David Belmonte’s Post

Hope to see you there!

Have you ever regretted saying something in the heat of the moment? Ninety seconds could be the difference between losing someone you love or showing someone how you want to love them. Ninety seconds could be the difference in what the next nine weeks or nine months may look like. Inspired by Viktor Frankl's quote, "Between stimulus and response, there is a space," Jay unpacks the concept that this small window of time holds the key to our growth, freedom, and ability to create better outcomes in our lives. Maybe you've said something you didn't mean, maybe you've made a comment that you didn't want to say. Maybe it was with your partner, your kids, your siblings, your friend, that text or social media post, maybe it was politics or religion, an official at a youth sports game, a co-worker, or the customer service person because you aren't empathetic and just want what you want. If we slow our life down we will do better at responding and paying attention to how our words can build or damage relationships. I am sharing this because I think it would make the world a better place if we could all try this. I know I am imperfect and have worked on being a better person, volunteering more, being more present in conversations, aligning my time allocation with my belief system. But I fail sometimes. What I have been able to do is forgive myself sooner. Why LinkedIn? Because I think it applies to how we approach our co-workers, customers, and stakeholders. We all spend a lot of time at work and develop some of our life-long friendships at work. So, if I tell you I need 90 seconds, please know I am trying to do better.

2024 streaming ad revenue is expected to grow by 19%, making up 25% of the total TV market as forecasted by Magna. GroupM reports that less than half of US households will subscribe to cable. With the addition of ads on Amazon Prime Video, inventory is expanding. Agencies are pushing for CPM rollbacks of up to 40% due to increased fragmentation, leading to a -20% decrease in CPMs for premium streamers. Ad Age suggests these CPMs are now in the mid $20 range, while cable CPMs start at high single digits, reflecting the enhanced capabilities of streaming platforms. Buyers face challenges in purchasing streaming ads due to the time required to navigate offerings and measurement methods, lacking a universal ratings source akin to Nielsen for traditional TV. FYI: iHeart has developed an OTT/CTV business featuring Marketplace (Xander, MS, Publisher Direct), Shopper (1st Party Amazon data), and Location (MRC Accredited Proximity Targeting-GroundTruth) - all DoubleVerify certified.

“There’s a big shift in local and regional sports media coverage and we’re on the other side of the paradigm,” Spano said. That presents “all kinds of opportunities [for us] to take market share from struggling –and in some cases shuttering– RSNs, newspapers, and sports talk radio stations across the country.”   While live events (think: tailgates, watch parties, golf tournaments) contribute positively to the top line, they are the ‘connective tissue’ that differentiates ACN from other team focused-media channels and ultimately makes its model work. “It’s where this digital network becomes reality and the people become real,” Spano said. The company has a bar in Denver that serves as ‘the sports mecca’ within the city. It has become a gathering spot for the DNVR community. Look for ACN’s focus to shift to linear television. Remember, TEGNA owns 64 local media stations in 51 markets, and is the single largest owner of ‘big four’ affiliates amongst the top 25 markets. ACN should, at least in theory, be able to help serve broadcast subscribers in locales where its investor has reach (think: Denver, Phoenix, Dallas).

My thoughts: It’s inspiring to see a company that values its people and develops insights by balancing data with on-the-ground human interaction. In today’s market, where consumers are both price-conscious and seeking quality ingredients, Albertsons Cos. has found a unique opportunity. The grocer, which owns brands like Acme, Safeway, and Tom Thumb, is positioning itself as a go-to destination for freshness at affordable prices. “Our purpose is to bring people together around the joys of food and to inspire wellbeing,” said Carol Best, VP of Marketing, on the latest episode of Ad Age’s Marketer’s Brief podcast. She highlighted how the company has leveraged consumer insights, particularly the relationships customers have with store associates, to shape new campaigns like Safeway’s “Perfecting the Art of Fresh.”

DirecTV and Dish are reportedly in advanced talks to merge, potentially creating the largest U.S. pay-TV provider with around 20 million subscribers. Sources suggest that an announcement of the deal could be imminent, with both parties still finalizing the details of the merger structure. Previous attempts at merging faced antitrust concerns, but the shift towards streaming services might pave the way for a smoother process this time (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 9/26). If the merger goes ahead, AT&T and TPG, the owners of DirecTV, could significantly reduce costs, while Dish's parent company, Echostar, stands to benefit from a vital lifeline amid upcoming debt obligations (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 9/26). Dave: This potential merger could present a positive opportunity for regional sports networks if Dish resumes carrying them.

In July, The Wall Street Journal reported that Meta was in talks to buy a 5% stake in EssilorLuxottica. The status of those talks couldn’t be learned. EssilorLuxottica last week said it had struck a new long-term agreement with Meta to work on developing smart glasses into the next decade. "I think what you’re going to end up with is just a whole series of different potential glasses products at different price points with different levels of technology in them," Zuckerberg said recently. Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses are gaining traction among consumers, who say they like using them to take photos for their friends and family as well as to create content for social media. The excitement comes as interest in the metaverse, an online world accessed via virtual-reality headsets, remains muted. Meta Platforms (META -0.60%) is expected to preview its latest pair of tech-enabled glasses at its annual developer and hardware conference Wednesday. The second version of Meta's smart glasses, made in collaboration with Italian eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica (EL 0.84% increase), and equipped with a camera, microphones, and artificial intelligence, went on sale in October 2023. Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, said demand has been higher than expected.

Marketers Love Personalization, But Consumers are Creeped Out! Marketers Love Personalization, but Consumers are Creeped Out: 67 percent of consumers hate being trailed by targeted ads. Moreover, this hyper-targeting may not be working as intended: 7 out of 10 of these consumers say that these digital ads are irrelevant to them despite marketers’ targeting efforts. Instead, 82 percent of consumers say they are influenced by their communities, friends, family, and religious leaders – notably not by professional influencers – potentially revealing a new way to target audiences by messaging those around them who play important roles in their lives.  

Audio has always been a powerful medium for storytelling and brand communication. In fact, a recent study by Dentsu showed that audio outperformed video in grabbing attention and generating brand recall.

Some people love them. Possibly more people hate them, sometimes vehemently. Either way, jingles are making a rebound in advertising, and for good reason. They appear to be working for brands. Did you know that nearly one-third of our media consumption time is spent on audio? 📻🎧 While broadcast radio remains a dominant force, the rise of podcasting continues to shape our listening habits. #MediaTrends #AudioConsumption #PodcastGrowth