Adbiz

In the late 2000s, SRDS was nearly ubiquitous in the marketing and advertising industry, serving as an indispensable resource for locating and comparing digital and traditional media across business, consumer and geographic audiences. In recent years, however, SRDS had lost much of its lustre. Now, Kantar is selling it, and its forthcoming owner wishes to "rejuvenate" the legacy brand.

"With the COVID-19 pandemic now upon us, this will be the last normal month for the foreseeable future as far as the ad market is concerned," notes James Fennessy, CEO of Standard Media Index. SMI reports national TV ad revenue for February 2020 grew. But, by how much?

The spread of COVID-19, and the responses of industry and governments alike, is unprecedented. It is, however, the restrictions on movement of people along with the response of consumers and investors that is causing the biggest disruption and will have the most impact on entertainment businesses. Here, MIDiA explores the potential near- and mid-term impact of COVID-19 the sector.

Marketing attribution software company LeadsRx, along with select partners, are offering a no-cost "Triage Assessment Program" designed to help businesses in a time of need as the nation faces the COVID-19 and economic crises.

Yes, social distancing Flo is still a leader when it comes to radio advertising, the latest Media Monitors Spot Ten Radio report shows. However, the U.S. Census Bureau is clearly getting the word out about completing questionnaires while in quarantine.

iHeartMedia is receiving praise for pulling off one of the greatest feats in recent television history, at a time of unprecedented need. Much of the thanks should be directed to Tom Poleman, the President of the company's national programming group.

To help educate Americans about the steps they can take to stop the spread of the coronavirus and why social distancing is important, the Ad Council is developing a series of informative public messages using the hashtag #AloneTogether — an effort supported by the ANA.

Given the myriad challenges many in broadcast media have been faced with due to the novel coronavirus, we are pleased to share the many ways the late Irwin Pollack believed one could best deal with tension, strain and pressure in challenging times.

RNS is headed by owner and Senior Anchor Lesley Lotto, and AdLarge SVP/Business Development Frank DeSantis says, now more than ever, listeners need to know what’s going on in their local communities — heightening the need for RNS's services and a path to consumers for marketers seeking to reach them.

The decision comes in consultation with the Radio Mercury Awards Advisory Council and the Radio Advertising Bureau Executive Committee, RAB President/CEO Erica Farber notes. Call for Entry and Entry eligibility is now extended until early August.

With coronavirus fears putting many under "stay-at-home" orders, automotive dealer associations in the coming days could put a freeze on TV advertisers. On the contrary, big automotive brands could use the opportunity to send the message that they're here for consumers today, and when the COVID-19 pandemic concludes. The latter seems to be what's fueling automotive today.

RBR+TVBR's editors have completed their Census Bureau questionnaires. Has most of America, given the COVID-19 pandemic? To help encourage Americans to fill out the paper or online survey, the U.S. Census Bureau has turned to radio. And, to get the word out on how to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the CDC is also using AM and FM radio.

The worldwide coronavirus outbreak is forcing sports fans to stay at home, leading consumers to be in more desperate need of entertainment content during quarantines. With broadcasting scheduling being left practically barren, an opportunity arises for fans to view digital allegories of their favorite sports, says Futuresource Consulting. They say it is through esports.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has significantly increased the number of COVID-19 radio PSAs and ad revenue spend in major target markets. Los Angeles, New York and Seattle saw big jumps in coronavirus cases. As such, radio spot plays increased in these markets.

Could there be some "silver linings" regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to business closures and layoffs across multiple industries? Guest columnists William Nye and Kaleigh Drew say yes, and offer suggestions on what small businesses may wish to do today to grow their business. Radio and TV GSMs may wish to take note.