Local TV Now

Episode 45 - Snowmageddon

localtvnow — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:11:41 +0000

In this episode, we talk to our special correspondent in Washington, D.C. who tell us how the TV stations in our nation’s capital covered the big snowstorm. Plus, CBS News is laying off a large number of employees. We’ll discuss how that will impact local stations. And we’ll remember Frank Magid who died this week, a man who changed the face of local news.

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Guest:
Nick Black, Local TV Now Special Washington Correspondent

Episode 44 - Belo’s Web Strategy

localtvnow — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:29:49 +0000

In this episode, we get an in-depth interview with Belo television interactive general manager Joe Weir about the company’s websites, how they run, and the future of the mobile business and how that fits into the puzzle. Plus, we talk Apple iPad and how it might fit into a station’s future. And we finish up by taking a peak at the New York Times. Amazingly, the folks over there have just realized that newscasts often start a couple minutes before the top of the hour. Wow, quite a revelation!

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Guest:
Joe Weir, General Manager - Interactive, Belo

Episode 43 - The NBC Army Prepares to Invade Boston

localtvnow — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:03:51 +0000

In this episode, we wrap-up the week at NBC with a look forward at what could be ahead in the late night war for Jay, Conan, and all the rest. Plus, NBC continues its war with affiliates by planning a local site head-to-head with non-owned WHDH in Boston. And we talk about sports journalism and press conferences and how the two came head-to-head in a battle for TV access.

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YouTube video of UT/WBIR spat

Episode 42 - The Leno Effect

localtvnow — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:06:55 +0000

In this episode, we once again focus on the NBC/Leno/Conan story, but this week we turn the focus to what it means to local affiliates. A new study shows in black and white why NBC affiliates were ready to revolt against The Jay Leno Show. They were losing, as a whole, $22 million a week. Yikes! Plus, we talk to Felix Gillette from the New York Observer who’ll explain why the managing for the margin’s approach that the Peacock took with Leno has also been seen at the local newsroom level.

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Guests:
Bernie Shimkus, Vice-President, Director of Research at Harmelin Media
Felix Gillette, Media Reporter, The New York Observer

Episode 41 - Shake-up at the Peacock

localtvnow — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:06:22 +0000

We spend most of this episode talking about the big story of the week, Jay Leno’s move back to late night. We have many questions. What does it mean to Leno? To Conan? To the affiliates? To Comcast? To pilot season? We also touch on a couple other stories this week including FOX’s battle with Time Warner and the launch of a new diginet.

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Episode 40 - Antenna Power, Baby

localtvnow — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:05:30 +0000

In this episode, we talk about the resurgence of antennas since the DTV transition and the opportunities for stations to target niche audiences with new digital channels. Plus, could those over-the-air signals be at risk? An FCC advisor makes us think so with some recent comments. And then, we count down the top 10 TV blunders of the decade.

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Guest:
David Sarno, reporter, Los Angeles Times

Plus, check out the 15 Funniest Local News Reports Of 2009!

Episode 39 - Stations at War

localtvnow — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:23:49 +0000

In this episode, we have lots of stories about stations in conflict. In one story, an entire station group is at odds with a cable company. In another, a station is at odds with both a cable company and an entire network. And in a third, a station is battling the city in which it is licensed.

We’re back after the holidays with more Local TV Now. Join us then.

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Episode 38 - Should There Be Time to Say Goodbye?

localtvnow — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:30:20 +0000

When an anchor leaves a station, should he get to say goodbye at the end of his or her last show? One station in Milwaukee says no, and we’ll discuss. Also in this episode, obituaries are making the move to TV websites thanks to some help from Tributes.com. We will talk to their CEO about it. Plus, should CBS give back the hour being vacated by “As the World Turns” to its affiliates?

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Guest:
Elaine Haney, President, Tributes.com

Episode 37 - Did You Hear About A Merger?

localtvnow — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:18:42 +0000

In this episode, we break down a the Comcast/NBC merger…all 14 billion dollars of it. We’ll look at what it might mean for local stations, plus we’ll discuss the regulatory hurdles it might face. And just look below at number of media properties the new company will control! Then, we’ll also discuss the new morning show at WBBM in Chicago which focuses on men, money, and sports.

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Episode 36 - Here Come the Twitter Suspensions

localtvnow — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:02:04 +0000

In this episode, we’re joined by guest host Shawn Tempesta to chat about a variety of stories including the unnecessary suspension of the general manager and news director of the station that had that funny Twitter billboard last week. We also dissect the new ABC O&O web design and decide whether it’s a success. And there’s new digital TV’s all over downtown Philly with news from KYW. We talk to the people who put them there.

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Guest:
Andy Burstein, Center City Direct

Episode 35 - The One That Was A Day Late

localtvnow — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:47:21 +0000

In this slightly delayed episode, we talk to Erin Carlson from The Business Insider about the Comcast/NBC merger, and try to figure out why Jeff Zucker continues to run that company. Plus, more mystery. We try to decipher why anyone would want to buy Ion (the former Pax Network). Then, a great story about this picture and how it might be the worst TV marketing idea in a while. Hint: Just look at the talent on the left, and then read the Twitter headline on the right.

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Guest:
Erin Carlson, writer, The Business Insider

A Day Late But Not a Dollar Short

localtvnow — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:48:36 +0000

We’re delaying this week’s episode of the podcast a day. We had am interview lined up for Friday that had to be rescheduled, but we’re going to do it tomorrow morning and then put Episode 35 online.

Thanks for understanding. I hope it’s worth the wait, and come back on Monday.

Episode 34 - The Doctor is In

localtvnow — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:50:49 +0000

In this week’s episode, the DTV coupons have expired. What? You still have one? Too bad. Plus, we talk about website branding and ask whether it’s better for your website brand to be tied to your on-air brand or to go in another direction. Then, NBC is restructuring Leno. What does that mean for affiliates? All these questions are answered and more.

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Episode 33 - Is it farewell to Oprah?

localtvnow — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:14:55 +0000

In this episode, we tackle some big issues like: Is the nation’s number one syndicated show about to move to a small digital cable network? Plus, we talk about retransmission fees from cable companies and discuss how local stations can get a bigger piece of the pie…maybe with the help of their network partners. Then, we’ll talk to the folks at Grass Valley about the new mobile television technology they’re rolling out, and we’ll finish by discussing Apple’s foray into subscription television.

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Guest:
Richard Fiore, senior director for transmissions and mobility at Grass Valley

Episode 32 - What the CEA Has to Say

localtvnow — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:55:41 +0000

In this episode, we get the other side of the pending spectrum battle from the Consumer Electronics Association. Last week, we got the TV industry’s side from Harry A. Jessell at TV NewsCheck. Now, we bring you an interview with one of the people in charge of lobbying for the consumer electronics industry in Washington. He tells us why getting more spectrum is imperative, but the two of us may disagree a bit on where that spectrum should come from.

Links:

CEA Not Advocating A ‘Spectrum Grab’

Guest:
James Hedlund, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Consumer Electronics Association

Episode 31 - Rant Against the Machine

localtvnow — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:03:12 +0000

In this week’s episode, Doug’s angry, and he rants about the Olympics (now just 100 days away) and NBC’s monetary policy when it comes to The Jay Leno Show. However, he is very sensible when it comes to WGCL’s decision to turn over their TV sports department to a sports talk radio station and mobile DTV deployment. He’s kind of a two-headed monster that way.

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Episode 30 - Hey, Where’s My Spectrum?

localtvnow — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:39:52 +0000

We talk to Harry A. Jessell in this special, mid-week episode about the possible, upcoming fight against cash-for-spectrum. Will the FCC and consumer electronics manufacturers push for television stations to give up their spectrum? We’ll discuss, plus we’ll tell you how over-the-air mobile television and local HD news plays into this issue.

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Guest:
Harry A. Jessell, Editor and Co-Publisher, TVNewsCheck.com

Episode 29 - How Much is that Hulu in the Window?

localtvnow — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:36:19 +0000

In this week’s episode, we chat with Programming Insider Marc Berman to break down the winning and losing networks and shows in the fall season so far. Plus, we chat about the many rumors and floated ideas about Hulu becoming a paid site. In addition, we talk about the wish of affiliates that the Eye Network would not have so much time between the end of their 10 p.m. shows and the start of the late local news, and we break down the advantages of cable shows that are heading into syndication.

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Guest:
Marc Berman, Programming Insider for Mediaweek

Episode 28 - Balloon Boy Is Big Business in Denver

localtvnow — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:48:14 +0000

In this week’s episode, we talk about Balloon Boy and how it helped KUSA in Denver do huge numbers on TV and the web. Plus, added DVR viewers are helping keep some shows from being canceled, and we talk to reporter Matthew Flamm about LX New York’s not-so-good first weeks on the air.

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Guest:
Matthew Flamm, Senior Reporter at Crain’s New York Business

Episode 27 - All TV Station Have Websites…Except for Two

localtvnow — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:22:59 +0000

In this episode, we dissect the new RTNDA research about TV station websites, who has news, and what kind of content is important. We also talk about Comcast’s rumored interest in NBC Universal. Plus, the Associated Press is looking to charge websites to get a half-hour jump start on releasing AP stories. Um…I’ll give you three guesses what we think of that idea.

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