retrieved from http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/490317-CBS_Expands_Koondel_s_Role_Following_Distribution_Business_Restructuring.php
6. CNN announces creation of CNN films. (2012, 10 8). Retrieved from http://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/08/cnn-announces-creation-of-cnn-films/
7. ION Media Networks, Inc. (2012, 10 9). Ion media networks announces new agreement with directv. Retrieved from http://www.ionmedianetworks.com/press/ion-media-networks-ion-media-networks-announces-n?id=297
8. Holloway, D. (2012, 11 28). Leadership in communication series Syracuse.
9. CBS and Hulu announce licensing agreement for library content on the hulu plus subscription service. (2012, 11 5). Retrieved from http://www.cbscorporation.com/news-article.php?id=918
10. Flemming, S. (Photographer). (2008). Cbs paramount executive, scott koondel. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.broadcastingcable.com/photo/253/253749-Scott_Koondel.JPG
11. (2012). Wheel of fortune logo. (2012). [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.harvardwood.org/resource/resmgr/auction/wheeloffortune_logo.jpg
12. (2012). Cnn films logo. (2012). [Web Photo]. Retrieved from ION Media Networks Overview
13. (n.d.). What the future holds. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://irldefender.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/what-the-future-holds.jpg
14. MIPCube. (Designer). (n.d.). Exploring the future of tv. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://blog.mipworld.com/2012/02/infographic-exploring-the-future-of-tv/mipcubegraphic-1/