coronavirus

Instead, the trade group says it will focus on helping members serve their communities amid the coronavirus pandemic.

With coronavirus pushing numerous staffers into remote working situations, broadcasters are increasingly looking to exploit all of the remote functionality in their newsroom computer systems. Improved IP connectivity and better automation software is helping to make that happen.

A cooped-up audience hungry for information on the coronavirus is driving up viewership of TV news to extraordinary levels. Cable and broadcast networks typically see a Nielsen ratings bump when the public is captivated by a major crisis. But the networks have rarely experienced anything quite like the viewership surge they are seeing at all hours of the day, as half the country is ordered to stay home in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Kantar has just released findings of what it says is the largest-ever survey of consumers about the fast-moving pandemic, checking in with 25,000 consumers in 30 markets around the globe. Among the findings: People are doing 70% more web browsing, 63% more TV watching, and spending 61% more time on social media. WhatsApp has become increasingly more important, with an overall 40% increase in use.

Some latenight hosts have, in recent days, taken their shows to a front porch, back patio or basement. Samantha Bee lit out for the woods behind her home. The host says she is doing what she can to “keep it moving and trying to maintain some continuity” in a surreal moment. Now, with jury-rigged productions that hinge on writers and producers working from home, and a little skill with smartphone cameras and uploading and downloading video, the latenight hosts hope to keep viewers sheltering at home entertained.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the FCC’s Media Bureau has signaled it will look favorably on requests for waivers of its limits on the amount of programming a “brokered” station can air from a broadcast partner and not violate local TV ownership rules.

The unanimous vote Wednesday came despite misgivings on both sides about whether it goes too far or not far enough and capped days of difficult negotiations as Washington confronted a national challenge unlike it has ever faced. The 880-page measure is the largest economic relief bill in U.S. history. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell appeared somber and exhausted as he announced the vote — and he released senators from Washington until April 20, though he promised to recall them if needed.

Graham Media-owned WDIV in Detroit now has about 90% of its staff working from home, shifting quickly on the advice of its health reporter (who is an ER doctor) and a senior producer with a public health background.

The rapid spread of COVID-19 has left the TV industry reeling and in “uncharted territory,” as execs and buyers began navigating the ad sales fallout of sports cancellations, which began two weeks ago and continued through Tuesday’s Summer Olympics postponement.

The first major benefit concert to provide relief and support for Americans impacted by COVID-19 is happening. Elton John will host an all-star benefit concert airing Sunday night titled Fox Presents the iHeart Living Room Concert for America. The event will feature performances by Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mariah Carey, Tim McGraw and others yet to be announced. The commercial-free event will take the place of the previously announced iHeartRadio Music Awards at 9 p.m. ET Sunday.

This year’s Tony Awards will be postponed, the Broadway League announced Wednesday. The ceremony had been scheduled to take place at Radio City Music Hall on June 7 on CBS celebrating the best of a Broadway season that has been irreparably disrupted by the shutdown of all New York City theaters due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Eligible freelancers at regional sports networks will be able to receive an immediate $2,500 interest-free advance beginning on Friday, April 3. The fund is being launched in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has indefinitely halted the production of live sports, depriving these freelancers of work.

Near-term TV advertising demand for some TV network inventory is dropping in March/April due to COVID-19 issues, according to media executives. Planned network TV media dollars for major brand marketers are shifting to what is hoped to be more normal viewing periods in later months.

TV commercials have long been the surest bet on Madison Avenue. Suddenly, they’re looking more like a risky gambit. The nation’s biggest ad spenders have muscled through tough times like 9/11 and the recession of 2008-09. But the coronavirus pandemic has sparked a level of confusion the likes of which the media industry has never seen.

The host, who joined Wednesday’s edition of the show from his Manhattan apartment, said he was “self-quarantining” after a family member displayed one of the possible coronavirus symptoms, a loss of taste and smell.

Comcast has raised $4 billion through a debt offering to offset the impact on its businesses of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a SEC filing made public on Wednesday.

While all news media are practicing social distancing and adapting to working outside the office, WBBM Chicago went a step further Tuesday. The CBS-owned station originated its entire 5 p.m. newscast away from its Loop newsroom, studio and control room.