www.spotsndots.comSubscriptions: $350 per year.

This publication cannot bedistributed beyond the office

of the actual subscriber. Need us? 888-884-2630 or

sales@spotsndots.com Copyright 2020.The Daily News of TV Sales Monday, April 27, 2020

BRANDS SHOULD SHOW HOW THEY GIVE BACK Americans are adapting to the “new normal” as the coronavirus crisis continues, according to the latest wave of Horowitz Research’s COVID-19 study. In a recent survey, 45% of Americans reported feeling “scared” and 63% “overwhelmed by the current events,” dropping from 53% and 69%, respectively, in the same survey in late March. “There’s good news for marketers concerned whether advertising during the pandemic is perceived by consumers as ‘being insensitive’ in these challenging times, or who are wondering if it’s worth advertising at all given the impact of the crisis on consumer spending and consumer confidence overall,” said Adriana Waterston, SVP of Insights and Strategy at Horowitz. With TV and digital media consumption up — including live, linear TV — 27% of consumers surveyed by Horowitz say they’re watching more ads overall than before the pandemic. One-third (33%) say they’re paying attention to ads from local businesses, specifically, more than before the crisis. The study suggests the most powerful messaging brands can communicate now is how the company is giving back. Fifty-three percent of Americans surveyed said that they’d be more likely to purchase a product from/do business with a company that puts out ads explaining what the company is doing to help its employees and/or customers at this time. Just 12% of Americans say this type of messaging would make them less likely to purchase the brand’s products, yielding a net positive impact (percent who are more likely to purchase minus percent who are less likely to purchase) on likelihood to purchase of 41%. In contrast, not changing ads at all or choosing not to advertise at all has virtually no net positive impact on likelihood to buy. Black and Hispanic television networks and other ethnic media often take a major hit when advertising budgets shrink. Horowitz’s study suggests this might be a mistake: 47% of Black Americans would be more likely to do business with companies that are going out of their way to support Black media. Similarly, 35% of Hispanic Americans are more likely to do business with companies that support Hispanic media. “America’s diverse communities are the hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis on multiple levels: They are more likely to be suffering the economic impact. They are more likely to be essential workers, putting their lives on the line every day. And they are outpacing other groups in succumbing to this terrible illness,” noted Waterston. “In these difficult times... supporting Black and Hispanic media — TV networks, radio stations, local publications — is about more than just reach. It’s about showing these communities that your brand cares.”

STUDY: CRISIS-SENSITIVE MESSAGING MOST POWERFULADVERTISER NEWS The president of the United Auto Workers says re-starting auto production in early May is “too soon and too risky,” throwing a major roadblock in plans of some automakers to restart production as early as next week. The Detroit Free Press reports General Motors is calling in some workers this week to get facilities ready to resume production… We’ve seen this coming: The Wall Street Journal says J.C. Penney is now in talks with a group of lenders about a bankruptcy filing. The debtor-in-possession deal proposed

would be worth $800 million to $1 billion and would keep Penney functioning during a court-supervised bankruptcy… Women’s Wear Daily reports Macy’s is trying to sell its Blue Mercury beauty chain. Macy’s had

acquired the company in 2015 and had grown the chain from 60 locations to 171, but it had put the chain up for sale even before the COVID-19 outbreak to raise money… Verizon lost 68,000 postpaid phone subscribers in its first quarter, noting retail store closures led to a significant drop in its business. Fios lost 84,000 television subscribers but added 59,000 internet users. Seventy percent of its retail stores are closed. At those that are open, customers are only admitted by appointment… Panera is going national with the Panera Grocery concept a few stores started last month, allowing customers to buy items from Panera’s supply chain instead of using supermarkets or other alternatives. While other restaurant chains have started similar plans, Panera is expanding on the idea by adding it to its app and website and offering delivery via Grubhub… Among industries hit particularly badly by the panemic is the gaming industry, but Providence, R.I.-based Twin River Holdings is buying three casinos, Eldorado Shreveport and Mont Bleu from Eldorado Resorts, and Bally’s Atlantic City from Caesar’s Entertainment. Twin River currently operates casinos and racetracks in Rhode Island, Mississippi, Delaware and Colorado… DraftKings has been acquired by Diamond Eagle Acquisition Corp., a “blank-check company” that looks for other companies to merge with. CEO Jason Robins

(Continued on Page 3)

PAGE 2 The Daily News of TV Sales @ www.spotsndots.com

AVAILS KRIV, Fox 26 in Houston, is hiring a Weekend Digital Content Creator. The Digital Content Creator will be laser-focused on telling stories that matter most to digital and social users -- and doing it better than anyone else. Does this sound like you? You’re smart, fast on your feet, team-oriented and full of energy. You’re an expert in digital and social media platforms. You know a big story when you hear it. You’re obsessed with details and nothing gets past you. CLICK HERE to see a full list of responsibilities and qualifications or to apply now. EOE.

A strong NBC news station in Southern Arizona is looking for a talented, organized and aggressive Multimedia Journalist. Duties include a broad range of accountabilities including but not limited to on-air reporting, video journalism, video editing, writing and producing on a variety of deadlines. The products will appear on regularly scheduled news shows with both live and video content. Products will be published on the company website and mobile

devices. A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field is preferred. Resumes to: cbatbie@kvoa.com. No calls, please. KVOA is an EOE. WYFF 4, the Hearst Television NBC affiliate in beautiful Greenville, S.C., seeks a Digital Sales Manager to provide energized leadership for our digital sales initiatives. The ideal candidate has a passion for new media and enjoys staying up-to-date with its evolution, understands digital marketing strategy, works with the LSM to achieve all digital budgets, and loves to compete. If this sounds like you, come work at one of the best television stations in the country. Google “Greenville, SC Top 10” and see why everyone wants to live here! CLICK HERE to apply. EOE.

See your ad here tomorrow! CLICK HERE for details.

THIS AND THAT Gray Television says it’s moving its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to a virtual-only format this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As previously announced, the Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday, May 6 at 11:30 AM (ET). To attend, participate in and/or vote at the virtual Annual Meeting, shareholders must register HERE by May 3 at 11:59 PM... Although 71% of consumers are social distancing and concerned about the pandemic’s impact on their health and finances, 46% say they want to plan a special outing this Mother’s Day. That’s according to the National Retail Federation, which says those opting to stay in plan to gift products like books, housewares and electronics that mom can use while at home. On average, consumers say they plan to spend $205 on cards, special meals and other gifts, approximately $8 more than last year... Google is planning major marketing department changes during the second half of 2020, including up to a 50% reduction of promotional spending and a hiring freeze, according to a CNBC report. Google spent $18.46 billion on sales and marketing expenses in 2019 and had planned to increase promotional spending for 2020 prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

SPIKE IN TV USAGE BEGINS TO LEVEL OFF One and a half months into COVID-19 disruption, Nielsen says the spike in TV usage is starting to level off, although top markets are still posting overall double-digit percentage gains since the start of the crisis. Total Use of Television (TUT) among persons 2 years and older slipped 2% in the most recent week to 23.4% for April 13-19 from the week before. For the week ending April 12, TUT was at 23.8%, while TUT was 24.2% for the week ending April 5; and 24.6% for the week ending March 29. That last week in March posted the highest usage since the crisis began. The most recent week showed TUT usage dropping by low single-digit percentage declines among major viewing groups. The steepest drop came among 12-to-17-year olds at 5%; while viewers 55 years and older were flat with the same week before. Still, for the entire five-week period, some 20 markets continue to see major viewing improvements, anywhere from 14% to 20% in total day viewing gains. The top 10 markets are New York (up 20.4%, to a 29.5 rating among persons 2 plus); Buffalo (19.9%, a 32.0 rating); Baltimore (19.1%, a 30.6 rating); Denver (19%, a 27.7 rating); Boston (17.4%, 27.9 rating); Philadelphia (17.2, a 31.2 rating); Washington, D.C.(16.7%, a 26.4 rating); Detroit, (16.4%, a 31.8 rating), Tampa-St.Petersburg, Fla. (16.3%, a 29.4 rating); and Albuquerque-Santa Fe, N.M. (16.1%, a 31.1 rating).

NFL DRAFT DRAWS RECORD 15.6M VIEWERS The NFL Draft, one of the few sports events on television since the coronavirus pandemic shut down live games, drew a record 15.6 million viewers on its first night, up 37% from last year’s telecast, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The draft, held virtually from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s house, with video connections to the drafted players and commentators, was televised by ABC, ESPN, NFL Network and shown online. Coverage peaked from 8:45 to 9 PM with 19.6 million viewers. The top metered markets were Columbus, Ohio; Cleveland; Cincinnati; Philadelphia; Kansas City; Jacksonville, Fla.; Atlanta; Charlotte; Denver; and Nashville, Tenn., and Milwaukee, which tied. The draft was accompanied by Draft-A-Thon Live, a fundraising effort that drew 7 million total viewers across digital and social properties.

NETWORK NEWS NBC has made some scheduling moves to accommodate the Parks and Recreation COVID-19 benefit special, which airs at 8:30 PM on Thursday. Council of Dads, which was scheduled to air its second episode at 8 PM, will move to 10 PM (ET/PT) Thursday. It will be preceded at 9 PM with an encore of the pilot episode. Council of Dads had its series premiere March 24 following the season finale of This Is Us, then went back on the bench until its scheduled April 30 return. Going forward, the series will air at 8 PM Thursdays, beginning May 7. Blindspot will now premiere its fifth and final season on May 7 at 9 PM and continue in that timeslot.

4/27/2020

Conan O’Brien

Looking forward to getting back to normal, and once

again experiencing the simple pleasure of having a stranger sneeze into my open mouth.

The Daily News of TV Sales @ www.spotsndots.com PAGE 3

AT&T CHIEF STEPHENSON STEPPING DOWN In an expected move, Randall Stephenson, chairman/chief executive officer of AT&T — who led the company over the last several years, expanding its footprint into entertainment, TV and film — is retiring. AT&T President and COO John Stankey will take over the position on July 1, Television News Daily reports. Stephenson, who will remain executive chairman of the board until January 2021, said two months ago that he would remain CEO for the rest of the year. Stankey has transitioned from chief executive officer of

AT&T’s WarnerMedia. Recently, AT&T hired Jason Kilar, founder and chief executive of Hulu, to take over WarnerMedia. Activist investment firm Elliott Management has been pushing for senior executive changes for some time — largely due to AT&T’s massive entertainment deals, which took on a lot of debt at around $151.3 billion.

ACCOUNT ACTION Allstate has hired Accenture Interactive’s Droga5 to lead its creative account following a review, Ad Age reports. People close to the matter said Wieden+Kennedy also competed in the review. Leo Burnett held the Allstate account for decades, but the marketer cut ties with the Publicis Groupe shop several months ago when the marketer moved creative in house. According to COMvergence estimates, Allstate spends an average of $502 million on measured media annually.

ADVERTISER NEWS (Continued from Page 1)says with live sports suspended, DraftKings has been taking bets on minor sports and inventing betting opportunities. He expects with many states facing severe budget shortfalls, more will open up for legalized gambling once the COVID-19 crisis ends… Buying group Nationwide Marketing Group is telling its furniture, appliance and electronics store members it can provide Personal Protective Equipment such as masks, face shields, gloves and gowns to help member stores reopen. It adds the equipment is not “medical or surgical grade” and should not impact shortages of equipment being faced by healthcare providers… Hertz is reported to be in talks with debt-restructuring advisors about raising liquidity. It has laid off about 10,000 people, more than a quarter of its workforce. The trouble flows directly back to auto manufacturers, who in normal times sell tens of thousands of new vehicles to rental companies each month.

4/27/2020

FunnyTweeter.com

Welcome to homeschooling. Your house has 847 pencils

in it, yet your child can never find one.

SATURDAY NIELSEN RATINGS - LIVE + SAME DAY

CONSUMERS SPEND ON FOOD, HEALTH PRODUCTS U.S. consumers are shopping online more as they continue to avoid brick-and-mortar. According to a recent eMarketer study conducted by Bizrate Insights, health, food and beverage purchases made digitally are seeing an uptick. Apparel, not so much. In April, 52% of U.S. digital buyers said they purchased clothing, shoes or accessories digitally, down 4 percentage points from February. As consumers remain indoors, clothing is not essential. Groceries, however, are. More than a third (36%) of respondents purchased food and beverages online in April, up 9 percentage points from February. Online purchases of pharmaceutical and health products also increased 6 percentage points from February to April. And as people transition to distance learning and working from home, digital office equipment and supply purchases increased 4 percentage points in the same timeframe. Amazon Prime members follow similar behavior. The eMarketer/Bizrate survey found that fewer U.S. Amazon Prime members 18-65 are shopping for apparel, and more are buying food and health items. According to a March Red Points survey conducted by OnePoll, roughly 60% of U.S. internet users purchased food/beverage and consumer packaged goods digitally during the coronavirus pandemic. Further down the list were apparel (46.1%), electronics (43.3%) and video games (29.5%).

NEWSPAPERS’ NEWSROOMS STILL SHRINKING Newsroom employment at U.S. newspapers continues to plummet, falling by around half since 2008, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data. But a modest increase in jobs after 2014 in other news-producing sectors – especially digital-native organizations – offset some of the losses at newspapers, helping to stabilize the overall number of U.S. newsroom employees in the last five years. The years covered in the current analysis predate the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. The economic effects of the virus have led to a fresh round of layoffs, pay cuts and other changes at U.S. media outlets, especially newspapers. From 2008 to 2019, overall newsroom employment in the U.S. dropped 23%, according to the new analysis. In 2008, there were about 114,000 newsroom employees – reporters, editors, photographers and videographers – in five industries that produce news: newspaper, radio, broadcast television, cable and “other information services” (the best match for digital-native news publishers). By 2019, that number had declined to about 88,000, a loss of about 27,000 jobs. Since 2008, the number of digital-native newsroom employees has more than doubled (117%), from 7,400 workers to about 16,100 in 2019. In broadcast television, newsroom employment figures have been relatively stable, hovering around 28,000 between 2008 and 2019. Employment also has remained relatively stable in cable television, between 2,000 and 3,000 over the same period.