Intelligence Briefs

The variety of tech devices and services that consumers use today is very different from what was available in 2003, or 2008. Pity the VCR? Smartphones and PCs are found in more than 75% of U.S. homes, and newer devices and services like smart TVs, internet-connected devices, and SVOD services are growing at what Nielsen calls "a significantly fast pace." What does this mean for your business?

"Your sales reps can differentiate themselves by asking great questions," says featured Media Information Bureau columnist Barrett Riddleberger. "However, the art of the follow-up question can really set them apart." With that, Riddleberger offers the following advice, meant for C-Suiters to share with their reps as a guide for improved sales performance.

As a broadcasting consultant with more than 30 years in the industry, RBR+TVBR featured columnist Kelly Orchard stays fully connected to what's impacting radio -- and those employed in broadcast media. Orchard is also a licensed psychotherapist, and she's penned another great read on how C-Suiters and staffers can both improve their mental health in an ever-challenging business environment.

Well, that's a provocative headline. And, who else but Media Information Bureau featured columnist Ken Benner to write a piece that delves further into his obsession with Federal government "complexification." Here's his latest effort, which should make for some fine weekend reading.

With more choice, more access to information, and less incentive to be loyal, today’s customers are firmly in control of their relationships with companies. Understanding today’s customer has become increasingly difficult — both for advertisers using radio and TV and for the broadcasters themselves. That's why Salesforce developed its “State of the Connected Customer” report, and its second edition is now out. RBR+TVBR perused the report, and here are the key points.

PwC last night released its Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2018-2022 report, and there's tons of data on the U.S. music, radio, and podcasts segments that is definitely worth a look. There's growth when combining these three things under a single header and computing their combined value. We're talking nearly $50 billion here.

Here's a novel idea from Media Information Bureau columnist Kelly Orchard: "The broadcast industry can use their powerful voices to improve the lives of their listeners." In her view, radio broadcasters can play a major role in replacing isolation with socialization. What would be the benefit to radio? Find out in this Members Only offering from RBR+TVBR!

In this Media Information Bureau column, we explore how new sources of TV viewing data (including the set-top box and automated content recognition) are set to "radically change the way marketers, networks and broadcasters measure TV viewership, plan media buys and execute ad campaigns." Three key questions are asked by Tivo. All the details are here.

Can a “material adverse change” derail the purchase of a radio or TV station? Erwin Krasnow, a partner at Washington law firm Garvey Schubert Barer, takes the mic in this penultimate Deal Killers podcast moderated by RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson. Also sharing their thoughts are media broker Doug Ferber of DEFcom Advisors and Bruce Mittman and Jim Leven — the leaders of radio broadcasting company Community Broadcasters.

"GDPR," or the General Data Protection Regulation, is now law within the European Union. You may have received an email or two about receiving emails from various companies, as part of a sweeping rule that some U.S. businesses -- including yours -- may be concerned about. Why? Some wonder if it could happen here. AEI visiting scholar Roslyn Layton has some ideas that are definitely worth your time.

"Ol' Dad" Ken Benner's mailbox is filling up with queries from RBR+TVBR Members. "Why do you write?" "Where do you get your funding?" Benner has some fun with those questions while sharing some "serious business" pertaining to "major projects involved with regulatory transparency pertaining to American broadcasting." Sounds like a great read to us!

Younger consumers are cutting the cord, and finding new ways to watch video entertainment. The common belief is that these viewers are switching to SVOD services or viewing content on their phone, with no interest in linear TV. New data from Nielsen suggest that this assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.

Does the Commission have a big problem with how it looks at a big, complex merger? Daniel Lyons, an associate professor at Boston College Law School who is also a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, very much thinks so. Here's what he has to say on the subject.

Pivotal Research Group Senior Research Analyst of Advertising Brian Wieser has analyzed trends associated with the use of television alongside commercial share trends for national media owners in the U.S. for the calendar month of April 2018. What did he find? Viewing on internet-connected devices surged.

Many sellers underestimate how much they will need post-exit and overestimate the company’s value. In this third Deal Killers Podcast, Community Broadcasters COO Bruce Mittman, President/CEO Jim Leven and Controller Peter Henderson share their thoughts on the important topic of "unclear post-closing goals." It's another RBR+TVBR member exclusive!