| December 8, 2008 | News for broadcast and electronic media leaders |
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- New emphasis on local ads could be silver lining in tough times
Local TV stations, facing difficult economic conditions at least through 2009, could be the beneficiaries of a shift in ad strategy by some national retailers to target consumers through local ads, according to this article. "National TV networks and cable have benefited from the nationalization of retail, but that trend isn't so solid all of a sudden," said Chris Rohrs, president of the TVB. Local radio and TV broadcasters are hoping to benefit from increased local marketing in the grocery, dining and entertainment categories. Mediaweek
(12/8)
       
| Business & Industry Report |  |  |
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- Wilmington GM shares tips for a successful DTV transition
Having made a successful DTV transition, albeit one with a few bumps along the way, Gary McNair, VP and GM of WECT-TV, Wilmington, N.C., offers
tips to stations preparing for the Feb. 17 switchover.
"You will survive," McNair writes. "And you'll be able to call yourself a digital pioneer as we work together to perfect this technology for years to come." Television Business Report
(12/7)
       
- Chicago radio host faults PPM for ratings decline, firing
Veteran Chicago host Steve Dahl is out of a job at CBS Radio outlet WJMK-FM "Jack FM." Dahl, who says he will be paid for the remaining two and a half years on his contract, believes his firing is due to the switch to PPM ratings -- which he claims rate all-music formats more highly than those with a host. CBS Radio did not comment for this article. Radio Business Report
(12/7)
       
| Technology |  |  |
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| Broadcast Programming |  |  |
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- Gregory officially handed reins to "Meet the Press"
NBC, in naming David Gregory as the new host of "Meet the Press," believes the White House correspondent will be able to continue the Sunday talk show's ratings dominance established by its longtime moderator, the late Tim Russert. Rival George Stephanopoulos of ABC's "This Week" said: "'Meet the Press' has a stellar brand and a million-viewer lead. We're going to go out and fight for our share every week." The Washington Post
(12/8)
, The New York Times
(12/7)
       
- Radio to be new venue for MSNBC's "Morning Joe" team
MSNBC's "Morning Joe" hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski today were scheduled to launch a two-hour daily radio program airing from 10 a.m. to noon on WABC in New York. The radio show, which will closely resemble the TV edition, reportedly is expected to expand to KABC in Los Angeles in a couple months as part of a syndication plan. The New York Times/TV Decoder
(12/5)
       
| Advertising |  |  |
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- Ad forecasts vary on impact of downturn
It's forecasting season, and soon ZenithOptimeida, IPG's Magna and WPP's GroupM are releasing their forecasts for U.S. ad spending today. ZenithOptimedia is predicting a drop of 6.2% next year, while GroupM is expecting a 3% dip. IPG did not release its forecasts ahead of a planned event. The Wall Street Journal
(12/8)
       
- NBC not discounting Super Bowl ads -- so far
Marketers looking for a discount on the remaining Super Bowl ad slots have thus far been disappointed -- reportedly NBC is sticking to its guns on the estimated $2.6 million to $2.8 million price tag for 30-second spots. NBC has eight and possibly more spots left unsold, per this article. Broadcasting & Cable
(12/7)
       
| Related Industry News |  |  |
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- Crunch time at EMI
EMI Group Ltd., now owned by British financier Guy Hands' investment firm Terra Firma, is facing a critical holiday season, as the music company needs to generate sufficient cash to pay off its obligations to lender Citigroup, by March. The Wall Street Journal
(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.        
| Legislative & Regulatory |  |  |
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- Too much media no reason to bring back Fairness Doctrine
The attempt by some to revive the defunct Fairness Doctrine, under the guise of helping consumers sort through a myriad of radio, TV and online options, is a smokescreen to shore up left-leaning programs' ability to compete with conservative talk radio, according to columnist George F. Will. The Washington Post
(12/7)
       
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