Hey, TV Networks, It's About More Than CPM

Q&A: OMD Broadcast Buyer Chris Geraci on What Makes Him Want to Tear Out His Hair

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- There's a new face behind national TV buying at Omnicom Group's OMD, the firm that works for PepsiCo, Apple and other glitzy advertisers. Chris Geraci, an Omnicom veteran, was named March 14 to replace Debbie Richman, who has taken over the chief ad-sales role at the Lifetime cable channel. FULL ARTICLE

Fresh Episodes Boost Networks

Rash Report: Returning Sitcoms Land in Top Ten

MINNEAPOLIS (AdAge.com) -- The recent reappearance of new scripted and reality shows re-energized TV networks following the lull brought on by the writers' strike. Among the standouts were "Two and a Half Men," "How I Met Your Mother," "Old Christine" and "Dancing With the Stars." FULL ARTICLE

3 Minute Ad Age: March 21, 2008

NBC's Zucker Ecstatic Over Hulu.com's First Week of Traffic

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Speaking at Ad Age's Digital Marketing Conference, NBC Universal President-CEO Jeff Zucker said the first week's traffic at Hulu.com greatly exceeded the network's expectations. A joint venture of NBC and News Corp., Hulu was designed as the TV industry's counterpunch to YouTube. In this interview, Mr. Zucker explains why his network decided to create its own video site rather than partner with YouTube. And he addresses the question of what Hulu means for NBC.com, the established website that also been providing online access to the network's prime-time shows. FULL ARTICLE

What You Should Have Read, March 21, 2008

Tribune Looks to Sell Newsday
Crain's New York Business broke the news yesterday that Rupert Murdoch, News Corp. chairman, was eyeing Newsday with the intent of merging back-office operations with the New York Post. This morning The New York Times follows up with a story noting that along with Mr. Murdoch, the other two parties interested in the Long Island tabloid include Mortimer B. Zuckerman, the real estate developer and publisher who owns the Daily News, the Post's tabloid rival; and James L. Dolan, whose family controls Cablevision. The Wall Street Journal, now also owned by Mr. Murdoch's News Corp., lays out the reasons that Tribune Co.'s new owner, Sam Zell, is interested in the sale: He needs the money. FULL ARTICLE

Where Brands and Media Converge

2008 Venice Festival of Media, April 13-16

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Before they hit Cannes this summer, some of the world's most prominent media and marketing players will be making a pit stop in another glamorous European city: Venice. This April 13-16, C Squared Holdings is set to host its second annual Venice Festival of Media , a global forum for the media industry. FULL ARTICLE