1.++Program+Selection+Strategy

__ ** In this space include comments, questions, or points of discussion concerning strategies of PROGRAM SELECTION** __

2. How have shows like // American Idol, The Voice, Glee //, and // X Factor // influenced the recording/music industry?

Shows like //American Idol, The Voice, Glee,// and //X Factor// have greatly impacted the recording/music industry. You cannot look at an itunes top 10 list without seeing a glee version of a song, which helps labels as well as artists make money. The artists and labels also gain attention so other songs are exposed due to a hit on national television. Songs that have been hits in the past have resurfaced in theses shows so the younger generation has started a second wave of sensation so it becomes a hit again. Besides exposing songs it has made it easier for people to gain fame without having to sign a contract for a label as well as shop around for the right label to sign them if that is their wish. It has changed the distribution pipeline and has altered the industry. (Elizabet Tippet 11/16/11).

After examining Dial-Global.com for a few minutes, it was clear that there are quite a few drawbacks and advantages to network syndicated radio programming. They have a well established organization with an amazing reputation that serves over 6,000 stations in the U.S. Additionally, they can provide things like preparation services and image productions. However a major drawback is the cost of using a high end service like this, as well as having to fully rely on their syndication to achieve what the local radio station hopes to achieve. (Allyson Testa 11/16/11)

When we talked about premium channels on Wednesday, specifically HBO, Showtime Cinemax, etc., I thought it was interesting that these types of channels try to counter-program other channels' lineups. For example, one slide said that Showtime did this with HBO, to try to attract a different audience and feature other program originals. What I think is also intriguing is that these channels counter-program, while broadcast networks such as CBS, ABC, and NBC try to match what each other is airing to try to steal audiences in a way. They work on the strategy "win a night" and premium channels work on counter-programming. (Will Rettig 10/28/11)

After discussing the concept of Tiering, Wednesday in class, I began to think about real life examples. For example, in my family, we have HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax. Although we usually only tune into Showtime and HBO, we still pay for Starz and Cinemax because it is part of the bundle. Cable MSO's charge only a little bit more money to buy the four networks, instead of just the two. This makes sense because they are grouping the less popular similar content with the more popular similar content in order to maximize their audiences. (Allyson Testa 10/28)

I was watching Game 6 of the World Series on FOX right after David Freese hit a walk-off homerun to force a game 7 and noticed a very controversial announcement provided by FOX. Several advertisements were aired after the game promoting a website that gives viewers more information on the failed retransmission agreement between FOX networks and DirectTV

[] is a website that further explains the failed cooperation between FOX networks and the DirectTV cable provider in a retransmission agreement. I found it very interesting as it directly relates to the affiliate/retrans agreements. (Nicholas Sterr, 10/28/11)

Today in class we discussed the concept of a viewer’s channel repertoire, and I realized that my personal repertoire has become especially limited due to time constraints of projects, tests, and assignments. When I used to watch as many as 10 channels, I am down to just the core 2: Bravo, E!. I realized that I will turn on the TV and immediately tune to those networks and more than likely find a program worth watching since I haven’t been able to keep constant viewing. If my subscription fees were based on the Ala Carte concept, my cable bill would be greatly reduced. (Carly Leonard, 10/26/11)


 * Interestingly, Carly, the last report conducted by the FCC was in 2004 and it found that pricing would actually be HIGHER. (Here's the actual report...it's long...but conclusions about pricing can be found on page 93). This was seen by many as just a response to heavy pressure from the cable television lobby upon the FCC. Here's an example of such an opinion. Cable MSOs have been as recently as this month experimenting with what they call "ala carte" but some say it really isn't. [|Article]. Dr. P (10.30.11)

From my understanding, a retransmission consent agreement is when a station demands that a cable provider must pay them money to use their station. While a must carry agreement is when a station demands that a cable provider include their station, but does not receive any money. Is this correct? And if so, how does a station choose which agreement to use. (Peter O'Daniel, 10/24/2011)

I had always wondered how programmers decided on local versus network programming. From local stations they get their shows through local-into-local (DBS), must carry, and retransmission consent and from Cable networks the MSO has an arguably more complicated system. The MSO PD must be aware of the lift involved, ESPN is an example of a show that draws many people and has a higher carriage fee. It is interesting to see how they balance getting the cheaper programming while trying to keep their customers as happy as possible. I know plenty of people who are unhappy with their current provider. (Elizabeth Tippet, 10/21/11)


 * Thanks for the comment Elizabeth. What is it that the people you know are unhappy with when it comes to their cable/satellite provider? Price? Channel selection? I'd be interested to know. Dr. P (10/23/11)

Before reading the information from the FCC web page i did not know much information about the Must-Carry or retransmission consent. I learned that although the two function separately, cable broadcasters much choose once every three years, whether to continue carriage or to obtain carriage. Most cable broadcasters try to avoid drastic change. They also will inform consumers at least thirty days in advance if any changes will be made to the cable. Therefore, consumers are not startled or confused by the change and can continue to enjoy their service. (Ian Lefkowitz, 10/14/11)

There are three main options a programming director must select from when they decide that a currently scheduled show must be replaced. They can clear it, delay it, or preempt it. According to the Eastman readings, if a show is suddenly cancelled and needs to be replaced, it must be acted upon as soon as possible. For example, NBC’s the Playboy Club was recently cancelled. NBC’s Programming Director must find a replacement for this primetime slot. According to the industry insights article, “The network is likely to plug the Bunny hole with repeats of //Prime Suspect.”// Although a huge percentage of primetime slots get cleared, the networks must still find a way to fill the slot and redeem themselves. (Allyson Testa 10/7)

After reading Chapter 3 from Eastman this week, it is clear that when deciding on syndicated programming, local program directors consider multiple strategies. A popular strategy is audience flow. This is getting the most viewers to watch your show. This can be manipulated by using lead ins, to have viewers keep their attention on the program and hopefully attract other viewers from other programs. (Jordan Kay 10/7/11)

In the Eastman reading for this week, one discussion is brought up about a show and what the program director should do if he or she thinks it may need to be removed from the schedule. In this situation, I think the program crew members could get the opportunity to redeem themselves with one more show and be deemed "on the bubble." We talked about this in class and basically the show is on the borderline of being removed from a station's schedule and if its ratings continue to drop or the show is not successful, then it will be removed from the schedule. (Will Rettig 10/6/11)

In relation to what we've been discussing in class, an important aspect in the broadcast networks' prime time decision making is when to cancel programs that are doing poorly in the ratings. Even though the fall season has just begun, NBC's "The Playboy Club", and "Free Agents" already have speculation for cancellation. Both program's premieres only drew around a 1.1 rating. Early cancellation is a usual strategy for broadcast networks. Last fall season both Fox and ABC cancelled programs after just 2 episodes. According to this article, despite the speculation, NBC will give both shows a chance to gain an audience and allow for more creative development in order to possibly improve ratings. http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/tvbizwire/2011/09/how-close-is-nbc-to-canceling.php (Elisa Silvestro 10/3)

I am a fan of Two and a Half Men, obviously because I'm always thinking of something to post about them in the Wikis. The start of the new season with Ashton Kutcher began on September 19. This week, we talked about a stunt program, which can also be referred to as a "special." For example, an hour-long "special" to kick off the new season for a show would be considered a special. Two and a Half Men took a somewhat different approach and began the season with the death of Charlie Sheen in the first episode and the introduction of Kutcher. At the end of the first episode, there were still pieces of the plot that were missing so the director(s) and producer(s) made it into two 30-minute episodes to open the season and put "to be continued..." and the end of the first episode. The second episode began where the first episode left off. I am not positive if this is considered a stunt, maybe it can be discussed in class? (Will Rettig 9/29/11)


 * Yeah, Will, sometimes what actually happens doesn't fit neatly in the definition of traditional strategies. The first episode with Kutcher wouldn't be a "stunt" in one way...since he is going to be the re-occurring new character. However, people who might not normally watch //Two and a Half Men// would be tempted to tune in to see how the creators handle the loss of Sheen and the introduction of Kutcher. Here's an article that demonstrates the "stunt" worked but then the show lost much of the ratings associated with it. However, the "buzz" associated with it may still help it stay strong this season. Entertainment Weekly Article Dr. P. 10/1/11

I can only imagine the politics that went into deciding which channels were determined to have very high frequency, and which were merely ultra high frequency. It makes me think of the separation between basic television and cable and the even more exclusive Direct TV. I had no idea that today 99% of households own television, which is really surprising considering 1 in 6 Americans is fighting hunger. It makes me wonder where people’s priorities are. I don’t quite understand the fin-syn rules so I hope we go over them in class a bit. I realize it was to help control ABC, NBC, and CBS from having a monopoly over the TV world but I don’t really understand the details to how it worked. I do find it interesting that Fox was able to compete with the Big Three and am curious to here more details in how that was able to happen. The chapter also made me wonder how DVR and Pay Per View movies will effect the industry in time. (Elizabeth Tippet 9/19/11)

Rachel, I think reality TV will always be cheaper than scripted shows. Yes, MTV is paying the cast of Jersey Shore an absurd amount of money, but compare the production of Jersey Shore to the production of a successful scripted show like Grey's Anatomy. Not only does ABC pay the actors on Grey's way more per episode than the Jersey Shore cast (Patrick Dempsey is reported to make $250,000 per episode, whereas Snookie makes somewhere around $30,000), but then ABC has to cover production costs that MTV does not have to worry about with reality TV. As their programming reflects, networks like MTV and Bravo have latched on to the idea of reality TV and the low costs that go along with it. Bravo does not create or air scripted TV shows at all, and I believe MTV has a few, but its lineup is dominated by reality shows. It will be interesting to see if other cable networks, and even broadcast networks, will eventually restructure their programming to make scripted television a thing of the past. (Jillian Hershman 9/9/11)

To go off of what Shawn was talking about above, reality stars have become celebrities and are getting paid outrageous salaries. For example, the cast of The Jersey Shore have become huge sensations in the media on and off screen. Reality TV is cheap to produce, but it seems like it's becoming quite expensive to keep the casts and stars of the show. I remember reading about how MTV had to increase the salary of some of the cast members of the Jersey Shore for the next season just because of the fact they have become huge celebrities. What is the future going to be like for reality TV? Still cheap to produce or will it become more expensive because of the salaries? (Rachel Schmitt 9/8/11)

Building off of what Anna is saying, yesterday’s discussion on current programming trends made me think about the various broadcast television channels and their similarities and differences. When we broke down the categories under the popular trend of reality TV, we discussed various types including talent seeking, lifestyle, competition etc. When I later researched the broadcast channels and their current lineup, I definitely saw similarities in chosen content. For example, Fox airs talent seeking shows such as American Idol, The X factor and So You Think You Can Dance, while NBC airs a competing show, America’s Got Talent. Reality competition shows are also very popular. CBS, for example, airs both Survivor and The Amazing Race while NBC competes with their reality show, The Biggest Loser. I was particularly interested in our discussion about why reality television shows are constantly being created and how low production cost is a main influence. My question was then, what if reality stars become so popular that they too demand more money and the idea of low cost production is impossible? How do those networks deal with change? Here is an interesting article from the New York Times that discusses a similar issue: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/27/business/media/27reality.html (Shawn Stierwalt 9/8/2011)

Media fragmentation has allowed for an increased number of programs on an increased number of networks. These programs can introduce viewers by informing or educating them to new concepts and views of societal norms, lifestyles, and ideals. However, media fragmentation can also allow for a more egotistical view of media, and viewers may only watch programs that align with their current ideals and beliefs. I personally am fond of media fragmentation because it allows for variety, and programs are no longer targeted to a mass audience. Instead, the programs are targeted to a certain demographic with their lifestyles, interests, and attitudes in mind. (Carly Leonard, 09/14/2011)

Overall, I agree with the many trends we discussed in class today. For a programming director, programming strategies are extremely important. They form plans. They use the current trends to hook an audience. A series of popular TV shows (a trend of shows) make up 'Sunday Night TV.' Audience members become loyal to their stations.

Anna Lassalle

I didn't post my original post in the correct spot so I'm trying to repost it, hoping it's the right spot.

I have always understood the idea of aiming at demographics but aiming at psycho graphics, or categorizing people on the basis of attitudes, personality types, or motivations is a relatively new concept. Analyzing my own psychographics I believe I am a sarcastic person, a personality type and am motivated especially when it comes to my personal finances. Ads that include finding good deals always resound with me.

I knew that my information was being bought and sold by marketers but I never realized HOW expensive it was to buy people's information. It makes me wonder, will people’s information become more or less expensive in the next 20 years.

The Kaya example helped me gage what people and marketing find important when it comes to categorizing people. It also made me wonder, how would they classify me? 18-34 age group, female, a student, the possessor of one credit card, avid moviegoer as well as frequent online shopper. I also have multiple "spam" accounts so I am not bombarded with deals and as much clutter as the advertising world would have me be exposed to.

I have already noticed how shows have a formula but I found the patterns of action interesting. The typical characters example reminds me of the MTVs the Real World, which funnily enough is nothing like the real world. I’ve noticed that there is almost always a person to represent the GBLT population as well as a man and woman that would make a good couple but one of them is normally already in another relationship. It feeds the fire that comes with living on camera 24/7. What I didn’t realize was that there is a very exact formula for writing “hard” news articles. It is efficient because I often will just read the first paragraph and know exactly what happens when they include the 6 Ws.

After reading about the subgenres of advertisements I’ve decided I prefer watching soft-sell ads the best because I’m very sentimental. I love the one cheerios ad where the kid is trying to eat the cheerio and his grandma uses the cheerios to demonstrate how far away she lives from him.

After reading the chapter I still don’t understand what vertical integration means.

Elizabeth Tippet
 * Elizabeth--You have found the place to post! And a very insightful post it is. Interesting the you mention GBLT, as we will discuss that as an example of another influence on programming decision-making on Monday. Psychographics aren't always that complicated. An easy one would be that you value the topic of the show, for example. My wife, for example, is much more interested in home improvement projects than I am. Those are psychographic descriptions of each of us. Dr. P (9/7/11) [Next time be sure to date your post, please]