Spots N Dots
The Daily News Of TV Sales
October24, 2017
GOOGLE’S TV ASPIRATIONS ARE HUGE
NEW ‘STAR TREK’ IS MAJOR TEST
“Google wants to own the future of TV ad infrastructure,” declares the headline of a Business Insider story. But whether it will succeed remains to be seen. The article notes that Google has attempted to “wedge its way into TV” several times over the past decade—“with very mixed results.”
The latest attempt is highlighted by Google’s recently announced partnership with CBS Corporation to handle on-the-fly digital ad insertion for Star Trek: Discovery, the new anchor series for CBS All Access. “The CBS partnership is big for us,” Rany Ng, Google’s Director of Product Management told Business Insider. Indeed, the story noted, the Internet search and digital advertising giant is trying to displace another giant, Comcast Corporation, whose Freewheel is the current leader in delivering ads to people streaming TV shows online. “The stakes are high, as Google would love to get a slice of the $72 billion U.S. TV ad market,” Business Insider said.
But that is just one Google initiative aimed at the television industry. Just a few days ago Ng announced a series of TV-related moves at Google’s Partnership Leadership Summit 2017. “I believe that the future of TV is one that’s smarter—that brings together the TV content you love with the seamless experience of digital—on every screen or surface,” Ng wrote in a company blog post.
As Google prepares to convince TV companies that they should embrace the Internet ad giant, Ng says Google’s video platform has been rebuilt from the ground up in recent years. “We knew that TV was a very different experience from the web and we knew that broadcasters had different challenges, infrastructure, distribution partners and content from web publishers,” said Ng. And she notes that in just the past couple of years Google has seen a four-times increase in ad impressions delivered by its DoubleClick Dynamic Ad Insertion product for such TV partners as CBSi, AMC, Bloomberg and France’s TF1.
“We’re also bringing new updates to a key feature of our platform—smarter TV ad breaks,” Ng announced. “For example, a ninety second ad break can now be filled by two 15-second and two 30-second ads or one 15-second, one 60-second and two 6-second bumper ads depending on what will bring you the most revenue,” she explained.
Google also claims it can help TV companies better monetize their content by understanding the audience with TV Content Explorer, coming in beta later this year. Already in beta are new forecasting and pacing models, which Ng says will make better use of data to predict inventory volumes across a “multitude” of devices for TV content. And Google is starting limited tests to help partners package digital inventory more like the way TV is bought and sold. And there are also limited tests to help partners serve ads against demographic data from Google via Programmatic Guaranteed deals with DoubleClick Bid Manager.
“TV is here to stay because there’s no such thing as too much good content,” concluded Ng. “By bringing everything that’s good about digital to TV, we’re only making it unstoppable.”
ADVERTISER NEWS
Target’s holiday push will start on November 1, and Advertising Age reports the retailer will be looking to reach a broader audience this year. The chain focused its holiday messages largely on Hispanics and families with kids last year, and its Chief Marketing Officer now says, “We feel we left a lot of sales on the table last year…This is an opportunity to evolve the conversation to be more inclusive.” Target spent $148.3 million in measured media last November- December according to Kantar Media and is expected to increase the budget this year by mid-single digits……Sears got another loan from its CEO’s investment fund, the second one during October. This one is for $40 million (the first was $100 million), and is secured by 66 properties held by the chain. The loans carry an 11% annual interest rate……While speculation grows about a possible merger of T-Mobile and Sprint, the former posted a very strong third quarter with $550 million net income compared to $336 in the same quarter last year. T-Mobile also said it added 1.3 million customers during the quarter, but avoided any discussion of a possible merger in the quarterly report. The quarter was seen as a quiet one for the industry, with little new phone activity driving sales……Skechershad a strong third quarter, with domestic comp store sales up 3.1% (despite, it notes, some temporary store closings in Texas and Florida). It’s planning to open an additional 12-15 company-owned stores in the current quarter……On the downside, The New York Post reports Fashion to Figure, a 26-store chain specializing in plus-size apparel, will close almost half its stores after the holiday season, with diminishing mall traffic said to be the primary reason. “We rolled out mall stores at a time when the world was changing,” the chain’s CEO told the paper……While noting “significantly cooler weather than a year ago and the near term disruptions from the hurricanes,” Lennox International was still able to deliver record third quarter revenue and profit, coming from both residential and commercial business. The Residential Heating & Cooling business segment was up 3% and the company noted higher volume, favorable price and engineering-led cost reductions. The company was founded over 100 years ago by Dave Lennox, made famous in commercials many years after his death……Here are a couple of small restaurant chains looking to become bigger restaurant chains: One year old Florida-based Hank and Harry’s is launching a nationwide expansion push for its upscale fast casual deli concept. And in the pizza segment, San Diego-based Flippin’ Pizza NY Pies & Slices currently has commitments for 25 new locations in Texas, Georgia, and California and says it’s now “scaled for rapid growth.”
NETWORK NEWS
Sofia Bush (Chicago PD, One Tree Hill) has signed an exclusive talent holding and development deal with 20thCentury Fox TV. The new agreement calls for Bush to star in a comedy or drama project for the studio for this coming pilot season, as well as develop additional projects for which she will serve as executive producer. Bush left NBC’s Chicago PD after four seasons last May where she was the female lead. The cop drama featured a mostly male cast and crew and the set has been described as a tough environment for a female performer. Bush dismissed various theories regarding her exit by recently posting on Instagram, “I left because I wanted to. End of story.” Bush’s resume includes the TV comedy Partners, films Marshall, Acts of Violence and John Tucker Must Die…… NBC is developing Delivery, a family drama set in a high-risk perinatology unit. The project comes from ABC Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine production company and is written by Kristin Newman (The Muppets) and Rob Wright (Lethal Weapon). Newman and Wright will executive produce the drama that revolves around a group of doctors with deep family ties as they navigate their personal and professional lives in a high-volume perinatology unit. Witherspoon and Lauren Levy Neustaderare also executive producers……. The Michael Bennett series of books by James Patterson is being developed for TV by ABC. The project is being executive produced by Patterson, Bill Robinson, Leopoldo Gout, Bob Sertnerof ABC Studios and Rich Cleveland (Man in the High Castle). Michael Bennett centers on a detective on the force at NYPD, who is something of a living legend. Brilliant, seasoned and highly dedicated. At home, he’s a challenged single father to six adopted children that he must raise alone following the death of his wife years earlier. The project is being produced by ABC Studios……Variety is reporting that actors John Ross Bowie and Kevin Sussmanare developing a multi-camera comedy series with the Fox network with Peter Tolanjoining the project as writer and one of the executive producers. Entitled The Ever After Part will follow a couple faced with the difficulties of raising their daughter in a hip neighborhood that must swallow their pride and move in with the husband’s flamboyant mother and her manservant. Both Bowie and Sussman have made multiple appearances on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. Bowie plays Barry Kripke while Sussman plays Stuart Bloom. Bowie also appears on ABC’s Speechless and Fresh Off the Boat as well as Veepon HBO and Episodes on Showtime. Sussman’s credits include Ugly Betty, E.R., and Weeds.
BUSINESS BYTES
AT&T made a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission in which it said the termination date of its planned deal to buy Time Warner has been extended “for a short period of time.” The deal, which had been announced about a year ago, had set October 22 as a termination date, but the two companies have yet to win government approval for their proposed marriage.
ACCOUNT ACTIONS
Spark Foundry, a Publicis Media agency, has been named media agency of record for David’s Bridal, succeeding independent Horizon Media as media AOR. Kantar Media estimated 2016 spending by the account at $22 million……MediaPost reports that Campbell Soup Company is putting its global media agency assignment in review. Measured media spending in the U.S. last year was an estimated $165 million according to Kantar Media.
THIS AND THAT
As cars become more automated, Japan’s Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. has developed with Toyota Motor Corporation a steering wheel with a grip sensor—so the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can know when the human driver needs to override the automation……CarDatasays auto insurance rates have risen 3.4-7.4% in the past year. The most expensive states for auto insurance are Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey and New York.
AVAILS
Meredith Corporation seeks an experienced leader and Vice President, General Manager for WNEM, the CBS Affiliate in Saginaw, Michigan. The VP/GM must develop the station’s full potential for audience, revenue, and profits consistent with planning objectives and with company policies and federal and state regulations. Minimum 3 years of successful experience as a General Manager of an affiliate station(s), or 5 years as General Sales Manager or News Director required. CLICK HEREfor more info or to apply for this position, look for job JR04074. EOE.
WPBF 25, Hearst Television’s ABC affiliate in beautiful West Palm Beach, FL, seeks a National Sales Manager to join our winning team. Our ideal candidate will have a proven record of growing revenue share, while over-achieving TV, digital and multi-platform budgets. Prior experience handling Political business is a plus. Our NSM will be responsible for setting the vision and leading our excellent team of National sellers to continued success. Applicants must possess strong leadership, negotiation, interpersonal, organizational and computer skills. CLICK HEREto apply. EOE.
Small privately-held broadcast company is looking for a progressive and hands-on Director of Sales who is not afraid of change and is willing to roll up his/her sleeves to get the job done. Our right candidate will be an experienced sales manager who likes to be actively involved in all facets of the sales operation. GSM experience preferred however experienced LSMs looking to move into the DOS role are also welcome to apply. Send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to . All inquiries will be held in the strictest confidence. EOE.
KHON2, the FOX and CW affiliate in Honolulu, is looking for a General Sales Manager. We are seeking a “game changer” and proven leader who can communicate a vision, while developing a management and sales team to generate extraordinary growth. The GSM should be proficient in inventory analysis, control and pricing; revenue forecasting, and budgeting; account strategy; product training; and energetic, candid and focused team development. CLICK HEREfor more info or to apply. KHON2 is a Nexstar Media Group station and an EOE.
WNCN, Nexstar’s CBS affiliate in one of the fastest growing DMA’s in the country, Raleigh-Durham- Fayetteville has an opening for a digital sales manager. This person directly oversees the daily operations of the station’s internet advertising business and interacts with clients and advertising agencies to maximize website revenue. The Digital Sales Manager also assists in hiring, training and developing AEs. Minimum three years’ experience in sales, preferably in the digital field, required. Get more details or apply now at EOE M/F/V/D Background check required.
New Media Digital Advertising Specialist - Raleigh, NC: The Digital Advertising Specialist will manage the media buying and execution for a number of different clients and campaigns within multiple divisions of Capitol Broadcasting Company. The ideal candidate will have 1-2 years of digital ad operations experience, preferably in an agency setting. All candidates must CLICK HEREto get details or apply. EOE M/F. All Capitol Broadcasting Company properties are tobacco free. Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in E-Verify.
Small privately-held broadcast company is looking for a progressive and hands-on General Manager who is not afraid of change and is willing to roll up his/her sleeves to get the job done. Our right candidate will be an experienced broadcast manager who likes to be actively involved in all facets of the operation. General Manager experience preferred however experienced news directors or sales managers looking to move into a GM role are also welcome to apply. Send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to . EOE.
ABC6 in Providence, Rhode Island is looking for an experienced media sales professional with a minimum of 2 years’ experience. We need an enthusiastic, accountable individual to work with local and regional clients– at the agency and local levels to develop marketing plans utilizing all station products. This position is a great opportunity for someone looking for a move into a top 60 market. Please send resume to: . No phone calls please. WLNE-TV / ABC6 is and equal opportunity employer.
I love autumn in L.A., when the leaves change on my screensaver photos.–Conan O’Brien
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SPOTS N DOTS
The Daily News Of TV Sales
October24, 2017
Phone: 888-884-2630