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October 15, 2004

Ads subtract

: I can't find the story now but I saw an article this week about Clear Channel creating a new division to help local advertisers create better, shorter commercials. The service is free and it's not mandatory, but Clear Channel hopes advertisers improve their ads.

The reason wasn't stated but it's obvious: Ads are a detraction from commercial radio as it competes with ad-free satellite.

And local radio ads do pretty much suck. Haven't you changed the station just because the ads sucked?

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This is why democracy works

: As I always say, the trends that threaten to eat TV never do. Tabloid shows, blooper shows, variety shows, soap operas... all dead.

Now reality shows are clutching their throats and choking.

Bravo!

A fall season with a glut of reality shows has led to several cancellations, weak entrants and — more disturbing for network executives — declines for established programs, according to Steve Sternberg, executive vice president and director of audience analysis at Magna Global USA.

NBC's "The Apprentice," the megahit featuring real-estate magnate Donald Trump, has witnessed a decline in ratings in its second season, along with returning shows "The Bachelor" and "Fear Factor."

"The danger in relying too much on reality shows, unlike scripted series, is you never know when it's going to suddenly decline," Sternberg wrote in a new report.

We always OD and then always recover and move onto the next addiction.

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Spiers takes over media

: I had coffee yesterday with Elizabeth Spiers, the new editor-in-chief of MediaBistro.com.

It's a great move. You know I've been a fan of Elizabeth's through her Gawker and New York lives. She's scary-smart and imaginative and, shall we say, discriminating. She will bring a new perspective on media and that will put MediaBistro on the map.

I had lunch a few weeks ago with MediaBistro founder Laurel Touby, right as she was planning to start blogs and hire CableNewser (another smart move). She is smart and aggressive and will make the most of this.

So congrats to both. I look forward to what comes next.

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Was it something I said?

: Well, yes, it probably was.... Glenn Reynolds is in the neighborhood and he doesn't even call. Don't leave without having some paella, Glenn.

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