Latest from Next TV in Relaunch

NBC Universo Bows as Most-Watched Hispanic Cable Net

Mike Reynolds — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 21:45:00 +0000

NBC Universo enjoyed a good coming out party on Sunday.

Fueled by its coverage of Super Bowl XLIX, the Spanish-language network, which was converted from mun2 at 1 a.m. (ET) on Feb. 1, was the most-watched Hispanic cable channel in total day and primetime.

The network's presentation of the New England Patriots and their last-second stand that secured a 28-24 win that dethroned the Seattle Seahawks, averaged 368,000 watchers, according to Nielsen data, 259,000 of whom were adults 18 to 49. The telecast peaked with 457,000 during the final minutes, and cumed 1.14 million watchers. Fox Deportes' coverage of Super Bowl XLVIII, the first cablecast of the Super Bowl to air in Spanish in U.S., history, averaged 561,000 watchers.

NBC Universo officials said the network outdelivered Hispanic cable competitors by at least 2:1 margin during primetime, and Super Bowl XLIX was also the most-viewed program outside of top soccer matches in its predecessor's history.

Among Hispanic adults 18 to 49, the modern, general-entertainment channel was the most-watched cable network -- regardless of language -- during total day and primetime. Gauged on a total-day basis, NBC Universo averaged 121,000 total viewers, 81,000 ages 18 to 49. the network's best-ever performance with the demo.

In primetime, NBC Universo averaged 267,000 total viewers, including 186,000 in the aforementioned segment, marking its highest Sunday ever in the daypart with that group.

“Sunday marked a historic day for our network. On the first day of our re-launch, NBC Universo succeeded in delivering high-quality sports and edgy entertainment series to Latino viewers across the U.S., and more than a million people joined us to watch Super Bowl XLIX in Spanish,” said network president Rubén Mendiola. “As we continue to establish our network and new brand, we’re off to a thrilling start. We could not be more pleased with our viewers’ positive response to our new, vibrant look and feel. With FIFA World Cup, the NASCAR Mexico Series, more Premier League matches, WWE RAW and Smackdown en Español, and The 2016 Rio Olympics all on deck, Super Bowl XLIX was the first of many brilliant sports moments Latinos can expect from NBC Universo in the months ahead.”

Digital Was ‘Major Tentpole’ of ‘Tonight Show’ Relaunch with Fallon #NYCTVWk #TCS

Tim Baysinger — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 21:00:00 +0000

Fans of Jimmy Fallon know that the Tonight Show host is a major player on digital and social media platforms, often sharing clips from the night’s show and having digital-only elements, such as backstage talks from the guests.

In fact, digital was the key element in the relaunch of NBC’s late night franchise in February.

“As part of the show’s strategy, digital was one of the major tentpoles,” Robert Hayes, executive vice president of Digital NBC Entertainment, said during a keynote session with Daniel Holloway, programming and digital media editor for B&C at the Content Show that was part of NewBay Media’s NYC Television Week.

Hayes explained that from the network’s perspective, the digital aspect of the relaunch had to be successful. "That’s what’s expected now,” said Hayes of the importance of digital to the TV landscape. “Consumer behavior has changed.”

Tonight Show executive producer Gavin Purcell added that shows that don’t take advantage of digital and social media platforms are forfeiting a substantial portion of their audience. “I do think those shows are missing this opportunity.”

Purcell said he wants the clips that are shared the morning after the show to help drive viewership. For example, Fallon is known for getting his guests to do things such as Will Smith’s “History of Rap Dancing” bit on the show’s premiere. Purcell hopes viewers watch that clip and then feel compelled to watch that next night to see what Fallon will do next. “I see that clip as a commercial for the show.”

Some other highlights from the discussion:

-- Hayes explained that mobile was a major factor in the launch of Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show. “We really approached the relaunch of the Tonight Show as a mobile first initiative.” Purcell added: “I believe mobile has driven the idea of interaction in general.”

-- Aside from Fallon’s 11:30 p.m. competition from David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel, Purcell talked about the competition the show faces during the afternoon when he hopes viewers are catching up on clips. When asked who their competition was during those hours, Purcell said “everyone… it could even be from NASA.”

-- Hayes mentioned that one specific aspect that has greatly improved since Fallon took over is the amount of full episode views online. “We feel very confident that it’s contributing to the overall success of the ratings.”

Boomerang Relaunches As Youth-Aimed, Commercial Service

Mike Reynolds — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 13:15:00 +0000

Turner Broadcasting System is repositioning its Boomerang service as an all animation, youth-targeted network that will feature commercials in the U.S. for the first time, beginning next year. The gambit places Boomerang in the hunt for eyeballs for kids and their parents, as well as the marketing opportunities tied to co-viewing audiences.

While Boomerang, which has served as vintage complement to Turner Broadcasting's flagship kids brand, Cartoon Network, will continue to draw from a robust library of Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera, Cartoon Network and MGM theatrical shorts, series and specials, featuring such classics as Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo and The Powerpuff Girls, the network will integrate a slate of newly acquired contemporary series from around the globe.

Boomerang will also introduce a refreshed on-air environment and for the first time offer exclusive original content on the network across its 13 international feeds. All told, Boomerang counts some 250 million global subscribers, including 45.5 million in the U.S., where it launched in 2000.

The first rollout of the refreshed Boomerang occurred in Latin America on Sept. 29, and will continue Down Under in Australia on Nov. 3. The relaunch in the additional territories, including the States, will transpire in 2015. Domestically, the network became rated by Nielsen in September. The move to sell ads on Boomerang was announced in February.

With the reset, Boomerang will compete for ad sales and sponsorship opportunities with Cartoon, Viacom's Nickelodeon suite of services, as well as Disney Channel and Disney XD.

"The re-launch of Boomerang as a second flagship channel is a testament to its global appeal,” Gerhard Zeiler, president of Turner Broadcasting System, International, said in a release. “We are extremely proud to see this channel move into its next incarnation – with a look and feel that conveys its quality and contemporary position. This represents a further step in our strategy to build on the success of our international kid’s network.”

Christina Miller, who in July became president and general manager, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang (U.S.), said in the release: “Boomerang has always been a timeless favorite with multi-generational appeal. We see this as a unique opportunity to not only redefine the family co-viewing experience, but to grow and leverage our overall global kids portfolio and position it across all platforms in conjunction with Cartoon Network."

Beyond its linear presence in more than 250 million homes, Boomerang also will be supported with refreshed digital and mobile platforms, including a newly refaced website that features exclusive activities, games and content to provide a full immersion experience for all visitors. Younger fans will be able to enjoy age-appropriate free games showcasing their favorite characters, while older users can learn more about their favorite characters and series.