Spots N Dots
The Daily News Of TV Sales
February8, 2018
NBC OLYMPICS SHIFTS INTO HIGH GEAR ACROSS NETS
COMPETITION NOW, OPENING TOMORROW
The official opening ceremony at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea isn’t until tomorrow, with NBC airing coverage throughout primetime, but the Games are underway in earnest today, with competition airing across NBCUniversal broadcast, cable and digital platforms.
NBCSN began airing men’s downhill skiing training and U.S. vs. Russia mixed doubles curling yesterday. Mixed doubles curling continues today, including U.S. vs. Canada live during the 6-10 AM ET window. That window also includes men’s ski jumping. NBCSN also features live coverage of men’s downhill skiing training in primetime along with coverage of men’s luge training. There’s more live mixed doubles curling—U.S. vs. host South Korea—in the 11:35-1:30 AM window.
Primetime coverage on NBC features the beginning of figure skating teams competition, with the men’s and pairs’ short programs. Top contenders include the United States, Olympic Athlete(s) from Russia (whose overall team was banned) and Canada. Qualifying-round action in freestyle skiing features the men’s and women’s moguls. Canadian Mikael Kingsbury, the men’s favorite, is among the most dominant athletes in any winter sport.
Friday is all about the opening ceremony, commanding NBC primetime from 8:00 to 11:00 PM ET, and immediately encored three hours later for the Pacific Time Zone. Mike Tiricoand Katie Couric host coverage of the official start of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang. Tirico has big shoes to fill as he replaces Bob Costas, who stepped down after hosting 11 Olympic Games since 1992. Tirico spent most of his career at ESPN, jumping to NBC Sports in 2016, when he was a studio contributor to that year’s Summer Olympics coverage in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Through the end of the Winter Games on Sunday, February 25—when the closing ceremony takes over NBC primetime—NBC will air live and recorded coverage across NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, USA Network, Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, NBCOlympics.com, and the NBC Sports app. NBCU’s Telemundo will present special Spanish-language coverage of the Olympics. The network will provide extensive news coverage of the Winter Olympics, offering ongoing segments and special reports across a variety of shows and platforms. In addition, Telemundo Deportes’ digital platforms will present editorial pieces and social media coverage throughout the Games.
NBC is planning more than 2,400 hours of coverage—“the most in-depth coverage in Winter Olympics history.” The breakdown is 176 hours on NBC, 369 hours on NBCSN, 40.5 hours on USA and more than 1,800 hours on digital.
Total ad revenue is projected to surpass $900 million. That will top the $850 million or so that NBCU took in from the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
ADVERTISER NEWS
ChainStoreAge.com says U.S. e-commerce sales will increase nearly 16% in 2018, to reach $526.09 billion, representing 10% of total retail sales, quoting a report by eMarketer. Total U.S. retail sales will grow 3.7% to reach nearly $5.3 trillion. Mobile commerce will continue to surge, reaching $208.29 billion in 2018, up more than 32% over last year. M-commerce will make up 39.6% of e-commerce sales — and 4.0% of total retail sales — this year. It will represent nearly half (49.2%) of total e-commerce sales by 2020. The bulk (71.5%) of m-commerce this year will come from smartphones, which will continue to capture a growing share in the U.S, while tablets’ portion will continue to decline, according to the report....Procter & Gamble will cut hundreds of factory jobs in Kansas City, KS, and Iowa City, IA, and move work to a plant being built in West Virginia, part of a 10-year overhaul designed to get soap, razors and diapers to retailers more quickly, per WSJ.com. The maker of Tide and Pampers told workers Wednesday at a Kansas City, KS dish-soap factory that the plant, which employs about 280, will close by the end of 2020. P&G also announced plans to cut 500 jobs making hair products and body wash at an Iowa City plant, leaving 100 jobs intact. Two other Iowa City sites that employ about 600 workers will remain. The work will shift to an almost-completed factory in Tabler Station, W.Va., set to open later this year. P&G also will move chemicals production from Kansas City to a chemicals plant near its Cincinnati headquarters.... Goldman Sachs is in talks to offer financing to shoppers buying phones, watches and other gadgets from Apple. Customers purchasing a $1,000 iPhone X could take out a loan from Goldman instead of charging it to credit cards that often carry high interest rates....Toys R Us is starting blowout sales today at 170 stores that are set to close.across the US. The retailer filed for bankruptcy in September and is now planning to close 20% of its locations...Mattress Firm confirmed in December 2017 that it would be closing 200 stores. Now analysts say we can expect to see many more. The company has been accused of being overstored in the US, and analysts are skeptical as to whether it can survive the impending threat of mattress startup companies like Casper and Saavta, who offer customers innovative mattress products, plus free home delivery and returns. Mattress Firm currently has 3,400 stores....Kia’s ad for its new Stinger sport sedan, starring Aerosmith frontmanSteven Tyler, collected more online views than the second-and third-ranked spots combined, according to WardsAuto, quoting iSpot.tv data. The Kia commercial got 7.5 million online views. #2 Jeep Jurassic scored 3 million views, and #3 Ram - Vikings got 2.7 million views.
NETWORK NEWS
The current seventh season of the ABC series Once Upon a Time will be the final season for the show. ABC president Channing Dungeysaid she was “cautiously optimistic” about bringing back Once Upon a Time at the Television Critics Association press tour, but the network made a final decision to pull the plug. The seventh season was a creative reboot for the show, which lost most of its core cast members when their contracts ended after Season six. It was also moved from its time slot on Sunday night to Friday night and suffered a ratings loss. The show currently averages a 0.6 adult 18-49 rating and 2.5 million total viewers, down just over 40% in the demo and 20 percent in total viewers. Once Upon a Time returns for the second half of its final season on Friday, March 2nd with the series finale airing in May, after well over 150 episodes……A new competition series from executive producers Mark Burnett and Mike Darnell has been ordered by CBS. The series is called The World’s Bestand will feature acts from every genre imaginable from every corner of the planet. The competitors will not only have to impress American judges but will also need to break through the “wall of the world”, featuring 50 of the world’s most accomplished experts from every field of entertainment. Only one act will ultimately be crowned The World’s Best. Burnett is an executive producer on shows such as Survivor, Shark Tank, and The Voice. Darnell is an executive producer on Ellen’s Game of Games, Little Big Shots, and Love Connection……Veteran actor Christopher Lloyd (Taxi, Back to the Future) has been cast in the NBC comedy pilot Guess Who Died. Lloyd will join previously announced cast members, Hector Elizondo and Holland Taylor. He will play the role of Mort who is crusty and grumpy and putters along slowly in his golf cart in the senior retirement community. Mort is described as a man of mystery and wealth. Guess Who Died is based on Norman Lear’s personal experience while working well into his 90’s. It is a single-camera series that takes a humorous and inspiring look at the shared joys and challenges people experience at any stage of life. Guess Who Died received a pilot production order at NBC in August……Bless This Mess, an off-cycle single-camera comedy pilot from Lake Bell and Liz Meriwether has been ordered by Fox. Bell will co-star in the pilot as one half of a newlywed couple who give up their drab and unfulfilling lives in New York City and move to Nebraska to live a simpler life. Of course, it does not work out as they planned. Meriwether and Bell will both serve as executive producers and writers with Bell also attached as director. Katherine Pope will also executive produce, with 20th Century Fox Television producing…… One of the lead roles in the new CBS drama pilot Murder will be filled by Teyonah Parris. She is known for her roles in feature films including Chi-Raq, Dear White People, and hit TV shows like Mad Men and Empire.
AUTO AFTERMARKET TO GROW 2.7% IN 2018
U.S. automotive aftermarket industry sales were up 2.2% last year, as tracked by The NPD Group. Growth was driven by a 3.3% increase in average selling price, as unit sales declined by 1.1%.
There was a deceleration of the miles driven growth rate in 2017, a measure that NPD has found to be directly correlated to the aftermarket’s sales performance. With miles driven growing at a healthy clip of 2.6 percent in 2016, the aftermarket grew its sales by nearly 3%. In 2017, that rate slowed to 1.2%, slowing the aftermarket’s growth along with it. At NPD, analyst Nathan Shipley expects the rate of growth for miles driven to stabilize in 2018, creating a nice tailwind for the aftermarket. “My expectation is that both miles driven and average selling price will strike their balance in 2018, bringing the aftermarket’s growth to about 2.7% for the year,” said Shipley.
The e-commerce effect is another macro trend to impact the industry. While the auto aftermarket is one of the lowest e-commerce penetrated industries tracked by NPD, there is a steady progression of consumers moving purchases online, especially within the parts and accessories categories. The aftermarket’s online penetration rate has doubled in the last three years, from 7% in the fourth quarter of 2014 to 14% in 2017.
“A slow migration to e-commerce for automotive products will be one of the most talked about topics in our industry in 2018. As the online channel chips away at brick-and-mortar, manufacturers and retailers alike will continue to find new ways to compete in this space, most notably in the buy online/pickup in store offering for consumers. Identifying and executing on new ways to drive foot traffic, which should be treated as a non-renewable resource, will be critical to long-term success,” said Shipley.
LOCAL TV GAINS FROM FACEBOOK CHANGES
We reported last week on how national video content creators, including TV networks, may have to change to deal with Facebook’s changes to what content gets priority in users’ News Feeds. But at the local level, TVB says the changes will help local news sources, including TV stations.
“Facebook’s commitment to feature more local news on its platform reaffirms broadcasters’ important role in serving as trusted, relied upon resources for essential community news and information. With a brand safe environment and greatest share of audience reach within a market, local television stations continue to be the leading provider of ROI-driven multiplatform marketing solutions for advertisers and we are pleased Facebook is recognizing the value of our member stations’ local news content,” said TVB President and CEO Steve Lanzano.
TVB notes that Facebook’s changes were driven by its users, who wanted the social media platform to prioritize posts from friends and high-quality news sources. Prioritizing local news is part of Facebook’s overall strategy to reduce false news, misinformation, clickbait and inauthentic accounts.
ACCOUNT ACTION
BIC selected Merkley+Partners, New York, as its U.S. media agency of record BIC spent over $9.8 million on measured media in 2016, according to Kantar Media. Merkley will handle U.S. media buying and planning across BIC’s lighter, stationary and women’s shaver brands.
AVAILS
NBC Sports, Washington DC seeks a Director, Sales Operations. This person will manage support staff for linear, digital and traffic support teams. Oversee 5 traffic coordinators and 3 ad sales support staff members with goal of maximizing a singular team performance. Determine processes; maximize accuracy and efficiency for all commercial administration. 5+ years’ experience in the local sales process of the media industry is required. Experience must come from a Traffic or Sales Operation background. CLICK HEREfor more details or to apply. EOE.
KIRO-TV in Seattle is seeking an Account Executive. The successful candidate will be an excellent negotiator of transactional and direct business with a track record of growing share, developing new accounts, an understanding of ratings and estimates and a strong ability to forecast revenue goals. Must have the ability to develop relationships and bring relevant opportunities to all levels at agencies from the account group to the media buyer! CLICK HEREfor more info or to apply now. EOE.
KELO in Sioux Falls, SD seeks a Digital Sales Content Manager. Candidate should have a strong grasp of current digital marketing tools and strategies and social media platforms; must be able to lead integrated digital marketing campaigns from concept to execution. The DSM will work with the digital and broadcast sales teams to generate revenue to meet and exceed goals. Minimum 3 years’ experience in media; solid knowledge of digital technology required. CLICK HEREto apply. 4-year college degree preferred, background check required. EOE M/F/D/V
Account Executive: 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. Send resume to: . No phone calls please. WLNE-TV / ABC6 is an EOE.
Are you interested in working in the “It City” of Nashville, TN? WKRN, Nashville’s fastest growing television station and #1 News website, is actively searching for an account executive to implement marketing strategies, develop new business and grow market share on existing accounts. WKRN is home of the CMA Awards on ABC, the Tennessee Titans Pre-Season, as well as the Nashville Christmas Parade, the local 4th of July and New Year’s Eve celebrations. CLICK HEREfor more info or to apply now. EOE.
WABC-TV in New York City has an outstanding opportunity for an Account Executive with a minimum of three years of broadcast and digital sales experience. The candidate must have a proven track record of success in both agency and direct business negotiations. Requirements include developing new business opportunities for all of our platforms, coupled with strong communication and presentation skills. A minimum of three years of broadcast and digital sales experience is preferred. CLICK HEREto apply. No calls please! EOE
WFXT, the Cox-owned leading media company in Boston, seeks a motivated, energetic, results-driven Digital Account Executive. The Digital AE is responsible for generating, acquiring and maintaining digital revenue and exceeding predetermined sales goals. Candidates must have sales experience in the digital space and be able to step in and drive digital revenue. Initially, this position will be almost exclusively focused on the generation of new sales. Proven track record of sales success in digital media sales and a Bachelor’s degree required. APPLY HERE. EOE.
WMC-TV, a Raycom Media property, and a leader in local digital content in Memphis, TN is seeking a talented, creative and motivated Senior Digital Sales Specialist. This position is responsible for developing digital marketing campaigns & revenue by working independently and with members of the station’s marketing/ sales department. The Senior DSS will then help create custom tailored solutions that are designed, implemented and executed for the client’s success. If qualified, please CLICK HEREto apply. No calls please. EOE-M/F/D/V
KRIV Fox 26/ KTXH My 20, Houston are looking for a Senior Account Executive who can grow transactional accounts, developing new business and sell digital products. The ideal has a minimum of 5 years’ television sales experience and a proven track record of success. We are looking for someone that can bring together all our resources - Top Rated Local News, FOX network, FOX sports, MyNetwork TV, Web/Digital sponsorships & promotions - to achieve a high level of results! Follow THIS LINKto apply. EOE
CBS 5 & 3TV – Phoenix – Broadcast Sales: Work with top-tier talent at a news station who considers the Phoenix community and employees family. As an Account Manager you will develop new business and create client solutions with digital products including video, email and mobile. Those with exceptional interpersonal skills, a competitive spirit, and integrity should contact us today! One to two years media sales experience a plus. College degree preferred. CLICK HEREto apply now. EOE.