STREAMING: NOW THE DEFAULT FOR MOST VIEWERS

When you turn on the TV, what’s your first stop on the nonexistent “dial?”  If it’s a streaming service, you’re in good company.  Just over half (52%) of those surveyed by Hub Entertainment Research say it’s their go-to, with 46% choosing the “Big 5” (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Max).  This marks continued and accelerated growth, as the Big 5 were at 35% three years ago and 30% in 2018. All other streamers were at 0% in 2018.  As for “traditional” TV, 38% of viewers still make it their first stop, citing news and live sports as the big draw. (MediaPost: Sep 18, 2024)

RETAIL SALES CONTINUE TO GROW

With unemployment low, wages increasing, and inflation easing, August retail spending was up 2% versus last year.  Experts with the National Retail Federation believe this bodes well for holiday spending—a belief supported by a report from Deloitte that predicts 2.3% to 3.3% holiday spending growth.  (NRF Sep 13, 2024)

EMMYS RATINGS UP

Reversing a three-year downward trend, 6.9 million people tuned into last weekend’s Emmy Awards, up from the previous telecast’s all-time low of four million.  It’s worth noting that the 2023 ceremony took place in January of this year, having been delayed by strikes and airing against an NFL playoff game.  That’s not to say that the 2024 Emmys didn’t draw interest on their own, with statues going to a wider and more diverse slate of shows than in the past. There were some surprising upsets, with HBO/Max’s Hacks winning Best Comedy and Netflix’s Baby Reindeer taking home Best Limited Series. (NYT: Sep 16, 2024)

BIG SPENDS IN SWING STATES

With fewer than 50 days until Election Day and polls showing Harris and Trump in a neck-and-neck race, battleground swing states are seeing huge influxes of local media spending.  So far, the all-important state of Pennsylvania leads the pack with $188 million in presidential campaign spending, followed by Michigan ($134M), Georgia ($96M), Wisconsin ($89M), and Arizona ($81M).  Despite CTV making inroads this cycle, broadcast TV is reaping most benefits. A majority of the spots are running in Daytime, with 92,000 swing state ads running in the daypart between August 1 and September 12. These units are less expensive than Prime and reach older viewers with a higher propensity to vote.  (Ad Age: Sep 17, 2024) 

THIS WEEK IN VIDEO HISTORY

September 16, 1993 – NBC debuts the Cheers spinoff Frasier, focused on Kelsey Grammer’s Dr. Frasier Crane.  The show proved that lightning could strike twice, provided your definition of “lightning” is great writing, directing, and a strong ensemble cast.  Frasier aired for 11 seasons and 264 episodes—Cheers also lasted 11 seasons with 275 episodes—in its initial run.  The show’s revival on Paramount+ began its second season today.  Tossed salad and scrambled eggs, anyone?