HOLLYWOOD RAGS FIND ECONOMY A DRAG!

I remember the old black and white movies and the Variety newspaper headlines they would show about the celebrity character in the film. They were big (usually all caps) and often highlighted with an exclamation point. With that, I couldn't resist giving homage to this old style when I learned recently that some of the movie industries biggest newspapers are facing serious troubles.

Mediabistro notes that "for more than 75 years, Daily Variety and The Hollywood Reporter have battled to be the movie industry's top newspaper, but recent layoffs due to the recession and competition from Internet blogs has Hollywood wondering if it will soon become a one paper town."

Advertising revenues are plummeting, even during the Oscars season where it is very common for the movie studios to spend big money on full page ads to get their films the recognition they believe is deserved. There are few things more powerful than an Oscar to get people into the movies. The public relations value is without compare. Furthermore, although Variety and the Reporter are expensive to buy ad space, they are less expensive than ads in publications that have larger audience. So with those ads movie makers can hit their target constituents hard to get the statue, but this year they are not doing it.

Don't worry though, the studios are still promoting their films, but they are using bloggers and other online media rather than spending big budgets on forms of promotion that often solicits skepticism rather than interest. Here are a few factors working against the Hollywood newspapers:

• People are more influenced by the opinions of others than they are ads. Ads are insincere, "you mean they think you should watch their movie?" This is not a surprise and the movie makers are becoming aware of this reality.


• The Hollywood set are more technically savvy than the larger population. These people are less likely to wait for a newspaper or look for one when they know the absolute latest information is on their laptop or mobile. News is about currency and that is exactly what print newspapers lack. The suffering that is rampant among old media in general is even greater in Hollywood news.


• Although Hollywood fairs better than other industries in times of recession, everyone including tinsel town is operating with far more caution.

Increasingly print media is simply losing its relevance. People want what they want, when they want it. This does not bode well for print media, no matter the industry.

Kevin Price is a syndicated columnist whose articles frequently appear at ChicagoSunTimes.com, Reuters.com, USAToday.com, and other national media. Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at PriceofBusiness.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

I've Heard of Cheap Deals, but this is Ridiculous

In spite of how pathetic Michigan's economy has become, it still raised my eyebrow when I heard that a house was being sold for $1. I honestly thought I had seen it all in the world of transactions until I opened up my Mediabistro ezine today.

Bistro reports: "Yesterday, after hearing about OpenGate Capital's purchase of TV Guide we wondered why the company would buy the struggling pub, writing, 'Honestly, it's a little hard to understand what OpenGate sees in the magazine, even if the purchase was for an absolutely rock bottom price.'"

"Well, it turns out that was 100 percent the case. Advertising Age's Nat Ives found out that the investment company bought the mag for a grand total of $1. Furthermore, Macrovision — which owned TV Guide — will give OpenGate a $9.5 million loan at three percent interest, a great deal in these uncertain times."

"But still, the magazine lost $20.3 million in 2007. What is OpenGate thinking? Its managing partner Andrew Nikou told Ives his company's thought process: 'The reason we acquired this business is simple. It needed additional investment. We're investing in this company to take it to the next stage.' Good luck with that, guys"

Essentially, TV Guide has devolved into a venture capital deal. It is clearly more than an idea, since it has decades of history behind it. But it has such a terrible track record to stand on and is back to square one in making a case for its continued existence. TV Guide has all the elements of a free rag, but they are still trying to "sell it" as a viable subscription publication. Thanks to the large number of cable and satellite services, it is very difficult for a print publication to provide thorough information on specific programming. That leaves the Internet. Meanwhile, all of the companies that provide programming (like cable companies) gladly tell you what is on their systems. Better than a magazine or a website, they do it through the remotes they provide. It is simply too simple to use any other means.

I don't see how there is a market for a TV Guide and don't think there has been a need for such in years. But old business models die hard. Just ask the US automobile industry.

Kevin Price articles frequently appear at ChicagoSunTimes.com, Reuters.com, USAToday.com, and other national media.

Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at PriceofBusiness.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Media Week Takes a Blow

Traditional media has been on a constant downward trend for over a decade. Particularly hard hit has been print media and in spite of efforts to bolster their presence through the Internet, most of these media are seen primarily as newspapers or magazines in the eyes of their audience. Furthermore, traditional media tries to market their online content in a manner very similar to their hard copy. If it didn't work in print, it most likely won't work online.

Media Week is an excellent case in point. Mediabistro.com reports "in what a tipster calls, 'a salary dump with older people making more money,' PRNewser reports that Mediaweek has laid off several high-level staffers: senior editor John Consoli, managing/interactive editor Lisa Granatstein, art director Paul Virga, and senior photo editor Kim Sullivan -- all of whom had been at the publication for more than 10 years. Brandweek also laid off executive editor Barry Janoff."

Media Week is also among those publications guilty of trying to sell online the type of information that many believe they can find elsewhere at little or no cost. According to their website, people pay $19.95 a month for an online subscription and $24.95 a month for online and print. The prices go up for International readers.

In describing the publication. MediaWeek.com states that its mission: "Mediaweek.com is the online extension of Mediaweek magazine. It is dedicated to serving the magazine's readership with the latest breaking media industry news and analysis, along with commentary that puts that news into perspective."

Regarding the company, "Mediaweek.com is a Nielsen eMedia production. Nielsen Business Publications, Inc. penetrates and enlightens the media industry with print, face-to-face, and online information. Nielsen eMedia enables Nielsen Business Publications, Inc. to publish in the fast-paced online market."

Traditional media thoroughly dragged its feet in response to the onslaught brought on by the Internet. The new media has won the war because it has been on the offensive. It had no vested interest in the old revenue models, but adapted new systems as it has grown and expanded. Traditional media, on the other hand, has been in a purely defensive mode trying to hold on to what revenues it has and largely ignoring the very large writing on the wall or, in this case, on the Web.

Kevin Price articles frequently appear at ChicagoSunTimes.com, Reuters.com, USAToday.com, and other national media.

Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at PriceofBusiness.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

More Changes at Fox News

The last year has been very volatile for the Fox News network. New shows arriving, old shows going, and the reshuffling of various personalities. Just when it appeared the dust may finally have begun to settle, we hear there are more changes coming for the network.

One of my favorite information sources, Mediabistro, reported the following this past week:

"TVNewser has learned America's Election HQ is returning to the Fox News Channel schedule beginning Monday. The 5pm ET show will be anchored by a rotating series of anchors through election day. E.D. Hill will host next week."

"Just In with Laura Ingraham ends its three-week run tomorrow. Ingraham was aware the show was temporary, and she will continue as primary fill-in for Bill O'Reilly."

"As for John Gibson whose show, Big Story, was replaced by America's Election HQ in February, he continues his show on Fox News Radio."

I'm delighted to see E.D. Hill back on a more regular basis and look forward to her having a designated spot daily once again. She is one of the more articulate and intelligent broadcast journalists today.

Laura Ingraham knew going into her recent show, Just In, that the program was intended to be temporary. How long, nobody knew. We have recently found out it was a mere three weeks. Ironically, she is losing this show just as she worked out the negotiations on her radio program and is back on the airwaves for that successful program. Ingraham is fine on TV, but better on the radio. I almost think that she welcomes the changes.

Meanwhile, John Gibson, will remain on the radio. However, if they are rotating hosts for America's Election HQ, we might see him on that program. We will have to wait and see. When it comes to the media, about the only constant you can depend on is change.

Best selling author Ken Blanchard recently revealed the secrets of entrepreneurship on a Houston Business Show. Receive a free copy of the complete program by emailing Info@HoustonBusinessShow.com.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Diane Sawyer Provides Sigh of Relief

After Barbara Walter's scandalous and embarrassing book Audition (which would better be described as "Outrageous"), I'm sure virtually everyone who knows anyone that is a media personality is holding their breath. Walter's casually exposed relationships that she had been discreet about for decades, exposed things that she agreed to keep in confidence, and did more to damage her career in a few weeks than all her adversaries combined did over years.

Concern of other "tells too much" (more honest than "tell alls", in my opinion) have been eliminated when it comes to at least one major media personality. Diane Sawyer, a former White House aide who has dated and has known well many major characters in history would be, I'm sure, one with much to say about those individuals. She has tastefully decided to keep that information to herself according to MediaBistro and TV Week's Insider Q&A. Much of this has to do with her love of her morning show, Good Morning America. According to MediaBistro:

"She'd like to increase, "if I can, some of my specials in prime time;" and that she doesn't keep a diary, so don't look for a memoir. The Insider: Speaking of looking back, it's been a week in which Barbara Walters' memoir has made headlines screaming from every tabloid show and cover. Can you envision writing a memoir?

Ms. Sawyer: No.

The Insider: Can you envision having to promote a memoir?

Ms. Sawyer: Ummmm, no. But I don't keep a diary. I don't tend to assemble things. I also don't have Barbara's amazing history. I think she has written such a beautiful and courageous book, because she and I had a long lunch about her book and what she was doing, and I know that she did it in part because she thought, "Here all these years, people have let me into their real lives, but I can't write a book that isn't about my real life."

Sawyer has a decidedly different spin on the Walter's book, than I do, but it is clear that we can't expect a book from Sawyer. At least not any time soon. I would prefer she would argue "good taste," rather than lack of personal history, but I'm glad to see that another trash book won't be making it to market any time soon.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

NYT, MSNBC, and the Convergence of Media

For quite some time I have been singing the praises of the convergence of media. The more media can combine its forces -- radio, web, print, TV, and more -- the greater the reach those media will enjoy. I recently noted another example of this with the recent joint project between the New York Times and MSNBC.


I first got word through updates from Media Bistro:

TVNewser received this internal New York Times email from an anonymous tipster, apparently detailing a new program beginning today on MSNBC. The email:

MSNBC (Check your local listings) Today at 2:00 p.m.


The New York Times Special Primary Edition, a new NYT/MSNBC political program hosted by John Harwood debuts today at 2 p.m. Guests include Adam Nagourney, Pat Healy, Jeff Zeleny, Gail Collins and other Times reporters.


This is the first in a series of special programs featuring Times journalists which MSNBC hopes to broadcast throughout the rest of the political season. Segments will also run on NYTimes.com.

We hope you will tune in.


We have calls in to MSNBC to find out more information...

More: Could this be a further expansion of the 4-month old between NYT and CNBC?

Update: The hour kicked off with Harwood and MSNBC's Contessa Brewer (not mentioned in the original email) anchoring, with the NYT's Nagourney on set. A NYT logo is seen in the lower third...

I didn't get to see it, but I am interested in seeing it in the future. It is an example of the world's most significant print publication reaching out into the electronic world of TV to find new audience. Expect more of it. It is the convergence of media and it works.

For a copy of the free audio program and free report, "Why Your Marketing Isn't Working," email Info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing" in the subject line.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Couric Won't Replace King Any Time Soon

Rumor had it that Couric would soon be departing CBS due to her anemic ratings for CNN and would be replacing Larry King. That rumor largely came to halt with the announcement that CNN would extend its contract with King. This exclusive came from Media Bistro:

Sources tell TVNewser that CNN and Larry King have agreed to a contract extension, which will keep the anchor with the network through 2010, beyond his 77th birthday.

A recent New York Times

story speculating about Katie Couric's future reported that King's contract was set to expire in the summer of 2009.

The article also revealed the CBS Evening News anchor was eying King's CNN slot as a possible move if she were to leave CBS. "Couric discussed several things she might do if she left the anchor post, according to the executives, including a daily talk show to be syndicated by CBS, or replacing Larry King in a prime-time position on CNN," the Times story claimed.

CNN doesn't comment on employee contracts, but a CNN spokesperson tells TVNewser, "Larry is the best there is, he'll be here for a long time."

There was no talk on money, which surprised me, but I am sure it is significant.

I am no Larry King fan -- half the time he doesn't seem quite sure where he is or what he is doing. However, I think he makes far more sense for the format approach of his show then Couric would provide. Couric is about to become a media orphan, in my opinion. She is perfectly suited for early morning news shows (like Today, for which she is famous) and I am sure she probably believes that such programming is beneath her.

For a copy of the free report, "Why Your Marketing Isn't Working," email Info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing" in the subject line.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Fox Business and the "Average Joe"

Media Bistro brought it's readers information about an interesting article in the Columbia Journalism Review by Liza Featherstone. The writer's focus was on the impact that the Fox Business Network was having and whether or not it had incorporated "Main Street" as well as "Wall Street."

From the article:

Liza Featherstone writes an in depth feature about Fox Business Network in this month's Columbia Journalism Review. Featherstone writes that, despite the fact that FBN "champions Main Street over Wall Street," the network is missing, "the actual perspective and experience of the average Joe."

Featherstone writes that FBN, "can be fun to watch," and describes examples of the unique way the channel has presented financial news. Still, "If FBN were to be intellectually honest in early 2008, some of that reporting would necessarily be less than upbeat," she writes. "We never even meet FBN's favorite protagonist: the consumer trying to make ends meet. We don't see the neighborhoods in Cleveland that have been devastated by the mortgage mess."

As FBN evolves on TV, its web counterpart has shot to success. Michael Learmonth writes on Silicon Alley Insider about Foxbusiness.com (1.01 million) surpassing CNBC.com (998,000) in unique viewers during January 2008 (CNNMoney.com beat both significantly, with 5.6 million). One caveat — all of Foxnews.com's business news traffic gets redirected to Foxbusiness.com.

The thesis of the article is simple: although Fox Business gives the viewer significantly more content on small and medium size businesses (versus pure Wall Street coverage), it is failing to address the needs of the "average joe." The consumer, home owner, or employee that are affect by businesses of all sizes. Here's the problem with that criticsm -- Fox never promised to reach that audience. It is, after all, a business channel.

What it set out to do is discuss the mega corporations and the average business on the street, and it has certainly made strides in that direction. I think that it has work to do in that front. Historically, small business is "boring", "parochial", or even "local." It doesn't have to be, but that is how it has been treated by the media. In the future, I believe all the networks will focus on small business (which is where the bulk of the job creation is in this country) and I expect Fox Business to be a leader in that drive.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Sprint Cuts Jobs and Stores

Recently I wrote a post critical of Sprint's creepy TV commercial showing individuals with several "mini mes" designed to get things done. Those little helpers were due to the great resources people get from their Sprint phone. I'm beginning to feel bad for my comments, considering the news I saw regarding Sprints current circumstances.

According to Mediabistro:

Fortune is reporting that Sprint plans to cut 4,000 jobs and shut down 125 retail locations this year:

"The news keeps getting worse at Sprint. The struggling wireless telco suffered its worst quarter yet for customer defections, saying a staggering 683,000 post-paid users headed for the door in the fourth quarter. Sprint's churn, reflecting the rate of monthly subscriber loss, rose to 2.3 percent, which is more than double the rates recently posted at the fastest-growing big carrier, Verizon Wireless."

Sprint is the nation's third largest carrier, with approximately 54 million subscribers. AT&T and Verizon are neck and neck, with 66 and 64 million respectively. T-Mobile brings up the rear (of the four major carriers) with 28 million customers.

I doubt seriously that the "creepy ad" I referred to in a recent post played any role. But I'm also sure that their weak campaigns have done little in winning the defections war. Of the big four, I think Verizon has the most effective commercials and the only theme that is memorable. With their long term use of "can you hear me now?," we know exactly what they are talking about and the message resonates. Yet they have been clever enough to tie it to different themes to prevent us getting bored.

I know that personal stories are less than reliable, but there seemed to be a time when virtually everyone I knew used Sprint. Those days seems to be long gone.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Edwards is Changing His Mind About Fox?

That is what MediaBistro.com is speculating about. Several months ago former Senator John Edwards went over the deep end because of his discuss over the "bias" that he had seen at Fox News. He made it clear, no true democrat should grace the stage or studio of anything "Fox." This was odd, because he had been a guest many times until his last interview on January 23, 2007. Had there been a major shift in Fox's editorial approach at that point or was he simply looking for a way to differentiate himself from the rest of the pack?

Portfolio's Jeff Bercovici writes "shortly after last night's Democratic debate on MSNBC, Eric Schultz, Edwards's national press secretary, sent out an email blast to reporters touting the results of a Frank Luntz focus group conducted on Fox. Schultz's email follows."

From: Eric SchultzSubject: Frank Luntz Focus Group of Undecided Nevada Voters: EDWARDS WINNER. Edwards Declared the Winner by a Focus Group of Undecided Nevada Voters. On Fox News, Frank Luntz' focus group from Las Vegas of thirty undecided Nevada Democrats declared Edwards the winner. Luntz:"How many of you thought John Edwards won?" [1/2 crowd raises hand]"How many of you came in supporting Senator Edwards?" [About 3 people raise hand]"On issue after issue, we're going to show this to you tomorrow night, his language actually scored better than Senator Clinton and Senator Obama." [Fox News, 1/15/08]

I'm sure the Senator has to be happy about Fox's new found "enlightenment." But can he easily have a change of heart? The jury is still out on that.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Criticism of Today Show and Richard Cohen's Book

Media Bistro has pointed out that the Poynter Institute has come out swinging against the way the popular Today Show did a series on people fighting chronic illness. The problem? The book was by Richard Cohen who is also the husband of Meredith Viera, co-host of Today. That's the source of the controversy. Here's what Media Bistro Reported:

With the conclusion of Today's three-part segment on chronic illness, the AP's David Bauder reports that a Poynter Institute expert is questioning the ethics of the series, inspired by a new book by Richard Cohen, Meredith Vieira's husband.

Cohen, who has Multiple Sclerosis, has written Strong at the Broken Places, about people living with illness. Vieira, who stated on-air that Cohen is her husband, interviewed him Wednesday in-studio, along with some of the book's subjects.

The Poynter Institute's Bob Steele tells Bauer that Today could have given the story to Matt Lauer or Ann Curry. Bauer writes that "there's also the issue of providing Cohen with three days of publicity on the top-rated morning news show..."

Today Executive Producer Jim Bell tells Bauer, "In a way I think it would have drawn more attention to it if (Vieira) did not do (the story)."

Bell also says Cohen's book addresses important subject matter, of interest to viewers. "If the guy was writing a book on a topic we didn't care about, or if he wasn't an accomplished author or if it wasn't getting attention at other places, I think it would be an issue. But I don't think that was the case here."

I think this is ridiculous. The story was about people who courageously live with chronic illness. That is something Meredith Vieria does daily. She's a very solid interviewer and all the better because, in this case, she was also a very empathetic one. Instead of criticizing the fine work done by the Today Show in this case, we should be commending them by providing a quality story on an important subject rather than bringing us another Lindsay Lohan disaster headline.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

CNBC's Fox Business Channel Survey

According to MediaBistro.com, CNBC wants to know what Fox Business viewers think about the new company:

In what appears to be one of that newest CNBC viewer surveys, the network wants to know what you think of the competition. A screengrab posted yesterday on Inside Cable News by way of the Reportercaps message board showed a CNBC survey asking respondents to rate the CNBC and FBN personalities, in a rating from excellent to poor, or unfamiliar.
Some of the Fox Business anchors on the list were David Asman, Alexis Glick (formerly of CNBC), Dagen McDowell and Cody Willard.

It is interesting that news of such a survey comes from the CNBC camp rather than Fox. I expected to see such long before Fox Business was launched if, for no other reason, to know how to posture themselves in this new environment.

If I have said it before, I have said it many times, I like both CNBC and Fox Business. In fact, I'm watching The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch while working on this. But if I'm CNBC, I would be worried about Fox. The network is much more personality driven than CNBC, in my opinion and I believe most people find that attractive. It will be interesting to see how the battle between these two networks progresses.

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Dow Breaks 13,000 Again -- in the Right Direction!

A few days ago I noted that the Stock Market broke 13,000 points, but in the wrong direction. The market is at it again, but this time it broke its way back up, all the way to 13,371.72. In fact, the last week was the best we have seen in months.

Still, with the amazing market volatility, I think Fox Business and CNBC should get Dramamine as a title sponsor of many of their programs. The wild roller coast ride called the Stock Market is enough to make anyone sick.

The recent stress in the stock market has been great news for the media. According to MediaBistro, the channels that specialize in reporting such are enjoying a surge in viewers (which is usually followed by advertising revenue). The market remains near an all time high, unemployment is incredibly low, and the economy as whole remains quite strong. Yet, you won't easily read, see, or hear such in the business media. Instead we will only by plagued by stories of sub-prime trauma and foreclosures. That's the news media we "enjoy" today.

Kevin Price is the Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and is publisher of the Houston Business Review. Request Kevin Price's report on the Business of Media by emailing info@HoustonBusinessShow.com.

California Fire Fuels TV Ratings

If I have said it once, I have said it a million times, the media is in the bad news business. Again, not news, bad news. If people merely saw news or good news, it appears interest would be at a minimum. In the words of Don Henley, we want "dirty laundry." Proof of the power of bad news can be found in one of yesterday's article in Media Bistro's TVNewser:

Last night's special edition of 20/20 posted the program's largest audience in more than a year and its highest A18-49 and A25-54 numbers in more than eight months.
The Charlie Gibson-anchored special brought in 10.9M total viewers. In the A18-49 demo the hour had a 2.8 rating/8 share; in A25-54 it had a 3.7/10.

So when the media has the opportunity to talk about the fact that we will have one of the best home selling years in history this year or focus on the 1.5 percent of home owners who are in forclosure, what route do you think they will take? Sadly, bad news is good news for the media.

What I Read: Mediabistro

One of my favorite e-zines and websites is Mediabistro. It has extremely useful information and is one item that comes in my email that I find very difficult to delete.

* Just this week I found out who some of the personnel are going to be at the new Fox Business Network.

* I learned that over 3/4th of all Internet users used streaming video in May (important to me because Houston Business Media Group is moving in that direction).

* In spite of the surge in video, they have had no effect on the number of people who watch TV and how much that watch it (good, since we are looking at that media as well).

* That Mediabistro was sold for $23 million. This is certainly a little proof of its worthiness.

I suggest if you are at all interested in media trends and if you want to know what is going to happen before the morning newspapers (often the case with Mediabistro), I suggest you become a member. It doesn't cost a penny (just a little time to fill out a form) and the information you get is entertaining, interesting, and often valuable. There are premium services for a price, but I found plenty of great information that is free. No, I'm not getting paid to write this recommendation. I'm doing it, because I think it could make a difference to anyone interested in the business of media.