M344 final
What are 6 reasons for an increase in talk radio?
1.Decline in distribution costs due to satellite technology · 2. Repeal of fairness doctrine in 1987 · 3. Acceptance of formerly taboo topics · 4. Migration of music-oriented audiences to FM · 5. Proliferation of cellular phone · 6. Attraction of format to advertisers
Feature film/made for tv/made for cable
Fill up a lot more time in a schedule
Why are station personalities important?
§ Personality matches time period § Provides a feeling § Develops relationship with audience § Funny, informative, trustable, likeable
What is the difference between advertising and underwriting?
· Advertising - contains a "call to action" (e.g. buy our product) · Underwriting - neutral statements, presents name of funder (e.g. "Funding provided by [company], maker of [product].
Off-network syndication
- program created for broadcast Ratings have a track record Known appeal Get high ratings Can be stripped
Off-Cable
- program created for cable network Off-network/cable issues Only possible if there are 100+ episodes Expensive if hits! Stations generally bid against each other to get the hit series
First- Run syndication
- program created from syndication and has not aired in any other venue Sold for 1 or 2 years Predetermined original and repeat programs Games, Situation comedy, Reality, Drama, Talk, Magazine, Weekly -First-run issues Unknown appeal when new Unknown longevity Risky, so only a few at a time produced and scheduled weekly
What are 4 tiers of networks? How is each tier different?
-Foundation (TBS, MTV, ESPN, Discovery) Long established channels, Included in almost all MVPD packages -Niche (Travel Channel) Have single program content type or defined demographic group (ex: Nick Jr.), Can become foundation network (ex: comedy central) -Subniche (Lifetime Real Women) Further specialization, FX as niche network of Fox, FXX & FXM as subniche networks, manged as a group, owned by one parent company, made possible by multiplexing -Microniche (Sur Peru) Even more specialized (ex: Foreign language speakers)
10. Know how television stations promote content on-air and in other media.
-On Air Fixed spots - reserved for promotion Combination spot - two shows Topical spot - promo about specific story -In other media Develop media sites that supply extended content Only reaches viewers who go to site
What are regulatory and digital considerations for television station programming?
-Regulatory Telecommunications Act of 1996 lifts restrictions on station ownership Allows networks to get into business of syndication -Digital 2009 - stations must broadcast a digital signal Multiplex - stations can send several channels of programming on assigned frequency Internet & cable competition Decrease in affluent & younger viewers
What are the two ways in which programmers acquire syndicated programming? How are they different? (Anyone know if this is correct?)
-Time Buy allows producers of television programming to buy a block of time on a network. This purchase airs programs throughout the US on the same network, same day and same time (depending on the time zone). The producer generates revenue by selling advertising. -Barter Syndication programs are given to network affiliate stations at no cost. These programs air within a specific timeframe, depending on sponsor needs. Each program has a certain amount of commercial time available for advertising (usually 30-second commercial spots) and this inventory is shared between the producer and the local station. OR -Negotiation -Bidding
Why is VOD valuable to MVPDs? What are limitations of VOD?
-Valuable Slows down DVR use Competes with online TV Prevents Churn Advertising - Limitations Not everything is available MVPD must negotiate with movie studio and TV program distributors for programs
What are 4 types of syndicated programs?
1) First Run 2) Off Network 3) Off Cable 4) Feature Film/made for tv/made for cable
Barter syndication pros and cons
2. BARTER SYNDICATION: Station gets program FREE Syndicator gets AD TIME Often aids producer in getting financial backing from banks But gives up ALL ad time Gets revenue directly from advertisers who buy all stations Bank likes that show is "Presold"
Weekend news and information
Attracts more upscale audience. Gives a recap of weeks news, more time to culture and arts. Not very desirable. Valuable but are a place where stations let new talent build credibility. Covers news that is considered "not worthy" of week day news Ex: Meet the press
What is(are) the primary source(s) of monetary support for basic and premium subscription channels?
Basic Cable Networks: Advertising Premium: Subscription Fees (no advertising)
What is clearance? Preemption? Delayed carriage? How do they relate to non-prime-time network programming?
Clearance= Affiliate decide not to air a program at the time scheduled by the network. As opposed to Preemption = affiliate decide not to air Delayed carriage = air program at a later date Are lower in non-prime-time
What are dayparts? Why is dayparting important to programmers?
Dayparts: The way a schedule is divided into different parts of the day As dayparts change, so does the available target audience & their needs for viewing
What is the PTV philosophy?
Broadcasting should be a positive force in society Not to be included in capitalist funding model · Serves audiences otherwise neglected because of small size · Different from commercial television
What is churn? What is lift?
Churn: The addition or subtraction of subscribers or the substitution of one pay-cable service for another Lift: Sports or Adult Content (2/3/16 notes)
What do the rights/deal points consist of for syndication?
Cost per episodes # Of run per episode Start and End dates Market exclusivity Permission to promote Commercial Formate/ Payment( cash)
What is multiplexing?
Distributing several different channels simultaneously
Childrens Programs
Doing well. Children continue to watch TV. Old programs remain popular Federal restrictions on programming (pro-social, social emotional needs to be filled) and advertising Children don't have a loyalty to network, but loyalty to program Provide great avenue for a lot of advertising/
Syndicator (distributor)
Dozens in the US, Some produce, distribute content, License telecast rights to a program but continue to own rights to show, Supply programing to local stations by market, $$$: commission and barter time
Syndicator and Programmer relationship
Each station has exclusive rights to all episodes of a program in its local market, Syndicators may try to move programs to better spots or stronger stations, Program purchasing and scheduling decisions may be responsibility of corporate, Syndicators can provide information about competitors
Weekend News/Magazines a.) What is it? b.) How's it doing? c.)What are some challenges? d.) Why is it valuable?
Early morning newscasts (4/5 am - 7 am), morning magazines (7-9am) (today, good morning America, the early show Challenges: can't compete for local audiences, intense competition
Production Company
Finances & produces content, Sells directly to networks or works with a syndicator for distribution, May be the syndicator
What are 3 qualities that are considered important to terrestrial radio?
Focus on localism Live Immediate
What is radio format? Why is it important? What factors determine format? What are considerations of choosing a radio format?
Format: Flow of on-air sounds Depends on music played, radio personalities One format does not appeal to everyone Important: Characterizes the personality of the station Factors that determine format: Music Style - type of music Music Time period Music activity level - dynamic impact Music sophistication - simplicity or complexity Considerations: Technical facilities of each station (AM or FM) Character of the market Target audience Available budget Evaluate potential revenue
For an affiliate how much programming comes from the networks? How much ad time is reserved for the network?
From network: 12-16 hours of programming/day Cost of production spread over hundreds of affiliates ¾ ad time for networks; rest for affiliates Market exclusivity
The Station
General manager, Business manager - finances, Program director - program manager/ director of programming, $$$ = advertising, Sells ad spots locally
What are some considerations of producing programs in-house?
Labor-intensive Cost-intensive More attractive to local than national advertisers Station solely responsible for promotion
Day time soap operas and game shows
Low budget dramas show during day time hours. Stripping Viewership is in decline, new ones aren't being produced Syndicated game shows are doing better than network game shows High competition between game shows. Very cheap to make, advertisers pay to give away prizes Consist of bulk of daytime programming. Success depends on viewer loyalty
What are disadvantages of non-primetime.
Low profit ratio. Nonprime programmers use a low risk approach when building their schedules
What are 3 types of stations? How do they differ?
O&O's (Owned and Operated by networks) Is an expense, $ comes from commercials Usually top stations in biggest markets Affiliates Agreed to run programs distributed by networks Independent Stations No formal relationship with networks (unusual)
Sports a.) What is it? b.) How's it doing? c.)What are some challenges? d.) Why is it valuable?
Most important types of programming, athletic events, sports news Keeps subscribers on cable. Attracts young males - hard audience for advertisers to reach Very expensive for networks to host Great option for weekend programming
Rules for national Sales Rep
Must not make blanket program recommendations, Do not endorse a particular syndicator, Do not give client information to syndicator
Late night and overnight news
News after primetime (2:05 - 6am) Depends on major news events. Nothing big, ratings decrease. Some affiliate stations sign off over night. Ex: nightline
Evening News
News on big networks around 6-7. Viewing is declining, ad revenue remains Face stiff competition from places such as internet Very important for evening news to have a website
What are 3 types of payment agreements between syndicator and station? What are pros and cons of each?
PAYMENT 1. Cash 2. Barter - Station runs national commercial sold by syndicator 3. Cash + Barter
What are pay-cable networks, PPV, VOD? How do they differ?
Pay-cable networks = monthly subscription Pay-per-view = program - by - program basis (usually movies) Video-on-demand = Similar to PPV, but offer more viewer control (like DVR), usually TV programs, Includes SVoD (subscription), and FVoD(free)
Producer
Personally responsible for delivering program on time and under budget, Maintains contact w/ production company and syndicator, Fixes problems, Oversees talent, directors, writers, production crew, etc., Often have writer's background
Why would an affiliate choose preemption for a program?
Preemption: Affiliate decides not to air network programs Emergency requires live coverage Prefers local, in-house coverage Deems content of program inappropriate Wants to keep all ad time and $ for station -Usually aired later (Delayed carriage) May lose compensation Sometimes, may not clear (air) program at all
How do HUT levels differ from those of primetime?
Prime time< 60% Non-prime-time< 10% But advantage of targeted audiences May appeal to advertisers with smaller budget Patterns change on weekends.
What is the program pipeline? Who are the producers? Who relays the programs?
Produced by: The networks TV divisions of movie students Independent producers Local stations Relayed by: Network ->affiliate Syndicator ->station Made in -house (local)
What are the sources of programs?
Program financing Single or multiple financial backers (often combo of sources) "Viewers like you" = station money (viewer contributions)
What are pros and cons of syndication?
Pros o Brand building o Possibly more advertising revenue (unlike network programs) o Can cater to smaller local market (unlike network programs) Cons o Value fluctuates based on supply and demand o Station bears entire financial risk (unlike network programs) o Station covers cost of promotion (unlike network programs) o Loses program after expiration of contract
What audience measurement is most important to PTV?
Ratings for one specific program are less important than ratings during the week Offer a variety of program
Station and Sales Rep relationship
Rep has national perspective, Station programmer knows local market and station's history
The National Sales Rep
Represent programmer -> works for national firm that sells advertising to local TV stations, Ally and consultant to the station about programming buys, Provides marketing support, sales research, promotion advice and programming consultation, $$$: commission from station
Does PBS produce programs? What are the responsibilities of PBS?
Responsibilities: · Accept/reject programs based on 2 standards o Technical o Legal · Schedule accepted programs
Barter + cash pros and cons
Station pays cash & gives up some ad time. 2mins per hour, 1min per half-hour The station pays but can sell some time locally A hit show may be worth it because the available ad time sells for HIGH rates.
What are 3 primary scheduling strategies for syndicated programming?
Stripping Audience flow Counterprogramming
What are 2 primary scheduling strategies of non-prime-time programming?
Stripping: allows viewers to build ongoing loyalty to a series while lowering the financial risks involved in program development. (Allows for flow across) Blocking: Allows for flow through
Late night talk/entertainment
Studio based shows, low risk programs Greatest longevity in late-night time period Valuable because you can cross-promote in network
What is the syndication process?
Syndicator obtains program or movie US: sells it station by station Other countries: sell it station by station or network by network (dubs/subtitles prepared if needed)
Daytime Talk
Talk shows such as Oprah, Ellen, dr. phil. Targets audiences of ages 25-54 Inexpensive and successful. Good for filling time Increasing in demand
What are advantages of non-primetime?
The size of audiences in non-prime time dayparts is considerably smaller than in prime time, but all non prime dayparts contribute competitively and economically to a network's performance. Programming executives responsible for nonprime day-parts are as dedicated to competing for available as are their evening counterparts. The key to the battle is to get viewers into the habit of watching weekday non-prime programs everyday. Non-primetime HUT levels <10% allow for advantages of targeted audiences & can appeal to advertisers with smaller budgets
Who are the players of syndication?
The producer & production company, the syndicator, the station, the national sales rep
What are some major risks of syndicated programming (for programmers)
Very costly May not get ratings programmers thought
What are vignettes?
Vignette AKA: Interstitials Bits between regular programs Blur lines between content and advertising Promote branding Push viewers to online programs and websites
Prime Access (7pm - 8pm)
o 1970: PTAR - prohibited stations from running more than 3 hours of network entertainment programs § incentive for stations to create local programs § created level playing field (concern of big 3 domination) § repealed in 1996 o First-run syndicated shows, entertainment talk and celebrity news
Early Morning (6-9am)
o Demographic: people preparing to go to work o News - broken down into segments o Audio most important o Conducive to habitual viewing o Network programming
Overnight (2 - 6am)
o HUT levels really low o Repeated syndication programs and newscasts, failed programs, old movies, o Pros: still make $ from commercials, station wants to keep control of content offered, viewers turn away if nothing offered
Morning (9am-12pm)
o Homemakers, senior citizens, students, shift workers o Have a lot of time, but not attentive to programs o Programs that are easy to join, leave, and rejoin o Game shows, talk, soap operas
Early Fringe (4pm - 7pm)
o Low priority for networks, so local stations usually decide what to air o Local news, syndicated talk - or - counter program with sitcoms o Increased HUT during winter o Older children, employed adults
Late night (11:35 - 2 am)
o Network programs always cleared o Late night talk shows, news, offbeat syndication tested out
Why does the network need the affiliate? Why does the affiliate need the network?
o Networks need affiliates to gain access to the market o Affiliates need big budget programming that networks are able to provide
Late Fringe (11 - 11:35pm)
o Older viewers go to bed, younger turn to tv (from internet) o Prime-time as lead in o Local news, syndicated entertainment programs o Reaches (elusive) male viewers
What are 6 benefits of local news for a station?
o Risk mitigation o Exclusivity of product o Brand-building o Customization of product o Cost containment o Revenue enhancement
Afternoon (12 - 4 pm)
o Some news, promotes programming o Soap operas, court shows, talk and game shows o Most programmatically stale and consistent daypart
Weekend programming
o Usually aimed towards men o Sports, movies
Prime Time (8 - 11 pm)
o Viewing at highest levels o Local news, network programs o Rarely preempted
What is syndication? How is it unique?
the licensing of the right to broadcast television and radio programs by multiple television and radio stations, without going through a broadcast network Not created for a particular station Mostly reruns of tv series, specials, and movies Content sold to individual stations or station groups Exclusive showing in a single market Where the profits lie Although network carriage good for visibility Syndication is the rerun of TV series, specials and movies generally sold to individual stations or station groups for exclusive showing in a single marke
What are the four types of licenses? How do they differ from each other?
· Community - community leader boards · University - university trustees · Public School - local school boards · State television agencies - state appointed central boards
What are the dayparts? How do station personalities differ based on daypart?
· Dayparting: caters to available audiences o Morning drive o Middays o Afternoon drive o Evening o Overnight
When, where, and how do people tend to use radio?
· Listening at home on a decline · Portability considered an asset · Drive Time: time when people are commuting; stations expect to capture largest audience.
What are the categories of music played on a radio station?
· Power: most popular hit songs · Current: remaining popular songs · Recurrent: hit songs within the past 2 years · Power Gold: big hit songs form 3-10 years ago · Gold: big hit songs from 10-15 years ago · Oldies: hit songs from 1950's to 10-15 years ago.
What did the Telecom Act of 1996 change?
· Prior: FCC prohibits broadcasters from owning more than one AM and FM station in each area. · After: consolidation and creating of radio conglomerate that dominate radio advertising markets. o Up to 8 stations in large markets and 5 in smaller. o Most stations belong to large conglomerates (e.g. Clear Channel, Cumulus, Citadel, and CBS)
