Up in Arms Over Media Ownership

The ACA says since it last compiled the data in 2010, there has been a 28% increase in coordinated bargaining of retransmission consent fees by 'the big four' broadcasters. As such, the trade group called on the FCC to rule the practice as anti-competitive under its own media ownership rules.

The ACA said Tuesday that it has new evidence that shows broadcasters are undermining the FCC's public interest goal by reducing competition in local markets through coordinating retrans negotiations. The group says the agency needs to tighten its local TV station ownership limits to combat broadcasters' aggressive local consolidation in what amounts to nothing short of collusion.

"At a minimum," ACA President & CEO Matt Polka said, "ACA is urging the FCC to conclude that coordinated negotiations among two separately-owned Big Four broadcasters in (the same) market violate the intent of the agency's duopoly rules and should be prohibited."

According to the ACA, of 62 pairs of multiple 'big four' affiliates in the same DMA that are known to operate under some sort of sharing agreement, 46 of them in 41 markets have conducted retransmission consent negotiations using a single representative. When ACA last surveyed its members in 2010, it identified 36 pairs in 33 markets (an increase of 28%).

Further, the group said, retrans revenue has become increasingly important for broadcasters, second only to advertising. Citing SNL Kagan data, the ACA said retransmission consent revenues will grow from $214.6M in 2006 to nearly $3.9B by 2015.

Not surprisingly, broadcasters see things differently. The NAB said current ownership rules place broadcasters at a "severe disadvantage" while stations "struggle to maintain their economic vibrancy and a strong presence in local communities." The group added that combos of two lower-rated stations often "create a more viable competitor to the leading television station and other video programming outlets." •

Verizon Launches Rural Broadband

Verizon Wireless is leveraging its 4G LTE network to launch HomeFusion, a broadband service designed for rural and hard-to-reach customers. The company said its new solution offers households in areas with limited broadband options a reliable, high-speed alternative for data connectivity.

According to Verizon, the company's 4G LTE network will be delivered to a "cylinder-shaped" antenna which then transmits the signal to a broadband router installed inside the home. The router can then connect up to four wired and "at least 20" wireless devices inside the home using a WiFi signal. Reports say the antenna is "about the size of a 5-gallon bucket."

Verizon's HomeFusion will be available beginning later this month in Birmingham, AL; Dallas, TX; and Nashville, TN with additional markets to follow. The company said it hopes to make the service available nationwide (within its 4G coverage) by the end of the year. The service will be offered with a couple usage-based pricing plans beginning at $60/month for 10GB (with a one-time equipment fee of $200). •

Etc.: FCC Reform 'Unlikely' - DIRECTV Opposes VZ/Cable Deal Secrecy - Cox Shuffles Leadership

Rules & Regs: The House Communications Subcommittee is in the middle of a two-day mark-up of FCC reform bills that likely won't do much good. Observers say partisan differences will keep the FCC Process Reform Act and the FCC Consolidated Reporting Act from actually changing anything within the agency. --- Add DIRECTV to the group of interests asking the FCC to stop its 180-day shot clock for reviewing the Verizon Wireless/SpectrumCo. deal until the companies make available unredacted details of their agreement.

Tech: Several reports say the next iPad will be called the iPad HD, not iPad3. Forrester Research says Apple holds almost 75% of the tablet market. However, when the device is introduced today, some say a teaser for the long-awaited Apple TV won't be part of the presentation. --- mPortal launched its cloud-based, SpringBoard Media platform for providers' TVE initiatives to connected devices.  

Research: comScore says Samsung is the top handset manufacturer overall with 25.4% market share. Google Android continued to grow its share in the smartphone market, accounting for 48.6% of smartphone subscribers, the firm said. --- Ipsos says despite "moral ambiguity" over P2P networks, Canadian teens are increasingly paying for media downloads. The firm says 76% (aged 12-17) are using fee-based download sites. --- A new report from the Temkin Group says among 60 large tech providers, Apple and Cisco have the highest ratings in product relationship satisfaction with IT clients.

Service: Bright House launched ViendoMovies, a 24-hour, commercial-free film channel featuring exclusive and original Spanish-language movies in its Florida markets. --- HBO GO and MAX GO are now available to Blue Ridge subscribers. --- After a successful test-run, TiVUS said it is making its HD IPTV platform with ad-insertion available across the entire hospitality industry.

Programming: Turner Sports and CBS Sports announced their TV schedule for the 2012 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament with all 67 games being available live across four national outlets: CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. --- Sports journalist John Feinstein will have his own talk show on SiriusXM's Mad Dog Radio at 10am ET starting tomorrow.

Over, Up & Under: Amazon's LOVEFiLM is now offering ABC on Demand to subscribers in Germany. --- Spanish cable operator Ono is extending its TiVo service to the city of Valencia. --- Strategy Analytics says of European pay-TV subscribers, 44% of satellite customers have access to advanced services like VOD compared to 43% of cable customers.

People: Cox promoted Jill Campbell to EVP and COO, replacing Leo Brennan who is set to retire in May, and Alex Taylor to SVP of field ops. Cox Media Group made changes as well, including: Neil Johnston, previously EVP and CFO, is now EVP, Strategy and Digital Innovation. Mike Joseph, Group VP, will be joining CMG as EVP at the company's headquarters in Atlanta.

--- Catch today's media market news in The Evening BRIDGE. •

ADVERTORIAL: Agenda Extended For Multicultural Media Forum - Sony Music Latin Artist Beatriz Luengo To Perform!

New York, NY – By popular demand, the agenda for the March 21 Multicultural Media for Multicultural America Forum at New York’s Marriott Marquis has been extended to include lunch and a performance by Sony Music Latin artist Beatriz Luengo.

Luengo's performance at the Multicultural Media Forum is presented by Sony Pictures Television Networks. The New York Times hailed the Latin artist's recently released album "Bela y Sus Moskitas Muertas" as 'a whimsical and sensual mix of soft reggae-minded rock.' The album's first single "Como Tú No Hay 2" reached the top of radio charts in the US, Spain, and Argentina.

The Multicultural Media Forum has been a marquee event on the media industry calendar for 12 years.  It is a research and strategy-driven event where thought leaders from major media brands, advertising agencies and the research community share actionable insights about multicultural programming, marketing, distribution and advertising.  The Forum attracts an audience of over 300 media and advertising industry executives and the press.
 
The Forum is a venue for leading research firm Horowitz Associates to release their latest research insights on Hispanic and multicultural consumers. This year's presentation will include quantitative data from the just-released 2012 State of Cable and Digital Media Multicultural study, enriched by qualitative insights from Viewing the Viewer, a new in-home videography study, and an 8-week online research community of multicultural consumers.  For more about the research, visit: www.multiculturalmediaforum.com/presentation.
 
In addition to the research presentation, the day's agenda includes a keynote address from Manuel Abud, President of Telemundo Station Group; the Programming Showcase, presented by Melvin Perez, President of MGM Networks Latin America LLC; and three panels of top executives from Comcast, Charter Communications, Verizon FiOS, ESPN, Viacom Media Networks, Blue Ocean Network, Asia TV, the AARP, Cricket Communications, and Fearless Multicultural, among others.  Just added to the agenda is a panel of top advertising agency strategy and creative executives moderated by Liz Sarachek Blacker, Chief Revenue Officer for Terra USA.  To close out the day, TV5MONDE will raffle off a trip for 2 to Paris for attendees.  View the full agenda at www.multiculturalmediaforum.com.
 
Seating is limited and the event promises to sell out. Pre-registration is strongly recommended. To register or for information, visit: www.multiculturalmediaforum.com or contact Stephanie Wong, (914) 834-5999, stephaniew@horowitzassociates.com.  •