News & Opinion

ShowSeeker Grows Leadership Team with Seasoned Sales and Product Innovation Expert, Bringing Over 30 Years of Industry Experience from Comcast, NBC, Spectrum Reach and Cox Media   ShowSeeker, a global organization and creator of the US advertising industry’s fastest-growing, cloud-based order management system, today announced the addition of Joni Claerbout to its senior leadership team as Vice President of Sales and Client Engagement. With a highly successful sales, leadership, product innovation, and integration record across television and digital properties, Joni will leverage her experience and network to accelerate ShowSeeker’s growth as it becomes the media industry’s standard for end-to-end order management. From programming to research, from planning to performance reporting, ShowSeeker manages more than $10 Billion in proposals and more than $2.3 Billion in submitted orders.   “I was one of ShowSeeker’s first customers and over the last 20 years, I have watched this company grow into a world-class organization, with a robust, end-to-end order management system that is changing the industry,” said Joni Claerbout, Vice President of Sales and Client Engagement at ShowSeeker. “With the release of Pilot® and the many benefits it brings to the media industry, I knew I wanted to be a part of something so pivotal and exciting.”   Joni brings over three decades of sales and leadership experience, beginning with her tenure at Comcast Spotlight where she was VP and GM for the Sacramento and Fresno, CA markets. Joni continued her successful sales and leadership career at NBC in San Francisco, CA as Head of National Strategic Partnerships, developing campaigns with clients like Maserati and Bank of America and placing clients in the Super Bowl. At Spectrum Reach, Joni was responsible for growing linear revenue while also creating new revenue streams by launching multiple digital products across the western regions of Spectrum. Most recently, Joni served as Director of Sales for Cox Media leading the Florida, Georgia and Alabama markets, where she was credited with integrating multiple digital products, leading the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts for the SE Region while driving both traditional and new revenue streams.   During her career, Joni has led and mentored hundreds of employees and worked with thousands of advertising clients and media executives across the country. In her new role, Joni will be responsible for continuing the expansion of ShowSeeker’s client base beyond cable ad sales to include advanced advertising and digital media, broadcast stations, advertising agencies, and vendor partner relationships.   “Joni has a proven track record in both television and digital ad sales. I worked for Joni over two decades ago, her leadership skills shaped my early career and helped me grow into the leader I am today,” said Dave Hardy, CEO at ShowSeeker. “Adding Joni to our leadership team is not only a proud moment for me, but it signals our strong commitment to accelerating the growth of our client base and product offerings.”   In addition to the creation of this new role, Jeff Blaszak has also been elevated to Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Strategy. Jeff will continue to oversee the company’s growing sales and marketing efforts to position ShowSeeker as the industry standard for unified order management across multiscreen platforms.   This news comes off the heels of significant growth for ShowSeeker, with the recent appointment of industry veteran Rose Schneider as its Vice President of Technical Operations, and Spectrum Reach adopting its end-to-end cloud-based order management system, Pilot®, across its entire advertising sales footprint.

Cox Mobile, Cox Communications' mobile service available exclusively for Cox Internet customers, today released findings from its first survey, Generation Screen: Parenting and Mobile Safety.   The survey uncovered an alarming correlation between location sharing and "strangers" communicating with kids and teens through their mobile devices. 56% of parents said their children's location sharing is turned on, making their location publicly accessible across several mobile apps. 31% said their children have been contacted by a stranger on their mobile device. Nearly one-third (28%) said the stranger referenced their child's location. Despite parental vigilance, 73% of parents still say their children are savvy at hiding their online activity. One in seven parents even admitted to creating a fake social media account to keep an eye on their child's social media activity.   "Parenting today's tech-savvy kids can be challenging. Many get their first phone between the ages of 10 and 14, much earlier than other generations," said Mark Greatrex, president of Cox Communications. "While providing kids with greater access to technology enables many positive connections and benefits, the reality is that real dangers can exist just one tap or swipe away. As our customers' trusted connectivity provider, we are encouraging digital literacy, educating families on the potential risks, and promoting safer, informed use of these incredibly powerful connectivity tools."   Cox Mobile's findings complement similar stats from a 2023 research report conducted by Common Sense Media, a global nonprofit helping families navigate media, tech, and digital parenting, uncovering that these risks are especially prevalent among young girls. The 2023 Teens and Mental Health: How Girls Really Feel About Social Media report showed more than 50% of girls ages 11 to 15 were contacted by a stranger through social media apps.   "Even the most safety-conscious parents can overlook features like location sharing, which in many cases is automatically turned on and can be confusing to turn off," said Jill Murphy, editor-in-chief and head of distribution at Common Sense Media. "More intuitive app settings and parental education can help mitigate this silent risk for kids."   Some Good News A large majority of parents surveyed said they prioritize their children's phone safety and have frequent conversations about risk prevention. 65% of parents discuss mobile device safety with their children several times a week. 75% check screen time and text messages daily to a few times a week, along with phone calls their children received (73%). 73% of parents are friends with their children on social media, and 64% interact with them through those channels. Other Key Findings: Cox Mobile’s ‘Generation Screen: Parenting and Mobile Safety’ also found: More than half of parents believe the use of social media apps elevates safety risks for kids, yet 60% say their child has them on their phone. Cyberbullying is among the top three things keeping parents up at night. Parents are most concerned about their children encountering predatory or inappropriate behavior (39%) and content (23%) on their phones. For more data points from Generation Screen: Parenting and Mobile Safety, a Cox Mobile Survey, and tips and resources for parents visit www.coxmobilesafety.com.   About Cox Communications Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we operate fiber-powered networks in more than 30 states, providing connections and advanced managed IT and cloud services for nearly seven million homes and businesses nationwide. We're dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.   SOURCE Cox Communications    

In an era where technology evolves at breakneck speed, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for companies looking to make a mark. As we approach NAB 2024, Bob Gold & Associates (BG&A) has pinpointed several key tech trends that are shaping the future of the broadcasting and media industry. For any company attending or exhibiting, understanding these trends is not just about keeping up; it's about seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges. Here's a look at what to watch for:   5G, Edge and Advanced Connectivity The rollout of 5G networks is ushering in a new era of ultra-fast, reliable connectivity, enabling innovations like never before. This means the ability to stream high-quality video content with extremely low latency, enhancing live events and remote productions. Understanding and leveraging 5G and edge can help broadcasters, media companies, communications service providers (CSPs), and others deliver content more effectively and provide superior experiences to their audiences.   Cloud-based Production and Distribution Cloud technology enables more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective production and distribution workflows. With the ability to collaborate and access content from anywhere, cloud-based solutions are a game-changer for remote teams and decentralized productions. Embracing the cloud can improve agility, reduce costs and make operations more resilient.   AI and Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing content creation, distribution and monetization. From automated editing to personalized content recommendations, these technologies offer ways to streamline operations and tailor experiences to individual preferences. Companies that stay ahead in AI will improve efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction and gain a competitive edge in content delivery.   Immersive Experiences Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are transforming storytelling and audience engagement, offering immersive experiences that were once the stuff of science fiction. This means a golden opportunity to create captivating, interactive content that stands out. Incorporating VR/AR into video services can differentiate a brand, drive engagement and open new revenue streams.   Blockchain and Content Security Blockchain technology is increasingly becoming a vital tool for ensuring content security and intellectual property rights in the digital age. It offers a transparent, immutable ledger for content transactions, enabling creators and distributors to protect and monetize their work more effectively. Understanding blockchain's potential means not only enhancing content security but also exploring new models for content distribution and monetization. Embracing blockchain can help safeguard creations, foster trust with audiences and open up innovative avenues for revenue generation.   Sustainability in Tech Sustainability is becoming a critical consideration in tech, with an increasing focus on eco-friendly production practices and reducing carbon footprints. Adopting sustainable technologies is not just about corporate responsibility; it's also about meeting consumer demand for greener options and future-proofing business operations against regulatory changes.   Engage with BG&A for Unmatched PR Support In today's competitive media landscape, clearly articulating your innovations and their relevance to current trends is crucial for securing visibility and coverage. Our expertise in crafting compelling narratives and executing strategic PR campaigns ensures your message resonates with your target audience, driving engagement and business growth.   As you prepare for NAB 2024, consider how these trends impact your business and how you can leverage them to your advantage. With BG&A as your PR partner, you'll have the support you need to highlight your latest advancements, engage your audience, and truly stand out in a crowded market. Let's make NAB 2024 your most successful event yet.

Don't miss the StreamTV Growth Summit, a free virtual event on February 20-21, 2024. Bob Gold & Associates President Bob Gold is set to moderate the panel on “Charting the OTT Frontier: A Look at Distribution Strategies, Partnerships and Evolving Services”.   Despite the recent talk about a slowdown in growth, the OTT industry is still forecasted to keep growing in the coming years, reaching 4.2 billion users globally by 2027, according to Statista research. To remain competitive and stay ahead, the strategy employed by OTT service providers must evolve continuously, adapting to the shifting of consumer demands.  During this session, industry leaders from Comcast, DIRECTV Advertising, NBCUniversal and Adeia will look at the future of OTT, key content distribution strategies, emerging partnership models and the opportunities in evolving services like sports streaming.  What does the future hold for content bundling, and what are the potential benefits and ideal candidates for strategic partnerships?  What is the approach to live sports streaming? What key factors are driving the OTT adoption of sport streaming?   Scheduled for Tuesday, February 20 from 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM ET and moderated by Bob Gold, the panelists include Karen Babcock, Vice President, Strategy & Partnerships, Comcast Advertising; Matthew Van Houten, SVP, Product, Operations and Business Development, DIRECTV Advertising; Amy Geary, Senior Vice President, Content Distribution, NBCUniversal; and Christopher Phillips, Senior Director, Advanced R&D, Adeia   About StreamTV Growth Summit The StreamTV Growth Summit features a comprehensive agenda that delves into the dynamic evolution of the streaming landscape. The engaging sessions offer a nuanced overview of key growth areas in the industry. Explore the future of OTT with valuable insights into distribution and partnership strategies, navigating the continued rise of FAST channels, and discovering optimal monetization strategies for content providers. Take a deep dive into the intricate subscriber behavior patterns, choices, and triggers, providing a foundation for crafting effective retention and engagement strategies. Check out the full agenda and secure your spot at: https://bit.ly/4b9aE0f

As the M&E industry advances rapidly, exhibitors gearing up for the innovative world of NAB 2024 are poised at the edge of unparalleled opportunity. With the right approach, this event can be much more than a showcase—it can be a pivotal moment in your brand's journey. But how do you cut through the noise and ensure your message resonates? Having guided 50+ companies through the NAB maze, here are five strategic PR moves designed not just to make an impact at the show, but to echo long after. Craft a Compelling Narrative Your technology isn't just a product; it's a story waiting to be told. Before you step onto the show floor, define what makes your solution unique and why it matters. This narrative should weave through all your communications, from press releases to social media posts, creating a cohesive and memorable brand identity. Do you have someone on your team that can distill complex tech jargon into engaging stories that capture media attention and resonate with your target audience? Leverage Media Relationships The media landscape at NAB is as vast as it is varied. Securing coverage in this crowded space requires more than just sending out press releases. It's about nurturing relationships with journalists and influencers who specialize in your niche. How are you identifying and engaging with targeted media to amplify your message? You want to be sure that your news not only lands but makes a splash. Engage with Influencers and Thought Leaders In today's digital world, influencers and thought leaders can be your most powerful allies. Collaborating with these individuals for panel discussions, interviews, and live demos can significantly extend your reach and credibility. Are you making the most of your strategic partnerships? NAB is the perfect opportunity for your executives to share the stage with industry luminaries and put your company’s innovations in the spotlight. Optimize Digital Presence NAB is not just a physical event; it's a digital phenomenon. An optimized online presence ensures that your brand captures attention both on and off the show floor. From live-tweeting key announcements to hosting virtual tours of your booth, consider crafting a digital engagement strategy that keeps your client’s and prospects connected and interacting, no matter where they are in the world. Post-Show Momentum The end of NAB doesn't mean your PR efforts should wind down. In fact, it's just the beginning. Post-show follow-ups, content marketing and leveraging the buzz created during the event can keep the momentum going strong. What’s your plan for converting post-show enthusiasm into long-term engagement, helping you nurture leads and build lasting relationships with your audience?   The BG&A Difference At Bob Gold & Associates, we understand that NAB 2024 is more than a trade show—it's the perfect chance to elevate your brand in the tech world. Our tailored PR strategies are designed to make every moment count, ensuring you not only shine at the show but continue to glow long afterward.   For tech exhibitors looking to turn opportunities into outcomes, BG&A is your partner in creating buzz, building relationships and driving success. Let’s connect and craft a PR strategy that puts your innovations on the map.

Top Tier Authentics (TTA) is making headlines with a new, groundbreaking partnership. As featured in Sports Illustrated, TTA has launched exclusive collections of licensed college football signed team memorabilia, now available for purchase on the Amazon Fanshop. This initiative marks a significant milestone in sports memorabilia, offering fans a unique opportunity to own a piece of their favorite team's glory, including signed jerseys, posters, footballs, and the iconic Speedflex Helmets worn by players.    The collections feature memorabilia from the University of Michigan, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Georgia, with plans to announce more. TTA's innovative approach ensures authenticity and fan engagement, setting a new standard in celebrating sports history. Notably, the first four customers of each team collection to claim their Certificate of Authenticity (COA) will receive two free tickets to that team's first bowl game next year, adding an extra layer of excitement to this unique fan experience.    For an in-depth look at this exciting partnership and what it means for college football fans and collectors, read the full story on Sports Illustrated here. 

We are delighted to announce that Bob Gold & Associates was named a winner in not one, but two distinguished categories at the PRSA-LA’s 59th Annual PRism Awards including Strategic Public Service campaign and Tactical Publications. This accolade further cements the company’s standing as a trailblazer in the PR industry, particularly noted for our specialized expertise in telecommunications, media, and technology. It is the ongoing commitment to these sectors that propels our clients' narratives and successes, reaffirming our position at the forefront of strategic public relations.   Held at the picturesque Los Angeles River Center & Gardens on October 26, 2023, the event celebrated exemplary achievements in public relations strategic campaigns, tactical programs, and professional merit across the Los Angeles region.   BG&A was recognized in the Strategic Program in Public Service category for its work with Curacao, the largest big-box department store dedicated to serving Hispanic customers in the Southwest. This category highlights campaigns or programs designed to educate the public on issues that touch the heart of the community. It especially honors cause marketing campaigns that bridge organizations with unique causes, amplifying public understanding of crucial social or environmental concerns.   Curacao partnered with Fundación Jalisco USA to organize a deeply moving event known as “Reuniendo Familias.” This remarkable initiative culminated in the reunion of 28 families who had endured more than a decade of separation due to complex immigration challenges. The award-winning team led by CEO Bob Gold, VP & GM Chris Huppertz, Associate Director Andrew Laszacs, Associate Account Executive Kelly Makepeace and Hispanic Media Strategist Marco Antonio Gonzalez, CEO, ¡MaGO! PR worked closely with the Curacao marketing department to generate exposure for the reunification event and highlight the issue of family estrangement and separation among the local Hispanic American community. The results clearly illustrate that our campaign not only met but substantially exceeded our set objectives. The combination of media attendance, expansive coverage in local TV news outlets and Spanish-language publications and amplified digital engagement underscored the success and impactful nature of our comprehensive media strategy.   Our work with the NCTC on the “The Independent Show 2023 Exhibit & Sponsorship Opportunities” shone brightly in the Tactical Program in Publications category. This category honors single-issue publications crafted for a distinct communication purpose. Bob Gold and VP of Client Success Beth Braen worked with the NCTC event marketing team to craft a theme that captured the company’s ambitious offering of "more than ever." The completely redesigned brochure didn’t just inform; it captivated, enticing exhibitors and sponsors to discover unparalleled opportunities while driving revenue.   A big congratulations to all the winners of the 59th PRism Awards! Your groundbreaking work continues to set new benchmarks in the world of public relations.   As we celebrate this achievement, our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of PR excellence and ensuring our clients' success remains unwavering.

The Independent Show (TIS) 2023 captured the attention of NCTC and ACA Connects members, suppliers and media industry leaders alike with a series of significant announcements and discussions on the forces reshaping the future of media distribution and technology. This annual event, held July 30 through August 2 in Minneapolis and known for its insights into the evolving media landscape, brought together top professionals from various sectors to explore and debate the latest trends and innovations. TIS 2023 offered up more sessions, more keynotes and more fun this year! And members of the Bob Gold & Associates staff were onsite to support and cheer on the NCTC team and many of our clients including Plume, Varnish, Showseeker and Viamedia!   TIS 2023 featured panel discussions and presentations that delved into consumer behavior, content consumption trends, and the evolving media landscape. Experts explored topics such as the rise of streaming platforms, the impact of personalized content recommendations, and the changing dynamics of advertising in the digital realm. These insights are crucial for media companies seeking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.   Beyond the news headlines, TIS 2023 offered a unique platform for networking and collaboration among industry professionals. Attendees had the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and forge new partnerships. The event fostered an environment where diverse voices converged to address challenges and opportunities facing the media industry in the digital age.   TIS 2023 brought forth a wave of innovation, collaboration, and strategic insights that are set to redefine the media industry. From cutting-edge technology showcases to discussions about broadband accessibility and groundbreaking deals, the event provided a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As the media landscape continues to evolve, TIS remains a vital hub for shaping the future of media distribution, technology, and content creation.   Read more here: Freeze Frame: The Independent Show 2023 featured in Multichannel News TIS 2023 delves into an intense conversation about the BEAD (Broadband Expansion and Adoption Data) initiative was covered by Cablefax. LightReading featured the article "NCTC Members Will Profit From Org's New MVNO Deal, CEO Says"  

The NAB Show 2023 marked another significant milestone for innovation and excellence in broadcast and media technology. Among the many participants, two companies, represented by Bob Gold & Associates (BG&A), emerged as notable award winners, highlighting their contributions to the industry's advancement.   Yuvod stood out, securing the TV Tech NAB Best of Show award, a recognition that shines a spotlight on products with the potential to redefine the industry. This award emphasizes innovation, design, and utility. Yuvod’s Platform-as-a-Service Streaming Solution was recognized as a pivotal new technology in media and entertainment technology, offering a unique, turnkey OTT solution that empowers any streamer, broadcaster or communication service provider (CSP) to rapidly deploy, scale and customize their content.   Varnish Software, another BG&A client, achieved remarkable success by winning not one, but two significant awards. Alongside the TV Tech NAB Best of Show award, Varnish Software was also honored with the IABM BaM award. This latter accolade is reserved for products that demonstrate real impact on the industry, offering solutions that address current challenges while paving the way for future advancements. Varnish Software's work with its partners Intel and Supermicro set a new industry record for content delivery performance. The massive breakthrough unlocks entirely new possibilities for video service providers and the live event industry to deliver flawless live streamed events to massive audiences worldwide, in a more economical and sustainable way.   These achievements at NAB 2023 not only underscore the innovative spirit and technological leadership of Yuvod and Varnish Software but also subtly reflect the strategic guidance and industry expertise provided by Bob Gold & Associates. Through targeted PR efforts and a deep understanding of the broadcast and media technology landscape, BG&A has proven adept at positioning its clients for recognition at the highest levels.   The awards won at NAB 2023 serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts between BG&A and its clients, showcasing a joint commitment to excellence and innovation. As the industry continues to evolve, these recognitions will become even more vital to highlight highly impactful innovations and truly stand out.