Intelligence Briefs

The White House and strict constitutionalist Mike O'Rielly, the FCC Commissioner, don't see eye to eye on Section 230 reform. Hence, O'Rielly is exiting at the end of his term on January 23, 2021. But, what does the AEI -- selected by the Trump administration to transition the FCC from the Obama administration -- have to say about the internet free speech statute?

New research shows that nearly 60% of children are multi-tasking while watching TV - an increase of just over half when compared to the same survey conducted six months prior. While the results indicate that TV is still the dominant platform for TV and video viewing, it raises questions around current engagement levels in a multi-platform world.

The "P1 Listener," that industry term used to describe the person who listens most to a particular radio station or format, exhibits a largely problematic trait for radio broadcasting companies. There's a "hardware challenge," Edison Research Director of Research Laura Ivey says. Why that is a "challenge" in 2020 is the subject of a RBR+TVBR OBSERVATION.

Silicon Dust was already making networked TV tuners and DVR devices when ATSC 3.0 pivoted Nick Kelsey’s attention. Intrigued, he turned to Kickstarter last April to raise $50,000 for a 3.0-capable device. The response? It was incredible, he says in this report from Cora Leighter.

"Companies that plan to reemerge and grow in 2021 would be wise to include Hispanic consumers in their strategic business growth plans," notes David Mesas, with Claritas. "Hispanics are critical to our country’s recovery, and they will be major drivers for our growth and expansion over the next 5-10 years." Are your stations speaking to them?

NY Fashion Week concludes Thursday (9/17) with live streaming sessions through the midday hours. What does this have to do with television? It's all about added ad dollars, and how local and regional luxury brands may warrant a call from one of your AEs.

As cleaning, safety and wellness products continue to be a priority for American households, spending on this segment has increased 34% since COVID-related worries began at the end of February. These findings are part of new data released by CPG brand ad effectiveness research consultancy NCSolutions (NCS).

It's all about the Benjamins for BMI, a self-described "global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music." Despite the unprecedented impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, BMI closed its fiscal 2020 June 30 "with historic revenue and royalty distributions" — just as many radio broadcast companies saw their revenue cratering.

A virtual Census 2020 phone bank gets the green light across ABC-owned television stations in such key electorate markets as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno. Things kick off Wednesday, in partnership with the Hispanic Federation.

Some 68% of American respondents of a just-released study say they pay for some sort of live television programming in one way or another. Why? The answer, says research firm CivicScience, is simple: News.

The first wave of a post-pandemic survey has been commissioned, and its goal is to explore the impact that COVID-19 has had on entertainment, leisure, and lifestyle habits. It includes a special focus on changes in television services used and viewing behaviors.

At least one LPTV company is ready to go with “Broadcast Internet” service, whatever that may ultimately turn out to be. Here's what Spectrum Evolution has to say on the data side benefits of ATSC 3.0, which is powering NEXTGEN TV, courtesy of a longtime D.C. communications attorney who has formally announced his retirement.

ATSC 3.0 datacasting brings the one-to-many delivery of broadcasting to the one-to-one world of wireless connectivity, just as the Internet of Things gathers steam. This means steady, low-maintenance dividend-like revenue streams for broadcasters, and capital expenditure relief for wireless carriers.

Now that the presidential election season is heating up and California Sen. Kamala Harris is the 2020 Democratic Vice Presidential nominee, it is a great time to review what lies ahead for those committed to campaigning in earnest until Election Day. To do so, RBR+TVBR is offering readers a new look at a June 2008 column from a Womble Bond Dickinson partner. 

Our Editor-in-Chief's lightbulb over the head went flashing this morning over a nice healthy breakfast. In pre-COVID times, this was a time-consuming task that led to a steep decrease in breakfast cereal sales, and the "Starbucks to go" routine. Today, a return to table dining before work is a reality -- if only advertising promoted it. Hello, Radio!