AD AGE REPORTS DROP OF 4.3%

IN REVENUE FOR TOP 100 MEDIA COMPANIES 

In a terribly disturbing report, Ad Age finds that revenue generated by the top 100 American media companies fell 4.3% in the first half of 2009, indicating the annual figure will become the first decline since the publication began ranking media back in 1981. 

These figures actually become even worse when you realize that 2008 volume posted a dismal 0.8% increase, and last year’s six month figures are coming in far worse than that. The economic collapse has been pretty drastic for our industry. 

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FCC EXPECTED TO EASE RESTRICTIONS

ON MEDIA OWNERSHIP NEXT YEAR 

There is a good deal of speculation and a lot of discussion over the possibility that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may pass new regulations regarding cross-ownership of newspapers with television or radio stations. The Commission also may be loosening rules for station ownership. 

Right now the FCC permits ownership of no more than two TV stations in the same local market. Many suggest that with the severe falloff of advertising experienced by local broadcasters in a variety of categories, local stations can’t survive without a degree of consolidation. There seems to be some interest on the part of the Commission in pursuing that approach, a change that could open many more doors to freelance writers and help make newspapers and regional/local stations healthier.

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MEDIA STOCKS MAY BE ON THE REBOUND

AS THE RECESSION SEEMS TO BE COOLING SLIGHTLY 

Although the forecast for the publishing industry isn’t particularly upbeat, other segments of the media world have become quite sanguine about the future. Some media stocks are chalking up double digit rebounds already. 

Analysts attribute the improvement to several factors. On the video front, companies are seeing indications of some summer blockbusters. That has created an optimistic attitude for the fall season as well. In addition, there is a feeling among many observers that advertising has bottomed out and revenues should now begin to increase. In addition, there is a feeling that foreign auto makers will step up their ad spending in an effort to capitalize on the troubles of GM and Chrysler.  

The hope is that some of the increase in other media may be felt by print newspapers and magazines and hopefully books. We surely all need a boost.

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