| November 2, 2009 | News for broadcast and electronic media leaders |
 |  |
| Top Story |  |  |
|
- Report: Comcast-NBCU deal nearing the finish line
Comcast and General Electric are closing in on a deal that would give the cable provider a 51% stake in NBCU. Under the deal, Comcast would bundle its own portfolio of networks with NBCU. G.E. would retain a 49% stake in the company. One wildcard is the 20% of NBCU that is owned by Vivendi, which G.E. is looking to buy back from the French media company. The New York Times
(11/1)
, Reuters
(11/2)
    
| Business & Industry Report | | |
|
- Spectrum issue looms large for broadcasters
Broadcasters are urging the FCC to look for alternate ways to expand the spectrum for wireless broadband without having to further encroach on broadcast spectrum.
"We need to figure out the potential future of that before they go harnessing some of that back in-house," said Nexstar Broadcasting's Tim Busch, who is chairman of the ABC Affiliate Board. Broadcasting & Cable
(11/2)
, Mediaweek
(11/1)
- Four CBS Radio stations add to HD Radio footprint
CBS Radio has announced the HD Radio extensions outside their original markets of four of its top stations. Among the stations with new HD Radio channels are New York's WFAN-AM, which will be heard in three Florida cities -- Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach -- and Los Angeles' KROQ-FM, which will add an outlet in San Diego. FMQB
(10/30)
| Technology | | |
|
- Learning to love the DVR
The TV industry initially recoiled at the development of TiVo and other digital video recorders, concerned that the technology would lead to viewers ignoring advertising during DVR playback. However, research shows that DVRs are boosting audiences for certain shows, and that 46% of viewers in the 18-to-49 demo are staying put for TV spots during playback, according to Nielsen. NBC president of research Alan Wurtzel said, "Nobody knew the commercial ratings would be as robust as they are." The New York Times
(11/1)
-
Poll: Recent Nielsen DVR-playback ratings suggest the technology is good for broadcasters. Which of the following comes closest to your take?
Look out for the NAB SmartBrief Year-End Report on Dec. 8 and 15. The results of this poll will appear in Part 2 on Dec. 15.
 | DVRs are a boon for network programming. |
| DVRs are trouble. As the technology improves viewers will be offered faster and easier ways to skip ads. |
| DVR penetration is inevitable. It's up to programmers to entice viewers to sit through ad breaks. |
| None of the above. |
| Broadcast Programming | | |
|
- "Glee"-ful Fox leads nets in audience gains
Three of the four major networks have succeeded in increasing their audience thus far in the fall season, thanks to the big stars they are pulling in and the popularity of some shows. The break-away star of the season is Fox, which is up 3% in total viewers, mainly on the success of its new musical comedy "Glee" and the sixth season of "House." Reuters
(10/30)
- Jay Leno defends his move to prime time
Jay Leno, in an exclusive interview, responds to criticism over his move to prime time and its effect on the rest of NBC's schedule, and said the show, if it maintains its current ratings among the 18-to-49 demographic, is on track to make $300 million this year. "You don't take it personally because there's really no fun in an upbeat story," Leno said. "The fun is, they did this and let's watch it fall. I enjoy being the underdog." Broadcasting & Cable
(11/2)
- Are headlines boosting Letterman's popularity?
Despite on-air revelations that David Letterman was the target of an alleged extortion plot and sexual relationships with staffers, ratings for CBS' "Late Show" have remained strong. This season, Letterman has surpassed NBC's "Tonight Show" in total viewers and also is leading slightly in the key 18-to-49 demographic, according to this article. The Hollywood Reporter
(11/1)
| Related Industry News | | |
|
- Detroit paper gets an editorial assist from advertisers
An advertising strategy by the Gannett-owned Free Press in Detroit pushes the traditional boundaries between newsrooms and ad departments, by allowing marketers to have some influence over story ideas as well as a say on when stories are run. Free Press editor and publisher Paul Anger said, "One of the things I think newsrooms have to realize, is we're here to cover the news in an unvarnished way, but we're also here to facilitate commerce." The Wall Street Journal
(11/2)
| People & Personalities | | |
|
| NAB News | | |
|
-
Crystal Award Entry Information Now Available
Entry information for the prestigious NAB Crystal Radio Award for year-round commitment to community service is available online here. Find all of the information on entry rules and guidelines that you need, as well as tips on putting together a solid entry.
| Legislative & Regulatory | | |
|
- Shield law back on track
A compromise version of federal shield legislation that is designed to answer certain White House concerns is scheduled to be considered Thursday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The latest version doesn't protect a journalist from having to reveal an unnamed source if doing so would assist in stopping or lessening a terrorist act or other instances that would threaten U.S. security; a previous version of the measure would have allowed federal judges to have input in cases involving national security issues. The Wall Street Journal
(10/30)
, The New York Times
(10/30)
, Radio Business Report
(10/30)
| SmartQuote | | |
|
 | Go forth a conqueror and win great victories."
|
| |
|
| |
| Advertise |
Sales Account Executive:
Natalie Costa 202-737-5500 x293
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
| | Recent NAB SmartBrief Issues:
- Friday, October 30, 2009
- Thursday, October 29, 2009
- Wednesday, October 28, 2009
- Tuesday, October 27, 2009
- Monday, October 26, 2009
| | | Lead Editor: Adam Mazmanian
Contributing Editor: Robert DiGiacomo
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 | |
| |
|
| © 1999-2009 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information |
|
Mike Smythe, vice president and general manager of KFVS-TV in Cape Girardeau, Mo., makes the case against a music industry proposal to charge a performance fee to radio stations. Smythe urges viewers to contact their elected representatives to "stop the insanity of the Performance Rights Act." 
