Cable networks are filling much of Manhattan's blank space with ads seeking upfront dollars. But a pitch in Monday's Wall Street Journal seemed to pop more than any of them. In a full-page ad, magazine publisher Meredith offered "ROI Guaranteed" in bold type.

Netflix or Amazon may produce some original hits, but upend the traditional TV production model? The advertising mogul and TV commentator Donny Deutsch argued that vigorously on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" in an appearance with the masterminds behind "Alpha House," the Amazon political comedy that started to come together last year. Yet it's tough to accuse Deutsch of going overboard. Broadcast networks aren't going anywhere and cable channels are producing some of the best dramas ever.

In a guest commentary, TVB President-CEO Steve Lanzano argues live + same day ratings in local markets is "the data stream that most closely correlates with the accepted network standard."

Marketers increasingly look to employ elements of paid, earned and owned media in their campaigns. Snickers may or may not buy any media to back a stunt it's got going in conjunction with this weekend's Kentucky Derby, but it deserves some earned exposure.

Facebook would seem to be a helpful customer-service tool for cable and other pay-TV providers. How better to quickly respond to frustration about service disruptions or answer questions about when a particular channel might be carried?

Is the C3 vs. C7 debate worthy of the attention it will continue to receive until a settlement is reached? Yes. Anytime, the national TV market could undergo a currency switch, it merits vast interest. Not just in the financial impact, but in the philosophy (i.e. what does it say about consumer behavior?). Buyers and sellers will have to sort it out. But there is a compromise to be had.

Editor's Note: In this guest commentary, a top Boston station executive recounts events from last week in the wake of the Marathon tragedy, while offering an endorsement of local broadcasting's role in a time of crisis.

There's no doubt that TV and social media have become hot companions. In fact, there's a whole sub-category of media hype that's been coined to describe it: "Second screens." Needless to say, TV has been the first screen, while PCs, tablets and handhelds are all deemed, well, No. 2. Now, Madison Square Garden Co.'s Fuse network wants to flip the model, launching what it claims is the first TV shows inspired by social media content vs. the other way around. The new show, dubbed "Trending 10," not surprisingly, is being done in collaboration with Twitter, and will be produced based …

Beta Research released compelling research Wednesday showing various consumer preferences among cable networks. Most interesting, though, is the clue the data offered as to which networks might succeed most on TV Everywhere platforms.

Neuroscience sure seems a lot more effective than online surveys and focus groups. At least on paper, evaluating brain activity seems a more straightforward path to gaining insight into marketing effectiveness than 15 people sitting around a table, where they may be afraid to be completely honest. The brain doesn't lie, right?