Spots N Dots
The Daily News Of TV Sales
February 1, 2016
SUPER BOWL BOOSTS TV SET SALES
MILLENNIALS MOST LIKELY TO BUY
We don’t which team will win Super Bowl 50, but if history is any indicator, The NPD
Group says it already knows the TV market will triumph regardless of the team that ultimately
emerges as the champion. According to The NPD Group’s December 2015 Omnibus Study, 6%
of households surveyed this winter said they expected to buy a TV ahead of the Super Bowl. In
particular, Millennials are driving much of this anticipated growth, with 10 percent saying they
intended to buy a new TV ahead of the Super Bowl.
In terms of geography, sales are likely to be especially strong in the cities where the two
final contenders are located. This year, those cities will be Charlotte, NC, and Denver, CO. Last
January, leading up to Super Bowl 49, unit sales in the U.S. of televisions 50-inches and above
were 15% higher than in January 2014. In Boston—the hometown of the New England
Patriots—sales were up 20% year over year (YoY). Similarly, in Seattle—home of the
Seahawks—YoY sales were up 13%; it’s likely that big screen TV sales in Seattle lagged the
rest of the market due to the 2015 Super Bowl being the Seahawks’ second consecutive NFL
Championship game. But neither 2015 team won a repeat appearance this year.
For consumers, this a good time to buy a big screen TV. A year ago the average selling
price of a 50-inch TV in the U.S. for January was $527—lower than any other month in 2015,
with the exception of November and December. In spite of this, average selling prices in Boston
($561) and Seattle ($537) were both higher than the national average, which is an indication
that fan demand, not attractive pricing, fueled local TV sales that month. Last year’s Super Bowl
was on the first day of February, so retailers have a week of February ahead of the big game
this year.
“It will be interesting to see how TV sales in each teams’ home city perform this year
given that one team, Denver, was just in the game two years ago, and Carolina last played in
2004,” said Ben Arnold, Executive Director, Industry Analyst of Consumer Technology, The
NPD Group. “We expect to see a bigger year-to-year jump in sales in Charlotte since they
haven’t played in the Super Bowl in a dozen years. We also may see a larger than expected
increase in Denver given the increased affordability and selection of big screen and 4KTVs
compared to just two years ago.”
Spots n Dots found hhgregg running a “Super Sale” ahead of the game, with additional
savings of $500 instantly for customers in-store and online using the promo code: “Playoffs.”
Meanwhile, rival Best Buy was urging potential TV buyers to “Bring home the win” and offering
up to 30% off on LG televisions.
ADVERTISER NEWS
Visa Inc. has launched a new online and in-app program for all of its merchants to
acquire new customers that sounds a lot like advertising. Visa Commerce Network works by
connecting transactions between two merchants. For example, a hotel can provide its
customers with offers from local restaurants using Visa Commerce Network, and with
cardholder consent, track engagement and even issue rewards. Qualifying purchases are
recognized at the point of sale and rewards can be seamlessly applied to cardholder accounts—
eliminating the need for coupons or redemption schemes. An early trial by more than a dozen
businesses—including Dunkin’ Donuts, Regal Entertainment Group, Shake Shack and
Uber—was declared a success. In one case, in December 2015, Boston-based Uber riders
received discounted Uber rides when they used their Visa card at their local Shake
Shack……Holiday retail sales reports have been mixed, but Amazon.com reported terrific
numbers. Q4 net sales jumped 22% to $35.7 billion and operating income shot up 88% to $1.1
billion. “Twenty years ago, I was driving the packages to the post office myself and hoping we
might one day afford a forklift,” said founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, as Amazon reported full year
sales up 20% to $107 billion……Chain Store Age says the record warm weather that hindered
so many retailers seemed to have no effect on Under Armour. The athletic apparel, footwear
and accessories retailer and operator of 191 stores, said revenues increased 31% to $1.17
billion……The bagel business ain’t what it used to be. BAB Inc. says its annual net income fell
to $110,000 from $512,000 the previous year. Revenues fell to $2.2 million from $2.5 million.
BAB Inc. franchises and licenses Big Apple Bagels, My Favorite Muffin, SweetDuet frozen
yogurt and Brewster’s coffee……Price Chopper supermarkets is the latest to experiment with
an in-store medical practice. Drug Store News reports that Price Chopper, which already has
free-standing health stations in 20 of its stores, will be testing a new telemedicine program that
allows customers to get a live, private consultation via videoconference with a board certified
physician who can help diagnose and treat minor illnesses. The cost is $40 or less for a 15minute consultation. The test is taking place at five stores in Upstate New York and Bennington,
VT……Walgreens nationwide and Capital BlueCross in Pennsylvania have stopped using
Theranos Inc. for blood testing after inspectors for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services, the chief federal regulator of clinical labs, announced finding serious deficiencies at
Theranos’ lab in Newark, CA.
NETWORK NEWS
For the first time, CBS will air a live red carpet show prior to the Grammy Awards
broadcast with the new special, Grammy Red Carpet Live, hosted by Nancy O’Dell and Kevin
Frazier of Entertainment Tonight and Shad Moss of CSI: Cyber. The one-hour red carpet
show will air Monday, February 15, at 7:00 pm (ET). The 58th Annual Grammy Awards will
follow at 8:00 pm (ET) and are scheduled to run until 11:30 pm (ET)……Believe it or not, Larry
David has never hosted Saturday Night Live. He was a writer during the NBC show’s 10th
season before going on to create Seinfeld with Jerry Seinfeld, but he’s never hosted SNL.
That will change this Saturday, joined by musical guest The 1975. Melissa McCarthy will host
SNL February 13, with Kanye West as musical guest……The View’s Michelle Collins, Lee
Brice, Ralph Garman, Lacey Chabert and Bachelor Ben will appear as panelists on ABC’s
after-show Bachelor Live tonight at 10:02 pm (ET), following the season finale of The
Bachelor on ABC……The search for the next Latino super group will begin again on the
Univision Network as the music-based multi-media competition La Banda returns for its
second season. And this time, the search is on for boys and girls age 14 and up in the U.S. and
Puerto Rico. Auditions continue this month in Houston, Miami, Chicago and New York after
kicking off last week in Puerto Rico, with Los Angeles coming next month.
WEEKEND RATINGS
Blue Bloods on CBS had the most viewers on Friday night, but Shark Tank gave ABC
the demo win, with the Nielsen overnights showing the Alphabet Net at an average 1.3 rating in
Adults 18-49 and an average audience of 6.06 million viewers. CBS was at 1.1 18-49 and 7.19
million; NBC, with Dateline, 1.0 18-49 and 3.83 million; FOX, with MasterChef Junior, 3.48
million; and The CW 0.4 18-49 and 1.08 million.
NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC presented by La Quinta topped Saturday night,
with ABC posting a Nielsen average 1.0 in Adults 18-49 and an average 2.97 million viewers.
NBC, with Dateline Mystery, was at 0.8 18-49 and 4.20 million; FOX, with UFC Fight Night,
0.8 18-49 and 2.39 million; and CBS, with 100% reruns, 0.6 18-49 and 3.35 million.
SYNDIE SNIPPET
MGM Television has renewed Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court for two more seasons.
The syndicated show shot in Atlanta is cleared in 85% of the country. It premiered in the Fall of
2013.
BINGE VIEWING A HIT FOR T-MOBILE
T-Mobile says customers on qualifying data plans are already watching more than
twice the video than before from the free services included in its Binge On program. When TMobile subscribers watch videos from participating program providers the streaming doesn’t
count against their high-speed data tally. One major video service, not identified by name,
reported seeing a 79% jump in daily viewers.
Meanwhile, though, a new study by Professor Barbara van Schewick of Stanford Law
School concludes that T-Mobile’s Binge On service is probably illegal under FCC rules. “As
currently offered, Binge On violates key net neutrality principles and harms user choice,
innovation, competition, and free speech online. As a result, the program is likely to violate the
FCC’s general conduct rule,” she stated.
T-Mobile continues to expand the service, announcing the addition of Amazon Video,
Fox News, Univision NOW from Univision Communications and WWE Network. More than
40 video streaming services are now covered by Binge On, including Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu,
ShowTime, Sling TV, Starz, WatchESPN and others.
ACCOUNT ACTIONS
B&G Foods has named Deutsch as marketing and advertising agency of record for
its Green Giant brand. B&G Foods acquired the Green Giant brand in November 2015, marking
the company’s entrance into frozen food. It is also the largest brand in B&G Foods’
portfolio……BBDO has expanded its Pepsico duties by winning creative duties on the
Tropicana brand, which was previously at fellow Omnicom agency Juniper Park. BBDO
already handled the Mountain Dew account and recently added the flagship Pepsi brand.
RETRANS BLACKOUT HITS NINE MARKETS
Nexstar Broadcasting Group stations disappeared from nine Cox Communications
cable systems on Friday night as negotiations failed to produce a new retransmission consent
agreement. As usual, each side is blaming the other for the impasse.
Most of the national press coverage is focused on Las Vegas, where Nexstar’s KLAS is
the CBS affiliate. If the blackout continues through next weekend Cox subscribers in Las Vegas
will not have cable access to the Super Bowl. The other Cox systems involved are in Phoenix;
Baton Rouge; Acadiana, LA; Pittsburg, KS; Roanoke, VA; Ft. Smith, AR; Springdale, AR; and
the Florida Gulf Coast.
AD BATTLE OVER TRANSPARENCY
The 4A’s (American Association of Advertising Agencies) has issued what it calls
Transparency Guiding Principles of Conduct laying out guidelines for transparency in dealings
between agencies and their clients. That isn’t setting well with the trade group for the clients, the
ANA (Association of National Advertisers), which charged that the guidelines are “incomplete.”
The two groups had created a joint task force last year to work on the issue, but in the end they
failed to agree on what the transparency guidelines should say.
The joint task force has not yet received a report commissioned from K2 Intelligence
and Ebiquity/Firm Decision. ANA President and CEO Bob Liodice told MediaPost it was
“putting the cart before the horse” for the 4A’s to issue guidelines before seeing the findings of
that report.
AVAILS
Heartland Media's KDRV-TV, the ABC and Antenna TV affiliate in Medford, OR seeks a
General Sales Manager to lead, develop, train, and motivate its growing team of sales
managers AEs. This is a great opportunity to join a dominant station with the market's top-rated
newscasts, quality syndicated programming, and a broad range of digital products to market
and sell. Plus, you'll live and work in a sunny corner of the Pacific Northwest! Email cover letter,
resume, and references to: employment@kdrv.com. Pre-employment drug screen required.
EOE.
Tribune owned KSTU Fox 13 in beautiful Salt Lake City (#34) is looking for a senior AE to
come join the #1 revenue station in the market. Great ratings, great sales team and a great
future for the right candidate. Contact Beth Young (LSM) with serious inquiries
at beth.young@fox13now.com or call directly 801-536-1394.
ABC Columbia (WOLO TV) is seeking a Digital Sales Specialist to develop and lead our
digital marketing effort. This newly created position will be at Columbia, South Carolina’s fastest
growing television station. We’re looking for an experienced, digital-savvy leader to create and
manage sales of web, mobile, digital, and other multi-platform opportunities. Minimum of 2 years
interactive sales experience required and former broadcast experience is preferred. Send
resumes to: smagee@abccolumbia.com. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer.
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
Raycom Media, 63 TV stations and a great culture, has several current job openings for a
Local Sales Manager in markets 50-150. If you are a dynamic, self-motivating Sr. AE or a LSM
with a proven sales history who exhibits strong leadership skills and the ability to recruit and
inspire the best talent…please apply! Candidates must demonstrate skills at training new AEs,
and negotiating direct and agency business. MORE DETAILS HERE. Qualified candidates,
email resume to tcarver@raycommedia.com for consideration. No calls please. EOE-M/F/D/V
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.
Traffic Manager: The Traffic Manager at the Meredith Traffic Hub in Phoenix is responsible for
an error-free work product that includes processing all spot orders, copy instructions, resolving
discrepancies, and programming input. The manager will also have a direct impact upon the
stations’ revenues as well as upon customer perceptions of how a well-run traffic department
should operate. High school graduate or equivalent. College graduate preferred. To apply
please do so through www.meredithcareers.com. Job number JR01571. EOE
Raycom Media is seeking a VP/GM for WCSC, its dominant CBS affiliate in the beautiful and
vibrant Charleston, SC market. This is a tremendous opportunity for a dynamic leader with
contemporary experience in developing local news and branded content for broadcast and
digital audiences. Applicant must also have experience in developing market leading broadcast
and digital revenue strategies. Competitive compensation/benefits. Submit your resume and
salary requirements with your application online. No phone calls please. To apply, please visit
www.raycommedia.com/careers. EOE-M/F/D/V
Account Executive, WRAL-FM, Raleigh, NC. We’re searching for an experienced sales
professional to develop new business and grow existing radio and digital accounts. The ideal
candidate will have three years or more years of sales experience. A college degree, valid
driver's license with clean driving record, and a pre-employment drug screening are required. To
be considered for this position all candidates must APPLY ONLINE. EOE M/F. All Capitol
Broadcasting Company properties are tobacco free. Capitol Broadcasting Company participates
in E-Verify.
General Manager: A small privately-held broadcast company is looking for the right person to
operate its television station in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. The GM will oversee all
departments, including news, but is also directly responsible for sales department management.
Our right candidate will be an experienced GM who likes to be actively involved in sales, or a
broadcast sales manager looking to move into his/her first general manager role. Send cover
letter, resume and salary requirements in confidence to tvgmcandidates@gmail.com. EOE.
Since 1980 the Iowa Caucus has predicted the Republican nominee incorrectly four times. They
only got it right twice. You get better odds when you have a zoo animal predict the winner of the
Super Bowl.
--Jimmy Kimmel
Amherst College has decided to get rid of its mascot, Lord Jeff, because Jeffery Amherst
famously gave smallpox-infected blankets to Native Americans. Amherst’s new mascot is
Chipotle.
--Conan O’Brien
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SPOTS N DOTS
The Daily News Of TV Sales
February 1, 2016
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