May 2008

TVBizwire

Dish-TiVo Patent Dispute Continues

Dish Network and its set-top company EchoStar filed a lawsuit against TiVo, claiming their new DVR software does not infringe on TiVo's patents, Multichannel News reports. A jury ruled in April 2006 that Dish's old DVRs infringed on TiVo's patents, the newspaper says. Dish has filed an appeal and is asking a judge to overrule the verdict after examining its new technology, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

USA Creates 'Plain Sight' Digital Game

USA Network will partner with digital production company Big Spaceship to create a multimedia gaming experience online for its new series "In Plain Sight," Multichannel News reports. Users will be able to log on to a Web site to participate in interactive witness-protection cases alongside the characters from the show, the newspaper says. USA will extend the gaming experience with an application for Facebook and outreach to mobile devices, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

FCC to Prep Wilmington Stores for DTV

Federal Communications Commission staffers will visit Best Buy, Circuit City and RadioShack stories in Wilmington, N.C. on May 31, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The staffers will inform customers of what equipment they need for the test market's upcoming switch to digital TV signals, the newspaper says. They will also provide DTV demonstrations and sign-ups for DTV-to-analog government-subsidy coupons, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Tori & Dean' May Feature '90210'

Oxygen's "Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood" may feature behind-the-scenes footage of Tori Spelling reprising her role as Donna Martin on The CW's "90210," the New York Daily News reports. Spelling points out that there could be overlap between the production of "Tori & Dean" and filming on "90210," which has yet to begin, the newspaper says. "Tori & Dean" returns to Oxygen for its third season on June 17, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

MTV Gives Birth to '16 and Pregnant'

MTV is planning a reality show version of the Oscar-nominated feature film "Juno," the New York Post reports. "16 and Pregnant" will follow several pregnant teens facing the lows and highs of pregnancy, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Technologist Goldstone Leaves Tribune

Tribune Broadcasting's chief technologist Ira Goldstone announced that he is leaving the company after 25 years, TVNewsday reports. Goldstone, who was based at KTLA-TV in Los Angeles, said the decision was mutual and that he would re-emerge in another position soon, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

486 of Top 500 Shows on Broadcast TV

Broadcast programming aired 486 of the top 500 rated shows, according to the Television Bureau of Advertising, Media Daily News reports. Among the top 500 programs in the 18-49 demographic, only 16 cable programs made it onto the list, with ESPN's "Monday Night Football" topping them at 59th place, the Web site says. Twelve of cable's top 16 shows were sports programs, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Days of Our Lives' Goes On?

NBC's "Days of Our Lives" may continue despite a claim from NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker that the soap opera was unlikely to be extended beyond 2009, Entertainment Weekly reports. Insiders confirm that NBC may be closing a new deal to continue the show, the magazine says. The article did not indicate whether a representative had been contacted to confirm or deny the report.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Office' Cast in the Dark About Spinoff

The cast of "The Office" may have been the last to know about the upcoming "Office" spinoff, Entertainment Weekly reports. Actress Jenna Fischer claims she learned the news through a fan site and is not aware of any details about the spinoff, the magazine says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

NBC Direct Launch Coming

NBC Direct plans to formally launch its free video download service in the next two months, Silicon Alley Insider reports, citing an unnamed source. The ad-supported service has received largely negative reviews in its beta stage, the Web site says. NBC Digital's George Kliavkoff refused to reveal a target date last month, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Moonves Stands Behind Broadcast

CBS President-CEO Leslie Moonves expressed faith in the strength and stability of broadcast television at the Sanford C. Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference on Thursday, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Moonves, who touted CBS' "Worst Week" as the best comedy pilot he's seen in five years, claimed that broadcast TV is the best avenue for reaching a mass audience, the newspaper says. He also revealed that CBS' acquisition of CNET, which shares some of the same top 20 advertisers as CBS, will raise the company's digital revenues from $200 million to $600 million, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

CBS Daytime Marks Milestone

CBS Daytime passed a milestone as its soap lineup was No. 1 in households for its 1,000th week, Broadcasting & Cable reports. "The Young and the Restless " did even better, coming in No. 1 in households for the 1,012th consecutive time, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

TV Consumption on the Rise

New Census Bureau data reveals that U.S. TV consumption is growing, with TV sets in 110 million U.S. homes in 2006, Media Daily News reports. That figure is up from 76 million in 1980, the Web site says. It is estimated the average number of hours a person will spend watching television this year is 1,704, or 4.7 hours per day, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

L.A. Screenings Fail to Attract U.K. Buyers

British buyers did not buy any new U.S. programs at the L.A. Screenings due to the lack of finished pilots and the move by networks toward year-round programming and sales, Daily Variety reports. The days of frenzied buying appear to be over; U.K. buyers will have to keep an eye on U.S. programming throughout the year, something they already do thanks to the rise of cable shows, the newspaper notes. An ITV executive noted the lack of early sales deals may have an impact on production of expensive pilots and studio revenues, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Forecast Positive for Cable Stocks

A Merrill Lynch analyst predicts cable stocks will rise, although box office take could drop, as U.S. consumers gravitate toward staying home and watching TV, the Hollywood Reporter says. A Conference Board survey revealed that while consumer spending intentions are down for most objects such as homes and cars, buying plans for new TV sets are at an all-time high, the newspaper says. Comcast Corp. Chairman-CEO Brian Roberts also said the DTV transition could bring more subscribers to cable, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

TBS Adds Microseries to 'Sex'

Cable channel TBS will be airing a two-minute show called "Commuter Confidential" during commercial breaks in episodes of "Sex and the City," the Wall Street Journal reports. "Commuter Confidential" follows four young women in a carpool who talk about and use products from sponsors Match.com and Revlon. It's part of an increasing trend towards weaving programming into commercial breaks to retain viewers and foil digital video recorders.

TVBizwire

Rumors Swirl on CW Chief

Tony DiSanto, head programmer at MTV, is denying rumors that he is replacing Dawn Ostroff, president of The CW, the struggling "Gossip Girl" network, according to Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood Daily. Ms. Finke says she’d heard Ms. Ostroff was out three weeks ago and Mr. DiSanto was in. Then the story went cold. Now she says she's hearing Ms. Ostroff could fail upward and run the Oprah Winfrey Network being launched by Discovery Communications.

TVBizwire

Malone Compensation Package Criticized

Dealmaker John Malone, chairman of Liberty Media, is being criticized for provisions of his compensation package, the New York Post says. Proxy Governance is urging shareholders to votes against the re-election of two directors to protest the pact, under which Mr. Malone would receive a severance package of as much as $120 million, or $107.7 million if he’s fired for cause.

TVBizwire

Improving Terms Will Be Tough for SAG

With other Hollywood unions having come to terms with the studio, the Screen Actors Guild appears to have little room for getting a better deal for its member, the Hollywood Reporter says. As it turns out, the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists, which came to an agreement Wednesday, accepted terms SAG has already rejected, according to DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com.

TVBizwire

Harvey Korman, Burnett's Sidekick, Dies at 81

Harvey Korman, a comic mainstay on the long-running "The Carol Burnett Show," died Thursday in Los Angeles from complications of an aortic aneurysm suffered fourth months ago, the Associated Press reports. He was 81. Mr. Korman also appeared on "The Danny Kaye Show" and had his own unsuccessful series. His best known film role was as conniving politician Hedley LaMarr in Mel Brooks' "Blazing Saddles."

TVBizwire

Teens Watching Shows with ‘Sex’ Ads

Ads for the "Sex and the City" movie have run during television shows that have teens as a substantial portion of their audience, despite being an R-rated film, the Wall Street Journal reports. About 10% of the audience for the cleaned-up TBS reruns of the series is under 18, the Journal says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

MyNetwork Nears Deal With Tony Rock

MyNetworkTV is nearing a deal to order sketch-comedy series "The Tony Rock Project," featuring Chris Rock's brother, Daily Variety reports. Langley Productions, which produces "Cops," would do the same for the new show, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Web Video Splits Cable Networks, Operators

The increasing number of full episodes of cable network program being made available over the Web is displeasing some cable operators, the New York Times says. Cable operators pay big fees to carry cable networks and they aren’t keen on viewers being able to see those shows for free as the networks pursue more viewers and ad dollars. "If they put content they ask cable companies to pay for online for free, they are making it less valuable and we should be expected to pay less for it," a Time Warner Cable spokesman said.

TVBizwire

Fox Gives Malins a 'Mother' of a Deal

Twentieth Century Fox Television signed a two-year, seven-figure contract extension with "How I Met Your Mother" executive producer Greg Malins, Daily Variety reports. Mr. Malins will continue to run “Mother” while developing other shows, the newspaper says. Additionally, Fox signed a seven-figure extension for writer-producer Tim Minear, whose credits include "The X-Files" and "Angel," the Hollywood Reporter says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Comcast Web Site Hacked

Comcast subscribers were denied access to the cable operator's web portal when it was taken over by hackers, the Associated Press reports. Comcast.net went down at about 11 p.m. ET Wednesday and was back up by morning. Comcast told the wire service there was no indication that e-mail or other private information was compromised by the hackers.

TVBizwire

Carey: DirecTV is Liberty Focus

DirecTV Chief Executive Officer Chase Carey called the U.S. satellite leader a “centerpiece” to major shareholder Liberty Media's strategy, Multichannel News reports. Liberty, which swapped for News Corp.'s 41% stake in DirecTV, has fewer conflicts of interest than News Corp., Multichannel News says, citing Mr. Carey.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Google’s Clicks Rose in April

Google’s growth in paid clicks grew sharply in April, which rivals Microsoft and Yahoo saw slower growth, the Wall Street Journal reports. The figures from comScore Inc. reverses earlier figures that showed Google’s click slowing, which raised concers about the health of the overall economy.

TVBizwire

Starz Adds Chavez, Tur to 'Crash' Cast

Starz added Luis Chavez, Arlene Tur and three others to the cast of its new television-series version of the Oscar-winning film "Crash," the Hollywood Reporter says. Meanwhile, ABC signed Nicole Ari Parker to play opposite Damon Wayans in its comedy pilot "Never Better" while adding Keith Robinson to its drama-comedy "Good Behavior," the newspaper reports.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

DreamWorks Gets 1st Look at new King Project

DreamWorks obtained the rights to get a first look at the next film project from "Sex and the City" writer-director Michael Patrick King, Daily Variety reports. King, who was with "Sex" for all six seasons, is in the outline stage of a romantic comedy, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

CBS Announcer Gets Martial Arts Training

Gus Johnson, announcer for CBS's new mixed martial arts series, is taking lessons at a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy to get closer to the sport, the New York Times reports. Mr. Johnson who has trained in boxing and kung fu, is a white belt when it comes to Brazilian jiu-jitsu. "We’re learning how to break a man's shoulder, pop a man's knee, choke a man to death," he said.

TVBizwire

Obama, Clinton Treated Equally by Press

Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have been treated about equally by the press, despite claims to the contrary by the Clinton campaign, Daily Variety reports, citing a study by the Pew Research Center and Harvard University's Public Policy school. The study found that coverage of Mr. Obama has turned progressively more negative, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Tennis Keeps ESPN's Drysdale on the Road

Cliff Drysdale, seen on TV late night covering tennis on ESPN, talks to the Wall Street Journal about a career that seen him register about 12 million miles in the air. Mr. Drysdale, who is marking his 50th year as a player and broadcaster, tells tales of his adventures, including an eight-hour detention by Mexican boarder officials.

TVBizwire

That’s Why it’s Called Hockeytown

More Detroit viewers watched their hockey team play for the Stanley Cup on TV than tuned in to see if their basketball team would get into the NBA Finals, the New York Times reports. The Detroit Red Wings' loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins was broadcast on NBC, while the Detroit Pistons game against the Boston Celtics was shown on cable channel ESPN, contributing to the NHL’s victory over the NBA.

TVBizwire

Cosby Sweaters Auctioned for Charity

Sweaters worn by Bill Cosby playing Dr. Cliff Huxtable on "The Cosby Show" are being sold on eBay with the proceeds going to charity, the Associated Press reports. Minimum bid are set at $5,000 for the sweaters, recently found in Mr. Cosby's home while cleaning out a closet. The auction is schedules for June 2-12. The money will benefit Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation, which is named for the comedian's son.

TVBizwire

USA Pilot Loaded with Cliches

The premiere episode of USA Network's new series "In Plain Sight" is "one of the worst pilots in cable television history, a near fatal combination of cliché and overkill," the New York Times says. Two other USA shows, "Psych" and "Burn Notice," also had overloaded pilots but turned out to be enjoyable series. Future episodes of "In Plain Sight" show improvement and the series "has hidden promise," the paper says.

TVBizwire

Dish Adds Local Look to Elections

Dish Network added local features to its interactive television service related to this year's presidential election, Multichannel News reports. Dish launched its election portal in January as an attempt toward unbiased coverage, Multichannel News says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Swayze Optimistic About A&E Pilot

Patrick Swayze is hopeful that A&E will pick up "The Beast," his drama pilot about the FBI, the New York Daily News reports. Swayze, who is battling pancreatic cancer, is "doing well," according to his publicist, the newspaper says. An A&E spokeman said the pilot is still in contention, but no decision has been made, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Spears Beats Lohan in Ratings

Britney Spears' two appearances on CBS' "How I Met Your Mother" received higher ratings than an episode of ABC's "Ugly Betty" featuring Lindsay Lohan, the New York Post reports. Spears' second appearance drew 9 million viewers, down from 10.7 million for her first episode, the newspaper says. However, both episodes had more viewers than "Ugly Betty's" 8.8 million viewers when Lohan made a cameo, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Redlasso Rejects Networks' Complaint

Video site Redlasso has rejected a cease-and-desist order from CBS, NBC and Fox, which claim the site is hosting unlicensed clips of their content, the Hollywood Reporter says. Redlasso suggested a deal could be made and has hired former CBS Corp. CEO Michael Jordan as a senior adviser, the newspaper says. Redlasso allows users to edit and embedded clips from its library of video content, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Lisa Ling Joins CNN Documentary

Lisa Ling will join CNN for a follow-up documentary to the network's "Planet in Peril," the Hollywood Reporter says. "Planet in Peril: Battle Lines" also will feature Anderson Cooper and chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta in countries where battles are being waged over oil, land, water and food, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Andromeda' Ratings Grow

A&E Network's "The Andromeda Strain" grew for Tuesday night's second installment, averaging 5 million viewers, Multichannel News reports. The figure indicates a 4% increase from the 4.8 million who watched the first half on Memorial Day, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Hallmark to Launch Local Ratings Software

Hallmark Channel will be the first national cable client to use Nielsen's Arianna Multi Market software for local market ratings data, Multichannel News reports. The product allows networks to quickly pull customized reports and data, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Web Ad Revenue for TV Stations Rises

A survey by Borrell Associates found that online advertising revenue for TV stations rose 72% to $772 million in 2007, TVNewsday reports. TV stations accounted for 6.9% of all local online spending in 2007, twice as much as in 2006, but newspapers still held the lead at 24.6%, the Web site says. The survey predicts that the TV stations may rise another 55% to $1.2 billion in 2008, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Moonves: Upfront Sales Slow So Far

CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves told participants at the Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Strategic Decisions Conference that the upfront selling process will be slower this year, the Hollywood Reporter says. Moonves said CBS has "begun the dance" with advertisers, but no deals have been made so far, the newspaper says. He predicts they will happen in June or July and that the marketplace will be up, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Kvamme Talks New Web Advertising

High-tech venture investor Mark Kvamme stressed the importance of what he dubbed the under-30 "attention" generation at the AAAA Digital Conference Wednesday in New York, Online Media Daily reports. Kvamme pointed out innovative new ad formats targeted at the Web-weaned generation, such as video site FunnyorDie.com, StarDoll's branded digital clothing Playbrands and the visual search engine Searchme, the Web site says. He also singled out the consumer interactivity and niche audience of blogs as targeting niche consumers becomes increasingly harder for agencies, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Starcom Promotes Lange, Yecke to VP

Starcom MediaVest Group, The Americas, has promoted Kevin Lange and Nick Yecke to vice president, Online Media Daily reports. Lange previously was director of operations at SMG Search, an operation of Publicis Groupe, the Web site says. Yecke is a founding member of Pixel, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ComScore Acquires M:Metrics

ComScore has purchased mobile measurement company M:Metrics, Online Media Daily reports. The $44.3 million transaction makes comScore the leader in measuring the mobile Internet market and PC-based Internet usage, according to the company, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Nielsen Launches Mobile @Plan

The Nielsen Co. will expand its @Plan online audience profiling system to the mobile arena, Online Media Daily reports. The new service will allow advertisers to reach the 48 million U.S. wireless subscribers who use their phones to access the Internet, the Web site says. @Plan provides lifestyle and demographic information for the top 200 mobile sites, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

TV Director Joseph Pevney Dies

Television director Joseph Pevney has died, the Los Angeles Times reports. Pevney directed numerous television shows from the early 1960s to the mid-1980s, including "The Munsters," "The Fugitive," "Bonanza," "Emergency," "Adam-12," "Trapper John, M.D.," "The Incredible Hulk," "Fantasy Island" and 14 episodes of the original "Star Trek," the newspaper says. He died May 18 at his home in Palm Desert, Calif., of age-related causes; he was 96.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Azteca's U.S. News Production Moves to Mexico

Azteca America, a subsidiary of TV Azteca, will move production of its national and local Los Angeles newscasts to Mexico City to save money, the Los Angeles Times reports. The move has resulted in 30 employees being laid off in the last week, the newspaper says. Azteca America said it will continue to have reporters, producers and assignment editors in Los Angeles and correspondents in New York, Chicago, Houston, Dallas and Washington, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Star Trek' Theme Composer Dies

Composer Alexander (Sandy) Courage died May 15 in Pacific Palisades, Calif., Daily Variety reports. Courage composed the original "Star Trek" theme, which has been reprised for all the "Trek" films and several of the TV series, the newspaper says. He was 88.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Betty' Headed for Broadway?

"Ugly Betty" star Michael Urie told a U.K. radio station that an "Ugly Betty" Broadway musical may be in the works, the New York Post reports. Urie also said producers want to do a musical episode of the show beforehand, and that he thinks the cast could and would do a Broadway production, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Ausiello Departs TV Guide

Michael Ausiello is leaving TV Guide after eight years at the company, TV Guide reports. Ausiello will move to Entertainment Weekly, the magazine says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Spike TV Redesigns Web Site

Spike TV is relaunching its Web site on Friday with original content, a full-episode video player and social-networking features, Broadcasting & Cable reports. YouTube's “The Angry Video Game Nerd," Playboy Enterprises, Ultimate Fighting Championship and a merger with iFILM.com will provide original content for the redesigned site, the newspaper says. New features will allow users to create profiles, rate videos, photos and blogs and embed full episodes of Spike TV shows, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Motorola Joins Fight for Open DTV Spectrum

Motorola has joined the Wireless Innovation Alliance, which is advocating that the Federal Communications Commission open the digital TV spectrum band to mobile unlicensed wireless devices, Broadcasting & Cable reports. A device that Motorola has been working on to ensure that it does not interfere with DTV channels encountered problems during the FCC testing phase, the newspaper says. Motorola argued that those problems are part of the testing process for a prototype device, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Horton to Direct NBC's 'Philanthropist'

Peter Horton will direct and executive produce the pilot for NBC's "The Philanthropist," Daily Variety reports. Horton joins the project as David Eick takes over as showrunner and executive producer after Tom Fontana and Barry Levinson's departure, the newspaper says. Horton has directed episodes of "Dirty Sexy Money," "Grey's Anatomy," "Six Degrees," "One Tree Hill," "The Shield' and "Once and Again," the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Winstone, Lotan Join HBO's Milch Pilot

Ray Winstone and Jonah Lotan have joined the cast of David Milch's HBO pilot "Last of the Ninth," the Hollywood Reporter says. The drama centers around the New York Police Department in 1972, the newspaper says. Winstone will play a detective who guides Lotan's character, a Vietnam veteran turned undercover cop, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ABC Pilots Cast Cooke, Sasso

ABC has tapped Josh Cooke to co-star in the untitled comedy pilot produced by David Cohan and Max Mutchick, the Hollywood Reporter says. The sitcom follows two lifelong friends and business partners, one of whom is straight (Cooke) and one of whom is gay (Alan Tudyk), the newspaper says. Additionally, Will Sasso has joined ABC's "Five Year Plan," a comedy about a group of twentysomethings, and Jon Bernthal and Omar Benson Miller have been cast in the Fox drama "Courtroom K," the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Glam Media Launches Video Platform

Glam Media launched video distribution platform GlamTV, which is aimed at its network of female-skewing Web sites, the Hollywood Reporter says. Sony BMG, E! Online, Lifetime Networks and TV Guide Broadband will provide programming content for the sites, including "E! News Now" updates, the newspaper says. Customers will be able to distribute video content on Glam network sites through a deal with Brightcove, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

SAG Restarts Talks After AFTRA Deal

The Screen Actors Guild resumed talks with the studios after the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists reached an agreement for a primetime contract, Daily Variety reports. SAG hasn’t scheduled a strike authorization vote though negotiations may go beyond the June 30 expiration date of the current contract, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

ABC Orders Border-Security Reality Show

ABC ordered 11 episodes of a new reality show that will focus on anti-terrorism security that takes place along the U.S. borders, the Hollywood Reporter says. "Border Security USA" will track locations such as a Coast Guard boat near Puerto Rico and New York airports, the newspaper reports.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Victim of Bed Bug at Fox News Sues

Jane Clark, a 12-year veteran at Fox News Channel, filed a lawuit claiming she’s been diagnosed with post traumatic stress syndrome because of a bedbug infestation at Fox News headquarters in New York, TVNewser says. The suit names the companies that manage and maintain the building. Ms. Clark has also filed a Workers Compensation claim against Fox News parent News Corp.

TVBizwire

50 Cent on New MTV Slate

MTV has green-lit a slate of new shows, including one fronted by rapper 50 Cent that will search for the nation’s next street-savvy mogul, Daily Variety reports. Other series include "Making the Rock Band" with Sean “Diddy" Combs and "Busted," which looks at youths who break the law.

TVBizwire

Ebersol: Games Could Bring Change to China

NBC Universal Sports and Olympics chairman Dick Ebersol says the Olympics have opened up China and could pave the way form big changes in the communist country, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The Beijing Games have served as a lightening rod for protests, and Mr. Ebersol’s comments mark one of the few times NBC has addressed issues associated with the host country. NBC also has yet to announced details of its coverage, which will sprawl over the companies broadcast, cable, Spanish language and Internet platforms.

TVBizwire

TNT Gets May’s Highest Cable Ratings

TNT had May’s highest ratings among basic-cable networks as the NBA playoffs helped boost ratings by 12% from a year earlier, Daily Variety reports. USA, which had the best ratings for every month since September, placed second, led by reruns of the first two "Indiana Jones" film installments, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Gibson May Extend 'World News' Contract

Charles Gibson, whose contract with ABC's "World News" expires shortly after the presidential election, may extend his contract with the network, the New York Times reports. Mr. Gibson, 65, has been asked to stay longer and is currently in negotiations, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Space and Time Key on 'Lost' Finale

One of the characters on ABC’s "Lost" will attempt to move the island they’ve been marooned upon, showing that the show’s producers are able to bend space and time to advance the series’ plot, USA Today says. The laws of physics on "Lost" are mixed with an internal mythology, executive producer Carlton Cuse says. "We try to use enough science to give a sense of credibility," he tells the paper.

TVBizwire

No Jail for 'CSI' Star

Gary Dourdan, the "CSI" star arrested for possession of drugs last month, pleaded guilty to two of three counts against him, but won’t do jail time, the Associated Press reports. The case against Mr. Dourdan would be dismissed if he completes a 30-hour diversion program, the wire service said.

TVBizwire

Iger Urges More VOD Programming

Walt Disney CEO Robert Iger said networks should either start or expand video-on-demand choices to attract younger viewers, Multichannel News reports. Mr. Iger also said Disney would like to buy out partner Hearst Corp.'s shares in networks such as ESPN, Lifetime and A&E, Multichannel News says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

WGN Superstation Gets Facelift

Tribune Co. has re-branded its Superstation WGN as WGN America, the Chicago Tribune reports. Using the new slogan "TV You Can't Ignore," WGN plans to add an original program to its lineup by the end of the summer.

TVBizwire

China Slam Dunks NBA Playoff Games

National Basketball Association playoff games are no longer being broadcast on state-rung national broadcaster CCTV, the Associated Press reports. Entertainment and sports programming was taken off the air last week during a three-day mourning period for victims of the deadly earthquake in Sichuan. Since the other shows have retuned, but not NBA telecasts

TVBizwire

Sanz Joins 'Mother' Cast on ABC

Horatio Sanz, formerly with “Saturday Night Live,” has gotten a role in the new ABC fall comedy “Bad Mother’s Handbook,” according to TV Guide. The comedy also stars Alicia Silverstone and Megan Mullally.

TVBizwire

Singer Manson Joins ‘Sarah Connor’

Shirley Manson, the lead singer of the band Garbage, will have a regular role in Fox’s series “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” the Hollywood Reporter says. Ms. Manson will play the CEO of a high-tech company.

TVBizwire

NBC Gets First McClellan Interviews

NBC will be the first network to interview former White House press secretary Scott McClellan, whose memoir accuses President George W. Bush of using "propaganda" to sell the Iraq war to the American public, Daily Variety reports. Mr. McClellan will appear on the "Today" show this morning and "Countdown With Keith Olbermann" on MSNBC this evening, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Comedy Central Gets 'Harold & Kumar'

Comedy Central paid $4 million for exclusive rights to show "Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay" starting in October 2010, Daily Variety reports. The sequel to "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" grossed more than $36 million in U.S. theaters, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Viacom Won't Bid on Weather

Viacom Chief Executive Office Philippe Dauman said the company won’t bid on the Weather Channel and will focus on growing its own units, Multichannel News reports. Time Warner and NBC Universal were among bidders that may have bid as much as $4 billion for the network, Multichannel News says. Mr. Dauman also said he expected ad sales growth to slow in the second quarter at Viacom.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Kurtz’s CNN Interview Raises Questions

A recent interview CNN’s Howard Kurtz conducted on "Reliable Sources" with Kimberly Dozier, the CBS journalist wounded in Iraq, raises ethical questions because Mr. Kurtz's wife worked as a publicist for Ms. Dozier on her memoir, the New York Times reports. Some media analysts say Mr. Kurtz, who also works for the Washington Post, should have recused himself from the assignment, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

TiVo Pauses Research, Earns Profit

TiVo reported that its first-quarter net income more than quadrupled as cost for marketing and research declined, the Associated Press reports. The digital video recorder pioneer racked up earnings of $3.6 million, compared to $835,000, despite a drop in total subscribers to 3.8 million from 4.3 million a year ago.

TVBizwire

Health Problem Grounds CNN’s Snow

Former White House press secretary and conservative commentator for CNN Tony Snow cancelled a speaking engagement at Ashland College in Ohio because of an unspecified illness that doctors said prevented him from flying, according to the Associated Press. CNN had no comment about Mr. Snow, who was diagnosed with caner three years ago.

TVBizwire

USA Gives McCormack a Flashier Role

Actress Mary McCormack has made a career of playing "sensible" women on TV and in movies, but her role in USA Network’s new original series "In Plain Sight" gives her a chance to show off a bit, the Associated Press says. "There's a lot more comedy than most things I've done,” says Ms. McCormack. "And it's action-y, which I've always wanted to do. I'm sort of built for action, and I've never really had the opportunity."

TVBizwire

Gilbert to Appear in ‘Prairie’ Musical

Melissa Gilbert will appear in a musical version of "Little House on the Prairie," which debuts in Minneapolis this summer, Daily Variety reports. Ms. Gilbert will play the mother of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the character she played on the television show, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Sandler Feted at MTV Movie Awards

Adam Sandler will be given the MTV Generation Award at this weekend’s "MTV Movie Awards" in Universal City, Calif., the Hollywood Reporter says. Past winners include Jim Carrey and Tom Cruise, the newspaper reports.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Netflix to Rent Logo Shows on DVD

Netflix obtained the rights to be the exclusive DVD distributor of three shows from gay- and lesbian-themed cable network Logo, Daily Variety reports. "Wisecrack," "Curl Girls" and "Visible Vote ’08: A Presidential Forum" will be available through Netflix this week, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

'Dear Food Network' Fields Questions

The Food Network is launching a new series, "Dear Food Network," the New York Post reports. Viewers can submit a two-minute video explaining why their question should be answered on the program by a celebrity Food Network chef, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Rogers Media Buys CW Sunday Lineup

Canadian broadcaster Rogers Media has bought the rights to Media Rights Capital's Sunday night CW lineup as part of a deal with Shine Reveille International, the Hollywood Reporter says. Rogers Media also acquired animated series "The Life and Times of Tim" and "The Goode Family" from Mike Judge, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Ion's 'The Summit' Set for June

Ion Television Network will premiere RHI Entertainment's four-hour original miniseries "The Summit" on June 15 at 7 p.m., TVNewsday reports. The miniseries will air in its entirety during the "RHI Movie Weekend," the Web site says. Christopher Plummer, Bruce Greenwood and Mia Maestro star in the film, which centers around a bio-terror threat at the G8 summit, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Ice Road Truckers' Find New Road

The History Channel's "Ice Road Truckers" will move to a road running from Inuvik, Canada, to Tuktoyaktuk after diamond mine owners wouldn't let them return to the roads outside Yellowknife, the New York Post reports. The truckers will haul oil-exploration equipment instead of diamond-mining gear, the newspaper says. Officials for gem mining companies Diavik Diamonds and BHP are said to be unhappy with the way the show portrayed life on the ice road, issuing new rules against commercial filming on the road, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Talk, Magazine Shows Hold Ratings

The week ending May 18, the third full week of sweeps, found five talk shows up in the ratings, with six others holding steady, TVNewsday reports. Syndicated magazine shows also performed well, in particular "Entertainment Tonight," which rose 17% during its May 12 coverage Jenna Bush's wedding, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Discovery's '911' Chronicles Bronx E.R.

Discovery Channel cameras followed the traumas and staff of an emergency room for the series "911: The Bronx," New York Daily News reports. The programming was shot last summer at St. Barnabas, a teaching hospital in the Bronx, the newspaper says. Production did not always go smoothly as some patients did not give producers permission to use their stories, while Discovery was worried about the gritty nature of the show, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Daytime Emmy Nominees on YouTube

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will partner with YouTube to present Daytime Entertainment Emmy-nominated shows on the YouTube Emmy Channel, TVNewsday reports. Fifty-seven videos, spanning 13 categories, will be available for viewing at www.youtube.com/emmys, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Free Disney Channel in Spain

The Walt Disney Co. will make the Disney Channel available for free in Spain through digital terrestrial television in July, the Wall Street Journal reports. The channel is currently broadcast on a number of Spanish cable networks, but Spain's low cable subscriber numbers have made it difficult for the company to increase viewership, the newspaper says. The free Disney Channel will be entirely funded by advertisers, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Dunkin' Donuts Pulls TV Ad

Dunkin' Donuts has pulled a commercial featuring TV chef Rachael Ray after observers noted that her scarf resembled a keffiyeh, a headscarf traditionally worn by Arab men, the Boston Globe reports. Fox News commentator Michelle Malkin claimed the keffiyeh has come to symbolize "murderous Palestinian jihad" and threatened a boycott of the donut chain, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Discovery Series Seeks Shipwrecks

Discovery Channel will chronicle Odyssey Marine Expeditions' 2008 Atlas Search adventures for an as-yet-untitled series, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The 11-episode series will follow the political red tape, courtroom clashes and undersea journeys involved in uncovering shipwrecks and artifacts, the newspaper says. The project will be produced in association with JWM Productions, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

TiVo to Offer Disney Rentals

An agreement between Disney-ABC Domestic Television and CinemaNow will allow TiVo subscribers to rent Walt Disney Studios movies via their Internet-connected DVRs directly from the TV, Multichannel News reports. The movies will be available to view for a 24-hour period, with some in HD format, the newspaper says. TiVo already offers more than 30,000 titles through Amazon.com's Unbox and 50 other services, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Extenway, Dish Partner for Hotel Distribution

Montreal-based Extenway Solutions has signed a multiyear agreement with Dish Network to distribute the satellite provider's programming to hotel chains, Multichannel News reports. The agreement will bring new premium and HD channels to Extenway customers, forming the lineup of its Free-to-Guest package, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'It's Academic' Creator Altman Dies

Sophie Altman, the creator of long-running teenage quiz show "It's Academic," died of heart disease on May 24 in Washington, D.C., the Washington Post reports. Altman continued to produce the show, now entering its 48th season, until she was hospitalized three weeks ago, the newspaper says. She was 95.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

TeleFutura Launches Telenovela

Hispanic broadcast network TeleFutura will premiere "La Dama de Troya" (The Lady of Troy), its first primetime novela, on June 2, Mediaweek reports. The story centers around a woman whose husband is killed on her wedding night by a man intent on stealing her land, the newspaper says. TeleFutura is part of Univision Communications.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Perler to Produce 'Bonnie Hunt Show'

David Perler will co-executive produce "The Bonnie Hunt Show" for Telepictures Productions, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Perler executive produced the show's pilot and has previously worked on "The Tony Danza Show," "The Rosie O’Donnell Show," "Leeza" and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Andromeda' Scores for A&E

The first part of A&E's "The Andromeda Strain" debuted to 4.8 million viewers, making it the second most watched program on the network after "Flight 93," the Hollywood Reporter says. The program averaged 2.5 million viewers in the adults 18-49 demographic, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ABC to Air 'Kimmel' NBA Specials

ABC will air a "Jimmy Kimmel Live: Game Night" half-hour special following the first four National Basketball Association Finals games beginning June 5, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Kimmel will continue to host the NBA specials if the best-of-seven series goes beyond the first four games, the newspaper says. The specials will air before each game at 8 p.m. in the Eastern and Central time zones and after the game in the Mountain and Pacific zones, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

CBS, News Corp. Face Ad Weakness

A USB study found that CBS Corp. and News Corp. are most exposed to advertising weakness because of their higher reliance on auto and financial ads in a sluggish economy, the Hollywood Reporter says. CBS Corp. and News Corp. also have the highest percentage of revenue from advertising, at 70% and 37%, respectively, the newspaper says. Viacom management argued that advertising for fast food, entertainment and consumer staples would continue to be strong despite a possible recession, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Roger Bart Cast in ABC Pilot

Roger Bart has been cast in ABC's untitled David Hemingson pilot from 20th Century Fox TV, Daily Variety reports. Bart will play a volatile but likable partner at a law firm, where he works alongside his wife, the newspaper says. Bart's previous TV credits include "Desperate Housewives" and "The Lost Room," in addition to Mel Brooks' Broadway musicals "The Producers" and "Young Frankenstein," the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

James D'Arcy Cast in 'Virtuality'

James D'Arcy has been cast as the lead in Fox's two-hour pilot "Virtuality," the Hollywood Reporter says. The sci-fi drama about Earth's first starship, which is on a 10-year journey to a distant solar system, comes from "Battlestar Galactica" executive producer Ronald D. Moore and will be directed by Peter Berg ("Friday Night Lights"), the newspaper says. D'Arcy will play the ship's psych officer, who produces virtual reality modules to help the crew endure the trip, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

AFTRA Reaches Deal with Studios

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists reached an agreement with the major studios early Wednesday, Daily Variety reports. The studios still need to make a deal with the Screen Actors Guild to eliminate the threat of a crippling strike. The tentative three-year deal with AFTRA, which needs to be ratified by its members, calls for payments for primetime shows that are streamed and downloaded similar to those won by the Writers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America. A sticking point over actors’ ability to approve the use of clips from shows online was resolved by setting up a procedure that allows them to withhold consent for non-promotional use of clips from libraries. For new shows, consent will be negotiated when actors are hired, the paper says.

TVBizwire

3 Network Anchors Team for Cancer Special

ABC, CBS, and NBC are teaming up to simulcast a primetime telethon in September to raise money for cancer research, the New York Times reports. CBS "Evening News" anchor Katie Couric, Charles Gibson of ABC's "World News Tonight" and Brian Williams of NBC's "Nightly News" will take part in the program. Ms. Couric will return to NBC's "Today" show" to promote the effort. Ms. Couric, Mr. Williams and Mr. Gibson have all had family members die of the disease, while Jeff Zucker, CEO of NBC and Ms. Couric's former boss, is a survivor of colon cancer, the newspaper says.

TVBizwire

Networks Push for Cheaper Reality Shows

Networks suffering from declining ratings are pushing reality-show producers to cut costs, the Hollywood Reporter says. Long thought of as the cheaper cousin scripted shows, reality shows may face shortened production shoots and exclusively indoor locales in order to reduce expenses, the newspaper reports.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Clips Issue Leaves AFTRA Short of Deal

The American Federation of Television & Radio Artists failed to reach a tentative agreement with studios yesterday after the actors continued to refuse to allow for online clips to be aired without their consent, Daily Variety reports. The guild and studios were expected to reach a deal yesterday before studio talks with the Screen Actors Guild were to resume today, the newspaper says. The contracts for both unions expire June 30.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

MTV to Feature Jailed Hip-Hop Star

MTV will produce a series featuring hip-hop star T.I. serving his 1,000-hour community-service punishment before serving his one-year prison sentence next year, Daily Variety reports. The Grammy winner, previously convicted for selling drugs, was charged with possession of unregistered weapons by a felon, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

CW Reaps Big City Ratings with 'Farmer'

CW's rural-themed "Farmer Wants a Wife" couldn't be more different than its flagship show "Gossip Girls," but it is bringing the struggling network nearly as many viewers, the Associated Press reports. Both new shows lag behind the CW's top-rated program, the reality series "America's Next Top Model."

TVBizwire

Concrete Plot in ‘Grey’s’ Not an Ad Deal

A plot line in the season finale of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" that mirrored the story told in a commercial for the Honda Pilot was a coincidence, not part of a product integration deal, according to the New York Post. In the show, a doctors work to save a man trapped in concrete. In the ad, which appeared during the episode, a man encased in concrete, rides in the Honda.

TVBizwire

'Fear' Role Not For Faint of Heart

The star of NBC's horror anthology series "Fear Itself" says hanging upside down with blood dripping into a pan was a great experience, according to the Associated Press. Jesse Plemons, also known from his role at a high-school football player in NBC's "Friday Night Lights," is also a member of the young demographic the network is courting with its summer programming.

TVBizwire

Rodriguez Pitches Jailed-Women Series

Director Robert Rodriguez has pitched his drama series about jailed women to NBC and FX, the Hollywood Reporter says. “Women in Chains!” will feature actress Rose McGowan, who is also Rodriguez’s fiancée, the newspaper reports.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Putting Best Foot Forward on 'Dance'

Shows like Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" are putting a spotlight on an art form with few superstars to keep it in the public eye, the Los Angeles Times reports. Winning "Dancing with the Stars," "America’s Best Dance Crew," or "Step It Up and Dance" may be a young dancer's best shot at fame and fortune these days, the paper says.

TVBizwire

Kurgan Back at Fox

Ira Kurgan has returned to Fox as chief of broadcast operations, Daily Variety reports. Mr. Kurgan, who first joined Fox in 1987, had been at Yahoo for three years. He replaces Lee Bartlett, who moved the ITV in the U.K. in March

TVBizwire

MSNBC Taking Jabs from Left and Right

MSNBC is getting beat up by political strategists from both the Republican right and the Democratic left, the Washington Post says. While the channel appears to have taken a more liberal stance as an alternative to Fox News, its chief Phil Griffin contends "we argue and debate every topic."

TVBizwire

TiVo to Deliver Critic's Picks

Some TiVo users will be getting the recommendations of Chicago Tribune TV critic Maureen Ryan delivered to their TV, the New York Times reports. The new service is designed to differentiate TiVo from the digital video recorders provided by cable and satellite companies that most consumers now use.

TVBizwire

'30 Rock' Writer Gets NBC Pilot Deal

NBC ordered an untitled comedy pilot from "30 Rock" writer Jonathan Pollack, Daily Variety reports. Pollack has also written for "Spin City," "Just Shoot Me" and "Father of the Bride," the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Gandolfini Makes Offer Fans Can't Refuse

Actor James Gandolfini plans to sell 24 outfits he wore while starring as the titular mob boss in HBO's "The Sopranos" to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, which assists soldiers hurt in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the Assocated Press reports. Bids are expected to start at $500 for items such as the blue shirt Mr. Gandolfini wore during the opening credits and the bathrobe he donned while fetching the morning paper.

TVBizwire

Fonz Bronzed in Milwaukee

A statue celebrating the Fonz from the TV sitcom "Happy Days" will be put up in downtown Milwaukee this summer, although the exact location keeps changing, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Henry Winkler, who played Arthur Fonzarelli in the series, is expected to be in town for the dedication ceremony Aug. 19, according to the group that raised the $85,000 necessary to create the life-size statue.

TVBizwire

Big Ideas from a Handsome Scientist

The Science Channel's new show, "Joao Magueijo's Big Bang," features a dreamy theoretical physicist discussing weighty issues, such as inconsistencies in the theory of relativity, the New York Times says. "Not everyone will be charmed, however, by the extent to which he and his producers apparently thought it was necessary to dumb down and dress up the science in question," the paper says.

TVBizwire

Obama Raises More Hollywood Money

Sen. Barack Obama has raised about $4 million among entertainment-industry sources, bettering Democratic opponent Sen. Hillary Clinton’s $3.4 million, Daily Variety reports, citing the Center for Responsive Politics. The gap has doubled in the past three months, the newspaper says. Republican candidate Sen. John McCain has raised about $630,000 from Hollywood, Variety says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

CNN to Debut Overseas Show

CNN on Sunday will debut an international news show delving deeper into topics scarcely covered by the cable network’s regular news broadcasts, Multichannel News reports. Foreign affairs analyst Fareed Zakaria will be featured while the executive producer will be Liza McGuirk, Multichannel News says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Russell Brand Gets U.S. Talk Show

British comedian Russell Brand ("Forgetting Sarah Marshall") has been signed to host his own U.S. talk show in which he will interview A-list actors, the Sunday Mirror reports, citing unnamed sources. U.K.-based production company Box TV snapped up the comedian after he impressed TV executives during an appearance on "The Late Show With David Letterman," the newspaper says. Eight episodes of the series have been ordered, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Garrett Visits 'Monk,' Rather Gets 'Sexy'

Brad Garrett will appear in the season premiere of USA's "Monk" on July 18, TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reports. He will play a handyman doing some home renovations for Monk, the magazine says. Additionally, Dan Rather will return as himself on ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money" next season, the magazine notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

TBS, Def Jam Partner for 'Payne' Promo

TBS will join with Def Jam Records and R&B singer Chrisette Michele to promote Tyler Perry's "House of Payne," Media Daily News reports. The partnership will include a new song by Michele to be featured on-air and in ancillary promos, the Web site says. A music video with "House of Payne" actors also will be featured in Regal Cinemas, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Bill Arp Exits ABC News

Senior ABC News producer Bill Arp is leaving the network, TVNewser reports, citing an internal ABC e-mail. Arp has been a producer for more than 30 years on "World News Now" and "America This Morning," the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Turner Sets Fourth German Channel

Turner Broadcasting System will launch its fourth pay TV channel in Germany with a roster of American series, Daily Variety reports. The shows expected to air on TNT Serie beginning in January include “ER,” “Smallville,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Monk,” “King of Queens,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Psych,” “30 Rock” and “Friday Night Lights,” the newspaper says. Each program will be broadcast in the original English and dubbed German, the newspaper notes.

TVBizwire

TV Theme Song Composer Hagen Dies

Composer Earle H. Hagen died of natural causes on May 26 in Rancho Mirage, Calif., Daily Variety reports. Hagen composed music for more than 3,000 individual shows and wrote the theme songs for "The Andy Griffith Show," "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Danny Thomas Show," "I Spy," "That Girl," "The Mod Squad" and many more, the newspaper notes. He was 88.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cable Nets Post Ratings Gains

Ad-supported cable channels recorded a 9% increase in viewers during the September-to-May broadcast season and a 48% share of the total TV audience in April, the New York Times reports. The History Channel, AMC, USA and Fox News all posted gains, with ESPN, TBS and Spike attracting a quarter of a million more viewers during prime time, the newspaper says. While the writers strike is blamed for the decline in broadcast network ratings, cable executives said the stoppage allowed more viewers to sample their programming, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Mathison, Shepherd to Host Daytime Emmys

Soap star and former "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Cameron Mathison will host the 35th annual Daytime Emmy Awards alongside "The View" host Sherri Shepherd, the Associated Press reports. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC from Hollywood's Kodak Theater on June 20, the wire service says.

TVBizwire

Watts Pushes Black News Network

Former congressman J.C. Watts is planning to launch an all-news network targeting the African American community, the New York Post reports. Tentatively called Black Television News Channel, the network is slated for a early 2009 launch and already has a carriage agreement with Comcast, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

WGN Relaunches as WGN America

Tribune Co. relaunched Superstation WGN as WGN America on Monday, Mediaweek reports. The relaunch includes a new slogan—"TV You Can't Ignore"—and a new logo, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Morales Leaves Telemundo

Ibra Morales, Telemundo's station group president, is leaving the company, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Morales' contract expires at the end of this month and will not be renewed, the newspaper says. Telemundo President Don Browne will assume his duties until a reorganization takes place, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Couric to Announce Three-Net Fund-Raiser

A announcement from Katie Couric, teased on "Today," is said to be a three-network cancer fund-raiser for September, Broadcasting & Cable reports, citing unnamed sources. Couric chose to make the announcement on NBC's "Today," her former place of employment, rather than CBS' "Early Show," the newspaper says. NBC's Brian Williams and ABC's Charles Gibson also will participate in the fund-raiser, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Three Bidders Remain for Weather Channel

Time Warner, NBC Universal and private equity firm Blackstone Group appear to be the only remaining bidders for Landmark Communications' Weather Channel, the Hollywood Reporter says. The high asking price, a lack of synergy and different corporate priorities are said to be blamed for the decline in suitors as second-round bids were due Friday, the newspaper says. Each bidder is expected to offer between $3 billion and $4 billion, down from Landmark's asking price of $5 billion, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

HBO Enlists Alan Ball for 'Bad Girls'

"Six Feet Under" creator Alan Ball is developing an American remake of the British prison drama "Bad Girls" for HBO, extending his partnership with the network, the Hollywood Reporter says. Nancy Oliver ("Lars and the Real Girl") and Raelle Tucker ("True Blood") will write the script, with Ball supervising the writing and all three executive producing along with original co-creator Eileen Gallagher, the newspaper says. Ball also is working with Oliver and Tucker on HBO's upcoming "True Blood," the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

SoapNet Orders More 'Night Shift'

SoapNet has ordered a second season of "General Hospital: Night Shift," Multichannel News reports. Production on the 13 episodes will begin next month, with the premiere set for July 22 at 11 p.m., the newspaper says. "Night Shift's" debut on SoapNet garnered 1.15 million viewers, the network's highest rating ever, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

CMT to Rerun 'Nashville Star'

CMT will repurpose NBC's "Nashville Star," which joins the network June 9 after five seasons on USA Network, Daily Variety reports. Each episode will air on CMT Friday at 8 p.m., four days after its premiere on NBC, the newspaper says. NBC will stretch the music competition show from one hour to 90 minutes each week, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

AFTRA, Studios Close to Agreement

The American Federation of Television & Radio Artists is nearing an agreement for a new contract with the studios after 16 days of negotiations, Daily Variety reports. The Screen Actors Guild, whose contract with the studios expires along with AFTRA’s on June 30, will restart talks with the studios tomorrow, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Digital Transition to Strand 10 Mln Homes

About 10 million homes will lose all programming and 25 million home have at least one television that won’t be able to receive programming after next February’s switchover to digital broadcasts, the New York Times reports, citing Nielsen Media Research. Early-morning and late-night TV shows’ ratings may fall the most because many of the TVs that will lose programming are in kitchens and bedrooms, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Dick Martin of ‘Laugh-In’ Fame Dies

Dick Martin, who with Dan Rowan launched the NBC comedy-variety show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” in 1968, died of respiratory failure in Santa Monica, Calif. at age 86, the New York Times reports. Martin also directed shows such as “Archie Bunker’s Place” and “Bob Newhart Show” after “Laugh-In” went off the air in the early 1970s, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

CW Sunday Programmer Finishes Slate

Media Rights Capital, which acquired CW’s Sunday night programming time slots, will air a reality show, a comedy and two dramas starting in September, Daily Variety reports. The shows include “Surviving Suburbia,” from “Reba”’s Kevin Abbott, and “In Harm’s Way,” from Craig Piligian, whose credits include “Dirtiest Jobs,” the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Campaign Spending May Top $800 Mil

Presidential-campaign spending may top $800 million this year, up from $650 million in 2004, TelevisionWeek reports, citing TNS Media Intelligence. Republican candidate John McCain may boost spending to differentiate himself from President George W. Bush while Democratic candidate Barack Obama may expand his campaign to introduce himself to more prospective voters, the magazine says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Bob Schieffer on Postponing Retirement

CBS News’ Bob Schieffer will postpone his planned retirement from “Face the Nation,” TelevisionWeek reports. Schieffer decided he wouldn’t step down after next January’s presidential inauguration when CBS News and Sports President Sean McManus asked him to stay on longer, the magazine says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Fox Television Signs ‘Earl’ Writers

20th Century Fox Television signed “My Name is Earl” writers John Hoberg and Kat Likkel to a two-year, seven-figure agreement, the Hollywood Reporter says. The husband-and-wife team will develop new series in addition to being executive producers on “Earl,” the newspaper reports.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Hockey Cup Ratings Best Since ’02

The first game of this year’s Stanley Cup pitting the Detroit Red Wings against the Pittsburgh Penguins, broadcast on Versus, had the Cup’s best Nielsen ratings since 2002, Multichannel News reports. The May 24 game attracted 2.32 million viewers, Multichannel News says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

TWC L.A. HD Channels Trail Markets

Time Warner Cable’s Los Angeles customers receive 16 high-definition channels, the fewest among the five largest U.S. markets and less than many smaller markets, the Los Angeles Times reports. Time Warner Cable, which has about 1.9 million Southern California customers, said it will add 21 more HD channels by the end of the year, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

CBS to Talk About Integration Fees

CBS was the only network that agreed to talk to a task force about the $125 million that networks collect in so-called integration fees, TelevisionWeek reports. NBC and ABC both declined to talk to the task force about such fees, which were necessary when advertisements were inserted in shows manually but may be irrelevant because ads are now placed digitally, the magazine says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Ski Channel Gets Freeskiing Rights

The Ski Channel, the new video-on-demand channel from Tennis Channel founder Steve Bellamy, acquired the broadcast rights to such events as the Freeskiing World Tour and World Freeskiing Championships, Daily Variety reports. The network is partners with Mountain Sports International on several other events, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Cable Channels Put More Content on Web

Cablevison’s IFC network unit is among cable channels putting more content on the Web to attract viewers and get more exposure, Broadcasting & Cable reports. IFC.com gets as many as 600,000 unique viewers per month, with increases coming from such shows as the daily wrap-up of the Cannes Film Festival, Broadcasting & Cable says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Oprah Ratings Dip... Why?

Ratings for "The Oprah Winfrey Show" have fallen nearly 7% this year, the third straight year of declines, the New York Times points out. While some cite viewer disenchantment with her involvement in politics, executives at her production company, Harpo, and her syndication company, CBS Television distribution, point out that Oprah's audience is still one-third larger than the next-most-popular daytime show. General declines in TV audiences also are to blame, they noted.
--Greg Baumann

TVBizwire

Grammer Returns With ABC's 'Empire'

Kelsey Grammer is set to join the cast of ABC's single-camera comedy pilot "Roman's Empire," the Hollywood Reporter says. The show follows a dumped man trying to get out from under the grip of his ex-girlfriend's family, the newspaper says. Grammer will play the girl's overbearing father, Roman Pretty, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Alexander to Produce 'Early Show'

Betsy Alexander has been named the senior producer for CBS' "The Early Show," TVNewser reports. Alexander previously was vice president of iVillage and a senior producer on NBC's "Today" show for eight years, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

DirecTV Finds Blacked-Out Games

DirecTV is launching GameSearch, a new receiver feature that searches for local blacked-out games, Multichannel News reports. GameSearch will automatically search to see if a game is being broadcast on another channel and will alert the viewer if the receiver is tuned in to a blacked-out game, the newspaper says. The service is free of charge to DirecTV subscribers, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Time Warner Interactive Ads Return

Time Warner Cable's Navic Networks interactive TV platform for advanced advertising will relaunch in Los Angeles, Multichannel News reports. The timeline for the relaunch has not been set yet, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

TV Writer Zekial Marko Dies

TV and film writer Zekial Marko died from complications related to emphysema on May 9, http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117986356.html?categoryid=14&cs=1 says. Marko wrote episodes of "The Rockford Files," "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" and "Toma." He was 74.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cable News Neglects China Earthquake

The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press found that the cable news channels have devoted more coverage to the ongoing political campaign than to the earthquake in China despite viewer interest in the natural disaster, the Hollywood Reporter says. Twenty-two percent of Americans said they were following the news about the Chinese earthquake more closely than any other news stories during the week of May 12-18, the newspaper says. However, only 13% of news coverage during the week was devoted to the event, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

FCC's Martin Supports Renewable DTV Coupons

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is in support of letting consumers reapply for $40 coupons toward the purchase of a DTV converter box, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The first coupons sent out by the National Telecommunications & Information Administration, some of which have not been redeemed, are about to expire, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Redstone Nixed CBS-Viacom Reunion

CBS Corp. chairman Sumner Redstone rejected the possibility of a CBS-Viacom reunion, the Hollywood Reporter says. Redstone approved of CBS' proposed acquisition of CNET despite the economy's downturn and declining stock prices, the newspaper says. Viacom and CBS split in 2006, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Rumors of Time Warner-NBCU Merger

A merger between Time Warner and NBC Universal is being considered, CNBC's Julia Boorstin reports. Time Warner’s divestment of Time Warner Cable will provide the company with the monetary means to purchase NBC Universal, the Web site says. NBC Universal doesn’t have a publishing division and Time Warner doesn’t have a broadcast network, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Bridges, Fay, Harrington Join ABC Pilots

Beau Bridges and Meagen Fay have been cast in ABC’s untitled Kristin Newman pilot, the Hollywood Reporter says. They will costar in the Alyssa Milano-starring comedy as her divorced father and his new fiancée, the newspaper says. Meanwhile, Jay Harrington will play a moral business man in the untitled Victor Fresco comedy pilot at ABC, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

‘24’ Prequel Casts Lively, Bellows

Eric Lively, Gil Bellows and Tony Todd have been added to the cast of Fox’s “24” prequel telefilm, the Hollywood Reporter says. Lively will play the president’s son, while Bellows will play a State Department officer, the newspaper says. Todd’s character, an African dictator, will also appear in the next season of the show, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Time Warner, NBC Top Weather Bidders

Time Warner and a partnership between NBC Universal and Blackstone Group are expected to submit the highest offers for the Weather Channel and Weather.com with bids due today, the Wall Street Journal reports. Bids are expected to be between $3 billion and $4 billion, below the $5 billion Weather Channel owner Landmark Communications was seeking.

TVBizwire

USA Orders 8th ‘L&O CI’ Season

USA Network ordered an eighth season of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," TelevisionWeek reports. The 16-episode season, which moved to USA from sister network NBC last season, will also air on NBC, the magazine says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Fox Developing Tommy Lee Toon

Fox Television is developing an animated series whose main character is based on Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, Daily Variety reports. "The Life and Times of Jimmy Jaxx," whose title character is voiced by Mr. Lee, features a rock star whose tattoos come to life and cause trouble, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Perlman to Star in FX's 'Anarchy'

Ron Perlman will star as the head of a motorcycle gang in FX's new original series "Sons of Anarchy," the Hollywood Reporter says. Mr. Perlman is starring in the upcoming film "Hellboy II: The Golden Army."

TVBizwire

Added Hulks Boost Film on 'Gladiators'

NBC Universal plans to cross-promote its film "The Incredible Hulk" with a special episode of "American Gladiators," the Hollywood Reporter says. The June 9 episode will be co-hosted by Lou Ferrigno, who played the Hulk on TV, and Hulk Hogan, and members of the audience will be given Hulk hands and masks to wear during the show.

TVBizwire

The End of a Dissatisfying Season

The TV season that concluded this week left viewers unhappy with how shows performed after the writers strike, but equally unhappy that those runs were so short, USA Today says. Some series, including ABC's "Ugly Betty," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Lost" aired their finales after the official end of the season, the paper notes.

TVBizwire

Kids Sign Up for Mobile Ads

Teens are signing up to get messages from advertisers on their cell phones, the Los Angeles Times reports. Kids don't mind receiving messages and are twice as likely than adults to trust and respond to advertising pitches made via mobile phones, according to a Nielsen executive interviewed by the newspaper.

TVBizwire

Fox Chicago to Extend Morning Show

Fox's TV station in Chicago, WFLD-TV, plans to add a third hour to its morning newscast, "Good Day Chicago," the Chicago Tribune reports. The station, which has been expanding its news programming, would bump the syndicated "The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet" to 10 a.m.

TVBizwire

Tila Tequila Takes Shot at Media

MTV reality star and MySpace queen Tila Tequila says the media is to blame for her breakup with the winner of the first season of her show "Shot at Love," the Associated Press reports. She said Bobby Banhart was more interested in getting his own show than in being with her. At first she didn’t want to shoot a second season, but changed her mind. "A Shot of Love II with Tila Tequila" is currently running Tuesday nights on MTV.

TVBizwire

Reality Shows Crowd Top 20

The list of the highest rated shows during the 2007-08 broadcast TV season included six reality shows, topped of course by the two editions of "American Idol," the New York Times reports. The top scripted show was ABC's "Desperate Housewives."

TVBizwire

Bender, from 'Lost,' to Direct ABC's 'Prince'

ABC signed "Lost" director Jack Bender to do the same for drama pilot "The Prince of Motor City," Daily Variety reports. Mr. Bender has also directed episodes of "DirtySexyMoney," "Carnivale" and "Alias," the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Director Ratner Gets Branded

Director Brett Rather has launched a consultancy that aims to infuse pop culture into marketing campaigns, Daily Variety reports. Brett Ratner Brands' first work appeared during the high-rated finale of "American Idol," with two spots for Activision's hit game Guitar Hero.

TVBizwire

Child Star is a Hero on Hallmark

Barry Livingston, who played Ernie Douglas on the 1960s sitcom “My Three Sons,” is starring in a new TV movie appearing on the Hallmark Channel this weekend, the Associated Press says. Mr. Livingston, now 54, plays a heroic passenger on a hijacked plane in “Final Approach.” Also in the movie are Dean Cain, Anthony Michael Hall, Lea Thompson, Ernie Hudson and Richard Roundtree.

TVBizwire

Anchor Signs Off After 40 Years at KTVU

Dennis Richmond's 40-year careers at KTVU-TV in San Francisco ended Wednesday when the anchor signed off for the last time, the station reports. "Dennis is an icon," said KTVU VP and general manager Tim McVay. "He has a presence that demands attention and respect. His anchoring has always been the perfect match for KTVU Channel 2 News."

TVBizwire

Comcast to Sell 400,000 Subs

Comcast plans to divest in 46 smaller cable systems totaling about 400,000 subscribers in markets such as Maine and Kentucky, Multichannel News reports, citing people familiar with the process it didn’t identify. Comcast, which didn’t comment, reportedly hired New York banker Waller Capital to help with the sell off. In recent deals, cable systems have fetched as much as $4,000 per subscriber, Multichannel says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Fuse to Play Bonnaroo

Fuse has the three-year exclusive broadcast rights for the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, which takes place in Tennessee every summer, Multichannel News reports. The festival, in its seventh year, has never been broadcast on national TV. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

'Andromeda' Strains Book's Plot

A&E Network's new version of "The Andromeda Strain” strays from the plot of the book making an already complicated story too convoluted to follow, USA Today says. Critic Robert Bianco gives points to the network for trying to blend art with entertainment instead of producing more reality shows, but says "next time, please do better."

TVBizwire

HBO Film Relives 2000 Mess

HBO’s new movie "Recount" recounts the tale of Florida's pivotal role in the 2000 Presidential Election, where hanging chads and butterfly ballots helped George W. Bush win the White House instead of Al Gore. The film is "deliciously engrossing," according to the New York Times, not the least because if its "inspired" casting.

TVBizwire

Neill, Bean, Ackland Join NBC's 'Crusoe'

"Crusoe," NBC's retelling of Daniel Defoe's classic "Robinson Crusoe," has cast Sam Neill, Sean Bean and Joss Ackland, the Hollywood Reporter says. Bean will play Crusoe's widower father in flashbacks, the newspaper says. Neill also will be featured in flashbacks as a watchful family friend, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Channel M Network Goes Digital

Place-based video network Channel M has partnered with Park Media to upgrade its digital distribution infrastructure, Media Daily News reports. The upgrade will allow advertisers to target specific retail locations and dayparts, while adjusting content to that audience, the Web site says. Channel M's My Gym TV network, which has 170 locations, will be the first to be outfitted with the new system this summer, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Gay 'Hero' Coming to TV

"Hero," Perry Moore’s novel about a gay superhero, was pitched as a TV series to two networks, Moore told New York magazine. Moore also revealed that he received offers from both networks and that a decision should be announced any day, the magazine says. Moore is receiving guidance on the project from comic book legend Stan Lee, the magazine notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Nightline' Beats Late-Night Talkers

"Nightline" beat both "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" and "The Late Show With David Letterman" in the ratings Tuesday night, TVNewswer reports. "Nighline" scored a 4.5 rating/10 share for the big news day, which featured two state primaries, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

O'Donnell, Drescher Developing Sitcom

Rosie O'Donnell and Fran Drescher are teaming to develop and star in a new sitcom, In Touch Weekly reports. "The New Thirty" will follow two high school friends and neighbors on the verge of a midlife crisis, the magazine says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Google Fights for DTV Space

Google co-founder Larry Page argued at a presentation organized by unlicensed-device backer New America Foundation that mobile unlicensed devices should be able to share the digital TV spectrum with TV stations, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Google hopes to use the white spaces between TV channels for faster wireless Internet access, the newspaper says. TV broadcasters are worried the devices could interfere with their broadcast signals, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Reddit Site Creates PBS News Show

Social news site Reddit is developing a TV show for PBS' affiliate stations, CNET reports. "YourWeek" will put a youth-focused spin on news headlines chosen by Reddit users, the Web site says. No television broadcast date has been set, but the pilot will air on the Web on June 6, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Jorja Fox Returns to 'CSI'

Jorja Fox will return for the season premiere of "CSI" this fall, TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reports, citing unnamed sources. The article didn't indicate whether the producers had been contact to confirm or deny the report. However, "CSI" boss Carol Mendelsohn told Ausiello in October that fans had not seen the last of Fox's character, the magazine says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Penn & Teller' Returns in June

Showtime has slated the sixth season of "Penn & Teller: Bullshit!" for June 19, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Showtime has ordered 10 half-hour episodes for the new season, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Staff Cuts at Media General

Media General is laying off employees at 22 of its stations, Broadcasting & Cable reports. A weak economy resulting in less spending by advertisers is one of the reasons for the cuts, Providence, R.I., station WJAR explained in a statement, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Publicis Acquires EmporioAsia

Publicis Groupe has acquired EmporioAsia, one of China's leading digital agencies, Online Media Daily reports, and will rename it EmporiaAsia Leo Burnett. Paris-based Publicis, parent of Leo Burnett, said the new company will operate as part of Leo Burnett's growing marketing network in China, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Media Execs Talk Mobile Media

Executives from NBC Universal, the Wall Street Journal, Nielsen Mobile and wireless content distributor Kyte at the MediaBistro Circus conference on Wednesday discussed the need for simplicity when it comes to mobile media, Online Media Daily reports. Executives also stressed the importance of extending audience interaction with mobile devices by using cross-promotion, such as NBC's "bumper" promos leading viewers to more content online and on their mobile phones, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ABC Gets Extension for 'NYPD Blue' Appeal

The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals set a new briefing deadline in an appeal by ABC and its affiliates against the Federal Communications Commission's $1 million-plus indecency fine for a 2003 episode of "NYPD Blue," Broadcasting & Cable reports. The FCC ruled that the episode showed too much of a naked woman's backside and side, which resulted in ABC paying a $1,237,500 fine in February, the newspaper says. The new briefing deadline of June 20 will give ABC and its affiliates more time to make their case, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Dr. Phil's' Preacher Gets Show

CBS Television Distribution is developing a syndicated talk show hosted by T.D. Jakes, head of nondenominational church the Potter's House, the Hollywood Reporter says. The project, which will focus on relationships and family issues, comes from Dr. Phil and Jay McGraw's Stage 29, the newspaper says. Jakes has made several appearances on "Dr. Phil," the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ClipBlast, ClipSyndicate Partner

Video search and distribution platform ClipBlast has partnered with ClipSyndicate, a video syndication service of Critical Media's Media & Publishing Services Group, Online Media Daily reports. ClipBlast will index ClipSyndicate's stable of more than 80 news sources and 200,000 video clips using its Intelligent Index, the Web site says. ClipSyndicate provides content for thousands of Web sites seeking specific Web video for their viewers, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Celtics' Garnett in FiOS TV Ad

Verizon Communications' latest "This Is FiOS, This Is Big" campaign ad features Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett, Multichannel News reports. The commercial aims to highlight the capabilities of FiOS TV’s digital video recorder, which can play recorded programs on up to six other set-top boxes in the subscriber's home, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

David Cook Wins 'Idol' in Record Vote

David Cook won the seventh season of "American Idol," defeating David Archuleta by receiving 56% of the record 97.5 million votes cast after Tuesday's show, the Associated Press reports. Just before the results were announced surly judge Simon Cowell apologized to Mr. Cook for having been disrespectful the night before, the wire service said.

TVBizwire

States Ply Producers with Tax Breaks

States are competing to create incentives to attract TV and movie productions, the Wall Street Journal reports. Georgia, New York, Mississippi and Michigan have recently increased tax credits, rebates and other programs aimed at shows such as ABC's "Ugly Betty," which is moving from Los Angeles to the Big Apple.

TVBizwire

AFTRA Talks Hung Up on Clips

The American Federation of Television & Radio Artists may not agree to a new primetime contract with the studios by the time the present one expires on June 30 because it continues to ask for actors to have to give consent for clips to be shown online, Daily Variety reports. The Screen Actors Guild, whose contract also expires June 30, has taken a similar stance with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Actor Sues 'Dog' Producers

An actor is seeking $5 million from the producers of "Dog the Bounty Hunter" because he says he created the A&E Network reality show and wasn’t paid for the show's fourth season, the Associated Press reports. Boris Krutonog of Los Angeles filed a suit in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan seeking royalties, salary and other compensation. An A&E spokesman had no comment.

TVBizwire

Angry Anchor Clips a Hit on Web

On air freakouts by TV news anchors are very popular on the Web, with sites showing clips of recent rants by anchors Bill O’Reilly of Fox News Channel and Sue Simmons of WNBC-TV, New York, drawing hundreds of thousands of hits, according to the New York Observer. The clips, once available only to industry insiders, fit in with a public mood of cutting media big shots down to size, the paper says.

TVBizwire

VH1 Stars Tell Why Fans Watch

The stars of VH1’s successful reality series talk about why the shows are popular—and other subjects--in a roundtable interview in USA Today. Adrianne Curry of “My Fair Brady” says reality fans “have no life,” but Tiffany (New York) Pollard of “I Love New York” says “with some of the shows, you get to see people open up and be themselves.”

TVBizwire

CBS to Air Movies to Small Audience

CBS has dug up two movies shot years ago but never shown and plans to air them during the next three Saturday nights, when ratings are the lowest of the week, Daily Variety reports. "Vinegar Hill," starring Mary Louise-Parker, was produced three years ago, while "Sybil" is an update from the 1976 film and stars Jessica Lange. The move comes because the network's shortage of programming choices was exacerbated by the Writers Guild of America strike.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

ABC to Improve Online Video Player

ABC will improve its online video player for its Internet audience by this fall, the Hollywood Reporter says. ABC, whose Web site was the most popular among the major networks last month, will add features such as closed captioning and full-screen viewing, the newspaper reports.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

New Netflix Player Gets High Marks

The new set top box that delivers movies over the Internet is easy to hook up and delivers at TV-quality picture, according to a review in the New York Times, which gave the new offering by Netflix and Roku a test drive. While most of the titles available tend to be oldies, “for movie lovers who already subscribe to Netflix, at least, this one-time $100 expenditure is practically a no-brainer,” the paper says.

TVBizwire

Digital Ads Getting Outsourced

More Web ads are being produced by little-known overseas businesses, the Wall Street Journal reports. Ads for marketers including General Motors Microsoft and Bank of America are being made by companies like avVenta Worldwide which has employees in Costa Rica, Ukraine and the U.K., the paper says.

TVBizwire

Univision Starts VOD Without Televisa

Spanish-language network Univision in January will start offering video-on-demand programming, though without popular content from Televisa, Daily Variety reports. Univision and Televisa have been in a legal battle, with Televisa wanting out of its contract with Univision, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

CBS Creates College Web Net

CBS College Sports Network is creating a vertical advertising network that will offer display ads and video commercials on NCAA.com, the collegiate sections of CBSSports.com and on the official athletic sites of 215 colleges, Mediaweek reports. The sites had more than 10 million unique visitors in March.

TVBizwire

WHDH GM Skips Arraignment

Randi Goldklank, general manager of WHDH-TV in Boston, did not show up in court Monday, leaving her attorney to plead not guilty to charges stemming from an obscenity-packed assault on sate police at Logan Airport, the Boston Herald reports. Ms. Goldklank has been on administrative leave from the station since the incident.

TVBizwire

Deal Leaves TW Cable in Debt

The transaction designed to separate Time Warner from Time Warner Cable will leave the cable operator with $24 billion in debt, the Wall Street Journal says. The debt could limit its ability to do deals or roll out new services, according to the paper.

TVBizwire

Sutcliffe, 'Davey' Co-Creator, Dies

Dick Sutcliffe, who co-created the religious claymation show "Davey and Goliath" about a boy and his talking dog, died in Dallas at age 90 after having complications from a stroke, Daily Variety reports. Sutcliffe was the director of a New York Lutheran radio and television ministry when he helped launch the show, the newspaper says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

Hallmark Signs LaSalle, Tyson for Movie

Eriq La Salle and Cicely Tyson will star in "Relative Stranger," an original Hallmark Channel movie about a father who abandons his family only to return years later, the Hollywood Reporter says. The film began production this week and will debut near the end of the year, the newspaper reports.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

VH1 Fetes Who With Lips, Foos

VH1's tribute to the Who will feature live performances from Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam and the Flaming Lips, Multichannel News reports. The event will be taped July 12 at UCLA and will air July 17, Multichannel News says.
—Danny King

TVBizwire

'Scrubs' Could Live on Sans Creator

"Scrubs" could continue for another year beyond its upcoming season on ABC, but it would return without series star Zach Braff and creator Bill Lawrence, TV Squad reports. ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson has expressed interest in continuing the show for a ninth season, the Web site says. However, Lawrence said he is writing the upcoming eighth season as if it is his and the show's last, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Networks Tell Redlasso to Cease and Desist

Online video site Redlasso was charged on Tuesday with violating copyright laws by NBC, CBS and Fox, Reuters reports. Lawyers for the broadcast networks ordered that Redlasso stop reproducing, distributing and displaying user-generated video clips of their broadcasts, the wire service says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Atlantic to Distribute Retirement TV

Cable channel Retirement Living TV has made a distribution deal with cable operator Atlantic Broadband, Media Daily News reports. The network, which is targeted at people 55+, launched in September 2006, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Linda Douglass Joins Obama Campaign

Former ABC News correspondent Linda Douglass has joined Barack Obama's campaign as his traveling press secretary, TVNewser reports. Douglass recently appeared on several cable news shows as a campaign commentator, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Sharon Osbourne to Host 'Charm School'

Sharon Osbourne will host VH1's "Rock of Love Girls: Charm School," the Hollywood Reporter says. The show's second season will premiere this fall, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Sundance Taps Kunken as Digital VP

Jeff Kunken has been named vice president of digital media and creative development at Sundance Channel, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Kunken previously oversaw the redesign of the network's Web site, which was a Webby award nominee, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Vedder Digital Sales VP for ABC Stations

Rich Vedder has been named vice president of digital media sales for the ABC-owned TV stations, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Vedder previously was VP and general sales manager, digital media, ABC National Television Sales.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Wright Heads Warner TV Digital Sales

Warner Bros. Television Group has named Peter Wright as senior VP and general sales manager for digital media sales, AdWeek reports. The newly created position will oversee the digital media sales team, including advertiser sales for broadband and digital media, the newspaper says. Wright previously held VP sales position at Reunion.com and Ask.com, the newspaper notes.

TVBizwire

'MEN7 Show' Comes to Ion

"The MEN7 Show" will make its debut on Ion Media Networks on July 3, the Hollywood Reporter says. The men's lifestyle program, which comes from the multiplatform MEN7 Network, will be hosted by Tava Smiley ("General Hospital") and Hoyt Christopher (E!'s "Wild On"), the newspaper says. The MEN7 Network also will launch nine shows on its broadband site MEN7.tv, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

IFC Orders Rollins Projects

The Independent Film Channel has ordered three new specials from actor-singer Henry Rollins, Broadcasting & Cable reports. "Uncut From New Orleans," "Northern Ireland" and "South Africa" will pair Rollins with a local host in each location as he explores the political and cultural issues there, the newspaper says. The hourlong documentaries will premiere on video-on-demand platform IFC Free in October, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

CBS College Sports, NCAA Launch Ad Network

CBS College Sports Network is teaming with the National Collegiate Athletic Association and CBSSports.com to launch CBS College Sports Media, Mediaweek reports. The interactive vertical advertising partnership will offer advertisers display and video advertising options on NCAA.com, CBSSports.com and the official athletic sites of 215 colleges, the newspaper says. The sites within the CBS College Sports Media partnership reached more than 10 million unique visitors in March, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Nielsen to Offer Local L3 Ratings

Nielsen will begin reporting live-plus-three program ratings for TV stations in the top markets starting with May sweeps, TVNewsday reports. However, national advertisers are resistant since Nielsen can offer only local program viewership ratings whereas national ratings also provide buyers with commercial ratings, the Web site says.

TVBizwire

Live Ads Make a Comeback

Advertisers are employing late-night talk show hosts to revive the live television commercial, the New York Times reports. A recent live ad featured ABC's Jimmy Kimmel and sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez in a skit for Quiznos, the newspaper says. While live commercials are more costly and susceptible to mistakes, advertisers point to their ability to potentially keep viewers from skipping ads, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Today' Producer Heads to Reveille

Noah Oppenheim, the senior producer of "Today's" 7 a.m. hour, is leaving the NBC morning show to become the vice president of Reveille Entertainment, TVNewser reports. Reveille is the production company previously owned by NBC Universal entertainment chief Ben Silverman; he sold the company to Elisabeth Murdoch's U.K. production company Shine, the Web site says. Oppenheim will leave his duties at "Today" in about a month, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Stars Leave 'Miami Ink'

"Miami Ink" stars Ami James and Chris Nuñez say their participation with the show is over, the Miami Herald reports. They claim that TLC delayed signing them for another season and that the network did not sufficiently promote the show's move to Thursday nights, the newspaper says. TLC may continue the show at another tattoo parlor in the Miami area, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Fox Axes 3 in Management Revamp

Fox Broadcasting has laid off Yvette Urbina, manager of drama development, and Monique Nash and Xenia Lok, managers of current programming, the Hollywood Reporter says. The move comes during the middle of a management restructuring that has brought in Matt Cherniss as executive VP of programming, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Wizard's' to Star Horner, Regan

Sam Raimi's syndicated series "Wizard's First Rule" has cast Craig Horner and Bridget Regan in the lead roles, the Hollywood Reporter says. The hourlong weekly series, which is based on Terry Goodkind's series of fantasy novels, "The Sword of Truth," comes from Disney-ABC Domestic Television, the newspaper says. Production is set to begin this month in New Zealand on 22 episodes, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Turner Plays KnockNok With NBA

Turner Sports has enlisted technology company KnockNok to host chat rooms for the NBA Playoffs on TNT.tv and TNT OverTime on NBA.com, the Hollywood Reporter says. KnockNok previously hosted chat rooms for February's NBA All-Star Weekend on TNT OverTime and last month's Masters tournament on MajorsChampionships.com, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Fox Wins Season on Super Bowl, ‘Idol’

News Corp.’s Fox will be the network ratings winner for the 2007-08 season as the Super Bowl and “American Idol” shielded it from audience declines stemming from the Writers Guild of America strike, Daily Variety reports. Fox’s ratings increased 5% this season while ratings at CBS, NBC and ABC all fell more than 10%, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Time Warner Cable to Pay $10.9 Bil in Split

Time Warner Cable, in a deal that will sever it from Time Warner Inc., will pay a dividend of $10.9 billion, including $9.25 billion to the parent company, TVWeek reports. Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes said the split leaves the parent company with more streamlined content-creation businesses. Time Warner Cable CEO Glenn Britt said the separation will let the cable operator focus on being more competitive in its field.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

ABC Set to Shoot 'Newlyweds' Again

ABC is getting ready to take another walk down the aisle with “Here Come the Newlyweds,” TVWeek reports. The network has quietly begun the process of casting contestants for another season of the competition reality series from Warner Horizon Television and producers Jay Blumenfield and Tony Marsh. Assuming the network approves the cast that producers put together, the show will move forward with production this summer, according to network, studio and agency sources.

TVBizwire

'Rescue Me' Returns With Summer Shorts

FX will revive its series “Rescue Me” this summer with 10 five-minute shorts that will air weekly on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET starting in June, MediaPost reports. The return of full episodes of the Dennis Leary series was delayed by the Writers Guild of America strike. FX ordered 22 new episode of the show, but they won’t air until next year.
--Jon Lafayette

TVBizwire

Burnett to Produce Series for Liquid

Reality-show impresario Mark Burnett will produce three series for Liquid Generation, the online animation site that plans to move into television programming, Daily Variety reports. Burnett will produce “Rapper in Chief,” “Witness Protection” and a yet-to-be-named third show, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Fox TV Signs ‘Burn Notice’ Creator Nix

Fox TV Studios reached an agreement with “Burn Notice” creator Matt Nix that will let him develop projects for the News Corp. unit while keeping him running the USA Network series, Daily Variety reports. Nix has already sold a spec script for another action comedy to USA, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

USA Orders ‘Collar,’ ‘Pains’ Pilots

USA Network ordered two 90-minute pilots in an effort to boost its character-driven programming, Daily Variety reports. “White Collar,” produced by Fox TV, features a con man partnered with an FBI agent, while “Royal Pains” is about an unemployed doctor serving as a physician to the rich residents of the Hamptons, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Clinton Victory Given Short Shrift

Cable news networks briefly covered Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton’s primary victory in Kentucky before moving on to other news, signaling that news channels are accepting Barack Obama as the presumptive party winner, the New York Times reports. CNN and Fox News Channel switched to covering Obama and Republican candidate John McCain while MSNBC anchors implied that the Democratic race was over, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Style Orders Reality Series on Obese Woman

Style Network ordered a reality series featuring an obese Georgia woman’s attempts to lose weight, the Hollywood Reporter says. “Ruby,” which chronicles Ruby Gettinger’s weight struggles, will debut later this year, the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

No Royalties for ‘Grand Theft Auto IV’ Actor

The actor whose voice and likeness is the basis for the main character of Take-Two Interactive’s “Grand Theft Auto IV” was paid about $100,000 for his work on the sales-record setting game and will receive no residuals, the New York Times reports. Michael Hollick, the actor, said the Screen Actors Guild doesn’t make provisions for residuals from work on video games and other electronic media, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

HBO Gets Judy Greer for ‘Suburban’ Pilot

HBO signed Judy Greer to play the lead role in the half-hour comedy pilot “Suburban Shootout,” which is based on a U.K. series, the Hollywood Reporter says. Kelly Preston, Kerri Kenney and Rachael Harris have already agreed to appear in the Barry Sonnenfeld-directed pilot, the newspaper reports. Meanwhile, Teri Polo will play the title character in the new ABC drama “Finnegan,” the Reporter says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Barkley Boosts TNT’s ‘NBA’

Charles Barkley has helped boost the popularity of TNT’s “Inside the NBA” because of his bluntness and rapport with fellow former player Kenny Smith, the Los Angeles Times reports. Recent comments from Barkley include a free-throw shooter having a “tight sphincter” and an unfavorable comparison of the New Jersey Nets to the Democrats, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Disney Orders Teen Series With Lovato

Disney Channel ordered a live-action comedy featuring teenage singer-actress Demi Lovato, Daily Variety reports. “Welcome to Mollywood” will start production in September and will debut next season, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

MySpace Gets Exclusive for U.K. Gameshow

MySpace acquired a 30-day exclusive agreement to show U.K. “faux-Japanese” gameshow “Banzai,” the Hollywood Reporter says. The show’s 200 Web episodes will range from one to four minutes, the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Moffat to Take Reins on 'Doctor Who'

Steven Moffat will replace Russell T. Davies as head writer and executive producer of "Doctor Who," the Hollywood Reporter says. Moffat, who has written some of the series' most acclaimed episodes and created the BBC sitcom "Coupling," will take over for the fifth season, airing on BBC in 2010, the newspaper says. "Doctor Who" airs on the Sci Fi Channel in the U.S.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cox Expects Advanced Ad Revenues

Cox Communications said it's on the verge of generating material revenue from interactive and addressable advertising formats in the next two years, Multichannel News reports. The company claims addressable ads will lead to higher ad rates, more engagement from consumers and more accountability, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

DTV Hearing Set for June 10

House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell called for a hearing on June 10 to discuss the status of the digital television transition, particularly in the Wilmington, N.C. test market, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The scheduled meeting addresses a Government Accountability Office report that reveals there is still work to be done despite the preparedness of many broadcasters for the transition, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

CBS Adds Library Series to Web

CBS has added five more shows from its library to CBS.com and the "CBS Audience Network," Silicon Alley Insider reports. "Beverly Hills, 90210," "The Love Boat," "Twin Peaks," "Family Ties" and "Perry Mason" will join the Web site and its partners, which include AOL (TWX), CNET, Joost, VideoEgg, Slide and RockYou, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Syndie Ratings Down in Week 2 of Sweeps

Syndicated show ratings were down for the week ending May 11, the second full week of sweeps, TVNewsday reports. However, ratings for "Oprah" increased 14% to 5.8 million with the help of celebrity guests Tom Cruise, Cher and Barbara Walters, the Web site says. Court shows were mostly flat to down, while game shows were all down compared to the previous week, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

CNBC to Feed AOL Money Video Site

The new AOL Money & Financial video site has enlisted CNBC as its primary content provider, TVNewser reports. Users will be able to access CNBC content through AOL Video and its video search destination, Truveo.com, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Comcast Invests in P2P Technology

Comcast Corp. is investing an unspecified amount into GridNetworks to develop a peer-to-peer file-sharing system that would deliver HD video in a way that is "friendly" to Internet service providers, the Associated Press reports. Comcast is under federal investigation for allegations that it blocks traffic to some file-sharing Web sites, the wire service notes. Comcast said that it will stop the practice by the end of the year and is developing technologies that would be mutually acceptable to users and the cable company, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Hulu Partners With Sites

Hulu has made deals with seven entertainment and social network sites to distribute its videos, Reuters reports. Hulu videos now will be distributed on TV.com, TVGuide.com, BuddyTV.com, Flixster.com, MyYearbook.com, Break.com and Zap2it.com, the wire service says. Hulu's number of watched videos has surpassed all television network sites, including those of its founders, Fox and NBC, with 63.2 million videos viewed in April, the wire service notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

NBCU-OpenTV Deal Goes Wide

OpenTV announced that NBC Universal will expand its use of OpenTV Participate platform for interactive TV applications including Web, mobile and digital set-top boxes, Broadcasting & Cable reports. NBC Universal used OpenTV last year for the interactive element of "Heroes," the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Starz's 'Head Case' Returns

Starz's original comedy series "Head Case" will begin production on 10 episodes in August, Multichannel News reports. The series stars Alexanda Wentworth as a therapist to the stars. While celebrities for this round of episodes have not been announced yet, last year's episodes attracted Jeff Goldblum, David Alan Grier, Joel Madden, Lea Thompson, Rosanna Arquette, Cindy Margolis, Ralph Macchio and Jane Kaczmarek, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cable Companies to Offer TiVo Adapters

Cable operators will begin offering adapters for TiVo's HD DVRs with cable card slots that can be used to resurrect channels that disappear due to switched-digital video technology, the Associated Press reports. Switched-digital technology frees up bandwidth space for more channels by sending only those channels each customer selects, the wire service says. Comcast Corp., Time Warner, Cox, Cablevision Systems Corp. and other switched-digital users will offer the adapters, the wire service notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

DTV Switch Difficult for Viewers

The switch to digital television is proving to be more troublesome than imagined for some analog viewers, the Washington Post reports. One viewer said that even though she had purchased a digital converter box, nearby airplane traffic and foot traffic within her apartment disrupts the digital signals, causing her picture to freeze and the sound to mute, the newspaper says. Many consumers may have to purchase additional equipment, including new antennas for digital televisions, since digital signals do not reach as far, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Weeds' Taps Julie Bowen

Julie Bowen is set to join the cast of Showtime's "Weeds" next season, TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reports, citing an unnamed source. Bowen, who appeared on "Boston Legal" and "Lost," will play a single mom who "befriends" 17-year-old Silas, the magazine notes. A representative for the cable network was unavailable for comment, the magazine says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Blocked NBC Recordings a Mistake

NBC responded to complaints from Vista Media Center users who said they were unable to record "American Gladiators" and "Medium" on May 12, CNET reports. A NBC spokeswoman told CNET News.com that the network had "made an inadvertent mistake," but declined to explain how the mistake had happened, the Web site says. Broadcast flags are sometimes used to prevent users from recording shows at the network's request, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

FA Cup Lands on Fox Soccer, Setanta

Fox Soccer Channel and Setanta Sports have acquired U.S. rights to England's Football Association Cup, Multichannel News reports. The networks will share equal coverage rights under their four-year deals, in addition to the digital rights to the matches they televise, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Disney Expands VOD Channel

Disney Travel On Demand joined Comcast's lineup last week, doubling its distribution to 26 million homes, AdAge reports. The VOD network launched in May 2007 on Cablevision and Time Warner Cable to promote the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, the newspaper says. The interactive platform allows viewers to press a "click to call" option, which connects them with a Disney travel representative, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Satellite Tops Customer Satisfaction

Satellite television services topped cable in the 2008 American Customer Satisfaction Index, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Satisfaction for both mediums rose. DirecTV received the highest score, 68, of any company, while Cox had the highest cable operator score at 63, the newspaper says. Comcast, Charter Communications and Dish Network all fell from last year's scores, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cable Operators Talk Web, Regulation

The second day of the NCTA's Cable Show '08 found panelists discussing branding and debating whether cable networks should charge a fee for online content, the Hollywood Reporter says. Meanwhile, U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said he opposes more government regulation of the industry. He recommended that the president veto the Senate's vote to overturn a new FCC rule that would allow companies to own a newspaper and TV station in the same market, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Emeril Spices Up Fine Living

Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, whose “Emeril Live!” series has been on Scripps Network’s Food Network for more than a decade, is taking the show to Scripps’ Fine Living Network in July, the Associated Press reports. Fine Living is available to about 50 million U.S. households, compared to about 90 million for Food Network, the wire service says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

‘Simpsons’ Voices Want More D’oh

"The Simpsons" producers haven’t agreed on a contract with its voice actors for its 20th season, which may be shortened to 20 episodes from 22 if a deal isn’t reached soon, Daily Variety reports. Each of the primary voice actors, including Harry Shearer, Hank Azaria and Dan Castellaneta, are seeking about $500,000 per episode, up from about $360,000, the newspaper says. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Hollywood theme park debuted its "Simpsons"-themed ride last week, Variety says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Digital Ads Upfront and Center

Digital advertising will for the first time be a major component in marketers' negotiations of upfront television advertising because of a jump in the size of the audience that watches TV episodes on the Web, the Wall Street Journal reports. Walt Disney's ABC.com had 5.9 million unique visitors last month while 2.4 million people watched shows on video service Hulu, owned by General Electric's NBC Universal and News Corp.'s Fox, the Journal says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

AFTRA Seeks Clip Consent

AFTRA wants actors to be asked for permission before clips of their work is used online, Daily Variety reports. The demand has also been made by the Screen Actors Guild, which has been negotiating with the studios separately. AFTRA’s head warned members that "a resolution may not be quick or easy."

TVBizwire

NBC Crowns Season of ‘Kings’

NBC ordered a season of the new drama "Kings," which stars Ian McShane of "Deadwood" fame, TelevisionWeek reports. Francis Lawrence, whose credits include "I Am Legend," will direct the two-hour pilot while Michael Green and Erwin Stoff will executive produce, the magazine says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Brits Shush TV Commercials

British regulators adopted a rule mandating that TV commercial must not be "excessively noisy or strident," the New York Times reports. But it turns out measuring loudness is trickier than it sounds. American viewers have similarly complained that the volume goes up during commercial breaks.

TVBizwire

O'Reilly GE Attacks Have History

Fox News star Bill O'Reilly's attacks on the CEO of General Electric may be the latest outbreak in a feud with NBC and anchor Keith Olbermann of MSNBC, the Washington Post says. Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes called NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker last summer to halt jibes about Mr. O'Reilly by Mr. Olbermann, the paper says.

TVBizwire

Netflix Set-Top Brings Movies to TV

Netflix is working with a small Silicon Valley company to provide customers with a set top box that will allow them to play thousands of movies instantly, the New York Times reports. The $99 device from Roku, might give the market for equipment that brings Internet video to TVs a jolt, the paper says.

TVBizwire

'Late Late Show' Promotes Naidus

Michael Naidus was promoted to showrunner of "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson," Daily Variety reports. Mr. Naidus, which started with the series more than a decade ago with host Tom Snyder and continued through Craig Kilborn, had been heading much of the series’ day-to-day operations under executive producer Peter Lassally, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Lohan Show Shills for Maloofs

"Living Lohan," featuring Lindsay Lohan's mother's efforts to promote sister Ali Lohan’s career, will also be used as a promotional vehicle for the Las Vegas properties of the Maloof Bros., who will produce the E! reality show, Daily Variety reports. On the show, Ali Lohan stays at the Maloof's Palms Casino Resort while her brother Cody is a ballboy for NBA's Sacramento Kings, also owned by the Maloofs, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

AOL Execs Sued for Ad Revenue Fraud

Eight former AOL executives were named in a civil suit by federal regulators charging they illegally inflated reports of ad revenue by more than $1 billion, the Washington Post reports. Among those named are former CFOs John Michael Kelly and Joseph A. Ripp. Four executives settled with the SEC.

TVBizwire

Fox Fills 'Hole' Competition Order

Fox Broadcasting ordered 13 hours of "Hole in the Wall," the competition series in which people contort themselves to fit into shapes cut into a wall, the Hollywood Reporter says. Overseas versions of the show, whose U.S. adaptation will be produced by FremantleMedia North America, were popular on YouTube, the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Fighter Mans Booth for CBS

Ultimate Fighting champions Frank Shamrock will be in the booth for CBS's first mixed martial arts broadcast, the Associated Press reports. Mr. Shamrock will be joined by veteran play-by-play man Gus Johnson announcing on "CBS Elitexc Saturday Night Fights," which begins May 31.

TVBizwire

Remembering Shows from Upfront ’07

With the broadcast networks having unveiled their new schedules for fall 2008, the Washington Post went back to see what happened to the shows introduced last year.
As always a large number of the shows touted then have been canceled. Singled out for special mention are ABC's "Cavemen," NBC's "Bionic Woman" and CBS's "Viva Blackpool."

TVBizwire

Michael Weston to Join 'House'

Michael Weston will join the cast of "House" for several episodes next season, the Hollywood Reporter says. Weston will play a private investigator, and his appearances could be spun off into his own show, the newspaper says. "House" is already shooting episodes for its upcoming fifth season.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

TVN Updates VOD Infrastructure

Television services provider TVN Entertainment is upgrading its video-on-demand infrastructure, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The $28 million investment in an expanded facility, improved technology and research and development spending will allow the company to reprice, reposition and relabel content on the fly, the newspaper says. Content will also be watermarked so that it can be tracked across VOD platforms, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cable Operators Playing with VOD

Comcast said at the NCTA's Cable Show '08 that it is now providing 500 on-demand programming choices in HD, with 1,000 planned by the end of the year, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Cablevision Systems also introduced new applications for VOD, including targeted ads and electronic sell-through, the newspaper notes. Cable operators are still in the early stages of figuring out how to use on-demand platforms to generate revenue and fight subscriber defections, according to Comcast COO Stephen Burke, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

DTV Seen Boosting Cable's Subs, Competition

Media researcher SNL Kagan says that multichannel video businesses will only grow at a 2.1% rate annually, Media Daily News reports. However, cable operators will get a boost in the number of households due to the digital television transition in February, but will lose market share due to increased competition from phone companies and satellite providers, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

SEC Charges AOL Execs With Fraud

The Securities and Exchange Commission filed fraud charges against eight former AOL Time Warner executives, the Wall Street Journal reports. The SEC claims that the executives overstated the company's online advertising revenue by more than $1 billion, the newspaper says. Four of the accused plan to contest charges, while the other four have reached a settlement in which they did not admit to or deny the charges, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Happy Ending for L.A. Screenings

L.A. Screenings for international TV buyers ended over the weekend with applause, the Hollywood Reporter says. Buyers were buzzing over an eight-minute presentation for Fox's "Dollhouse," while CBS Paramount's "The Cleaner," starring Benjamin Bratt, drew a positive response from Latin American buyers, the newspaper says. Canadian buyer CTV only bought shows for which there was a pilot, picking up "Eleventh Hour," "The Mentalist" and "Fringe," while rival CanWest Media bought "Dollhouse," "90210" and "Harper's Island," the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

MMTC Opposes FCC Localism Proposal

The Minority Media & Telecommunications Council urged the Federal Communications Commission to rethink reinstating a rule that would require broadcasters to locate their main studio in their city of license, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The move was proposed to support localism, but broadcasters argue it would decrease diversity and increase costs, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Motherhood' Moves from Web to ABC

ABC plans to pick up Web series "In the Motherhood" for midseason, Mediaweek reports. The MindShare Entertainment-produced MSN series, which features storylines suggested by viewers as well as actresses Leah Remini and Jenny McCarthy, was streamed 16 million times in its second season, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Ski Channel Set for August Bow

The Ski Channel is being targeted for an August launch, Broadcasting & Cable reports, citing an unnamed source. Founder Steve Bellamy declined to comment, but revealed the channel had acquired the rights to Skiers World series, the United States Snowshoe Association series of events and the Level 1 library of action-sports films, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

AFTRA, AMPTP Struggle Over New Media

Negotiations between AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers have hit a roadblock concerning the production of new media and the use of TV programs in new media, the Hollywood Reporter says. The AMPTP had proposed creating a Web site where users could download clips for a price, but the plan would require actors to give up the right to approve or deny the use of clips, the newspaper says. AFTRA's prime-time TV contract expires June 6, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cable Show Reveals Web, Ad Projects

Cable operators at the NCTA's Cable Show '08 said they "are playing offense," continuing to give consumers more choice, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Several cable operators have joined with Web companies to build a national wireless broadband network that will allow cable companies to offer customers a quadruple bundle, the newspaper says. Other mentioned initiatives included tru2way, which would allow for Web-style interactive cable TV, and Project Canoe, which presumably will deliver unsold local cable ads through an automated system, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Billboard, Fluid Launch Music Competition

Billboard and Fluid Music have partnered to launch the reality competition series "Billboard Next," the Hollywood Reporter says. Aspiring singers will submit performances to the "Billboard Next" Web site, which will be voted on by the public, the newspaper says. The performances with the most votes will compete live on the TV program, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cherniss to Fill Fox VP Slot

FX executive Matt Cherniss is expected to be announced as Kevin Reilly's vice president at Fox, Daily Variety reports. Cherniss is currently the senior VP of original programming at FX, which was also once home to Reilly and Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Liguori, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Sigourney Weaver Joins Lifetime Movie

Sigourney Weaver will star in and co-produce the Lifetime television film "Prayers for Bobby," Daily Variety reports. Weaver will play a conservative and devout Christian who begins to question her opposition to homosexuality after her gay son commits suicide, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

O'Reilly Attacks GE

Fox News' Bill O'Reilly verbally attacked General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt, claiming GE's corporate presence in Iran is responsible for the deaths of American troops, the Washington Post reports. Only .01% of GE's current income comes from business contracts in Iran, due to pressure from the public and shareholders, who worried about reports that said GE's presence was providing weapons and training for Shiite militias, the newspaper says. However, the verbal attack on GE, corporate parent of NBC Universal, can be traced back to a long-standing feud between O'Reilly and MSNBC host Keith Olbermann, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Bob Schieffer to Stay at CBS

CBS plans to announce today that newsman Bob Schieffer has signed a "long-term deal" to stay with the network, the Washington Post reports. The arrangement would keep Schieffer as chief Washington correspondent and host of "Face the Nation," the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

WE TV Lets Viewers Become 'Bridezillas'

WE TV's "Bridezillas" has launched an online application in which users can imagine themselves as brides, Online Media Daily reports. The campaign uses technology from Oddcast, which was responsible for Elfyourself, and allows users to upload their photo and integrate it into a video scene chosen from five different bride variations, the Web site says. The campaign will run for 90 days on www.wetv.com, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Study Debunks Web TV Myths

London-based digital entertainment R&D firm Futurescape found that viral marketing of video on the Web doesn't necessarily result in wider distribution of content, Online Media Daily reports. The company uncovered several "viral fallacies," including the idea that Web TV is still in an experimental phase and that original Web content is cheap to produce, the Web site says. Promotional costs can often balloon to more than the cost of the program if a social network aren't used to promote content, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Sackhoff, Fairchild Join 'Nip/Tuck'

"Battlestar Galactica's" Katee Sackhoff has been cast in a recurring role on FX's "Nip/Tuck," the Hollywood Reporter says. Morgan Fairchild will also appear on the drama as a movie star, the newspaper notes. Meanwhile, Polly Walker and Saul Rubinek have joined Sci Fi Channel pilots "Caprica" and "Warehouse 13," respectively, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Greenberg to Head Premium Venture

Former Showtime exeucitive Mark Greenberg was named CEO of the new premium channel and VOD venture being established by Viacom and studios MGM and Lionsgate, TVWeek reports. The new venture is being created with movie rights that Showtime had but expired while it was tryinging to negotiate lower fees.

TVBizwire

Networks Cut Costs with Overseas Shows

Networks are cutting costs by adapting television series from overseas instead of developing them in the U.S., the New York Times reports. At least six series introduced during last week’s upfronts were adapted from overseas while hit shows such as "American Idol" and "Dancing With the Stars" were based on shows that first aired on foreign television, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

May Sweeps Ratings Bite the Dust

May sweeps ratings fell 10% from a year ago and are down 17% among 18- to 49-year-old viewers, TelevisionWeek reports. Shows such as "The Simpsons" and "Grey's Anatomy" approached record lows while ratings for NBC's "American Gladiators," a winter hit, fell 68% from its January premier, the magazine says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Sci Fi Teleports to New Markets

NBC Universal is spreading its Sci Fi Channel to foreign markets, the New York Times reports. Coordinates are set to put local versions of the network in Turkey, South Africa, Romania, Hungary and Portugal. "For an international standpoint, we really have two global brands," NBCU CEO Jeff Zucker said, identifying CNBC and Sci Fi. "Business is universal. And science fiction is such a well-known global genre."

TVBizwire

Budget News Tough for PBS ‘NewsHour’

PBS’s "The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer" is facing its worst budget shortfall after Archer Daniels Midland stopped sponsoring the show last year, the New York Times reports. Salaries have been frozen at "NewsHour," which has been on the air for 25 years, while 401k plans were suspended, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

'Housewives' Still Desperate in Future

The season finale of "Desperate Housewives" jumped ahead five years , giving viewers a peek at what some characters’ lives will be like in the future on Wisteria Lane, USA Today reports. Some of the show’s characters will not return to the show, including many of the children of the "Housewives" and possibly James Denton, who plays Teri Hatcher's love interest. Also in the future: daughters for Eva Longoria's character.

TVBizwire

Microsoft Revisits Yahoo Partnership

Microsoft is revisiting a partnership with Yahoo involving advertisements that run next to Internet searches, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing people familiar with the process it didn’t identify. The move by Microsoft appears to be an attempt to stop Google from entering a search-related deal with Yahoo that's now under discussion and could be announced in coming days, the newspaper says.
.-- Danny King

TVBizwire

HBO Defends Accuracy in 'Recount'

HBO defended the accuracy of "Recount," its film about the legal battle between Democratic candidate Al Gore and future President George W. Bush, by citing interviews with 40 people directly involved in the process, the Los Angeles Times reports. The film, which debuts this week, has received criticism from politicos such as ex-Secretary of State Warren Christopher, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Back to the Web for Congdon

One-time Internet sensation Amanda Congdon is returning to the Web after deals with ABC News and HBO in the mainstream media didn’t work out, the New York Times reports. Ms. Congdon is working on what she calls "an interactive variety show that is embedded into my life," called "Sometimes Daily."

TVBizwire

Old Jokes from McCain on 'SNL'

Senator John McCain told a series of jokes about his age during an appearance of "Saturday Night Live," the Associated Press reports. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee also appeared in a mock campaign ad for himself and urged Democrats not to rush to make a decision about who would be their nominee.

TVBizwire

RDF Brings Back 'Queen for a Day'

RDF USA is planning to air an updated version of the old wish-fulfillment gameshow "Queen for a Day" after acquiring its rights from the son of the show’s creator, the Hollywood Reporter says. RFD will update the series, which originally aired in the 1950s and '60s, the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Fox TV Signs 'Earl' Producer Bowman

20th Century Fox Television signed a two-year seven-figure agreement with "My Name is Earl" executive producer Bobby Bowman, the Hollywood Reporter says. Bowman, who has also worked on Fox TV's "Family Guy" and "Yes, Dear," will continue help develop new series while continuing to work on "Earl," the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Cablevision to Carry CBS College Sports

Cablevision will add CBS College Sports to one of its sports programming packages in July, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The former CSTV, acquired by CBS in January, is already available in about 25 million homes, Broadcasting & Cable says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Emmy Fees Drop as Networks Stream

Networks publicizing their shows to Emmy voters are cutting the fees they pay to the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences by replacing the DVDs they send out with a password-protected Web site, the New York Times reports. Some networks had been paying $1,500 per episode, or sometimes more than $100,000 to send out the so-called "screeners," the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

CBS Rings Bell to Run 'Harper’s Island'

CBS Paramount signed Jeffrey Bell as showrunner for "Harper’s Island," which it's reworking for a mid-season launch, the Hollywood Reporter says. Bell will write the first episode in the murder mystery series about friends meeting on a Seattle-area island for a destination wedding, the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Online Ad Revenues Grow

U.S. online advertising revenues continue to increase, totaling $5.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2007, according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau and PricewaterhouseCoopers, Online Media Daily reports. Revenues for the full year 2007 rose 26% to $21.2 billion, the Web site says. Consumer advertisers made up the largest group of Internet advertising spending, accounting for 55% of revenues in 2007, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Comcast Set-Top Appeal Rejected

Comcast's request for a review of the Federal Communications Commission's rejection of its waiver petition was rejected by a federal appeals court, Multichannel News reports. Comcast had requested a waiver for three low-cost, limited-function set-top boxes in response to an integrated set-top ban by the FCC, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Verizon to Deploy New FiOS Boxes

Verizon Communications will provide advanced set-top boxes for FiOS TV with separable security components in compliance with Federal Communications Commission requirements, Multichannel News reports. Verizon plans to send out the CableCard set-top boxes by July 1, which is the FCC deadline, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cable Industry Donates $2 Billion

A research study conducted by the Association of Cable Communicators and Cision U.S. found that the cable industry donated nearly $2 billion in cash, services and support to local communities in 2006, Multichannel News reports. The results show a commitment by the cable industry to "the communities and localities it services," said ACC Executive Director Steve Jones, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Mariah, Nelly Among BET Awards Performers

Hip-hop R&B singer-songwriter-producer T-Pain topped the list of BET Awards '08 nominees, Multichannel News reports. Usher, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Lil’ Wayne and Nelly are scheduled to perform live at the ceremony, to be held June 24 in Los Angeles, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Seacrest Not Joining CNN

Ryan Seacrest revealed on "Larry King Live" Thursday that the rumors about him joining CNN are untrue, TVNewser reports. Seacrest was speculated to be in negotiations to replace talk show host King, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Harry Pappas in Bankruptcy Fight

Three Fortress loan group lenders that financed some of Pappas Telecasting's station purchases filed involuntary bankruptcy petitions (Chapter 7) against Harry Pappas and his wife, Stella, Mr. Pappas claimed, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Thirteen of Pappas' 30 stations filed for Chapter 11 on May 10, the newspaper says. Pappas plans to fight the Chapter 7 petitions, which may be converted to Chapter 11, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Spanish Net V-me Expands Lineup

Spanish-language channel V-me made its programming presentation at the upfronts this week, Media Daily News reports. The network will premiere "Hoobs" from the Jim Henson Co., preschool show "The Fairies" and pregnancy reality series "Tu Bebe," the Web site says. V-me, which is distributed partly via digital multicast in partnership with PBS stations, offers PBS-style underwriting and sponsorship opportunities, in addition to 30-second spots, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Outdoor Channel Shows Migrate

InterMedia Outdoors will move nine series from Outdoor Channel to the Sportsman Channel during 2008-09, Multichannel News reports. Renewal talks with Outdoor Channel broke down over rates and exclusivity issues, according to InterMedia Outdoors CEO Jeff Paro, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Rob Estes Rounds Out '90210' Cast

Rob Estes will play father Harry Mills in The CW's "90210," the Hollywood Reporter says. Estes, who is coming off a stint on ABC's "Women's Murder Club," also starred in another "Beverly Hills, 90210" spinoff, "Melrose Place," the newspaper notes.

TVBizwire

Cox Blocking P2P Traffic, Study Says

A study released by the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems in Germany revealed that Cox Communications is blocking visits to peer-to-peer sites and other bandwidth-hungry Web sites, Online Media Daily reports. Cox responded that it does manage access to P2P services in order to manage traffic impact and "ensure a high-quality experience for our customers," the Web site says. Fellow Internet service provider Comcast came under scrutiny in October when an Associated Press article revealed that the company was slowing down visits to P2P sites, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Tony Burman to Head Al Jazeera English

Tony Burman has been named managing director of Al Jazeera English, Online Media Daily reports. Burman plans to extend the reach of the English-language version of the Arabic news network into North America, the Web site says. Berman previously was editor in chief and executive director of the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Lauren Lee Smith Steps Into 'CSI'

Lauren Lee Smith will join the cast of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" as a regular next season, the Hollywood Reporter says. Smith will play a smart, flirtatious and nonconformist CSI hired for the night shift by William Petersen's character, the newspaper says. Smith fills in the space left by Jorja Fox's departure, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Nielsen Completes IAG Buy

Nielsen has closed on its purchase of IAG Research for $225 million, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Nielsen hopes to combine its ratings and demographics statistics with the consumer-engagement researcher's psychographic information in order to help advertisers better understand how viewers translate into sales, the newspaper says. The company will be renamed Nielsen IAG, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Zuniga, Evigan Star in Hallmark's 'Bride'

Daphne Zuniga and Greg Evigan have joined the cast of the Hallmark Channel TV movie "Mail Order Bride," the Hollywood Reporter says. Zuniga will play a woman who pretends to be a mail-order bride in order to escape from a possessive mobster played by Evigan, the newspaper says. The telefilm is expected to premiere in November.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Fresco Brothers Team for ABC Pilot

ABC has tapped Mike Fresco to direct his brother Victor Fresco's untitled comedy presentation, the Hollywood Reporter says. The single-camera office comedy revolves around a moral guy trying to do the right thing in an amoral world, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

VH1 Buys 'Bachelor'

VH1 has purchased reruns of ABC's "The Bachelor" to repurpose on the cable channel, Daily Variety reports. More than 130 hours of the program will begin airing on VH1 the first week of June, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Networks Post Fall Schedules

The upfront advertising presentations have wrapped up in New York and TVWeek.com's Upfront Navigator page has all the networks' schedules posted. Also browse the publication's full news coverage of upfront week, including exclusive video interviews with leading executives at Fox, CBS, NBC and the CW.
--Greg Baumann

TVBizwire

CW Viability Threatened by Ratings Drop

The viability of the CW network is questionable if ratings don’t rebound, the Wall Street Journal reports. Either CBS Corp. or Warner Bros., the partners behind the network, may withdraw their support if the situation doesn’t improve this year, according to an unnamed source close to the situation, the Journal says. The CW’s ratings have fallen 28% this season among 18-to-34-year olds and have dropped 22% during the sweeps period, the Journal says. CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves declined to comment to the Journal. Warner Bros. Television Group President Bruce Rosenblum is quoted as saying he was disappointed with the CW’s audience size but pointed to the strength of its distribution system and new-series development as positives.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Fox: Half the Ads on Two Shows

The Fox television network will trim the number of advertisements in two of its new shows by about half and seek higher prices for those spots, TelevisionWeek reports. On both “Fringe” and “Dollhouse,” the network will test whether having fewer commercials is economically viable, the publication says.

TVBizwire

AFTRA-Studio Labor Talks Progress

The American Federation of Television & Radio Artists made progress in its eighth day of talks with the studios and may continue negotiations through the weekend, Daily Variety reports. AFTRA is believed to be more likely to have an agreement with the studios than the Screen Actors Guild before both actors-union contracts expire next month, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Senate Upholds Media Ownership Bar

The Senate continued to try to curb concentration of media-company ownership by voting to block a Federal Communications Commission decision to loosen a rule preventing cross-ownership of broadcast and newspaper companies, Broadcasting & Cable reports. B&C quotes Senator Byron Dorgan of North Dakota as saying media conglomerates harm local news and diversity.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Olympic Sponsors Restrain Spending

Olympic advertising sponsors have restrained spending on television and in newspapers in China, likely because of either fears of a U.S. recession or unwillingness to be linked to the controversial torch relay, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing data from Nielsen research. NBC will broadcast the games. About a third of the extra $3 billion that advertisers will spend because of the Beijing Games will be spent in China itself, the Journal says, citing Publicis Groupe unit ZenithOptimedia.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Studio Execs Leave Upfront

Studio executives planned to return to work directly from this week’s upfronts in New York because many pilots and regular series are in production and they want to build up a backlog of new episodes in case of an actors strike, Daily Variety reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

HBO Gets Preston for Sonnenfeld Series

HBO signed Kelly Preston to star in the Barry Sonnenfeld-directed comedy pilot “Suburban Shootout,” the Hollywood Reporter says. Meanwhile, Adam Goldberg will be featured in the ABC drama/comedy “The Unusuals,” the newspaper says. Finally, USA Network brought on Danielle Nicolet to play opposite Debra Messing in “The Starter Wife,” the Reporter says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

‘24’ Writers Actually Planned Bauer’s Day

The Writers Guild of America strike gave “24” writers a chance for the first time to map out the show’s whole season in advance, the Hollywood Reporter says, citing star Kiefer Sutherland. Because lead character Jack Bauer’s “day” was laid out in advance, Sutherland said the series’ seventh season will be its best, the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Nielsen to Eschew Radio, Newspaper Ratings

Television ratings firm Nielsen said yesterday it won’t expand into radio or newspaper ratings analysis, Media Daily News reports. The company’s publishing arm, Nielsen Business Media, has been put up for sale so the company can focus more on global media research, Media Daily News says. Nielsen owns Hollywood trade paper Variety.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Yahoo to Announce Partnership With WPP

Yahoo today will likely announce a partnership with advertising company WPP in an agreement that will help WPP better target Internet users through its 24/7 Real Media unit, the New York Times reports. WPP acquired 24/7 Real Media for $649 million last year in an attempt to build more Web advertising agreements, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Dish Wins Reduced Award in Piracy Suit

Dish Network won a piracy lawsuit against DirecTV and NDS Group Plc, though the award was cut from the $1 billion sought by Dish to $1,500, the Wall Street Journal reports. The five-year-old suit was filed after NDS, majority owned by News Corp., was accused of cracking Dish access cards’ encryption, allowing companies such as DirecTV to steal Dish’s signals, the Journal says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Martha Sells Specials to Fine Living

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia sold three compilation specials to Fine Living, Daily Variety reports. The specials, to run each Saturday starting this month, feature subjects such as gardening and outdoor grilling, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Warner Home, Rainbow Make Promotions

Warner Home Video promoted Mike Saksa, Jeff Baker and Jeff Brown to help run its New Line unit, Daily Variety reports. Meanwhile, Cablevision’s Rainbow Media Holdings promoted Jeremy Elice to vice president of original programming at its AMC network while Ben Davis was tapped for director of development and original series, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

MySpace TV to Develop Ziering Comedy

MySpace TV will develop an Ian Ziering-starring comedy based on a short film he starred in and produced called “Man vs. Monday,” the Hollywood Reporter says. The movie was in a number of film festivals in 2006, the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Mags Bid for 'Runway' Partnerships

"Project Runway" is being courted for print partnerships by five magazines -- Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and In Style -- Women's Wear Daily reports, citing unnamed sources. Producers The Weinstein Co. are said be holding out for "the highest bidder" for the show's sixth season, the Web site says. Three of the five magazines are owned by Hearst Corp., which also co-owns the Lifetime cable network where the show will air, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Wilmington DTV Transition a Priority

The National Association of Broadcasters has asked the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to put DTV-to-analog converter coupon requests from Wilmington, N.C., first, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The NAB is worried that the NTIA is getting swamped with backlogged requests instead of making the test market a priority, the newspaper says. The stations in the test market will switch to digital television on Sept. 8, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Groups See Short Life for DTV Boxes, TVs

The American Association of People With Disabilities and the Consumer Federation of America, as well as several other groups, argue that the National Telecommunications & Information Administration's digital converter boxes and all digital televisions, except for Sony models, will become obsolete, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The products "do not have any automatic software repair or upgrade capability," shortening their lifespans, the groups claimed, the newspaper says. The groups asked the Federal Communications Commission to look into the problem, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cablevision Adds Music Choice Net

Music Choice's on-demand network will join Cablevision Systems Corp.'s lineup of free-on-demand programming, Multichannel News reports. The channel will be available to iO TV digital-cable customers, the newspaper says. Music Choice will reach 35 million on-demand households with the addition of Cablevision, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Ohio's CableSystem to Carry ION

Ohio cable operator Buckeye CableSystem has agreed to carry ION Media Network's digital suite and renew ION Television Network, Multichannel News reports. ION also recently made carriage deals with SES Americom's IP-Prime and the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Robert Carlyle Joins '24' Telepic

"The Full Monty" star Robert Carlyle has been cast in Fox's "24" prequel movie, TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reports, citing unnamed sources. Carlyle will play Jack's mentor in Africa in the two-hour telefilm due to air Nov. 23, the magazine says. The article didn't indicate whether the producers had been contacted to confirm or deny the report.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Idol' Scores in Ratings

The penultimate episode of "American Idol" beat the competition on Wednesday with 24.3 million viewers, the Hollywood Reporter says. The program earned a 9.0 rating/22 share in the adults 18-49 demographic, according to preliminary estimates by Nielsen Media Research, the newspaper says. CBS' "Criminal Minds" came in second with 12.7 million viewers, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Mobile DTV Response Positive

Harris Corp. will introduce "the first full mobile digital TV transmission platform" in compliance with the new Advanced Television Systems Committee solution presented by LG Electronics and Samsung, TVNewsday reports. Harris will introduce the platform to broadcasters in November, the Web site notes. Broadcasters are pleased with the new digital technical standard presented by the two mobile companies, Broadcasting & Cable says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

NBC Direct Trial Launches

NBC released a test version of its television download service NBC Direct, Silicon Alley Insider reports. The software allows users to download free shows from NBC's site to their computers. The shows expire in seven days and must be viewed with advertising, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Magna Global Evaluates Upfronts

Media agency Magna Global has given positive remarks to NBC's upfront presentation, Media Daily News reports. Magna liked NBC's breakdown of its schedule into "Family Programming" from 8-9 p.m., "Blockbusters" from 9-10 p.m. and "Adult Themes" from 10-11 p.m. and its emphasis on scripted programming in the fall, the Web site notes. Magna noted a "lack of excitement from top management" at ABC, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Scrubs' to Gain New Faces

"Scrubs" is adding three new interns to its cast: Betsy Beutler ("The Black Donnellys"), Eliza Coupe ("12 Miles of Bad Road") and Aziz Ansari ("Human Giant"), TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reports, citing unnamed sources. The article didn't indicate whether the producers were contacted to confirm or deny the report. The hospital comedy moves from NBC to ABC midseason.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

A&E's 'Bounty Hunter' Returns

A&E's "Dog the Bounty Hunter" will return this summer after being off the schedule for months, the Associated Press reports. Reruns will begin airing June 25, with unaired episodes from the fourth season to follow, the wire service says. The program was pulled off the air when Duane "Dog" Chapman used a racial slur during a taped phone conversation, the wire service notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Verizon Data Supports Mobile Ads

Verizon Wireless found that small banner ads on mobile devices produced the same level of brand recall as 30-second television spots, Media Daily News reports. The company's data also revealed that mobile banner ads produce click-through rates that are "exponentially higher than online" banner ads, said mobile advertising leader Stephanie Bauer Marshall, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Comedy Central Adds Atom Content

Comedy Central announced at its upfront presentation that it will add webisodes and shorts from Atom.com to its schedule, Animation Magazine reports. Atom TV will begin airing June 2 at 2 a.m., the magazine says. The network also will air "South Park Imaginationland: The Movie," featuring previously unseen footage, on July 27 at 10 p.m., the magazine notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

L.A. Screenings to Be Brief

Canadian broadcasters expect a shortened L.A. Screenings because there are fewer pilots to show, the Hollywood Reporter says. The event, which begins Friday, usually lasts a week, but Canadian buyers predict it will be over by the end of the weekend, the newspaper says. In addition to fewer produced pilots by studio suppliers, CanWest Media bought several series from NBC Universal ahead of the scheduled screenings, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Comcast to Buy Social Site Plaxo

Comcast Corp. plans to acquire social networking Web site Plaxo, the Wall Street Journal reports. The cable operator is seeking to broaden the range of services for its 27 million subscribers with the contact-information and media-exchange Web site, the newspaper says. Subscribers could potentially be able to share photos through their PCs, televisions and phones, said Comcast Interactive Media head Samuel Schwartz, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

CBS to Buy CNET for $1.8 Bil

CBS Corp., looking to further extend its business beyond traditional television, is set to buy the CNET Network of Web sites for $1.8 billion, TVWeek reports. The purchase will augment CBS's stable of digital assets by adding properties including CNET, ZDNet, GameSpot.com, TV.com, mp3.com, and News.com.
--Greg Baumann

TVBizwire

Fox to Begin Marketing 'Fringe' Today

Fox Broadcasting will begin marketing new J.J. Abrams drama "Fringe" today to coincide with its upfront week schedule presentation, TVWeek says. The network is likely to run the show on Monday nights, in tandem with either “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” or “Prison Break,” Daily Variety reports. The network is expected to keep reality shows such as “Don’t Forget the Lyrics” and “Kitchen Nightmares” on Thursdays and Fridays, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

SAG, Studios to Start Talks This Month

The Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers will resume talks over a new labor contract this month after the studios invited the guild back to the negotiating table by May 28, Daily Variety reports. Previous talks for renewal of SAG’s contract, which expires next month, broke down May 6 after 18 days of negotiations, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Sneak Peek: CBS Pilot Videos

CBS released fall pilot preview videos and TVWeek.com is hosting the clips. For sneak peeks at: "The Eleventh Hour," a Jerry Bruckheimer-produced drama about a paranormal investigator; "The Ex-List," a dramedy about a woman trying to choose a husband from among her exes; "Harper's Island," a murder-mystery serial whodunnit; "Project Gary," a comedy about a pair of dueling ex-spouses and parents; "The Mentalist," a drama about a celebrity psychic-turned-detective; and "Worst Week," a comedy about the romantic travails of a nice guy with terrible luck, visit TVWeek.com.

TVBizwire

Burnett to Produce ‘Cowboy’ Season

Reality-show impresario Mark Burnett will produce the third season of “Toughest Cowboy,” which features tests of rodeo competitors’ endurance, Daily Variety reports. The show’s first two seasons were on Fox Sports Net, though it hasn’t been determined if the series will return to the network, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Jonah Hill to Get ‘Jump’ on Film

“Superbad” star Jonah Hill is in talks to develop a film version of “21 Jump Street,” the late-80’s television series starring Johnny Depp, Daily Variety reports. Hill would help create the screenplay and may star in the film, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Freemantle Buys NBC-Bound Reality

FreemantleMedia acquired the rights to four BermanBraun-produced reality shows to be shown on NBC next summer, including “America’s Toughest Jobs” and “Shark Taggers,” Daily Variety reports. No premier dates have been set for the other two shows, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Comcast Says ’07 Moves Paid Off

Comcast Chief Executive Officer Brian Roberts said at a shareholders meeting yesterday that the cable company’s decision to focus on product bundling in mid-2007 paved the way for a strong first quarter, Multichannel News reports. Comcast’s first-quarter revenue rose 14%, largely on more Internet and telephone subscribers, Multichannel News says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Fox’s ‘Idol’ Wins Tuesday Night

Fox’s “American Idol” had Tuesday night’s highest ratings, up from No. 2 a week earlier, while “Hell’s Kitchen” matched its record ratings, the Hollywood Reporter says. ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” which won the previous Tuesday, came in second while “NCIS” and “Shark” led CBS to a third-place network finish, the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

MTV Nets’ Logo Gets Real With RuPaul

MTV’ Networks' Logo cable channel, which specializes in programming for gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual audiences, ordered six episodes of RuPaul’s reality series, the Hollywood Reporter says. “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” featuring a drag-queen competition, will debut in early 2009, the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Warren Cowan, PR Rep to Griffin, Dies at 87

Warren Cowan, whose public-relations clients during a six-decade career included Merv Griffin and Elizabeth Taylor, died in Los Angeles at age 87 after battling cancer, Daily Variety reports. His Rogers & Cowan firm became the world’s largest entertainment publicist before being sold to U.K.-based Shandwick in 1988, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

‘Turns’ Gains Younger Viewers on Gay Kiss

“As the World Turns” is the only daytime drama to have gained 18-to-34-year-old viewers in the past seven months because of a relationship between two gay characters, the New York Times reports. A video clip of the characters’ first kiss, the first among gay characters on a soap opera, has received more than 1 million views on YouTube, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Little Consensus on ‘Sex’ Movie Forecast

Film executives and analysts have reached little consensus on how the “Sex and the City” movie will do at the box office because it appeals almost exclusively to women over 30, the Los Angeles Times reports. The film, which opens May 30, may gross as much as $40 million and as little as $20 million during its first weekend, the newspaper says, citing industry executives.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Comedy.com to Launch Three Web Series

Comedy.com this week will launch three Web series, including shows from “Colbert Report” contributor Jordan Carlos and Variety reporter and ex-Comedy Central writer Ben Fritz, Daily Variety reports. Fritz’s “Glitch in the System” spoofs gamer culture while Carlos’s “Incognegro” follows a light-skinned black man’s attempts to be “blacker,” the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Seacrest Hires Tony Novia as Media VP

Ryan Seacrest named former Universal Motown/Universal Republic executive Tony Novia as his production company’s vice president of media development, Daily Variety reports. Ryan Seacrest Productions will produce NBC reality show “Momma’s Boy,” the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

GE Looking to Sell Appliances Division

General Electric, parent company of NBC Universal, plans to sell its appliances division, according to the New York Times, citing a person briefed on the matter. A sale of the unit, one of the oldest businesses in the conglomerate’s 120-year history, could fetch at least $5 billion, this person said, according to the Times. Since GE reported first-quarter earnings that missed analysts' estimates, and saw its stock price endure its biggest one-day fall in 20 years, CEO Jeffrey Immelt has vowed to cut $3 billion in costs at the company.
—Lisa D. Horowitz

TVBizwire

Liberty Sees No Threat From Venture

Executives at Liberty Media, which operates Starz and Encore, said the planned Viacom-MGM-Lionsgate premium channel does not pose a threat, Media Daily News reports. CEO Greg Maffei pointed to the proposed channel's lack of a distribution deal, expensive subscriber fees and no consumer demand as reasons it may struggle, the Web site says. Liberty Media's 48% control of DirecTV, a possible distributor, also may hinder the channel's future, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'L.L. Bean' Heads to Outdoor

Outdoor Channel has ordered 13 episodes of "L.L. Bean's Guide to the Outdoors," Media Daily News reports. L.L. Bean's great-grandson Bill Gorman, an outdoorsman, and master fly-fisherman Tim Rajeff will host the program about hunting and fishing spots around the world, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

MTV Tres Introduces New Series

MTV announced at its upfront presentation that its bilingual entertainment channel Tres is adding satirical animated series "Lugar Heights," talent search program "Dame un Break" and music block "Fresh Music Mondays" to its schedule, the Hollywood Reporter says. A high school documentary about graduating young Latinos, "The Yearbook Chronicles," also was introduced, the newspaper says. MTV Tres reaches 33.3 million households, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

AT&T Set-Tops Seek Energy Star Cert

AT&T is seeking to get Energy Star certification for its U-verse TV set-top boxes, Multichannel News reports. The Environmental Protection Agency revised its energy-efficiency guidelines for the voluntary program to require all new cable, satellite and telco set-top boxes that carry the Energy Star logo to be at least 30% more efficient than conventional models by Jan. 1, 2009, the newspaper says. A spokeswoman for AT&T said all deployed U-verse TV set-tops are in compliance with the new requirements, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Dish Drops Remaining Voom Channels

Dish Network made good on its promise to drop the last five of the 15 Rainbow Media Voom HD channels it used to carry, Multichannel News reports. The satellite provider claims that Voom is in violation of its carriage agreement, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Delany Stays Put on Wisteria Lane

Dana Delany will return for the fourth season of ABC's "Desperate Housewives," Entertainment Tonight reports. Her character's current mysterious storyline will be resolved in Sunday's two-hour season finale, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Live TV Goes for a Ride

USTelematics is using WiMax wireless technology to bring live television to cars, Wired reports. IPTV will be delivered to Voyager in-car entertainment systems along with 4VDO, a "mobilecast" program delivering broadcast and video programming, the magazine says. The technology can be developed in the future to become the pipeline into wireless devices and cars with Web connectivity, the magazine notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Web Video Dominates Upfront Party Talk

"Law & Order" boss Dick Wolf stated at William Morris' annual upfront party that he would create Web-only programming for NBC when "they start paying some money," Silicon Alley Insider reports. Meanwhile, Hulu CEO Jason Kilar revealed at the Web site's own upfront party that the site had 15 million unique visitors in the past month, 10 million more than in the month leading up to the consumer launch, the Web site says. Embedding also is growing, with 100,000 videos having been posted on 12,000 Web sites since the launch, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Fox's 'Death' Kills Two Characters

Fox's renewal of "'Til Death" came with a caveat—the elimination of the characters played by Kat Thomas and Eddie Kaye Thomas, Entertainment Weekly reports, citing unnamed sources. Their absence will be filled with a new storyline featuring Kenny Westchester, the "little brother" of Brad Garrett's character, the magazine says. The article didn't indicate whether the producers were contacted to confirm or deny the report.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Turner Nets Attract Producers, Stars

TNT is developing a roster of new drama programs from executive producers George Clooney, "24" co-creator Joel Surnow and L.A. cop Will Beall, the Hollywood Reporter says. TBS is developing a comedy series written and produced by its star, William H. Macy, the newspaper says. TNT hopes to have 80% original content on weeknights, with original programming on three nights a week, by 2010, Turner executives told advertisers at its upfront presentation, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

AP, News Nets Fight S. Dakota Law

The Associated Press has joined with news networks ABC, Fox News Channel, CNN and CBS in a suit against a South Dakota law, which they claim infringes on speech and their ability to gather information and report on elections, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The law prevents exit polling within 100 feet of a polling place, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

LG, Samsung Create Mobile DTV Technology

LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics will present their jointly developed mobile digital TV technology as the standard for North America, TVNewsday reports. The technology uses existing digital TV broadcast bandwidth with little broadcasting equipment investment and little impact on existing digital TV, the Web site says. The Advanced Television Systems Committee is expected to begin using the technology in early 2009, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Vista Users Blocked From NBC Shows

Windows Vista Media Center users found themselves unable to record NBC's "American Gladiators" and "Medium" on Monday night, CNET.com reports. An error message read, "Restrictions set by the broadcaster and/or originator prohibit recording of this program," hinting that the block may be caused by DRM restrictions aimed at preventing illegal consumption, the Web site says. Representatives from the network and Microsoft said they would need time to look into the block, the Web site notes. Most of those who posted complaints online were Vista users recording digital cable with ATI cablecard tuners.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

TV Stations Go Vertical With Sites

Local TV stations are creating social networking sites about local gas prices, political news, weather, dining and entertainment, TVNewsday reports. The vertically integrated, localized sites allow broadcasters to break free from the old school of thought that the Web is only for news by targeting niches and creating their own unique brand online, the Web site says. The success of the online verticals is hard to measure because they're so new, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Circuit City Asks FCC to Remove DTV Fines

Circuit City Stores Inc. said in a filing that the Federal Communications Commission should reduce or eliminate fines imposed against it for not labeling analog-only televisions with notices that they will need to be retrofitted after the switch to digital television, the Associated Press reports. The electronics retailer claims the FCC does not have the jurisdiction to enforce the rule to keep consumers from buying analog TV equipment, the wire service says. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Best Buy Co. also were fined, the wire service notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Turner to Put Ads in Context

Turner Networks will offer advertising clients a new system to match their spots to relevant programming, Television Week reports. The system, which has been in development for more than a year, will make its first ad placements in the fall, the publication says. Turner holds its upfront advertising presentation in New York today.
--Greg Baumann

TVBizwire

CBS Slate Goes for Laughs

CBS may add comedy programming to either Wednesday’s or Thursday’s prime time lineup, Television Week reports, citing industry executives it didn’t identify. Wednesday may include “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Rules of Engagement” while the network may add “Worst Week” to its Mondays, the magazine says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

CW Releases Sunday Night Schedule

The CW, which sold rights for its Sunday night prime time programming to Media Rights Capital, said Media Rights will have two comedies, a romantic drama and a Las Vegas-based crime drama, TelevisionWeek reports. The network’s new shows for the other nights will premier in September, the publication says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Unilever Goes Interactive With Ads

Unilever will start using interactive advertisements to sell products such as Degree deodorant, the Wall Street Journal reports. The company, which has agreements with Comcast and DirecTV, will run ads in which customers may use the remote control to get more information or request for a brochure, the Journal says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Sales, Profit Jump at Media Companies

Revenue at the 10 largest media and entertainment companies rose 12% to $59.9 billion in the first quarter, largely on demand for digital services, TVWeek reports, citing research firm Fresearch.com. The companies’ operating profit jumped 16% to $16.7 billion, the magazine says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Gore Allies Dispute HBO Election Film

Officials who worked with then-presidential candidate Al Gore dispute how an HBO film characterizes the 2000 election, the New York Times reports. Ex-Secretary of State Warren Christopher said “Recount,” which dramatizes the disputed Florida results, was “pure fiction” while Gore campaign chairman William M. Daley said the movie misrepresents the decision-making process within the campaign, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

TNT to Get Wahlberg for Boston Drama

Donnie Wahlberg will star in and help produce a TNT drama about a Boston-based drug-enforcement officer who was a former war hero, the Hollywood Reporter says. Ex-“Law & Order” writer-producer Walon Green will write the show, tentatively titled “Morse Code,” the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

New York Tax Breaks May Lure ‘Fringe’

New York state’s filming tax breaks may lure J.J. Abrams’ “Fringe” and new ABC drama “Life on Mars” to base production there, Daily Variety reports. ABC’s “Ugly Betty” moved production to New York from Los Angeles after the Empire state tripled its tax credit for production costs, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

ReelzChannel to Show ‘Sex,’ ‘Narnia’ Specials

ReelzChannel, which announces summer programming this week, will show specials on the new “Sex and the City” movie and “Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” among other films, this year, Daily Variety reports. The channel, started in 2006, is shown on Time Warner Cable in New York and will soon be distributed in Southern California by Time Warner Cable, the magazine says.
(Corrected 5/19/2008 to insert word "specials.")
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Liberty Drops IAC Appeal on Breakup

John Malone’s Liberty Media dropped an appeal against a ruling allowing IAC/InterActiveCorp’s Barry Diller to break up that company into five parts, which cuts Malone’s IAC voting rights, Daily Variety reports. Liberty will have the right to have a representative on the board of each of IAC’s new companies, the magazine says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

James Garner Recovering From Stroke

James Garner, who won a 1977 Emmy for “The Rockford Files,” is recovering from a stroke he had last week, Daily Variety reports. Garner, 80, won a SAG Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, the magazine says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Dish Wants Mobile-Video Partner

Dish Network said yesterday it wants a partner for the mobile-video service it bought for $712 million earlier this year, Multichannel News reports. The company is also trying to find a profitable business model and wants to settle on technological specification before launching the mobile-TV service, the publication says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Writer Lorre's Vanity Cards Win Fans

Chuck Lorre, the writer behind “Two and a Half Men” and other comedies, is reaching out to fans in a new way, using so-called “vanity cards” at the end of the show’s credits to write notes about subjects ranging from family issues to network executives, the Wall Street Journal reports. The cards are shown for only two seconds but can be frozen and read by TV watchers with digital-video recorders, the Journal says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

EchoStar to Pitch Cable Product

EchoStar, spun off from Dish Network earlier this year, will introduce its first cable-television product at the Cable Show in New Orleans next week, Multichannel News reports. SlingModem will be have cable-modem and SlingBox functions, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Suvari, Modine to Star in Lifetime Film

Lifetime signed Mena Suvari and Matthew Modine to star in a movie based on the life of Las Vegas casino scion Ted Binion, the Hollywood Reporter says. The film, tentatively titled “Sex & Lies in Sin City,” will be produced by Sony Pictures Television, the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Will 'Moonlight' Shine on CW's Sunday?

There is "a chance, only a chance" that CBS' canceled drama "Moonlight" could end up on The CW's Sunday night schedule next fall, according to Deadline Hollywood Daily. Media Rights Capital, which will be programming Sunday's two hours on The CW, "may elect to take 'Moonlight' as one of those two hours," an insider told the blog. Reportedly Warner Bros. TV ordered the show's sets torn down Tuesday, but now is waiting until Friday to see what develops, according to the blog. However, reps for WBTV and The CW denied the report to TVWeek.
—Lisa D. Horowitz

TVBizwire

thePlatform to Publish PBS Video

PBS will use Comcast's thePlatform to publish online video on PBS.org and local PBS station Web sites, Multichannel News reports. The broadband video company also will allow local PBS stations to publish locally produced content to their Web sites and disseminate it to other PBS stations, the newspaper says. Other users of thePlatform include the BBC, CBS’ College Sports TV, CNBC, Comcast, Corus Entertainment, Gannett, Helio, HIT Entertainment, PBS Kids Sprout, Sony BMG, Hearst, Verizon Wireless and Vongo, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Outdoor Channel Clears the Air

Outdoor Channel clarified confusion over carriage of the channel on DirecTV, Multichannel News reports. Outdoor Channel Holdings said the satellite provider did not move the network and had always offered it on its sports tier, but the channel was mistakenly being offered in the Total Choice package, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Dish Network Drops Voom

Dish Network plans to stop carrying the Rainbow Media Voom HD networks, having already cut 10 of the 15 networks, Multichannel News reports. The satellite provider claims Voom is in breach of its carriage deal, the newspaper says. The cutback of Voom HD channels will allow Dish Network to add more popular HD networks such as Disney HD, Sci Fi HD, CNN HD and Bravo HD to its lineup this week, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Bush Adviser Joins CNN

Frances Fragos Townsend is joining CNN as an on-air contributor providing analysis on national security issues, TVNewser.com reports. Townsend recently stepped down as President George W. Bush's chief anti-terrorism and homeland security adviser. She remains a member of President Bush's Intelligence Advisory Board, as well as a consultant for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Fine Living Adds Four Series

Fine Living Network has added four original series to its lineup, Multichannel News reports. The design competition show "From the Ground Up," featuring Canadian designer Debbie Travis, will premiere June 1, followed by eco-series "It’s Easy Being Green" on June 7, the newspaper says. Relationship shows "Newlywed, Nearly Dead?" and "Dating the Enemy" will launch June 19 and June 20, respectively, the newspaper notes, with the latter following "Wedding SOS."
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

IP-Prime to Carry Ion

Ion Media Networks signed a deal with satcaster SES Americom's IP-Prime to distribute its suite of programming, Multichannel News reports. IP-PRIME will carry Ion Television Network, children's network qubo and Ion Life, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Real World' Moves to Brooklyn

The 21st season of MTV's "The Real World" will be set in Brooklyn, the New York Observer reports. MTV also is expanding the series into 13 one-hour episodes to air in early 2009, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Heavyweight Champs Join 'Fighter'

Interim Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir will star in Spike TV's "The Ultimate Fighter," Multichannel News reports. The two champions will also square off in the ring for a UFC pay-per-view event, the newspaper says. The eighth season of "The Ultimate Fighter" will premiere Sept. 17, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Secret Millionaire' Comes to Fox

Fox has ordered six hourlong episodes of the reality series "Secret Millionaire" from RDF USA, the Hollywood Reporter says. The modern-day twist on "The Prince and the Pauper" will follow wealthy benefactors as they go undercover in impoverished neighborhoods, the newspaper says. Fox is expected to introduce the series to advertisers at its upfront presentation on Thursday, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Disney Lab to Probe Ad Response

The Walt Disney Co. plans to create a lab in Austin, Texas, by the end of the year to measure the biometric reactions of viewers to advertising on new technologies, the Associated Press reports. The lab will pool 4,000 people for various tests on heart rate, skin conductivity and gaze tracking, seeking information on whether they remember video ads on their mobile phones, the effects of ads in HD and the value of the sports ticker crawl, the wire service says. The lab's first results are expected by early 2009.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Viewers Still Watch Live TV

Only 1% of people said they "most often" view television by downloading or streaming shows, according to a national survey commissioned by Entertainment Weekly, AdAge reports. Sixty percent of the 1,000 adults surveyed said they still watch their favorites shows live, while 31% of those who own digital video recorders said they watch none of the shows they record on it, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Bravo Tops Gay-Friendly List

A study conducted by advertising agency Prime Access and San Francisco-based media company PlanetOut found that Bravo, Showtime and HBO are the most gay-friendly networks, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Bravo placed first among the 5,000 people surveyed, which constituted a mix of general population, PlanetOut subscribers and a gay and lesbian specialty panel, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Networks Rebound With Cross-Media Platforms

The upfronts are not a representative indicator of networks' performance, nor is their released information reliable, JackMyers.com reports. Marketing and cross-platform initiatives, as well as alternative distribution models, should help the networks rebound from the fallout of the writers strike with incremental revenue gains, the Web site notes. While the networks are losing lower-cost advertisers, higher-cost ad sales are growing, an industry executive claims.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ABC to Pitch New Index for Advertisers

ABC today is expected to announce a 15-point index to help advertisers choose their best marketing opportunities on the Walt Disney-owned network, the Wall Street Journal reports. ABC’s “Advertising Value Index” will include such audience criteria as income, education level and employment status, the Journal says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

ABC to Keep Much of Prime Time Schedule

ABC is likely to keep next season’s prime-time schedule the same for Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, which feature “Desperate Housewives,” “Private Practice” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” respectively, TelevisionWeek reports. The Walt Disney unit will likely schedule “Dancing With the Stars” on Mondays and “Samantha Who?” on Tuesdays, the magazine says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

CW to Keep Its Mondays, Thursdays

The CW is likely keep its “Gossip Girl”-anchored Mondays and “Smallville”-led Thursdays intact next season, and it will add “Beverly Hills, 90210” spinoff “90210” to its Thursdays, Daily Variety reports. “America’s Top Model,” featured on Wednesdays, will be programmed next to CW’s new reality show “Stylista,” the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

CBS Wants Piece of ‘Worst Week’

After CBS recently ordered comedy “Worst Week” for a season, sister company CBS Paramount Television asked the show’s producer, NBC Universal Media Studios, to be a co-producer, TelevisionWeek reports. Universal may agree to the partnership if CBS schedules the show on Monday nights after popular comedy “Two and a Half Men,” the magazine says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Apple Hiking Prices for HBO Shows

Apple agreed to sell some HBO episodes on its iTunes service for more than the standard $1.99 price, though specifics on the price and shows weren’t disclosed, Daily Variety reports. HBO’s “Sex and the City” and “The Sopranos” will begin being sold on iTunes this week, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Dish Subscriber Adds Fall on Churn

Dish Network, the No. 2 satellite-television operator behind DirecTV, said yesterday it added 35,000 net new first-quarter subscribers, down from 310,000 a year earlier, as customer turnover increased. The company cited new fiber-optic TV services, promotions from competitors and the economy as reasons for the subscriber slowdown.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Nielsen C3 Ratings Unaccredited

Accreditation for Nielsen ratings system that factors in digital-video recorder playbacks were withheld last week by the Media Rating Council, Media Daily News reports. The so-called C3 ratings system may remain unaccredited by the time advertising negotiations for the upfronts begin, Media Daily News says, citing television executives familiar with the process.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Mullally Joins ABC’s ‘Handbook’

ABC signed former “Will & Grace” star Megan Mullally to star opposite Alicia Silverstone in the comedy pilot “Bad Mother’s Handbook,” Daily Variety reports. Mullally, who recently played on Broadway in “Young Frankenstein,” is a two-time Emmy winner, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

‘Fraggle Rock’ Goes to the Movies

“Fraggle Rock,” the Jim Henson series featured on HBO in the 1980s, will be made into a live-action film musical by Weinstein Co., Daily Variety reports. “Hoodwinked!” director Cory Edwards will do the same for the film while Ahmet Zappa will be an executive producer, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Clear Channel Sale Nears, Price Falls

Clear Channel neared an agreement to be bought out at a lower price than previously negotiated, as buyout firms such as Bain Capital and Thomas H. Lee were close to reaching financing terms, the Wall Street Journal reports. The company will be sold for about $18 billion, down from a prior price of $19.4 billion, while the buyout firms will pay higher interest rates than previously agreed upon, the Journal says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Fox TV Orders Foreign-Produced Series THR

Fox Television Studios has ordered three series that will be produced abroad and pitched to U.S. networks, the Hollywood Reporter says. Fox TV Studios President Emiliano Calemzuk, who was born in Argentina, is encouraging production abroad as a method of improving content while easing the financing process, the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

March Web Viewing Jumps 64% From Last Year

U.S. Web viewing in March jumped 64% from a year earlier, led by Google unit YouTube, ComScore Networks reported yesterday. Internet users watched 11.5 billion online videos during March, up 13% from February, ComScore said. About 37% of the clips were watched on YouTube.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Charter Loss Narrows on Phone, Web

Cable-television operator Charter Communications said yesterday that its first-quarter loss narrowed 6% after almost doubling its telephone-services revenue. The company also boosted its high-speed Internet sales by 12%.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Trade Group Says FCC Paper Trail Too Heavy

The National Association of Broadcasters told the Federal Communications Commission yesterday that the agency’s new requirement for programming-disclosure forms would increase stations’ paperwork tenfold, Broadcasting & Cable reports. Stations would need to devote more than an additional 20 weekly hours to such forms, Broadcasting & Cable says, citing NAB.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Fox Signs Rapaport for ‘Prison Break’

Fox signed Michael Rapaport to play a government agent for the fourth season of “Prison Break,” the Hollywood Reporter says. Rapaport has a recurring role on NBC’s “My Name is Earl,” the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

CBS Renews 'Mother,' 'Unit'

CBS has renewed "How I Met Your Mother" and "The Unit," the Los Angeles Times reports. "How I Met Your Mother," the youngest-skewing show on the network, is coming off a second appearance by ratings-boosting guest star Britney Spears tonight, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cartoon Network, Honda Team for Contest

Cartoon Network has enlisted Honda Fit to sponsor a contest promoting its Adult Swim comedy block, Multichannel News reports. Fans are encouraged to design T-shirts inspired by their favorite shows and upload them as JPEG files to www.adultswim.com, the newspaper says. Honda Fit will be featured on the network and the Web site in the form of commercials before videos, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Fisher Settles in 'Eureka'

Frances Fisher has been added to the cast of Sci Fi Channel's "Eureka" for an eight-episode arc, the Hollywood Reporter says. Fisher will play Samantha Thorne, a "fixer" who is brought in to clean up Global Dynamics, the newspaper says. "Eureka" returns for its third season on July 29, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

CW's 'Reaper' Lives

The CW has given a second season order to "Reaper," the Hollywood Reporter says. The supernatural drama will return midseason for 13 episodes, which most likely will air with "Supernatural" on Thursdays, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Storm Moves to ESPN

CBS news anchor Hannah Storm is joining ESPN as a co-anchor for the morning edition of "SportsCenter," Sports Illustrated reports. A formal announcement is expected at ESPN's upfront presentation Tuesday, the Web site notes. Storm's previous anchor job on CBS' "The Early Show" ended in December, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Scrubs' Going to ABC, Confirms Braff

NBC's "Scrubs" is moving to ABC for its eighth and finale season, Zach Braff confirmed on his MySpace page, according to Dallas-Fort Worth News' WFAA.com. NBC promoted last Thursday's episode as the finale, but the true series finale will air on ABC next season, the Web site says. An official announcement is expected from ABC at its upfront presentation Tuesday.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Buyers Look for Summer Make-Goods

Ad buyers stated that a decreased demand for summer ads as a result of a sluggish economy will allow the networks to give out owed audience deficiency units this summer, Mediaweek reports. Make-goods should be handed out in the summer so as not to impair the fall season, the newspaper says. The broadcast networks, which are facing a cumulative 7 million fewer viewers during May sweeps compared to November sweeps, are expected to bounce back in the fall, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Midcontinent Adds Ion Nets

Midcontinent Communications will carry the Ion channel suite on its systems in North Dakota, South Dakota and western Minnesota, Multichannel News reports. Current Midcontinent Communications channel Ion Television Network will be joined by children's net qubo and Ion Life, Ion's two 24-hour digital networks, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

DirecTV Pushes Outdoor Channel to Sports Tier

DirecTV has moved Outdoor Channel to Sports Pack, a sports tier available for a $12 monthly fee, Multichannel News reports. The change was revealed in an 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which claimed DirecTV was making the channel available to more customers than authorized, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Dish Adds 22 HD Channels

Dish Network will expand its lineup of high-definition channels with 22 additional national HD networks this week, Multichannel News reports. The expansion is part of Dish's ongoing effort to reach 100 national HD channels by the end of the year, the Web site says. Dish now offers 95 HD networks, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ABC Keeps 'Eli,' Axes 'Road,' 'Murder Club'

ABC has renewed the quirky series "Eli Stone" for a second season, the Hollywood Reporter says. The dramas "October Road" and "Women's Murder Club" have been canceled, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cable Upfront Outlook Promising

The cable networks are positioning themselves to be in direct competition with the broadcast networks following increased ratings and a year of acclaimed programming, the New York Post reports. Turner's cable nets are scheduled to make their upfront presentation the same day as CBS, moving away from the cable networks' practice of holding their presentations earlier than the broadcast nets, the newspaper notes. While ratings are down and upfront sales are expected to fall for the broadcast networks, analysts predict the cable upfront sales could increase 5%, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

TBS Scores With Young Viewers

TBS averaged 701,000 viewers ages 18-34 during the first quarter of 2008, besting The CW, which averaged 696,000 viewers in the demo, Mediaweek reports. The numbers indicate a 34% increase at TBS in the coveted demographic from the same period last year, the newspaper says. The influx of young viewers is attributed to the acquisition of off-net series like "The Office" and "Family Guy," the latter of which averages 341,000 males ages 18-34, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

NBC, GM Join for Marketing Partnership

NBC's pre-upfront meetings with advertisers have yielded a partnership with General Motors that will put two of the company's cars in the new drama "My Own Worst Enemy," Broadcasting & Cable reports. The product placement will be in addition to on-air buys and a presence on NBC Universal's digital and out-of-home platforms, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Fox Kills 'Amsterdam'

Fox has canceled the immortal-detective drama "New Amsterdam," TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reports, citing unnamed sources. The news comes following Fox's cancellation of the Patricia Heaton-Kelsey Grammer comedy "Back to You," the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

CBS Orders Dramas, Mohr Sitcom

CBS ordered several pilots to series Monday morning, including the dramas "Eleventh Hour" and "The Mentalist," the Hollywood Reporter says. They are joined by "Mythological Ex," which is expected to be renamed "The Ex List," the newspaper says. The untitled Ed Yeager comedy starring Jay Mohr is also on the schedule, while the horror-drama "Harper's Island" is set for midseason, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Gossip' to Return Sept. 1

The second season of "Gossip Girl" will premiere Monday, Sept. 1, Entertainment Weekly reports. The first episode of the season will take place in the Hamptons, the magazine says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Fox Pickups Include Whedon, Abrams Pilots

Fox's "Dollhouse" pilot, penned by Joss Whedon, is expected to premiere midseason, Daily Variety reports. The new series could be paired with "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" on Monday nights, the newspaper says. Fox's other high-profile pilot, J.J. Abram's "Fringe," also has gotten the go-ahead from the network, TelevisionWeek reports.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ACM, Dick Clark Prods. to Make Country Music

Dick Clark Productions and the Academy of Country Music have joined together to produce country music-themed programming, the Hollywood Reporter says. The partnership also gives Dick Clark Productions exclusive rights to produce and distribute the ACM's awards and other events, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Burrows Joins NBC's 'Enemy'

NBC has added Saffron Burrows ("Boston Legal") to the cast of the Christian Slater drama "My Own Worst Enemy," the Hollywood Reporter says. Burrows will play the shrink to Slater's character, as well as the girlfriend to his alter ego, the newspaper notes. NBC also is in negotiations with "Battlestar Galactica" executive producer David Eick to take over "The Philanthropist," from which producer-writer Tom Fontana exited last month, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

CBS Mulling More Laughs

CBS is considering adding a second night of comedy to its schedule based on a series of strong comedy pilots, Daily Variety reports. The untitled Ed Yeager/Ric Swartzlander sitcom from ABC Studios starring Jay Mohr as a divorced father balancing the many women in his life is generating the most buzz, the newspaper says. Matt Tarses' and Universal Media Studios' "Worst Week," written by Tarses, and CBS Paramount Network TV's untitled Andrew Secunda pilot also are strong contenders, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Jimmy Fallon to Rule 'Late Night'

Former “Saturday Night Live” castmember Jimmy Fallon will succeed Conan O’Brien as NBC’s 'Late Night' host, the network is expected to announce today, Daily Variety reports. Meanwhile, “Battlestar Galactica” executive producer David Eick will replace Tom Fontana and Barry Levinson as showrunner on “The Philanthropist” after Fontana and Levinson left over creative differences with NBC, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

AFTRA, Studios May Reach Deal Soon

The American Federation of Television & Radio Artists and network studios may reach a contract-renewal agreement as early as this week after two weeks of talks, Daily Variety reports. The Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers ended 18 days of negotiations last week without an agreement, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Seacrest in on 'Momma's Boy' Reality Show

Ryan Seacrest will executive produce a reality show for NBC featuring bachelors’ mothers helping their sons choose the right woman, TelevisionWeek reports, citing an NBC.com casting notice. “Momma’s Boy” will have Seacrest working with the producers of old NBC reality show “Average Joe,” the magazine says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Kelley Trades ‘Mars’ for 'Boston'

ABC has reached an agreement for David E. Kelley Productions’ “Life on Mars” after meeting Kelley’s demands to renew his “Boston Legal” for a fifth season, TelevisionWeek reports, citing a person familiar with the negotiations. Meanwhile, 20th Century Fox, whose sister network Fox cancelled the Kelsey Grammer-starring “Back to You” over the weekend, is pitching the show to CBS, the magazine says. Finally, ABC ordered 12 episodes of the Ashton Kutcher-produced reality show “Opportunity Knocks,” Daily Variety reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Spears May Return for Third ‘Mother’ Visit

Britney Spears may return next season for a third appearance on CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother,” the Hollywood Reporter says, citing the show’s co-creator Craig Thomas. The show had record ratings on Spears’ first visit and her second episode was written to allow for her possible return, the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Spelling, Garth to Return to ‘90210’

Tori Spelling will join Jennie Garth as “Beverly Hills, 90210” castmembers on the new spinoff “90210,” which was ordered by the CW, DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com reports. The network also ordered “How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls,” the Web site says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Cable May See Election Windfall

Cable networks may stand to gain in the upcoming presidential general election as candidates move toward national campaigns and away from local station buys, TelevisionWeek reports. Additionally, with Barack Obama likely to decide to not receive federal financing, the Democratic candidate will be able to spend as much as he raises, which may trigger more spending from Republican candidate John McCain, the magazine says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Farina Arrested at LAX for Gun

“Law & Order” actor Dennis Farina was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport yesterday for attempting to carry a loaded gun onto a United Airlines flight bound for Chicago, Reuters reports. Farina, a former policeman whose film roles include “Get Shorty,” said he brought the gun with him on a drive to Los Angeles from Arizona and forgot to remove it from his briefcase, the wire service says, citing a police statement.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

DVRs, Web Dent Prime Time

About 38 million viewers on average watched TV during the May sweeps ratings period, down from about 44 million last year, the New York Times reports. While the Writers Guild of America strike caused some attrition, much of the drop is attributable to viewers who switched to watching shows on the Web, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Fox to Create Animation Incubator

News Corp. units Fox Broadcasting and 20th Century Fox Television will create an animation department along with an initiative called Fox Inkubation, TelevisionWeek reports. The companies will focus on developing animation projects through short films and eventually entire series, the magazine says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Stoltz to Join ‘Battlestar’ Prequel

Sci Fi Channel signed Eric Stoltz for its “Battlestar Galactica” prequel “Caprica,” the Hollywood Reporter says. Stoltz will star opposite Esai Morales, the newspaper reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Fewer Parties, Pilots for Upfronts

This year’s upfronts will feature fewer pilot presentations as well as fewer lavish parties as television networks recover from the affects of the Writers Guild of America strike earlier this year, the New York Times reports. Networks will also be presenting 12-month schedules instead of nine-month schedules, the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Pappas Files Bankruptcy, Blames CW

Pappas Telecasting, the largest U.S. privately owned commercial-broadcasting operator, filed for Chapter 11, largely blaming the CW’s low ratings for its financial challenges, MarketWatch reports, citing Dow Jones Newswires. Pappas, which owns CW affiliates among its 30 TV stations, has $536 million in debt and $460 million in assets, MarketWatch says, citing Dow Jones.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

Rove the Latest Politician to Turn Pundit

Former Republican advisor Karl Rove is joining Fox News as a pundit, making him the latest political figure to become a TV fixture for the 2008 elections, the New York Times reports. Barack Obama press secretary Bill Burton scoffed at the notion of Rove as a political analyst, comparing advice from him to “getting health tips from a funeral home director,” the newspaper says.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

CW Getting More 'Gossip'

The CW's "Gossip Girl" is getting a super-sized second season to make up for the episodes lost during the writers strike, E! Online reports. Twenty-four new episodes will air next season, which could premiere as early as summer, the Los Angeles Times reports. Michelle Trachtenberg will come onboard as a regular next season, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Schwarzenegger Pushes for Tax Incentives

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told reporters that California must increase tax incentives for movie and television studios in order to keep productions in state, the Hollywood Reporter says. He claimed lawmakers have been resistant to approve tax incentives despite his lobbying for them over the past four years, the newspaper says. Schwarzenegger's comments stem from the news that "Ugly Betty" will move production from Los Angeles to New York, putting 300 crew members out of work in California, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Speedster Joins 'Heroes'

A super-speedy new character will be introduced on the new season of NBC's "Heroes," the Associated Press reports. Daphne, to be played by Brea Grant ("Friday Night Lights"), will be a foil for time traveler Hiro and his friend Ando, the wire service says. The third season of "Heroes" is set to premiere in September, the wire service notes. NBC recently released a new promo for the upcoming season, TVWeek reports.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ABC News Adds Three Positions

ABC News announced three fresh news operations positions today, TVNewsday reports. Todd Donovan joins the network as the vice president of news technology while Chris Myers has been named the executive director for newsgathering operations, the Web site says. Renu Thomas rounds out the changes as the executive director of news program operations, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Low-Power Stations Ask for DTV Aid

Low-power television stations are lobbying Congress for $450 million in aid to make the conversion to digital signals as soon as possible, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The low-power stations, which are being threatened with bankruptcy, aren't required to make the digital transition, but fear being left behind as many viewers switch to digital televisions and DTV converters, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Moms Fast-Forward Ads

A MindShare study found that 91% of American mothers surveyed do not watch commercials on their DVR, AdWeek reports. Watching television was the third most chosen me-time activity behind reading and surfing the Web, the newspaper says. MindShare surveyed 600 moms between the ages of 18-54 online in June 2007, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'High School Musical' Show Gets New Name

ABC has renamed its "High School Musical" competition show to "High School Musical: Get in the Picture," MediaWeek reports. The network has also revealed that the winner of the contest will appear in a music video that will play over the end credits of the upcoming feature film "High School Musical 3: Senior Year," the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 9, 2008
11:57 AM
Comment

Pilots Generating Network Buzz

ABC TV's "Bad Mother's Handbook" and Warner Bros. TV's "Captain Cook's Extraordinary Atlas" are looking like likely pickups by ABC, Deadline Hollywood Daily reports, citing unnamed sources. CBS is high on its own "Mythological Ex" and WBTV's "The Mentalist" while The CW's "90210" spinoff from CW/Paramount and WBTV/Alloy's "How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls" seem to be locks, the Web site reports. Fox is favoring the WBTV/Wonderland comedy "Spaced" while J.J. Abrams' "Fringe," from WBTV/Bad Robot, and Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse" from 20th Century Fox are expected to be on the schedule, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 9, 2008
11:45 AM
Comment

Verizon Ends Analog FiOS TV Service in Jersey

Verizon Communications will stop transmitting analog signals of local broadcasts to FiOS TV subscribers in New Jersey on June 2, Multichannel News reports. The proposed shutoff is part of Verizon's plan to transition to digital television before the Feb. 17 deadline, which would allow the company to receive a temporary waiver from the FCC on its ban on set-tops with integrated security, the newspaper reports.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 9, 2008
11:43 AM
Comment

De Rossi Joins ABC's Fresco Pilot

Portia de Rossi has joined the cast of ABC's untitled Victor Fresco comedy pilot, TV Guide reports. The workplace sitcom centers around a moral guy trying to do the right thing in an amoral world, TV Guide says. Rossi's most recent television credits include "Nip/Tuck" and "Arrested Development."
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 9, 2008
11:39 AM
Comment

'Weeds' Going Through Changes

Showtime's "Weeds" will have a new theme song and a new locale when it returns for its fourth season on June 16, the New York Post reports. Nancy's new life as a pot dealer near the California/Mexico border also means that old regulars like Conrad (Romany Malco) and Heylia James (Tonye Patano) will be gone, the newspaper says. The series is adding at least one new character in the form of Albert Brooks as Nancy's estranged father-in-law, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 9, 2008
10:38 AM
Comment

Net Neutrality Bill Introduced

A new bill that would preserve net neutrality was introduced by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) on Wednesday, Media Daily News reports. The Internet Freedom & Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 would prohibit Internet service providers from discriminating against "lawful content" by blocking or degrading access to the Web site, but still allows them to manage traffic, Media Daily News says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 9, 2008
10:27 AM
Comment

NBC Streaming Shows on iPhone

NBC has made full episodes of some of its shows available for streaming on the iPhone, Silicon Alley Insider reports. Episodes of "The Office" and "30 Rock" have been converted to the iPhone's Quicktime format without commercials and are accessible through the iPhone's Wi-Fi connection, the Web site says. The availability of the episodes is unexpected considering that NBC pulled its programs from Apple's iTunes last year, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 9, 2008
10:13 AM
Comment

Scripps Co. to Split

E.W. Scripps Co.'s board of directors approved a plan to divide Scripps into two public companies on July 1, TVNewsday reports. E.W. Scripps Co. will remain in control of its local newspapers, television stations and licensing and syndication businesses, the Web site says. Scripps Networks Interactive will oversee five lifestyle television networks, various Internet businesses and the online comparison shopping subsidiaries, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 9, 2008
10:11 AM
Comment

NBC Uses Skype for Live Footage

NBC has been using Skype's video-over-IP service to transmit live footage back to the studio, unnamed sources confirm to Television Broadcast. Network affiliates claim the free service has "little or no delay" compared to satellite phone transmission, creating an immediacy that allows them to meet deadlines and save money on satellite time, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

McPherson Staying at ABC

ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson signed a new four-year deal with the network, TVWeek reports. There had been speculation that Mr. McPherson, who turned ABC from an also-ran into a buzz magnet, might be leaving the network.

TVBizwire

CW to Sell Sunday to Ad Agency

The CW is near an agreement to sell its Sunday primetime block to an advertising conglomerate, which would be able to develop programming and sell ad time, Daily Variety reports. The network is divesting the 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday block because of low ratings, the newspaper says, and a leading analyst forecast that its upfront sale would be down 15%. Last year, the CW scheduled "CW Now" on Sunday nights, a show with no commercials produced by media buyer MediaVest, which placed its clients within the content.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

'Lost' Will Find More Hours

ABC's "Lost" will have 17-hour seasons in 2009 and 2010, more than the 16-hour seasons it had planned, the Hollywood Reporter says. The show's producers are adding the hours to help make up for the shortened season from the Writers Guild of America strike, the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Cablevision Grilled Over Deals

Analysts tried to get answers about what appeared to be a new acquisitive strategy by Cablevision Systems' Dolan family during the cable company's earnings call Thursday, the New York Times says. CEO James Dolan didn't rule out more deals, but wouldn't comment on reports Cablevision is bidding for Newsday.

TVBizwire

Discovery Delays Going Public

Major shareholders of Discovery Communications have delayed taking the company public until the third quarter, the Wall Street Journal reports. The transaction had been scheduled to take place in the second quarter. "Sometimes it takes more time than you would like to put together" the terms and conditions, a Discovery Holding Co. spokesman said.

TVBizwire

'Sopranos' Creator Inks Paramount Film Deal

"The Sopranos" creator David Chase signed an agreement with Viacom unit Paramount Pictures to write and direct his first feature film, Web site DeadlineHollywoodDaily reports. Paramount Chairman Brad Grey, who co-executive produced the mob series with Mr. Chase, might benefit further from the new agreement because Time Warner’s HBO doesn’t have automatic rights to a possible "Sopranos" movie,
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

De Nardis Out in Aegis Shakeup

Mainardo do Nardis has stepped down as CEO of Aegis Media, which oversees media buyer Carat, Mediapost says. The move follows the announcement last month that Aegis Media Americas CEO David Verklin would be leaving the company.

TVBizwire

Gay Wedding on 'Brothers & Sisters'

ABC's "Brothers & Sisters" will feature the first same-sex wedding between regular characters on American network TV, USA Today says. The ceremony, joining Kevin, played by Matthew Rhys, and Scotty, played by Luke Macfarlane, will be officiated by Calista Flockhart's character Kitty. Meanwhile, a reviewer for the New York Times says she hopes her husband doesn’t walk through the room while something ridiculous is happening on the popular female-oriented show.

TVBizwire

Lunch and Gossip for Heidi and Spencer

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt of MTV's "The Hills" have become almost famous by mastering the realities of celebrity culture, the Los Angeles Times says. The villainous Mr. Pratt notes that being an improve TV personality is way harder than reading a script.

TVBizwire

Probst Surprised Series has Survived

"Survivor" host Jeff Probst says he's surprised the reality series has lasted 16 seasons so far, the Associated Press reports. Mr. Probst is signed on for four more seasons of the high-rated show. CBS will be broadcasting the finale of "Survivor: Micronesia" from New York's Ed Sullivan Theater on Sunday.

TVBizwire

'CSI' Actor Charged with Felony

"CSI" co-star Gary Dourdan was charged with a felony following his arrest for possessing heroin, cocaine and ecstasy last month in Palm Springs, the Associated Press reports. Mr. Dourdan, 41, play investigator Warrick Brown on the CBS series since 2000.

TVBizwire

NBC Takes 'Gladiators' to Facebook

NBC will be promoting "American Gladiators" on Facebook with an application that allows Facebook users to play interactive games based on the series, the Hollywood Reporter says. CBS Sports, ABC News and Paramount have also launched applications on the social networking site.

TVBizwire

Rovner, Cowan to be 'Practice' Runners

Robert Rovner and Jon Cowan will replace Marti Noxon as executive producers and showrunners for "Grey’s Anatomy" spinoff "Private Practice," the Hollywood Reporter says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

FCC Won’t Throw Flag for NFL

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin said yesterday it wouldn't change rules to help the NFL Network in its battle with Comcast, Multichannel News reports. The NFL Network this week filed a complaint that Comcast-owned sports networks get wider distribution through the U.S. cable-television leader than the NFL Network.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

McPherson to Stay at ABC

ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson has signed a new multi-year deal with ABC, Variety reports. The deal will keep McPherson in his current position, which he has held since 2004, the newspaper says. ABC has risen from fourth place to second in the ratings under McPherson's leadership, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ESPN to Stream Tennis Coverage

ESPN is partnering with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour to stream 150 hours of women's professional tennis coverage on ESPN360.com, Multichannel News reports. More than 70 tennis matches will be available for on-demand replay for at least 48 hours following their broadcast completion, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Sci Fi Sets 'Firefly,' 'Eureka' Marathons

The Sci Fi Channel will present three marathons during the month of May, the network's Web site says. A marathon of the Sci Fi Channel original series "Eureka" is scheduled for Mother's Day, while a marathon of Joss Whedon's "Firefly" will run May 16, the Web site says. A "Star Trek: Enterprise" marathon will round out the month on Memorial Day, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Charter Trading Gas for New Service Orders

Charter Communications customers will get a $25 gas card when they order one new service or a $50 card for two services, Multichannel News reports. The promotion is available to new and current subscribers, but there is a gas card limit of $100 for a new triple-play bundle subscription, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Hallmark Sets Marathons for May

The Hallmark Channel will air a trio of movie marathons this month, Multichannel News reports. A Mother's Day marathon of original films and Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations is on the schedule, as well as a "White Knuckle Weekend" marathon of adventure movies for Memorial Day weekend, the newspaper says. In between, the network will showcase romantic films from May 12-17, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Stylist Monahan Joins 'Tim Gunn's Guide'

Gretta Monahan will step in for Veronica Webb on the upcoming second season of Bravo's "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style," Zap2it.com reports. Monahan, a personal stylist and salon/spa owner, has appeared on "The Rachael Ray Show," "The View" and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and hosts a fashion segment on WHDH-TV in Boston, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Dish HDTV Adds New England Markets

Dish Network now offers local HDTV service in Hartford and New Haven, Conn., and Portland–Auburn, Maine, Multichannel News reports. Dish has set itself the goal of reaching 100 local HD markets and 100 national HD channels by year's end, the newspaper says. Currently, the satellite provider's local HD services in 57 markets reach more than 66% of TV households, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Alexander Payne Joins HBO's 'Hung'

Alexander Payne, director and Oscar-winning co-writer of "Sideways," will direct the HBO pilot "Hung," the Hollywood Reporter says. The drama centers around a middle-aged father/basketball coach who uses his physical endowment to make some extra cash, the newspaper says. The pilot, written by "The Riches" creator Dmitry Lipkin and his wife and writing partner, Colette Burson, marks Payne's first foray into television, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Kaplan Gives Up 'Early Show' Duties

Executive producer Rick Kaplan will resume working solely on "The CBS Evening News With Katie Couric" after acting as executive producer of "The Early Show" since March, TVNewser reports. Kaplan's last "Early Show" day will be Friday, after which Kaplan will take a few days off before returning to work on "Evening News," the Web site says. CBS is hoping to fill the "Early Show" executive producer position internally, the Web site notes, with new hire Zev Shalev overseeing the program in the meantime.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Dish to Provide Wilmington With Digital Converters

Dish Network will take advantage of the Federal Communications Commission's announcement that Wilmington, N.C., will switch to digital television early by making its DTV-to-analog converter boxes available to the market before the Sept. 8 analog cutoff date, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The converter box, which could be widely available this summer, will cost less than the government's $40 coupon, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 8, 2008
12:53 PM
Comment

'Ellen' to Broadcast in HD

"The Ellen DeGeneres Show" will begin broadcasting in high-definition with the start of its sixth season on Sept. 8, Broadcasting & Cable reports. "Ellen" will move production from its current NBC Universal studio to Warner Bros.' new Stage 1 complex in order to support the transition, the newspaper says. The new facility will allow for a tapeless HD production, as well as housing an audience waiting area, "Ellen" store and three stages, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 8, 2008
11:32 AM
Comment

TBA Assembles Digital Branding Division

TBA Global is launching TBA DEEP, a stand-alone division that will develop and distribute branded programming online using a team of 12 experts, Media Daily News reports. Digital Entertainment Engagement Programming, or DEEP, already counts McDonald's, Ford, Chivas and MTV among its clients, the Web site says. Brian Murphy, executive vice president of branded entertainment for TBA, expects the company's digital developments to make up a larger share of its revenue in the future.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 8, 2008
11:13 AM
Comment

DVR Users Ignoring TV and Online Ads

A survey of 500 consumers conducted by Google's DoubleClick Performics found that DVR owners watch more television, as well as more TV programs online, but don't pay attention to commercials in either medium, AdWeek reports. More than half of the surveyed participants said they fast-forward through commercials on DVR and only 9% said they pay attention occasionally to ads online, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 8, 2008
10:57 AM
Comment

Cablevision Goes Wi-Fi

Cablevision Systems plans to build a Wi-Fi high-speed wireless network, following on the heels of Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House's joint venture to build a nationwide Wi-Max broadband network, Multichannel News reports. The network will be free of charge for Cablevision's current high-speed Optimum Online customers, the newspaper says. Cablevision's broadband penetration is above 50%, Cablevision chief operating officer Tom Rutledge said, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 8, 2008
10:56 AM
Comment

Coldplay Sings for ESPN Soccer Coverage

ESPN has partnered with Coldplay to promote its live U.S. soccer coverage, E! Online reports. The band's music will be used in commercials for the European Championship, the Web site says. "Viva la Vida," the first single from the band's upcoming album, will be incorporated into in-studio and game production, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 8, 2008
10:53 AM
Comment

Root Vamps for HBO's 'True Blood'

Stephen Root has joined the cast of HBO's upcoming vampire drama "True Blood" for three episodes, the Hollywood Reporter says. Root will play a lonely, smitten vampire named Eddie Gautier, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 8, 2008
10:49 AM
Comment

ABC Turns Down 'Golden Cage'

ABC has passed on the opportunity to acquire "The Golden Cage," the controversial U.K. successor to "Big Brother," the Hollywood Reporter says. ABC was discouraged by the high production costs of the program, a representative for producer Jon de Mol's Talpa said. The program consists of a group of contestants living together in a luxurious house with the task of irritating each other into submission until the last one standing receives the house, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 8, 2008
10:46 AM
Comment

AFTRA, AMPTP Draw Curtain on Talks

The American Federation of Television & Radio Artists and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers have agreed to a media blackout during their current negotiations, Mediaweek reports. The two sides sat down to begin formal negotiations on Wednesday.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 8, 2008
10:44 AM
Comment

Sinclair Considers Going Private

Sinclair Broadcast Group may go private, CEO David Smith said Wednesday, according to Media Daily News. Despite an 8% increase in revenues to $160.9 million and a 23% jump in operating income during its first quarter, Smith said the company's value doesn't show up in its equity, the Web site notes. However, troubled credit markets could make obtaining the financial backing need to go private difficult, Smith pointed out, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 8, 2008
10:42 AM
Comment

DTV Transition Not a Big Deal, Says LIN CEO

LIN Television CEO Vince Sadusky likened the digital television transition to Y2K, telling securities analysts this morning that he believes it will not affect most television viewers, TVNewsday reports. Cable and satellite subscribers, who make up 90% of homes, will see no difference in their television broadcasts, while educational campaigns will inform over-the-air viewers of the steps they must take to receive digital signals, Sadusky claimed. Sadusky also stressed that the DTV transition would help stations save money on electricity bills by allowing them to turn off their analog transmitters, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

MTV Upfront Focuses on Podbusters

MTV Networks, which holds its upfront presentation for ad buyers tonight, is focusing on commercials it is creating that look like programming in order to keep viewers tuned in during breaks, the New York Times reports. With ad sales now based on commercial ratings, MTV has had to work extra hard to hold its audience, which is more likely than most to switch channels. "We're looking to redefine the commercial experience," said John Shea, who runs the integrated marketing division for MTV and VH1.

TVBizwire

Fall Slates Feature Fewer New Shows

When the broadcast networks unveil their fall schedules next week there will be fewer new shows in the lineup because the Writers Guild of America strike delayed the development process, USA Today says. The networks are considering 70 new series, down from about 100 in past seasons, the paper says.

TVBizwire

Actors Unions Square Off

AFTRA denied a request from the Screen Actors Guide to continue its talks with the studios even though it insists it is within a few hours of reaching a deal, Daily Variety reports. The two unions are negotiating separately and SAG’s talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has already been extended twice. “I think it’s insanity that we’re not able to finish our negotiations and that the unions are being pitted against each other,” SAG national executive director Doug Allen told Variety.

TVBizwire

Talking Heads Say Race is Over

TV political pundits including Tim Russert, George Stephanopoulos and Bob Schieffer basically declared that the race for the Democratic presidential nomination is over, the New York Times says. Despite what seems to be an insurmountable lead by Senator Barack Obama, his opponent Sen. Hillary Clinton continues to campaign.

TVBizwire

Rather Files Amended Suit

Former CBS Anchor Dan Rather filed an amended lawsuit against the network claiming that the damage it did to his reputation kept other outlets from hiring him, the Associated Press reports. The suit says Mr. Rather met with CNN, ABC and NBC in 2006, but he brought “too much baggage” for them to handle.

TVBizwire

Ad by 'Betty' Crew Urges Incentives

The "Ugly Betty" production crew will run an ad in Friday"s Hollywood Reporter asking local and state governments to enact financial incentives to keep entertainment production in California, Web site DeadlineHollywoodDaily reports. "Ugly Betty" producers said this week that the show will be moved to New York largely because of that state's tax incentives, the Web site says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

ABC Signs Baccarin for Law Drama

ABC signed Morena Baccarin, whose credits include "Heartland," as the female lead for its untitled law-drama pilot created by Dave Hemingson, the Hollywood Reporter says. Steve Howey and Lee Thompson Young joined the network’s "Five Year Plan" and Ruben Santiago-Hudson was cast in drama pilot "Castle," the newspaper reports., ABC also will bring back David Sutcliffe to play the Kate Walsh character’s love interest in "Private Practice," the Reporter says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

DirecTV to Raise $2.5 Bil. for Buyback

Satellite operator DirecTV will try to raise $2.5 billion for share repurchases, the Wall Street Journal reports. As part of the buyback plan, leading shareholder John Malone's Liberty Media will limit is voting stake in DirecTV to 48%, the Journal says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Many Shows Start Shooting Early

"House," "Heroes" and "DirtySexyMoney" are among television shows that are already shooting episodes for the fall season, the Hollywood Reporter says. Other shows, such as the "CSI" franchises and "My Name is Earl" will film episodes in May or June before taking a month off before continuing with fall season shooting, the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Michaels Promoted at Tribune

Former television- and radio-station operator Randy Michaels was promoted by Tribune Co. head Sam Zell to chief operating officer and will oversee the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune, Daily Variety reports. Michaels was already heading six Tribune newspapers, including the Orlando Sentinel and Baltimore Sun, Variety says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Ferguson to Publish Memoirs

CBS late-night talkshow host Craig Ferguson will publish his memoirs next year, Daily Variety reports. "American on Purpose," to be published by HarperCollins, will cover Mr. Ferguson's life, including his Scotland childhood, time as a punk rocker and battles with alcohol, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Warner Signs Iwanyk to TV Deal

Warner Bros. Television signed feature film producer Basil Iwanyk to a one-year television development agreement, the Hollywood Reporter says. Iwanyk’s film credits include "We Are Marshall" and "Firewall," the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

AFTRA, AMPTP Begin Negotiation

The American Federation of Television & Radio Artists refused to postpone the start of its negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers for a third time at the Screen Actors Guild's request, the Hollywood Reporter says. The two sides met today at 2 p.m. despite the fact that talks between the AMPTP and SAG broke down yesterday with no deal in place, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Marvel Draws Up TV 'Hero Squad'

The success of the feature film "Iron Man" has fueled Marvel Animation to launch "Marvel Super Hero Squad," Reuters reports. The animated kids TV program will feature Iron Man, Hulk, Wolverine, Thor, the Fantastic Four and Captain America, as well as the villainous Doctor Doom, Magneto, Loki and the Abomination, the wire service notes. Twenty-six half-hour episodes are being shopped around to networks for distribution, the wire service says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ABC News Creating University Bureaus

ABC News is launching bureaus on five university campuses this fall, Reuters reports. The partnership will expanded the network's newsgathering services while providing insight into young minds, a desired TV demographic, the wire service notes. ABC News will provide on-the-site training at its New York headquarters for students chosen to be bureau chiefs, the wire service says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cable Nets, NCTA Fight Leased Access Rules

TV One, C-SPAN, Discovery Communications and A&E Television Networks joined the National Cable & Telecommunications Association in urging a federal appeals court to block new rules that would give independent programmers access to cable systems, Multichannel News reports. The Federal Communications Commission rules require cable operators to set aside 15% of their channels for leased access purposes, the newspaper notes. The NCTA and cable programmers argue that the leased access rules would displace existing cable networks and would yield no revenue at the proposed rate, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

TVB Study Reveals TV Is Dominant Medium

A Nielsen Media Research survey commissioned by TVB found that television is the dominant medium for Americans, TVNewsday reports. The study also revealed that broadcast television coverage is the favored primary news source and that adults 25-54 spend 53% of their daily media hours on television, the Web site says. The study consisted of 1,246 participants surveyed over three weeks in January.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Students, Stoners Tune in to Nick Cartoon

Nickelodeon's kids' cartoon "Yo Gabba Gabba!" has attracted an unlikely fanbase among college students, ABC News reports. Students say the program's mix of indie music guests like the Shins, animated shorts and live-action segments recall "The Muppets," the Web site notes. The show has also attracted an audience of stoners who like the show's bright colors, musical elements and easy-to-understand character, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Rather Resubmits Lawsuit Against CBS

Dan Rather filed an amended lawsuit against his former employer CBS News, the Hollywood Reporter says. Rather claims that CBS News' conduct and labeling of him as "too hot to handle" cost the anchor potential jobs at other news outlets, the newspaper says. CNN, ABC and NBC are among the networks with which Rather claims to have met about possible employment before being rebuffed, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Tennis Channel, Berry Farm Promote Wimbledon

The Tennis Channel has partnered with California Giant Berry Farms to launch "The Sweetest Match," Media Daily News reports. The promotional campaign refers to the strawberries-and-cream dish served at the Wimbledon tennis tournament, which will be broadcast on the Tennis Channel for the first time this summer, the Web site says. The campaign includes a sweepstakes for a trip to Wimbledon 2009, retail promotions and on-air spots about the strawberries-and-cream tradition, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Public TV Head Iselin Dies at 74

Public television innovator John Jay Iselin died from pneumonia on Tuesday in Manhattan, the New York Times reports. Iselin was the president of the nation's largest public television station, WNET, from 1973 to 1987, the newspaper says. He was 74.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 7, 2008
12:38 PM
Comment

Former 'Early Show' Host Joins Parents TV

Former "Early Show" host Rene Syler will host "It Moms" on Meredith Corp.'s digital channel Parents TV, Mediaweek reports. Syler joins the long-form program, which launched on Comcast's video-on-demand service last year, to present her views on balancing work and life, the newspaper says. Meredith Corp. hopes to expand the success of Parents TV, which is viewed over 1 million times a month, into more long-form programs, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 7, 2008
12:24 PM
Comment

DirecTV Profits From Subscriber Increase

DirecTV's first-quarter net income rose to $371 million, up from $336 million in the year-ago quarter, Reuters reports. Revenue increased 17% to $4.59 billion, the wire service notes. The lowest customer loss rate in 10 years and 275,000 new subscribers contributed to a higher-than-expected profit, the wire service says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 7, 2008
11:56 AM
Comment

Gas Pump Networks Expanding

Place-based gas station video networks are expanding at a growing pace, Media Daily News reports. PumpTop TV, which currently broadcasts to 550 gas stations, will expand to 1,100 stations at its current average installation rate of four stations a day, according to AdtekMedia President Dick Paulsen, the Web site says. PumpTop TV and its competitors, Gas Station TV and FuelCast Network, also have signed deals with content providers ABC News Now, CBS News, NBC and Google, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 7, 2008
11:29 AM
Comment

Disney Profits Despite Strike

Walt Disney's cable and broadcast networks saw income rise in the second quarter despite lower ratings and advertising revenues during the writers strike, Media Daily News reports. International sales of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Lost" drove the broadcast group's net operating income up 17% to $223 million, the Web site says. The cable group rose 14% to $1.1 billion with the help of ESPN affiliate revenues and investments in Lifetime and A&E, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 7, 2008
11:04 AM
Comment

'Idol,' Super Bowl May Boost News Corp. Earnings

News Corp. is expected to report increased third-quarter earnings today, Bloomberg News reports. The popular "American Idol" and a record-setting Super Bowl broadcast helped the company raise advertising revenues 14% to $8.61 billion, according to the estimates of 15 analysts compiled by the network. News Corp.'s net income is expected to be up 2.2% to $890.5 million based on the average projections of 10 analysts, the network notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 7, 2008
10:53 AM
Comment

Seacrest in for Larry King?

Ryan Seacrest is in "serious negotiations" to replace Larry King at the end of the year, MSNBC reports, citing an unnamed source. King told the New York Times in April 2007 that Seacrest is his first choice to take over "Larry King Live," but he was unsure of how versed the "American Idol" host was in politics and world affairs, the Web site says. The article didn't indicate whether CNN was contacted to confirm or deny the report. A representative for Seacrest had no comment on the report, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cablevision Near $500 Mil Sundance Deal

Cablevision is nearing an agreement to buy Sundance Channel from NBC Universal, CBS and Robert Redford for about $500 million, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources it didn’t identify. Cablevision had talks with Mr. Redford about backing the channel’s launch more than a decade ago before starting its own IFC network, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Studios Bail on Talks with Actors

The Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers ended bargaining yesterday without an agreement, DeadlineHollywoodDaily reports. SAG said in a statement that the studios ended talks to focus on upcoming negotiations with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists while AMPTP said SAG refused to factor in "the economic realities faced by everyone in our industry," the Web site says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Oxygen's Sexy Granny Goes Home

"Talk Sex," the call-in show in which 77-year-old Sue Johanson provides graphic advice on intimate matters, is ending its six-year run on Oxygen, the Associated Press reports. The show was the most-popular late night program on Oxygen, acquired last year by NBC Universal, and its ratings among young viewers this season were its best ever.

TVBizwire

Tough Guys New Stars of TV

Men with dangerous jobs, from lumberjacks to king crab fisherman, are filling up the airwaves and drawing viewers seeking higher levels of testosterone, USA Today reports. "Tough-guy TV is our bread and butter," says History's Nancy Dubuc, who greenlit "Ice Road Truckers" and "Ax Men." "Viewers are fanatical and loyal."

TVBizwire

'House' Spin-Off in Works?

Fox is working with producer NBC Universal on a spinoff from their series "House," TV Guide says. A new male character is going to be introduced in a multi-episode arc, and if he pops, he may get his own show. TV Guide's Michael Ausiello says the new character is expected to be not a doctor, but a private investigator.

TVBizwire

CBS Makes Early Call for Clinton

CBS News called the Indiana primary race early for Sen. Hillary Clinton Tuesday evening, the New York Times reports. Other networks waited until votes were counted and reported from Lake County, near Chicago, where Sen. Barack Obama was expected to win by large margins, possibly overcoming Ms. Clinton's early lead. Those returns didn’t come in till after 1 a.m. ET. The networks were able to project Mr. Obama’s win in North Carolina shortly after the polls there closed.

TVBizwire

Comcast, TW Cable Invest in WiMax

Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Google are among companies that will invest in a broadband wireless service company valued at more than $12 billion, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing analysts it didn’t identify. Sprint and Intel will also invest in the company, which will use a technology called WiMax to offer Web-access speeds faster than high-speed Internet services now provide, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

No Life for Kelley on 'Mars'

Writer David E. Kelley may no longer be a part of "Life on Mars" when the show, whose pilot has been shot, debuts on ABC, Daily Variety reports. Mr. Kelley, who helped adapt the show from a BBC drama, may be leaving because of financial issues. Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg, executive producers of "October Road," may take over "Mars" from Mr. Kelley, the newspaper says.

TVBizwire

Comedies Provide Ratings Bright Spot

Television comedy ratings have risen from a year ago despite a drop in overall TV ratings, Daily Variety reports. "The Office," "Two and a Half Men" and "Family Guy" are among comedies whose ratings have increased while dramas such as "Grey's Anatomy" and "House" had ratings declines after their return from the Writers Guild of America strike in February, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Web Shows May Get Stomped by Big Media

With big media companies producing original shows for the Web, it may be getting harder for smaller players to make money with niche programs online, the Wall Street Journal reports. Online TV show "Internet Superstar" is also finding that Web personalities are becoming so famous so fast they’re jumping to mainstream media outlets instead of appearing on its low-budget program.

TVBizwire

'Jericho' Pitched to Cable Networks

"Jericho" producer CBS Paramount Television is shopping the show to cable networks such as Sci Fi Channel and Hallmark Channel, MediaPost reports. CBS canceled the show this January after two-plus seasons of sporadic ratings and intermittent scheduling.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Spike Gets Manly With Reality Shows

Viacom-owned Spike TV is trying to boost ratings by developing reality shows featuring men in dangerous situations, Daily Variety reports. Pilots ordered by Spike include "Tank & Cobra," about a pair of bounty hunters, and "USA vs. the World," featuring American men competing with men from other countries at hazardous jobs, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

DirecTV Goes to 'Court' Again

DirecTV ordered a second season of "Supreme Court of Comedy," a reality show starring comedians acting like attorneys in real-life small claims court cases, Daily Variety reports. Tom Arnold, Paul Rodriguez and Joe Piscopo were among comedians appearing in the first season, which was filmed at Hollywood’s Laugh Factory, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Spot Runner Raises $51 Mil.

Spot Runner, which uses Web technology to allow small businesses to advertise on television, said it raised another $51 million from investors including Grupo Televisa of Mexico, the New York Post reports. The company, previously backed by CBS, WPP Group and Interpublic Group, has a library of stock commercials businesses can customize rather than producing expensive spots on their own.

TVBizwire

Sci Fi Casts Morales in 'Caprica'

Sci Fi Channel signed Esai Morales to its new "Battlestar Galactica" prequel "Caprica," the Hollywood Reporter says. Mr. Morales will play the father of what would become Edward James Olmos' character in "Galactica," the newspaper reports. Meanwhile, Showtime added Peter Facinelli to the cast of the untitled pilot starring Edie Falco, the Reporter says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

'Man vs. Wild' Braves Friday Ratings

Discovery Channel's "Man vs. Wild" averaged 1.4 million viewers for its Friday season premiere, Multichannel News reports. The survival show was the highest-rated non-sports program that night among men 18 to 34 years old, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Hannah Montana' Stumbles Post-Photo

The first episode of Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana" following Miley Cyrus' controversial Vanity Fair picture averaged 3.12 million viewers, down 32% from the season's five previous episodes, Multichannel News reports. But Disney Channel said the episode topped its time-slot competition in persons 2+, kids 6 to 11 and tweens 9 to 14, according to the newspaper.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

SAG, AMPTP Still Divided as Deadline Nears

The Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers entered what is likely their final day of negotiations today with a self-imposed deadline of 5 p.m., Daily Variety reports. A deal does not seem close as the actors and producers remain divided by SAG's insistence on better new-media terms than those won by the directors and writers unions, the newspaper says. The producers are scheduled to begin negotiations with the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists on Wednesday.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Playboy TV Revenue Down, Shares Drop

Playboy Enterprises reported a quarterly loss on Tuesday, causing its shares to fall 8%, Reuters reports. The decline is blamed on weaker publishing and domestic television revenue, the wire service says. Domestic television revenue dropped 16% even as monthly subscription revenue for Playboy TV increased.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

MSNBC News Goes Gaming

MSNBC unveiled a suit of interactive digital tools for Web users known as NewsWare on Monday, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The mix of news and gaming includes a NewsBlaster online game requiring viewers to smash orbs to get headlines and a 3-D news viewer that can be triggered by motion and clothes color using a Webcam, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Ugly Betty' May Be on the Move

ABC is in talks with the producers of "Ugly Betty" to move the show's production to New York, TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reports, citing unnamed sources. While "Ugly Betty" is set in New York, the series shoots in Los Angeles. Relocating the production to New York would give the series an authentic feel and cut costs, insiders tell Ausiello. ABC Studios did not return a request for comment, the article says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

CNN Vets Help Students Become Newscasters

Pelham Bay Public School 71 in the Bronx has launched a student-run news network to air in its classrooms, the New York Daily News reports. Preparatory Broadcast Network's media center was born with the help of CNN/U.S. President Jonathan Klein and two CNN volunteers, Rob Frehse and Rob Fox, after Klein returned to his elementary school alma mater as a part of the "Principal for a Day" program, the newspaper says. The CNN veterans help the students as they study camera skills, interviewing, dubbing, editing and generating stories about school sports and events, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 6, 2008
11:31 AM
Comment

Internet Home of Independent TV

"Hannah Montana" executive producer Steve Peterman urged lawmakers on Capitol Hill to protect the Internet from coming under the control of the major media conglomerates, Broadcasting & Cable reports. At a hearing for the "Internet Freedom" bill, Peterman, a Writers Guild member, stressed that the Internet is the new TV, a place where independent production can thrive, the newspaper notes. Seven conglomerates now own access to nearly all broadcast information and content after the "unraveling" of the financial interest and syndication rules, Peterman argued.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 6, 2008
11:28 AM
Comment

Digital Advertising to Outgrow Traditional

In a survey of 100 senior executives by Accenture, 62% said revenue from digital advertising would eclipse traditional ad revenue in the next five years, Media Daily News reports. Currently, Internet media makes up less than 10% of marketing budgets. Also, two-thirds of the surveyed executives lack the necessary capabilities to take full advantage of the digital ad market, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 6, 2008
11:03 AM
Comment

'This Old House,' DIY's 'Blog Cabin' Team Up

"This Old House" host Kevin O'Connor and landscape contractor Roger Cook will appear on DIY Network's "Blog Cabin" on Sept. 18, Multichannel News reports. Viewers can vote on the project design for a vacation house firepit at www.DIYNetwork.com through May 18, the newspaper says. Viewers also can enter a contest on the Web site to win the home, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 6, 2008
11:01 AM
Comment

Showtime to Debut 'Maxed Out'

"Maxed Out," a documentary about America's debt crisis, will make its television premiere on Showtime on May 14 at 9 p.m., Broadcasting & Cable reports. The documentary won the special jury prize at the South by Southwest Film Festival, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 6, 2008
10:32 AM
Comment

Talk Show Ratings Rise As Sweeps Begin

Daytime talk shows performed well during the week ending April 27, which included the first two days of May sweeps, TVNewsday reports. "Oprah," "Dr. Phil" and "Rachael Ray" rose 9, 10 and 6 percent, respectively, the Web site says. CBS Television Distribution’s "Judge Joe Brown" and "Judge Judy" also dominated the daytime circuit, while magazine shows and game shows held steady or dipped slightly, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 6, 2008
10:31 AM
Comment

Dan Rather and HDNet Cover Primary

Dan Rather will cover today's North Carolina and Indiana presidential primaries for HDNet, the Hollywood Reporter says. The live coverage, which is set to air tonight from 7-9 p.m. EDT, will be conducted from Washington, D.C., before an audience, the newspaper says. The broadcast will fill part of the "Dan Rather Reports" time slot, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 6, 2008
10:25 AM
Comment

CanWest Picks Up NBC Series

Canadian broadcaster CanWest has acquired NBC's new original series "Knight Rider," "My Own Worst Enemy," "Kath and Kim" and "The Office" spinoff in advance of the upcoming L.A. Screenings, the Hollywood Reporter says. The broadcaster also renewed NBC Universal's returning series "House," "Heroes," "The Office," "Life," "Friday Night Lights" and reality competition show "The Biggest Loser," the newspaper says. CanWest's early acquisition of NBC's new programs allows the broadcaster to get ahead of the competition, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 6, 2008
10:19 AM
Comment

Microsoft Selling TV Downloads

Microsoft has begun offering TV downloads for its Zune mp3 player, Daily Variety reports. More than 800 hours are available, including programming from NBC Universal, MTV Networks and Turner, the newspaper says. In December, NBC Universal pulled its programs from iTunes due to a pricing dispute with Apple.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

NBC Seeks $3 Million for Super Bowl Spots

NBC will ask for $3 million for 30-second commercial during the 2009 Super Bowl, the Wall Street Journal reports. NBC will boost rates about 10% from last year, or about double the usual rate increase, after Fox's broadcast in February attracted a U.S. sporting-event record 97.4 million viewers, the Journal says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Bruckheimer, Bay May Reunite for HBO

Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay, who worked together on films such as “The Rock” and “Bad Boys,” may partner on a Warner Bros. television series to be produced for HBO, Daily Variety reports. Based on the 2006 documentary "Cocaine Cowboys," the show would center around Columbian drug dealers relocating to Miami, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

'Office' Reruns Bump 'Monk,' 'Psych'

NBC will remove USA Network shows "Monk" and "Psych" from its Sunday night lineup and replace them with reruns of "The Office," Daily Variety reports. The shows had the fourth-highest audiences among 18-49 year olds last Sunday, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

First ‘Dancing’ Rejected Repeatedly

The U.K. precursor to ABC’s "Dancing With the Stars" was rejected repeatedly by prospective U.S. partners when BBC executives pitched the show in 2004, Daily Variety reports. Once ABC ordered the show, many aspects of "Strictly Come Dancing" were replicated for "Dancing With the Stars," including two of its judges and its on-stage and backstage visual appearance, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Dems Offer Dueling Top 10 Lists

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton followed Sen. Bararck Obama onto "The Late Show with David Letterman," where both candidates read Top 10 lists, the New York Times reports. Ms. Clinton's list of reasons she loves America put TiVo at No. 6.

TVBizwire

Nick at Nite Adds Family Originals

Nickelodeon’s Nick at Nite evening programming block will air more family-oriented shows, including an original game show and dog competition from former Nick executive Albie Hecht, as well as syndicated series such as "Everybody Hates Chris," Daily Variety reports. “Nick at Nite” boosted first-quarter ratings after adding shows such as "George Lopez" and "Home Improvement," the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Fox Reality Drops 'Remix' for 'Binge'

Fox Reality Channel will debut weekly wrap-up show "Reality Binge," which will replace the channel’s "Reality Remix" in July, Daily Variety reports. "Reality Binge," which will be produced by Weller/Grossman Productions, will have a more "cynical" approach to the genre than "Reality Remix," which airs its last episode this month, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

CMT Wants Second Helping of ‘Gone Country’

CMT ordered a second season of reality show "Gone Country," which will feature Jermaine Jackson and Sean Young attempting to release a country single, the Hollywood Reporter says. The second season, which will debut in August, will also feature actress-singer Irene Cara and Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach, the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Sci Fi Casts 'Warehouse,' 'Caprica' Leads

Sci Fi Channel signed Paula Malcomson to play the female lead in the new "Battlestar Galactica" prequel "Caprica" while getting Joanne Kelly and Eddie McClintock for its drama-comedy pilot "Warehouse 13," the Hollywood Reporter says. Ms. Malcomson appeared in HBO's "Deadwood" while Ms. Kelly's credits include "Vanished," the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Cablevision-Newsday May Draw Flack

U.S. regulators may oppose Cablevision's attempted acquisition of Newsday on anti-competitive grounds, Multichannel News reports, citing a financial analyst's report. Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Craig Moffet says the Federal Communications Commission might block the transaction because of Cablevision's dominant position in Long Island cable operations and Newsday's position as Long Island's primary daily newspaper, according to Multichannel.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Overture's McGurk to Captain Anchor

Chris McGurk, who heads Liberty Media unit Overture Films, will also run sister company Anchor Bay Entertainment, which distributes Overture’s movies on DVD, Daily Variety reports. Anchor Bay next week will release the DVD version of "Mad Money," Overture’s first theatrical release, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Yahoo Holders Upset at Microsoft Fallout

Some Yahoo shareholders are upset at Chief Executive Jerry Yang for failing to reach an agreement with Microsoft, which offered $33 a share for the company, the Wall Street Journal reported. Yahoo directors failed to be “responsive to the needs of independent shareholders,” the Journal says, citing Capital Research Global Investors portfolio manager Gordon Crawford, whose company owns more than 6% of Yahoo stock.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Lewis to Counsel In Demand

Emily Lewis has been named director of business affairs and senior counsel for In Demand, Multichannel News reports. Lewis will be responsible for overseeing business agreements about the video-on-demand and pay-per-view provider's services and products, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Teletrax, NBC Agency Renew Contract

Global broadcast intelligence company Teletrax and the NBC Agency, NBC Universal's in-house advertising agency, have renewed their contract in a multiyear deal, TVNewsday reports. The NBC Agency depends on Teletrax's intelligence services to monitor and analyze the effective usage of its on-air show promotions among affiliate stations in 210 U.S. markets, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Bravo Expands Shows With Tie-Ins

Bravo Media is growing its television network with merchandising and publishing tie-ins, Mediaweek reports. On May 20, the company will release its first non-series DVD, featuring "Work Out" personality Jackie Warner on BravoTV.com; it also will premiere Tuesday on video-on-demand network Exercise TV, the newspaper says. Bravo Media also is expected to launch a series of "Top Chef" products, including a calendar, cooking classes and a cruise, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

NBA Playoffs Up TNT Ratings

TNT's average household rating is up 10% to a 2.1 household rating through 22 telecasts of the NBA Playoff games, Mediaweek reports. Viewership among men 18-34 has increased by 25% while the overall number of viewers is up 10% for the network, allowing the telecasts to reach 2.9 million people, the newspaper says.

TVBizwire

NRTC to Carry Ion Media Networks

Ion Media Networks and the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative have made a carriage deal, which will give rural subscribers access to Ion Television Network and its 24-hour digital networks, Multichannel News reports. The NRTC, an organization of more than 1,400 utilities and affiliates in 47 states, reaches more than 10 million homes, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Channel One Makes DTV Transition

Channel One, the in-school network, has replaced its analog broadcasting infrastructure with digital receivers, MediaDailyNews reports. The transition to digital distribution was made possible by Alloy Media + Marketing, which purchased the broadcaster in April 2007 with plans to invest $12 million for digital upgrades, the Web site says. The early DTV transition gives advertisers more control and flexibility over their ad campaigns, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 5, 2008
12:23 PM
Comment

TruTV Showcases Sponsored Interstitials

Twentieth Century Fox will sponsor TruTV's "Reel Movie" vignettes with interstitials promoting its upcoming feature film "What Happens in Vegas," Multichannel News reports. TruTV also is introducing two interactive interstitials, "Actual Ads" and "Real-Life Stories," which advertisers will be able to sponsor, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 5, 2008
12:21 PM
Comment

Renewals Likely for CBS Series

The broadcast networks seem likely to give many scripted series another chance despite lagging ratings following the end of the writers strike, the Hollywood Reporter says. Pickups for the CBS series "Moonlight," "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "How I Met Your Mother" look likely, the newspaper says. The forecasts for ABC's "Boston Legal," "Eli Stone," "Women's Murder Club" and The CW's "Reaper" are more uncertain while the cancellations of the ABC series "Cashmere Mafia" and "October Road" seem imminent, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 5, 2008
11:56 AM
Comment

Fonda, O'Malley Join Pilots

Mike O'Malley has been added to the cast of NBC's "My Own Worst Enemy," playing Christian Slater's friend and co-worker, the Hollywood Reporter says. Also, Megan Dodds will play a public defender in Fox's "Courtroom K" pilot while Andrea Anders has joined ABC's untitled Victor Fresco office comedy presentation, the newspaper says. On the Sci Fi Channel, Peter Fonda will play a robber baron in the two-hour pilot "Revolution," the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 5, 2008
11:53 AM
Comment

TruTV Orders 'Stringers'

TruTV, formerly Court TV, has picked up the series "L.A. Stringers" for six half-hour episodes, the Hollywood Reporter says. The series follows real-life freelance news reporters as they chase down leads and then try to sell their stories, the newspaper says. The series is expected to premiere in September, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 5, 2008
11:49 AM
Comment

Sci Fi Airs Indy Films and Special

Sci Fi Channel will air all three "Indiana Jones" films and an investigative special, "Mystery of the Crystal Skulls," prior to the May 22 release of the fourth film, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," Multichannel News reports. The special, hosted by NBC News' Lester Holt, will explore the history, myths and legends behind the crystal skull relics, the newspaper says. It is set to air May 18 at 9 p.m., the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

WE tv Adds 'Girlfriends,' 'Baby Borrowers'

WE tv has acquired off-network rights to NBC's "The Baby Borrowers" and The CW's "Girlfriends," Broadcasting & Cable reports. "The Baby Borrowers" will be re-aired on WE following each original episode broadcast on NBC beginning June 30, the newspaper says. The two programs will be joined by "Rich Bride Poor Bride," which has been renewed for two more seasons, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 5, 2008
11:44 AM
Comment

Time Warner to Carry BabyFirstTV

Time Warner Cable has agreed to carry BabyFirstTV's lineup of educational programs aimed at children 3 years old and under, Multichannel News reports. The affiliation agreement will allow BabyFirstTV to reach up to 13.3 million Time Warner Cable subscribers, the newspaper says. The 2-year-old network is shopping for distributers among Time Warner affiliates, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 5, 2008
10:56 AM
Comment

'Indecision 2008' Greets McCain

Comedy Central's "Indecision 2008" will welcome Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain on Wednesday, Multichannel News reports. It will be Sen. McCain's 13th appearance on "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart."
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

The CW Luring Viewers to Live TV

The CW is making a renewed effort to get its young audience to watch programming live on television, AdAge reports. As a part of the effort, The CW will promote a "watch and win" contest during the finale of "Gossip Girl" and is considering mini-episodes that move between television and the Internet, the newspaper says. The CW decided not to stream the final five episodes of this season of "Gossip Girl" on its Web site.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 5, 2008
10:35 AM
Comment

Warner Bros. Gives The CW Daytime Programs

Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution will provide The CW with afternoon programming from 3-5 p.m., Broadcasting & Cable reports. Telepictures Productions' "Judge Jeanine Pirro" will air from 3-4 p.m. on weekdays, followed by reruns of comedies "The Wayans Bros." and "The Jamie Foxx Show," beginning this fall, the newspaper says. The CW hopes to expand the one original hour into two hours by next year, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ABC Cuts Down 'Men in Trees'

ABC has canceled the dramedy "Men in Trees," TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reports, citing creator Jenny Bicks. "I wish the show had not been moved six times and put onto two long hiatuses. No show could survive that," Bicks told Ausiello.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 5, 2008
10:28 AM
Comment

Broadcast TV Product Placement Increases

Product placement on prime-time programming increased by 6% in the first quarter of 2008, according to the Nielsen Co., TVNewsday.com reports. Broadcast TV placement rose 39% on ABC, CBS, CW, Fox, MyNetworkTV and NBC while product placement on cable networks A&E, Bravo, HGTV, MTV and TLC was down 1%, the Web site says. The report also revealed that 117,976 brands were represented on broadcast and cable TV during the quarter, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

MacFarlane Deal May Top $100 Mil

"Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane signed an agreement with 20th Century Fox Television that may be worth more than $100 million over the next four years, TelevisionWeek reports. As part of the agreement, MacFarlane's "Family Guy" and "American Dad" will stay on the air through 2012 and a “Family Guy” movie is likely to be produced, the magazine says.

TVBizwire

BET’s Hudlin Still Facing Protests

Three years after being hired to revamp the programming on BET, former Hollywood director Reginald Hudlin faces complaints that the cable network is still serving up negative stereotypes of African Americans, the Washington Post reports. Mr. Hudlin tells the paper he's trying to change the public image of African-Americans one show at a time.

TVBizwire

Fox Pitch: TV Spots Tops

Fox's upfront pitch includes new research that shows TV advertising has the biggest impact on consumer product awareness, project familiarity and intent to purchase than other media choices, Mediaweek says. "Television needs to continue to prove its worth to advertisers," said Jon Nesvig, president of ad sales for Fox. "And research like this proves our value to them."

TVBizwire

Lohan Gets 'Ugly'

Troubled young actress Lindsay Lohan began shooting a guest appearance on ABC's "Ugly Betty," Usmagazine.com reports. Ms. Lohan plays a down-on-her-luck former high-school friend of series star America Ferrera’s character Betty. The move follows Britney Spears’ highly publicized cameo on CBS's "How I Met Your Mother" last month.

TVBizwire

SAG Talks Extended on DVD Concession

Talks between the Screen Actors Guild and the studios were extended through at least tomorrow after the union took down its demand to have DVD residuals doubled, Daily Variety reports. SAG last Friday also dropped its pay-increase demands for TV shows' guest stars while adjusting its DVD-residual demand to include having studios make larger health and pension contributions, Variety says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Microsoft Ends Three-Month Bid for Yahoo

Microsoft is reconsidering its Internet options after ending its three-month bidding effort for Yahoo after Yahoo demanded that Microsoft raise its $33 a share offer to $37 a share, the Wall Street Journal reports. Microsoft’s most recent bid was more than 70% more than Yahoo's share price on Jan. 31, the last day of trading before Microsoft’s first offer. Meanwhile, Bill Miller, a portfolio manager at No. 2 Yahoo shareholder Legg Mason, said his company may have accepted as little as $34 a share for its Yahoo stock, the New York Times reports.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

TV Guide Guarantees Ratings for NBC

TV Guide, in a multimillion-dollar agreement with NBC Universal, guaranteed that its promotions of the network’s shows would increase ratings, TelevisionWeek reports. The agreement included shows such as "Lipstick Jungle" and "American Gladiators," whose ratings rose during the weeks they were promoted on the TV Guide Network, the magazine says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Mom Site Birthing TV Show

Telepictures Prods. is considering launching a daytime talk show based on the Warner Bros. Television Group website MomLogic.com, the Hollywood Reporter says. The projects could be ready for fall 2009. Another Telepictures Web site, TMZ.com, has become a successful syndicated series.

TVBizwire

Stephanopoulos Puts Heat on Russert

The intense contest for the Democratic Presidential nomination is intensifying the Sunday morning battle between top rated "Meet the Press" with Tim Russert and upstart George Stephanopoulos of ABC's "This Week," the New York Times says. The hosts have similar backgrounds as Democratic campaign operatives and have both been criticized for being unfair to Democratic candidates.

TVBizwire

TNS Rejects $1.78 Bil. Bid from WPP

Taylor Nelson Sofres rejected a $1.87 billion offer from WPP Group that would have created the world’s second-largest market research company after The Nielsen Co., the Wall Street Journal reports. WPP’s big was designed to block a merger with GfK AG of Germany and could result in a bidding war.

TVBizwire

Predicting Reality Results Not Yet a Science

Systems for predicting the winners and losers of realty TV shows like "American Idol" have proven less than perfect, the New York Times reports. Producers are not disturbed by the projections, although ratings for "Idol" are down 8% from last year.

TVBizwire

NBC Hoping Olympic Bet Pays Off

NBC Universal will have 3,600 hours of Summer Olympics coverage this year, up from about 1,200 in Athens four years ago, in an effort to recoup its $894 million investment in Olympics broadcast rights, Daily Variety reports. Events from the 17-day Olympics will be broadcast on sister networks USA, MSNBC, Oxygen and CNBC, in addition to NBC, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

MTV Looking for a New Blonde

MTV next month will debut a reality show featuring actresses looking to replace the star of a musical based on the movie "Legally Blonde," Daily Variety reports. The eight-episode season, which will follow 10 actresses trying to win the part, will be hosted by Haylie Duff, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

TV on Tiny Cellphones Becoming Big Deal

AT&T Wireless yesterday began offering its 10-channel Mobile TV service, which costs subscribers $15 a month, to its 71.4 million subscribers, the New York Times reports. AT&T is banking on the U.S. popularity of the concept, which started in Japan and Korea and has since become popular in Western Europe, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

WE, Sci Fi Get 'Ghost' Rerun Rights

WE and Sci Fi Channel agreed to share the rights to show reruns of "Ghost Whisperer" on cable starting next year, Daily Variety reports. Including an off-network agreement with Ion Television, the drama will generate as much as $700,000 per episode, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Cavanagh to Head Gospel Channel Sales

Mary Jeanne "MJ" Cavanagh has been named executive VP of advertising sales at the Gospel Music Channel, MediaWeek reports. Cavanagh previously was the ad sales chief at Oxygen Media, which she joined in 2002, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cable Operators Want Inclusion in FCC Plans

Cable operators Charter Communications, Mediacom Communications and Cequel Communications are urging Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin to broaden a proposal that would give small cable operators relief from rules requiring the duplicative carriage of some local TV signals, Multichannel News reports. The plan includes relief for cable systems with 552 MHz of capacity or less, but the three cable operators said they should be included because they do not have a big enough subscriber base to justify a digital upgrade of their 750 MHz systems, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Actors, Directors Join 'Fear Itself'

Jesse Plemons ("Friday Night Lights"), James Roday and Maggie Lawson ("Psych"), Rachel Miner ("Californication"), Colin Ferguson ("Eureka") and Christie Laing ("The 4400") are among actors joining the cast of NBC's horror anthology "Fear Itself," the Chicago Tribune reports. Directors John Dahl ("Joy Ride"), Larry Fessenden ("Wendigo") and Rupert Wainwright ("Stigmata") also have been added to the production, the newspaper says. The 13 stand-alone episodes are scheduled to premiere June 5 at 10 p.m.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Hee Haw's' Jim Hager Dies

"Hee Haw" star Jim Hager died May 1 in Nashville after collapsing at a coffee shop, AP reports. Hager was one-half of the country life-satirizing Hager Twins, who spouted corny one-liners on the long-running "Hee Haw," the wire service notes. No cause of death has been revealed for the 66-year-old actor.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Macrovision Closes Gemstar-TV Guide Buy

Macrovision has acquired Gemstar-TV Guide International for $2.8 billion, Multichannel News reports. Macrovision has expressed interest in selling TV Guide magazine, TV Guide Network and the TVG horse-racing channel, choosing to focus on interactive program guides, connected services and device connectivity under the new Macrovision Solutions Corp. company title, the newspaper says. Several editors from TV Guide magazine were let go earlier this week, the newspaper notes, citing AP.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

FCC Rules 'TMZ' Is News

The Federal Communications Commission has ruled that Telepictures Productions' "TMZ" program is a news show, Broadcasting & Cable reports. As a news show, the program is not required, as licensees are by the FCC, to offer equal airtime to all political candidates running for office when featuring one candidate, the newspaper notes. The FCC also ruled that news segments and interviews on Christian Broadcasting Network's "The 700 Club" fall under the category of news programming, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 2, 2008
11:39 AM
Comment

Sheridan Remains 'Desperate'

Nicollette Sheridan will return to "Desperate Housewives" next season for at least "several appearances," Entertainment Weekly reports, citing unnamed sources. Sheridan is not scheduled to appear in the two-hour finale this season, the magazine notes. The article didn't indicate whether the producers were contacted to confirm or deny the report.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 2, 2008
11:29 AM
Comment

Google TV Ads Goes Public

Google has taken its TV ad-buying service, Google TV Ads, out of the test stage, MediaDailyNews reports. The public unveiling allows U.S. advertisers to reach 13 million Dish Network subscribers with ads purchased directly through Google AdWords, the Web site says. Google will cover up to $2,000 in costs for each user creating their own TV commercials through its ad creation marketplace service, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 2, 2008
11:16 AM
Comment

Schirripa Joins ABC Family's 'Teenager'

Former "Sopranos" star Steve Schirripa has joined the cast of ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" as a recurring character, the New York Daily News reports. Schirripa most recently played mobster Bobby Baccalieri on "The Sopranos." The series about friends and family dealing with an unplanned pregnancy comes from "7th Heaven" creator Brenda Hampton.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 2, 2008
11:13 AM
Comment

Hearst TV Revenues Fall 3%

Revenues for Hearst-Argyle Television's first quarter fell nearly 3% to $165.1 million, MediaDailyNews reports. However, net digital media revenue increased by 22% to $4.9 million, the Web site says. Its net income also rose to $10 million from $4.3 million during the previous period, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 2, 2008
10:51 AM
Comment

ACA Presses FCC on DirecTV Conditions

The American Cable Association asked the Federal Communications Commission to deny News Corp.'s attempts to escape the conditions of its DirecTV acquisition, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The FCC required that the company submit to commercial arbitration in cable-operator complaints about negotiations for regional sports networks or retransmission-consent talks, the newspaper says. News Corp. argued that the conditions should be lifted now that it has sold DirecTV to Liberty Media, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 2, 2008
10:43 AM
Comment

Hillary Boosts 'O'Reilly' Ratings

Hillary Clinton's first appearance on Fox News Channel's "The O'Reilly Factor" boosted the program's ratings 42% from year-to-date numbers (2.6 million), the New York Post reports. According to Nielsen, the Wednesday episode averaged 3.7 million viewers and a huge 82% increase from its season-to-date average among the coveted 25-54 demographic, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

ABC May Stream More Ads in Episodes

Walt Disney's ABC.com may begin running multiple advertisements during commercial breaks on shows streamed from the network’s Web site, as opposed to standard Web site procedure of running a single ad, the Hollywood Reporter says. ABC.com’s audience spends, on average, more than 47 minutes on the site per visit, the most of any network’s Web site, the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Walters Had Affair with Senator

Barbara Walters said she had an affair with then-married Massachusetts Senator Edward Brooke in the 1970s, the Associated Press reports. Ms. Walters, who revealed the affair on the taping of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" scheduled to air next week, said the affair ended before Mr.Brooke ran for a third term in 1978, the wire service says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Viacom Profits Rock

Viacom reported higher first-quarter profits and strong sales of its "Rock Band" video game, TVWeek says. Net earnings rose 33% to $270 million, or 42 cents a share, from $203 million, or 22 cents a share, a year ago, the company said Friday. Revenues rose 15% to $3.1 billion. Excluding the impact of restructuring charges at MTV Networks a year ago, adjusted operating income rose 14% in the first quarter. "Content creation is our central mission and our ongoing investments in programming are paying off as we see our television ratings continue to improve," said Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman, citing MTV's "Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew," TV Land's "High School Reunion" and BET's "Iron Ring." "Audiences are also responding to our digital content, which is moving beyond our own branded sites through smart distribution deals with leading online and mobile partners," Mr. Dauman said in a statement.
Viacom's full earnings announcement can be found here.

TVBizwire

SAG Talks End With Whimper

The Screen Actors Guild concluded negotiations with the studios today with little progress and no plans for discussions before the guild's contract expires June 30, Daily Variety reports. The studios have criticized SAG for asking for DVD and new media terms that are better than what the Writers and Directors Guilds of America received, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Two-Party System at Fox News

Democratic presidential candidates have boosted their number of appearances on Fox News Channel, long thought of by liberals as a Republican bastion, the Los Angeles Times reports. Candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were both interviewed by Fox News this week while Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean is scheduled to talk with Fox News' Chris Wallace on Sunday, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Cyrus Zips Out of Disney Event

"Hannah Montana" star Miley Cyrus, under fire because some racy pictures have undermined her status as a role model for girls, left an appearance at Disney World before reporters arrived to ask her questions, the Associated Press reports. Ms. Cyrus has also cancelled plans to attend a red-carpet Disney event Friday.

TVBizwire

O’Hara May Join ABC’s 'Behavior'

Catherine O'Hara is in talks to appear on the ABC pilot "Good Behavior," while Andie MacDowell has joined the cast of the network's drama pilot "Prince of Motor City," the Hollywood Reporter says. Meanwhile, CW signed Michael Steger, whose credits include "The Winner," for a role on its "Beverly Hills, 90210" spinoff, the trade paper says. Finally, Michael Rosenbaum, who plays Lex Luthor on CW’s “Smallville,” will leave the show after seven seasons, the Reporter says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Cruise Calm on Oprah’s Couch

There was no jumping around as Tom Cruise returned to Oprah Winfrey's couch Thursday to tape a two-part interview that will air Friday and Monday, the Associated Press reports. Three years ago the actor bounced around proclaiming his love for actress Katie Holmes, now his wife. Audience members got a box of Mr. Cruise's movies as a gift.

TVBizwire

CBS Signs ‘American Dog’ Host

CBS signed zoologist-television host Jarod Miller to host reality show "Greatest American Dog," which will premier this summer, Daily Variety reports. The show will feature a dozen dogs and their owners living together and competing for a $250,000 prize, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Hulk Gets Stars Grappling for CMT

CMT ordered eight episodes of "Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling," the Hollywood Reporter says. Mr. Hogan and ex-World Championship Wrestling President Eric Bischoff will be judges on the show as 10 celebrities compete in elimination matches, the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Showtime Wants More Laughs

Showtime ordered a second season of Tracey Ullman’s "State of the Union" and may order comedy pilots starring Edie Falco and Toni Collette, Daily Variety reports. The network also ordered a series from U.K. comedian Marc Wootton, who Showtime Entertainment President Robert Greenblatt compared to Sasha Baron Cohen, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Kimmel to Appear on 'Letterman'

Jimmy Kimmel, who appeared on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" during the Writers Guild of America strike, will be a guest on "Late Show With David Letterman" next week, Web site DeadlineHollywoodDaily reports. In addition to "Late Show," Mr. Kimmel will appear on "Good Morning America" and Howard Stern's radio show during his trip to New York, the Web site says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Discovery, Discover Talk Partnership

Discovery Channel parent Discovery Communications and Discover Magazine have had talks about partnering on some programming, MediaPost says. Both Discover, which had management changes last year, and Discovery, which has partnered with other print publications, denied the talks involved a possible merger, according to the report.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Zellweger to Produce Lifetime Movie

Renee Zellweger will executive produce Lifetime movie "Living Proof," which is based on the true story breast cancer drug developer Denny Slamon, the Hollywood Reporter says. The movie will feature Harry Connick Jr. as Mr. Slamon. Ms. Zellweger will not appear on camera, the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Nielsen Lays Out DTV Plans

Nielsen Media Research has issued a nine-page letter to its clients detailing its plan for the digital TV transition, AdWeek reports. Nielsen assures that "most homes" in its audience rating sample will be equipped to receive digital signals by the Feb. 17 deadline, the newspaper says. Currently, TV sets not equipped for the digital transition make up 11.3% of Nielsen's panel, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

PTC Urges CBS Affiliates to Cut 'Dexter'

The Parents Television Council is pushing members to contact CBS-affiliated stations and ask them to preempt this Sunday's episode of "Dexter," Broadcasting & Cable reports. The two-hour season finale of the off-Showtime show, which features a serial killer-turned-detective, is set to air on CBS at 9 p.m. rather than its usual 10 p.m. slot. That would put the first hour in the family-friendly 8 p.m. timeslot in the Central and Mountain time zones, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Cox, National Lampoon Enter Vegas PPV Deal

Cox Communications and National Lampoon have partnered to provide original classic content and new films on a pay-per-view basis to more than 80,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas, Multichannel News reports. National Lampoon's feature film library will provide the programming while Cox's Business & Hospitality Network will distribute the content, the newspaper says. The agreement includes acquisitions from emerging filmmakers, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Deadliest Catch' Hooks Viewers

Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" drew its second-largest audience for its fourth season premiere on April 29, Multichannel News reports. The program pulled in more than 3.5 million viewers and a 2.53 rating, the newspaper says. Discovery Channel said the current season is surpassing season three's average by more than 10% in the 25-54 demographic, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Sen. Clinton to Appear on ABC's 'This Week'

ABC's "This Week" will interview Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton this Sunday, TVNewser.com reports. The live broadcast from Indianapolis will take the form of a town hall meeting with questions from host George Stephanopoulos, invited guests and voters in North Carolina, the Web site says. Invitations have been extended to Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

'Project Runway' Goes Bicoastal

"Project Runway" will split its time between New York and Los Angeles for the sixth season on Lifetime, Entertainment Weekly reports, citing unnamed sources. The change comes in a move to accommodate host Heidi Klum's schedule and home life, the magazine reports. Bravo's upcoming fifth season and Lifetime's seventh season will return to New York, the magazine notes. The article didn't indicate whether the producers were contacted to confirm or deny the report.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

Lohan Gets 'Ugly'?

Lindsay Lohan is in negotiations to guest star on the May 22 season finale of "Ugly Betty," TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reports, citing unnamed sources. Producers also are talking to Lohan's representatives about coming back for an eight-episode arc next season, Ausiello says on the Web site. Ratings for "How I Met Your Mother" rose to a series high when another tabloid target, Britney Spears, appeared on the program, TVWeek reported. Ausiello's article didn't indicate whether the producers were contacted to confirm or deny the report.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 1, 2008
12:44 PM
Comment

WPLG Readies for New Facility

ABC's Miami affiliate WPLG-TV is making preparations to move into a state-of-the-art facility next spring, TVNewsday.com reports. The new station will feature tapeless, file-based operations, HD news, automation and a new transmitter, which will help WPLG transition to digital broadcasting, the Web site says. The new facility also will be more protected from hurricanes, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 1, 2008
12:16 PM
Comment

Ion TV Checks Into 'ER'

Ion Media Networks has obtained the rights to air seasons 11 through 14 of the NBC drama "ER," TVNewsday.com reports. The deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television brings the series to Ion Television's prime-time lineup beginning in June, the Web site says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 1, 2008
12:00 PM
Comment

'Rabbit Ears' Contest to Smooth DTV Transition

The National Association of Broadcasters and the Consumer Electronics Association have launched a nationwide competition to encourage over-the-air viewers to transition to digital television before the Feb. 17 deadline, TVNewsday.com reports. The “Rabbit Ears Pioneers” contest seeks stories and anecdotes about over-the-air broadcast viewers and why they enjoy broadcast TV. The goal is to help make sure older friends and family members are prepared for the switch to digital broadcasting, the Web site says. The "Pioneers" and those who nominate them are eligible to win a home entertainment system; winners will receive a digital converter box and digital reception antenna and be entered for the grand prize, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 1, 2008
11:57 AM
Comment

Lipstone Named Head of ICM's Int'l TV Division

ICM has named Greg Lipstone sole head of its international TV and media division, Daily Variety reports. Lipstone's former co-head, Steve Wohl, has left the talent agency, the newspaper says. ICM formed the division last year to produce alternative programming, import international formats and adapt new-media properties, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 1, 2008
11:54 AM
Comment

BBC iPlayer Jumps to Virgin Media

The BBC's iPlayer will be available to 3.5 million Virgin Media cable TV customers today, Daily Variety reports. The BBC iPlayer provides viewers with access to more than 350 hours of BBC programming from the past seven days, the newspaper says. The free iPlayer's move from Internet to cable is cause for concern for News Corp.'s paybox BSkyB, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 1, 2008
11:08 AM
Comment

ShineReveille, MRC Join Forces

TV companies ShineReveille and Media Rights Capital have joined forces to create a major independent international distributor, Daily Variety reports. The companies say the partnership allows them to present more scripted programming than any other independent group. Under the deal, ShineReveille International will be responsible for sales of ShineReveille and MRC programming outside the U.S., the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 1, 2008
10:41 AM
Comment

AFTRA Ratifies Reality, Syndie, Soap Deal

A total of 94 percent of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists membership ratified a three-year deal with the studios covering reality, syndicated dramas, soaps and other genres, Mediaweek reports. The new Network Television Code agreement increases fees and improves health and retirement plans, and provides new terms for programming reuse for new media, the newspaper notes. The deal covers actors and all on-camera and off-camera talent in the genres listed above, as wells as game shows, talk shows, variety and musical programs, news, sports and promotional announcements, the newspaper says.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

NBC Studios to Undergo Makeover

Santa Monica-based developer M. David Paul & Associates is planning a $750 million overhaul of NBC Studios in Burbank, the Los Angeles Times reports. The new owners of the space want to construct a complex to be named the Pointe, which will be run as an independent studio for film and television producers, the newspaper says. The construction of multiple office towers will open up rental space for television support staff, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 1, 2008
10:35 AM
Comment

Comcast Earnings Rise, Subscribers Decline

Cable system operator Comcast on Thursday reported a 10% percent increase in net income to $588 million, says Broadcasting & Cable. The news comes despite a net loss of 57,000 basic-cable subscribers, the newspaper notes. Revenue rose by 14% to $8.39 billion, the newspaper notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

May 1, 2008
10:16 AM
Comment

Giuliani to Guest Host 'Scoreboard'

Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani will guest host "America's Nightly Scoreboard" on Fox Business Network, TVNewser.com reports. The Giuliani-hosted hour will be broadcast live tonight at 7 p.m. ET with a replay scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, the Web site notes.
—Vlada Gelman

TVBizwire

AT&T Starts Mobile-Phone TV Service

AT&T next week will start television service for mobile phones that will include programming form CBS, NBC, Fox and Comedy Central, the Wall Street Journal reports. The service will be available in 58 U.S. markets, the Journal says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Redstone Punchy About CBS Fights

Viacom and CBS Chairman Sumner Redstone was critical of CBS CEO Leslie Moonves' decision to air mixed-martial arts fighting on the network, the Hollywood Reporter says. Speaking on a panel in Beverly Hills, Mr. Redstone said he didn’t think it was "socially responsible" to broadcast such fights on free television, the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Strike Costing Dramas Viewers

As broadcast networks schedules return to close to normal, drama series are registering some of their lowest ratings ever, the New York Times says. On the other hand, CBS's Monday night comedies have bounced back well.

TVBizwire

Studios Blast SAG Demands

As contract talks stall, the major studios criticized demands made by the Screen Actors Guild as unreasonable and unrealistic, Daily Variety reports. On its Web site, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers posted an update with the message that there will be no deal unless the union changes its positions on new media and DVD payments.

TVBizwire

Cablevision to Bid $650 Mil. on Newsday

Cablevision will make a $650 million bid for Long Island newspaper Newsday, or about $70 million more than competing offers from Mortimer Zuckerman and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. the New York Times reports, citing people familiar with the situation it didn’t identify. Meanwhile, Jared Kushner's Observer Media Group dropped out of the bidding, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

'Idol' in Rehearsal Controversy

"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul, who on Tuesday’s show made comments about a performance that yet to take place, admitted that the judges sometimes view parts of the contestants’ dress rehearsal and factor them into their comments, the New York Times reports. Ms. Abdul said in a radio interview that she mixed up performances from the dress rehearsal, which takes place about two hours before the show, and from the live show, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Disney To Wrap Cyrus Tighter

Disney Channel executives said they will be involved with all of 15-year-old "Hannah Montana" star Miley Cyrus's interactions with the media, though won’t change any scheduling of programming or public appearances, Multichannel News reports. Ms. Cyrus has received attention for photos that will appear in today's issue of Vanity Fair.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Switchover Moves Sweeps to March

Nielsen Media Research said yesterday it will move its sweeps to March from February next year to allow for viewer disruptions likely to be caused by the switchover to digital broadcasting on Feb. 17, the Hollywood Reporter says. About 9% of U.S. households don’t have a television that can process a digital signal while an additional 7% have televisions that receive over-the-air programming, the newspaper reports, citing Nielsen.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

ABC Gets Wayans for 'Better' Pilot

ABC signed Damon Wayans to star in and executive produce its comedy pilot "Never Better," Daily Variety reports. The show, based on a BBC2 series in the U.K., is about a recovering alcoholic trying to be a good father and husband, the newspaper says. Mr. Wayans starred on ABC’s "My Wife and Kids" from 2001-2005.
--Danny King

TVBizwire

TV Land On Prowl with 'Cougar'

TV Land ordered an untitled, so-called "cougar" reality show, in which young men compete for an older woman, Daily Variety reports. The show, scheduled to debut early next year, will be executive produced by Mike Fleiss, who runs TV Land’s "High School Reunion," the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Warner Films Go On Demand Earlier

Time Warner unit Warner Bros. will release more of its films for video-on-demand the same day as DVD releases, the New York Times says. The studio will be able to cut manufacturing and distribution costs by moving video-on-demand titles to the so-called "day and date' of the DVD release, the newspaper says.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Puppets Promote Movies on Cartoon

Cartoon Network will help promote certain films by featuring two puppets interviewing movie stars on the set of their films, the Hollywood Reporter says. The first promotion by the puppets, dubbed Jib and Crash, will be for "Speed Racer" this month, the newspaper reports.
-- Danny King

TVBizwire

Editors Canceled at TV Guide

TV Guide editor Ian Birch and managing editors Lois Draegin and Steve Sonsky will be leaving the company as new Gemstar-TV Guide owner Macrovision cuts staff from the money-losing publication, Web site DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com reports. Macrovision may either try to sell off the magazine or shut it down if no buyer is found, the Web site says.
-- Danny King

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