Spots N Dots
The Daily News Of TV Sales
February 17, 2017
WILL TARIFFS HURT CAR SALES? BY A MILLION UNITS?
COULD ADD 8% TO FINAL COST OF A VEHICLE
There’s a lot of uncertainty for car makers these days as they deal with President Donald Trump’s threats to impose border tariffs and import duties. A report in The Wall Street Journal says that concerns aren’t just about cars that are made outside the U.S., but how new border taxes will impact the automotive supply chain.
While recent focus has been on the car itself, it’s the cost of the automotive parts that could substantially raise the cost of making cars. The compound effect of tariff’s on both the car and the parts could mean higher costs that could be passed on to the consumer and hamper sales growth. Two thirds of the cost of a car is in the engine, suspension parts and steering systems, and 40% of those are imported. For example, Mexican made parts represent 56% of the Chevrolet Silverado.
The report cites UBS analysts pointing out that a border tax of 20% could push the cost of a car up by 8%, or $2,500 per car. If the higher costs are passed along, that could mean 1.1 million fewer car sales next year. It’s more likely, however, that auto makers will lean on suppliers to preserve their own margins.
With new tariffs, border taxes and other barriers to trade, coupled with an uncertain outlook for global auto sales, car parts supplies, and their customers, could have a lot to worry about in the months to come.
DISCOVERY HELPS SNAPCHAT WITH CONTENT
Discovery Communications has signed a new deal to create short-form videos exclusively for Snapchat and its Discover platform. The content will be focused on Snapchat’s mobile-first audience
Multichannel.com says the plan is to produce short-form shows “inspired” by Discovery programming properties such as Shark Week and MythBusters.
The companys will work together on ideas for sponsors that tie Snap’s ad tech and formats with Discovery’s stable of advertisers.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our iconic Discovery content to the Snapchat community,” Paul Guyardo, chief commercial officer at Discovery, said in a statement. “There are few other platforms as dynamic and engaging, especially among younger audiences.”
It appears social media leaders want a piece of the $80 billion dollars in advertising revenue that now goes to television.
Earlier this week Facebook announced a soon-to-come app that will allow users to stream videos in their news feed through set-top boxes such as Apple TV and Amazon’s Fire TV, as well as Samsung’s internet-connected TVs.Facebook plans to showcase top live television broadcasts from around the world as well as video content.
ADVERTISER NEWS
The Miller/Pulse restaurant index for January found same-store sales were down 1.5% for the industry, the seventh month of negatives in the last eight months. As usual, traffic was the culprit, down 2.9%, although that was an improvement over December’s 4% decline……One big restaurant operator that’s running against the trend is Restaurant Brands, Inc., which completed the year with a 1.1% same-store increase at Burger King, while opening a net of 32 new units in the U.S. and Canada, “the highest metric we’ve seen in that region in many years,” the CEO said while adding, “There’s no reason the Burger King brand can’t grow at an accelerated pace in the U.S.” Sibling Tim Horton’s U.S. same-store sales were up 3.6% for the fourth quarter and 9.4% on a two-year comparison to 2014……Wendy’s North American same-store sales were up 0.8% on the fourth quarter. Revenue was down 33%, largely based on selling off 310 stores to franchisees during the year, in line with a plan to have about 95% of units franchisee-owned……Furniture Today reports sales for furniture and home furnishings retailers were up 1.2% last month, compared to January, 2016, below the overall growth in retail sales reported by the Commerce Department……An SEC filing from hhgregg says the chain has retained an investment banking firm to “pursue a range of potential strategic and financial transactions,” often a euphemism for a company looking to sell itself……And another sporting goods chain is throwing in the towel. Grand Rapids-based MC Sports has filed for bankruptcy protection and is beginning liquidation sales at all 68 stores. Its court filings show it has almost $475,000 in debts to media and marketing services……The Wall Street Journal says BJ’s Wholesale Club’s owners, equity funds Leonard Green & Partners and CVS Capital Partners, are hiring investment bankers to explore options. BJ’s has 213 stores and 130 gas stations in 15 states……Lithia Motors’ fourth quarter net income was up 7.5%, helped by strong used-vehicles sales and big gains from its finance and insurance efforts. Its CEO says 60 of its 154 locations achieved record profits during the year, but most of the rest have “significant opportunities” to improve. On a same-store basis, Lithia’s new vehicle sales were up 1.7% while used vehicle sales were up 10%. Lithia ranks number five among automotive retailers……Coca-Cola is launching a line extension of its Sprite brand, with Sprite Cherry and Sprite Cherry Zero. These will be permanent additions to the Sprite line, which had been offering some limited-time flavor innovations, most of which had been seen as successful.
NETWORK NEWS
The third slate of presenters have been released by the producers of the 89th Oscar’s telecast. Amy Adams, Riz Ahmed, Javier Bardem, John Cho, Dwayne Johnson, Felicity Jones, Leslie Mann, Janelle Monàe, David Oyelowo, Emma Stone and Charlize Theron will hand out the Oscars when ABC broadcasts the awards ceremony on Sunday, February 26th……Reports indicate the five original cast members of The Big Bang Theory are close to finalizing deals that will keep the series on CBS for two more seasons. Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar will get equal pay with co-stars Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik in line for substantial pay raises……Keith Urban has picked up seven nominations for ACM awards with Maren Morris and Miranda Lambert close behind with six each. Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett and Chris Stapleton all received multiple nominations. The nominations were announced Thursday by the Academy of Country Music and the awards ceremony will air on CBS on April 2nd at 8 PM (ET)……24: Legacy and APB both saw healthy lift in Nielsen’s Live +7 ratings. 24: Legacy added an extra 0.8 for a final 18-49 rating of 2.3, while APB added another 0.7 to finish with a 2.2 demo rating. Both shows air Monday nights on Fox…… Mike Vogel (Under the Dome) will be cast as the lead in the new NBC military pilot, For God and Country. Vogel will play Michael Dalton, commander of the ISA-Special Operations group responsible for getting back a kidnapped American doctor. Vogel recently headlined the Syfy miniseries Childhood Ends……The Trustee, ABC’s one-hour pilot from Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman’s Brownstone Productions, has cast Meghan Rath (Being Human) in the lead role. The Trustee is a female buddy cop comedy with Rath playing a driven but stubborn detective who finds unlikely help from the precinct’s trustee.…The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the most viewed late night talk show for two weeks running. Last week, Colbert’s show averaged just over 3 million total viewers, its biggest weekly audience this season…… Mouzam Makkar (The Exorcist, The Vampire Diaries, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) will have a regular role on NBC’s Mindy Kaling/Charlie Grandy new comedy pilot. The untitled comedy centers a charismatic gym owner with no ambition who lives with his younger brother. Their simple life of women and working out is put on hold when Vince’s teenage son is dropped on their doorstep by Priya (Kaling), one of his old high school flings. Makkar wil play Britney, Vince’s on-again, off-again girlfriend since they were 13.
GRAY BUYS DIVERSIFIED COMMUNCATIONS
Gray Television has purchased two station owned by Diversified Communications. The company paid $85 million for WABI (CBS/CW) in Bangor, Maine (DMA 156) and WCJB (ABC/CW) in Gainesville, FL (DMA 161). With the closing of the Diversified properties, Gray will own or operate 102 stations in 56 markets.
DONE DEALS
Raycom Media has named Joe Hengemuehler as Vice President and General Manager of KOLD, the company’s CBS affiliate in Tucscon, AZ. Hengemuehler previously served as news director at KOLD, and has filled in as interim GM following the retirement of Nick Ulmer in December 2016. Prior to KOLD, Hengemuehler served as Interim Communications Director for the City of Glendale, AZ, news director of KNXV in Phoenix, news director at KOCO Oklahoma City, and senior executive producer at WUSA in Washington, D.C.
BUSINESS BYTES
AT&T has introduced an unlimited mobile data plan for all postpaid customers that removes a requirement that they also bundle in TV services from DirecTV or U-verse. The new plan offers unlimited talk, text and data on four lines for $180 per month, or $100 for the first smartphone on the plan, and $40 for additional smartphones. The fourth line is free (after a bill credit). Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint all have a version of an unlimited plan.... Around 40 staffers, mostly in sales, were let go this week by Katz Television Group. A memo distributed by the company reportedly said the downsizing is an attempt to”’right size our business” after increased staffing last year during the political season.... Lithia Motors’ fourth quarter net income was up 7.5%, helped by strong used-vehicles sales and big gains from its finance and insurance efforts. 60 of its 154 locations achieved record profits during the year. Lithia’s new vehicle sales were up 1.7% while used vehicle sales were up 10%..... Cabela’s reported weaker-than-expected results in its latest quarter, due to lower traffic and sales. Same-store sales declined 6.5% in the period. The company has only had one quarter of rising same-store sales dating back to the third quarter of 2013.
AVAILS
Digital Sales Manager – Milwaukee. Tribune Media / WITI FOX6 has an immediate opening for a progressive leader and revenue generating catalyst. You would be joining a highly successful sales team that sells some of the most powerful screens in Milwaukee: Fox6now.com, WITI FOX6, TheWeatherChannel.com, Antenna TV; and a multitude of audience extension / marketing services opportunities. If you have successful digital sales experience and you love to lead, coach, create, sell and help businesses grow please send a cover letter and resume to: . E.O.E.
CBS 5 and 3TV is looking for our next Director of Sales. This position necessitates a dynamic leader who will motivate and develop the sales team in local and national sales efforts. It is imperative the DOS have strong working relationships with advertisers. The ideal candidate would also have a keen eye and skill for formatting programming to maximize revenues and the ability to budget (expenses and revenue), accurately forecast the market and stations, and provide financial reporting to Managers and Corporate. CLICK HERE to apply. EOE.
The FOX O&O in the #1 TV market seeks a Digital Sales Manager. We're looking for a dynamic individual to lead sales efforts of digital properties; identify & execute creative, strategic partnerships that leverage online, mobile, social media assets for new & existing clients; solid understanding of social media, digital measurement tools, analytics & metrics, including DART, comScore & Google Analytics; proficient in Wide Orbit. Qualified candidates can CLICK HERE to apply. EOE
WRAZ-TV (FOX-Capitol Broadcasting, DMA #24) in Raleigh, NC is looking for a National Sales Manager. Are you an experienced NSM looking to move to a larger, heathy media market? Are you an up and coming Account Executive looking to move up to management? Have you been searching for an innovative, creative and pioneering locally owned media company? All candidates must APPLY ONLINE. EOE M/F All Capitol Broadcasting Company properties are tobacco free. Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in E-Verify.
Nexstar Media Group is looking for a National Sales Manager with passion and drive to lead our Phoenix national sales efforts. The NSM will ensure that the top line goals are being met while increasing billing, maximizing share of business and strengthening client relationships in conjunction with our National sales teams across the country. Minimum of 2-4 years in sales management or 5+ years in media sales required. CLICK HERE for more details or apply now. EOE.
WCBD News 2 (NBC affiliate, Nexstar) in Charleston, SC seeks an Integrated Digital Specialist (IDS) to generate and grow digital marketing service revenue for the company. The IDS will develop & execute go-to-market sales strategies/tactics that result in exceeding personal & company revenue targets. 1-5 yrs. of experience. 1+ year’s digital marketing/media sales, and a BA or BS in Business, Marketing, Advertising or Communications preferred. Must apply on-line at nexstar.tv. Click on "Careers at former Media General" tab. No calls please EOE/M/D/F/V
WSAV-TV (Nexstar Media, NBC affiliate) in beautiful Savannah, GA, is looking for a goal-oriented, dynamic, energetic, salesperson that knows how to develop, present, and close creative customer-focused marketing solutions. If you enjoy a fast-paced team-oriented environment and the ability to manage your time effectively to develop prospects, cold call, create marketing campaigns, and close new business, we want to talk to you. Send resume and APPLY ONLINE. No calls please. . Pre-employment drug screen and background checks required. EOE M/F/D/V