Spots N Dots
The Daily News Of TV Sales
January 21, 2016
VIEWING DECLINE SLOWS FOR TELEVISION
TV VIEWING ON CONNECTED DEVICES SOARS
After crunching the December data from Nielsen, including seven days of time-shifted
playback, analyst Brian Wieser at Pivotal Research Group reports “generally improving
trends, with decelerating declines in general for traditional TV-related viewing.” At the same
time, he notes that this has occurred with significant growth in consumption of content not
associated with traditional TV networks—or at least not allocated to them for ratings credit.
“While these viewing trends have long-term implications for how content and advertising is
produced, distributed and measured, over near- to medium- time horizons they should have
limited effects on the amount of money spent on TV-related advertising,” Wieser says. He
figures national TV ad spending was up about 2% in Q4, with continued growth expected in
2016.
For December, time spent with TV by adults 18-49 fell by 2.0% year-over-year. The Q4
decline was 1.6%, which the analyst says was “better than weaker results for other quarters
during the year.” On a household basis, TV time declines were more muted at down 0.5%
during the month but flat year-over-year. Primetime declines were slightly worse at 2.4% for 1849 and 0.8% HH during December.
“Internet-connected device-based viewing is the most significant new source of change
in TV viewing,” Wieser said, with consumption up by 84.5% in the quarter for adults 18-49 on a
total day basis. Viewing was up by slightly more for total households, which saw a near-doubling
in December. In total, Internet-connected devices accounted for 5.5% of total day TV
consumption 18-49 during the month and 5.2% during the quarter. The analyst notes that much
of the measured TV-related activity on devices such as Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast,
Xbox and Playstation falls into “All Other Tuning”—a catch-all for other unencoded viewing
content, including video on demand related content that was either not encoded or structured for
commercial measurement.
Within “traditional” TV, Wieser calculates that ad-supported cable viewing by adults 1849 was down during primetime by 5.8% in December and by a similar amount in the quarter. But
this represents improved results vs. other quarters in the year. With English-language broadcast
networks, results were somewhat more mixed relative to cable: declines during primetime for
18-49 were worse at 7.8% during December, but for the quarter down only by 5.4% in prime and
2.4% on a whole day basis. On a household basis viewing declines were 3.0% during prime but
only -0.1% on a whole day basis. But he notes that largely excludes PC, tablet and mobile
viewing, which has grown to about 5% of total video consumption.
ADVERTISER NEWS
The final MillerPulse report for 2015 says that the quick-serve segment of the restaurant
industry finished the year on a high note, with same-store sales up 2.9% in December while the
industry average was a 2.2% gain. Quick-serve traffic was up 1.5%, the best result since
January 2015, and Nation’s Restaurant News suggests that discounting in quick serve
establishments appears to be luring customers at the expense of the average check. Casual
dining chains continued to struggle with comps down 0.6%......American Blue Ribbon
Holdings, which acquired the Max & Erma’s chain out of bankruptcy in 2010, has just closed
13 Midwest units, about 19% of the current roster. Sales at Max & Erma’s were down 4.4% in
2014—2015 numbers are not generally available as yet……KFC is pushing Nashville Hot
Chicken into national distribution in time for the Super Bowl after a test in the Pittsburgh market
the chain claims was the most-successful new product test in the company’s recent
history……J. C. Penney dropped out of the appliance business more than thirty years ago, but
now as the chain works its way back from severe problems suffered a few years ago, it’s going
to test selling appliances at 22 stores in the San Antonio, San Diego, and Tampa markets, as
well as online. Each store will carry about 90-150 models from manufacturers including GE,
Hotpoint, LG and Samsung……After a failed trial of expanding the Boston Proper brand from
online sales into 20 bricks-and-mortar stores, Chico’s FAS is selling Boston Proper to private
equity firm Brentwood Associates. Brentwood has a variety of investments in its portfolio
including hundreds of restaurant franchises and the Zoe’s Kitchen and Lazy Dog chains as
well as brands like Zumiez, J. McLaughlin and Sundance……Walmart is merging its two
technology groups. One has been based in Bentonville focusing on the stores while the other,
based in San Bruno, California has been working on e-commerce operations. The new Walmart
Technology group will have about 8,000 employees……Walmart subsidiary Sam’s Club will
begin accepting Visa credit cards at its 656 clubs next month—to date Sam’s only accepted the
cards at its gas stations and online…….The Plenti multi-segment rewards program will expand
into the casual dining category with Chili’s Grill & Bar. The Plenti coalition already includes
AT&T, ExxonMobil, Macy’s, Nationwide, Rite Aid, Direct Energy, Enterprise Rent-A-Car,
and Hulu……This may be why Chili’s was looking for something new: Same-store sales at
company-owned restaurants were down 2.8% in parent Brinker’s second fiscal quarter, and
sibling Maggiano’s was down 1.8% in its comps. Franchised Chili’s managed a 0.9% increase.
NETWORK NEWS
Performers for The 58th Annual Grammy Awards airing Monday, February 15, at 8:00
pm (ET) on CBS will include Kendrick Lamar, Little Big Town, The Weeknd and
Adele……FOX has ordered for airing this year Kicking & Screaming. The eight-episode
competition series pairs experienced survivalists with pampered partners to battle extreme
conditions……Stars of Cheers, Friends, Frasier, Taxi, Will & Grace, The Big Bang Theory
and other hit shows will celebrate acclaimed director James Burrows. The two-hour special
Must See TV: A Tribute to James Burrows will air Sunday, February 21, at 9:00 pm (ET) on
NBC.
TUESDAY RATINGS
The cop show lineup won Tuesday primetime for CBS again, with the Nielsen
overnights showing an average 1.8 rating in Adults 18-49 and 7.6 in Households, with an
average audience of 12.324 million. NBC, with Chicago Med/Chicago Fire, was at 1.5 18-49,
4.3 HH and 6.574 million; The CW, with The Flash, 1.1 18-49, 1.6 HH and 2.498 million; FOX
1.0 18-49, 1.6 HH and 2.498 million; ABC 0.9 18-49, 2.0 HH and 3.158 million; Telemundo 0.7
18-49, 1.0 HH and 1.826 million; and Univision 0.7 18-49, 1.0 HH and 1.819 million.
WEEKLY RATINGS
For Week #17, January 11-17, NBC was at 2.6 18-49 and 5.8 HH; CBS 2.3 18-49 and
6.4 HH; FOX 1.3 18-49 and 2.5 HH; ABC 1.0 18-49 and 2.5 HH; Univision 0.8 18-49 and 1.2
HH; Telemundo 0.6 18-49 and 0.8 HH; and The CW 0.4 18-49 and 0.8 HH.
COMPETITIVE INFO
Nielsen has expanded its Twitter TV Ratings to include social media conversations
about TV programs from Facebook and will soon add Instagram as well. Renamed Social
Content Ratings, the service will measure conversation about original video programming from
TV and over-the-top streaming providers. The new ratings will measure social media
conversation during linear airtimes as well as on a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week basis.
According to Facebook, its usage peaks at the same time as TV viewing—in primetime. A
recent Nielsen study found that nearly 60% of smartphone and tablet owners use their devices
while watching TV several times a week or more. Consumers are using these “second screens”
to browse the Internet, connect with friends about what they’re watching and read social
discussion of programs.
HOW MILLENNIAL SHOPPERS DIFFER BY AGE
Digital shopping is standard procedure across the Millennial age bracket. But a new
report from eMarketer finds there are some differences in how the younger and older Millennial
consumers go about things, online and offline.
The obvious disparity between older and younger millennial shoppers is that the older
ones spend more. According government data covering 2014, households headed by 25- to 34year-olds spent an average of $49,547. Households headed by someone under 25 averaged
$32,179. (For total households, the figure was $53,495.) The younger consumers spent less
than the older ones in categories as varied as furniture ($304 vs. $426), healthcare ($1,103 vs.
$2,659), pets ($158 vs. $441) and entertainment ($1,319 vs. $2,418).
Tight finances hold millennials back from spending freely. In an Ipsos poll, 51% said
they worry about paying all their monthly bills. Many also carry debt—not just college loans, but
other debt, too.
The value equation for millennials is not confined to dollars and cents. In a 2015 poll by
Cone Communications, 92% of 18- to 24-year-olds and 91% of those 25 to 34 (vs. 85% of
total respondents) said they are likely to switch to a brand associated with a good cause. This
reflects a belief “that people can solve things in working with brands and not against them,” said
Raphael Bemporad, founding partner and chief strategy officer at branding agency BBMG.
eMarketer found scant difference in the proportion of younger vs. older millennials who
are digital buyers. As of 2015, 73.2% of the 18-24 cohort and 71.6% of those 25-34 were
estimated to have made at least one purchase by digital means during the calendar year.
SMI: DECEMBER AD SPENDING UP 7%
The early look at December data from Standard Media Index (SMI) finds that the total
ad market grew 7% for December on a year-on-year basis. Advertisers increased
their budgets by 16% year-on-year in Q4 2015 compared to the same period last year. The ad
market jumped 7% for the full calendar year.
SMI says television advertising revenues fell 5% in December on a year-on-year basis.
Cable TV slipped 8% and broadcast TV was flat for the month. The total TV sector was up 9%
for Q4 and flat for the full year.
Digital media witnessed a significant increase again, rising by 31% in December from a
year ago. Pure Play Video (72%) and Internet Radio spend, i.e. on podcasts, (64%) saw the
largest year-over-year jumps in the sector. Digital spending was up 34% for Q4 and 25% for the
total year.
The top growth categories for December 2015 on a year-over-year performance were
Non-Alcoholic Beverages (55%), Prescription Pharmaceuticals (38%) and Food, Produce and
Dairy (25%).
THIS AND THAT
Two media software companies have merged. ShareBuilders, Inc., a provider of yield
management solutions for the broadcast media sales industry, has merged with Efficio
Solutions, Inc., whose products are in media sales management, CRM and yield solutions……
Not long after investing in Lyft, the Detroit News reports that General Motors has hired
employees and bought the assets of Sidecar Technologies Inc., a ride-hailing company that
ceased operations in December.
DONE DEAL
Gayle Beatty has been named Creative Services Director of WWSB (ABC) Sarasota,
FL. She joins the Calkins Media station from WFTS (ABC) Tampa.
AVAILS
An opening like this doesn’t happen every day…WREG-TV, #1 CBS affiliate in Memphis, is
seeking a Research Director to work with Sales and News to position the station and drive us
to new heights. Help develop sales proposals with your Power Point skills and maintain the
station’s programming as well. Must have a deep understanding of Nielsen and Rentrak, be
organized, have a positive attitude, and be a true team player. CLICK HERE for more details
and search by location US-TN-Memphis. EOE.
WTVR-TV, CBS 6 in Richmond, VA is seeking an Account Executive for a multi-platform
sales position. We are searching for an individual who is hard working, detail oriented, and able
to provide outstanding customer service. Candidates should have a demonstrated success in
new business development and at least three years sales experience. College degree preferred.
Please send a cover letter and resume to: syoung@wtvr.com. EOE
KRDO News Channel 13, located in beautiful Colorado Springs, along the front range of the
Colorado Rockies, is looking for an Account Executive with digital advertising experience. This
position is responsible to generate revenue for NPG Digital, our full service digital services
company. You will also generate revenue for KRDO/ABC TV, Telemundo and KRDO.com. You
must have previous sales experience, and be proficient with Microsoft office products. Send
cover letter and resume to: personnel@krdo.com, or fax: 719-444-8601. Drug test/background
check required. No calls please! EOE.
WYFF 4, Hearst’s NBC affiliate in beautiful Greenville, (37th DMA) has a career opportunity for
an experienced Multi-Media Account Executive, selling the #1 Television, Web and Mobile
advertising platforms in South Carolina. We're seeking a highly motivated and creative
professional with at least two years of broadcast sales experience to develop business,
generate revenue across multiple product lines and grow revenue with an existing client list.
Candidates can CLICK HERE for more information or to apply now. EOE.
Do you want to live in the third fastest growing city in the US? Do you want to be able to sell in a
city where the money is? Well look no further, WCNC in Charlotte, NC has the best opportunity
in the business. WCNC-TV has an opportunity for an Integrated Account Executive to join our
sales team! We provide the culture, tools and environment for you to achieve unlimited success
by offering great ideas and creative executions to local businesses. CLICK HERE for full details
and to apply now. EOE.
KCCI-TV, Hearst Television’s CBS affiliate in Des Moines, has an opening for an experienced
Local Sales Manager. We're looking for a leader with a proven track record of success in multiplatform sales. Ideal candidates should be highly organized, driven, disciplined and someone
who enjoys creating a high performance culture with strong accountability. Must be able to build
and maintain client relationships. Leadership ability is essential. Candidates interested should
CLICK HERE to apply. Equal Opportunity Employer.
WSPA in Spartanburg, SC seeks a General Manager. The ideal candidate should be a
visionary and well versed in strategic planning, content and expanding revenue streams. In
addition, the GM is responsible for protecting the station's FCC license, promoting a positive
image of the station to the community, hiring and training Department Heads and ensuring
smooth operation of the station. Position requires progressive experience in television station
management. Qualified applicants apply online at www.mediageneral.com. Background check
and drug screen required. EOE M/F/D/V
WAVY-TV (NBC) and WVBT-TV (FOX) in Norfolk, VA seeks a results-driven Account
Executive. This experienced sales professional needs a winning attitude and desire to
succeed! Managing agency business, new business generation, client relationship-building,
proposal preparation and presentation to a diverse customer base. Excellent communication,
customer service, and time management skills; a people-person responsible for developing
large-scale new business clients and growing digital revenue! Minimum 2 years media sales
experience. No calls please. CLICK HERE to apply. EOE/M/F/V/D
Comcast Spotlight in Maryland is hiring a Auto Local Sales Manager who will be responsible
for managing the operation for small advertisers to have the opportunity to reach customers in
their retail trading areas. The manager will develop strategic roll-out marketing initiatives
including internal and external client communications and events. Qualified candidates will have
a bachelor's degree or equivalent with 7+ year’s related experience. CLICK HERE for more
information or to apply now. Comcast is an EOE.
KLFY (CBS affiliate) in Lafayette, LA is looking for a strong Local Sales Manager to work with
the GSM in guiding our sales effort. The LSM will manage television sales for the station
including local, new business and digital. This position requires an individual who possesses
strong leadership skills to lead a local sales team. 5 years’ experience in TV Sales (prior
experience in Sales Management preferred). Get more details or apply online now at
https://jobs.mediageneral.com/. EOE.
WAFF 48 in Huntsville, AL is seeking a multi-platform Sales Executive to join our team! We
are looking for an energetic team player who has the desire to create and present solutions for
our advertisers. Our ideal candidate will have the ability to exceed goals through new business
development and outstanding customer service. Please apply online at https://careersraycommedia.icims.com and attach resume. No phone calls please. EOE-M/V/D/V
It was reported that 62 people own half of the world’s wealth. The other half bet on the Green
Bay Packers.
--Conan O’Brien
Researchers have recently found that binge-watching TV shows can raise the risk of chronic
disease and early death. Said binge-watchers, ‘Hey, no spoilers!’
--Seth Meyers
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SPOTS N DOTS
The Daily News Of TV Sales
January 21, 2016
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