Coda
by Staff -- Multichannel News, 12/7/2008 7:00:00 PM
Tee Time for Golf HD
Orlando, Fla. — After sharing channel space with Comcast-owned Versus, Golf Channel tees off alone in high-definition today (Dec. 8).
With commitments from its parent, as well as DirecTV, Dish Network, Cox Communications, Verizon Communications and Cablevision Systems, Golf Channel HD is expected to be in 12.5 million homes by January. Officials for the service said other operator deals are pending that could add another 3 million homes to that total.
Under the shared-channel arrangement, Golf’s HD presentation had been limited to daytime hours, with Versus events in primetime. Now, those who missed live tournament action will be able to see it and other fare at night and throughout the programming day on Golf Channel HD.
Golf Channel HD figures to provide brilliant vistas with its four-round coverage of the PGA Tour’s first three 2009 stops: the Mercedes-Benz Championship from Kapalua’s picturesque Plantation Course on Maui, Hawaii, the Sony Open in Hawaii, and the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic from Palm Springs, Calif.
All told, Golf plans to offer 750 hours in native HD during 2009, showcasing not only the PGA, but some LPGA and European Tour action, plus original productions.
Factoring in encores, Golf has a minimum of 2,100 HD hours lined up for next year, a total that could grow as the network transitions its news coverage, topped by its Golf Central franchise, to the enhanced format by the close of next year.
Golf Channel will spread the HD gospel as part of its annual 2009 PGA Tour Kick-Off affiliate local ad-sales initiative. To date, systems reaching 54 million homes are on board with the LAS effort, requiring that participants to run taggable cross-channel spots touting the men’s tour and the network’s high-definition presentation of the same. Moreover, there are taggable Golf Channel-themed product spots, trumpeting operators’ HD, high-speed, DVR and other advanced services.
The network, which counts some 82 million standard-definition subscribers, has also embarked on a PGA campaign that highlights its HD coverage, under an “Epic Drama” theme, with executions in print, TV and online.
— Mike Reynolds
ESPN Tackles Nov. Ratings
New York — Fueled by pro and college football, ESPN scored a ratings touchdown in November, ranking No. 1 in households in primetime, according to Nielsen Media Research data.
And catapulted by the November elections, the all-news networks saw double- and triple-digit gains.
Top-ranked ESPN racked up a 2.4 rating, up 4% from November last year, according to a Disney ABC Television Group analysis of Nielsen data.
USA Network and Fox News Channel tied for second place, each with a 2.1 rating. USA was flat versus last year, while Fox News Channel — benefiting from the presidential and general election — was up 75%, from last November’s 1.2 rating.
They were followed in primetime by Disney Channel, which averaged a 1.8 rating in November, down 18% from a year ago. TNT posted a 1.5 rating, the same as last November, followed by Nick at Nite with a 1.4, a 17% gain.
TBS, CNN and Hallmark Channel each averaged a 1.3 rating. TBS slipped down 7% from last year, while CNN was up 86%, from a 0.7, on the wings of the November election. Hallmark saw an 8% increase from last year.
MSNBC scored a 1.2 primetime rating, up a sizable 140%, from a 0.5, with its election boost.
Cartoon Network and Lifetime each garnered a 1.1 rating. Cartoon was flat versus a year ago, while Lifetime was up 10%.
Some of the other big primetime winners in household ratings in November were: ABC Family, which was up 25% with a 1.0 rating; NFL Network, up 100% to a 0.8; Nicktoons, up 50% to a 0.3; Oxygen, up 33% to a 0.4; Speed, up 50% to a 0.3; The N, up 50% to a 0.3; and Versus, up 50% to a 0.3.
— Linda Moss
Villano to End Cable Positive Run
New York — Cable Positive CEO Steve Villano has decided not to renew his contract to lead the industry’s HIV/AIDS organization when it expires on July 31.
Villano said that after nine years with Cable Positive, “it’s time for me, both professionally and personally. It’s a great time for the organization, and we’re working on a succession and a strategic plan.”
He added that the board would conduct a search to find his successor, with chief operating officer Thomas Henning acting as an interim leader.
As for his own plans, Villano said he would be weighing opportunities in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. On his “Change We Can Believe In” blog at www.cablepositive.org, Villano wrote: “I’ve decided to seek to explore some mountains beyond those I’ve already climbed.”
— Mike Reynolds
Mago Replacing NAB’s MacBride
Washington — Marsha MacBride, executive vice president of legal and regulatory affairs at the National Association of Broadcasters, is leaving the trade organization and is being replaced by her deputy, Jane Mago.
“Marsha will continue to serve as a strategic adviser to the association on issues pending before the FCC and administration,” NAB president David Rehr said in an e-mail to the NAB board and staff.
MacBride joined the NAB in 2003 from her position as FCC chief of staff for former chairman Michael Powell.
Mago, an FCC veteran who joined the NAB a year after MacBride, has been named executive vice president of legal and regulatory affairs and general counsel.
Rehr didn’t provide any reason for MacBride’s departure. NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton declined to comment.
— Ted Hearn
Armchair Quarterback
12/19/2007Tee Time For Golf Channel HD
12/05/2008Dish Adds Fox Business and Fox News HD
02/03/2009Cablevision Adds Versus/Golf Channel HD
05/23/2007
