• Research: Social Media Doesn't Play Starring Role In Network Marketing
    Despite the hoopla about social media driving interest in new fall shows, network marketers probably shouldn't abandon inserts in entertainment magazines or planes tugging banners over beaches. Which is a bummer considering using Facebook and Twitter is a lot cheaper than buying pages or hiring pilots. Even with half the world on Facebook and Twitter generating more traffic than the Jersey Turnpike on a holiday eve, new research suggests social media will remain just a tool in launching new shows. Among social media users ages 13 to 54, a Knowledge Networks survey found only 5% said the platform is "very …
  • Nielsen Looks To Capture VOD In New Service
    The TV industry has struggled to find a widely accepted measurement system for video on demand (VOD). Now, with viewership rising, Nielsen is floating a new approach that could help launch a viable VOD advertising business. Nielsen is talking with clients about an "On Demand C3" metric, which would meld live, time-shifted and VOD viewing into a single C3 number. The product might carry a sleeker "ODC3" brand. Hopefully, it won't take on ODC3TVE : On Demand C3 TV Everywhere.
  • Cable Operators Hold Keys To Entertainment Future
    A Credit Suisse report charges cable operators with failing to come to terms with the threat today's teens pose to their business over the next decade. Dealing with questions on whether a generation reared on free Web content and Netflix will subscribe to their pay-TV services, they often go with a short-sighted argument. Still, as long as they control the broadband pipes, they might be able to put their heads in the sand because there aren't too many more attractive businesses over the long term than one giving wide reign to set prices for access to online video, one of …
  • ESPN And Jameson Share Blame in Ad Snafu
    On Nov. 1, @PD335 tweeted praise for "Unguarded," the critically acclaimed ESPN documentary about a basketball star whose career was torn apart by substance abuse. But, he wasn't entirely satisfied, expressing frustration that Irish whiskey Jameson was a sponsor. "I don't know why, but that struck a wrong chord," @PD335 said. He wasn't the only one suggesting on social media that the Jameson involvement was insensitive. ESPN took the blame this week, but Jameson deserves some, too. In response, Poynter's Jason Fry spoke with ESPN about the matter and the network acknowledged it made a mistake. In consultation with an …
  • Some Media Topics Only Need Coverage When Narrative Changes
    In the media world, there are a number of stories that merit a moratorium by the press. Coverage should stop immediately about Fox News viewers being tragically uninformed; about Americans wanting a new, huge TV set; and about TV executives dismissing cord-cutting as a threat. Hold off until any of those narratives change. Wait until situations merit headlines such as: "New Poll: Fox Is Top News Source for Rhodes Scholars"; "People Say They Can Make Do With The TV Sets They Own"; or "Cable Chiefs Say Customers Now Believe All Good Content Can Be Found Online."
  • Starz CEO Albrecht Does Others A Big Favor
    Top executives at content-creation engines should make sure they send Chris Albrecht a holiday card. Looking out for his own interests, Albrecht nonetheless did them a big favor by moving to cut ties with Netflix early next year. By forgoing hundreds of millions, he no doubt helped out big cash in their pockets.
  • The Rise of Newt Gingrich... and the Lack of Entertaining TV
    Attack the news media! One of the best TV story lines makes a comeback in the political scene. But why just stop there? Perhaps a new movement will start up. The rise of Newt Gingrich as a strong Republican candidate brings to the forefront a typical political whipping post of years ago: the news media. Gingrich also has problems with the news media -- he says it looks to pit Republican candidates on each other! Gingrich, during the debates, also has no problems attacking the media for its questioning in general.
  • Politics, Paterno and L'Affaire Romenesko Dominate News Business
    Scandals of epic and not-so-epic proportions have fascinated the news business over the past couple of weeks. The BIG ONE, of course rages on at Penn State, where an apparent leadership and moral vacuum has left the reputation of perhaps the most revered college football coach in the history of the game in tatters. Of course all the facts are not in yet, but if Joe Paterno did pass the buck and basically ignore the case of a one-time subordinate coach raping a child in the Penn State showers, well, that's way beyond disgraceful. But apparently not illegal.
  • Insights & Insanity: Beck Says He Turned Down General Motors, Nissan Rubs One Wrong Way
    In this month's version of Insights & Insanity, Glenn Beck tells of turning down a big ad buy from General Motors because his moral compass wouldn't allow him to take the money, while railing against the automaker's government bailout. Also, a Nissan ad featuring one of its trucks helping a malfunctioning plane land safely lacks sensitivity.
  • Acting As Media Company, NFL Moves Into Print
    In an endorsement of the would-be flailing industry, one of the most powerful and wealthy brands in media is entering the print game. Even with billions of dollars in TV contracts, its own network and a well-trafficked Web site, the NFL will debut a monthly magazine next month. There continue to be print launches from scratch, but the magazine industry may get to the point where new ventures without an established brand and strong promotional platform become increasingly difficult. The coming NFL Magazine has the NFL network, NFL.com and other popular league-facilitated opportunities for marketing and content sharing.
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