Spots N Dots
The Daily News Of TV Sales
May 18, 2016

MAKERS PUSHING MIDSIZE PICKUP DEALS

NEW HONDA ENTRY STIRS COMPETITION

With the summer months upon us, this is the time of year that consumers in a vehicle buying mode tend to be more likely to be interested in a midsize pickup—seeking the utility of a truck for chores, but without the bulk of a full-size pickup. With the recent launch of Honda’s new 2017 Ridgeline (pictured), TrueCar reports that competitors have responded with discounts to draw buyers.

“Toyota’s Tacoma was the primary choice for consumers interested in a midsized pickup for many years, keeping the model’s prices high and tight,” said Eric Lyman, TrueCar’s vice president of industry insights. “GM shook up the segment in 2014 with revamped Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks that upped the ante in refinement and capability. With Honda joining the party and Nissan’s late-in-its-lifecycle Frontier rounding out the bunch, the segment is more competitive than it’s been in years. And though not officially confirmed, the Ford Ranger may make a U.S. comeback in the 2019 model year,” he added.

Savings offered this month include $1,205, or 3.08%, off MSRP on a 2016 Limited Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Short Bed equipped with 4WD and a V6 engine. GM’s fraternal twins, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, are fighting it out with similar savings off MSRP. This includes a $1,089, or 3.02%, break on the 2016 Colorado Z71 4WD Crew Cab with a Long Box, and a 3.29% discount on a 2016 2WD Z71 Crew Cab with a Short Box.

Customers drawn to the Nissan Frontier can find even better discounts this month. The 4X4 King Cab SL with a Long Bed is available with savings worth $1,804, or 4.87%, off MSRP.

“With Memorial Day around the corner, automakers are also gearing up to support service members with special military discounts worth about $500 or more as well as national sales events around this beloved holiday weekend,” noted TrueCar analyst Cari Crane.

ADVERTISER NEWS

While department stores are struggling, we’ve seen in recent quarters that off-price apparel sellers are doing much better and results from TJX are in line with that. Blended comp stores sales were up 7% with gains of 6% at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, while HomeGoods units were up 9%...... Another trend from recent quarters is that Americans appear ready to spend freely on their homes, and HomeDepot’s quarterly results show that also is continuing. Same-store sales were up 6.5% and The Wall Street Journal says some of that comes from more people moving now due to appreciating home values and low mortgage rates. We’ll have results from Lowe’s in tomorrow’s issue……Children’s Place recorded a 5.1% comparable store sales gain in the quarter that ended on 4/30; it closed 5 stores in what it calls a “store fleet rationalization initiative”…… NPC International is the largest Pizza Hut franchisee with over 1200 locations and also the operator of 146 Wendy’s restaurants. Its CEO told analysts he sees “cautionary overtones” and “skittishness by the consumer” creating the need for increased promotional discounts. Still NPC’s Pizza Huts recorded a 4.1% quarterly same-store sales gain and its Wendy’s were up 2.4%...... Problems at Famous Dave’s which has defaulted on two requirements of its credit agreement with Wells Fargo after same-store sales fell by 7.7% in the first quarter. The 178-unit chain (mostly franchises) said it’s working with the bank to restructure its agreement and overall debt has dropped by about half versus a year ago……After a quarter in which its same-store sales fell by 3.7%, Applebee’s had promised an aggressive campaign to re-image the brand. The new focus will be on steaks (it’s the number one seller of steaks in the country based on volume) and the chain’s new campaign will be on “unmiss-able media” including some season finales during the current May sweep……Thorntons, operator of 180 c-stores in six states, has started a free gas sweepstakes with a weekly winner in each store getting a free fill-up, and a winner in each state getting free gas for a year……Dow Jones Newswires reports Amazon will roll out new lines of private labels including its first broad push into perishable foods. The move comes as a new study from The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research finds that 32.2% of shoppers say they are purchasing more private brands this year than they did a year ago……Smart & Final has now completed the conversion of the 33 former Haggen stores it bought as part of its Project 100 initiative to open 100 stores within four years.

NETWORK NEWS

The drama Conviction will join ABC’s Monday lineup this Fall; with the comedy American Housewife on Tuesdays; the comedy Speechless and drama Designated Survivor on Wednesdays; and the drama Notorious on Thursdays. The new season will also bring the limited event series When We Rise;Ali: The Champion (working title); a new David Blaine special; and the three-hour filmed musical event Dirty Dancing, adapted from the 1987 movie……Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist leads the field as NBC Sports Group presents the 141st running of the Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel in the Triple Crown, this Saturday, May 21, at 5:00 pm (ET) on NBC. Game 4 of the St. Louis Blues-San Jose Sharks NHL Western Conference Final airs on NBC immediately following the Preakness……ABC announced a three-year contract renewal with Jimmy Kimmel through Fall 2019.Jimmy Kimmel Live! is currently in its 14th season, making Kimmel the longest-running late night host...... Masters of Illusion has its season premiere on The CW this Friday, May 20, at 8:00 pm (ET). Dean Cain hosts as cutting-edge illusionists and escape artists baffle the live audience and viewers at home.

MONDAY RATINGS

The Voice delivered the young demo for NBC on Monday night, while Dancing with the Stars gave ABC the most viewers. According to the Nielsen Fast Nationals NBC had an average 1.8 rating in Adults 18-49 and 5.0 in Households, with an average audience of 8.034 million. ABC, with the series finale of Castle following DWTS, 1.6 18-49, 6.7 HH and 10.277 million; CBS, with the series finale of Mike & Molly, 1.3 18-49, 4.2 HH and 6.592 million; FOX, with Gotham, 1.0 18-49, 1.9 HH and 3.120 million; Univision 0.6 18-49, 0.9 HH and 1.627 million; Telemundo 0.6 18-49, 0.8 HH and 1.424 million; and The CW, with the season finale of Jane the Virgin, 0.3 18-49, 0.6 HH and 0.882 million.

WEEKLY RATINGS

For Week #34, May 9-15, CBS was at 1.2 18-49 and 4.8 HH; ABC 1.2 18-49 and 3.4 HH; NBC 1.1 18-49 and 3.5 HH; FOX 0.9 18-49 and 1.7 HH; Univision 0.7 18-49 and 1.0 HH; The CW 0.6 18-49 and 1.0 HH; and Telemundo 0.5 18-49 and 0.8 HH.

‘PERFECT BANKRUPTCY STORM’

As we’ve reported, Aeropostale filed for bankruptcy earlier this month, following other teenage-oriented chains such as Pacific Sunwear, Quiksilver, and Wet Seal into bankruptcy court. Several factors seem to be causing what bankruptcy lawyer Charles Tatelbaum calls “a perfect bankruptcy storm,” and Tatelbaum adds, “Retail habits have changed. People no longer want to go to the mall to shop, especially teenagers.”

Other factors according to Marketwatch are centered around teens spending their money on things other than apparel, focusing on experiences over “stuff.” “There’s less focus on image and apparel and more focus on electronics,” The NPD Group’s industry analyst Marshal Cohen commented. “The millennial and post-millennial is very focused on being connected…Getting connected is already hundreds of dollars per month. That used to buy jeans. It’s not buying jeans anymore.”

Another possible contributor to retail problems is that families appear to be saving more than before. The New York Post reports that in July 2005, the last time unemployment was as low as it is currently, the savings rate was 1.9% of personal disposable income. That rate is now almost triple what is was then, currently at 5.4%.

“People who used to buy at Walmart are going to dollar stores,” Tatelbaum said. “People who used to go to Target and Kohl’s are going to Walmart. And people who used to go to Macy’s are going to Target.”

USED CAR PRICES DROP

According to the May edition of J.D. Power’s NADA Used Car Guide’s Guidelines report,wholesale used vehicle prices fell by an average of 1.7% in April largely due to a poor performance across car segments. As a result, NADA Used Car Guide's seasonally adjusted used vehicle price index fell for the fifth straight month, dropping by 0.6% from March to 118.0.

"If it weren't for pickup truck prices only dropping 0.5 percent and large utility vehicle prices not really changing at all, the index dip could have been much worse," said Jonathan Banks, executive analyst at NADA Used Car Guide. The softness seen over the first third of 2016 has placed the index 4% below 2015's four month average and dropped it to its lowest level in more than five years. Subcompact car depreciation was especially steep last month, falling by 4.3%

Looking ahead, prices in June and July are expected to fall by an average of 2.5 to 3 percent. NADA Used Car Guide analysts forecast prices to be down 5 percent to 6 percent on an index-basis from 2015. This would place prices below 2011 levels and mark one of the steepest non-recession declines experienced over the past 20 years.

UNIVISION TEAMS WITH NETFLIX

Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) announced not one, but two, deals with Netflix. First off, the first season of the Netflix original series Narcos will air on the Univision Network leading up to the second season debut on Netflix, and the first season of Club de Cuervos will air on UniMás, also leading up to season two on Netflix. UCI calls it an “unprecedented broadcast promotion.”

Netflix and UCI’s development and production arm, Univision Story House, also announced that they will co-produce a drama series, El Chapo, based on the life story of the notorious criminal who is still in the headlines. El Chapo will be available to Netflix members in the U.S. following its television airing on UniMás in 2017.

MCINTOSH SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

Nick Johnson, Senior Accountant for WBNS (CBS) Columbus, Ohio, has been selected to receive the 2016 Steve McIntosh Memorial Scholarship to attend the Media Financial Management Association (MFM) and BCCA subsidiary 56th annual conference, Media Finance Focus 2016, May 23-25 in Denver. The scholarship honors Belo executive Steve McIntosh, who died tragically in 2011, for his many contributions and to help inspire rising stars in the media industry's financial departments.

THIS AND THAT

AT&T is buying video streaming platform Quickplay Media for an undisclosed price. Quickplay is already powering TV Everywhere for U-verse and AT&T will use it for the streaming services coming from DirecTV later this year……Media Monitors reports that Donald Trump was on TV more than any other candidate for President for the period May 6-15, without spending a cent. Also, there were no Super PAC anti-trump ads. The Hillary Clinton campaign ran 234 spots in the Top 60 DMAs and Bernie Sanders 112 spots……Gray Television is buying WDTV (CBS) and WVFX (FOX/CW) Clarksburg, WV from Withers Broadcasting Company for $26.5 million. Gray expects the FCC to allow the duopoly to continue under a Failing Station Waiver that allowed Withers to acquire WVFX in 2007……The Federal Reserve says U.S. factory output rose 0.3% in April, with growth driven by manufacturers of machinery and automobiles.
AVAILS

NCC Media, Atlanta is currently seeking an Account Executive to become part of our team. If you have the drive, we can offer you a chance to work with a knowledgeable and successful staff that will aid you in becoming one of our many stellar employees. In this challenging position, your responsibilities will include calling directly on agency personnel to represent NCC Media affiliates in the sale of cable advertising time to the national clients. Qualified candidates, send resume and cover letter to:. EOE.

WJLA-TVin Washington, DC is looking for a Research Director. We need someoneto interpret our local broadcast television stations’ ratings and drive the research to support AEs and Sales Managers in selling advertising. In addition, this position will assist in the creation of sales materials used by local and national AEs, Sales Assistants, and station management. Bachelor’s Degree inMarketing, English or Statistics or equivalent experience. 3-5 years of experience working inside a small tomid-size meter-diary or local people meter market.CLICK HERE to apply.EOE

WOIO/CBS Network & WUAB/My Network in Cleveland has a fantastic opportunity for an experienced LSM position in the 18th largest market. A qualified candidate will be a team leader with a clear focus on new business development and providing client advertising solutions with both on air and digital sales platforms. Day to day activities will include staff development, forecasting, agency negotiation and training. If you possess creativity, leadership and relationship-building skills CLICK HERE for more info or to apply now.No calls please. EOE-M/F/D/V

Leading local broadcast group is seeking a President & General Manager to oversee all aspects of our local television station and digital media platforms in a top 100 northeast market. Candidates should be able to demonstrate success in building and leading teams within their respective discipline or as an experienced GM. A strong command of digital content and sales initiatives is required. The ideal candidate must advance an already strong, competitive position in sales, local news, programming, promotion and community involvement. Resume/cover letter to . EOE.

Hearst Television’s WMOR-TV, Tampa, the #1 Independent station in the country, is seeking a dynamic Account Executive to sell our Triopoly of stations and Digital products. Individual must be self-motivated, results driven and creative. A proven track record in new business development along with strong negotiation skills is required. We are a destination company in a great market that offers a tremendous opportunity for the right person. CLICK HERE to apply. EOE.

Account Executive: WCMC-FM, Raleigh, NC is seeking a career minded sales professional to work for our sports radio stations.If you love to sell, have the ability to solve client problems, and are creative, we want to hear from you.2-3 years of radio sales experience preferred.All candidates must apply onlineat M/F.All Capitol Broadcasting Company properties are tobacco free.Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in E-Verify.

News Channel 8 in Washington, DC has an opening for an experienced Account Executiveto be responsible for new direct TV business development and sell internet advertising on WJLA.com. The right candidate will bring strong communication and presentation skills, experience in revenue development for multi-platform sales, and personal drive and passion to be #1. We'll provide all the tools you need to become a sales star. Outside media sales experience preferred but not required.Our AEs are some of the highest commissioned sales people in the industry! APPLY HERE. EOE.

Raycom Media owned WAVE 3 News-NBC in the fantastic city of Louisville, KY, WAVE 3 Digital and BOUNCE-TV has a fantastic opportunity for an experienced LSM or Senior AE that is ready to become an LSM in the 49th market. Must be a team leader with a clear focus on new business and digital development. A college degree is preferred with 5 or more years of successful experience in television and digital sales expected.CLICK HERE to apply.No calls please. EOE-M/F/D/V

Lorne Michaels created SNL 41 years ago. But maybe if he’d been fired like Oprah, he wouldn’t still be working the same damn job.

--Leslie Jones

The FBI announced that fewer and fewer Americans are going off to join ISIS. Or as Fox News reported it, ‘Once Again, Jobs Drop Under Obama.’

--Conan O’Brien

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SPOTS N DOTS
The Daily News Of TV Sales
May 18, 2016

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