Ben Silverman, King of Reality TV (actual, co-chairman of NBCE and UMS) has announced NBC will do another round of Apprentice next year.
Yawn.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
All NBC Clients Have March-based Estimates
Whew! The most unusual sweep I've ever seen.
Once you've had a chance to review the MarchMayES selling book, get in touch with me regarding how you would like March shares reflected in the rest of the selling books. If I don't hear from your station, I'll use my own judgment.. LOL.
Later this week, I'll be updating everyone's Golf... Tiger's back and the March survey shows it.
(Oh, and Idaho Fox is done, too.)
Once you've had a chance to review the MarchMayES selling book, get in touch with me regarding how you would like March shares reflected in the rest of the selling books. If I don't hear from your station, I'll use my own judgment.. LOL.
Later this week, I'll be updating everyone's Golf... Tiger's back and the March survey shows it.
(Oh, and Idaho Fox is done, too.)
What the heck is a MarchMayES book?
I've created a selling book containing estimates based on March sweep shares projected to May 2008 viewing levels. It's designed to be compared, side by side, with the MAYES selling book I previously created for my client stations.
Some agencies will insist on using March shares. Others couldn't care less. And of course, there will be those who want March shares used for Second Quarter avails, but not beyond. *That's* what a MarchMayES Selling book is for.
My suggestion is to submit both MarchMayES and MAYES and be prepared to sell the higher number.
Some agencies will insist on using March shares. Others couldn't care less. And of course, there will be those who want March shares used for Second Quarter avails, but not beyond. *That's* what a MarchMayES Selling book is for.
My suggestion is to submit both MarchMayES and MAYES and be prepared to sell the higher number.
Casper and Pocatello NBC Complete....
Still to go today, Helena NBC and Idaho Fox.
Gotta love NOS energy drinks on days like this.
Gotta love NOS energy drinks on days like this.
Jackson completed; ID now, WY & MT in PM
Jackson is complete...
The folks in Las Vegas needed help from Birmingham, so my work on Sunbelt's northern properties is in mid-stream now.
I'll buy ya lunch today if you haven't eaten:
http://elpolloloco.com/whatsnew/tastethefire.html
Folks, take a look at Kings. For a program moved four different times in less than a month, it delivered really decent demos. The summer schedule gives it a chance to be spotlighted... Take it from me, this is NBC's Summer version of West Wing.
The folks in Las Vegas needed help from Birmingham, so my work on Sunbelt's northern properties is in mid-stream now.
I'll buy ya lunch today if you haven't eaten:
http://elpolloloco.com/whatsnew/tastethefire.html
Folks, take a look at Kings. For a program moved four different times in less than a month, it delivered really decent demos. The summer schedule gives it a chance to be spotlighted... Take it from me, this is NBC's Summer version of West Wing.
Idaho/Montana/Wyoming/Mississippi Data
Nielsen March Sweep data arrives today for the above clients.
As soon as data is on your servers, I'll begin the installation.
As soon as data is on your servers, I'll begin the installation.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Chattanooga and Fresno are installed...
Of course, the March Sweep is a strange one, and not everyone is making the same choice as to how to use this data. Most of my clients are finding very healthy demographic shares in March PAVs, as well as proof such programs as Kings, Chopping Block and Howie Does It actually do deliver demos.
If you're the DoS or GSM at an NBC station, drop me a note and let's talk about this.
If you're the DoS or GSM at an NBC station, drop me a note and let's talk about this.
Chattanooga & Fresno Data Arrives Today
After wrestling with reluctant data (with help from Bham support.. thanks, JenRo!), I'm now working on WRCB..
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays Change this Summer
Chopping Block returns to Friday 8/7p from 6/19-7/17, giving Howie a few weeks off.
America's Got Talent's premiere expands to 2 hours on 6/23, and in August, the two hours move later by an hour.
L&O plus L&O:SVU fill the first hour of prime on Wednesday later in the summer, replacing Great American Road Trip which moves to the first hour of Tuesdays, causing the elimination of five previously scheduled specials.
Mountain and Pacific clients get Dateline this Wednesday at 8/7p, while Eastern & Central get the live POTUS news conference at that time.
If you are my client, all of these changes are already in your MediaOffice inventory.
America's Got Talent's premiere expands to 2 hours on 6/23, and in August, the two hours move later by an hour.
L&O plus L&O:SVU fill the first hour of prime on Wednesday later in the summer, replacing Great American Road Trip which moves to the first hour of Tuesdays, causing the elimination of five previously scheduled specials.
Mountain and Pacific clients get Dateline this Wednesday at 8/7p, while Eastern & Central get the live POTUS news conference at that time.
If you are my client, all of these changes are already in your MediaOffice inventory.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Leno: Back On Monday Night
April 24, 2009, 3:15 pm
With Leno Ailing, ‘Tonight’ Is Canceled Again
By Bill Carter of NY Times
NBC canceled a second “Tonight Show” Friday because of the illness of Jay Leno, but the network said the show’s host was feeling better and would return on Monday. It said he probably had a stomach virus.
Mr. Leno told staff members when he arrived at his office Thursday that he was not feeling well. After some conversation with producers he decided to go to a hospital, and NBC showed a repeat on Thursday night.
Except for scheduled time off, Mr. Leno, famous for his work ethic, had never before missed a “Tonight Show” in his 17 years as host. The only other time he did not appear during a week when the show was in production was one day when he exchanged roles with Katie Couric, who was then a “Today” show host. She replaced him on “Tonight” after he replaced her that morning on “Today.”
For NBC, Mr. Leno’s health is more important than ever because he will start a new show in prime time five nights a week this fall. Mr. Leno was expected to return home from the hospital Friday afternoon.
With Leno Ailing, ‘Tonight’ Is Canceled Again
By Bill Carter of NY Times
NBC canceled a second “Tonight Show” Friday because of the illness of Jay Leno, but the network said the show’s host was feeling better and would return on Monday. It said he probably had a stomach virus.
Mr. Leno told staff members when he arrived at his office Thursday that he was not feeling well. After some conversation with producers he decided to go to a hospital, and NBC showed a repeat on Thursday night.
Except for scheduled time off, Mr. Leno, famous for his work ethic, had never before missed a “Tonight Show” in his 17 years as host. The only other time he did not appear during a week when the show was in production was one day when he exchanged roles with Katie Couric, who was then a “Today” show host. She replaced him on “Tonight” after he replaced her that morning on “Today.”
For NBC, Mr. Leno’s health is more important than ever because he will start a new show in prime time five nights a week this fall. Mr. Leno was expected to return home from the hospital Friday afternoon.
Yes, More Summer Changes
Chopping Block returns..
Great American Road Trip switches days...
Wednesday Law & Orders switched around....
and more
The update begins now.
Great American Road Trip switches days...
Wednesday Law & Orders switched around....
and more
The update begins now.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Another Press Conference 4/29
NBC will carry it live @ 8pm EDT for one hour. More info when available.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
NBC Saturday Changes Again - March Data Appears
Yep, more changes to NBC Weekends....
Kings postponed till mid-June, while Southland fits in the middle of L&O family reruns.
Want the details? Check your MediaOffice inventory this afternoon. No, you aren't confused.. this is the THIRD change NBC has made to Spring and Summer Saturdays in the past 4 business days.
March data has arrived today for Fort Wayne.. you'll be updated today, too.
Kings postponed till mid-June, while Southland fits in the middle of L&O family reruns.
Want the details? Check your MediaOffice inventory this afternoon. No, you aren't confused.. this is the THIRD change NBC has made to Spring and Summer Saturdays in the past 4 business days.
March data has arrived today for Fort Wayne.. you'll be updated today, too.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Southland Encores Added to Saturdays
NBC has capitalized on the premiere showing of Southland by adding encore showings on Saturdays. I'm adding those now.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
If you sell NBC Programs, here's great news!
NBC's saving
grace: Everything else
http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman2/publish/Dayparts_update_51/NBC_s_saving_grace_Everything_else.asp
Its ratings have certainly tumbled in primetime
By Toni Fitzgerald
Apr 16, 2009
NBC has seen its fortunes fall in primetime over the past five years, going from the No. 1 network to the No. 4. But in essentially every other daypart, it remains dominant.
During first quarter, NBC programs were No. 1 in late night, evening news, mornings and Sunday mornings, many of them by a large margin.
That’s all the more impressive considering NBC’s low ratings in primetime. It means that viewers are consciously switching over to NBC programming after tuning into other networks during primetime, where CBS dominates among total viewers and Fox among adults 18-49.
In several dayparts, NBC’s lead is even growing, due either to increases in its viewership or decreases for the competition.
“The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” upped its percentage lead over CBS’s “The Late Show with David Letterman” from 27 percent during first quarter 2008 to 39 percent in first quarter 2009, with an average 1.4 rating to the latter’s 1.1. That was due to ratings shrinkage for “Late Show” rather than “Tonight” growth.
NBC’s “Today” had its biggest first-quarter advantage over ABC’s “Good Morning America” since 2004, averaging a 4.4 household rating to the latter’s 3.5. “GMA” has seen its viewership dip this year.
On Sunday mornings, NBC’s “Meet the Press” maintained its dominance despite breaking in a new moderator, David Gregory, who had his first full quarter with the show following last summer’s death of Tim Russert.
“Press” averaged 4.15 million viewers, 25 percent more than second-place “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” despite the latter registering its best first quarter in a decade.
Finally, NBC’s “Nightly News” remained ahead in first quarter thanks to year-to-year viewership gains.
What’s remarkable about NBC’s daypart supremacy is that the network has not lost any ground since its primetime lineup began slipping. Fewer primetime viewers means less chance to promote its other properties, such as a big Matt Lauer interview on “Today” or a special episode of “Tonight Show.”
Yet while the network’s primetime has lost its must-see status, its dayparts supremacy hasn’t been threatened. “Press,” “Today” and “Tonight” have all won at least 46 straight quarters.
The network could be getting a boost from cross-promotion on its cable news networks, which are having strong years. MSNBC just finished ahead of CNN in primetime for the first time last month, and CNBC has seen ratings gains from the economic meltdown.
pah note: Please follow the link listed above for some great ratings info about the current strength of NBC programming.
grace: Everything else
http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman2/publish/Dayparts_update_51/NBC_s_saving_grace_Everything_else.asp
Its ratings have certainly tumbled in primetime
By Toni Fitzgerald
Apr 16, 2009
NBC has seen its fortunes fall in primetime over the past five years, going from the No. 1 network to the No. 4. But in essentially every other daypart, it remains dominant.
During first quarter, NBC programs were No. 1 in late night, evening news, mornings and Sunday mornings, many of them by a large margin.
That’s all the more impressive considering NBC’s low ratings in primetime. It means that viewers are consciously switching over to NBC programming after tuning into other networks during primetime, where CBS dominates among total viewers and Fox among adults 18-49.
In several dayparts, NBC’s lead is even growing, due either to increases in its viewership or decreases for the competition.
“The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” upped its percentage lead over CBS’s “The Late Show with David Letterman” from 27 percent during first quarter 2008 to 39 percent in first quarter 2009, with an average 1.4 rating to the latter’s 1.1. That was due to ratings shrinkage for “Late Show” rather than “Tonight” growth.
NBC’s “Today” had its biggest first-quarter advantage over ABC’s “Good Morning America” since 2004, averaging a 4.4 household rating to the latter’s 3.5. “GMA” has seen its viewership dip this year.
On Sunday mornings, NBC’s “Meet the Press” maintained its dominance despite breaking in a new moderator, David Gregory, who had his first full quarter with the show following last summer’s death of Tim Russert.
“Press” averaged 4.15 million viewers, 25 percent more than second-place “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” despite the latter registering its best first quarter in a decade.
Finally, NBC’s “Nightly News” remained ahead in first quarter thanks to year-to-year viewership gains.
What’s remarkable about NBC’s daypart supremacy is that the network has not lost any ground since its primetime lineup began slipping. Fewer primetime viewers means less chance to promote its other properties, such as a big Matt Lauer interview on “Today” or a special episode of “Tonight Show.”
Yet while the network’s primetime has lost its must-see status, its dayparts supremacy hasn’t been threatened. “Press,” “Today” and “Tonight” have all won at least 46 straight quarters.
The network could be getting a boost from cross-promotion on its cable news networks, which are having strong years. MSNBC just finished ahead of CNN in primetime for the first time last month, and CNBC has seen ratings gains from the economic meltdown.
pah note: Please follow the link listed above for some great ratings info about the current strength of NBC programming.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
LA Times: NBC Thursday Prime
Is NBC's long ratings slump over?
Encouraging numbers for two new shows give the network a glimmer of hope, though it's still in fourth place.
Cue those NBC chimes. Some viewers may snicker, but it's possible -- just possible -- that a few glimmers of hope are shining for the network whose troubles are so well known that even Jay Leno jokes about them.
Over the last few years, the network has become nearly as well known for its management miscues and skimpy ratings as for its programming lineup. But in recent days a bit of life has stirred in the old peacock.
The latest evidence comes in the form of its new Amy Poehler sitcom, "Parks & Recreation," and "Southland," the Los Angeles police drama from "ER" producer John Wells. Both series premiered Thursday to surprisingly strong numbers.
Overall, "Parks & Recreation" picked up a relatively modest 6.9 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. But on the strength of Poehler's popularity from "Saturday Night Live," the premiere proved popular with the all-important younger viewers sought by advertisers, hanging on to a healthy 88% of the young-adult audience from "The Office," which is NBC's No. 2 show overall.
As for "Southland," the premiere beat CBS' heavily promoted (but poorly reviewed) horror/mystery "Harper's Island" among adults 18 to 49, with a 3.2 rating versus a 2.6. And the race was closer than expected in total viewership, with "Southland's" 9.9 million nearly matching the 10.2 million for "Harper's Island."
Both shows would likely have fared worse had ABC not aired a repeat of "Private Practice" in the 10 p.m. hour, but NBC nevertheless enjoyed one of its most encouraging starts for a dramatic series in quite some time.
Does all this mean rivals should start looking over their shoulders? Not exactly.
There's no guarantee that the new series won't suffer the same destiny as, say, the ill-fated fantasy "Heroes" -- a fast start followed by a swift swoon. The network's only top 10 entry is "Sunday Night Football," which doesn't even air during the second half of the season.
Indeed, NBC still has a long way to go before any sort of recovery could be declared. For the season to date, the network ranks No. 4 in total viewers (8 million average per night) and is tied with ABC for No. 3 among viewers 18 to 49.
Still unknown, meanwhile, is the impact of NBC's controversial decision to put a new Leno talk show at 10 p.m. weeknights next season, which eliminates a key showcase time period for dramas like "Southland."
Yet, for the first time in years, long-term trends are beginning to smile on NBC. The ratings hemorrhage seems to have been halted, at least for now; NBC's numbers among young adults are flat compared with last season, while ABC and Fox are down. CBS is up 7%.
NBC's prime-time audience is getting slightly younger -- to a median age of 47.2 this year from last season's 48 -- while all of its rivals' audiences have gotten older. That's an important metric for youth-obsessed marketers.
Perhaps the best news: Fox's "American Idol," which has decimated midweek competition for years, continues to decline, down 9% to 27 million viewers on Tuesdays this season. That creates opportunities for NBC as well as its rivals.
The message? NBC is nowhere near its glory days of the 1980s and 1990s. But Leno might want to use up those jokes about his employer's problems while he still can.
scott.collins@latimes.com
Over the last few years, the network has become nearly as well known for its management miscues and skimpy ratings as for its programming lineup. But in recent days a bit of life has stirred in the old peacock.
The latest evidence comes in the form of its new Amy Poehler sitcom, "Parks & Recreation," and "Southland," the Los Angeles police drama from "ER" producer John Wells. Both series premiered Thursday to surprisingly strong numbers.
Overall, "Parks & Recreation" picked up a relatively modest 6.9 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. But on the strength of Poehler's popularity from "Saturday Night Live," the premiere proved popular with the all-important younger viewers sought by advertisers, hanging on to a healthy 88% of the young-adult audience from "The Office," which is NBC's No. 2 show overall.
As for "Southland," the premiere beat CBS' heavily promoted (but poorly reviewed) horror/mystery "Harper's Island" among adults 18 to 49, with a 3.2 rating versus a 2.6. And the race was closer than expected in total viewership, with "Southland's" 9.9 million nearly matching the 10.2 million for "Harper's Island."
Both shows would likely have fared worse had ABC not aired a repeat of "Private Practice" in the 10 p.m. hour, but NBC nevertheless enjoyed one of its most encouraging starts for a dramatic series in quite some time.
Does all this mean rivals should start looking over their shoulders? Not exactly.
There's no guarantee that the new series won't suffer the same destiny as, say, the ill-fated fantasy "Heroes" -- a fast start followed by a swift swoon. The network's only top 10 entry is "Sunday Night Football," which doesn't even air during the second half of the season.
Indeed, NBC still has a long way to go before any sort of recovery could be declared. For the season to date, the network ranks No. 4 in total viewers (8 million average per night) and is tied with ABC for No. 3 among viewers 18 to 49.
Still unknown, meanwhile, is the impact of NBC's controversial decision to put a new Leno talk show at 10 p.m. weeknights next season, which eliminates a key showcase time period for dramas like "Southland."
Yet, for the first time in years, long-term trends are beginning to smile on NBC. The ratings hemorrhage seems to have been halted, at least for now; NBC's numbers among young adults are flat compared with last season, while ABC and Fox are down. CBS is up 7%.
NBC's prime-time audience is getting slightly younger -- to a median age of 47.2 this year from last season's 48 -- while all of its rivals' audiences have gotten older. That's an important metric for youth-obsessed marketers.
Perhaps the best news: Fox's "American Idol," which has decimated midweek competition for years, continues to decline, down 9% to 27 million viewers on Tuesdays this season. That creates opportunities for NBC as well as its rivals.
The message? NBC is nowhere near its glory days of the 1980s and 1990s. But Leno might want to use up those jokes about his employer's problems while he still can.
scott.collins@latimes.com
NBC Summer Weekends Change Again
When I was a little kid in the 1950s, my parents would give me a slide puzzle on long road trips to keep me busy. With 24 tiles in a 5 by 5 grid, you had to move the same pieces around to put them in a different order.
50 years later, and NBC gives me programming instead of tiles.
Clients will begin to see changes today.. this will likely take until Thursday to complete. NFL teams will be added a bit more slowly due to this surprise announcement.
Are we there yet?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Upon Further Consideration.. Leno In Boston
NBC Station Backs Down From Resistance to Leno Show
The duel in Boston between NBC and its affiliated station there, WHDH, over the future of Jay Leno’s new prime-time program ended without economic bloodshed Monday, less than two weeks after it started.
Mr. Leno’s show will be on WHDH starting in September, and the station will remain an NBC affiliate. That resolved a conflict that began on April 2 when WHDH’s general manager, Ed Ansin, announced that the station had decided to block the new Leno show, set for 10 p.m. each weeknight, and intended to replace it with an hour-long local newscast.
Mr. Ansin had said in an interview that the station did not think Mr. Leno’s new show would be “effective in prime time” and would be detrimental to the station’s 11 p.m. newscast. NBC reacted swiftly and ferociously, threatening that the network would replace WHDH as a network affiliate — a move likely to seriously undermine the station’s asset value.
On Monday, both sides issued conciliatory statements. Mr. Ansin, sounding a bit like an N.F.L. replay official, said, “Upon further consideration we have decided to telecast Jay Leno at 10 p.m. starting in September.” He added, “Jay is from Andover where I went to school. I enjoy his humor.”
NBC issued a statement attributed to John Eck, the president of the NBC TV network: “We are very pleased that WHDH will carry Jay Leno’s new prime-time comedy show at 10 p.m. this fall on NBC. We look forward to working closely with the station on a successful launch in Boston of this show.”
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday Night Spin
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. April 10, 2009 The series debuts last night of "Southland" and "Parks and Recreation" joined forces with NBC's established Thursday comedy hits "The Office" and "30 Rock" to propel the network to a tie for #1 in primetime's key demographic of adults 18-49 and an outright win in adults, men and women 18-34, according to "fast affiliate-based" "live plus same day" viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research.
Last night from 10-11 p.m. ET, the series debut of "Southland" (3.2 rating, 9 share in adults 18-49, 9.7 million viewers overall) won the hour in adults 18-49, adults 18-34, adults 25-54 and nearly every key demographic, topping the series debut of CBS's "Harper's Island" and ABC's "Private Practice" encore. The "Southland" margin of victory was 19 percent in adults 18-49 (3.2 vs. 2.7 for "Harper's Island") and 63 percent in adults 18-34 (2.6 vs. 1.6 for "Harper's"), pending updates.
"Southland" increased from half-hour to half-hour by 6 percent in both 18-49 rating (to a 3.3/10 from a 3.1/9) and in total viewers (to 10.0 million from 9.4 million), while the drama competition on CBS and ABC declined in both categories.
"Southland" is the first launch of a 10 p.m. network drama to build in 18-49 rating from the 10 p.m. half-hour to the 10:30 half-hour in more than four years (since NBC's "Medium" on January 3, 2005).
NBC's primetime kicked off at 8 p.m. ET with a special telecast of "The Office" (3.3/6 in 18-49, 7.2 million viewers overall), which, pending updates, ranked #1 in adults 18-49, adults 18-34 and other key demos in this highly competitive time period ahead of CBS's "Survivor," Fox's "Bones" and ABC's "In the Motherhood." "The Office" matched last week's "ER Retrospective" in delivering NBC's highest 18-49 rating in this time period this season.
At 8:30 p.m. ET, the series debut of "Parks and Recreation" (3.0/11 in 18-49, 6.8 million viewers overall) won its highly competitive time period in adults, men and women 18-34. In adults 18-49, "Parks and Recreation" retained 91 percent of its lead-in from "The Office" special, and topped NBC's season-to-date average for this time period by 36 percent (3.0 vs. 2.2, "live plus same day").
At 9 p.m. ET, "The Office" (3.9/11 in 18-49, 7.9 million viewers overall) won its time period in adults 18-49, adults 18-34 and other key measures, topping CBS's "CSI," Fox's "Hell's Kitchen" and a rebroadcast of "Grey's Anatomy" on ABC. "The Office" at 9 p.m. was the #1 telecast of the night on any network in adults 18-49.
At 9:30 p.m. ET, "30 Rock" (3.1/9 in 18-49, 6.8 million viewers overall) won its competitive half-hour in adults, men and women 18-34 and finished within 2 shares of the slot lead in adults 18-49.
NBC is currently tied for #1 for the night in adults 18-49, pending updates, and is #1 outright in men 18-49 and adults, men and women 18-34.
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