Posted on 02/28/2009 8:09:37 AM PST by abb
Viewers may be consuming more content overall, but live ratings and the commercial ratings that form the currency of the business continue to fall at the broadcast networks.
Live viewing at CBS, Fox, NBC, My Network TV and The CW was down 7-10% through mid-January, while C3 numbers were down 5-8%, according to a report from Los Angeles based ad agency RPA
While broadcast viewership was under siege before last year’s writer’s strike, RPA notes this year’s numbers were hurt by fewer new shows, shows that wouldn’t have normally returned, and the historic election cycle.
In the 18-49 year old demographic, combined live viewing was down 10%, while the C3 numbers were down only 8%. In total viewers, live viewing was off 7%, while C3 was down 5%.
So the report had some good news for broadcasters, with viewing of commercials in the C3 metric tracking ahead of live viewing. For instance, some viewers who record shows on DVR may also watch commercials, which boosts the viewing figures and arguably provides advertisers with a more engaged customer.
The report reads, “There was a big positive to come out of the first half ratings and one that could augur well for the future. C3 viewing equaled or slightly surpassed live viewing, meaning not only a larger audience but an audience that data suggests is extremely engaged.”
In C3 ratings for the 18-49 demo, CBS had the smallest drop at 7%, followed by NBC and Fox down 10%, ABC down 14% and The CW down 20%.
"Network evening newscasts will go dark after the '08 elections and their news divisions disbanded."
Walter Abbott, (b. 1950), Media observer and commentator
ping
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/28/business/media/28network.html?hp
Broadcast TV Faces Struggle to Stay Viable
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/189256-Stations_Call_March_Sweeps_Useless_.php
Stations Call March Sweeps ‘Useless’
Lack of comparison for results will make numbers less valid
The only reason network news still exists is because of the scarcity of quality entertainment programming.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/189269-Univision_Latest_To_Make_Layoffs.php
Univision Latest To Make Layoffs
Spanish-language giant cuts some 300 employees
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/189246-Chicago_Tribune_Shuts_Down_Broadcast_Side_of_Washington_Bureau.php
Chicago Tribune Shuts Down Broadcast Side of Washington Bureau
Caused the elimination of 10 positions
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/189264-Noncom_KETC_Slashes_Expenses_As_State_Rescinds_Funding.php
(Public TV) Noncom KETC Slashes Expenses As State Rescinds Funding
Cuts staff by 10% as result of surprise state budget cut
Isn’t it time for cafeteria style offerings. Pay a small monthly fee to the download/broadcast service and pay for the shows you want. Can be packaged or charged for total hours. Shows available on demand. No network, with or without commercials available. Networks are irrelevant. Let people produce whatever they want. If they sell they continue if not, try you tube.
I see everything being on the internet. Anything that’s ever been filmed available 24/7/365 on demand on YOUR schedule.
The only “appointment” viewing will be sports, political events, awards shows, etc.
Yo are right networks are irrelevant except for their propaganda news services. We wee in power for 40 years and never shut down the networks like the libs are going to shut down talk radio. some times I think we get what we deserve. Then works are a useless middle man the stations should go directly to Hollywood for their programming and not go through the nets.
With Satellite TV, with what seems like an endless selection of channels , night after night we will find nothing on worth watching. Its horrible! Thankfully I have a DVD library of about 1400 movies, and a Netflix subscription.
I don't remember it being that way back in the 1960’s or 1970’s
< /sarc >
Don’t meet. Work.
February 27th, 2009
So now the American society of Newspapers Editors has canceled its annual meeting, joining the Magazine Publishers of America, joining the World Association of Newspapers and the World Editors Forum before them. There aren’t enough dollars to send them to Vegas or its equivalent. And the way things are going, there won’t be enough of them to get a quorum anyway.
http://www.newspaperdeathwatch.com/
Cablevision to Charge for Newsday.com
http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20090227/FREE/902279970
Newsday’s Internet plan sparks debate
http://recoveringjournalist.typepad.com/recovering_journalist/
Isn’t It Ironic?
http://cancelthebee.blogspot.com/
Bee management proposes 34 layoffs in addition to salary cuts and possible furloughs... Guild will vote on proposal March 6
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/
Sumner Can Now Breath Sigh Of Relief
I go out for a while and Redstone finally restructures his massive $1.5 billion debt. The announcement came this afternoon that his National Amusements will have a repayment extension to December 31st, 2010 with certain repayments coming in 2009 and 2010. The good news for Sumner is that he won’t have to sell more of his controlling interests in CBS or Viacom. The continuing bad news is that the share prices of both those companies are treading water.
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003946425
Maryland Paper Drops Monday Edition
I agree. I see the capability already on my computer. How do you see it on the TV. Can we do it now?
I agree. I don’t need nor want 300 channels. 30 would be fine, but I still pretty much watch one at a time. I don’t have cable, but use broadcast signal ocassionally and have the flat panel hooked up to a computer.
When you're hungry, even burnt toast tastes delicious. I find that nowadays I get much more enjoyment debating ideas and thoughts with my fellow FReepers than watching TV.
The changes over the next 20 years will rival those that occurred after movable type was invented 500 years ago.
The only difference between a computer monitor and a television is one sits on your desk and the other sits in your den. The technology is here today. It will only improve.
We have directv with all the packages. But there must be 250 channels we never watch except by accident if we're cruising by.
I go with the program and not the channel or network.
I like the options of the various movie channels, but probably need to see if NeFlix or Blockbuster can do the trick.
I like some of the original programming from HBO and Showtime now and then.
So I’ve got a HDTV with all the plugs and I want to also do my e-mail and cruise the web. Do I just hook up a CPU? Do I need special software?
Technologically challenged here. But some of the FReepers I think are up to snuff on it.
My experience is, post a question and wait 15 minutes. Someone here always has an answer.
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