Advertisers not dropping TV commitments yet
Media buyers have been waiting out the writers strike, opting not to pull out of their ad commitments — mainly due to the lack of better options and because prime-time ratings have not decreased dramatically, according to this article. However, the networks’ performance during the upcoming February sweeps and an even more prolonged strike could force buyers — and marketers — to rethink their strategy. The New York Times

FCC spectrum auction attracts $2.8 billion in first-day bids
The FCC on Thursday received a total of almost $2.8 billion in offers from undisclosed bidders during the opening day of the auction of reclaimed broadcast analog band. The amount represents the highest bids obtained for five separate blocks of frequencies at the start of the auction, which is expected to raise at least $10 billion for the government. The New York Times/Reuters

Fox to pols: Forget about Super Bowl ads
With 22 states holding presidential primaries or caucuses on Feb. 5, some observers are speculating that one or more of the current crop of presidential candidates will seek to purchase advertising time during Super Bowl XLII. However, Fox has made it clear that the lack of available advertising slots would make it impossible for the network to comply with FCC regulations regarding equal time. TVWeek.com

CBS announces performers for Grammy Awards
Beyonce, Foo Fighters, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin and Carrie Underwood are among those scheduled to perform on the live CBS telecast of the Grammy Awards on Feb. 10, according to the network. Mediaweek

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