| December 9, 2008 | News for broadcast and electronic media leaders |
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- Leno said to get prime-time spot from NBC
NBC was expected to announce today that "Tonight Show" show host Jay Leno this fall will shift to prime time, via a new hour-long talk program that will air five nights a week in the 10 p.m. slot. The move reportedly allows NBC to keep Leno, whose "Tonight Show" duties are being assumed by Conan O'Brien in May, from becoming a late-night rival on another network, while saving significant programming costs, since the talk show will be much less costly than a slate of individual drama series. The Washington Post
(12/9)
, The New York Times
(12/8)
     
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| | SESAC Tops The Charts With No. 1's
SESAC is the nation's fastest growing performing rights organization and a leader in topping the charts! SESAC represents the most in demand songwriters in all genres responsible for a hit parade of chart-toppers such as Nelly Furtado's "Say It Right", "Be Without You" and Kenny's Chesney's "Better Off A Memory". Everything Music Licensing Should Be...SESAC Is! | |
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| Business & Industry Report |  | |
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- Tribune announces bankruptcy filing
The Chicago-based Tribune Co. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday to seek better terms with its creditors while it keeps operating eight major daily newspapers and 23 television stations. The company is grappling with $12.9 billion in debt against assets $7.6 billion. The Tribune-owned Chicago Cubs are for sale, and not part of the bankruptcy proceedings. The Washington Post
(12/9)
- NBCU merges TV studio, network
NBC Universal, in a cost-cutting move intended to shore up its fourth place NBC network, has announced a merger of its Universal Media Studios and the network. The move comes in the wake of last week's firing of three NBC entertainment executives. Longtime NBC executive Angela Bromstad now will be in charge of scripted programming for the network and studio, while ex-BBC Worldwide America executive Paul Telegdy will take over duties for unscripted programming and specials. Reuters
(12/8)
, The Wall Street Journal
(12/8)
- Equity Media files for Chapter 11 protection
Equity Media Holdings Corp., which operates English- and Spanish-language TV outlets in 41 U.S. cities, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company, an affiliate of Univision Communications, initiated the proceeding after defaulting on a $41.5 million loan. Bloomberg
(12/8)
| Technology | | |
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- Plan to increase HD power backed by NAB, automakers
The FCC should grant permission for HD Radio broadcasts to increase their capacity from 1% of a station's analog power to 10%, according to separate filings by the NAB, Ford Motor Co. and BMW of North America. The change is being proposed by 18 radio broadcasters. "As part of a natural development of this proven but still evolving digital radio service, real-world experience has shown the need to extend coverage and boost reliability in certain situations," the NAB writes. Radio Ink
(12/8)
- AOL-CBS Radio partnership a win-win scenario
 AOL Radio's ad-content partnership with CBS Radio not only rescued the online portal's struggling unit, but has resulted in a "new business model for the online radio marketplace," according to AOL EVP Kevin Conroy. "The lesson here for everyone is that by carefully watching market trends, being willing to rethink your business, focusing on your core competencies, and delivering what consumers want most, you can achieve a remarkable turnaround against seemingly insurmountable odds," Conroy writes. Radio Business Report
(12/8)
| Broadcast Programming | | |
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| Advertising | | |
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- Magna's Bob Coen issues gloomy ad forecast
Magna media forecaster Bob Coen is predicting a contraction of the TV and radio ad markets in 2009. Presenting at the UBS media conference in New York, Coen said: "We believe the main source of the advertising slowdown has been drains on consumer spending, slow income growth, high debt, and the rise in many consumer expenses. There is little likelihood of relief for consumers in 2009 and not much reason to expect any improvements in marketers' advertising budgets next year." Radio Business Report
(12/8)
- Poltrack: Marketers need more granular demo info
Advertisers these days need demographic information that goes beyond the usual gender, age and income characteristics typically supplied by national television networks, according to CBS research chief David Poltrack. Armed with new data from the Advertising Research Foundation, Poltrack said marketers are looking for information showing viewing patterns on a second-by-second basis and that can be tied to actual buying decisions. Adweek
(12/8)
, The Hollywood Reporter
(12/8)
| NAB News | | |
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2009 Service to America Awards Call for Entries -- Deadline Feb. 6, 2009
On one special night each year, broadcasters are acknowledged and thanked for their outstanding service to their communities. Showcase your station's commitment to localism. Submit your Celebration of Service to America Awards entries today. The deadline for entries is Feb. 6, 2009. For more information, including award categories, criteria and rules for entry, go to www.nab.org/servicetoamerica.
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Crystal Radio Award Entry Information Now Available - Deadline: Feb. 3, 2009
The NAB Crystal Radio Award is given for year-round commitment to community service and is one of the most coveted awards in Radio. Fifty finalists will be honored and the 10 winners announced during the Radio Luncheon at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. The luncheon is sponsored by ASCAP. Complete entry information can be found here.
| Legislative & Regulatory | | |
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- Kyl: Don't revive the Fairness Doctrine
Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz, writes that the "Fairness Doctrine," which regulated how opinions were expressed on public-owned airwaves until its 1987 repeal, is "anything but fair." Kyl writes: "Talk radio is open to different viewpoints, though the success of the programs is determined by the listeners and ultimately the free market -- popular programs stay on the air; unpopular ones do not." The National Ledger
(12/8)
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