Spots n Dots



Spots N Dots

The Daily News Of TV Sales

February 23, 2016

LOCAL TV IS THE BEST WAY TO REACH VOTERS

ONE THIRD OF VOTERS STILL UNDECIDED

Coming off of the South Carolina Republican primary, which saw the exit of well-funded but poorly performing Jeb Bush from the presidential contest, the campaigns are now looking to “Super Tuesday,” March 1, when GOP primary voters in 11 states go to the polls (plus one caucus). And the Democratic campaigns are also gearing up for that big day, even though they still have to deal with the party’s own South Carolina primary first—next Saturday, February 27.

Both Democrat and Republican voters will go to the polls March 1 in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas, Vermont and Virginia. In addition, Tennessee will hold its Republican primary and Alaska Republicans and American Samoa Democrats will caucus.

Katz Television Group commissioned Nielsen to survey a representative sample of registered voters across 10 states in the weeks leading up to their Presidential primary elections in February, March and April 2016. The respondents had previously participated in a study by Scarborough, which is a Nielsen division. Scarborough study. In its first report on The Local Vote 2016, Katz focused on data from 1,007 registered voters in three Super Tuesday states: Colorado (250), Texas (503) and Virginia (254). They were interviewed January 25 through February 5.

Perhaps the most important finding is that many of the registered voters in those three states have not made up their minds yet. One out of three voters is still undecided about either their candidate choice or whether to even go to the polls on Super Tuesday. That opportunity for campaigns to either win someone’s support or persuade them to show up at the polls amounts to 38% in Colorado, 32% in Texas and 31% in Virginia. Asked where political ads would best be placed by campaigns to be effective, a majority of voters in each of the three states picked local TV news. And the “opportunity” voters overwhelming picked broadcast TV (89.9%) as the best place to reach them, with 73.5% pointing to local TV news. Network primetime was endorsed by 48.8% and cable news network by 34.6%. The majority of voters agreed that local TV news is more appropriate for political advertising than all other potential sources of video, including the Internet, social media and mobile.

The survey found that seven key issues are driving the most influence on candidate selection, but are prioritized differently for voters according to state and party lines. These issues are: Healthcare, the Economy, Gun Control/Gun Rights, Jobs, National Security, Government Spending and Immigration. In Colorado the #1 issue for registered Democrats was Healthcare, but for Republicans it was National Security/Terrorism. That was also the top issue for Republicans in Texas, but for Democrats it was The Economy. In Virginia the #1 issue for Democrats was Healthcare, but for Republicans it was The Economy.

ADVERTISER NEWS

Automotive News reports Cadillac is encouraging its smallest dealers—those that sell 50 or less Caddys in a year—to install “virtual showrooms” that would eliminate the need for dealers to hold inventory on their lots. Orders would instead come from regional inventory centers and be shipped directly to dealers……In another move from GM’s luxury brand, Cadillac will end its dealer holdback payments but compensate dealers instead with a new program called Project Pinnacle which will be tied to improving the customer sales experience and hitting sales objectives……Restaurant industry observers have been expecting a secondary chain from Cracker Barrel for a while, and Nation’s Restaurant News says a fast-casual concept called Holler & Dash will open its first unit this spring in Alabama. The new banner is said to be “committed to good, Southern food.” Cracker Barrel Old Country stores currently are located in 42 states with 635 company-owned units in operation……Atlanta-based Krystal is introducing a new Country-Fried menu, a limited time offer that will be available for two months. The chain is continuing to solicit new franchisees, suggesting opportunities in non-traditional locations such as airports, c-stores, and casinos……We’ve been reporting on Coca-Cola’s initiative to move more territory to independent bottlers, and the company has announced two new arrangements. Swire Coca-Cola will pick up more territory in the Northwest including Seattle, Spokane and Portland. And Illinois’ Great Lakes Coca-Cola Distribution is picking up additional territory in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Iowa as well as its home state……CST Brands, which operates the Corner Store chain and acquired Nice N Easy last year, opened 31 new stores last year and expects to open another 45-50 this year. It’s currently integrating the recently-acquire Flash Foods locations, but is looking for more as the CEO says “We continue to see acquisition opportunities”……Chain Store Age has announced four winners of its first Breakout Retailer Awards, emerging concepts that are innovative in their segment and showing strong potential for growth Winners are Fabletics, “positioned in the white hot ‘athlesiure’ market with stylish activewear;” Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, combining “the spirit of a farmers market with the convenience of a neighborhood store;” Marbles; The Brain Store, “a dynamic, hands-on shopping experience that allows customers to try out product;” and PizzaRev, “a build-your-own fast casual concept that allows customers to customize their own pizza.”

NETWORK NEWS

While NBC News is on the outs with the Republican National Committee, NBCU’s Spanish news operation, Telemundo News, will present the only RNC-sanctioned Republican Debate broadcast by a Spanish-language network, slated for Thursday, February 25, live for two hours at 9:00 pm (ET) from Houston. María Celeste Arrarás will join as a panelist on the only Republican debate to specifically address Latino issues this primary cycle, produced in partnership with CNN and the Salem Media Group……The NHL Stadium Series will be in primetime this Saturday, February 27, at 8:00 pm (ET) on NBC. Rookie phenom Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings face off against Matt Duchene and the Colorado Avalanche at Coors Field in Denver, home of Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies……The Billboard Latin Music Awards airing Thursday, April 28, at 8:00 pm (ET) on Telemundo will add a new feature this year: “Billboard Duets.” The live broadcast will be a platform for never-before-seen musical performances, such as Alejandro Fernandez with Julio Iglesias, Juan Gabriel with Los Trio, and Jennifer Lopez with Los Dinos, among others.

SUNDAY RATINGS

The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60 carried ABC to victory in the Adults 18-49 demo on Sunday night, but CBS still had more viewers, led by 60 Minutes with Madam Secretary close behind. The overnight tally from Nielsen put ABC at a primetime average 1.5 in 18-49 and 3.4 in Households, with an average audience of 6.014 million viewers. NBC, with Must-See TV: An All-Star Tribute to James Burrows, 1.2 18-49, 3.7 HH and 5.733 million; CBS 1.1 18-49, 5.7 HH and 8.956 million; FOX 1.0 18-49, 1.4 HH and 2.295 million; Univision 0.6 18-49, 1.0 HH and 1.654 million; and Telemundo 0.3 18-49, 0.5 HH and 0.822 million.

RAYCOM/SCRIPPS PROGRAMMING PARTNERS

As large TV station groups increasingly seek to own more of their non-primetime programming, Raycom Media and The E.W. Scripps Company have formed a joint development project to create and grow new and original programming across daytime, early fringe and access dayparts. In addition to linear TV—where the two cover 29% of U.S. households—the partnership will also develop content for their digital platforms to target people across multiple devices.

“The strength of our two companies with a rich history in local broadcasting will bring a financial and creative strength to this development consortium,” said Raycom president and CEO Paul McTear.

“We envision a flourishing partnership with Raycom Media that will lead to relevant content with mass appeal across diverging demographics,” said Brian Lawlor, senior vice president of the Scripps broadcast division. “Partnering with other broadcast groups rather than competing against them is a dynamic new way to succeed in this industry, and Scripps and Raycom Media are leading the way.”

Raycom, Scripps and Cox Media Group have a separate development agreement for the successful syndication series Right This Minute. The Raycom Media/Scripps consortium already is working toward production on several projects with anticipated launches in 2017. The consortium is actively seeking new projects and welcomes other local broadcasters and/or media companies to join in the venture.

SOME HONDA CIVIC SALES HALTED

Bloomberg reports that Honda Motor Company has issued a “stop sale” order to dealers for some versions of the 2016 Civic and is preparing a recall to deal with engines that can stall or fail. There’s no word yet on exactly how many vehicles are involved.

CREDIT CARD PURCHASES UP IN 2015

Americans increased their use of general purpose credit, prepaid and debit cards in 2015. The Nilson Report says purchase volume was up 7.8% to $4.786 trillion.

Visa brand debit cards generated $1.374 trillion in purchase volume last year, up 7.9% versus 2014. For the seventh year in a row, no other credit or debit card brand generated more spending at merchants. Visa credit cards were the second most popular card type, with purchase volume up 10.8% to $1.344 trillion.

Credit card purchase volume for American Express at $717.29 billion was up 4.8% in 2015. Amex remains the second largest credit card brand in the U.S., a position it has held since 2011 when it moved past MasterCard.

Credit card purchase volume at MasterCard grew 7.4% to $652.75 billion in 2015, while purchase volume on its debit cards increased 8.0% to $580.14 billion.

Purchase volume on Discover cards reached $118.49 billion in 2015, a decline of 6.9%.

Nilson put credit card debt outstanding for the four brands at $800.87 billion at the end of 2015, up 4.7% from a year earlier.

AUTO SALES HOT FOR FEBRUARY

J.D. Power and LMC Automotive are projecting that total sales of cars and light trucks in February will be up 8.1% from a year ago to 1.36 million, which would put the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of sales at 17.7 million—the highest rate since 2000. That’s up sharply from a SAAR of 16.4 million for February 2015 and even ahead of the 17.6 million SAAR for January of this year.

Retail sales are also expected to be up 8.1% to 1.05 million. That would produce a retail SAAR of 13.9 million—the strongest pace for February since 2002 and up strongly from 12.8 million a year ago.

MODEST RETAIL OPTIMISM

An annual survey of retail CFOs by BDO finds an average retail store sales growth projection of 3.4% for 2016. That’s the second consecutive year of reduced optimism. After a peak of 5.1% growth for 2014, the CFO’s had predicted 3.9% for 2015.

More than a quarter (26%) of the retail CFOs believe consumer confidence will decrease this year. That compares to 11% in 2015 and only 8% in 2014.

THIS AND THAT

Insurance companies are racing to catch up to the ride-sharing phenomenon. GEICO is now offering insurance for Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing service drivers in South Carolina through GEICO Commercial, but at a price “significantly lower” than taxi and traditional commercial rates. South Carolina joins Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington, DC, where GEICO offers the hybrid policies……At the Mobile World Congress in Spain, MasterCard announced a partnership with WISeKey to enable contactless payments on select luxury brand watches and wearables……Visa, meanwhile, is moving into secure car-based ecommerce, making its Visa Token Service available to automakers, with Honda the first to implement it……BJ’s Restaurants is looking to increase revenue in the lunch daypart, introducing a new menu at what it calls “a very compelling price point.” BJ’s average check rose more than 3% last year and this year’s priority is to increase customer traffic……Starbucks has changed its customer loyalty program. According to the Seattle Times, the current My Starbucks Rewards program gives customers one “star” per visit, regardless of how much they spend. The new program, Starbucks Rewards, taking effect in April, will award two “stars” for each dollar spent, so bigger spenders get more reward “stars” to redeem on menu items than more frugal customers.

AVAILS

BEND Oregon is searching for a Director of Sales who is a strong team leader. This is an incredible opportunity to work and live in a beautiful region of the country for both livability and business, as well as working for one of the premier owners of local TV stations in America. The ideal candidate must have a strong background in new business development, DIGITAL sales knowledge and inventory and pricing management. APPLY HERE, or send resume and cover letter to danettes@. News Press & Gazette of Oregon, EOE.

WSET-TV is looking for exceptional Account Executives who can take an exciting and established list to the next level. We have opportunities in our Lynchburg and Roanoke, VA offices. Position requires an individual who possesses strong sales skills, can persuade a local client and would love selling a dynamic TV station. Prefer that candidate have some broadcast sales experience, a passion for new business development and understands how to create revenue streams through a multi-screen integrated approach. CLICK HERE to apply now. Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace!

KPRC-TV/, (NBC/Graham Media Group, Inc.), has an opening for a Digital Account Executive with previous digital sales or campaign management experience. The ideal candidate must have experience selling digital solutions to key regional and local agencies and direct clients. The successful candidate will be responsible for selling to local businesses as well as businesses in surrounding areas---all digital platforms. Specific experience in Internet Advertising, and Bilingual communication skills are a plus. To apply please send resume to: jobs@. EOE

WXTX-TV in Columbus, GA is seeking a Local Sales Manager who can drive revenue and lead our sales team to success. A strong background in Local Core and Digital sales is preferred. Ability to coach and train a team of Account Executives in the field. Solid written and verbal skills are a must. If you possess creative leadership skills, the ability to develop new business, relationship building skills and a successful track record in television sales, then APPLY ONLINE and attach your resume. No calls please. EOE-M/F/D/V

WPTZ/WNNE-TV, the Hearst Television owned NBC affiliate in the scenic Burlington, VT/Plattsburgh, NY market, has an immediate opening for a Local Sales Account Executive. Primary responsibilities include utilizing a complete portfolio of products including the NBC affiliate, The Valley's MeTV, and a multitude of Digital offerings to advance effective marketing solutions for an existing group of valued clients while developing a continuum of new advertisers. The position is based in Colchester, VT, with the ability to sell across the entire DMA. CLICK HERE for more details or to apply. EOE.

Account Executive: Are you ready to make the move to Nashville? Of all the salespeople you know, are you the best at nailing down commitments from customers and do you always strive to be #1 ? Then this career opportunity at WSMV may be for you! Our AEs know how to achieve revenue goals, solicit new advertisers and increase their share of business. If you would love to put satisfied advertisers on our station and digital properties and work for an awesome company, please CLICK HERE. Or, submit your resume directly to Paul.Scott@ EOE

ABC7, KABC-TV, the ABC-owned station and the #1 station in Los Angeles, is seeking a passionate, talented cross platform marketing rock-star VP to join our dynamic team to develop integrated marketing campaigns that drive incremental revenue across our local broadcast, digital and social media properties. The VP, Marketing and Sales Promotion, will be responsible for developing innovative creative ideas to sell to advertisers and delivering flawless campaign execution, leading to renewals. An ability to understand audience driven marketing and inspire winning partnerships is key. Please apply online at . EOE

A new iPhone app lets you enter the ‘glamorous and exciting world of Kendall and Kylie Jenner.’ Once you download this app, your phone is no longer a smartphone.

--Jimmy Kimmel

The 140th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show wrapped up and CJ, a German shorthaired pointer, took Best in Show—not, as Steve Harvey announced, ‘Beethoven!!’

--Seth Meyers

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SPOTS N DOTS

The Daily News Of TV Sales

February 23, 2016

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