February 24 2010-Media Bites

Will consumers begin to accept more advertising in the digital video realm? Nielsen hopes so. Starting in the fall of 2010, the research company will begin sharing data with subscribers that include commercial viewing; whether on line or on air.

Viewers tend to gravitate to sites like Hulu.com and Fancast.com that have limited commercial interruption. What I think is more palatable there is that you can decide how you want the advertising delivered while viewing. Additionally, these services will actually give you 'your show will return in 30 seconds' message. In order for the Nielsen research model to work, the same commercial load must air in both places. Can you imagine trying to watch the most recent episode of 'Flash Forward' and having to sit through an endless array of auto ads and wireless services messages? Why not just TiVo or DVR the show and push through all of the advertising?

Now instead of the consumer controlling the content and consumption, the media will control both-again.

I'm already paying cable fees to watch on air. Not really interested in paying again to see the same show with the same commercial load. Let me pay one monthly price and watch on my laptop while sitting in an airport, on my clear and crisp Apple LED cinema monitor, in my house on the TV or on my Iphone-here's my credit card. I want to control the when, where and how I am entertained or informed and for that, I'm willing to pay.

Media Bites-Feb 10 2010

FOX wants Howard Stern to replace Simon Cowell on 'American Idol'

Straight from the shock jock's mouth: 'There's not a better job on the planet than judging that f*****g karaoke contest'. Is FOX just about ready to jump the shark by even considering putting Stern on the judges panel? I could see a few guest apperances to shake things up a bit-even Victoria Beckham was on during auditions (not only giving advice as a member of the Spice Girls, but counseling contestants on their fashion sense as well).

How about using this as a platform for Conan O'Brien? Rumor has it, and Rupert Murdoch has already said the net is very interested in having him. Couldn't you see him on the panel with his nasty sidekick puppet canine Triumph trading jabs with the contestants, Randy and Kara-now that I would tune in for.

Howard Stern on 'Idol' will certainly bring fans over from his Sirius gig and FOX may even see a ratings bump. However, in my humble opinion, that won't last and ratings will slide off the chart.

Media Bites-Feb 9 2010

If you've ever had the chance to watch 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' then you've got a real taste for the composition of FX. What I find so encouraging is that they know exactly who their audience is and how to program to them-the widely sought after 18-49 adult viewer ( and I would argue this net skews more male than others, with the exception of Spike TV) They have six out of eleven series returning including 'Nip/Tuck, 'Rescue Me', 'Damages' 'Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia' , 'The League' and 'Sons of Anarchy'

New series on the schedule include the animated show 'Archer', 'Justified', 'Lights Out', 'Louis' +' Terriers'. Additionally, they have acquired the rights to air blockbuster movies including the recently released 'Avatar', the 'Twilight' franchise.

What does all of this mean to consumers and advertisers? According to Kagan research, ad revenues are up to an estimated $373 million and the network continues to promote and grow its viewer base. If you are an advertiser looking to reach young adults that enjoy gritty, edgy programming-get your message on FX. If you're channel surfing and looking for an alternative to vanilla ho hum shows or worse yet, more reality-check out FX.

http://www.fxnetworks.com/