www.spotsndots.com Subscriptions: $350 per year. This publication cannot be distributed beyond the office of the actual subscriber. Need us? 888-884-2630 or [email protected] The Daily News of TV Sales Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Copyright 2017. BROADCAST DIGINETS COME OF AGE SOME TOP CABLE NET COVERAGE ADVERTISER NEWS The switch from analog to digital transmission in 2009 Retail giant Walmart unveiled a service on Monday gave American broadcasters their long-sought multiple called Mobile Express Returns, a simplified process that channels to compete with cable. Since then, more than a will be available in early November for items sold and dozen new broadcast “diginets” have launched to provide shipped by Walmart.com and the service will be available content on those multi-cast channels. A new report from for store purchases in early 2018. The company said Katz Media Group (KMG) finds that the new networks are Mobile Express Returns handles customers who initiate a drawing audiences and providing a “compelling alternative” return using the Walmart App and finish it at the store via to cable for advertisers. a Mobile Express lane at the customer service desk. The “They’re relative uncluttered. They’re a good customer scans the QR code displayed on the advertising environment,” Stacey Schulman, card reader with the Walmart app, then hands KMG’s EVP of Strategy and Analytics, told us. the items over to an associate. Refunds will be The report found that the diginets air roughly credited to the customer’s payment account as 11-12 minutes of national and local spots per soon as the following day. Walmart says that in hour, compared to 12-14 minutes for national some cases customers returning certain items, broadcasters and 13-17 minutes for cable networks. including personal care and household products, For the Nielsen-rated diginets, the strongest dayparts will have the option to receive and instant refund without tend to be mornings—either 6-9 AM or 9-noon. That’s true even making a trip to the store to physically return the item. even for male-oriented Grit and Heroes & Icons, as well as The retailer expects to have this feature available in early MeTV, AntennaTV, Bounce and ThisTV. Schulman’s theory December……DSW’s new overhauled business strategy is that local broadcast TV stations are news intensive in the announced last month are plans to test shoe rental and mornings—and because the diginets are channel-adjacent shoe repair services, according to a press release from (both over-the-air and usually on cable) viewers stop there the company. The rentals would focus on high-end shoes, as they go searching for entertainment programming after a departure from traditional shoe sales. The new initiative they’ve gotten their news fix. Weigel ’s from the retailer follows the footsteps of Rent the Runway, MeTV, which features classic TV programs, ranks 6th among which offers around 65,000 items and loaned its customers diginets and cable networks (Live +7 days) Monday-Friday an estimated $1.35 billion in high-end items in 2015. Some 9-noon, outperforming such major cable nets as Cartoon are skeptical of DSW’s move. Milton Pedraza, chief Network, HGTV, TNT and ESPN. executive at the retail consultancy The Luxury Institute MeTV also has the greatest national distribution and was quoted in a Washington Post report. He said, “Shoes along with seven other diginets has distribution to a higher are such a personal item – you’ve got to worry about fit, percentage of U.S. TV households than any cable network style, so many things – that I don’t think it’s necessarily competitor. In fact, KMG says they come close to matching something people want to share with strangers.” Retaildive. the coverage of the national broadcast networks. com pointed out that both rentals and repairs are on DSW’s The KMG report says MeTV, Grit, Bounce, AntennaTV, list of things to try in the new era of retail, where consumers Heroes & Icons, ThisTV and Cozi rank among the largest aren’t prioritizing apparel sales and are interested in cutting digital network brands and typically lease time on a down on waste……CNBC is reporting that Amazon is set station’s subchannel, similar to how networks paid affiliates to decide in the next few weeks on whether to jump into compensation years ago, or share revenue with local prescription drug management and sales. The business broadcasters. While early success has been achieved by news network cited an internal Amazon memo and an broadcasting large content libraries of TV classics and unnamed source familiar with the matter. Leerink Partners, nostalgia series, some diginets, including Bounce and the specialist investment bank, issued a report recently that Decades are starting to produce original and scripted stated it’s only a matter of time before Amazon gets in the programming. In fact, KMG says programming strategies are space, according to Benzinga. Walgreens, CVS Health and reminiscent of how cable networks initially used off-network Rite Aid shares all fell around 5% on the news, according product to generate revenue and build audiences until they to Reuters……McDonald’s hit a snag recently with its were ready to produce or commission their own content. promotional effort to play off a popular condiment mentioned Demonstrating that diginets have come of age and in the hit Adult Swim animated comedy series Rick and established their value, The E.W. Scripps Company Morty. The mad scientist on the series, Rick Sanchez, is recently paid $302 million to acquire the four networks built obsessed with McDonald’s Szechuan dipping sauce and by Katz Broadcasting (which is not related to KMG). The the restaurant resurrected the limited-run promotional item. four are targeted diginets—Bounce for African-Americans, However, the promotion ran afoul of the show’s devoted Grit aimed at men, Escape for women and comedy- fans when supplies quickly ran out. Cleveland.com reports specialist Laff. that McDonald’s is going to more of the dipping (Continued on page three) sauce to satisfy consumer demands. NETWORK NEWS AVAILS Gillian Anderson of The X-Files on Fox revealed at the General Manager: WLNE, the ABC Affiliate in New York Comic Con that the upcoming eleventh season Providence (Market #52) seeks candidates who possess of series would probably be her last. When asked if she strong leadership, financial and people management would return for a 12th season, Anderson replied, “No, no, I skills; the ability to develop strategic revenue plans on think this will be it for me.” Anderson stars as agent Scully, all platforms and demonstrate operational expertise along with David Duchovny as Agent Fox Mulder. The are additional requirements. A minimum of years new season will see the return of Jeffery Spender, Mulder’s broadcasting experience is necessary; five + years in sales half-brother who was also an FBI agent……Writers on management is preferable. Send salary requirements the Verge, part of NBC’s talent infusion program has and resume in confidence to: Raymond Cole, President, named Nick Bouier, Octavia Bray, Eugene Garcia- Citadel Communications, One Corporate Place, 501 42nd Cross, Felicia Pride, Celena Cipriaso, St., # 370, West Des Moines, IA 50266, , and or email: [email protected] EOE. William Garroutte, Amy Lambert A man from Italy just as its 2017-18 class of The NBC O&O station Eileen Shim set a Guinness World th in are searching for an writers. This is the 12 year of Writers Record by putting on 13 San Diego on the Verge, an annual program of pairs of underwear in 30 Integrated Sales Marketing Manager. writers of diverse backgrounds who are seconds. On the downside, This person will be both client and “on the verge” of breaking out……Jay he’s now banned from intercompany facing and is responsible Hayden (The Catch. Seal Team, My Victoria’s Secret. for the hands on development and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) has been cast as a execution of multi-market integrated series regular in the upcoming sales marketing solutions for NBC 7 Grey’s Jimmy Fallon Anatomy spinoff, which follows a group San Diego utilizing all platforms (TV, of heroic firefighters. Hayden joins Jaina OOH, Digital, Mobile, Social, etc,) and Lee Ortiz, Jason George, Grey Damon, Okieriete properties (local news, prime, sports, etc.) to drive new & Onaodowan, Danielle Savre and Barrett Doss on the incremental revenue for the station. CLICK HERE for more 10-episode series. The spinoff is expected to be introduced details or to apply now. EOE. in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy this fall before the new KIRO-TV in is interviewing for an Account series is launched midseason……. Fox has given a script Executive opening. The successful candidate will be an commitment plus penalty to an hourlong dance drama excellent negotiator of transactional and direct business called Shine. The project is from producer Marc Platt (La with a track record of growing share, developing new La Land, Fox’s Grease: Live), and Step Up creator Duane accounts, an understanding Adler. The program is described as a character-driven, of ratings and estimates and a multigenerational dance show told through the eyes of three strong ability to forecast revenue distinct women, each at a different point in their careers. goals. Minimum three year This is Fox’s second dance drama buy this season. Hip- successful track record in media sales preferred. Ability to hop drama Take It From The Top (working title) inspired develop relationships and bring relevant opportunities to by choreographer Fatima Robinson’s life from producers all levels at agencies and accounts is required! CLICK Craig Zadan and Neil Meron is also in development …… HERE for info or to apply. EOE. Fox has also issued a script commitment with a significant Take the next step in your broadcast sales career by penalty for another high-profile legal drama entitled Being joining a winning station in a top 10 market! KPRC-TV, the Judged. The project is from Nkechi Carroll (Rosewood) Graham Media owned NBC affiliate inHouston, TX seeks with Chernin Entertainment and 20th Century Fox TV a salesperson early in their career to assist management also involved in the project. Being Judged centers on and AEs in reaching annual budgets for TV, Digital and Josephine Graves, who is struggling to figure out life, while New Business. 1-2 years of related work experience in balancing her demanding career, social life, and family internet marketing, and a Bachelor’s degree preferred. If responsibilities. The project joins Midnight Lawyer and you have what it takes, shoot your resume and a line or Infamy in the pipeline at Fox……Week two’s installment two summarizing your experience to [email protected]. EOE of NBC’s Saturday Night Live with host Gal Gadot, and General Sales Manager: Seeking dynamic, multitasking musical guest Sam Smith held up well in the Nielsen Live visionary to lead sales operations for WEHT-ABC and +same day fast nationals. The telecast had a 1.76 rating in WTVW-CW and digital platforms in Evansville, IN. The adults 18-49 and posted 6.802 million viewers overall. The GSM oversees all sales, sales managers, AEs and sales episode held on to 96% of the season premiere audience, support and is responsible the strongest week-to-week retention for SNL in three for departmental strategy and years. The retention in the demo was 92%. achieving sales budgets and growing new business. Must ACCOUNT ACTIONS be active in the community, Terry & Sandy, New York, has been named agency of record go on sales calls, build relationships and stay ahead of for the SunnyD brand owned by Harvest Hill. MediaPost competitive media. Minimum of 7 years sales experience in notes that the brand hasn’t advertised in two years. A media, and a Bachelor’s Degree preferred. CLICK HERE campaign is planned for launch in 2018……Popchips has to apply. EOE. selected 18 Feet & Rising, London, as creative agency for its first-ever global advertising campaign. CLICK HERE to place a job in Spots n Dots! 10/10/2017

The Daily News of TV Sales @ www.spotsndots.com PAGE 2 USED CAR PRICES ON THE RISE TV’s ‘SERIOUS WATCHERS’ OBSESSED Recovery from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma has been With so many ways to access video content and so much pushing used car prices higher, according to tracking content to choose from, many Americans will do almost by Manheim. Wholesale used car prices rose 2.77% in anything to watch their favorite content, according to a new September. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index—a nationwide survey commissioned by LG. The report says measure of wholesale prices adjusted for mix, mileage and a new breed of TV viewer—the “Serious Watcher”--defined season—came to a reading of 134.9, which was a record as those who watch 10 or more episodes a week and view high for the fifth consecutive month and a 6.3% increase content from multiple sources—will put their viewing ahead from the same time in 2016. of just about anything in both their personal and social life. Most of the recent pricing strength can be directly attributed A large number of respondents (42%) admitted to knowing to hurricane recovery, according to Jonathan Smoke, more about their favorite characters than about their own Chief Economist for Cox Automotive, friends, demonstrating a greater interest parent company of Manheim. “Both the in today’s most binge-worthy fantasies replacement demand and reduction in than perhaps ever in the history of available supply is causing widespread I like dogs, but it’s like television. Nearly one in three Serious wholesale inventories to tighten, and we having a permanent baby. Watchers (31%) admit they would expect this to result in wholesale price And a cat is like having a break up with a significant other if that gains for at least another month or two,” permanent teenager. person deliberately spoiled the ending said Smoke. or outcome of a favorite TV show, According to Cox Automotive estimates, and 75% of all respondents reported used car sales improved by 8% year- skipping a social event just to stay home over-year last month, and its September FunnyTweeter.com and watch their favorite content. SAAR increased to 40.4 million units from “TV consumption today is no longer August’s 38.1 million units. The retail growth in used sales a passive, leisurely American activity. Consumers have is coming from vehicles less than four years old, which have heightened emotional connections to their favorite shows grown 5% in 2017 thus far versus last year’s same period. and characters, and it’s woven into their everyday lives,” Pickups and vans continued to lead growth, with pickup said Michelle Fernandez, head of home entertainment prices up 9.1% from a year ago in September and vans marketing, LG Electronics USA. 8.9%. Luxury cars were up 6.4% and SUVs/CUVs 6.0%. Of the Serious Watcher population, Millennials are the Compact cars were up 4.4%, much more than seen in recent most devoted to their favorite shows. Nearly three-quarters quarters. Midsize cars again lagged with 2.3% price growth. (72%) of Millennial Serious Watchers have streamed their favorite show remotely during a family event, and even BROADCAST DIGINETS COME OF AGE more (78%) reported that mutual interest in TV plays a (Continued from page one) role in their romantic life. More than one-third (35%) of In announcing the deal in August, Scripps said the Millennial Serious Watchers include their favorite TV show networks reach more than 80% of all U.S. households and on their dating profiles. 83% have skipped a party or event are among the fastest-growing in television today. to stay home and watch TV instead. And 95% of employed Just as the original cable networks found that they could Millennials surveyed have convinced a colleague to start create extensions of their original brands (for example: watching a show they like. MTV, MTV2, MTV Classic and etc.) Schulman doesn’t SUNDAY - LIVE + SAME DAY think the diginet universe is close to being full yet, especially as cord-cutters, cord-shavers and others seek out over- the-air and OTT alternatives. That means opportunity for broadcasters. “They’re looking for ways to increase their shelf space just as cable networks have done for years,” said Schulman.

DONE DEALS ’s KTXL, FOX40 in Sacramento has announced the appointment of Tiffany Bellingrath to Director of Sales. Bellingrath will begin her duties this month and will report to Leigh White, Vice President and General Manager of KTXL. Previously, Bellingrath was Local Sales Manager and Interim Director of Sales at WCNC, Tegna’s NBC affiliate in Charlotte. Prior to her tenure at WCNC, Bellingrath was a Multimedia Account Executive at WXIA/WATL . She also served as an account executive at FOX Sports Net South in the same market.

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