AMC Boss Says Internet TV Helps Drive Pay Television; Nickelodeon USA Fears For Ratings With Netflix Dominance

From World Internet TV on PC (blog):

AMC Boss Says Internet TV Helps Drive Pay TV

Although many TV networks and media companies see internet TV as a threat, the boss of AMC Network can see the benefit of having online streaming. In fact he sees online TV as a driver of the pay-TV eco-system and a contributing factor to the 40% revenue increase for Q1 2012.

AMC see internet TV in a positive light

AMC content is streamed quite a lot online, Netflix have the exclusive online rights for the zombie show, The Walking Dead. of which the first season can be watched now with more coming online. They also have rights to back catalog episodes of Mad Men and Breaking Bad.

For AMC, streaming older content online appears to be working. Revenue for the company was up around 40% in the first quarter of 2012, leading to a profit growth of 20% on the previous year.

CEO of AMC, Josh Sapan says that streaming services from Netflix and Amazon played a part, saying, “2012 got off to a strong start for AMC Networks, with double digit increases in net revenues, and operating income. Continued viewer enthusiasm for our programming resulted in ratings gains for our national networks, most notably AMC's The Walking Dead, which ended its second season with nine million total viewers, an increase of 50 percent over last season’s finale. The series reigns as the highest-rated scripted drama in basic cable history in advertiser’s key demos. The fifth season of AMC's Mad Men currently ranks as the most watched season ever of the series, outperforming the prior season by double-digits. These successes underscore the strength of our original programming strategy, which continues to drive audience and advertiser demand for our networks.”

He said that they has struck digital deals in an “extremely careful” way, making sure that content went digital at least a full year after broadcasting on TV. That “seems to make sense” and, “It hasn’t hurt the network, but is actually helping to drive the pay TV ecosystem for AMC.”

While distribution via the web is going well, it could also be the cause of problems with traditional Pay-TV operators. AMC currently have a problem with the satellite company Dish who plan to drop AMC content. And the cause of the problem (according to DISH) is that the online deals devalue the content.

However, Sapan puts it down to the on-going litigation between the two companies which stems from a previous HD channel business. He said the threat by DISH to drop AMC Networks content is, “a direct result of the litigation,” and he does’nt think subscribers will like it, adding they (DISH) are, “not acting in the best interest of its subscribers.”

Not everyone agrees that internet TV has no effect on ratings though, research has shown that Netflix streaming has led to a 6% drop in ratings for the Nickelodeon channel.

Also from World Internet TV on PC (blog):

Nickelodeon Fear For Ratings With Netflix Dominance

A study performed by Bernstein Research has suggested that ratings for children-specific cable networks are on the decline, with the primary cause being the success of online services, and in particular Netflix.

Measuring TiVo-based viewing patterns across America for Q1 of 2012 (via the 35,000-strong opt-in TiVo ’Power Watch’ measurement service), research found that while Nickelodeon’s ‘ratings’ has improved by 2% (on Q1 2011 figures) in ‘non-Netflix’ homes but has dropped 6% in households that do feature the popular online streaming service, thought to be key considering that Nickelodeon licence shows to the company best known for movie streaming and DVD rental.

Meanwhile, similar results have even been recorded for children’s channels that do not offer their content on Netflix, as demonstrated by for Cartoon Network, which while recording higher numbers for both Netflix and non-Netflix homes, had a better increase in the latter.

Bernstein analyst Todd Juenger said of the findings: “Turns out, Netflix streamers watch just as much traditional TV as non-streamers. However, there is a significant share shift among streamers. Kids networks (not just Nickelodeon) and syndicated shows are getting severely whacked. Our TiVo data cannot prove Netflix is to blame for the entirety of the Nickelodeon problem, but it certainly indicates that Netflix had something to do with it. We believe the obvious implication for the kids’ networks, if their internal data looks anything like ours, is they should get out of these Netflix deals as fast as they can.”

Netflix, though, appear to be claiming that the numbers for Nickelodeon could be coincidental, and that their online broadcasting of original programming licenced by networks can be a benefit to the channels, as it was noted by Bernstein researchers that ratings for AMC (who offer exclusive original programming licenses to Netflix), are 15% higher amongst viewers who are also Netflix subscribers as opposed to not. The online streaming service also claiming that in their role, they are able to serve as a ‘first window’ to generate interest in the shows, and by extension, the networks themselves.

However, it appears that the method works better with some channels rather than others, but will channels such as Nickelodeon know when the right time to move is, or will they be holding out faith for a turnaround?

Also from World Internet TV on PC (blog):

Netflix Claim Credit For Mad Men Boost

While online TV and linear schedules are generally seen on different markets, Netflix appear to have made it their duty to claim that they are responsible for the recent upturn in success of AMC drama Mad Men, suggesting that the show’s prominence on the online streaming site has given it a cult status that has translated directly to higher network ratings.

Entering its fifth season, Mad Men were going in off the back of a fourth season average of 2.3m viewers, though the recent premiere drew 3.5m, meaning that in the time period between seasons, the show seems to have taken a fairly large boost in popularity, and seems to follow on from recent prophetic comments made by AMC’s CEO Josh Sapan.

Netflix are considered by many (including themselves) to be the key reason for the upturn in fortunes, with the 3.5m noted as being a record for the series, which revolves around a 1960′s advertising agency, and its creative director Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm, who is due to headline alongside Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe in a new show for UK satellite channel Sky Arts).

Netflix’s ‘chief content officer’ Ted Sarandos boasted of the suggestions that his company helped the show on its way (also using the statement as a defence to recent claims that they have the opposite ratings effect on children’s networks such as Nickelodeon): “We brought maybe a million viewers to AMC. These are people who had four years to watch the show [before Netflix took on the online rights], and didn’t, then we gave them the opportunity to watch the show in a well-priced and well-distributed model. In that way we’re quite additive.”

Speaking at the annual Cable Show in Boston (USA), Sarandos added of the rumours that Netflix have taken viewers from Nickelodeon: “People’s taste are so diverse that no specific program or network has such high viewing concentration that you’d see that cause and effect on ratings.”

Having developed as a dominant and respected force for rebroadcasting network content online, Netflix are currently looking to continue their development of original programming, and with what they claim to be cold hard proof that they can get people interested in TV shows, will any future Netflix formats ever end up on linear schedules to popular effect?

Nickelodeon's "Dora The Explorer" Comes Alive At London West End's Apollo From 28th August 2012; UK-Wide Tour To Kick Off In Spring 2013

From WhatsOnStage.com:

Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer comes alive at West End's Apollo, 28 Aug

The latest kids’ show to secure a West End berth is the stage adaptation of Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys, which moves into Shaftesbury Avenue's Apollo Theatre for three weeks from 28 August to 16 September 2012 prior to an extensive national tour in spring 2013.

Dora the Explorer onstage
Dora the Explorer will play daytime performances only - 10.30am, 1.00pm and 3.30pm - from Monday to Sunday. The Apollo’s current main slot resident, the David Suchet-led revival of Eugene O'Neill drama Long Day's Journey into Night, completes its limited season on 18 August. The next scheduled productions for the venue, the Globe transfers of Twelfth Night and Richard III starring Mark Rylance, do not arrive until 2 November.

Nickelodeon, Life Like Touring and Daniel Sparrow & Mike Walsh Productions present the UK premiere of Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys, arriving at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue for a limited three week run from 28 August to 16 September 2012.

In Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys, Dora has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him. With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. But watch out - you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way.

The stage show, which has so far been seen by over two million people Dora the Explorer fans will delight in this two act, song and dance spectacular that invites them to think, sing and play along. Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! is designed to teach kids to explore, communicate, overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and discover a diverse and exciting world…all while having a lot of fun!

Nickelodeon’s popular animated TV programme was watched by over 7.5 million viewers around the globe last year, and this stage adaptation has already been seen by over two million people. The two-act “song and dance spectacular” invites children to think, sing and play along and is designed to teach them to explore, communicate, overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and discover a “diverse and exciting world”.

The UK premiere production – presented by Nickelodeon, Life Like Touring and Daniel Sparrow and Mike Walsh Productions – comes to the West End direct from Pleasure Beach Blackpool, where it runs from 10 to 26 August. An extensive UK tour kicks off in spring 2013.

Also, from Broadway World:

Nickelodeon's DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE! Set for West End August to September Then National Tour

Nickelodeon, Life Like Touring and Daniel Sparrow & Mike Walsh Productions will present the UK premiere of Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys, arriving at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue for a limited three week run from 28 August to 16 September 2012.

Now seen by over two million people, this live musical adventure, which brings the popular children's show to the stage, will first arrive at The Globe Theatre, Pleasure Beach Blackpool on the 10 August, where it will run, prior to its West End transfer, until 26 August 2012.

Further adventures are to follow as Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys goes on a National Tour in Spring 2013. Full tour information with dates and venues will be announced shortly.

Dora the Explorer fans will delight in this two act, song and dance spectacular that invites them to think, sing and play along. Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! is designed to teach kids to explore, communicate, overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and discover a diverse and exciting world…all while having a lot of fun!

Everyone’s favourite explorer is embarking on a LIVE musical adventure in London’s West End! In Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys, Dora has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him!

With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully passthrough the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. But watch out - you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way!

One of the channel’s most beloved shows, Dora the Explorer airs daily on Nick Jr. at 8:30 a.m, weekdays at 11 a.m. and on weekends at 1 p.m. In 2011, 7.5 million viewers across the globe tuned in to the play-along, animated adventure series.

Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys is on priority sale with Ticketmaster from Monday 14 May. Please go to www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0844 277 4321.

General on sale opens on Thursday 17 May with Nimax Theatres at www.nimax.com or call 0844 412 4658.

http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/shows/doralive/.

Also, from TheaterMania.com:

Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys Set for West End, UK Tour

Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys will play a limited three-week run at the Apollo Theatre from August 28-September 16 before embarking on a U.K. national tour in Spring 2013.

The two-act family musical is designed to teach children to communicate, explore, and overcome obstacles as Dora and her friends Boots, Diego, Map, and Backpack search for her lost teddy bear Osito.

The UK premiere is presented by Nickelodeon, Life Like Touring and Daniel Sparrow & Mike Walsh Productions. The musical will run at the Globe Theatre, Pleasure Beach Blackpool from August 10, prior to its run at the Apollo.

Also from TheaterMania.com:

Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys Tickets and Information

Show Information

OPENING SOON
Opens Aug 28, 2012
Closes Sep 16, 2012

Playing at
Apollo Theatre
Directions & Map

Visit the Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys website:
http://www.nimax.com/

What Is It About?

Everyone's favourite explorer is embarking on a LIVE musical adventure in London's West End! In Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys, Dora has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him! With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully passthrough the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. But watch out - you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way!

Theater/Venue Information:

Apollo Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue
London, England 0

Also, from the London Theatre Guide - Online:

Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE at the Apollo Theatre

Children's musical adventure Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys, by Chris Gifford, is at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, from 28 Aug to 16 Sep 2012.

Dora has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him! With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. But watch out - you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way!

Dora the Explorer is a two act, song and dance spectacular that invites kids to think, sing and play along. Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! is designed to teach kids to explore, communicate, overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and discover a diverse and exciting world…all while having a lot of fun!

It is produced by Nickelodeon, Life Like Touring and Daniel Sparrow & Mike Walsh Productions.

This stage adaptation will run at Pleasure Beach Blackpool from 10 August, before its West End run.

Also, from the official Nick Jr. UK websites' official "Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys UK Tour" webpage on NickJr.co.uk:

The Dora the Explorer live tour is now on sale. Find out about the Dora Live Tour and how you can get tickets.

Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys

Nickelodeon is excited to announce that Dora the Explorer LIVE! is opening in the West End and Blackpool in Summer 2012 prior to a major national tour next year.

Dora the Explorer LIVE! at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Aug 10 - 20 - BOOK TICKETS

Dora the Explorer LIVE! at Apollo Theatre, London Aug 28 - Sept 16 - BOOK TICKETS

Everyone's favourite explorer is embarking on a LIVE musical adventure in Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys, first at Blackpool's Globe Theatre at Pleasure Beach Resort from 10 - 20 August (home of Nickelodeon Land), before making her West End debut at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue for a limited three week season from 28 August to 16 September 2012.

Dora the Explorer fans will delight in this two act, song and dance spectacular that invites them to think, sing and play along. Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! is designed to teach kids to explore, communicate, overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and discover a diverse and exciting world…all while having a lot of fun!

Tickets are now on sale.

Also, from Pleasure Beach, Blackpool's official 'Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys' webpage on Pleasure Beach, Blackpool's official website at blackpoolpleasurebeach.com, which also features exclusive photographs and a exclusive video from the cast of Nickelodeon's 'Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys' stage production:

NICKELODEON'S DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE!
SEARCH FOR THE CITY OF LOST TOYS [limited season from 10 August at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, UK]

Dora has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him!

10th AUGUST - 20th AUGUST 2012 (No show on 14th August)

With the help of the audience, map, backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. But watch out - you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way!

Dora the Explorer fans will delight in this two act (2 x 30mins), song and dance spectacular that invites them to think, sing and play along.

Tickets are now on sale with prices starting from just £10.

Also, from the The Apollo, London's official 'Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys' webpage on the official Nimax Theatres website, nimaxtheatres.com, which also features exclusive pictures and a exclusive video from Nickelodeon's 'Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys' stage show:

NICKELODEON'S DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE!

BOOK ONLINE OR CALL 0844 482 9671(24HRS) - TICKETS FROM £13.00

Everyone's favourite explorer is embarking on a LIVE musical adventure in London's West End! In Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys, Dora has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him!

With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and 13 language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys.

But watch out - you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way! Dora the Explorer fans will delight in this two act, song and dance spectacular that invites them to think, sing and play along.

UNTIL 16TH SEP 2012 - APOLLO

Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! UK Teaser

Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys opens in the UK at Globe Theatre, Pleasure Beach Blackpool (August 10-26, 2012) before transferring to Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave in London's West End (August 28-September 16, 2012). Also, a UK National Tour will follow in 2013 - watch out for announcement of cities and dates. Nickelodeon's DORA LIVE Bookings and Tour Info: ‪http://www.nickjr.co.uk‬.

CAST
Dora
Boots
Diego
Swiper
Tico
Benny
Isa
Backpack
Map
Azul

CREATIVE
Author: Chris Gifford
Director: Troy Sussman
Designer: Scenic Studios (Australia)
Lighting: Keith Tucker
Sound: Autograph

TICKETS
Stalls: £18
Dress Circle: £18, £13 (Side Seats)
Upper Circle: £13 (Centre Seats)
Premium Seats: £25

Family Deals:
Book 4 tickets (including at least 1 adult) and get 20% off show merchandise purchased at the Apollo Theatre. Quote 'Family Deal' for bookings made by phone and at the Box Office.

Premium Explorer Package:
West End Exclusive: £39.50 for a Premium ticket, goody bag and official souvenir photo. Quote 'Explorer Package' for bookings made by phone and at the Box Office.

PERFORMANCES
Tues 28th Aug 2012 – 1pm & 3.30pm
Wed 29th Aug 2012 – 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm
Thur 30th Aug 2012 - 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm
Fri 31st Aug 2012 - 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm
Sat 1st Sept 2012 - 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm
Sun 2nd Sept 2012 - 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm
Tues 4th Sept 2012 - 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm
Wed 5th Sept 2012 - 10.30am & 1pm
Thur 6th Sept 2012 - 10.30am & 1pm
Fri 7th Sept 2012 - 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm
Sat 8th Sept 2012 - 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm
Sun 9th Sept 2012 - 10.30am, 1pm
Tues 11th Sept 2012 - 10.30am, 1pm
Wed 12th Sept 2012 - 10.30am & 1pm
Thurs 13th Sept 2012 - 10.30am & 1pm
Fri 14th Sept 2012 - 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm
Sat 15th Sept 2012 - 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm
Sun 16th Sept 2012 - 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm

Duration: 1hr 30mins (includes 1 interval)

Find us on Facebook: Nickelodeon Dora the Explorer LIVE - http://www.facebook.com/DoraLiveTour.

Also, from the Manchester Evening News:

[...] THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BLACKPOOL

Blackpool is packed with things for all ages to do. Here’s our pick of what’s on offer:

[...]

BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH

Scores of thrill-seeking rides for all ages, plus Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer show and the Hot Ice skating show. £25 adults, £20 concs. 0871 222 1234. blackpoolpleasurebeach.com.

You can read Manchester Evening News' full guide to what there is to do and see in Blackpool, UK, here on the official Manchester Evening News website, menmedia.co.uk.