Duel threatens to delay debut of digital TV

Article Abstract:

Digital TV's network debut in Oct 1998 could be jeopardized by a battle between the broadcast and cable industries. The standoff hinges on whether cable operators must transmit digital TV signals over their wires. Broadcasters, who are spending about about $16 billion to develop the digital signals, say the cable companies must carry the digital service to high-definition TV and multiple channels. Cable companies will brief the news media on Apr 21, 1998, on why they are refusing to cooperate. Both sides expect the issue to reach the courts and possibly add to digital delays. Local cable operators deliver networks such as ABC and CBS to 70% of all TV viewers, but the rise of cable has dropped the three biggest networks's share of viewers to 50%. Current rules require cable companies to carry analog-TV signals.

Cable Television Systems, Cable Networks, Cable and other pay TV services, Internet services, Cable television broadcasting industry, Cable television, Telecommunications systems, Industry legal issue, Cable television/data services

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Bell Atlantic says it would help fund public broadcasting in partnership role

Article Abstract:

The Bell Atlantic Corp has expressed interest in a partnership with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting that would establish it in the funding role the federal government currently occupies. According to the proposal, the Baby Bell would provide monies to guarantee that public broadcasting continues in its present form. Bell Atlantic would also get access to certain programming and licensing rights. The company says it may be interested in acquiring some public broadcasting stations if federal laws were changed to permit it. The federal government is considering cancelling its $300 million annual funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a non-profit organization that distributes the funds among the country's 1,000 public broadcasting stations.

Planning, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Company acquisition/merger, Investments, Bell Atlantic Corp., BEL, Company business planning, Public television, Government Funding, Government aid, United States. Corporation for Public Broadcasting

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Discovery is tailoring 'Cleopatra' as a one-stop global media buy

Article Abstract:

Discovery Channel is about to pull off a first in TVland; it will broadcast one program globally at the same time and offer advertising. Visa and Merrill Lynch will sponsor the show in ads that will run in 23 languages, reaching Discovery's potential of 144 million subscribers. Sunday 3/14/99 at 9 p.m. in all time zones, Discovery will air Cleopatra's castle being excavated by French explorer Franck Goddio in Alexandria, Egypt. Advertisers will also be found at discovery.com.

Comment:

An advertiser of Cleopatra's Palace on Discovery's global broadcast

United States, Marketing procedures, New Products/Services, Media Planning/Goals, Television, Global Marketing, New Electronic Marketing, Advertising Activity, Educational TV Stations, Marketing, Abstract, MER, Discovery Communications Inc., Public television stations, Merrill Lynch & Company Inc., Visa Inc.

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