Frankly Speaking
Before evolving into a marketing executive, R F Timberlake & Company's president began his award-winning media career as a broadcast and print journalist helping the news industry to gravitate towards more in-depth and investigative reporting. Frank Timberlake taught broadcast and advertising, managed numerous political campaigns and operated media outlets with Linda, his wife and business partner. He has never been shy about speaking his mind. Having limited Frank to the subject of marketing, we hope you will enjoy Frankly Speaking, a marcom blog.
WATCH FOR THINGS TO JUMP AT MEDIA GENERAL TV STATIONS...EVERYTHING BUT RATES...I HOPE!
The closing that will transfer Media General Newspapers to Berkshire Hathaway is set for June 25th.
I've followed Warren Buffett's activities for a while and I've learned that while he does have some sentiment, it doesn't apply to most of his business moves. Point in case, I don't think it is sentimentality that has Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway paying $142 million for the Media General newspapers. Media General is doing a good job of presenting that point of view as well.
Buffett: Buying Media General papers 'not a dumb decision'
Buffett has a plan and on that you can count.
We shall leave the leveraging and financial wizardry to those who spend their entire waking hours shaking and baking such deals.
Our focus is on the advertising side. For clients using the print medium I expect them to see a refreshing renewal of spirit and a progressive posturing towards more creative print advertising services from the purchased papers.
Where I really expect to see is some welcomed relief is on the broadcast side, which as many believe and I am one of them, has been forced to carry the Media General ball. Those of us who deal with MG properties have seen, heard, and in close personal cases, have felt the draining tug of the papers on the overall company. That's all about to change for the new Media General.
When I said Buffett may have an opportunity in mind that's not so black and white as his papers, he will also infuse some cash into the remaining Media General and thus acquire some ownership. At any rate, it appears that Media General was forced to let a fox into its henhouse. At least they've got a pretty good fox.
We who buy advertising on Media General properties expect to see maybe an even higher renewed spirit and a more progressive posturing from the Media General TV stations. Those of us who have been loyal will appreciate seeing the added value, but Frankly Speaking, I'm not looking for any rate increases right now!
Good luck to the new Media General!