Intelligence Briefs

The insertion of promos for its shows and movies between episodes of current programs is something Netflix is testing -- resulting in some criticism from its subscribers. But, what if Netflix were to show advertisements, rather than promos? And, what if Netflix bumped its subscription rates by at least $5 per month? Broadcast TV execs may be interested in the answer.

With Hurricane Florence about to hit the East Coast, broadcasters are well reminded of their obligations with respect to the airing of emergency information. As noted attorney David Oxenford points out, broadcasters may also want to consider the benefits that the FCC can offer in an emergency. While the FCC on Monday announced the postponement of its test of DIRS, the Disaster Information Reporting System, broadcasters may want to consider quickly getting familiar with this system.

Curious as to the power and influence of digital streaming shows in the U.S. and on a global level? The newly released Global SVOD TV Demand Report from Parrot Analytics is chock full of competitive data and intelligence that could help shape the content on your over-the-air broadcast outlets as well as your social media and OTT streams.

For the first five years conducting “Alternative FCC Compliance Certification Inspections,” 90% of the questions asked to featured columnist Ken Benner pertained to FCC required Public Files. The same percentage of individuals, he adds, "had virtually no idea of what was required or where to turn for information to be compliant." Here's what you need to avoid a potential fine.

On the final Thursday in August, thousands of households sharpened their pencils and got out their diaries. Just as they have since 1954, a representative sample of American viewers began meticulously documenting their television habits. It signals just one thing: sweeps. But, do sweeps still matter? This guest columnist seeks to answer the question.

While prepping the program and agenda for a seminar on FCC compliance, featured columnist Ken Benner contacted a regional Commission engineer to see if he would provide an outline of what, in his view, are the most significant items he looks for when visiting a station during a random inspection. The FCC engineer replied, and here's what he has to say.

The FM translator has provided a big boost to more than one AM radio station. At the same time, the FM translator has given operators an added boost through the rebroadcast of their HD multicast stations. But, are there limitations to the placement of an FM translator? That's what our Editor-in-Chief asks.

Perhaps the No. 1 question facing broadcast media C-Suiters is how to combat the magnetic ad-dollar behemoth that is digital social media, led by Facebook. Maybe, with time, radio and TV's budget battles will become a bit easier. How so? New intelligence from eMarketer shows Facebook ranking as the No. 1 social media hub across every age group except one. That would be teens -- and that's not good news.

The recent announcement from the FCC advising the proposed expansion of the Equal Employment Opportunity FCC office with additional staff and lawyers has many licensees on edge. Media Information Bureau columnist Ken Benner has some things to say about it.

The industry has a limited amount of tower crews, consulting engineers and other expertise. The time crunch tied to the post-Spectrum Auction repack process means they, and the stations that hire them, will spend the next few years scrambling to manage their repacked schedules, notes one active member in the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society in this exclusive column to RBR+TVBR.

By far, the three subjects noted in this Media Information Bureau column by Ken Benner cover 95% of the inquiries this "Mock" Inspection Program pro receives. The query associated with fines, fees and forfeitures? "What can I do to prevent the consequences?" Here are some suggestions that could save your stations thousands of dollars in payments to the United States Treasury and/or the FCC.

Sometimes, paving the road to future success requires a look back at what made a product desirable for years, or decades. Veteran radio programming consultant Clark Smidt believes much of what worked for radio station owners in the 1960s and 1970s still applies today. In his view, many of the owners of radio stations today are prime candidates for a trip back to the past to ensure a formidable future.

What exactly is government’s role in addressing misinformation online? That's a question Logan Circle Strategies President and AEI visiting fellow Shane Tews addresses in this column. In an era of "fake news," this could be of keen interest to your TV station or radio news department.

As the world digested the news of the death of the "Queen of Soul," RBR+TVBR opted to play the music of Aretha Franklin in tribute to her astounding contributions to music over six decades of recording industry prowess. It took an Urban One station based in Detroit and its iHeartRadio competitor to satisfy our needs.

Believe it or not, Pandora remains the most popular music streaming service in the U.S. But, that will change in the coming years, a new forecast focused on digital audio listeners from eMarketer finds.