Monday, October 17, 2016

Readings for Wednesday, October 19, 2016

ABC to "Stack" all episodes of new series
According to the article, what is "stacking"? What is TV Everywhere and what is an "authenticated viewer"? Where can authenticated viewers watch stacked shows? Which shows are being stacked by ABC? Who can watch live local broadcasts? What are the benefits of stacking shows? Who benefits? Any potential downside? Why is this deal so complicated?

"Bull," "Kevin Can Wait" and "MacGyver" grab full-season pickups at CBS
What is a full-season order? What does it mean for these three shows? Why is CBS confident about "Bull," "Kevin Can Wait" and "MacGyver"? What other shows have picked up additional episodes? Why has CBS delayed premiering a number of new shows, including "Man with a Plan," "The Great Indoors" and "Pure Genius"?

This fall's biggest surprises on broadcast
What types of viewing are included in the 11.8 rating for Bull? What are some other surprises so far this season on broadcast television?

The value of lead-ins: CBS gets a boost
What was the latest evidence that lead-ins are still important in this age of immersive media? How did CBS News get the most viewers for the Presidential Debate on Sunday? Who aired the debate? Who didn't air it and why not? How did the numbers for cable compare to numbers for broadcast last week? 

NFL fumbles its ratings this season
How are the NFL's television ratings this season? How are the numbers for all viewers and "the demo"? Which network has the greatest loss of viewers? According to the NFL, what are the reasons for the decline? What do you think is the reason for the decline?

NFL ratings plunge could spell doom for traditional TV
Why were NFL games viewed as the "last line of defense" against cord cutting and the move toward streaming? How is this decline causing existential angst for traditional TV? What are some other examples of sucess that traditional linear TV is holding up as an argument in its favor? What is meant by a "promotional halo"? Is this a short term blip? Is this a long term issue? Is this the death knell for linear television? If so, what is next?