May We Forget The Month On Wall Street For comScore?
For comScore, it's been a brutal fourweeks. On March 18, shares were just under $22. Today, SCOR is struggling to get back over the $11 mark. On Friday, a small gain was seen for the company's battered stock.
Is 2019 The ‘Make-Or-Break’ Year For TV Upfronts?
Silicon Valley's under-regulated cash-flush GAFANs one year ago had seemingly conquered Hollywood, with out-of-home advertising dominated by Netflix and Amazon Studios. This week across Midtown Manhattan, it became clear the Upfronts are now under attack.
Parents Television Council Lauds FCC On Content Ratings Report
The Parents Television Council has been vocal of late regarding what it perceives are the "numerous, intrinsic failings" of the TV Content Ratings System. Now, it is applauding the FCC for providing Congress a report that largely affirms what the PTC has been saying for years.
Robocalls, Broadband Dominate FCC Oversight Hearing
Think media ownership rules were top discussion topics for FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and the GOP three that are driving Commission policy under a "light touch approach"? Nope. Better broadband access, spectrum allocation for 5G and combating robocalls took center stage.
A ‘Refocused’ Univision Gets Upfront On Its Advertiser Benefits
Univision Communications is in the midst of a rebirth under CEO Vince Sadusky. Forget that IPO talk, or discussing possible Univision Radio divestments. At its Upfront, digital and video content took center stage as Sadusky touted the company's unique value proposition.
Two Members Of Congress Want FCC Diversity Reboot
A Senator and a House Member late last week, via a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, urged the Commission to reinstate practices to collect data on broadcast workforce diversity. They claim that while the FCC is required by law to collect this data, it's failed to do so.
NBCUniversal: Upfront About Its Universal Appeal
NBCUniversal, thanks to its diverse array of media offerings, can target multicultural groups in ways few others can. What stood out for NBCUniversal at its official 2019-2020 Upfront event, held Monday morning at Radio City Music Hall? 'This Is Us,' and Olympians.
Viacom: Read The Fine Print
Media Analyst Michael Nathanson notes there was much uncertainty heading into the AT&T-owned DirecTV renewal negotiations for Viacom. Now, it is very clear what transpired between the two companies. As such, 2019 is now “a tale of two halves” for Viacom.
Scripps Shares Tumble On Shaky Q2 Guidance
Here's the good news: The E.W. Scripps Co. significantly lowered its net loss in Q1, as revenue grew. And now, the not-so-good news: pro-forma Local Media revenue is pacing down low-single digits in Q2, with segment expenses poised to rise. Investors revolted.
A Whole New Cumulus Enjoys ‘A Very Strong Quarter’
"It has been a busy 7 weeks since we last spoke, and we're pleased to be reporting a very strong quarter today," Cumulus Media CEO Mary Berner said Thursday to open the company's first Q1 earnings call since emerging from debtor-in-possession status. Net income was achieved.
Get Down On It: Univision’s Q1 Dance
Univision Communications' Spanish Word of the Day is abajo.That, translated to English, is "down." And, it is the only word that can describe the performance of the nation's biggest Hispanic-centric media company during Q1.
TEGNA Stock Rises On Positive Q1 Results
TEGNA, the TV station owner formerly known as Gannett, saw its shares rise by 1.8% in midday trading on Thursday following the release of what it calls "solid first quarter results." Was TEGNA's braggadocio justified?
Radio Challenges Put A Dent In Urban One’s Q1
A ransomware attack, along with added expenses tied to a late-night TVOne talk program hosted by D.L. Hughley, were black marks on an otherwise positive Q1 earnings report delivered early Thursday by Urban1. Still, net revenue slipped even as Reach Media and TVOne saw gains.
Will House Democrats Grill Pai At FCC Oversight Hearing?
Any changes to the nation's local media ownership rules will likely come under the close scrutiny of two House members who have emerged as foes of Ajit Pai. A May 15 hearing could prove to be a pivotal moment for the Commission, and for radio and TV rule "modernization."
Gray Shares Slide Despite Largely Healthy Quarter
"Record operating revenues" were heralded by Gray as it released its Q1 results. Of course, there's more to the story, and when costs related to its Raycom merger are subtracted from the mix, strong quarterly earnings were seen. Perhaps investors didn't get the message.