Viacom Should Release Results Of Nielsen Investigation by David Goetzl

It was surprising last month when Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman lobbed such public allegations that Nielsen bore responsibility for declining ratings at Nickelodeon. The independent Media Rating Council (MRC) has been called in to investigate and conduct an audit of Nielsen's methodology. As a matter of fairness and industry responsibility, Viacom should release the findings -- whether Viacom or Nielsen is vindicated. Regrettably, it has indicated no plan to do so. But, when Dauman speaks Feb. 2, the bet is he'll indeed be adequately transparent -- even admit any error on Viacom's part. Dauman is an attorney. Despite that, appearances ...Read the whole story

  • TV Budgets Shifting To Video Ad Spend by Wayne Friedman

    A 32% rise in digital video advertising dollars coming from TV budgets is forecast. Video ad spending is growing at a fast rate and significant monies devoted to it are coming from TV budgets, upping the cost per view. ...Read the whole story

  • PBS Kids: Ratings Rise Attracts New Sponsors by Wayne Friedman

    The PBS Kids programming block says it has seen a strong ratings rise in nearly every demographic recently versus a year ago. As a result, it's added new sponsors: Stride Rite for "Curious George" and education company Age of Learning for "SuperWhy" and "Wild Kratts." ...Read the whole story

  • TV Guide Network Becomes More 'Network,' Less Guide by Joe Mandese

    TV Guide Network wants advertisers to know it's becoming a lot more TV and considerably less guide. The cable network, which started as scrolling TV listings "barker" channel, Prevue Channel, has gradually been reformatting itself to become a full-screen entertainment TV network that eschews its TV listings heritage in favor of conventional programming. Based on its negotiations with cable and satellite operators, more than 75% of TV Guide Network's total distribution will be carrying the full-screen version of the channel, dropping its listings scroll altogether, by the end of this year. ...Read the whole story

  • Rovi Taps Carson As CEO by David Goetzl

    Rovi Corp., which is seeking to build a robust advanced advertising business, has named Thomas Carson as president-CEO. He succeeds Alfred J. Amoroso, who has been in the role since 2005. ...Read the whole story

Getting Siri-ous About TV Remote's Future by Wayne Friedman

Apple's Siri -- the voice recognition interface that helps me make a spinning class reservation or reminds me to buy my father a new Elvis Presley-style toupee -- could be the future that will eliminate TV remotes. It's the entertainment butler I never had. Most importantly, it will eliminate the need for electronic program guides. This could drastically shift -- again -- the way we watch television. ...More

  • Noteworthy Series of 2011 You Won't See On Other 10 Best Lists by Ed Martin

    It's that time of year, when television critics everywhere reveal their annual 10 Best lists. Mine will be along in a couple of weeks. Before then, here's the first installment in a my look back at 10 significant shows you likely won't see championed in anyone's "Best of" columns. ...More