Spots N Dots
The Daily News Of TV Sales
January 25, 2016
HARMON IS AMERICA’S FAVORITE TV STAR
4 OF TOP 5 ARE TALK SHOW HOSTS
Mark Harmon, star of NCIS on CBS, has displaced Ellen DeGeneres as Americans’
favorite television personality in the annual survey by The Harris Poll. NCIS also won as the
favorite current TV show.
Although DeGeneres saw her three-year reign atop the poll come to an end, the
syndicated talk show host was still second and one of four talk show hosts in the top five.
Jimmy Fallon, of The Tonight Show on NBC, repeated as #3 after entering the list for the first
time last year. Steve Harvey, who hosts two shows in syndication—his own talk show and the
Family Feud game show—claimed the #4 spot again and Stephen Colbert—who moved from
Comedy Central to host The Late Show on CBS—moved up two spots to #5.
The rest of the Top 10 are: Jim Parsons of The Big Bang Theory, CBS; Tom Selleck
of Blue Bloods, CBS; Jon Stewart, who left The Daily Show, Comedy Central; Tim Allen of
Last Man Standing, ABC; Jerry Seinfield, whose Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is an
OTT streaming video show; and Oprah Winfrey, who appears in various capacities on OWN:
Oprah Winfrey Network.
After NCIS, the other top shows—not surprisingly—were The Big Bang Theory on CBS
and The Walking Dead on AMC. Rounding out the Top 5 were Scandal on ABC and Game of
Thrones on HBO.
ADVERTISER NEWS
Furniture Today reports Tempur Sealy will be ramping up advertising for its flagship
brands this year, which includes the first national advertising for high-end brand Stearns &
Foster and “significant increases” for the Sealy and Tempur-Pedic brands. “We’ve seen the
results that come from putting demand-driven marketing behind Tempur-Pedic, and so have our
retailers,” the company’s CEO said……Siblings Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. have joined the fastfood bundle battle with the $4 Real Deal that includes two sandwiches (cheeseburger and
chicken), fries and a drink. Nation’s Restaurant News comments that chains that have shifted
away from discounting strategies have in almost every case lost sales or traffic as a
result……Starbucks’ quarterly same-store sales in its Americas division rose by 9%, more than
had been expected……CNBC reports that after Sports Authority missed making a $21 million
interest payment earlier this month, there is now speculation the chain could close up to 200 of
its approximately 450 stores. If that were to happen, it’s projected that Dick’s Sporting Goods
would be the big winner: an analyst told investors that 23% of Dick’s 600 locations are located in
the immediate vicinity of a Sports Authority “which should provide for rapid same-store sales
acceleration (for Dick’s stores) once the Sports Authority stores are closed”……Ahold USA, still
projecting to merge with Delhaize this year, said identical store sales (excluding gas) were up
1.6% in the fourth quarter, helped by Stop & Shop results in the New York market as A&P
stores shut down. Stop & Shop also is taking over 25 of the former competitor’s
sites……Another major regional bank, Atlanta’s SunTrust, reported quarterly earnings which
were better than had been expected, helped by higher interest income and lower expenses.
Running counter to many other banks, net interest margin was actually up a bit from last year
and the prior quarter, reaching 2.98%......This Week In Consumer Electronics reports a study
done by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners found that AT&T was the biggest (and
only) loser among the four major national wireless companies in the fourth quarter as its
cellphone subscriber base fell by 5%. T-Mobile’s base grew by 12% while Sprint was up by
10% and Verizon was up by 9%. Also hurt by the numbers were the smaller regional and prepaid carriers, which experienced only a 65% retention rate compared to the Big Four, whose
retention rates range from 81% to 89%...... In an effort to improve fuel economy, Ford will install
automatic stop-start technology on all F-150s with turbocharged EcoBoost engines starting with
the 2017 models (about 60% of all the trucks sold), and also on the Escape crossover, its bestselling nameplate after the F-series.
NETWORK NEWS
FOX Sports and Red Bull Media House announced more than 30 hours of actionpacked sports programming. Most will be on cable’s FOX Sports 1, but the season finale of the
Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship will air on FOX Saturday, March 5, at 4:30 pm
(ET)……NBC announced premiere dates for three new mid-season scripted series, along with
previews in proximity to The Voice. Heartbeat will have its preview Tuesday, March 22, at 9:00
pm and premiere Wednesday, March 23, at 8:00 pm (ET). Crowded will preview Tuesday,
March 15, at 10:00 pm (ET) and premiere Sunday, March 20, at 9:30 pm (ET). The Carmichael
Show also returns with a preview Tuesday, March 8, at 10:30 pm (ET) and season premiere
Sunday, March 13, at 9:00 pm (ET). Also, Game of Silence will premiere Thursday, April 7, at
10:00 pm (ET)……ABC’s hidden camera show What Would You Do? returns for a four-week
run beginning Tuesday, January 26, at 10:00 pm (ET)……Primetime boxing returns to CBS for
the first time since Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks in 1978. Showtime Championship
Boxing will air Saturday, March 12, at 8:30 pm (ET) as WBA Welterweight World Champion
Keith "One Time" Thurman defends his title against former champ "Showtime" Shawn
Porter. The match will air live on CBS from Mohegan Sun Casino Resort in Uncasville,
Connecticut.
WEEKEND RATINGS
CBS and FOX tied for the demo crown on Friday night in the Nielsen overnights, but
CBS had the most viewers. CBS, led by Blue Bloods, had an average 1.4 rating in Adults 1849 and an average 9.810 million viewers. FOX, led by MasterChef Junior, was at 1.4 18-49
and 4.244 million; NBC 1.2 18-49 and 5.247 million; ABC 0.9 18-49 and 4.497 million; and The
CW 0.4 18-49 and 1.242 million.
NBA Saturday Night on ABC dominated the young demo Saturday primetime,
producing an average 1.2 rating 18-49 for the Alphabet Net, with an average audience of 3.492
million. CBS, with 48 Hours, had the most viewers, 5.141 million, and a 0.8 rating 18-49. FOX
was at 0.7 18-49 and 2.235 million; and NBC 0.6 18-49 and 3.695 million. As usual, Saturday
Night Live on NBC outdrew anything in primetime, scoring a 2.5 in 18-49.
AUTO RECALLS HIT RECORD IN 2015
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a “Safe
Cars Save Lives” campaign after reporting a record 51.26 million vehicles recalled in the U.S. in
2015. The new public awareness campaign urges people to check for open recalls at least twice
a year and to get their vehicles fixed as soon as parts are available. “An informed consumer is
one of our strongest allies in ensuring recalled vehicles are repaired,” said U.S. Transportation
Secretary Anthony Fox, noting that each year 25% of recalled vehicles, on average, are left
unrepaired.
Nearly 900 recalls were issued last year. The total of 51.26 million vehicles affected was
slightly above the tally for 2014, because that was revised downward to 50.99 million.
Manufacturers had initially overstated the number of vehicles recalled in 2014 for Takata air bag
problems until they determined exactly which cars had the defective inflators. However, some of
the Takata recalls in 2014 were superseded by recalls in 2015 as the air bag problem
expanded.
J. STEWART BRYAN III DIES OF INJURIES
Media General announced that Chairman of the Board J. Stewart Bryan III has died at
age 77. His death was attributed to complications from neck injuries sustained in a fall on
January 15.
Bryan’s death comes as Media General is in a takeover fight between Meredith
Corporation and Nexstar Broadcasting Group. As Chairman of Media General since 1990,
Bryan saw the company through a major transformation—acquiring Young Broadcasting and
LIN Media to expand in television, while divesting the newspaper division that dated back to the
company’s founding by his great-grandfather in 1887.
STRONG AUTO SALES THIS MONTH
A WardsAuto forecast calls for U.S. automakers to deliver 1.13 million cars and light
trucks in January. The resulting daily sales rate (DSR) of 47,126 units, a 10-year high for the
month, over 24 days represents a 6.8% improvement from like-2015 (26 days) and a 19.2%
month-to-month decline from December (28 days). The 5-year average December-to-January
decline is 26%, but the traditional pull-ahead of sales in December was not as strong as
expected this time.
TOYS ARE STILL BIG BUSINESS
U.S. toy sales grew by 6.7% in 2015 to $19.8 billion, according to The NPD Group. Toys
connected to the Star Wars movie franchise were the big mover, with over $700 million in sales.
In fact, TV and movie content was a key driver behind the growth of the toy industry in
2015. In addition to Star Wars, movie hits for toys included Jurassic World, Minions and
Avengers. Toys connected to the TV show Paw Patrol on Nickelodeon also had big sales.
Nine of the 11 “super categories” in toys posted gains in 2015. NPD says
Games/Puzzles grew the fastest, 10.8%, followed by Vehicles, at 9.7%. The biggest dollar gain,
though, was for Outdoor & Sports toys, followed by Dolls.
To illustrate the importance of Star Wars to 2015 toy sales, it was the #1 absolute dollar
growth contributor to three categories: Action Figures; Vehicles; and All Other Toys.
GOOGLE FIGHTS BAD ADS
With ad fraud a huge issue for the online world, Google says it disabled more than 780
million ads in 2015 for violating its policies. That included 10,000 sites that were trying to deliver
unwanted software—likely malware in most cases—and Google said it reduced unwanted
downloads via Google ads by more than 99%.
The online giant also suspended more than 10,000 sites and 18,000 accounts for
attempting to sell counterfeit goods. Google said it blocked more than 12.5 million ads that
violated its healthcare and medicines policy.
For 2016 Google says it is updating its technologies and policies “and working to stay
one step ahead of the fraudsters.”
AVAILS
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.
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
World class arts and entertainment, beautiful parks, and the Kentucky Derby/Festival welcome
the new General Sales Manager at WAVE 3 News, Raycom Media’s NBC affiliate in
Louisville, KY, DMA #49. We're looking for a visionary leader who recruits and develops
difference makers, builds teams, and grows market share, new business, and revenue streams.
Candidate will create a winning culture of excellence. CLICK HERE for more info or to apply
now. No phone calls please. EOE-M/F/D/V
Morgan Murphy Media, one of the few family owned media companies in the country, has an
opening for an experienced Local Sales Manager at WISC-TV in Madison, Wisconsin. We're
searching for a leader with a proven track record of success in a multi-platform sales
environment including traditional television, interactive, digital services, and mobile, with an
ability to integrate all into cohesive local sales programs. Get more details or apply HERE. Or,
send resume to WISC-TV, Attn: HR/LSM, 7025 Raymond Rd., Madison, WI 53719. EOE.
Account Executive: Have you peaked at your current station? Looking for an opportunity to
take on a bigger account list? WKCF, Hearst’s CW in Orlando, has an opening for a veteran
seller. With 5 hours of local news daily and strong syndication and prime programming, we are
one of the highest rated CW’s in the country. We also offer premier digital products, state-of-theart sales training, and a fun culture that celebrates our wins. CLICK HERE to apply now.
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
Media General's KRON4, the San Francisco Bay Area's Local News Station, seeks a Sales
Assistant. The Sales Assistant will be responsible for sales order entry and creation and
coordination of client promotions and special projects. Must have the ability to multi-task, work
well under pressure and handle strict deadlines. Must have excellent communication &
organizational skills, and be extremely detail-oriented. Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point for
Windows experience required. Qualified applicants can apply at http://www.mediageneral.com look for Job #RON-000069. EOE.
Top Company () Great Market () Excellent Team () Incredible Opportunity ( ).
WESH-TV, the HEARST owned NBC affiliate in Orlando, FL has an opening for an experienced
Sales Professional. If you are motivated by an excellent product, great compensation, and
working with a talented team, look no further. We will provide the multi-platform marketing
solutions to grow a new and existing client base. You provide sales ability, positive attitude, and
a desire to win. CLICK HERE for more info or to apply now. EOE.
KSTU Fox 13 Television, Salt Lake City, is accepting applications for a Sales Executive. First,
the AE will generate new revenue in the local market by converting advertisers to TV from other
mediums. Second, handle any repeat business by exceptional and result-oriented customer
service. Third, represent KSTU with the absolute highest integrity, professionalism, and hard
work. Get a full list of qualifications and requirements HERE. HURRY and email your resume
along with a FOX application found on our website to: hr@fox13now.com. EOE
The best countries report was released at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. The best
country in the world is Germany, although at first Steve Harvey said Colombia and everyone got
excited.
--Jimmy Kimmel
An NFL player is about to become a father for the 12th time with nine different women. So
today, he was traded to the NBA.
--Conan O’Brien
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SPOTS N DOTS
The Daily News Of TV Sales
January 25, 2016
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