Tag Archives: NBC

Big Media

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by Thomas Staudt

Ownership Rules

FCC Proposes Relaxing Media Ownership Rules

Federal Communications Commision

The Federal Communications Commission Has Proposed Changing Media-Ownership Rules [19]

The biggest news in Fall 2012 regarding the topic of Big Media is a proposal by the FCC to implement changes in the media ownership rules. The biggest change aims to relax the ban that prevents cross-ownership of a television station and newspaper in the same market. The rule does not apply to top 20 markets, although a waiver could be obtained to allow it to be applied. Regulations against the ownership of duopoly television stations will remain in effect. The proposal comes at a time when the media landscape is shifting, and local news operations are struggling for resources. [1]

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

Tribune Company Logo

The Tribune Company is an FCC Waiver Away from Emerging from Bankruptcy [20]

 While the FCC considers officially changing cross-media ownership rules, the FCC announced in November, 2012 that it was close to granting a cross-ownership waiver to the Tribune Company to allow the transfer of ownership to a group composed of Oaktree Capital Management, Angelo Gordon, and JP Morgan Chase. The waiver is needed because the group currently owns television assets in Los Angeles and four other markets involved. A permanent waiver is expected Chicago, and temporary 1 year waivers for Los Angels, New York, Miami and Hartford. The waivers will allow the closing of the sale, and the completion of four years of bankruptcy. [4]

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 Logo

Starz Will be Spun Off into Its Own Company by Liberty Media [21]

Liberty Media announced in August, 2012 that they intend to spin off their premium network Starz into a separate, publicly traded company. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of 2012. Liberty shareholders will receive Starz stock as a one-time dividend. The new company will acquire all of the Starz portfolio and assets, as well as $1.5 billion debt, and undisclosed cash. [6] Analysts are skeptical about the financial prospects of the new company, with Starz reporting an 11% decline in income against last year. [7]

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

Current TV Logo

Al Gore’s Current TV is Up for Sale [22]

In October, 2012, Current TV, the networked owned by former Vice President Al Gore, announced that it was up for sale. The struggling network does not have a full time program line-up, and is focused on the far left side of the political spectrum. Austin, Texas startup SocialGood.tv confirmed December 1, 2012 that it was working to raise funds to purchase the network. Although they do not yet have the funding, a released business plan shows that they would move the network to the political central in order to increase both viewer and advertising bases. SocialGood.tv claims to be close to having financing in place, but it will remain to be seen if the company can complete the transaction. [9]

 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 Logo

COX Media Purchases 4 Newport Television Stations [23]

Newport Television also closed a deal to sell 4 stations to Cox Media on December 4, 2012. Cox purchased the FOX and CBS duopoly, WAWS and WTEV, in Jacksonville, Florida as well as the FOX and MyNetwork affiliates, KOKI and KMYT, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. [15]

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 Logo

Sinclair Television is a Finalist for Barrington Television Stations [24]

On November 29, 2012, Barrington Broadcasting, the group run by former AOL Time Warner COO Bob Pittman, announced that it was looking to sell its entire portfolio of 24 television stations. Located in 15 markets ranging from market size 67 to 200, the portfolio consists of ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and CW stations. Although several companies made bids, Sinclair Broadcasting and Nexstar are the finalists. These two companies have advantages over others due to their nationwide retransmission agreements with a variety of distribution platforms. Upon the completion of a sale, the retransmission rate of the sold station would become that of the new owner, often much higher than that negotiated by the station. [17]

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

  1. Lowry, B. (2012, December 1). “Media-Ownership Rules Need New Look”. Variety. Retrieved from http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118062935
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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/
  7. (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
  8. Jannarone, J. (2012, November 20). News Corp. to Buy 49% of YES Network. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324851704578131030193 577240.html
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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/
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. Image. “FCC Logo”. LBA Group. Retrieved from http://www.lbagroup.com/blog/ebs-substantial-service-deadline-extended/
  20. Image. “Tribune Logo”. Top News. Retrieved from http://topnews.us/content/2675-wsj-reports-tribune-could-file-bankruptcy
  21. Image. “Starz Logo”. GP Com. Retrieved from http://blog.gpcom.com/?tag=starz
  22. 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/
  23. Image. “Cox Communications Logo”. Dioji. Retrieved from http://www.dioji.com/newspress.asp
  24. Image. “Sinclair Broadcasting Logo”. Awesome Cake. Retrieved from http://awesomecake.com/portfolio/logo-designs/

Regulation of Distribution

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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

[1] Howard J. Blumenthal and Oliver R. Goodenough. “This Business of Television: The Stadard Guide to the Television Industry,” 3rd Ed., pg.28.

[2] http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/02/business/media/dish-network-drops-amc-channels-in-cable-dispute.html?_r=0

[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/

[10] http://www.deadline.com/2012/11/fox-refused-dish-network-autohop-injunction-agrees-with-copyright-infringement-claim/

[11] http://articles.latimes.com/2012/may/25/entertainment/la-et-ct-broadcast-networks-fight-with-dish-over-adskipping-has-enormous-implications-20120525; http://www.deadline.com/2012/11/fox-appeals-denied-dish-autohop-injunction/

[12] http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-11-24/disney-s-abc-asks-judge-to-block-dish-s-autohop

[13] [14] http://articles.latimes.com/2012/may/25/entertainment/la-et-ct-broadcast-networks-fight-with-dish-over-adskipping-has-enormous-implications-20120525

[15] Howard J. Blumenthal and Oliver R. Goodenough. “This Business of Television: The Stadard Guide to the Television Industry,” 3rd Ed., pg.29.

[16] Howard J. Blumenthal and Oliver R. Goodenough. “This Business of Television: The Stadard Guide to the Television Industry,” 3rd Ed., pg.30

[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

[21] http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/489734-Genachowski_FCC_Will_Exceed_2015_Target_of_Freeing_Up_300_MHz_of_Spectrum.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

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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 CBS

    #1 Syndicated Program ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Logo [11]

    Television 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.
  • 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 of

    CBS Executive Scott Koondel [10]

    television 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]

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

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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/