Friday, December 30, 2011

Report About Viacom's 2011 Earnings And Outlook For 2012

From Deadline.com:
2011 Earnings: Media Stocks Beat The Dow

YEARENDER: Wall Streeters throughout 2011 became starry eyed when they talked about tech stocks. But they still had a soft spot in their hearts for traditional media companies all year long. Five of the seven companies in the Big Media group beat the Dow Jones Industrial Average’s 6.1% increase (through December 29th) — four of them by a lot. And they weren't outliers: The Standard & Poor’s broadcasting index was +15.2% while the S&P movies and entertainment index was +10.2%. Many of the stocks were bolstered by the industry-wide improvement in ad sales. In addition, there was a general sense of relief — perhaps a pipe dream — that digital companies don’t yet pose a clear and present danger to the way traditional movie and TV companies do business. We’ll see how long that lasts.

Here’s how each of the Big Media companies fared in 2011, in order of how well the stock performed. Next to the company name is the percentage increase or decrease in the stock price this year as well as the price-earnings ratio (the stock price divided by the expected earnings per share) which is a rough measure to compare how cheap or expensive the stock is compared to its industry peers.

[...]

Viacom (Stock: +13.8%, PE: 12.7) Viacom’s shares probably would have closed the year much higher if it weren't for the startling, and still perplexing, recent decline in Nickelodeon’s ratings. The drop in its live plus same-day audience accelerated from -5.4% in 3Q to -15.7% in October and -18.1% in November. CEO Philippe Dauman called the Nick situation a “blip,” touted the channel’s new programming plans, and questioned Nielsen's measurements. He also announced in November an eye-popping increase in Viacom's share repurchase authorization to $10B from $4B. Investors still want proof that Nick and other Viacom networks aren't running out of gas. That said, they liked a lot of other things that they heard from the company in 2011 including its strong upfront ad sales and new digital syndication deals. Movie service Epix became profitable. Paramount also had a great year at the box office with releases including Transformers: Dark Side Of The Moon, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger. Viacom probably will have to settle for less in 2012 as the Marvel titles shift to Disney. EPS (FY ended in September) $3.78, +25.2%.
You can read the full article here on the official Deadline.com website.

Also, more from Deadline.com:
2011 Big Media: Recalling Moguls Lost Year

YEARENDER: We’ll probably remember 2011 as a lost year for Big Media. Tech companies continued their drive to harness the Web in ways that could topple existing infotainment businesses. But most traditional media execs just smiled and said that their industry has nothing to fear but fear itself. You’ll go blind looking for major new initiatives, with one exception: Dish Network’s Charlie Ergen bought airwave spectrum and took Blockbuster out of bankruptcy as part of a plan to create a national video streaming service. Other companies didn’t even try to cut transformative deals although Comcast had its hands full trying to fix NBCUniversal, which the cable giant formally took over in January.

[...]

Meanwhile the giants are grappling with unique concerns. For example: CBS may find it has nowhere to go but down following its recent success in ratings and ad sales. Comcast has the opposite problem at NBC; hits have eluded the network as its ratings continued to fall. Disney’s also struggling to boost ABC’s audience while its cash cow, ESPN, could face growing competition – including from Comcast, which hopes to turn its cable channel Versus into a sports power after January when it will be renamed NBC Sports Network. News Corp has to fend off investors calling for the company to ditch its declining newspapers, which include The Wall Street Journal. Time Warner has to prove that it can develop a film franchise strong enough to replace Harry Potter. And Viacom faces new questions about whether Nickelodeon can recover from its declining ratings, and Paramount can repeat this year’s strong performance at the box office with fewer releases to distribute from DreamWorks Animation and Marvel.
You can read the full article here on the official Deadline.com website.

Nickelodeon USA Gives Viewers A First Look Sneak Peek At Nickelodeon's Brand New Comedy Show "How to Rock"

To celebrate "2012 On Nickelodeon", Nickelodeon's big plans for the new year, and Nickelodeon USA premiering Nickelodeon's latest brand new live-action comedy series "How to Rock" on Saturday February 4, 2012, Nickelodeon USA recently aired a exclusive "First Look At How to Rock" sneak peek special (streaming video below) which Nickelodeon North America aired as part of Nick USA's "The Best Week On TV" programming stunt, in which Nickelodeon unveiled to Nickelodeon viewers Nickelodeon's brand new sitcom "How to Rock", which included behind the scenes of "How to Rock" footage (including shots of a famous Nickelodeon Directors Chair, Nickelodeon Star Cymphonique Miller getting welcomed onto the "How To Rock" set on the Nickelodeon soundstage, and a famous Nickelodeon Green Room), how the cast of "How to Rock" are good friends on-screen and off-screen, that "How to Rock" will introduce "totally new music" and "hilarious characters", and an exclusive interview with Nickelodeon star and "How to Rock" lead actress Cymphonique Miller, who plays the lead character 'Kacey Simon' on Nickelodeon's "How to Rock", who talks about how funny her "How To Rock" co-stars Noah Crawford (Nelson) and Chris O'Neal (Kevin) are, the casts 'energy ritual', and what it's like to film and shoot "How to Rock" in front of a live studio audience.

How to Rock: First Look

What rocks about the new show How to Rock? Find out, when the cast dishes about the show behind-the-scenes! And don't miss the new series, How to Rock - This February!

Watch a Sneak Peek of the New Live-Action Series on Nickelodeon:How To Rock with Cymphonique Miller and the Cast.
Premieres February 4th on Nickelodeon!
Nickelodeon UK has yet to announce the premiere date for when Nickelodeon UK and Ireland, Nickelodeon HD UK, and Nick Replay UK will start to air the brand new Nickelodeon show "How To Rock".

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Nickelodeon Asia's January 2012 Highlights

According to the official Nickelodeon Asia websites, Nick-Asia.com, "TV Shows - What's New?" section here are Nickelodeon Asia's January 2012 highlights for "January 2012 on Nickelodeon Asia":
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (New Show!)

Monday 23rd January 2012 at 12.00pm (MY (Nickelodeon Malaysia), SG (Nickelodeon Singapore), PH (Nickelodeon Philippines))

Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness tells the continuing adventures of Po the Panda as he takes on many new responsibilities and face brand-new adversaries in his continuing education as the Dragon Warrior ... for being the Dragon Warrior is not a destination, it’s a journey (unfortunately for Po, that journey is uphill).

The Best Player (TV Movie, Premiere!)

Monday 2nd January 2012 at 12.00pm (MY (Nickelodeon Malaysia), SG (Nickelodeon Singapore), PH (Nickelodeon Philippines))

In Best Player, Quincy is a thirty-something baggage handler by day and online video game master by night. Perfectly happy to live in a tricked-out basement in his parents' home, Quincy has dedicated his life to sell their house and move to Florida. His only chance to maintain his "perfect" life is to enter a tournament introducing a brand-new video game - Black Hole - and win the prize money to buy his parents' house. As the current multi-player champion, Quincy thinks it’s a done deal.. until he encounters "Prodigy", who threatens to annihilate him.

Spongebob Squarepants Special: Frozen Face-Off (New Episode)

Friday 13th January 2012 at 7.00pm (MY (Nickelodeon Malaysia), SG (Nickelodeon Singapore)) 6.30pm (PH (Nickelodeon Philippines))

Bikini Bottom is buzzing with excitement as the town prepares for a sleigh race sponsored by an anonymous donor. But the gang’s dreams of winning the $1 million prize come to a screeching halt when they discover Plankton’s scheme to steal the Krabby Patty formula during the race.

Spongebob and his friends must work together to navigate through the icy tundra and past a menacing snow mollusk before Plankton gets his hands on Mr Krab's secret formula.

Grachi (New Show!)

Begins Monday 16th January 2012 at 5.30pm (Weekdays, PH only (Nickelodeon Philippines only))

Moving to a new town, making new friends, and fitting in at a new school is hard enough...

This is the adventure of Grachi, an adolescent who will discover her incredible magical powers, all while coping with school, boys and growing up, which will cause her many tangles... but none as the tangle when she discovers, for the first time, love... and understands that it is the true power.

Her rivalry with classmate Matilda for the affection of heart-throb Daniel sets the stage for a bewitching battle of spells that is sure to captivate viewers worldwide.

Dora's Birthday Adventures

Saturday 14th January 2012 @ 11.00am (MY (Nickelodeon Malaysia), SG (Nickelodeon Singapore)))

It's Dora's birthday and you know what that means .. A fun filled party with all her friends. The only problem is Dora and Boots are stuck in storybook land!

Ni Hao Kai Lan : Kai Lan's Monkey King Adventure

Saturday 7th January 2012 @ 11.00am (Nickelodeon Malaysia), SG (Nickelodeon Singapore))

Do you know who Kai-lan’s favorite superhero is? The Monkey King! He has amazing magical powers, and he can transform into all kinds of things. Today, Kai-lan, Rintoo, Tolee and Hoho are having a Monkey King PARTY at their playhouse.

TV Movies: Winx Club Specials

1. The Battle for Magix

Monday 23rd January 2012 @ 11.00am (MY (Nickelodeon Malaysia), SG (Nickelodeon Singapore), PH (Nickelodeon Philippines))

After the Trix steal Bloom’s Dragon Power, the Winx set out to stop them from destroying the Magic Dimension. Daphne tells Bloom that in order to defeat the Trix, she must believe in herself and find her own Dragon Power within.

2. The Shadow Phoenix

Tuesday 24th January 2012 @ 11.00am (MY (Nickelodeon Malaysia), SG (Nickelodeon Singapore), PH (Nickelodeon Philippines))

Sophomore year begins at Alfea College, but with an orientation party!

Johnny Cupcakes Releases Video About The Making Of Their "A Johnny Cupcakes Nickelodeon Collaboration" Nickelodeon Clothing And Accessories Line

To celebrate the release of the third and final wave of Johnny Cupcakes's "A Johnny Cupcakes Nickelodeon Collaboration" Nickelodeon clothing and accessories line, which feature characters from classic Nickelodeon animated shows from the 1990's, worldwide on Saturday 31st December 2011, Johnny Cupcakes have released this high quality high-definition exclusive video which charts and details the creative processes that made Nickelodeon's retro "A Johnny Cupcakes Nickelodeon Collaboration" clothing and accessories line possible, from the beginning to the actual 'episode' releases, and features interviews with Nickelodeon USA staff members and executives Rob LaQuinta (Creative Director of Product Design & Development at Nickelodeon), Thad Baltimore (Associate Art Director at Nickelodeon / MTV) and Suzy Lee Raia (Vice President (VP) Licensing and Apparel at Nickelodeon) who talk about what it was like to have the rare chance to work with Nickelodeon's classic properties from 10-20 years ago which were the "life force" of Nickelodeon, such as "Rugrats", "The Ren & Stimpy Show", "Rocko's Modern Life", "Aaahh!!! Real Monsters", "CatDog", and "Hey Arnold!" for Nickelodeon's 1990's programming block ("The '90s Are All That" on Nickelodeon's TeenNick channel), how all of Johnny Cupcakes's stores/shops are like bakery's and them being about insider knowledge, and how Nickelodeon wondered what the Nickelodeon brand would look using Johnny Cupcakes's famous design.

Johnny Cupcakes x Nickelodeon | Conception to Completion from Johnny Cupcakes on Vimeo.

The third and final installment of the Johnny Cupcakes x Nickelodeon collaboration is here and this video details the project from its conception to its completion and execution.

The third batch (also known as "Nickelodeon Episode 3") of Johnny Cupcakes' and Nickelodeon's "Johnny Cupcakes Nickelodeon Collaboration" clothing and accessories line, also known as "JCxNick", will be released worldwide at all of Johnny Cupcakes's stores and online on the official Johnny Cupcakes website, JohnnyCupcakes.com, on Saturday 31st December 2011.

Also, posted on the official Johnny Cupcakes Blog on the official Johnny Cupcakes website:
Johnny Cupcakes x Nickelodeon | Conception to Completion

The third and final installment of the Johnny Cupcakes x Nickelodeon collaboration is upon us and the video seen above details the project from its conception to its completion and execution. What was once a dream of mine—working with Nickelodeon turned into a goal, a working progress—& now a trophy of positive memories. This entire collaboration would not have been possible without the Johnny Cupcakes team, the Nickelodeon team, and all of you for continuing to support this brand. Without you, we wouldn't be able to keep successfully creating these fun projects and unique experiences.

We owe a great deal of gratitude to the folks over at Nickelodeon that made this all possible. Their guidance and support was invaluable throughout this entire project. The Johnny Cupcakes family did a fine job of executing everything from promotion to order fulfillment. I’d like to especially thank Lucas Dunn for keeping this project well planned and organized on the daily; our creative superhero Chris DeLorenzo for elevating this collaboration far beyond our midnight society campfire chats of trying to decide which cartoons to work with—to bringing these characters to life; and most of all, my loving parents for getting cable and allowing me to build forts in their living room. This lead to eating pounds of Dunkaroos while watching (and falling in love with) Nickelodeon. Thanks for the best childhood and adulthood ever—love you mom and dad!

We can all take a step back now and smile at what we were able to achieve with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Nickelodeon USA Unveils "Brand New Episodes Of House of Anubis" Billboard In New York Cities Times Square

Nickelodeon Star and "House of Anubis" actress Jade Ramsey, who plays Patricia Williamson in the Nickelodeon series "House of Anubis", has posted a exclusive photograph on her official Twitter profile page (@Jade_Ramsey) of Nickelodeon USA's "Brand New Episodes Of "House of Anubis"" billboard which Nickelodeon USA have put up in the middle of New York City's famous Times Square (in New York City, New York, USA) above Foot Locker's Times Square, NYC, NY, USA store branch which is located at 1530 Broadway, Times Square, New York, NY, United States (which is directly opposite Nickelodeon USA's/Viacom's/MTV's New York offices and studios) to advertise that Nickelodeon USA will be premiering brand new episodes from the second season of the popular live-action Nickelodeon mystery series "House of Anubis" from Monday January 9th 2012 at 7:00 p.m. (ET/PT)):

House of Anubis billboard in times square NYC! Ohhhhh Yeahhhhhhh! Not long til new series Jan 9th #notlongnow :) http://pic.twitter.com/7gEqnQ6C