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sales@spotsndots.com Copyright 2017.The Daily News of TV Sales Friday, April 7, 2017

GM CFO EXPECTS STRONG 2017ALSO EXPECTS SOME CHALLEGES The Chief Financial Officer of General Motors is feeling positive and predicting a “very strong year” in 2017 despite a “challenging” environment. He also reiterated the company’s earnings forecast for the year. Chuck Stevens spoke to investors and analysts on a conference call this week and his comments were reported in Automotive News. He said, “Overall, we expect a more challenging environment across a number of dimensions” in the coming year, due to rising interest rates and falling used-car prices. Stevens pointed to an improving economy, coupled with lower fuel prices as reasons to anticipate that “we’re going to be in a reasonably constructive industry environment”. In the short term, the company plans to reduce inventory levels to 90 days in June, down from 98 at the end of March. Then to 70 days by the end of the year. Stevens went on to say that a combination of solid economic indicators and cost-cutting measures should help the company maintain margins of around 10 percent. The call came just a few days after the industry learned that U.S. new light-vehicle sales figures for March showed an annualized sales rate of around 16.6 million units. That was down from the 17.2 million number that analysts had predicted. First quarter sales declined by 1.6 percent. That information added to the concern that U.S. auto sales may be headed for a decline after a six-year boom. However, forecast for the year remain relatively positive. Wednesday, the National Automobile Dealers Association upheld its U.S. sales forecast of 17.1 million units. That forecast tracks with Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book with forecasts of 16.8 to 17.3 million units for the year. The volume would represent a 1 to 4 percent decrease form 2016. Edmunds.com is forecasting 17.2 million units. LCM Automotive is more bullish with a 17.6 million forecast, or a 0.1 percent increase over last year. Stevens said that his company is expecting U.S. light-vehicle sales for the industry to land around 17.5 million, after setting a record at 17.55 million in 2016. GM holds to the opinion that a mild winter “more evenly distributed” sales across the first quarter as opposed to bitterly cold winters, according to Stevens. On other concerns, Stevens said the company expects it used car prices to come down by around 7 percent as many leased vehicles are returned to the market. And, he shared that investments in autonomous vehicle technology are adding $150 in cost per quarter at General Motors. The call came more than a week after billionaire hedge fund manager David Einhorn pushed a plan to boost GM’s value based on creating two stock classes, one that pays a dividend and another that does not. GM rejected the proposal noting that it would negatively affect their credit rating.

ADVERTISER NEWS CarMax finished its fiscal year with a strong fourth quarter in which used units sold in comparable stores rose 8.7%, bringing the full fiscal year up to +4.3% in that metric. When adding in stores opened during the year, total unit sales were up 13.4%. The company opened 15 stores during the fiscal year (bringing the count to 173) and will open another 15 this fiscal year and 13-16 the year after……Seven & I Holdings, the Japanese company that owns the 7-Eleven chain in the U.S., will add to its portfolio by buying more than 1,100 convenience

stores and gas stations from Sunoco. Seven & I had previously said it wanted to own 10,000 station in the U.S.; it currently has over 8,500 operating……In a smaller deal in that retail segment GPM Investments, which operates more than 1,000 c-stores under a wide variety of banners, has taken over 92 Roadrunner Markets in the mid-Atlantic region, and will continue to operate them

under the Roadrunner brand name……Sprint is lowering the price of a family unlimited data plan—the new deal is $50 a month for the first line, $40 per line for two lines, and $30 per line for four lines. The previous deal had been $45 for each of four lines……Autodata reports March was the second-highest month ever for sales of certified pre-owned vehicles, with 243,277 CPOs sold……The Ignite Restaurant Group has hired a financial advisor to look for a sale of the business which “could be sold as an entity or through the separate sales of its two restaurant brands” (Joe’s Crab Shack and Brick House Tavern + Tap). The company also said in a regulatory filing that bankruptcy remains an option……Forever 21 will open at least 40 F21 Red stores this year, more than doubling the current size of the value-oriented concept……Petco is buying PetCoach, a pet advice web site and app that can connect pet owners with veterinarians to get personalized answers to their questions……Here’s some good news for home center stores as they enter spring, their most profitable season: big ticket sales are rising. In Lowe’s most recent report average sales ticket was up 3.6% and the number of transactions above $500 was up 9%. Home Depot defines its big ticket transactions as being above $900, and those deals were up 11.6% in the latest quarter, led by flooring, appliances, and “several pro categories”……Supermarket News reports Aldi is remodeling many of its stores in the mid-Atlantic region ahead of the launch of Lidl, which is planning to start up in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina this summer....Organic retailer Sprouts Farmers Market has identified the 11 markets it plans to build out during the second half of this year. New locations are coming to Clairemont, Calif.; Diamond Bar, Calif.; Las Vegas; Memphis; Mesa, Ariz.; Nashville; Newark, N.J.; Palm Harbor, Fla.; Redlands, Calif.; Reno, Nev.; and Yuma, Ariz.

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NETWORK NEWS NBC has upped its episode order for the Will & Grace revival to a total of twelve. The network announced that it would reunite the cast and the original creators of the sitcom after they reunited to shoot a surprise 10-minute episode related to the presidential election. The project brings back Emmy winners Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally, along with series creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. Muttchnick and Kohan will executive produce the project and will serve at showrunners. James Burrows, who directed the entire eight-season run of the original series will serve as director on the new project. Will & Grace aired on NBC from 1998 to 2006……Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf) has been tapped for a recurring role on the CW series Jane the Virgin. Posey will appear in a multi-episode arc as someone from Jane’s past, making his first appearance on the upcoming final episode of season three. In addition to starring on Teen Wolf, Posey recently made his directorial debut on an episode that will air later this summer. Recent credits include a voice role in the Disney animated series Elena of Avalor, and an appearance in the Kevin Smith film Yoga Hosers……The 90th Annual Academy Awards will air live on ABC Sunday, March 4th, 2018. In addition, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC set the dates for the next three Academy Awards shows. The 91st awards will air on February 24, 2019, the 92nd on February 23, 2010 and the 93rd on February 28th, 2021. The last Oscar telecast drew 32.9 million total viewers and posted a 9.1 18-49 rating……CBS reported that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert logged its ninth consecutive late-night win in total viewers, topping NBC’s Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon by 400,000. Fallon continued to dominate in the key 18-49 demo with a 22% lead over The Late Show with a 0.62 rating compared to Colbert’s 0.51. In another key demo, Fallon posted 1.021 million viewers 25-54, while Colbert’s number in that demo was 913,000……Fox News released popular anchor Megyn Kelly from her contract last month, but Kelly was prohibited from starting her new job at NBC as the parties negotiated the terms of her departure. Variety is reporting that a person familiar with the situation says those negotiations are complete. Kelly is free to make appearances on NBC should her new employer see fit. The development also means Kelly would be free to appear at NBCUniversal’s annual upfront presentation coming up in May. Having Kelly make contributions to MSNBC, The Today Show or NBC Nightly News would keep her in the public eye while she and NBC News collaborate on possible new programs, slated for the fall.

DONE DEALS Nexstar Media Group, Inc. has named Jesse Grear Vice President and General Manager of WKRG (CBS), WFNA (CW) and WKRG.com serving the Mobile-Pensacola (DMA #60) market. Grear most recently served as Vice President and General Manager of WAKA (CBS) and WBMM (CW), with additional oversight of WNCF (ABC) in Montgomery-Selma AL (DMA #123).

AVAILS WIVB News 4 (CBS) and CW 23 in Buffalo, NY is looking for a Director of Sales to lead its Broadcast and Digital sales operations. We are seeking a “game changer” and proven leader who can communicate a vision, while developing a management and sales team to generate extraordinary growth. Our DOS has direct responsibility for national sales efforts. Bachelor’s degree and a minimum five years’ experience in television sales management

required. CLICK HERE for additional info or to apply now. EOE/M/V/F/D Cox Media, Chesapeake/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA is searching for a Media Consultant-Generalist. This person sells local advertising and products on cable and/or broadcast networks to new and existing clients from a range of industries and business sizes, and leverages the position of Cox to influence clients’ marketing strategies. The Media Consultant

sells a robust and growing portfolio of products (58 networks, new media, etc.) to create packages to support clients’ marketing plans. CLICK HERE for more details, qualifications and requirements, or to apply now. EOE. WAVY TV (NBC) / WVBT TV (FOX), Nexstar Media Group duopoly in Hampton Roads, Virginia, is looking for a Director of Sales. We’re seeking a business minded, dynamic leader, who is passionate about television and digital. The DOS must build and maintain a thriving sales organization through successful recruiting, development, and leadership. 3-5 years as GSM or 6+ years as sales manager in mid to large market required. Send cover letter & resume to: Carol L. Ward, VP/GM, WAVY/WVBT, 300 Wavy St., Portsmouth, VA 23704. EOE. No calls! Account Executive: 12News/KPNX-TV in Phoenix, AZ has a great opportunity to join our local sales staff. The AE is responsible for achieving 12News, KPNX-TV, new business and digital platform goals with proven success selling broadcast and digital advertising. The AE will develop and maintain an account base by establishing new business relationships and selling long term campaigns. Previous media sales experience in broadcast, cable, radio, print or digital sales required. CLICK HERE for more info or to apply now. EOE. Account Executive: KSTS – Telemundo 48, the Telemundo station in the Bay Area, has a great new opportunity to join the sales team. We’re looking for an experienced sales person who can negotiate and sell commercial airtime for KSTS and other station multi-platforms. We are looking for someone to develop sales revenue from new advertisers as well as maximize revenue from assigned list. Finding and developing new and non-traditional advertisers is expected, as well as developing revenue opportunities for digital platforms. CLICK HERE for more info or to apply now.

4/7/2017

Seth Meyers

The Cleveland Zoo announced today that its rare black rhinoceros is pregnant. They made the announcement right after she confirmed it with her

rhino-cologist.

The Daily News of TV Sales @ www.spotsndots.com PAGE 3

COMCAST WANTS WIRELESS BUSINESS Anybody remember Pivot Wireless, a joint venture between Sprint and some of the largest cable providers that was supposed to bring mobile phone service into cable bundles? It was dropped several years ago, but perhaps was just ahead of its time. After working on a plan for several years, Comcast will launch Xfinity Mobile to create a four-edged bundle of television, internet, landline and mobile phone, amid hopes customers will be more likely to stay when they have one provider for all services. The service will be delivered using Verizon’s network (the two companies reached an agreement to do so about five years ago), but will only be available to customers who also buy at least one other Comcast service. Why would Verizon want to make a deal with a competitor? Its finance chief had said previously, “We are happy to have those arrangements with Comcast and others. I’d much rather have them on our network and paying us to be on our network, than paying it on somebody else’s.”

ECONOMIC NEWS The Wall Street Journal reports that employers cut back on hiring in March, while the unemployment rate fell to the lowest level in almost a decade. This highlights the steady but sometimes mixed progress across the labor market. The Nonfarm sector gained a seasonally adjusted 98,000 in March from the prior month, the Labor Department said, a sharp slowdown from the prior two months. The jobless rate dropped to 4.5%, the lowest level since May 2007.

MORE DEALERS HAVE TROUBLE OVER ADS The National Automobile Dealers Association is warning its members that three dealerships have had to finalize consent orders with the Federal Trade Commission over issues that center on advertising “how rigorously they inspect their used cars.” Among other issues, the consent orders prohibit dealers from advertising or representing the vehicles are safe, have been repaired for safety issues, or have been rigorously inspected unless: the vehicles are not subject to safety recalls, or the dealer discloses that the vehicle may be subject to safety recalls for issues that have not been repaired or to advise consumers how to determine if a vehicle is subject to safety recalls for issues not yet repaired. Also, if the dealer receives notice from the manufacturer that a vehicle is subject to a safety recall, it must provide to the customer (before the sale is finalized) the manufacturer notice or a document that conveys the same information.

THIS AND THAT Time has a new tote board total; 62 advertisers have left Fox’s Bill O’Rielly show as fallout continues from sexual harassment accusations. Intense pressure via social media is getting credit.....comScore has chosen to work with Google to provide independent brand safety reporting of advertising campaigns on YouTube. The collaboration is part of Google’s efforts to provide advertisers with greater visibility in to the context in which their ads appear.

AVAILS WWBT/NBC12 Richmond, VA seeks a positive, “can-do” Traffic Coordinator to join our sales team. The ideal candidate should have excellent organizational skills, be detail oriented, be a problem solver, and be able to work quickly and accurately in a fast paced, deadline driven environment. Responsibilities include: Working closely with account executives, ad agencies, creative services, master control, and our traffic hub to secure advertiser

commercials and traffic instructions. Qualified applicants only, APPLY HERE. Drug Screen required. EOE M/F/D/V.

More job openings at spotsndots.com. CLICK HERE to post a job.

MORE FROM NIELSEN’S TOTAL AUDIENCE REPORT Time spent with television by the average person in a month easily outdistances time spent with any other

medium. The average adult 18+ spent 159 hours and 9 minutes with TV in a month during the fourth quarter (with an average of 25:28 of that time-shifted viewing). Time spent with radio was 57 hours and 9 minutes. DVD/Blu-Ray devices were used for an average of 10:43, Game consoles 29:13, Multimedia devices 26:03, Internet on a PC 45:03, Video on a PC 19:52, App/Web on a smartphone 87:10, and video on a smartphone 4:31. Time spent on TV by demo was Kids 2-11, 90:30; Teens 12-17 64:16; Adults 18-24, 77:48, adults 25-34, 105:34; adults 35-49, 141:10; adults 50-64, 192:56, and adults 65+, 227:06. Black homes averaged 197:51, Hispanic homes 106:08, and Asian-American homes 76:24.

4/7/2017

James Corden

The shoe store Payless is filing for bankruptcy and closing nearly 400 stores in the United States. The problem was their work

ethic. Most of Payless was just a bunch of loafers.

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