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sales@spotsndots.com Copyright 2018.The Daily News of TV Sales Wednesday, October 31, 2018

NO SHIFT AWAY FROM :30S ON NETWORK TV There’s been a lot of talk from the TV networks about trimming ad loads and encouraging the use of six-second spots. But for all the chatter, the commercial minutes keep adding up. In a just-released analysis of the 2017-2018 broadcast season Standard Media Index says :30-second ad loads didn’t shrink but rather grew 4% bigger. That includes an 8% ad load increase on the broadcast networks and a 3% increase on cable. The tally also shows networks did a better job hitting their promised audience levels, with 1% fewer make-goods compared to the prior TV season. The result of all those commercials was the national TV market remained flat at $45.5 billion in revenue last season, excluding sales of ad time during the Winter Olympics and World Cup. Excluding those two events, broadcast TV network revenue fell 4% overall during the 2017-2018 season and cable TV network grew 3%. SMI chief James Fennessy says it’s a noteworthy performance considering TV networks are coping with audience defections as some viewers drift to digital streaming services. “The continued value of linear cannot be ignored,” Fennessy says. “This is especially true for cable networks, which are growing in revenue.” One reason broadcast TV revenue slipped may be spending in the auto category. While it was still the largest spender on national television, SMI says auto spending overall declined 2% last season. Pharmaceutical companies helped fill some of that gap however. Drug advertising was the second-largest category, growing 8% across both broadcast and cable. Rounding out the top five were entertainment (-6%), food (-7%) and insurance (+19%). Even as overall core revenue held steady last season network TV executives had plenty of reason to smile—and extra dollars to count. SMI says the Winter Olympics brought in $748 million in advertising revenue. And World Cup ads totaled $234 million. With the addition of nearly a billion dollars into the national TV marketplace, SMI says the sports category posted an overall increase of 7%. Without those two events, it notes, live sports network advertising would have added up to $7.9 billion, a 3% decline compared to the prior year. Those Olympic broadcasts, as well as the 2018 Super Bowl, gave NBCUniversal parent Comcast the largest national TV market share with 21% of all ad dollars flowing into its networks. That’s well ahead of second place Walt Disney Company, which had a 15% share. (Continued on page 2)

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SMI: AD LOADS HOLD - AND SO DOES REVENUEADVERTISER NEWS Coca-Cola says double-digit growth in sales volume for its popular diet soda, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and strong sales of other sparkling soft drinks helped drive the company’s earnings results, with profits up over 30 percent, according to CNBC. Soft drink sales grew 2 percent — driven by its original brand, plus diet versions of Fanta and Sprite. Water and sports drink sales rose 5 percent, primarily due to strong sales in China and Mexico.

The gains were offset by a 3 percent decline in juice, dairy and plant-based beverage sales — mostly hurt in the Middle East and North Africa. The company reiterated its previous forecast for growing organic revenue of at least 4 percent for the full year...Under Armour shares surged more than 23 percent Tuesday after the company reported quarterly earnings and revenue that topped analysts’ expectations thanks to a spike

in sales overseas and fewer promotions. The stock had risen more than 25 percent so far this year, even though the company continues to struggle to grow its business in the U.S. The retailer says apparel revenue was up 4 percent during the quarter, with footwear sales flat and accessories revenue down 6 percent. Its Curry 5 and Project Rock 1 shoes have been two recent top sellers….Panera Bread is slated to pass $2 billion in digital sales this year, double that of last year. Panera receives 1.4 million digital orders a week, up from the 1.2 million a week in 2017. Digital sales, including online, mobile and kiosk orders, account for about 33 percent of the company’s sales....Walmart is introducing a new Check out with Me feature that will let shoppers bypass the checkout lines and pay for items in some areas of the store where they are shopping. Store workers will be equipped with devices to enable that “line-busting.” In past years, long lines to checkout have been a pain point for Walmart. The company is also introducing an app with digital maps that give shoppers the exact location of products, to help them get around the store more easily....Got enough candy for tonight? 70% of people plan to participate in some sort of Halloween festivities, according to the National Retail Federation. Total spending this year is expected to be $9.0 billion, a slight decline on last year’s $9.1 billion. The average person is expected to spend $87, with most shopping taking place in discount stores, specialty Halloween or costume stores and department stores. Handing out candy will be the most popular way people celebrate Halloween, followed by decorating and dressing in costume. 45% of Americans will carve a pumpkin while 30% will go trick-or-treating....Private-label frozen pizzas posted 15.7% in unit sale gains and 11.3% in dollar sale gains during the 52 weeks ending Sept. 9, according to market research from Information Resources, Inc. Vegetables, plant-based protein and fiber add-ons could be helping sales surge by turning frozen pizza from a cheese-laden cholesterol special to a healthier meal option.

PAGE 2 The Daily News of TV Sales @ www.spotsndots.com

NETWORK NEWS Jordan Belfi (American Curious) has signed on for a recurring role in NBC’s Chicago Fire. Belfi will play Gordan, an intelligent, hot-headed and privileged businessman who is fierce in the boardroom. Chicago Fire looks into the lives of the firefighters, rescue squad and paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51. Eamonn Walker, Monica Raymund, Kara Killmer, David Eigenberg, Stella Kidd, Christian Stolte, Joe Minoso and Yuri Sardarov star... Writer-director-producer Nick Stoller (Neighbors) has sold four comedy projects, all in competitive situations with penalties. The list includes multi-cams Our House, which has received a put pilot commitment at CBS; The Story of Us, also at CBS; and Common Areas, at ABC; as well as single-cam Next Door, at Fox... Season 2 of We’ll Meet Again will open on PBS on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 8 PM (ET). Reported by Ann Curry, the series tells the stories of ordinary people caught up in the tides of history who are seeking to be reunited with those who helped them – either physically or emotionally – as they survive these transformational events... Season 6 of NBC’s The Profit will launch on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 10 PM (ET). Over the course of the series, serial entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis has invested $75 million of his own money helping small business owners save and grow their companies. This season, the series features 12 all-new hours... The ninth annual CMA Country Christmas will air Monday, Dec. 10 at 8 PM (ET) on ABC. Reba McEntire, who returns as host for a second year, will also perform during the holiday music special. Joining Reba are legendary acts and country favorites including Tony Bennett, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Diana Krall, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Michael W. Smith, Lindsey Stirling, The Isaacs and Brett Young, taking the stage for a night filled with Christmas classics and festive one-of-a-kind collaborations.... Variety says Modern Family co-creator Steve Levitan has renewed his criticism Fox News and its parent company amid backlash to the cable channel’s coverage following the mass shooting Saturday at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Levitan — whose overall deal with 20th Century Fox Television expired in July — told Variety that regardless of whether he re-ups with 20th or signs a new deal with another studio, he will not do business with the Murdoch family-controlled New Fox or its broadcast arm. “I’m not going to do anything for the Fox network ever again as long as Fox News remains such a destructive voice in our society,” he said.... The Dean Koontz novel Strangers is in development as a one-hour drama at Fox, which has given the project a script commitment with a penalty attached. Jeff Davis will write and executive produce, with Koontz and Josh Berman and Chris King of Osprey Productions also executive producing. Strangers tells the story of several different people, thousands of miles apart, from different walks of life, finding themselves struck by unusual fears and sudden phobias. Davis previously created the long-running CBS procedural as well as the MTV series Teen Wolf.

AVAILS WCCO, Minneapolis/St. Paul seeks an Account Executive. The AE will sell television time, online and new media for WCCO-TV and WCCO.com, and generate revenue with new accounts by prospecting local businesses. A Bachelor’s degree, and experience in media (3+ years) preferred. Excellent communication and presentation skills, computer proficiency required. Previous television sales experience is a plus. CLICK HERE for more information or to apply. No calls; only online applications will

be accepted. EOE/M/F/V/D Cox Digital Marketing seeks a Digital Sales Strategist for a position in Dayton, Ohio. The Digital Sales Strategist is to work in collaboration with the Media Consultants (Account Executives) to protect & grow the digital investments of our existing clients and secure new revenue from non-advertisers. Knowledge and experience with digital media, plus strong organizational and process

management skills required. Join a company that provides opportunity, training, and an innovative peer environment! CLICK HERE for more info or to apply now. WPLG-TV, ABC affiliate, a Berkshire Hathaway company in Miami-Ft. Lauderdale is searching for an experienced Account Executive who’s able to set them self apart in

a competitive marketplace. Must have strong experience in selling digital and multi-platform media. Individuals in this role handles client, agency and direct accounts. Key tasks include: strong new business developmental skills, contacting and presenting to clients and agencies,

developing marketing campaigns that encompass all platforms, negotiating contracts, building creative solutions and executing transactions. CLICK HERE for more info. Send resume to: btuckerman@wplg.com. No calls. EOE.

SMI: AD LOADS HOLD (Continued from page 1) In terms of a programming, SMI says “comedies are laughing their way to the bank” as comedy programming ad revenue was up 3% during the 2017-2018 season, led by reboots like “Roseanne” on ABC and spin-offs like “Young Sheldon” on CBS. Drama show revenue slipped 1% while primetime reality show ad revenue was up 2%. SMI’s estimates are based on SMI analysis of spots running across more than 125 broadcast and pay TV networks. SMI says its new alliance with Nielsen gave it access to data on about 50 additional networks.

CBS RESEARCH HEAD DAVID POLTRACK TO RETIRE After a half century at CBS, where he earned a reputation as a media research guru, chief research officer David Poltrack will retire from the company June 30, 2019. Radha Subramanyam, who joined as executive VP and chief research and analytics officer for the CBS television network in November 2017 from iHeartMedia, will oversee all of the company’s research operations.

10/31/2018

Ron White

To be clear, when I said “help yourself,” I meant

find the strength to order your own chicken wings.

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

NOT ALL MOBILE VIDEO ADS CREATED EQUAL MediaPost reports that mobile video ads that are interactive and “shoppable” are more effective at capturing user attention and generating brand lift, according to a new study from Interactive Advertising Bureau and its Digital Video Center for Excellence. The IAB study, “The Interactive Ad Effect: CTAs in Mobile Video Shoppable Ads,” looked at three different calls-to-action (CTAs) across four different verticals. It showed all CTAs are successful in increasing consumer attention and can lay “the groundwork for a direct relationship between the consumer and the advertiser.” Further, one specific CTA, asking consumers if they want to “learn more,” yielded even higher engagement and brand recall. Consumers in the study also liked the convenience of being able to buy a product directly from an ad. “These findings indicate that customers note the ability to shop or learn more right from the onset. The great promise for shoppable ads is not only the immediate ability to capture sales, but also in smart retargeting,” said Sue Hogan, senior vice president, research and measurement. IAB. “Retargeted ads would provide greater potential for brands to both convert to sales as well as to build direct relationships with consumers,” she added. The IAB released the findings at its Direct Brand Summit, which kicked off yesterday in New York.

UPGRADE? NO THANKS, PHONE USERS SAY The Wall Street Journal reports that Americans are holding on to their smartphones for longer than ever. Pricier devices, fewer subsidies from carriers and the demise of the two-year cellphone contract have led consumers to wait an average of 2.83 years to upgrade their smartphones, according to data for the third quarter from HYLA Mobile, a mobile-device trade-in company that works with carriers and big-box stores. That is up from 2.39 years two years earlier. Apple iPhones traded in during the period were an average of 2.92 years old, and those phone owners held on to them longer than Android users, HYLA’s data through the third quarter show. Smartphone makers have launched increasingly pricey phones in recent years, with some premium devices costing more than $1,000. Apple’s highest-end phone, the iPhone XS Max, costs $1,099. That has meant that some buyers try to make their phones last longer. Many families pass down to their children smartphones that are fully paid for or hand them to other relatives on their plans. Changes to the structure of wireless phone contracts have forced more customers to pay full price for devices that were once subsidized by big carriers like Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc. Carriers in recent years have offered less-generous promotions and separated the cost of a phone from a customer’s monthly service fees, leading to the demise of the two-year ritual of upgrading devices and service contracts simultaneously.

WORLD SERIES FINALE SCORES 17.6M VIEWERS The Boston Red Sox’s 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday snared their ninth World Series championship, and drew 17.6 million total viewers to the Fox telecast. Flexing serious franchise muscle and the skills of MVP Steve Pearce, the win marked Boston’s fourth title in the last 15 seasons, and gave Fox its sixth consecutive night finishing No. 1 in the primetime broadcast rankings. Overall, Game 5 drew 18.5 million viewers when Fox Deportes and Fox Sports’ streaming platforms were

taken into account, according to Fox. The game on the broadcast network peaked at 21.8 million. In the final numbers, the defining Game 7 of the 2017 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Dodgers was seen by 28.22 million viewers, the second most-watched MLB game of the past 14 years. Game 5 of last year had 19 million tuning in, and Game 4 this year on Saturday night had an audience of 13.6 million.

HOME-PRICE GAINS HIT LOWEST RATE IN A YEAR U.S. home prices are continuing to lose steam, The Real Deal reports. In August, annual home-price gains slid below 6 percent for the first time in a year, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index. The index, which measures average home prices in major metro areas, reported a 5.8 percent year-over-year gain, compared with 6 percent in July. Rising prices in recent years have made homes the least affordable in a decade. Additionally, rising interest rates have made borrowing more expensive for prospective homeowners. As a result, home sales have declined. Compared to a year earlier, 14 of the 20 cities showed slower price growth. The highest year-over-year gains were in Las Vegas, San Francisco and Seattle — where prices ticked up 13.9, 10.6 and 9.6 percent, respectively. Markets including Chicago and New York fell below the national level with less than 3 percent growth. On the other hand, Los Angeles saw 6.2 percent while Miami reported 5 percent.

10/31/2018

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