When you open up your browser, whether its Chrome or Firefox or Safari or even Internet Explorer, what is your home screen? Do you go to Google search or Apple.com or have you never changed it from its initial pre-set? It seems to me that the greatest opportunity for success in the online space will come from the internet company that can best educate consumers to lead them to make such a "bold" change.
I say this because of all the news coming out of Yahoo at its Newfront presentation to build new portals and new long form original content. From a new site to be called Yahoo Travel to shows from Katie Couric, Netflix like series, and concerts from Live Nation, Yahoo is aggressively building content to reach consumers and generate additional advertising revenue. Content is king in this scenario and I love the approach. At the same time, I adhere to the principal that if a tree falls in a forest and nobody hears it, does it make a sound. Once these shows are produced and ready for consumption, what can be done for an audience to hear about them and seek out these content choices.
And that is what brings me back to the home page. I believe that a superior home page experience still needs to be built and promoted. An aggregated experience that is both adaptable for consumers' needs and frequently updated to push categories and topics of interest to help drive consumers to new and interesting content. Content is important but so is "discoverability" of that content and reminders that is it easily reachable.
So what is your home page? Mine is Feedly but I am open to change. Convince me to make Yahoo my home page or tell me what other options are there to provide a non-biased window to content that best suits my needs and interests. At the same time, it shouldn't be so cluttered that it looks like a mess. I believe there is still an opportunity to build a better "home base" that even when consumers leave their home page to explore other web content, they still want to come back to their home page for new updates and discovery. "If you build it, they will come" and I haven't seen anyone build the best home screen yet. Prove me wrong.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
The New Cable Map
Once Comcast is approved to acquire the Time Warner Cable systems, and that seems only a matter of time, agreements seem already in place with Charter Communication to swap some systems, spin out others, and create a new cable order. The death of Time Warner Cable will leapfrog Charter into the number two position for cable subscribers. And while it will be significantly less than what Comcast will manage, it will more than double the subscriber numbers for Charter.
For Comcast, it will enable them to cover the eastern markets of the US, from Maine down to Florida. Subscribers from Time Warner include Portland, all the major cities of New York, and Charlotte and other North Carolina and South Carolina markets. Charter will swap markets in Connecticut and California and elsewhere enabling Comcast to have major share in most of the top 10 DMAs. While this map doesn't include current Comcast markets, it provides some nice detail on the markets that will trade hands.
While Charter has never had much impact in major DMAs, the acquisition of these subs will give them some strong clusters in states like Ohio and Wisconsin. Looking at this map is like watching the a military operation as it splits up its spoils from a once mighty regime.
So where did Time Warner Cable go wrong? Once part of a larger Time Warner company, ranked 2nd in cable operations, to a soon to be forgotten footnote in the history of cable television. That would certainly make a great blog one day, perhaps even a book on the rise and fall of the Time Warner Cable empire. For now we watch as Comcast soon gains approval to consume and share some pieces of the carcass called Time Warner Cable.
For Comcast, it will enable them to cover the eastern markets of the US, from Maine down to Florida. Subscribers from Time Warner include Portland, all the major cities of New York, and Charlotte and other North Carolina and South Carolina markets. Charter will swap markets in Connecticut and California and elsewhere enabling Comcast to have major share in most of the top 10 DMAs. While this map doesn't include current Comcast markets, it provides some nice detail on the markets that will trade hands.
While Charter has never had much impact in major DMAs, the acquisition of these subs will give them some strong clusters in states like Ohio and Wisconsin. Looking at this map is like watching the a military operation as it splits up its spoils from a once mighty regime.
So where did Time Warner Cable go wrong? Once part of a larger Time Warner company, ranked 2nd in cable operations, to a soon to be forgotten footnote in the history of cable television. That would certainly make a great blog one day, perhaps even a book on the rise and fall of the Time Warner Cable empire. For now we watch as Comcast soon gains approval to consume and share some pieces of the carcass called Time Warner Cable.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Cable Operators Take TiVo And Netflix
Three small MSOs have agreed to let their TiVo set top cable box integrate Netflix into the mix. It means that cable customers in those communities with a leased TiVo box from the cable operator will be able to subscribe directly to Netflix and receive incrementally more TV shows and movies. And even more importantly for the customer, TiVo "will offer integrated
search that spans not just Netflix, but also the live TV lineup and the
operator’s video-on-demand service. Netflix will also be displayed like a 'channel' in the guide." So searching for a show like Breaking Bad, a consumer would see that it can be accessed on different platforms, through Netflix, on AMC's channel, and perhaps even on demand. And for consumers, a meaningful benefit.
I also believe it is ultimately good news for these cable operators. Consumers will enjoy the benefit of one box accessing multiple platforms of programming. And it will demonstrate that Netflix and other OTT video services are not necessarily cable cord cutters; rather, they can live harmoniously on the same infrastructure. And these same consumers will be taking both cable and broadband service from their respective MSOs to access their content. Hopefully other MSOs will learn from this initial launch and recognize that OTT may be less a threat and more a partnership.
I also believe it is ultimately good news for these cable operators. Consumers will enjoy the benefit of one box accessing multiple platforms of programming. And it will demonstrate that Netflix and other OTT video services are not necessarily cable cord cutters; rather, they can live harmoniously on the same infrastructure. And these same consumers will be taking both cable and broadband service from their respective MSOs to access their content. Hopefully other MSOs will learn from this initial launch and recognize that OTT may be less a threat and more a partnership.
will
offer integrated search that spans not just Netflix, but also the live
TV lineup and the operator’s video-on-demand service. Netflix will also
be displayed like a "channel" in the guide. - See more at:
http://www.multichannel.com/news/tv-apps/three-us-msos-launch-tivonetflix-mix/374096#sthash.4rxOOsmY.dpuf
will
offer integrated search that spans not just Netflix, but also the live
TV lineup and the operator’s video-on-demand service. Netflix will also
be displayed like a "channel" in the guide. - See more at:
http://www.multichannel.com/news/tv-apps/three-us-msos-launch-tivonetflix-mix/374096#sthash.4rxOOsmY.dpuf
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Sirius Continues To Grow
Each year the Auto Show comes to New York and each year, new model cars and concept vehicles are shared with the public. And on the showroom floors it seems every new car being sold offers a subscription to SiriusXM even as some start to remove cd and dvd players from the dash. The rise of digital content and satellite radio creates a complete entertainment solution.
For Sirius, consumers of new cars are enjoying their 3 month free trial of the service and more and more seem to be deciding to keep paying a monthly subscription. "Sirius added 173,480 net paying subscribers in the quarter ended March 31, raising the total to 25.8 million." With subscription fees and advertising, revenues for the quarter rose as well, despite competition from digital media and traditional radio.
So what does the future hold for Sirius? Are they an acquisition target or is there a limit to their growth goals? The good news, because of advertising as well, Sirius had a "better-than-expected 11 percent rise in quarterly revenue". Given the quarter subscription increase was only 0.68%, the challenge continues to be how to create more meaningful growth for the business. For now Sirius has a good story to tell, its what happens next that should keep us tuned in.
For Sirius, consumers of new cars are enjoying their 3 month free trial of the service and more and more seem to be deciding to keep paying a monthly subscription. "Sirius added 173,480 net paying subscribers in the quarter ended March 31, raising the total to 25.8 million." With subscription fees and advertising, revenues for the quarter rose as well, despite competition from digital media and traditional radio.
So what does the future hold for Sirius? Are they an acquisition target or is there a limit to their growth goals? The good news, because of advertising as well, Sirius had a "better-than-expected 11 percent rise in quarterly revenue". Given the quarter subscription increase was only 0.68%, the challenge continues to be how to create more meaningful growth for the business. For now Sirius has a good story to tell, its what happens next that should keep us tuned in.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Aereo Just A Remote Antenna And Cloud DVR
As the Supreme Court listens to arguments regarding the Aereo service, many also speculate what a ruling either way will do to future cloud based services. Broadcasters are concerned that this disruptive model will kill is license fee revenue model, although it would also increase its viewership reach. Aereo argues that it is simply selling a technological service to receive and transmit free programming.
Today's Business Insider article argues that a ruling against Aereo will also negatively effect the future of cloud based services. Previous rulings have enabled cloud based DVR service; in fact, Cablevision was the cable operator behind an N-DVR push. And when you look at the basic model, Aereo is simply leasing remote antennas rather than placing one on your roof and adding enhanced cloud based DVR capabilities in exchange for a monthly fee. BI's argument, and a compelling one is this: "Make no mistake, large media companies hate technical innovation. TV and movie studios also believed that DVRs and VHS cassettes would kill their businesses. In fact, they enhanced them. Aereo is simply a remote personal video recorder."
Should Aereo lose its court case, it claims no "Plan B" and would cause an end to its business. But it is argued that such a ruling would be counter to previous rulings enabling cloud based content capture and transmitting services. And would lead to "Any company whose business model relies on letting viewers store copyrighted material on a remote server for later viewing could find itself suddenly illegal" including services like Dropbox. The concern is that a ruling would significantly alter further innovation for all cloud based services.
Broadcasters argue that it will kill their business model although they have argued that before with the rise of cable, VHS, and DVR services. Some have threatened to move from over the air to a cable based model. While they argue the possible loss of license fees, I am skeptical that cable operators will move to an antenna based system as a result so no significant loss of revenue. I believe that as long as broadcasters use over the air to transmit, consumers should be allowed to lease antennas from Aereo or other to capture and stream programming. If we can do it with a DVR why not with Aereo.
Today's Business Insider article argues that a ruling against Aereo will also negatively effect the future of cloud based services. Previous rulings have enabled cloud based DVR service; in fact, Cablevision was the cable operator behind an N-DVR push. And when you look at the basic model, Aereo is simply leasing remote antennas rather than placing one on your roof and adding enhanced cloud based DVR capabilities in exchange for a monthly fee. BI's argument, and a compelling one is this: "Make no mistake, large media companies hate technical innovation. TV and movie studios also believed that DVRs and VHS cassettes would kill their businesses. In fact, they enhanced them. Aereo is simply a remote personal video recorder."
Should Aereo lose its court case, it claims no "Plan B" and would cause an end to its business. But it is argued that such a ruling would be counter to previous rulings enabling cloud based content capture and transmitting services. And would lead to "Any company whose business model relies on letting viewers store copyrighted material on a remote server for later viewing could find itself suddenly illegal" including services like Dropbox. The concern is that a ruling would significantly alter further innovation for all cloud based services.
Broadcasters argue that it will kill their business model although they have argued that before with the rise of cable, VHS, and DVR services. Some have threatened to move from over the air to a cable based model. While they argue the possible loss of license fees, I am skeptical that cable operators will move to an antenna based system as a result so no significant loss of revenue. I believe that as long as broadcasters use over the air to transmit, consumers should be allowed to lease antennas from Aereo or other to capture and stream programming. If we can do it with a DVR why not with Aereo.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Comcast Sees No Cord Cutting
While other cable operators have seen subscribers drop video service for OTT, Comcast seems to have bucked the trend. For the second straight quarter, video subscriptions actually rose for the company. "Comcast added 24,000 TV customers in the quarter to reach a total of 22.6 million." In addition, Comcast added "383,000 broadband subscribers in the period to a total of 21.1 million." They continue to defy analysts who expected cord cutting to take a bigger bite.
Comcast has followed a differential strategy that continues to work. Where cable operators have been separating their content companies from their platform companies (Time Warner Cable as an example), Comcast has embraced both content and distribution. Its acquisition of NBCUniversal from General Electric has led to enormous gains as well. They have proved that a content and distribution company can find synergies to work together.
Their planned acquisition of Time Warner Cable also demonstrates that size matters. To offer best services, economies of scale and efficiencies come from size. And a cable and broadband and content company, they seem to recognize that businesses change and adapt over time. Like Apple's willingness to forgo iPod sales for iPhones, Comcast seems to understand that the cable world may change significantly and they must continue to readjust to meet the changing customer needs. So far, it seems to be working well for them.
Comcast has followed a differential strategy that continues to work. Where cable operators have been separating their content companies from their platform companies (Time Warner Cable as an example), Comcast has embraced both content and distribution. Its acquisition of NBCUniversal from General Electric has led to enormous gains as well. They have proved that a content and distribution company can find synergies to work together.
Their planned acquisition of Time Warner Cable also demonstrates that size matters. To offer best services, economies of scale and efficiencies come from size. And a cable and broadband and content company, they seem to recognize that businesses change and adapt over time. Like Apple's willingness to forgo iPod sales for iPhones, Comcast seems to understand that the cable world may change significantly and they must continue to readjust to meet the changing customer needs. So far, it seems to be working well for them.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Should Advertisers Pay More for C7 Ratings?
As more and more viewers get comfortable with their DVR, networks would love to extend the period of delayed viewing counting toward ratings from 3 days to 7. The good news is that shows would show higher ratings based on how consumers are really watching these days; the bad news, advertisers would pay more for those added quantifiable eyeballs. According to the TiVo research, some show ratings could increase more than 10%.
At the same time, advertisers might need to challenge how often viewers are using trick features like fast forward on their DVR boxes to pass through the commercials to get to the show. In my household, DVR and on demand viewing, especially during prime time, happens more and more often. And the remote is close by in trying to judge when to start and stop the fast forward button. Sometimes, the first commercial and last commercial in the break are viewed in getting close to the show content.
C7 Ratings, used to judge popularity of a show is certainly important. But in regard to raising advertising fees, some formula might be needed to ascertain the true value of delayed DVR viewing. Still it is nice to see that the rise of DVR viewing is seen as more than just 3 days from initial linear airing of a show.
At the same time, advertisers might need to challenge how often viewers are using trick features like fast forward on their DVR boxes to pass through the commercials to get to the show. In my household, DVR and on demand viewing, especially during prime time, happens more and more often. And the remote is close by in trying to judge when to start and stop the fast forward button. Sometimes, the first commercial and last commercial in the break are viewed in getting close to the show content.
C7 Ratings, used to judge popularity of a show is certainly important. But in regard to raising advertising fees, some formula might be needed to ascertain the true value of delayed DVR viewing. Still it is nice to see that the rise of DVR viewing is seen as more than just 3 days from initial linear airing of a show.
Looking
at 10 top primetime shows on the broadcast networks, TiVo Research
found $88 million in additional revenue that could be captured by
switching to C7 from C3. The ratings lift ranged from a low of 6.2% for
CBS’ The Good Wife to 10.9% for ABC’s Modern Family. - See more at:
http://www.multichannel.com/news/technology/change-c7-would-boost-ratings-revenue/373981#sthash.1IwCTEoc.dpuf
Looking
at 10 top primetime shows on the broadcast networks, TiVo Research
found $88 million in additional revenue that could be captured by
switching to C7 from C3. The ratings lift ranged from a low of 6.2% for
CBS’ The Good Wife to 10.9% for ABC’s Modern Family. - See more at:
http://www.multichannel.com/news/technology/change-c7-would-boost-ratings-revenue/373981#sthash.1IwCTEoc.dpuf
Looking
at 10 top primetime shows on the broadcast networks, TiVo Research
found $88 million in additional revenue that could be captured by
switching to C7 from C3. The ratings lift ranged from a low of 6.2% for
CBS’ The Good Wife to 10.9% for ABC’s Modern Family. - See more at:
http://www.multichannel.com/news/technology/change-c7-would-boost-ratings-revenue/373981#sthash.1IwCTEoc.dpuf
Looking
at 10 top primetime shows on the broadcast networks, TiVo Research
found $88 million in additional revenue that could be captured by
switching to C7 from C3. The ratings lift ranged from a low of 6.2% for
CBS’ The Good Wife to 10.9% for ABC’s Modern Family. - See more at:
http://www.multichannel.com/news/technology/change-c7-would-boost-ratings-revenue/373981#sthash.1IwCTEoc.dpuf
Friday, April 18, 2014
Video Streaming Not Hurting TV Ad Revenue
While Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and others are capturing subscription revenue and watching usage surge, broadcast and cable networks continue to grow as well. According to latest figures in the first quarter of this year, ad revenue was up over 21% from last year's first quarter. That is pretty healthy ad growth considering all the worries of cord cutting and streaming video.
In addition, syndication grew 11% for the quarter while local cable advertising rose 4%. Exciting times ahead as big data helps to drive better targeting and hopefully higher ROIs. It seems the pot is big enough for both digital and linear to continue to do well.
In addition, syndication grew 11% for the quarter while local cable advertising rose 4%. Exciting times ahead as big data helps to drive better targeting and hopefully higher ROIs. It seems the pot is big enough for both digital and linear to continue to do well.
for
the quarter was up 21.2% from a year ago. March spending was up 18%. -
See more at:
http://www.multichannel.com/news/marketing/tv-ad-revenue-grew-21-q1-smi/373935#sthash.mmCjxbn8.dpuf
for
the quarter was up 21.2% from a year ago. March spending was up 18%. -
See more at:
http://www.multichannel.com/news/marketing/tv-ad-revenue-grew-21-q1-smi/373935#sthash.mmCjxbn8.dpuf
for
the quarter was up 21.2% from a year ago. March spending was up 18%. -
See more at:
http://www.multichannel.com/news/marketing/tv-ad-revenue-grew-21-q1-smi/373935#sthash.mmCjxbn8.dpuf
for
the quarter was up 21.2% from a year ago. March spending was up 18%. -
See more at:
http://www.multichannel.com/news/marketing/tv-ad-revenue-grew-21-q1-smi/373935#sthash.mmCjxbn8.dpuf
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Yahoo Or Else
As CEO Marissa Mayer attempts to reinvent Yahoo, their greatest strength so far may be their investment in China's Alibaba, their challenge continues to be how to grow usage and consequently advertising. The secret plan, uncovered by re/code, may be to convince Apple to make Yahoo the default search engine on its iPad and iPhone devices. Certainly this will take some financial inducement. And is there an ROI that justifies the expense. Its just a shame that Yahoo hasn't done more to educate consumers on how easy it is to manually switch the search engine on these devices. It also makes me wonder if an Apple/Yahoo partnership could lead to more business ventures as well including original content and distribution.
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