Most Clicked CTAM SmartBrief Stories
1. Will 2012 be the year of iTV?
CTAM SmartBrief | Feb 10, 2012
Canoe Ventures, a consortium created by the six top cable providers, and FourthWall Media are making major strides in interactive TV technology, according to this article. Both entities are working to improve the viewer interface with TV and to develop ad products that provide marketers with a more direct connection to audiences. Electronic Retailer magazine (02/2012)
2. Why MSOs are better-prepared for the digital future than broadcasters
CTAM SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
The pay-TV market is poised for "tremendous" growth, with cable and satellite better positioned than broadcast to reach audiences digitally via multiplatform devices, according to Global Industry Analysts. "Bottom line will be that traditional broadcasters will find it hard to compete with the better digital quality and greater variety of channels offered by satellite and cable," Joseph O'Halloran writes in summarizing GIA's findings. Rapid TV News (U.K.) (02/10)
3. Cablevision promotion slashes triple-play package rate
CTAM SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
Cablevision is working to ward off competition with a discounted "triple-play" phone, TV and high-speed Internet bundle for $69.95 a month on Long Island, N.Y., and $79.95 in Hoboken, N.J., compared with a typical cost of more than $100 a month for the services. The promotion locks in the rate for two years without a contract and also involves other giveaways. The special is "the most aggressive we've ever seen," said Vijay Jayant, senior managing director at ISI Group. New York Post (02/13)
4. Subscription fees are key to TV growth, analyst says
CTAM SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
TV subscription fees are projected to grow from 40% of total TV industry sales in 2012 to matching advertising as a revenue source by 2020, Morgan Stanley analyst Benjamin Swinburne writes in a report. The result of this change will make TV less dependent on ad cycles tied to the major events, such as the Olympics or national elections. Apple and Google, both of which are said to readying virtual MSO-type services, will add a new competition dimension to the pay-TV market, according to Swinburne. MediaPost Communications (02/10)
5. Dog days (and nights) are ahead for new channel
CTAM SmartBrief | Feb 14, 2012
DogTV, a new channel for canine audiences, is launching on Time Warner Cable and Cox in San Diego. The providers at the outset will carry the startup as a free, on-demand option, and then charge $4.99 a month. The content, which has undergone testing with dogs, owner, trainers and veterinarians, "relaxes and stimulates our dogs -- keeping them healthier," according to DogTV CEO Gilad Neumann. MediaPost Communications (02/13)
6. Scripps is on growth trajectory, wants Travel Channel to take off
CTAM SmartBrief | Feb 10, 2012
Scripps Networks Interactive in its most recent quarter tallied an almost 15% increase in profit to $178 million. Revenue was up 10% to $553 million, including an 11% increase in ad sales to $394 million and 5.7% growth in affiliate fees to $147 million. Scripps this year is prioritizing improvements at Travel Channel, so that it can develop into a successful multiplatform franchise like its siblings, HGTV and The Food Network. Broadcasting & Cable (02/09) Variety (subscription required) (02/09)
7. Small cabler jumps on TV Everywhere bandwagon
CTAM SmartBrief | Feb 09, 2012
Oregon-based BendBroadband has become one of the first small cable providers to offer TV Everywhere connections to its customers. BendBroadband's mobile service features Turner Broadcasting programming, including TBS, TNT, CNN and Cartoon Network, as well as access to Hulu. HBO GO will be added soon, the company said. CEDMagazine.com (02/08)
8. Apple is said to be negotiating with cablers for iTV
CTAM SmartBrief | Feb 08, 2012
Apple is in talks with Canadian TV providers Rogers and Bell, sources say, and appears to be planning to work with pay-TV operators to launch its long-rumored iTV product. Apple's TV offering, which also might include partnerships with networks, could be unveiled before the end of 2012. Globe and Mail (Toronto), The (02/07) Time.com (02/07)
9. Cable nets help boost Disney's bottom line
CTAM SmartBrief | Feb 08, 2012
The success of ESPN, the Disney Channel and ABC Family on cable helped parent Walt Disney realize a 12% increase in profit, to $1.46 billion, for its fiscal first quarter. Sales were up slightly to $10.78 billion, missing analysts' projections of $11.18 billion. CEO Bob Iger cited a carriage deal with Comcast as key to future success, saying the deal "not only provides for distribution into the next decade, but the rates that we will be paid reflect the increased value" the company provides. Wall Street Journal, The (02/08) Broadcasting & Cable (02/07)
10. AMC's "Walking Dead" shows strong vital signs among 18-to-49 set
CTAM SmartBrief | Feb 14, 2012
AMC on Sunday scored the best numbers ever for a basic cable drama among viewers ages 18 to 49 for the midseason comeback of "The Walking Dead." The series, despite facing off against CBS' telecast of the Grammy Awards, attracted 5.4 million viewers in the 18-to-49 segment, a 12% increase from the show's previous high in the category, which was its second-season debut Oct. 16. TheWrap.com (02/13)
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