March 17, 2014
News for broadcast and electronic media leaders SIGN UP|FORWARD|ARCHIVE|ADVERTISE
Top Story Broadcasters see potential for less-restrictive revamping of JSA regs
Broadcasters are said to be seeking the support of Democratic Federal Communications Commission member Mignon Clyburn for a compromise plan that would set new guidelines for joint-sales agreements that would be less restrictive than rules proposed by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. Wheeler's plan would require most stations to end their JSAs within two years. Under NAB's proposal, stations that tap another outlet to handle ad sales would need to run 85% of their programming, retain 70% of ad revenue and keep 20% of "station value" in the license. Wheeler's proposal, broadcasters say, would hinder them from offering "unique local and diverse content." Multichannel News (3/14), Broadcasting & Cable (3/13), TVNewsCheck (free registration) (3/14) Share: Business & Industry Report DISH's online video service could prove win-win for local broadcasters
Local affiliates will likely be able to gain additional revenue for streaming rights and gain exposure via mobile devices to younger audiences given DISH Network's need to secure local content for its proposed Internet TV service beyond Disney-owned channels, columnist Harry A. Jessell writes. "The day when 'cable TV' will jump from coax to the Internet and our smartphones is fast approaching," Jessell writes. "It's comforting to know that broadcasting will still be a big part of it. How could it not?" TVNewsCheck (free registration) (3/14) Share: ASCAP: Pandora will pay same royalty rate for 2014, 2015
Streaming-music service Pandora will be charged the same royalty rate of 1.85% of revenue for this year and next year, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers said. ASCAP, which represents some 500,000 artists and publishers, was citing a federal judge's ruling that's set to be released this week. ASCAP wanted a retroactive hike to 2.5% for last year and a 3% rate for this year and 2015, while Pandora sought to have its rate reduced to 1.7%, the same level as broadcast radio stations. The Associated Press (3/14) Share: LIN reaches retrans deal with Cox for 12 stations
Cox Communications and LIN Media agreed to a new retransmission-consent agreement involving 12 stations in seven states, without any programming interruptions. Multichannel News (3/14) Share:
NBC, in its fourth year under entertainment chief Bob Greenblatt, has jumped into first place among the key 18-49 demographic by virtue of its new hit drama series "The Blacklist," reality competition "The Voice" and "Sunday Night Football." Now all Greenblatt has to do is sustain the momentum. "Every year I want to feel we're a little bit further ahead, and we're starting to feel that -- but there's still a lot of work ahead of us," he said. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (3/16) Share:
The nine top cablers saw their TV subscriptions drop by 3% last year, while the customer base for the industry as a whole was essentially flat, Leichtman Research Group is reporting. Cable's portion of the multichannel video business dropped to 52% last year, down from 58% in 2010, according to Leichtman. MediaPost Communications/MediaDailyNews (3/14) Share:
Clear Channel has restructured its radio unit, which will be under the purview of the new Major Markets Operating Group. The latter will be run by Hartley Adkins and Tom McConnell, who are both executive vice presidents; Kelly Kibler, a senior vice president; and Greg Ashlock, who has been elevated to president of the company's Southern California unit. AllAccess.com (3/14) Share: Other News
Learn about the latest and hottest technologies used by broadcasters and electronic media companies around the world. This selection of more than 90 papers from the 68th annual conference features Ultra HDTV, advanced television technologies, digital radio advancements, audio over IP, hybrid television, next-generation sports production, media asset management, video description and captioning, ancillary broadcast services, over-the-top technologies and services and more. Add it to your NAB Show registration or pick it up onsite at the two NAB Stores located in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Share: Radio Rules: A Guide to FCC Policies and Procedures for On-Air Staff
How can you help your employees avoid regulatory pitfalls and fines? Provide them with the revised "Radio Rules: A Guide to FCC Policies and Procedures for On-Air Staff." Written by NAB attorneys and updated for 2013, this booklet contains critical information on relevant laws and FCC rules. Topics include contests, libel, indecency and public files. Order as many as needed, as NAB members receive a substantial bulk discount. For more information and to purchase, visit the NAB Store. Share: Legislative & Regulatory Another antitrust trial in store for SESAC
A suit brought by television broadcasting companies against SESAC is going to trial after a federal judge turned down SESAC's motion for a summary judgment. The performing rights organization now must deal with two antitrust lawsuits, including one filed in 2012 by the Radio Music License Committee that's also going to trial. Billboard.com (3/14) Share:
American inventor
News for broadcast and electronic media leaders SIGN UP|FORWARD|ARCHIVE|ADVERTISE
Top Story Broadcasters see potential for less-restrictive revamping of JSA regs
Broadcasters are said to be seeking the support of Democratic Federal Communications Commission member Mignon Clyburn for a compromise plan that would set new guidelines for joint-sales agreements that would be less restrictive than rules proposed by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. Wheeler's plan would require most stations to end their JSAs within two years. Under NAB's proposal, stations that tap another outlet to handle ad sales would need to run 85% of their programming, retain 70% of ad revenue and keep 20% of "station value" in the license. Wheeler's proposal, broadcasters say, would hinder them from offering "unique local and diverse content." Multichannel News (3/14), Broadcasting & Cable (3/13), TVNewsCheck (free registration) (3/14) Share: Business & Industry Report DISH's online video service could prove win-win for local broadcasters
Local affiliates will likely be able to gain additional revenue for streaming rights and gain exposure via mobile devices to younger audiences given DISH Network's need to secure local content for its proposed Internet TV service beyond Disney-owned channels, columnist Harry A. Jessell writes. "The day when 'cable TV' will jump from coax to the Internet and our smartphones is fast approaching," Jessell writes. "It's comforting to know that broadcasting will still be a big part of it. How could it not?" TVNewsCheck (free registration) (3/14) Share: ASCAP: Pandora will pay same royalty rate for 2014, 2015
Streaming-music service Pandora will be charged the same royalty rate of 1.85% of revenue for this year and next year, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers said. ASCAP, which represents some 500,000 artists and publishers, was citing a federal judge's ruling that's set to be released this week. ASCAP wanted a retroactive hike to 2.5% for last year and a 3% rate for this year and 2015, while Pandora sought to have its rate reduced to 1.7%, the same level as broadcast radio stations. The Associated Press (3/14) Share: LIN reaches retrans deal with Cox for 12 stations
Cox Communications and LIN Media agreed to a new retransmission-consent agreement involving 12 stations in seven states, without any programming interruptions. Multichannel News (3/14) Share:
- Patent and Trademark Office, NTIA to hold first in a series of online piracy talks
The Hill/Hillicon Valley blog (3/16) Share:
- State funding for public TV is seen on the upswing
The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (3/17) Share:
- Broadcasters Foundation receives more than $170,000 in donations from Katz Media Group
Radio World (3/14) Share:
NBC, in its fourth year under entertainment chief Bob Greenblatt, has jumped into first place among the key 18-49 demographic by virtue of its new hit drama series "The Blacklist," reality competition "The Voice" and "Sunday Night Football." Now all Greenblatt has to do is sustain the momentum. "Every year I want to feel we're a little bit further ahead, and we're starting to feel that -- but there's still a lot of work ahead of us," he said. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (3/16) Share:
- Nelly song plays on loop for 2-plus days in promo stunt on Calif. station
Daily News (New York) (3/16) Share:
The nine top cablers saw their TV subscriptions drop by 3% last year, while the customer base for the industry as a whole was essentially flat, Leichtman Research Group is reporting. Cable's portion of the multichannel video business dropped to 52% last year, down from 58% in 2010, according to Leichtman. MediaPost Communications/MediaDailyNews (3/14) Share:
- Time Warner Cable faces $10M lawsuit over alleged unpaid fees in L.A.
Deadline.com (3/14) Share:
Clear Channel has restructured its radio unit, which will be under the purview of the new Major Markets Operating Group. The latter will be run by Hartley Adkins and Tom McConnell, who are both executive vice presidents; Kelly Kibler, a senior vice president; and Greg Ashlock, who has been elevated to president of the company's Southern California unit. AllAccess.com (3/14) Share: Other News
- Summer Reese out as Pacifica's executive director
The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (3/17) Share:
- Ariz. radio host Barry Young will retire after nearly 50-year career
Radio Ink (3/14) Share:
Learn about the latest and hottest technologies used by broadcasters and electronic media companies around the world. This selection of more than 90 papers from the 68th annual conference features Ultra HDTV, advanced television technologies, digital radio advancements, audio over IP, hybrid television, next-generation sports production, media asset management, video description and captioning, ancillary broadcast services, over-the-top technologies and services and more. Add it to your NAB Show registration or pick it up onsite at the two NAB Stores located in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Share: Radio Rules: A Guide to FCC Policies and Procedures for On-Air Staff
How can you help your employees avoid regulatory pitfalls and fines? Provide them with the revised "Radio Rules: A Guide to FCC Policies and Procedures for On-Air Staff." Written by NAB attorneys and updated for 2013, this booklet contains critical information on relevant laws and FCC rules. Topics include contests, libel, indecency and public files. Order as many as needed, as NAB members receive a substantial bulk discount. For more information and to purchase, visit the NAB Store. Share: Legislative & Regulatory Another antitrust trial in store for SESAC
A suit brought by television broadcasting companies against SESAC is going to trial after a federal judge turned down SESAC's motion for a summary judgment. The performing rights organization now must deal with two antitrust lawsuits, including one filed in 2012 by the Radio Music License Committee that's also going to trial. Billboard.com (3/14) Share:
- FCC ruling may complicate purchase of Fort Wayne, Ind.'s WPTA
The Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Ind.) (3/16) Share:
American inventor