Dennis Hopper Battling Prostate Cancer

Dennis Hopper has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to his manager, the Associated Press reports.

The 73-year-old actor, who recently finished shooting on the the second season of the Starz network’s "Crash," is being treated at the University of Southern California.

The AP report says that "Asked about Hopper's prognosis, [Hopper's manager] said, 'We're hoping for the best.' He would not elaborate on the actor's condition."

--Elizabeth Jensen

Legendary Lee Clow Steps Down as Chief Creative Officer On Apple Ad Account; Clow Known For Most Famous Commercial of All-time--that Apple Macintosh '1984' Spot That Aired Only Once

Lee Clow has stepped down at the lead creative person on the Apple advertising account, Advertising Age reports.

He's being replaced by Duncan Milner, who is currently the executive creative director on the account.

In referring to Clow, 66, the article says, "In his more than 40 years in advertising, he is best known for his work for Apple, which includes what many have called the best commercial of all time, "1984," that launched the Macintosh computer; the now iconic dancing silhouettes for the iPod; and the more recent "Mac vs. PC" campaign featuring actors John Hodgman and Justin Long."

The famous "1984" commercial only aired once, and it was during the Super Bowl.

--Chuck Ross

Bids For Travel Channel Nearing $1 Billion, Far Exceeding Expectations

Bids for a stake in Cox Communications’ Travel Channel are nearing $1 billion, far exceeding the $600 million to $700 million it was initially expected to command, the New York Times reports.

Those bidding are said to include News Corp. and Scripps Networks, and at least one of the offers is for more than $900 million, according to the paper. Although the channel’s ratings and revenues are modest, widely distributed cable networks are rarely for sale, which accounts for the strong bidding. The report says the Travel Channel is in about 100 million homes.

News Corp. is the lead bidder, but the two sides aren’t in exclusive negotiations, the paper said.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Despite Retrans Gains For Both Companies, Revs Down 18% For Lin Broadcasting, Down 13% For Meredith Broadcasting

TV station groups continue to struggle in this economy, with revenues down 18% and 13%, respectively, for Lin Broadcasting and Meredith Broadcasting.

Despite revenues for retransmission consent up 36%, Lin Broadcasting's net revenues for the third quarter declined by 18% compared to third quarter 2008, B&C reports.

Similarly, over at Meredith Broadcasting it saw its revenue decline despite its retrans revenue nearly doubling in the quarter. For Meredith, the quarter was actually the first quarter of fiscal 2010, B&C reports.

Meredith's revenue was off 13% compared to the same time last year. It's non-politcal advertising was down 7% in comparing the two quarters.

--Chuck Ross

Producer of 'Paranormal Activity' and Author of 'Less Than Zero' and 'American Psycho' Teaming For HBO Series

HBO has scored a coup by landing the producer of the hottest movie of the season, the low-budget multi-million dollar grossing "Paranormal Activity" to co-executive produce a new series, Variety reports.

The producer, Jason Blum, will team with well-know scribe Bret Easton Ellis ("Less Than Zero," "American Psycho") on a TV series adaptation of "The Follower," by crime novelist Jason Starr, Variety says.

According to the report, "The drama is described as a dark social satire chronicling the dating lives of a group of twentysomething New Yorkers as seen through the eyes of a stalker. It was published by St. Martin's Press late last year."

HBO will partner with Lionsgate TV on the project, Variety says.

--Chuck Ross

Major Movie Theater/iTunes Promotion For Syndie TV Show

Disney ABC Domestic Television has partnered with 1,300 movie theaters nationwide and iTunes for a major promotion for one of its syndicated TV shows, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Here's how the promotion works for the upcoming premiere of season two of "Legend of the Seeker."

Up to 1 million moviegoers will get a 3d "Seeker" card when they purchase a movie ticket at the participating theaters through Nov. 6th.

Using a code on the card they can go to iTunes to get a free download of the season two premiere ahead of the Nov. 7th date it will be shown on-air.

--Chuck Ross 

Dodger Living Legend, Vin Scully, to Talk to Hollywood Crowd

Vin Scully, who is still at the top of his game as arguably the best sports announcer in the country, will be making a rare appearance in front of Hollywood TV and radio executives in November.

Scully, who will be 82 on Nov. 29, has, remarkably, been in the Dodger broadcast booth since 1950. He will celebrate 60 years of broadcasting with the team next season.

Scully will be the featured guest at special Newsmaker Luncheon for the  Hollywood Radio and Television Society (HRTS) on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. He will be interviewed by writer-director Ron Shelton, whose script for the film about baseball, "Bull Durham" was nominated for an Academy Award.

Several years ago TVWeek awarded Scully a Lifetime Achievement Award for his TV broadcasting.

--Chuck Ross

Bullet Hits Home of CNN’s Lou Dobbs

A bullet hit the New Jersey home of CNN’s Lou Dobbs, whose wife and driver, according to police, were outside when they heard the gunshot, theAssociated Press reports.

The incident happened Oct. 5. Dobbs mentioned it earlier this week on his TV and radio programs.

Police don’t know who was responsible. Although it is hunting season, no hunters were seen in the area.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Seth MacFarlane Show Gets Order for Next Season

Seth MacFarlane is having a good run. On the heels of both "Family Guy" and "The Cleveland Show" being renewed for next season, he can add a third show to that list, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

MacFarlane’s animated “American Dad" has been now picked up for a sixth season by Fox.

--Elizabeth Jensen

NBC Cancels Series

The new series that's reportedly the most expensive on NBC's lineup--despite being from sibling Universal Media Studios, has been canceled, Variety reports

The show is hte medical drama "Trauma," and shooting for the series will end after its initial 13-episode order.

The show will nonetheless stay on the network’s Monday schedule until its run is complete.

According to the article, "The network was put in a tough spot earlier in the year when "Parenthood" had to be pushed back to 2010 when co-star Maura Tierney was ill."

The network’s other medical series, “Mercy,” previously got a full-season order.

--Elizabeth Jensen

VH1 Getting into the Parenting Business

VHI has ordered a reality series that will teach men how to be good fathers, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The series from 3Ball Prods. ("The Biggest Loser") is tentatively titled “Dad Camp” and will focus on teaching first-time fathers how to act responsibly toward their children.

--Elizabeth Jensen

NAB President Pleads for ‘Modest’ Media Ownership Reform in Meeting with FCC

In his second day on the job, the new National Association of Broadcasters president, Gordon Smith, met with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to plead for "modest" media ownership reform, B&C reports.

He said it would help preserve "quality journalism."

--Elizabeth Jensen

BBC Employees Facing Massive Cuts

The BBC is entering another round of major layoffs, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The U.K. broadcaster will cut 18% of its more than 640 senior and exec director posts over the next three-and-a-half years.

According to the story, salaries will be frozen for the next three years for executive directors, and new hires will receive salaries lower than their commercial counterparts, the public broadcaster said.

--Elizabeth Jensen

You'll Never Guess Who Kids Voted Worst Celebrity Influence of 2009

Respondents to a survey conducted by AOL's JSYK.com (Just So You Know) have chosen the worst celebrity influence of 2009, according the Reuters.

The winner (or loser, as the case may be): singer Miley Cyrus.

Making the results particularly interesting is the fact that the voters apparently were boys and girls between 9 and 15 years old -- Cyrus' target demographic -- who populate the Web site . No reason was given for Cyrus' poor showing.

Britney Spears and rapper Kanye West came in second and third, respectively.

-- Allison J. Waldman

NBC Has Magic Detective Show in the Works

Universal Media Studios and NBC are planning a new detective series about a magician who solves crimes, according to Variety.

The project comes from "NCIS" writer Dan Fesman and film director Jon Amiel, as well as producer David Percelay. The set up is reminiscent of the CBS hit series, "The Mentalist" only instead of a former psychic, it's a former magician who is recruited to join a law enforcement agency, using his skills to help catch the bad guys.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Latest Celebrity Guests Set to Appear on 'Monday Night Raw'

On the heels of Jeremy Piven, Shaquille O'Neal and Snoop Dogg, the next celebrities are set to grace the ring on USA's "Monday Night Raw," reports Multichannel News.

Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon, famous for their reality TV show as much as Ozzy's rock music career, will be on the wrestling show Monday, Nov. 2, at 9 p.m. The episode will be shot at the CCU Center in Worcester, Mass.

-- Allison J. Waldman

In the Wake of '8,' TLC Sets a 'Table for 12'

The "Jon and Kate Plus 8" Gosselins are no more for TLC, so now the network has begun filming a reality show about the Hayes clan, an even bigger family, report the New York Post.

The Hayeses of New Jersey have two sets of twins plus sextuplets, and they're currently the subject of a new show called "Table for 12." Production began on the Hayes program last June.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Chrysler to Offer Live TV Service in Cars

DVD monitors in cars are not new, but Chrysler announced Thursday that car buyers also will be able to buy live TV service, Qualcomm's Flo TV, a new luxury option that'll be included in new Chrysler models starting this December, according to the Associated Press.

Up to 20 channels, including Fox News, MSNBC and Comedy Central, will be provided at a cost of about $9 a month, after a $629 installation, although costs are subject to change.

-- Allison J. Waldman

TV Guide Plans 'Mad Men' Sweepstakes for Media Planners, Buyers

To draw attention to the TVGuideonline entertainment Web site, TVGuideonline and TV Guide Network sales chief Richy Glassberg has created a promotion geared to media planners and buyers, reports MediaPost.

TV Guide is mounting a sweepstakes for planners in which the top prize is a night out with one of the stars of AMC's "Mad Men." The promotion is called Plannerati, with the official promo site -- theplannerati.com -- going live today, along with a Twitter account, twitter.com/theplannerati.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Comedy Central Greelights Nick Swardson Show

Comedy Central announced today that it has given the go-ahead to stand-up comic Nick Swardson, who played the roller-skating character Terry Bernardino on the "Reno 911!" series, for a six-episode sketch show.

The weekly series will begin shooting in November for a launch in 2010, with Swardson executive producing the show, along with Tom Gianas, Sony Pictures Television and Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Productions.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Glee' Single Goes Gold

"Glee," Fox's new musical drama series, currently has seven songs on the iTunes Top Songs chart and one of them, "Don't Stop Believin'" has just been certified gold by the RIAA -- which means the recording has exceeded sales of 500,000 copies/downloads.

As of this morning, "Glee" music has sold over 2 million units. On Nov. 3, the first official CD from the Fox series, "Glee: The Music, Volume 1" will go on sale in stores and online.

-- Allison J. Waldman

World Series Game Draws Nearly 18 Million Total Viewers

World Series Game One, the Yankees vs. the Phillies, was a big smash for Fox, with an average 17.8 million total viewers tuning in, according to Hal Boedeker in the Orlando Sentinel.

Among the other networks, the 8 p.m. hour was very competitive, with reruns of "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Gary Unmarried" getting 6.6 million and 6.4 million, respectively, against ABC's "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!'s" 6.3 million and "The Middle's" 6.6 million, while NBC stayed close with a "Monsters vs. Aliens" special drawing 6.3 million.

At 9 p.m.,CBS' "Criminal Minds" rerun had 9.7 million viewers compared to ABC's "Modern Family" and "Cougar Town" were up with 9.2 million and 7.5 million each, and NBC's "Law & Order: SVU" had 8 million people watching.

The 10 p.m. hour, 9.2 million viewers were glued to a rerun of "CSI: NY." Another 5.1 million watched ABC's new installment of "Eastwick" and 5 million more tuned in to see NBC's "The Jay Leno Show."

-- Allison J. Waldman

Susan Boyle to Sell Debut CD on QVC

British songstress Susan Boyle, who became an overnight sensation after singing on "Britain Has Talent," is going to appear on QVC Nov. 4 to promote and pre-sell her debut CD, "I Dreamed a Dream," reports OK Magazine.

QVC is offering viewers who order the CD a bonus DVD of behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the album, which will be available in stores Nov. 24.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Was Truce Discussed in Meeting Between Fox News, White House?

Fox News Channel executive Michael Clemente met Wednesday at the White House with Obama Administration press secretary Robert Gibbs, but neither side is saying whether a truce was on the agenda, the Associated Press reports.

No details of the meeting were given. The White House has been outspoken in recent weeks about Fox News, criticizing it for what it says is biased coverage that reflects the Republican agenda.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Exec Producer of Longrunning Hit Signs Through 2013 Despite Previous Vow to Exit in 2011

The creator and executive producer of a longrunning hit series who told television critics at a TCA gathering last year that he wouldn't continue the show beyond a seventh season has changed his mind.

Marc Cherry extended his contract with ABC Studios for two years, and part of the deal is that he will remain exec producer of "Desperate Housewives" for an eighth and ninth season, Variety reports.

The show is now in its sixth season, so the extension could keep “Housewives” on the air through 2013. Key cast members are only signed through the 2010-11 season, however.

Cherry’s top deputy on the show, Bob Daily, also extended his ABC Studios’ contract by two years and will take a more active role running the show.

--Elizabeth Jensen and Chuck Ross

Washington’s WJLA to Break Taboos in Four-Part Breast Cancer Report

Albritton Communications' Washington, D.C., ABC affiliate WJLA-TV will break some reporting conventions when it kicks off a four-part report on breast cancer tonight, the Washington Post reports.

The late-afternoon and evening newscast reports will show two women fully exposed, not with their breasts draped, in an effort to show women how to perform proper breast self-examination.

The series is airing on the first two days of the November sweeps.

WJLA general manager Bill Lord told the paper: "People will say we're doing it just for ratings," adding, "But we're a commercial television station -- we're trying to get people to watch us. Yes, this is an attention-getting story, but it's also an important story."

--Elizabeth Jensen

Brian Williams Cancels ‘Leno’ Appearance After All

Escalating violence in Afghanistan caused “NBC Nightly News” anchor to cancel what was to have been his first appearance on Jay Leno’s 10 p.m. show on Wednesday night, B&C reports.

Williams was to have appeared live from an American-controlled compound, as he sought to honor a long-standing commitment to the show. David Gregory subbed for him instead.

--Elizabeth Jensen

FCC Defends its ‘Vulgar Expletives’ Finding in Court Filing

In a court filing Wednesday, the FCC defended its conclusion that the "vulgar expletives" from Cher and Nicole Richie during a Fox broadcast in 2002 violated community broadcasting standards, B&C reports.

The Supreme Court recently upheld the FCC's decision to "expand broadcast indecency enforcement to fleeting expletives," and therefore, the commission said in a filing, Fox has “no basis” for challenging the FCC’s finding regarding the broadcasts.

--Elizabeth Jensen

NBC’s ‘Chuck’ Gets New Life Thanks to ‘Southland’ Not Subway

Even without its fans buying Subway sandwiches, “Chuck” is seeing new life at NBC, Variety reports.

The network--which came close to canceling the series in May and relented only because of a fan-driven Subway sandwich campaign--ordered six more episodes to run midseason, bringing its total order to 19 episodes.

The series was expected to return after the Winter Olympics in March, but with the cancellation of “Southland” and “Trauma” struggling, the network may need it as early as January.

--Elizabeth Jensen

MTV Taps New Program Strategy Chief

MTV hired a new executive to oversee program strategy and acquisitions, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

New exec VP Sarah Tomassi Lindman comes to the network from sister Viacom channel TeenNick. She’ll handle the schedule and digital video distribution, as well.

She replaces John MacDonald, who left the network after two years in the post.

--Elizabeth Jensen

New ETA for Tribune to Exit Bankruptcy

Tribune Co. isn’t expected to exit bankruptcy by the end of the year, as planned, Bloomberg reports.

Sam Zell, the company’s chairman and chief executive, said in an interview with Bloomberg Television that Tribune may emerge from bankruptcy in 2010, instead.

“With some reasonable luck, it will be out sometime by the end of the first quarter,” Zell said in the interview.

--Elizabeth Jensen

New Media Guru to Leave CBS

The man who has overseen CBS’ interactive division since 2006 is leaving the network, reports the Los Angeles Times' Company Town blog.

Quincy Smith, who leads CBS Interactive, will leave to start his own consulting company, the story says, with CBS as a client.

The piece also quotes CBS Chief Executive Leslie Moonves as praising Smith.

--Chuck Ross

Oliver Platt Joining Showtime’s ‘C Word’ Pilot

Showtime cast Oliver Platt to co-star opposite Laura Linney in Showtime's comedy pilot "The C Word," about a suburban mom diagnosed with cancer, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Platt will play her husband, Paul.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Revamped ‘Scrubs’ Will Return to ABC Dec. 1

ABC’s overhauled "Scrubs" will return on Dec. 1, with two back-to-back original episodes, Variety reports.

The show’s setting has been changed this season to a med school.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Larry David Under Fire for 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Gag

In Sunday's HBO broadcast of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," Larry David's character urinated on a painting of Jesus Christ, making a woman believe that a miracle had occurred when she saw what looked like tears. That act, which in the comedy was caused by a prostate drug, has some people and critics up in arms, reports Fox 411.

Deal Hudson, of InsideCatholic.com, was offended, saying, "Why is it that people are allowed to publicly show that level of disrespect for Christian symbols? If the same thing was done to a symbol of any other religions -- Jewish or Muslim -- there'd be a huge outcry."

HBO stood by Larry David in a statement that read, "Anyone who follows 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' knows that the show is full of parody and satire. The humor is playful and certainly never malicious."

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Just to clarify for those who did not see the episode--as some readers have commented below--what happens, the Fox article says, is that David "visits a bathroom in his assistant's home and splatters urine on a picture of Jesus. Instead of wiping it off, David leaves the restroom. Minutes later, David's assistant enters the bathroom and concludes that Jesus is crying. She then summons her mother to the bathroom, where both women kneel in prayer." The splattering up onto the picture occurred while David was peeing in a toilet.]  

--Allison J. Waldman

Disney Offers Free iPhone App for Mobile Content

Disney is offering a new iPhone application for free that will centralize Disney mobile offerings and allow users access to bonus content using innovative Click2Life software, reports the Associated Press.

The Click2Life tool is a key to opening exclusive Disney mobile content in concert with the Disney.com web site. The new iPhone application also offers live broadcasts of Radio Disney and spotlights Disney songs and videos for sale at the iTunes Store.

-- Allison J. Waldman

How Will the Oscars Top Golden Globes Host Gervais?

The news that Ricky Gervais will host the Golden Globes has put the pressure on the Oscar telecast to come up with someone -- or a bunch of someones -- even bigger than Gervais to host their award show, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Hugh Jackman has reportedly nixed a return engagement. The new producers, Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman, are more interested in using a variety of stars, much like the old "friends of Oscar," as revolving hosts, the Times says.

-- Allison J. Waldman

''Til Death' Moving to Sundays

In an effort to spike the ratings for the sitcom "'Til Death," Fox will move the show to Sundays at 7 p.m. commencing Jan. 10, 2010, according to an exclusive report from the Futon Critic.

Airing after NFL football -- when Fox has the late game -- should bring a ratings boost to the Brad Garrett-Joely Fisher comedy.

Fox will air back-to-back episodes of the show in the new timeslot. Fox also has scheduled a "'Til Death" four-episode marathon for Christmas Day.

-- Allison Waldman

'Loser' Wins 8 p.m. Tuesday in Demo vs. Reruns

A fresh episode of NBC's reality series "The Biggest Loser" led the competition at 8 p.m. in the key adults 18-49 demographic Tuesday night, according to B&C.

With a 3.7 rating/10 share in adults 18-49, "Loser" had a strong nght, but on CBS, a rerun of "NCIS" still had the most total viewers -- 16.1 million vs. "Loser's" 9.7. ABC's special showing of Peanuts' "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" pulled 8.9 million total viewers and a 2.7/7 in 18-49.

After the "Pumpkin," ABC improved its numbers with the "Dancing With the Stars" results show -- 14.7 million total viewers and a 2.9/7 in 18-49. Also at 9 p.m., a rerun of CBS' "NCIS: Los Angeles" drew 11.1 million total viewers and a 2.2/5 in 18-49.

-- Allison J. Waldman

PTC Finds Hundreds of Violent Acts Against Women in Just 2 Months on Big Broadcast Nets

On Wednesday, the Parents Television Council released a report that found that more than 400 violent acts against women were depicted in primetime TV on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in just two months, February and May, according to the Associated Press.

By comparison, during those same months in 2004, they found less than 200 violent acts against females. Overall, the report found 3,900 acts of violence in general, not just against women, in February and May.

-- Allison J. Waldman

New NAB President to Make First Speech at the Media Institute

Gordon Smith, the new president of the National Association of Broadcasters, who took office yesterday, has set Nov. 17 for his first official address, reports Multichannel News.

The Media Institute, a First Amendment think tank, has slated Smith to speak at its event that afternoon in Washington, D.C.

-- Allison J. Waldman

End of the Line for TLC's 'Jon & Kate'

Last night's episode of "Jon & Kate Plus 8" is likely the end of the regular series, reports the New York Post.

When asked about the future of the reality show, a TLC spokesperson said, "We remain suspended."

The next episode scheduled will be "Kate: Her Story" a one-hour special in which NBC's Natalie Morales interviews the mother of eight.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Best-Ever October for HGTV

Scripps' HGTV network had it highest-rated October ever, with a primetime rating of 1.0 according to Nielsen Media Research.

In the 18-49 demographic, HGTV's October primetime rating average was a 0.4, also a high, as was a 0.3 in the males 25-49 demo.

From Sept. 28-Oct. 25, HGTV primetime ratings were up 25% over the same period in 2008.

-- Allison J. Waldman

‘Precious’ Star in Talks to Join Showtime’s Pilot ‘The C Word’

"Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe is in talks to join Showtime's comedy pilot "The C Word," reports The Hollywood Reporter.

She’d play a student in the class of Cathy, a suburban wife, mother and teacher who finds humor in her cancer diagnosis. Cathy will be played by Laura Linney.

Sidibe made her acting debut in “Precious.”

--Elizabeth Jensen

ESPN Suspends Bob Griese for Inappropriate On-Air Comment

ESPN’s Bob Griese, who quarterbacked the Miami Dolphins to two Super Bowl wins during his playing days,  was suspended one week after making an inappropriate comment about NASCAR driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who is Colombian, the Associated Press reports.

During ESPN's Minnesota-Ohio State game broadcast Saturday, a graphic popped up listing top drivers in NASCAR's points race, and analyst Chris Spielman asked where Montoya was. Griese replied he was "out having a taco."

Griese has apologized on air twice.

--Elizabeth Jensen and Chuck Ross

Craig Ferguson Finishes His Tuesday Show by Flashlight After Power Failure

When wind knocked out power to CBS Television City in the middle of taping on Tuesday, “Late Late Show's" Craig Ferguson just kept going, by flashlight, reports the Associated Press.

He was interviewing actress Alicia Silverstone at the time.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Aniston Talk Show Story Shot Down

It seemed improbable and now reps for Jennifer Aniston have shot down this week’s New York Post story, based on a report from the London Express, that the actress was planning to host a talk show for Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network, the Post reports.

Her representatives are calling the reports "absolutely false."

Meanwhile, two other former “Friends” stars will have a mini-reunion when Lisa Kudrow guest-stars on Courteney Cox Arquette’s "Cougar Town." The episode will air early next year.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Reveille Expanding in U.S.

Reveille teamed up with reality producer Stella Bulochnikov Stolper (Ish Entertainment) for a new production entity called Wikked Entertainment, part of an aggressive U.S. expansion for Reveille,
Variety reports.

The new production shingle will be run by Stolper, and Reveille will cover financial overhead and production and distribution costs.

--Elizabeth Jensen

No ‘V’ Skywriting Promotional Campaign After All

There will be no giant red “V”s in the skies prior to Nov. 3 to promote ABC’s alien invasion drama, after Washington Post columnist Lisa de Moraes calculated the amount of pollution it would cause, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The skywriting campaign was to appear above 26 U.S. landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and Fenway Park.

ABC said the campaign was scrapped because it decided to spend its money in another way.

--Elizabeth Jensen

TNT Talks for NBC Show Indicates Wait-and-See Attitude for Producing New Episodes

Although TNT appears poised to pick up a show now orphaned by NBC,  the deal being discussed doesn’t include new production--at least initially, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The show, John Wells' police drama "Southland," would likely have 13 episodes going to TNT:  the seven episodes that ran on NBC last spring and six new episodes that were shot for the network to air this fall. TNT will wait to see how the show performs before putting it back in production for new episodes.

--Elizabeth Jensen and Chuck Ross

John Stossel to Speak at Partisan Events

John Stossel, who recently jumped from ABC News to Fox Business Network, is speaking this week at three events hosted by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative group opposed to Democratic health care overhaul, the New York Times reports.

The group’s Web site says Stossel will be among those who will “debate solutions and discuss the dangers of government-forced health care.” Stossel has spoken to the group before, when he was at ABC News.

According to the Times report, Fox says Stossel is free to participate at the events because he’s part of its analyst/host corps, not on the hard news side.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Disney Channel Jumping on Dance Craze With New Pilot

Disney Channel has ordered a pilot for a comedy "Dance Dance Chicago," about two kids who are back-up dancers for a contemporary "American Bandstand"-type show, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Chris Thompson ("The Naked Truth," "Action" and "Ladies Man" and co-creator of "Bosom Buddies") is writing and executive producing the channel’s newest in a string of music-centered series.

--Elizabeth Jensen

TruTV Picks Up Vegas Jail Series

TruTV picked up eight hours of an untitled series about life inside a Las Vegas county jail, from "Cops" producer Langley Prods., Variety reports.

The two previously collaborated on "Inside American Jail." The new series, planned for January, will document the characters who make their way through the Clark County Detention Center, from criminals to hard-partying vacationers.

--Elizabeth Jensen

‘Office’ Actor Idris Elba Developing NBC Legal Drama

Actor Idris Elba recently finished a seven-episode arc on NBC’s "The Office," and now he’s teamed with executive producer David Eick ("Battlestar Galactica," "Caprica") to executive produce a drama project for the network, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The legal drama is about a vigilante lawyer trying to defend his clients against a corrupt D.A.

--Elizabeth Jensen

NBC Plans 100-Day Program and Promotional Blitz Leading up to 2010 Winter Olympics

NBC and its cable sister Universal Sports plan a 100-day pre-Winter Olympics programming and promotional push that kicks off Nov. 4, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

NBC, Universal Sports and Universalsports.com plan 1,250 hours of Olympic sports coverage, including unprecedented amounts of coverage of qualifying events, leading up to the Vancouver games.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Letterman Bombshell: Former Staffer Writes of Quitting Show Because of ‘Hostile Work Environment’

Tthe second female writer ever hired at NBC’s “Late Night with David Letterman” writes on Vanityfair.com about what she calls the “hostile work environment” for women there, in the early 1990s.

The writer, Nell Scovell, writes that the host didn’t hit on her, but did pay her enough “extra attention” that another writer noticed. She says she was aware of rumors that Letterman was having sexual relationships with female staff members, as were other male employees there, and that the women involved wielded power “disproportionate to their job titles.”

Felling “demeaned,” she writes, she didn’t complain but “walked away from my dream job.”

Scovell, now a contributing writer to Vanity Fair, notes that today there are no women writers on the staffs of Letterman's show, Leno's show and Conan's show. She writes,"I don’t want a lawsuit. I don’t want compensation. I don’t want revenge. I don’t want Dave to go down (oh, grow up, people). I just want Dave to hire some qualified female writers and then treat them with respect. And that goes for Jay and Conan, too."

--Elizabeth Jensen and Chuck Ross

Woman Who Directed 'Married...With Children' Pilot, Many Other TV Shows, Dies

The talented director who counted the the pilot of “Married…With Children” among her many credits has passed away, accoding to the The Hollywood Reporter.

Linda Day, who spent two more years on that breakthrough comedy, has died in Texas at age 71.

Day’s other sitcom work included "Archie Bunker's Place" (earning her an Emmy nomination), "Kate & Allie," "Mad About You" and "Who's the Boss?" among others.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Hulu CEO Responds to Critics: 'I'm a Capitalist,' and 'We're Not Giving [Hulu] Away for Free'

Jason Klar, the CEO of Hulu, responded today to other Hollywood executives who have been criticizing the popular website for not having the right business model.

Klar, speaking at the closing session of the annual CTAM convention in Denver, said that “I like to say that I’m a capitalist,” and that Hulu "was doing anything but, 'giving it away for free,' " according to B&C. By the latter he was referring to the fact that Hulu carries ads. It does not currently charge users to view videos at the site.

The article also said that "Separately, NBC Universal TV chief Marc Graboff told reporters last week, 'Hulu has got to bolster its economics…I do think Hulu is experimenting with different models. I know they're looking at any number of things, like adding inventory (more advertising) or creating a subscription model with different windows.' "

--Chuck Ross

TNT Gives Greenlight to George Clooney-Produced Pilot

TNT finally greenlit "Delta Blues," a drama pilot executive produced by George Clooney that’s been in development for about a year and a half, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The pilot about a Memphis cop who moonlights as an Elvis impersonator was written by Liz Garcia ("Cold Case") and Josh Harto.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Writer-Producer-Director, Who's Won Both an Oscar and an Emmy, Takes TV Networks to Task

The Oscar-winning director of "Rainman," who is also the Emmy-winning director of "Homicide: Life on the Street," thinks the networks have made a strategic mistake, according to the New York Daily News.

 Barry Levinson says the networks have made a mistake by airing reruns on Saturday nights, a slot which once brimmed with classic series such as “All in the Family,” “Mary Tyler Moore” and and "M*A*S*H."

Levinson told the paper that the rerun strategy, which the networks have adopted to save money, is “a retreat," adding, “Basically, they're shrinking their own audience."

Levinson said he has a couple TV shows in the works but wouldn’t discuss them.

--Elizabeth Jensen

'Glee' Plans All Madonna Show

In an upcoming episode of the Fox hit "Glee," the Madonna songbook will be on full display, according to E! Online.

Recently, Madonna gave permission to "Glee" to use any song from her extensive catalog. The members of New Directions, the glee club, therefore, will have Madonna on the brain and do just her songs…for one show.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Hulk Hogan Returning to Wrestling, But Not With WWE

Hulk Hogan, 56, likely the most famous figure in professional wrestling, is returing to that entertainment, it was announced today.

This time around Hogan has joined TNA Wrestling. Spike TV cablecasts "TNA iMPACT!" on Thursday nights.

The announcement said that "Hogan’s specific role in TNA will be announced in the near future."

Sources said it was likely that viewers will see Hogan in the ring "in some capacity."

--Chuck Ross 

'Survivor' Richard Hatch Claims to be Victim of 'Witch Hunt' by Feds

Richard Hatch, the winner of the first arc of "Survivor" who then went to prison for failing to pay taxes on his $1 million winnings from that show, says he's the victim of a 'witch hunt' by Federal prosecutors, reports the Associate Press.

According to the report, "Hatch completed a tax evasion sentence earlier this month. He complained to NBC's "Today" show Tuesday that he was taken from his sister's apartment while wearing boxer shorts in August and held in solitary confinement for 30 days after granting TV interviews without permission."

A Sheriff involved in the case called Hatch "a stranger to the truth," according to the AP.

--Allison J. Waldman and Chuck Ross

Two Record Setters: 'Dexter' on Showtime; Syfy in October

Showtime's "Dexter" had killer numbers on Sunday, Oct 25, as it was watched by an average of 1.7 million viewers. According to TVByTheNumbers, that's the same number of viewers that watch "Mad Men."

According to the article, "The difference? AMC is available in roughly 95 million homes, while Showtime is only in around 21 million (based on Nielsen estimates from September)."

That's the most viewers for Dexter yet.

Furthermore, Syfy announced today the following:

*Best Ever October in total viewers, adults 18-34, adults 18-49, adults 25-54, women 18-34, woment 18-49 and women 25-54;

*Syfy is now #3 among A25-54 and #4 in A18-49;

*It was Syfy's best performance in seven years.

--Chuck Ross

Strong Syndication Ratings

Talk shows did exceedingly well in the ratings for the week of Oct. 18th, B&C reports. Eight shows in the talk category saw their ratings go up.

Court shows also were up for the week, as were magazine shows and access in general.

It was a more mixed-bag for off-net syndicated shows, but a number of those were up as well.

The artcle has all the details.

Big Names Booked for George Lopez's Upcoming Late Night Talk Show on TBS

Comedian and actor George Lopez has a full line-up of stars for his new late-night talk show, "Lopez Tonight," set to debut on TBS November 9th.

His opening night guests, according to our friend Joe Adalian at The Wrap, are Ellen DeGeneres, Eva Longoria-Parker and Kobe Bryant.

Also already booked for appearances are Sandra Bullock, Ted Danson, Jamie Foxx, Larry David and Ray Romano, the article says. 

In addition, former late night host Arsenio Hall will also be stopping by the show in the first few weeks.

-- Allison J. Waldman and Chuck Ross

Now That Steve Phillips Has Been Let Go, ESPN Drops the Other Shoe

Over the weekend ESPN announced that it had let go of baseball analyst Steve Phillips, who admitted having an affair with a 22-year-old production assistant.

It turns out that Brooke Hundley, the 22-year-old production assistant, has also been terminated, a network spokesman said, according to the Huffington Post.

--Elizabeth Jensen

MTV Research Guru Leads Exec. Committee for Innovative Measurement Coalition

The Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement has picked its executive committee, and it will be headed by MTV Networks’ Executive-VP Insights and Research, Colleen Fahey Rush, B&C reports.

The web site of the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement launches this week and the organization plans to release its long-awaited requests for proposals, the report, by Claire Atkinson, says.

One RFP will solicit a set-top-box data study to be used for evaluation and not sales. A second is for a cross-platform data study.

--Elizabeth Jensen and Chuck Ross

Microsoft is Shocked, Shocked, That Seth MacFarlane Has a Potty Mouth; Pulls Sponsorhip From Show

Seth MacFarlane has proven too racy for Microsoft, Variety reports.

The company pulled its sponsorship from Fox’s Nov. 8 MacFarlane and Alex Borstein variety show, "Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show," after attending the taping and finding the content not to its liking.

Sponsorship of the show-- which was to have run commercial-free with Microsoft Windows 7 marketing messages built in--was part of a bigger Microsoft marketing deal with News Corp.

The special included typical “Family Guy”-type jokes, Variety said, such as “riffs on deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene and incest.”

Fox will air the show with another yet-to-be-named sponsor.

--Elizabeth Jensen

MGM Syndicating Emmy-winning Discovery Channel Show

MGM Domestic Television will be syndicating a two-time Emmy-winning nominated daytime game show that's produced by Lion Television and seen on the Discovery Channel, B&C reports.

The show is "Cash Cab,' and it will be available to broadcasters on an all-barter basis for fall 2010, the report says.

In the show passengers in a cab are asked questions.

"Cash Cab" is not the only show being offered to stations for fall 2010 on an all-barter basis, the article says: "NBC Universal has its off-Bravo Real Housewives franchise. Twentieth is offering Dog Whisperer off News Corp. joint venture NatGeo, and Debmar-Mercury has E!’s True Hollywood Stories."

--Chuck Ross

CNN Struggles Mightily in Primetime

October was a cruel month for CNN: Three of its four primetime programs (7-11 p.m.) came in last among cable news networks in their time slots among key 25-54 year old viewers, a new competitive low for the cable news pioneer, reports the New York Times.

The most worrisome loss for the network, according to the report, was at 10 p.m., where Anderson Cooper’s show came in last in the demographic behind Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren, and repeats of MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann and sister network HLN’s Nancy Grace. Among total viewers, the show was second to Fox News.

CNN’s primetime demographic numbers were down 22 percent from those of 2007 (and even more from 2008 when the numbers were skewed by election coverage.)

In response to its inquiries, the Times said CNN issued a statement that read, in part, “We couldn’t be more pleased that both our networks are now topping MSNBC in total day and that CNN.com leads all TV news competitors on the Web."

--Elizabeth Jensen

Here's a Switch: Reality Show Producer Wants to Do More Scripted Fare

Audiences like reality series but the shows don’t have much shelf life beyond format sales so Canadian-based Fremantle Corp. is trying to move away from them and concentrate on international co-production of dramas, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Fremantle principal Irv Holender said his company is seeing a market for dramas and thrillers. Fremantle has two action series in the works with an Italian partner DeAngelis Production & Distribution (DAP). One is a Western, to be shot in Vancouver; the other is based on a best-selling book whose name the company has yet to reveal.

The company is also co-producing 26 episodes of "The Further Adventures of Black Beauty."

--Elizabeth Jensen

Top Job at New Cooking Channel Goes to Food Network Exec

The Food Network’s chief marketing executive, Michael Smith, was named general manager of new sister network Cooking Channel, Multichannel News reports.

After a decade at the Food Network, Smith will jump to the former Fine Living Network, overseeing development, staffing and production.

According to the article, John Lansing, president of the Scripps Networks--which is the parent company of both the Food Network and the new Cooking Channel--Smith's "strategic thinking, combined with his relationships with well-known and emerging food talent, will go a long way in making the new Cooking Channel a distinct destination for ‘foodies' everywhere."

--Elizabeth Jensen and Chuck Ross

Brian Williams to do Leno Show from Afghanistan

Brian Williams isn’t going to let a trip to Afghanistan stop him from appearing on Jay Leno’s show this week, reports B&C.

Williams had a long-standing commitment to make his first appearance on the show Wednesday and he intends to honor it, even though he’ll be anchoring from Afghanistan that night. He’ll do the talk show live from an American-controlled compound.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Jennifer Aniston to Host Talk Show?

It seems highly improbable, but Jennifer Aniston is such a fan of the talk show that Chelsea Handler has been doing on the E! Channel that she has agreed to host her own show on Oprah Winfrey's new OWN network, reports the New York Post, citing a story in the London Express.

The show would debut sometime next year, when the channel launches, according to the report.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Ricky Gervais to Host Golden Globes

Comedian Ricky Gervais will host the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards in January, the first time the awards have had a host since 1995, Variety reports.

Gervais, who co-created "The Office" and "Extras," is a Golden Globe winner. The show will air live on NBC on Jan. 17 from L.A.'s Beverly Hilton Hotel. Nominations will be announced Dec. 15.

-- Elizabeth Jensen

Roger Ailes Declines Draft to Run for President in 2012

Fox News head Roger Ailes is turning aside entreaties by some in the Republican party who want him to run for the U.S. presidency in 2012, reports Politico.com.

Ailes told an aide, “This country needs fair and balanced news more now than ever before, so I’m going to decline a run for the presidency. Besides, I can’t take the pay cut.”

-- Allison J. Waldman

Kid Viewing Hits Eight-Year High

Nielsen tracking shows that kids are spending more time watching TV than they have since 2001, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Kids aged 2-5 spend an average of more than 32 hours a week watching TV, Nielsen said. Kids 6-11 average about 28 hours per week.

--Elizabeth Jensen  

Strong Opening for USA's 'White Collar'

USA Network's new drama series "White Collar" drew 5.4 million total viewers in its Friday night launch, reports Multichannel News.

That premiere was better than some other recent USA successes, including "Burn Notice" and "In Plain Sight." However, "Royal Pains" performed slightly better when it debuted with 5.57 million viewers last June.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Ranks of Online-Only TV Viewers Growing

A growing number of TV viewers are opting to unplug from the traditional cable, satellite or over-the-air delivery in favor of watching TV programming strictly online, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Their reasons for the switch include saving money on the monthly TV bill, the convenience of watching online and a hatred of commercials.

A Conference Board survey revealed that 25% of all U.S. households reported they have watched television online, and one out of five respondents were watching less traditionally-delivered TV content.

--Allison J. Waldman

Victor Newman Won't Have to be Killed Off of 'Young & Restless'

A week ago, Eric Braeden was adamantly declaring that he would not accept a Sony-dictated pay cut and he would leave CBS' "The Young & the Restless," where he has played the role of Victor Newman for 30 years.

But now the two sides have reached a compromise and the actor will not be leaving CBS's top-rated soap opera after all, reports The Wrap.

-- Allison J. Waldman

New Jersey 'Real' Housewife Teresa Only Losing One of Her Homes

 "Real Housewives of New Jersey" wife Teresa Giudice isn't losing her grand mansion to foreclosure, as E! Online and others reported over the weekend.

The Star-Ledger clarified today that the home in foreclosure is not the primary residence of the Bravo star but another property she owns five miles away.

-- Allison J. Waldman

CBS to Let Viewers Know of Sunday NFL Overruns

In an effort to keep CBS viewers aware of NFL game overruns wreaking havoc with the Sunday night primetime lineup, the Tiffany network has created a new sign-up email alert system called "CBS Eye-Lerts."

The system is up and running and accepting sign-ups.

--Allison J. Waldman

TNT Deal for ‘Southland’ Inches Closer

TNT’s deal to pick up “Southland,” which NBC abruptly canceled weeks before it was to have its second season premiere, looks increasingly likely, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Six episodes of the dark L.A. cop series have already been shot.

--Elizabeth Jensen

HBO Picks Up Third Round of ‘In Treatment’

HBO’s “In Treatment” is coming back for a third season in 2010 but not without some changes, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Exec producer/showrunner Warren Leight left in July; he’s been replaced by Anya Epstein (“Tell Me You Love Me”) and Danny Futterman (“Capote.”)

Furthermore, this will be the first season that is written from scratch; the Israeli series on which it is based ran for just two seasons.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Jeff Dunham Sets Comedy Central Record

Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham set a Comedy Central record last week, his second, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Some 5.3 million viewers tuned in to the Thursday debut of his show, making it the network’s most-watched series premiere, despite some negative reviews. It was also the network’s biggest premiere in adults 18-49.

His special last year also set ratings records for the network.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Comcast COO Steve Burke Would Have No Problem Disabling Fast Forward So Ads Could be Watched

Steve Burke, Comcast's chief operating officer, says he'd have no problem disabling his customers' ability to fast forward through shows to make them watch commercials. However, he said he'd only be willing to do that on very high-rated programming.

Burke made his remarks on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 25, at the Denver Convention Center during the opening general panel session of the annual CTAM conference.

He did not explain why he would only do that with high-rated shows. Fellow panelist Laura Desmond, the CEO of the Starcom MediaVest Group of media agencies, replied that she wasn't sure that that would be a good idea. "Technology won't be denied," she said.

Echoing recent remarks from various Hollywood moguls about the how their business models need to change, Burke also said that he's very concerned about the affect of the Internet on cable's traditional TV business model. "An entire generation is growing up, if we don't figure out how to change that behavior so it respects copyright and subscription revenue on the part of distributors, we're going to wake up and see cord cutting," Burke said.

The panel was about the future of advertising and the panelists were only Burke and Desmond, with questions asked by Harvard professor Tom Eisenmann. He did not ask Burke any questions related to reports that Comcast is preparing to bid for NBC Universal.

--Chuck Ross

NBC Picks Up Two Sitcoms and One Drama for Full Season

NBC has picked up three shows for full season orders, the Los Angeles Times' Company Town blog reports. The shows are the Thursday night sitcoms "Community"  and "Parks and Recreation," and the Wednesday night medical drama "Mercy."

--Chuck Ross

Good News for Hollywood: Cable Channel Not in Scripted Game Orders up Two Sitcom Pilots

Between NBC's Jay Leno move and the popularity of reality shows, Hollywood scribes have complained about the dearth of scripted programming.

Now, from an unlikely source--basic cabler TV Land--home of many vintage sitcoms over the years--comes a pilot order for two new sitcoms, TV vet Cynthia Littleton of Variety reports. 

One of the shows is called "Hot in Cleveland," from writer "Suzanne Martin ("Frasier") and Hazy Mills Prods., headed by [Sean Hayes] and Todd Milliner, the report says. It's about "three fortysomething femme friends from L.A. who wind up stuck in Cleveland and decide to stay there when they realize the locals consider them glamorous," Littleton reports.

The other pilot is called "Retired at 35," from Chris Case, who wrote for "Reba."

--Chuck Ross
.

How the Fort Collins Sheriff Knew the Balloon Boy Story Was a Hoax: the Mother of the Boy Told Him

The reason the sheriff who serves the Fort Collins area of Colorado knew the Balloon Boy story was a hoax was because the mother of the boy told him so, the Fort Collins Coloradoan, reported on Saturday,Oct. 24th.

The Coloradoan obtained a copy of an affidavit that Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden had used to obtain a search warrant of the Heene home. In that affidavit it was written,"On October 17, 2009, Mayumi Heene told [Sheriff Alderden] that she and Richard Heene had lied to authorities on October 15, 2009. That the release of the flying saucer was intentional as a hoax, that she and RIchard Heene knew all along that Falcon was hiding in the residence. The motive for the fabricated story was to make the Heene family more marketable for future media interest. Mayumi described that she and Richard Heene devised this hoax approximately two week earlier. The experimental flying saucer was specifically made to carry out this hoax. That she  and Richard had instructed their three children to lie to authorities as well as the media regarding this hoax."

--Chuck Ross

ESPN Fires Baseball Analyst Steve Phillips After it was Revealed He Had An Affair With A 22-Year-Old ESPN Production Assistant

The New York Times is reporting that former Mets general manager and ESPN baseball analyst Steve Phillips has been fired from the network.

Recently the New York Post had published that Phillips had had an affair with a 22-year-old production assistant at ESPN. A letter the assistant had sent to Phillips' wife became part of a police report and was part of the story. 

According to the Times, ESPN released a statement on Sunday, Oct. 25th, that read, “Steve Phillips is no longer working for ESPN. His ability to be an effective representative for ESPN has been significantly and irreparably damaged, and it became evident it was time to part ways.”

--Chuck Ross

NBC Developing Two Series: African-American Sitcom Plus Drama From 'Medium' Scribe

NBC is developing a show that's been pitched as "Mad About You" meets "The Cosby Show," reports The Hollywood Reporter.  

The show, called "Ordinary People, is based on the real-life experiences of " 'America's Next Top Model' co-developer Kenya Barris," THR says.

The other show NBC has in development is "Nola," which will be written by "Medium" writer Diane Ademu-John.

Both shows have deals with NBC's sibling Universal Media Studios.

--Chuck Ross

Jeff Probst Called it the Scariest Moment He's Had in 19 Rounds of 'Survivor'; Read How Contestant Russell's Mind Played Tricks on Him About What Really Happened

During last week's "Survivor" one of the strongest players of this season, Russell Swan, the captain of one of the teams on the show, collapsed during a challenge. It was scary to watch, and in this fascinating People account, Russell tells how seeing it last week really shook him up, since it was not at all how he remembered the incident.

Russell tells People that watching the show last week "was the freakiest thing I’ve ever experienced. It’s like my brain filled itself with memories that don’t exist. Like 'Total Recall.' Seeing it, I finally understood why Jeff said it was his scariest moment."

--Chuck Ross

VIDEO: Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes on Why the Company Should Have Never Merged with AOL; and the Lessons That Has For Comcast-NBCU Talks

TIme Warner Chairman and CEO surprised attendees at TVWeek's recent Innovation360 Conference by saying that even at the time it happened the merger of AOL and Time Warner was a a bad idea. In this video clip from the conference you'll hear Bewkes explain his reasoning, and how he thinks it makes a good lesson for the executives talking about a Comcast-NBC Universal merger.

Bewkes' comments at the TVWeek conference are also referenced in David Carr's media column this morning in the New York Times.

--Chuck Ross

From Time Warner's TV Everywhere to Disney's Keychest, with DVD Sales Falling, Studios Are Desperate to Figure Out New Video Strategy

This piece in the New York Times talks about the various video strategies the studios are playing with as they find their current methods coming up short.

Says the article, "[B]usiness currents have shifted. While DVD and Blu-ray will remain a huge profit center for years to come, studio executives are finally confronting an uncomfortable reality: little silver discs — for reasons of convenience, price and consumer burnout — may never recover their sales power. To grow, studios need to figure out digital distribution."

--Chuck Ross

Popular Discovery Channel Series Becoming Video Games

Two of the most popular shows on the Discovery Channel are coming to Nintendo's Wii and DS formats, as well as to Playstation 3.

One of the two shows, "Deadliest Catch," previously appeared as an XBox 360 game, but this time the game will be more "action-oriented and accessible, reports The Hollywood Reports.

The second title is "Man vs. Wild," which will also apprear for XBox 360 as well.

--Chuck Ross

'Top Chef' Preparing Yummy Spinoff

Bravo has come up with a spinoff for its popular "Top Chef" reality series. The new show, which will air next year, will be called "Top Chef: Just Desserts," according to Variety.

According to the report, " 'Just Desserts' will pit pastry chefs against one other in a weekly elimination competish similar to the original 'Top Chef.' "

--Chuck Ross

Character Actor Lou Jacobi, Mainstay of TV and Movies and Broadway, Dies at 95

Lou Jacobi, the veteran character actor who first appeared on TV in 1953 and last appeared on a television show in 1992, has died at 95 at his home in Manhattan, the Associated Press reports.

Among dozens of TV roles over five decades, Jacobi was a regular on Dean Martin's show for a few seasons. Jacobi, a Canadian, was also seen in scores of movies and a number of Broadway shows. 

Before his acting success, Jacobi was a comic playing the Canadian Borscht Belt, Roger Ebert once wrote in a profile of Jacobi. And there was nothing Jacobi liked better than a corny joke, Ebert said, recounting a joke Jacobi told him:

" 'These two newlyweds are driving down to Fort Lauderdale on their honeymoon,'  Lou Jacobi is telling me. 'The guy puts his hand on his wife's leg. `Why don't you go farther?' she asks him. So he goes to Miami.' "

--Chuck Ross

Jon Gosselin Returns Funds to Joint Bank Accounts

Admitting that his client had taken $180,000 from a joint bank account with his wife, Jon Gosselin's attorney says he has returned the funds to be in "complete compliance" with a court order, according to People magazine.

Still allegedly unaccounted for, however, was the $55,000 for household expenses that Kate had been ordered to explain, People says. A Pennsylvania judge has been trying to straighten out the family finances and dueling contempt motions both sides had filed against each other.

-- Allison J. Waldman

NBC's Gaspin: We're About More Than Pinching Pennies

NBC Universal Television Entertainment Chairman Jeff Gaspin tells The Wrap's Josef Adalian that the network is moving away from NBC Universal's previously expressed philosophy of "managing for margin."

In the exclusive interview, Gaspin tells Adalian that the network's decision to cancel the critical favorite "Southland" is not an indication that NBC is getting out of the quality drama business, and points to recently concluded big deals with J.J. Abrams and Jerry Bruckheimer as evidence that the network's interests lie beyond just the bottom line.

--Tom Gilbert

Benjamin Bratt to Return to 'Law & Order'

Former series star Benjamin Bratt will be back as NYPD Det. Rey Curtis on NBC's "Law & Order," reports Michael Ausiello at EW.com.

Bratt's return is for one night only.

Bratt recently ended his run on A&E's "The Cleaner," and will also appear on ABC's "Modern Family" in a guest role as Manny's dad.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Survivor' a Winner for CBS, but ABC Takes Thursday and Baseball Scores for Fox

CBS' "Survivor" drew season-high 12.9 million viewers and earned a 4.0 rating among adults 18-49, helping put that network in third place on a night when reruns where slotted from 9-11, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

ABC led the night and Fox did well with baseball. The Yankees-Angels game drew 10.3 million viewers and a 3.3 rating in adults 18-49.

ABC had a fifth consecutive week win with "FlashForward," snagging 9.8 million viewers (a 3.0 18-49 adult demo) and 14.7 million tuned in for "Grey's Anatomy" (a 5.2). Ten million stayed on ABC for "Private Practice," a 3.7 in the adulta 18-49 demo.

NBC lagged behind, but all its shows were consistent. There were 5.2 million watching "Community" (1.9). The demo increased to 2.1 for "Parks & Recreation," but only 5 million viewers. "The Office" did twice as well in the demo, 4.2, and 8.5 million were watching, while "30 Rock" had 6.7 million total viewers and a 3.2, which was up 7% from its premiere.

-- Allison J. Waldman

The Hollywood Reporter

Lifetime Moves 'Rita Rocks' to Mondays

Lifetime is moving the sitcom "Rita Rocks" from Tuesdays to Mondays effective next week, reports the Futon Critic.

Double shots of "Rita Rocks" will air back to back Oct. 26 through Dec, 7 in the 10 p.m. hour. "Sherri" will remain on Tuesdays at 10 p.m., with repeats of previous episodes airing at 10:30.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Mayleen Ramey Named Host of 'Destination Tennis' for the Tennis Channel

"Destination Tennis," the Tennis Channel travel lifestyle show, will present Mayleen Ramey as the new host when the series returns Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m., according to Multichannel News.

Ramey takes over from Mieke Buchan, the host since the show began in 2006. Ramey is a veteran TV personality who has appeared on ESPN2, MTV, E!, TV Guide and G4.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Let's Make a Deal' OK for CBS, Not Gangbusters

CBS is satisfied with the initial success of "Let's Make a Deal" since it took over for "Guiding Light," noting that after two weeks, "Deal" is up 7 percent in overall households (1.6/5), which surpasses how the soap had been faring, reports Joe Adalian at The Wrap.

Those extra viewers, however, are not women 18-49 or 25-54, because in those demos, "Deal" is down 13 and 20 percent, respectively. CBS is happy that with "Deal" as a lead-in, "The Price Is Right" had improved ratings from a year ago at this time.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Style Network’s New Makeover Show Starts with Flaws

Style Network’s new makeover show will ask women to start with enumerating “What I Hate About Me,” reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Participants will list the 10 things about their lives they dislike the most, from cellulite to personal relationships. A panel of experts will help find solutions.

Ten episodes have been ordered for a Jan. 2 launch.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Angie Harmon Returning to Series TV

"Law & Order" alum Angie Harmon is returning to the crime drama genre, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

She’ll star as a Boston detective in TNT’s pilot "Rizzoli," based on the popular mystery novel character.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Behind Chase Carey's Remarks About Hulu Adopting a Pay Model: Hollywood is Scared to Death About What Technology is Doing to Its Businesses

In an eye-opening piece on CNET, titled "End of the World as Hollywood Knows it," Greg Sandoval, the respected reporter who used to write for The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, explains why Hollywood is freaking out about its businesses these days.

As Sandoval notes, not only did we have Chase Carey's remarks about Hulu this week, but over the weekend Walt Disney chief Bob Iger said at a media conference at USC that the movie industry "is changing right before our eyes in profound ways," and that if profound changes are not made, Hollywood "will no longer have a business."

--Chuck Ross

Chris Brown Disappointed With Oprah

Chris Brown, the talented singer who made headlines earlier this year for assaulting his then pop star girlfriend, Rihanna, is unhappy with Oprah Winfrey, reports Billboard.

According to the report, in a radio interview on Oct. 21 on New York radio station Hot 97, Brown, referring to Oprah, said, "I don't dis her because I respect what she does for women around the world. But we did so many things together as far as me working for her schools in Africa, that I feel at the time I needed a helping hand, not for my career but as a person, instead of her pointing fingers. At the end of the day, you have opinions and thoughts, and that isn't wrong, but it's not right to judge someone when people make mistakes all the time. I learned from mine, I'm still learning and I regret every moment, every second."

--Chuck Ross

Goodbye White Fang. So Long, Mouse and Black Tooth. No More Soupy Shuffle. Baby Boomer Kid's Icon Soupy Sales Dies at 83

Comedian Soupy Sales, whose slapstick 1950s and 60s TV show perfected the art of pie-in-the-face throwing, died Thursday night in a New York City hospice, the New York Times reports.

He was 83. Sales, who was born Milton Supman, often performed with puppet sidekicks, including White Fang, Black Tooth and Pookie the Lion. By his count, some 20,000 pies were thrown at him or his TV show victims, who included Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtis and Jerry Lewis.

Sales’ comedy had a subversive streak and he was briefly suspended in 1965, when a viewer complained to the FCC about a routine in which he asked children in the audience to look in their parents’ clothes and sent him the little green pieces of paper with pictures of bearded men. He later said he only received a few dollars.

After “The Soupy Sales Show” ended, he was a longtime panelist on “What’s My Line?”

For those of you too young to remember Soupy, veteran TV writer Verne Gay, in a short but excellent tribute  in Newsday  this morning explains the wide-ranging influence of Soupy Sales, from Fred Rogers to SpongeBob Squarepants.

--Elizabeth Jensen and Chuck Ross

Revamped CNN Web Site Coming Monday

CNN.com already gets 38 million unique visitors a month, but the network thinks it could do better, and will launch a redesign on Monday, the New York Times reports.

The revamped site will include more online video featured more prominently. Breaking news and headlines will be off to the side, in favor of original content front and center on the site. There will be a weekly quiz called CNN Challenge, and more entertainment content from sister magazines People and Entertainment Weekly.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Which TV Names Are on Fortune's New '40 Under 40' List of 'Business's Hottest Rising Stars'?

James Murdoch, chairman and CEO, Europe and Asia, and heir apparent at his father’s News Corp., landed at No. 3 on Fortune's “40 Under 40” list of “Business’s Hottest Rising Stars.”

Among the other TV names on the list are Hulu CEO Jason Kilar (No. 8), Univision Networks President Cesar Conde (13), Seth McFarlane, creator and executive producer of “Family Guy” (19), CNBC anchor Erin Burnett (33) and slipping in at No. 40, Ben Silverman, who this year was ousted as co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. Fortune wrote that Silverman, now working at Barry Diller’s IAC, was responsible for hits such as “Ugly Betty” and “The Office,” “so we made him our caboose.”

--Elizabeth Jensen

USA Spending Big for Its New Series Launching Against Network Fall Shows

USA Network is spending an estimated “$10 million or more” on its launch campaign for “White Collar,” reports the New York Times.

It’s the first time the cable network has launched a new series in the fourth quarter, putting it in direct competition with the broadcast networks’ fall season debuts.

The promotion campaign was created in-house, and includes ads on other cable channels including Lifetime, taxi TV screens and TV sets in Best Buy stores.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Even Bigger Losers Coming to ABC

ABC wants to go one up on NBC’s “Biggest Loser,” reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The network has ordered a new show from "Biggest Loser" executive producer J.D. Roth, tentatively named “Obese,” in which participants who are extremely overweight will attempt to lose hundreds of pounds in the course of a year with the help of a personal trainer.

The show isn’t expected to see air before 2011 and ABC won’t see footage for a year.

Each of six episodes will tell one person’s story; some are expected to shed half of their weight, with no contest involved.

--Elizabeth Jensen

‘Melrose Place’ Losing Two Tenants

Two residents of the CW’s revived “Melrose Place” are moving out, the Associated Press reports.

Characters played by Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Colin Egglesfield will make their final appearances on the show in January, the network said Thursday.

Meanwhile one of the stars of the original 1990s version, Heather Locklear, will join the program beginning Nov. 17.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Suit Stemming from 1967 ‘Star Trek’ Episode Settled

Writer Harlan Ellison has settled his suit against CBS Paramount for allegedly failing to pay him for merchandising and publishing related to a “Star Trek” episode he wrote in 1967, Variety reports.

The merchandise from the episode "City on the Edge of Forever" included a talking Christmas ornament.

The suit was filed in March. Ellison disclosed the settlement on his blog but didn’t reveal the terms.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Lego Getting Its Own Reality Series

The building block toy Lego is getting its own reality series, Variety reports.

Producer Scott Messick (Cartoon Network's "Destroy Build Destroy”) teamed up with the Lego Group to develop docuseries, competition shows and kid’s game shows based on the toy.

--Elizabeth Jensen

New Bidder Seen Winning Control of Travel Channel

There’s a new bidder who has emerged as the likely buyer of control of the Travel Channel, the Financial Times reports.

News Corp. appears to be leading the bidding, as the price surpasses $800 million, far more aggressive than the $600 million to $700 million that analysts thought Cox Communications would get for the 65% controlling stake. Other bidders could still try to top News Corp.

--Elizabeth Jensen

No More In-Person Tests for Fox Pilot Process

Finalists auditioning for Fox pilots will now be taped, instead of auditioning for network executives in person, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The change in the pilot process brings the network in line with the way the feature world works. The new process will make the tests more standardized.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Hulu to Charge Users in 2010

Chase Carey, the deputy chairman of News. Corp -- which co-owns Hulu -- says the popular online destination that carries TV programming, will start charging users, probably as soon as 2010, B&C reports.

Noting that “It’s time to start getting paid for broadcast content online,” Carey added that “I think a free model is a very difficult way to capture the value of our content. I think what we need to do is deliver that content to consumers in a way where they will appreciate the value. Hulu concurs with that, it needs to evolve to have a meaningful subscription model as part of its business.”

Carey made his remarks at B&C's On-Screen Summit in New York on Oct. 21. He later told B&C's Claire Atkinson that not all content on Hulu would be behind a pay wall.

Interestingly, at the TVWeek Innovation360 Conference last week, Jeff Bewkes, chairman and CEO of Time Warner, said that Hulu would eventually go to a pay model. "That's not an if," Bewkes said, "that's a when."  Looks like "eventually" is coming sooner than later.

More importantly, it indicates that a number of media executives at the very top of their companies believe that TV shows on the Web cannot just be given away, especially to those users who don't have cable or some sort of TV service for which they pay.

--Chuck Ross

'Survivor' Winner Appointed to FCC Post

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski has chosen a "Survivor" winner to fill the post of deputy chief of the consumer and governmental affairs bureau, reports B&C.

Yul Kwon, who was named to the post, was previouly employed at Google and the McKinsey & Co. management consulting firm, and was also a special correspondent on CNN and for the Discovery Channel.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Former Winning Team's Manager Joins Fox World Series Coverage

A World Series-winning team manager will become part of the Fox Sports World Series coverage team, according to the Associated Press.

Ozzie Guillen, who is manager of the Chicago White Sox, will work side by side with anchor Chris Rose and analysts Mark Grace and Eric Karros, beginning with the first game, Oct. 25. Guillen will do pregame and postgame analyst, provide content for FoxSports.com and be part of the Fox Sports En Español World Series coverage.

-- Allison J. Waldman

NBA TV Secures New Deals With Cable, Satellite Systems

As the new season of the NBA tips off, the channel representing the league, NBA TV, has inked new multiyear deals with major outlets, bring its reach to 45 million homes.

NBA TV secured new deals with Time Warner Cable, Cablevision Systems and DISH Network. These follow recent deals wth DirecTV, Comcast, Cox and Verizon.

In addition, NBA League Pass, the league’s subscription package of live, out-of-market NBA games -- up to 40 each week -- will continue to be part of offerings from Time Warner Cable, Cablevision, and DISH Network.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Top Chef Masters' Gets Second-Season Order

On the heels of successful premiere season, Bravo given the go-ahead for "Top Chef Masters" season two commencing in 2010, according to Variety.

The show's host, Kelly Choi, will return, and the judges for season two are slated to be cooking expert James Oseland, critics Jay Rayner and Gael Greene and Food and Wine magazine's Gail Simmons.

-- Allison J. Waldman

HBO Appears Set for Another Season of 'In Treatment'

It looks like a third season of HBO's "In Treatment" is in the works, reports Verne Gay of Newsday, citing a report in the French magazine Tele 2 Semaines. 

HBO has yet to officially confirm another season, but the show's creator, Hagai Levi, revealed in the report that HBO recently sealed the deal with the producers for a new season.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'EastEnders' to Launch Web Spinoff Aimed at Teens

Producers of the long-running British soap opera "EastEnders" are creating an online-only spinoff aimed at the youth market, reports Variety.

Leading up to the soap's 25th anniversary in February, "EastEnders: E20" will commence a 13-part series in early 2010. The Webisodes will be six to 12 minutes long. As with "90210," the "E20" is a London zone code.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Former 'Apprentice' Contestant Leaves Job as CNBC Correspondent

A former contestant on NBC's "The Apprentice," has departed her position as CNBC correspondent, the cable news channel has confirmed to TVNewser.

Reports are that Rebecca Jarvis will next be popping up as a CBS News correspondent, but since she hasn't been seen on CNBC since Sept.18, speculation is that she's sitting out a non-compete clause in her contract.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'General Hospital' Villain Joins Cast of Fox's 'Fringe'

An actor best known for his turn as a diabolical villain on ABC's "General Hospital" has joined the cast of Fox's "Fringe," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

On the sci-fi drama, Sebastian Roche will play a character on a fact-finding mission from another dimension. Thomas Kretschmann originated the role in an October episode, but could not continue because of scheduling problems.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Brit Miniseries ‘House of Cards’ to be Remade as U.S. Series

 "House of Cards," the British book and miniseries, will be adapted into a one-hour drama for the U.S. by Media Rights Capital and David Fincher ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"), reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The original followed an ambitious British politician in the Margaret Thatcher-era angling for the prime minister’s job. The remake will be set in the U.S.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Epix to Move Quickly to Add Original Scripted Programming

Epix goes on the air next week with a Madonna concert, the film “Iron Man” and an Eddie Izzard comedy special, but the new pay cable service is already talking about original scripted shows that are in the works, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

First up is expected to be a miniseries in the third-quarter of 2010. A miniseries adaptation of the book "Atlas Shrugged" has already reported to be in the works.

New scripted programs are planned for each subsequent quarter.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Letterman Reportedly Seen Fooling Around on Security Tape

The National Enquirer is reporting that talk host David Letterman was caught in a compromising position with a female staff member by a studio security camera.

The tape could play a role in the trial of the CBS News producer who allegedly tried to blackmail him in exchange for not divulging the past relationship.

--Elizabeth Jensen

‘Dollhouse’ Pulled From Fox’s November Sweeps Schedule

Fox is pulling Josh Whedon’s drama “Dollhouse” from its schedule for November sweeps, EW.com reports, citing sources.

The struggling series will come back in December, with back-to-back Friday night episodes, a sign that the network is looking to end its run after the first 13 episodes are aired.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Former 'Friends' Star Producing Sitcom for Showtime

Yet another project is brewing from an alumnus of the Central Perk. The team who are behind the forthcoming new genealogy reality series "Who Do You Think You Are? for NBC are now developing a sitcom for Showtime, Variety reports.

The show, from former "Friends" star Lisa Kudrow and her business partner, Dan Bucatinsky, carries the working title “Rapture.” It's based on the memoir "Why the Long Face?: The Adventures of a Truly Independent Actor" by Craig Chester, who wrote of growing up gay in a family of born-again Christians. It would be told from the perspective of a nine-year-old.

Don Roos, who is also part of the genealogy series’ creative team, will direct “Rapture” if it gets to pilot stage.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Media Giant, Thought to Be in the Running for NBCU, Thinks Comcast Will End Up the Winning Bidder

A very top executive of one of the media companies thought to be bidding for NBC Universal said at a media conference that he thinks Comcast will likely end up getting NBCU, B&C reports. 

Chase Carey, vice chairman of News Corp., said his company is not actively engaged in talks to acquire NBCU, and that "There's a decent chance [the Comcast-NBCU deal] will come to fruition."

Carey made his remarks at B&C's OnScreen Media Summit in New York on Oct. 21.

--Chuck Ross

Wow. This One is Seemingly Out of Left Field: TV Legend Norman Lear, Who Gave us 'Maude,' 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons,' Says He Has Empathy for Balloon Boy Dad Richard Heene

In a short commentary on the Huffington Post, the creator of classic TV sitcom fare such as “All in the Family,” blames CNN, MSNBC, Fox, NBC, ABC and CBS for “creating a climate that mistakes entertainment for news to an extent that it all but seduces a Richard and Mayumi Heene into believing they are -- even if what they dream up to qualify is a hoax -- entitled to their 15 minutes.”

Thus, Lear concludes in the commentary, "...I have some empathy for Balloon Boy's Dad."

--Elizabeth Jensen

Telepictures Developing Strip from ‘Extra’ Recurring Segment

A recurring segment on “Extra” is being developed as a possible spin-off first-run series strip for fall 2010, TVNewsCheck reports, citing station and rep sources.

As on “Extra,” “Lifechangers,” being developed by Telepictures Productions, would use experts to help guests overcome personal problems.

Telepictures declined to comment.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Stations Discussed Returning Digital Spectrum in Exchange for Later Cash

Broadcasters at last week’s NAB board meeting discussed returning some of their digital spectrum to the government in exchange for a share of the proceeds when the returned spectrum was auctioned off for wireless broadband, B&C reports.

The idea didn’t find much enthusiasm, a source told B&C. The government is looking at a number of options for freeing up more spectrum for wireless broadband.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Web Show Parody from 'Daily Show' Alum Coming to a TV Screen Near You

"Children's Hospital," the very funny Web series that parodies TV hospital shows such as "Grey's Anatomy," has been picked up by a cable network, Variety reports.

The series, from "Daily Show" alum Rob Corrdry, who also stars in the series, has been picked up by the Cartoon Network for its nightly Adult Swim block of programming. "Children's Hospital" is live action, not animated.

According to Variety, Adult Swim "has picked up the show's Web run -- 10 episodes at five minutes each -- and has ordered a second season of 12 new episodes (at an extended 11 minutes each) to run next year." 

Furthermore the article says that "Adult Swim will combine the 10 existing five-minute segs to make five quarter-hour episodes, followed by the 12 new segs (for 17 all together)." "Children's Hospital" originally ran on TheWB.com.

As part of Corddry's overall deal with Warner Bros. he will also make a new TV pilot. In that pilot, which will be shopped to the networks after it's shot, Corddry will  play the dad in what is promised to be a parody of the family sitcom genre, Variety reports.

--Elizabeth Jensen and Chuck Ross

FCC Outlines Scope of its Media Ownership Rules Review

The FCC outlined the scope of its review of media ownership rules, and cross-ownership between broadcast/cable and newspaper companies is one area that is going to be up for examination, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The FCC said it will look at whether it should continue to measure media concentration by industry—i.e., how much control a company has broken down by broadcast, cable and newspaper—or whether it should come up with an all-in-one approach for determining ownership limits within a single market.

--Elizabeth Jensen

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Moving in With ‘SpongeBob’

Viacom spent $60 million to acquire the rights to one of the most successful children’s media franchises in recent decades, Variety reports.

The company will take over global rights to the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” from the Mirage Group and 4Kids Entertainment.

A 2012 feature film from Viacom unit Paramount is in the works, to be produced by Scott Mednick ("Where the Wild Things Are") and Galen Walker, who produced the franchise’s 2007 computer-animated film.

Sister company Nickelodeon will develop a CG-animated TV series, also for 2012, and will take over merchandising rights.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Fox Series to Get DVD Release Even Before the Season Ends

The Fox network and sister unit 20th Century Fox are so excited about one new fall series that they will release it on DVD even before the season finale, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

“'Glee' Season 1: Road To Sectionals," featuring the show’s first 13 episodes, will be issued on Dec. 29.

--Elizabeth Jensen

ESPN Baseball Analyst Caught in 'Fatal Attraction' Scandal, Taking Time Off

Former New York Mets general manager and current ESPN baseball analyst Steve Phillips has been caught in a messy "Fatal Attraction" affair with a 22-year-old network production assistant, according to the New York Post, and will be taking some time off from his job as a result.

Phillips, who's married with children, confided his infidelity to his wife and police after the assistant allegedly began calling the home and left his wife a letter discussing her realtionship with Steve Phillips.

"I have extreme concerns about the health and safety of my kids and myself," Steve Phillips, 46, said in a statement to the Wilton, Conn., police, the Post says. Phillips also claimed that the assistant became "obsessive and delusional" after he ended the affair.

ESPN issued the following statement today: "We were aware of this and took appropriate disciplinary action at the time. We have granted Steve's request for an extended leave of absence to allow him to address it. We have no further comment."

-- Allison J. Waldman

New NBC Sitcom: Save Money. Live Better.

Comic actor and writer Paul Rust has teamed with NBC to create and star in a new sitcom based on his experiences working at a big-box store after graduating from college, reports Variety.

Rust will fictionalize the giant department store since Wal-Mart might not appreciate his comic take on his employment there. David Kissinger of Conaco gave Rust the go ahead on the project after listening to Rust recount his memories of the workplace.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Illness Hits 'Dancing With the Stars'

ABC's hit "Dancing With the Stars" has had its share of injuries through the years, but this year the flu bug is a major concern, according to People.

Derek Hough and Joanna Krupa were out of Monday's show because of illness and the other performers are fearful of catching the H1N1 virus to the point of turning to Vitamin C and hand sanitizer.

Hough said that his fever spiked to 105 degrees and he resorted to sleeping in a cool bath to lower his temperature.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Doctors' Big Operator in Syndie Ratings

"The Doctors" scored a 46% increase over last year at this time for the week ending Oct. 11, marking the largest year-to-year gain of any show in syndication, according to TVNewsCheck.

And despite tough competition in some markets from 12 divisional playoff baseball games on cable, most daytime shows posted steady or slightly higher Nielsen ratings for the week, the Web site says.

"The Doctors," from CBS Television Distribution, hit its highest ratings since late April, climbing 6% from the week before to a 1.9 and passing Warner Bros.' "Ellen DeGeneres Show" for the first time this season. "Ellen" was down 10% to a 1.8.

--Tom Gilbert

CW Wants a Lot More 'Vampire Diaries' and a Little 'Melrose Place'

The CW has give "The Vampire Diaries" a full season pickup, according Michael Ausiello at EW.com.

In addition to "Vampire," CW has also order a partial pickup for "Melrose Place" -- five episodes. The former order makes sense given the success of "Vampire"; however, "Melrose" has yet to catch on, which explains why CW has refrained from a back-nine order, Ausiello says.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Smallville' Actor Busted for Drugs

The Drug Enforcement Administration arrested "Smallville" actor Sam Jones in Los Angeles this morning and charged him with being part of a conspiracy to deal oxycodone, according to TMZ.com. 

Jones, who played Clark Kent's buddy on the show, was identified in court documents as the "Hollywood connection" in an alleged plot to buy and distribute the painkillers. Jones was expected to appear in Federal Court in L.A. today.

-- Allison J. Waldman

CBS to Give 'Cold Case' and 'Three Rivers' Another Shot

Because of last Sunday's football overrun, CBS has decided to rebroadcast the new "Three Rivers" episode on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m., according to the Futon Critic.

CBS decided not to air the new "Cold Case" last Sunday because of the late hour, broadcasting a rerun instead, and will now show that episode Sunday, Oct. 25, at 10 p.m.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'NCIS' Wins Again in Tuesday Ratings

Tuesday continues to be a strong night for CBS with "NCIS" once again leading the pack with a Nielsen 4.7 rating/13 share in adults 18-49 and 20.6 million total viewers, according to B&C.

"NCIS: Los Angeles" had its strongest outing in three weeks (3.9/10 in 18-49 and 16.5 million total viewers), while CBS' other new drama, "The Good Wife," scored a 2.7/7 in 18-49 and 12.9 million total viewers.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Judy Greer Back to ABC for 'I'm With Stupid'

Actress Judy Greer who starred in ABC's "Miss Guided" last season, has returned to the network to star in a new sitcom from ABC Studios called "I'm With Stupid," based on the book of the same name, reports Variety.

Greer will play a New Yorker who goes on safari in South Africa and finds romance with a park ranger. The novelist, Elaine Szewczyk, is lending a hand to the pilot script and will be a co-exec producer along with Allan Loeb, Steven Pearl and Richard Lewis.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Lifetime Pulls Show That Featured the Family of the 'Balloon Boy' Hoax

The Heene family--the ones that pulled the 'Balloon Boy' hoax last week--won't be getting any extra publicty on the Lifetime network.

CNN is reporting that next Thursday, Oct. 29th, Lifetime had scheduled to air a rerun of the first episode of "Wife Swap"  that featured the Heenes. The show first aired on ABC.

According to the article, "Once we found out" [it was allegedly a hoax]," a Lifetime spokesperson said, "we decided to pull it off the air. At this time, we don't have any plans to air it in the near future."

The episode continues to be available on Youtube, the report says.

--Chuck Ross

GE Chairman Voices Displeasure with NBC Primetime

GE’s chairman and CEO Jeffrey Immelt told the Web 2.0 Summit attendees that he’s not happy with NBC’s primetime performance this season, the Los Angeles Times reports.

"I hate being No. 4," he said in response to a question about whether the network’s performance led to the discussion about selling a controlling stake in NBC Universal to Comcast. He didn’t say it did, adding that "I assume we can be No. 1 again” and noting that GE is still “quite comfortable" owning NBCU.

--Elizabeth Jensen

It's Always Fair Weather...on The Weather Channel

For the first time in its 27 year history The Weather Channel is going to show movies.

First up is “The Perfect Storm,” the network announced, to be shown on Friday, Oct. 30, to coincide with the 18th anniversary of the real event upon which the film is based.

“Adding films to our Friday night lineup is a great way for us to further demonstrate how weather is an all-encompassing part of our lives that entertains and inspires us,” said Geoffrey Darby, executive vice president of programming for The Weather Channel, in a statement.

So we looked over the films and other titles we expected to see would be movies such as “Twister,’ and musicals such as Gene Kelly in “It’s Always Fair Weather,” or Lena Horne in “Stormy Weather.”

Imagine our surprise when we saw that one of the films scheduled is “Misery.” Huh? The reason The Weather Channel says it’s picked this film is that it begins in a “blinding snowstorm.”

OK, guys, we can only be fooled part of the time. Our suggestion to The Weather Channel: if you want to add movies to your schedule, fine, but drop the façade. Just say you want to show some of the best movies you can find, don’t clutter them up with too many commercials so we don’t switch channels, and then you can be a little cutesy if you must. But please, none of this stuff saying that you're airing films to show how weather "entertains and inspires us”…

So with “Misery,” in your press materials, you could say Kathy Bates delivers one of the coldest performances in movie history. If you show “Animal House,” you can say that the hijinks really heat up whenever John Belushi is on the screen.

Of course weather or not you take our suggestion is up to you,,,

--Chuck Ross

George Stephanopoulos in Talks to Take on Bigger ABC News Role

George Stephanopoulos’ new duties at ABC News may be bigger than becoming the designated fill-in when new “World News” anchor Diane Sawyer is off, reports B&C.

The “This Week” anchor is also in talks to take over for Sawyer at “Good Morning America” when she leaves for the evening newscast at the end of the year, B&C says, citing “multiple sources.”

He’d join Robin Roberts as co-host, and one scenario has him continuing to anchor “This Week;” another has him co-anchoring just the first, news-heavy hour of the morning show.

ABC News Senior VP Jeffrey Schneider said the process of choosing a “GMA” replacement is still in its early stages.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times reports that many ABC News insiders “expressed bewilderment” that management doesn’t have a succession plan set for the highly profitable “GMA.”

--Elizabeth Jensen

ABC’s ‘Castle’ Gets Full-Season Pickup

ABC’s Monday night detective drama “Castle” got a full-season pickup, Variety reports.

The show, in its second season, has been finishing second in its 10 p.m. time slot.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Former Dancer and Former Top Hollywood Studio Exec to Produce Oscar Broadcast

With last year's producers of the well-received telecast of the Academy Awards not available this year, Oscar officials have turned to two men who will produce the show for the first time, Variety reports.

The men are Adam Shankman, a dancer and choreographer-turned-director and producer ("Bedtime Stories," "Hairspray") and Bill Mechanic, the former chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, and producer of the recent “Coraline.” 

Bill Condon and Laurence Mark, who produced the Oscar telecast last year, had been asked back, but couldn’t take on the role because of film commitments. That show, hosted by Hugh Jackman, gave the Oscars its first ratings jump in years.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Carnie Wilson Gets Her Own Reality Series

We’ve seen her 1999 obesity surgery online and now Carnie Wilson will star in a reality series, the Associated Press reports.

"Carnie Wilson: Unstapled,” about her life as a working mom, will begin airing in January on GSN, where Wilson also hosts "The Newlywed Game."

--Elizabeth Jensen

FX’s ‘Sunny’ Headed to Comedy Central

Comedy Central acquired basic cable off-net rights to FX’s "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," marking the first time a cable network has picked up comedy reruns from another basic cable network, Variety reports.

The comedy will join the network’s lineup next summer, even as the show continues to air new episodes on FX.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the episodes went for $400,000 each, plus commercial time that could end up pushing their value to $700,000 per episode, depending on how the ad market is doing.

Kate Gosselin to Answer Viewer Questions in New TV Special

Beseiged and beleagured reality TV star Kate Gosselin will answer questions submitted by viewers in a new TV special.

The show will air this coming Monday, Oct. 26, on TLC in place of the Gosselin’s regularly scheduled show, “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” reports the Los Angeles Times’ Show Tracker blog.
According to the report, TLC describes the show thusly:

As Kate takes on tough audience questions, she relives memories of the show and gives honest answers, but will Kate be shocked by some of the things the audience wants to know? Will she ever get married again? Where does Kate see kids in 10 years? Do you wear heels all the time? Do the kids know they’re famous? How is it handling school homework with eight kids?

--Chuck Ross

Paula Zahn Delivers for Investigation Discovery

The numbers are small compared to other major cable networks but “On the Case with Paula Zahn” gave Investigation Discovery its best series debut ever on Oct. 18, B&C reports.

Some 465,000 total viewers tuned in to the newsmagazine in its 10 p.m. timeslot.

--Elizabeth Jensen

'Oprah' Lands Another Big-Name Guest

In her latest in a series of high-profile guests this season, Oprah Winfrey has booked former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on her talk show, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The former Republican vice presidential candidate will appear on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Monday, Nov. 16, to discuss her new book, "Going Rogue: An American Life." Winfrey's company is calling Sarah's visit a "world exclusive."

-- Allison J. Waldman

Redstone’s Stock Sales Send Viacom, CBS Shares Up

Sumner Redstone’s sale of nearly $1 billion in shares of Viacom and CBS stock sent share prices in both companies up, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Usually when the chairman of a company sells his own shares, the opposite happens. But Wall Street has been concerned for some time that Redstone’s National Amusements, controlling shareholder in both companies, was struggling to pay its debt, which could have hurt the two if National Amusements was forced into bankruptcy.

Proceeds from the stock sales are being used to pay down National Amusement’s debt, apparently easing the concerns of some CBS and Viacom investors.

--Elizabeth Jensen

'Real Housewives' Star Who's Not Really a Wife Pregnant Anyway

"Real Housewives of New York City" star Bethenny Frankel recently announced that she was engaged to Jason Hoppy, and today comes the news that she is two months pregnant, reports People.

This is Frankel's first child. the Bravo star told People she had hoped to keep the news quiet for a while, at least through the first trimester, but that word leaked out.

-- Allison J. Waldman

U2 at the Rose Bowl Goes Live via YouTube Sunday

U2 will broadcast its Oct. 25 concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., live via a Web stream at YouTube.com, report Reuters.

The sold-out concert is going to be filmed for DVD release at a later date. The YouTube feed will be available across five continents, and there will also be two replays on www.U2.com and YouTube after the live broadcast.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Twitter Campaign Gives 'Big Bang' a Boost in the Ratings

"Big Bang Theory" executive producer Bill Prady and guest star Wil Wheaton conspired to see how a Twitter message campaign could help last night's episode of the CBS comedy, in which Wheaton appeared as himself.

The answer is quite a lot. According to The Wrap, "Bang" scored a 3.9/10 in adults 18-34 demo, up 15% from last week's episode. Preliminary overnight Nielsens for  total viewers show that "Bang" might wind up with its best ratings ever.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Two New Dramas in the Works for Fox

Fox has a new hour-long drama in the works that is based on the 1999 British series "Daylight Robbery," about four housewives who, plagued by money woes, turn to crime, reports Variety.

20th Century Fox TV is producing. Also in the works is for the network is “Midland,” an hour-long drama about the polygamist husband of two.

-- Renee Wilson

Byron Allen Bringing 'Young Icons' to Syndication

Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios Inc. will launch "The Young Icons" in syndication for fall 2010, according to TVNewscheck.

 "The Young Icons" is an  weekly 30 minute HD series about the lives of the exceptional Americans, age 18 and younger, who are renowned athletes, artists or students, or working in charity and in commerce.

-- Allison J. Waldman

John Miller Named Senior VP at WE tv

WE tv and Wedding Central named John Miller, formerly executive VP at The Weinstein Company, to the post of senior VP of original productions and development, according to Multichannel News.

Miller's new duties will include developing original programming and overseeing production on WE network-produced programming. At Weinstein, Miller had a hand in developing "Project Runway," "Models of the Runway" and the HBO/BBC series "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency."

-- Allison J. Waldman

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Sportsman Channel Expands Into More Comcast Territory

The all-hunting, -shooting and -fishing network, Sportsman Channel, has inked a deal with Comcast to carry its programming on Comcast’s Digital Preferred service in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.; Savannah, Ga.; Tucson, Ariz.; and Albuquerque, Las Cruces,and Santa Fe, N.M.

With the help of programming resources from its parent company, InterMedia Outdoors, The Sportsman Channel has broadcast more than 500 original series episodes and 15 new shows in 2009.

Sportman Channel President Willy Burkhardt said, “We’re thrilled to bring our strongest programming line-up in our history to Comcast customers, and we look forward to continuing to provide our viewers and distribution partners with entertaining and informative content across our three programming pillars of hunt, shoot and fish.”

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Knocked Up' Scores Big on E!

For the week of Oct. 12, the premiere broadcast of the Seth Rogen/Katherine Heigl film "Knocked Out" led to E! achieving the most-watched week in the network's history, averaging 467,000 total viewers, up 34% over the benchmark of a year ago.

Among the network's target audience -- the adult 18-49 demo -- E! had its highest-rated week ever, and in adults 18-34, women 18-34 and women 18-49, it also registered network bests. "Knocked Up" has been seen by nearly 20.2 million total viewers since premiering on Sunday, Oct. 11.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Indestructible Man' Comic Book Coming to TV?

"Indestructible Man" comic books may soon be coming to TV since Fox21 has partnered with Platinum Studios to develop a show based on the comic book hero, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Nick Rabel is the secret agent hero of the comic, who discovers that while he may be indestructible, he can still be broken… all with a humorous take.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Creator of 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' Tells of Bad Experience with Balloon Man Richard Heene

Tom Forman, the creator of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," tells TMZ about an experience he recently had with Balloon Man Richard Heene which left a bad taste in Forman's mouth.

According to the report, Heene pitched him an idea for a reality show that Forman says Heene told him he had pitched no one else. Then Forman says he found out that Heene has pitched the same idea to the TLC cable network.

Forman then says he called Heene to tell him to never contact Forman again, TMZ reports.

--Chuck Ross 

'Big Brother' Winner Jasinski Arrested in Boston

Adam Jasinski, who last year was the winner of CBS' reality series “Big Brother,” yesterday was in U.S. District Court in Boston charged with possession of oxycodone pills with intent to distribute, reports WFXT-TV's MyFoxBoston.com.

After flying into Boston's Logan Airport from Delray Beach, Fla., with 2,000 oxycodone pills allegedly in his possession, Jasinski was arrested in North Reading, where he allegedly was attempting to complete the transaction. Instead, DEA agents arrested him.

-- Allison J. Waldman

You've Heard of the 'Triple Play': Internet, Wired Phone and Video Services; Now Verizon Offers the 'Quad Play'

Verizon Communications, which offers the FiOS video service, announced it will offer a "quad play" starting in its Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets, Multichannel News reports.

The  quad play offers wireless phone to the traditional triple play.

According to the article, " 'While we've long offered customers the opportunity to add their [Verizon Wireless] charges to a one bill option, it wasn't really a bundled option that provided savings over the separate purchase of the service(s),' Verizon spokesman Bob Elek said in an e-mail."

The bundling will save customers between $59 and $179 annually, Multichannel reported.

--Chuck Ross

A Lighter Side Report: 'Amelia Earhart Turns Up in Richard Heene's Attic'

The humorists at CAP News are having fun at the expense of the now infamous father of the Balloon Boy. Beside the great headline to their funny piece, we love this line, referencing Richard Heene and his hiding Earhart in his attic:

"That stupid jerk - I was worried sick about that woman!" said Art Federburg, 81, of Hackensack, N.J., upon hearing about Earhart. "There's 72 years I'm never gonna get back."

If you have a few minutes to smile or even laugh, check out the CAP News satire here.

--Chuck Ross

You'll Never Guess Who's Advising Comcast on the NBCU Deal (Hint: He's One of the Smartest Execs in the Business--Just Ask Murdoch)

The New York Times has reported that one of the sharpest minds in the media business has been advising Comcast as it prepares to bid for NBC Universal.

It's Peter Chernin, the former president of News Corp., who is now an independent producer.

Chernin is paid consultant, according to the report, which also says, “ 'It’s been very internal,' said one executive who has been in these meetings. 'He’s helping the company [Comcast] understand what the prospects are for these content businesses.'

--Chuck Ross

NBC's Graboff: TV Windows Are Collapsing, So Reach Out to the Audience Anytime, Anywhere

NBC's Entertainment Chairman Marc Graboff said that if the TV industry is to continue to turn a profit, the people in charge have to make TV viewing available anytime, anywhere, because traditional television viewing patterns are collapsing, reports the Associated Press.

"The audience is so fragmented at the expense of television shows. Windows are starting to collapse," Gragoff told participants at the Variety Entertainment and Technology Summit in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday. Graboff suggested that alternative windows might be the answer for media providers, if they could prove to be money makers.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Ex-Gov. Blago Allowed to Appear on NBC's 'Celebrity Apprentice'

In U.S. District Court yesterday, Chicago prosecutors did not ask for ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to be barred from appearing as a contestant on NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice," according to the New York Post.

However, when requested, Blagojevich's counsel agreed to limit what the politican might say during the broadcasts.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Jillian Michaels Snags a 'Biggest Loser' Spinoff for NBC

Jillian Michaels, the charismatic trainer on NBC's "The Biggest Loser," is getting her own spinoff, "Losing It With Jillian Michaels," reports Variety.

The eight-episode reality series will deal with Jillian's efforts to change the diet and exercise of families who are out of shape. Producers are currently looking for families to participate.

-- Allison J. Waldman

First Lady Michelle Obama to Visit Leno

The First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, will appear on "The Jay Leno Show" this Friday, Oct. 23, reports The Wrap.

The First Lady is slated to appear in the "Ten @ Ten" segment.

-- Allison J. Waldman

He Wasn't Creepy Nor Kooky, Maybe Mysterious and Spooky, and Yes, All Together Grandly Ookey: Songwriter Vic Mizzy Dies

Beside writing the theme to "The Addams Family," Vic Mizzy also penned the theme to "Green Acres."

Mizzy died on Saturday at age 93, reports the Associated Press. In addition to those memorable TV themes, Mizzy was a songwriter whose songs had been done by Dean Martin, Doris Day and Perry Como, among others.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Fox Orders More Episodes of 'Lie to Me'

Despite only middling ratings, Fox gave the drama series "Lie to Me" an order for three additional scripts, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"Lie to Me" was a mid-season replacement last season and currently is airing behind ratings magnet "House," where its been unable to pull the same kind of numbers.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Joss Whedon to Direct a 'Glee' Episode

Joss Whedon, the creator of the Emmy-winning webisode “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog,” will get a chance to direct an episode of the Fox musical dramedy “Glee,” according to Michael Ausiello’s column at EW.com.

In addition to “Dr. Horrible,” Whedon wrote and directed a musical episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

-- Allison J. Waldman

Denver News Director Was Suspicious of Balloon Boy Story From the Start

When the call first came in to Denver's KUSA-TV about Falcon Heene, "the boy in the balloon," assignment manager Jim Pedersen and news director Patti Dennis, were both skeptical, reports Denver Westword, the Denver news blog.

Dennis questioned Richard Heene extensively -- why wasn't Falcon in school, why hadn't the police been contacted -- before jumping on the story and sending a helicopter out to track the balloon.

Dennis was surprised at how interest in the incident grew exponentially, but when she was deluged with requests for information from as far away as Australia and Sweden, she knew KUSA had the biggest story in the station's history.

"I've been doing this for 31 years and this is at the top of the unusual scale. It's the new number one," she said.

-- Allison Waldman

'Dog Whisperer' the Sitcom?

Sitcom star Wilmer Valderrama of "That '70s Show" may soon be back on TV in a comedy series based on the career of Cesar Millan, National Geographic Channel's "The Dog Whisperer," reports Variety.

The show is currently in development and Wilmer's character would be based on Cesar and his skill at training dogs. Twentieth Century Fox TV is behind the project, with "Hung" co-exec producer Emily Kapnek writing the pilot and producing the half-hour.

-- Allison Waldman

New Report Says NBC Affiliates Disgruntled About Leno Lead-In

The "Leno Effect" is starting to show around the country on NBC affiliates and stations are disgruntled about the hit local late newscasts are taking because of the weak network lead-in, reports the Los Angeles Times.

NBC has more than 200 affiliates, and the news programs are feeling the pinch, the Times says. Leno show is averaging 5.6 million viewers, Monday through Thursday, which is now less than half the numbers it pulled initially, and down more than a third from the audience dramatic series have drawn traditionally for the network.

-- Allison Waldman

Before Balloon Boy, There Was Bart Simpson

Now that the truth is emerging about Falcon Heene's faux balloon escapade, Chicago Tribune columnist Phil Rosenthal points out that we've all seen this kind of hoax before -- on "The Simpsons."

In "The Simpsons" episode, Bart Simpson dropped a walkie-talkie into a well and the entire town of Springfield thought he was down there and doomed to die. And before "The Simpsons," there was "Curious George," Rosenthal points out.

-- Allison J. Waldman 

'Arrested Development' to Air on IFC

Continuing to add to it comedy commitment, which includes "Monty Python's Flying Circus," IFC has added the Emmy-winning Fox series "Arrested Development" to its lineup, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

IFC will broadcast back-to-back episodes on Sunday and Tuesday nights starting Oct. 25.

-- Allison Waldman

Rachael Ray Extended Through Season Six

CBS Television Distribution's "Rachel Ray" has been cleared for a sixth season (through 2012) in 90 percent of the country, reports B&C.

Onboard for another season are the ABC-owned TV stations, CBS Television Stations and stations owned by Gannett, Local TV, LIN, Allbritton, Tribune and Hearst-Argyle. 

--Renee Wilson

Whitney Houston Has a Wardrobe Malfunction

While appearing on the British musical TV show "The X Factor," singer Whitney Houston had one of those Janet Jackson-esque "wardrobe malfunctions," according to Popeater.

The strap holding up the bodice of Whitney's gown snapped in the back and flew up. Houston kept singing through the incident and after the fact, quipped to host Dermot O'Leary, "I sang myself out of my clothes."

-- Allison Waldman

Tier Switch Gives More of Utah a Chance to Watch the Outdoor Channel

The Outdoor Channel will soon be seen in more of the state of Utah thanks for a new deal with Comcast, reports Multichannel News.

Instead of being slotted in the sports tier, Comcast has put the Outdoor Channel in the Digital Preferred slot in Salt Lake City, Logan and Ogden.

-- Allison Waldman

ABC Takes to the Sky to Promote 'V'

Look, up in the sky, it's not a bird, it's not a plane, it's ABC's new promotion for the sci-fi series, "V."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, beginning Oct. 23, ABC will send skywriters to draw giant V's across the sky at 26 famous American landmarks, including New York's Statue of Liberty and the Capitol Records building in Los Angeles.

The campaign will include multiple fly-overs between then Nov. 3, when the series premieres at 8 p.m.

-- Allison J. Waldman

ESPN Lands Soccer Legend to Call the Games

When ESPN broadcasts the 2010 FIFA World Cup, legendary British soccer commentator Martin Tyler will be calling the games, reports B&C.

Tyler, who's considered the John Madden of European "football," will be a draw for ESPN in its efforts to lure more viewers to World Cup coverage.

-- Allison Waldman

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TV Show May Be Involved in Balloon Hoax

Sheriff Jim Alderden said Sunday that, "documents show that a media outlet has agreed to pay money to the Heenes with regard to the balloon incident," according to the Associated Press.

Alderden didn't name the media outlet but said it was a show that blurs "the line between entertainment and news," the AP reports.

Alderden is the sheriff for Larimer County, Colorado, which includes the city of Fort Collins. The Heenes, who reside in Fort Collins are the family that claimed six-year-old Falcon Heene had inadvertantly fallen into a container that was attached to a helium balloon that became untethered and sent up into the sky on Thursday, Oct  15.

The drama was followed by millions worldwide on TV and on the Internet.

According to the AP, "It wasn't clear whether the deal was signed before or after the alleged hoax, or whether the media outlet was a possible conspirator."

Said Sheriff Alderden,"Let's call it (my statement) short of speculation that a media outlet was in on the hoax, but let's not discount the possibility."

Furthermore, the story says that investigators want to talk to Robert Thomas, 25, of Denver.

Thomas had told gawker.com, in a story that gawker paid for, that he worked with Falcon's father, Richard Heene, on a proposal for an ABC reality series that included an idea about a homemade flying saucer.

To read the TV proposal that Thomas claims he worked on, click here. To read Thomas' account of working with Heene, click here.

Previously the Heene's had been on the reality show "Wife Swap."

--Chuck Ross

Star of MTV's 'The Hills' Arrested for DUI

In the early hours Sunday morning, the Los Angeles police stopped reality television star Stephanie Pratt of "The Hills" for suspicion of drunken driving, according to the Associated Press.

Pratt, who's 23 years old, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. She was released from the Van Nuys jail after posting $5,000 bail.

--Allison Waldman

Though in the Past Many Said NBCU Would Be a Good Fit for Time Warner, Here's TW CEO Jeff Bewkes on Why He Won't Bid

While Time Warner owns half of the CW, in the past many pundits have claimed that buying a major network such as NBC would be a good thing for Time Warner.

At the TVWeek Innovation360 Conference on Oct. 13 in New York City, Time Warner Chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes explained why the company will not bid for NBCU.

Also, if you want to hear Bewkes talk about a possible Time Warner/CBS bid for the broadcast rights to the 2014 and 2016 Olympics, click here.

SAG Confirms David White as National Executive Director

The Screen Actors Guild removed the interim tag off David White on Sunday when the national board approved his permanent two-year appointment as national executive director, according to Variety.

White won 71% of the vote. The key opposition to his appointment, Anne-Marie Johnson, had lobbied for seeking other candidates through an executive search committee.

-- Allison Waldman

Stephanopoulos Designated as Sawyer's Official Back-Up

When Diane Sawyer takes the chair as the anchor on ABC's "World News" next year, George Stephanopoulos has been designated as her No. 1 back-up, according to Politico. 

It's part of Stephanopoulos's expanded duties, which include the "George’s Bottom Line" segments on “Good Morning America,” ABC's chief Washington correspondent and anchor of “This Week,” “World News,” contributions to “Nightline” and a news blog on ABCNews.com.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Time Warner Chief Bewkes on Whether Company Will Partner With CBS for Olympics Bid

In this clip from the Oct. 13th TVWeek Innovation360 Conference in New York City, Time Warner Chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes answers a question as to whether or not the company is partnering with CBS to obtain the broadcast right for the 2014 and 2016 Olympics.

After you've seen this clip, if you want to hear Bewkes explain why he will NOT bid for NBC Universal, click here.

'Real Housewives' Star Gets Engaged

One of the "Real Housewives" might become a real housewife after all. Or at least a wife in real life.

"Real Housewives of New York City" star Bethenny Frankel, for whom Bravo is now developing her own reality show, has announced her engagement to Jason Hoppy, according to People.

Frankel had been rumored to be engaged over the summer to Hoppy, but Bethenny revealed he gave her a ring on Oct. 8.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Vince McMahon's Son Leaving WWE

Shane McMahon, son of World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Vince McMahon and executive VP of global media, announced on Friday that he was leaving the family business, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Shane's contribution to the family TV empire was recognized by his father, who accepted his resignation, which is effective Jan. 1.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Betty' Return Down 58% From Last Year

The fourth-season premiere of ABC's "Ugly Betty" drew only 5.1 million viewers and a 1.4 preliminary adults 18-49 Nielsen rating, coming in behind both Fox's American League Championship Series baseball (Yankees vs. Angels) as well as CBS' "Ghost Whisperer," "Medium" and "Numbers." according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"Betty's" two-hour return dropped 58% from last year's return in the show's old Thursday timeslot.

--Allison J. Waldman

CBS Affiliates Want 10 p.m. Shows to Run Long

CBS affiliate general managers have been enjoying the excellent ratings that the network’s 10 p.m. dramas are pulling in, but they’re unhappy that the shows don’t spill over past 11 p.m., reports B&C.

Last May at the annual affiliates meeting, executives had lobbied for a seamless transition with less cluttered lead-ins; however, CBS programming hasn’t changed their formula. GMs worry viewers may be reaching for PDAs or laptops during the gap between primetime programming and local news.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Get Smart' Producer Daniel Melnick Dead at 77

Veteran film and television producer Daniel Melnick passed away last week at his home in Los Angeles, according to the Associated Press.

Melnick, who was 77, was responsbile for major motion pictures like "That's Entertainment," "Network," and "Midnight Express," and he was also head of production at MGM and Columbia, where he helped get "Kramer vs. Kramer" and "The China Syndrome" into theaters. On TV, Melnick was known for "Get Smart" and "He & She."

-- Allison Waldman

Jon Gosselin Slammed With Breach of Contract Suit by TLC

On the heels of TLC announcing that filming will cease on "Jon & Kate Plus Eight" in November, the network today filed suit against Jon Gosselin, claiming he has breached his contract, according to the Associated Press.

The suit, which was filed Friday in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, Md., alleges that Gosselin appeared on other networks for pay, revealed information about the show without permission and violated his obligations as an exclusive employee of TLC.

-- Allison J. Waldman

First 'Survivor' Winner Richard Hatch Released From Jail

Richard Hatch, the first man to win the $1 million prize on CBS's "Survivor" and wound up behind bars for not paying the taxes on that money, has been released from jail after completing his sentence, according to the Associated Press.

Hatch had been incarcerated in a Massachusetts when he violated his early release in August by giving unauthorized interviews. Hatch must still pay the back taxes, complete a mental health program and serve three years of supervised release.

-- Allison J. Waldman

ABC Considers Ice Version of 'Dancing With the Stars'

"Dancing With the Stars" may be spinning off into "Skating with the Stars," if ABC and BBC Worldwide Productions can work out the logistics and the complications, reports TVMoJoe at The Wrap.

The show would be similar to the dancing competition, except that stars would train to perform skating routines on ice.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'30 Rock' Ratings Down in Return … and 'Grey's' Continues to Slide

The ratings for Thursday night were a mixed bag, starting with "30 Rock's" fourth-season premiere, which were down  27% from last year in the adult demo, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"Rock's" 3.0 Nielsen rating among adults 18-49 was off 25% from the show preceding it, "The Office." Meanwhile, on ABC, "Grey's Anatomy" was the top-rated network show, and helped ABC to win the night, but the show was off 9% from last week and that makes four weeks in a row of decline. CBS came in second overall, with "Survivor" (3.5), "CSI" (3.6) and "Mentalist" (3.4) all up 3%.

For NBC, at 8 p.m., "Community" and "Parks & Recreation" both had a 2.0, while at 9 p.m. "The Office" posted a 4.0, down 17% from last week's one-hour Pam-Jim wedding episode.

--Allison J. Waldman

ABC Yanks 'Hank' for Another Run of 'Charlie Brown'

On Oct. 28, the day after it airs an hour-long version of the the Peanuts animated holiday special, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," ABC will pre-empt the new Kelsey Grammer sitcom "Hank" in order to air a half-hour version of the special, according to TVMoJoe at The Wrap.

According to TVMoJoe, ABC schedulers apparently think the Peanuts gang could make a better lead-in for "The Middle" than is the struggling "Hank."

--Allison J. Waldman

Ripa and Consuelos to Return to Their Roots

In honor of "All My Children's" upcoming 40th anniversary in 2010, talk show host Kelly Ripa and her husband, actor Mark Consuelos, will make a special guest return to the soap on Jan. 4-5, reports the Associated Press.

Ripa and Consuelos met on the soap and will return as their characters, Hayley and Mateo. According to Ripa, she will share behind-the-scenes footage next month of their return to their roots on "Live With Regis and Kelly."

-- Allison J. Waldman

Turco and Bostwick Cast in NBC Backdoor Pilot Project

Paige Turco and Barry Bostwick have been cast in the NBC TV movie, "The Mountain," a backdoor pilot for a potential series, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In the film, Turco plays a single mom of three who discovers her uncle, whom she assumed had died, was in the very mountain cabin she was moving into. They team up to keep outsiders from gaining access to the mysterious, treasure-filled mountain.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Children's TV Pioneer Jules Power Passes Away

One of the pioneers of children's television, Jules Power, who co-produced NBC's "Mr. Wizard" in 1951, died in Baltimore on Friday, October 9, according to the New York Times.

He succumbed to Alzheimer's disease. In addition to his work on the Peabody-award winning "Mr. Wizard," Power also helmed ABC's “Discovery” in 1961, and later in 1977, began "Over Easy" on PBS with Hugh Downs and Richard Rector.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'The Good Wife' Changes Showrunners

"The Good Wife" co-creators/executive producers Michelle and Robert King will take over the helm of the CBS series from executive producer Dee Johnson, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A veteran showrunner, Johnson had been installed to get the show off to a good start and aid the Kings. The show has been given a full season commitment and is considered on firm enough footing for
Johnson to move on.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Another 'Reality' Channel Will Take the Place of Fox Reality Channel--and This One is Really Wild!

According to an article by top TV reporter/editor Mike Schneider at Variety, the Fox Cable Networks may announce as soon as Friday, Oct. 16, the replacement fare for the soon to be shuttered Fox Reality Channel.

The replacement channel, " 'National Geographic Wild,' will air a mix of animal-centric and natural history programming. Cabler is already distributed internationally in territories including Hong Kong, the U.K., Turkey, Ireland and Vietnam," according to the article.

Variety also says, "Because of the unscripted nature of the new channel - you can't get much more 'real' than nature-oriented fare - Fox Cable Networks hopes to make a smooth transition between the old channel and the new. Nonetheless, it's currently negotiating new affiliate deals with cable operators."

--Chuck Ross

First Time in History of 'SNL,' a Single Advertiser Will Sponsor Entire Show; Ad Breaks Will Feature Never-Before Aired Clips of Show

"For the first time in the 35-season history of "Saturday Night Live," an advertiser is buying all the national ad time in the broadcast of the venerable late-night comedy show," reports Brian Steinberg of Advertising Age.

The advertiser is Budweiser, which will be pushing its Bud Light Golden Wheat beer. Click here to read the entire story--it's excellent in its detail--about the deal, including the fact that during the commercial breaks viewers will see never-before-aired 'SNL' clips.

--Chuck Ross

Was the Entire 'Balloon Boy' Escapade a Hoax?

Clearly some think the entire 'Balloon Boy' escapade yesterday (Thursday, Oct. 15th) was a hoax.

Here's an exchange from CNN's Oct. 15th "Larry King Live" about that. CNN's Wolf Blitzer, guest hosting for King, spoke to the Heene family: Falcon Heene was the little 6-year-old boy who was at the heart of the drama when it was thought he was caught in the compartment of a helium balloon that was untethered and sailed into the sky; Falcon's mom, Mayumi, and his dad, Richard:

Blitzer:  And Falcon was really in the garage this whole time.  I don't know if Falcon can hear me, but was he -- because I know at some point, he fell in sleep in that garage, but he was hiding out because he thought you were going to punish him for something that happened earlier in the day.

Later in the show there was this exchange:

Blitzer: Richard Heene, the father of little Falcon -- Richard, earlier in the show I asked you to relay the question to Falcon. He was hiding in the garage for four hours. I asked you to ask him why didn't he come out after he heard you and his mom and everybody else screaming for Falcon. And you said to him, "Falcon, why didn't you come out?"

And Falcon said, hmmm, you guys said that we did this for the show. And you said, hmmmm. What did he mean, we did this for the show?

Richard: I have no idea. I think he was talking about the media.

They've been asking a lot of questions. So somebody asked him that question earlier.

Blitzer: Do you want to ask him now. I don't know if he can hear me? What did he mean by what he said we did this for the show? Do you want to ask Falcon?

Richard: Falcon, they want to know -- they want to know why you were in the attic for so long and why you -- say it again?

Blitzer: Why he said -- he said we did this for the show in explaining why he didn't come out of the attic.

Richard: Yes. Let me interrupt this real quick. I think I can see the direction you guys are hedging on this. Because earlier you had asked the police officers the question. The media out front, we weren't even going to do this view. And I'm kind of appalled, after all of the feelings that I went through, up and down, that you guys are trying to suggest something else.

OK? I'm really appalled, because they said out in front that this would be the end, and I wouldn't have to be bothered for the rest of the week with any shows or anything. So we said OK, fine, we'll do this.

So I'm kind of appalled that you guy would say something like that. You know?

Blitzer: No, no. We're not asking anything unusual. You were asked earlier about if this was a publicity stunt. You say it wasn't.

The police say it wasn't. The rescue operation say it wasn't. The only thing I wanted to clarify why Falcon had said earlier we did this for the show. I just wanted to clarify. I didn't understand what he was referring to.

Richard: Well, you know, we were on "Wife Swap" a couple times.

The camera crew was out there, I would imagine -- they asked him a couple questions in reference to this. And I believe, you know, he meant something to do with that.

Blitzer: Right. And he's nodding his head for that. I don't want you to misunderstand. Just asking the question doesn't mean, Richard, that we're suggesting untoward or anything like. That we're just thrilled that Falcon is alive and well, and your family is together. We watched all of this play out during the course of several hours. And I have to tell you personally, as a reporter who reported that he was alive and well, it was a thrilling moment for me, because, you know, I was really, really worried that I would have to report something very, very different.

I was just grateful that he is just fine. You have a beautiful family there. You spent an hour talking about it with us, and with the entire country. Everyone was engrossed. Everyone was watching. And we want to wish you and your wife and the three boys only the best. Thanks very much for joining us.

That's it for us. I'm Wolf Blitzer, sitting in for Larry King.

"Anderson Cooper 360" starts right now.

There are a number of pundits who think it was a hoax. One of them is Dave Porter of AXcess. Click here to read his column about why he thinks it was a hoax.

--Chuck Ross

OMG: In the Blink of an Eye Thursday, the World Was Captivated by 'Balloon Boy': From TV to Facebook to Twitter--and Even Merchandised as the Story Unfolded.

It turned out that 'Balloon Boy' Falcon Heene was safe, hiding in his attic all along, but while he was missing the world was captivated, thinking he was in the compartment attached to a helium balloon traversing the skyways.

The odyssey of the boy and the balloon was followed on TV and video around the world, from the cable news channels in the U.S. to the BBC to Al-Jazerra.

Meanwhile, various custom merchandise about the event was being sold in real time as the event was progressing, reports this fascinating story from CNN.

--Chuck Ross

Alert Your Young Daughters: Build-A-Bear Animals to Come Alive For First Time in ABC Family Holiday Special

"Holly and Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure," a new animated holiday special that is a  collaboration between ABC Family and the Build-A-Bear Workshop toy stores, will air on the network on Tuesday, November 24 at 7:00 p.m, the network has announced.

The story of the special concerns Holly and Hal Moose, two antlered siblings who team with Santa Claus to save Christmas. This is the first time Build-A-Bear's 12-year history that its plush animals are brought to life on television

-- Allison J. Waldman

Commentary: One Secret of Jon Stewart's Success--Skewering People and Institutions With Their Own Tired Cliches

Our former TVWeek colleague Jon Layfayette writes a perceptive blog at the Multichannel News site called Counter Programming. Here's a good example of Jon's observations: His excellent analysis of why Jon Stewart may just be the premier satirist of our day.

--Chuck Ross

'Nip/Tuck' Opens Sixth Season Strong

FX's drama series "Nip/Tuck" returned Wednesday night for its sixth season drawing 2.9 million viewers, a 16% boost over last season's average, according to Variety. 

"In the 18-49 demo, 1.9 million tuned in," the article said

-- Allison J. Waldman

Two 'Real Housewives of (Washington) D.C.' Candidates Dumped

Bravo has dropped two potential players from "The Real Housewives of D.C." -- Lisa Spies, a Republican fundraiser, and Edwina Rogers, a healthcare lobbyist -- reportedly because of their political activities, according to the Washington Post.

Both ladies have been undergoing filming by Bravo until now. They'd said that they were going to bring an inside the Beltway spin to the show, but apparently the network has chosen not to go in that direction.

Though casting is not final, according to the Post article, these three ladies will be in the show: "Mary Amons, a McLean mom of five and rising socialite; Michaele Salahi, a notable in Fauquier's wine country and polo circles; and Lynda Erkiletian, owner of T.H.E. Artist Agency."

-- Allison J. Waldman

Will Letterman Stay With CBS Beyond His Current Contract?

Newsday columnist Verne Gay speculates that CBS "Late Show" host David Letterman is leaning toward not extending his contract with the network beyond the current term, which will end in August 2010.

Gay says he has it on good authority that Letterman has not signed the extension offered to him last summer that would keep him on the air and on the network through 2012.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Judge Rules to Keep Letterman Hearing Open

Despite requests to keep closed arguments about search warrants in the case of CBS News producer Robert J. Halderman and David Letterman, Norwalk Superior Court Judge Bruce Hudok declared that the discussions will handled in open court, reports the Associated Press.

Prosecutor Suzanne Vieux had asked the judge to keep it all behind closed doors, but the search warrants for Halderman's home and car will now be argued openly.

The CBS producer has been accused of trying to blackmail CBS star David Letterman for $2 million in order to keep silent about Letterman's sexual relations with staff.

-- Allison J. Waldman

TLC's 'Jon & Kate' to End in November

Following speculation that TLC will pull the plug on "Jon & Kate Plus 8," the New York Post and People report that the show will be ending in mid-to-late November.

Since Jon Gosselin has barred filming of his eight children, TLC will reportedly use the footage that exists to piece together the remaining episodes.

The network wanted to continue the show at "Kate Plus Eight," but unless Jon changes his mind about the filming of the kids, it doesn't look like the show would continue under any name.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Showtime Orders Pilot Starring William H. Macy Based on Long-Running British Series

Showtime has greenlighted a pilot by Emmy-winner John Wells, an American version of the long-running British drama "Shameless," that will headline actor William H. Macy, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

John Wells Productions has been shopping this project, the story of a boy growing up in a working-class family with eight children, for five years. The U.S. version will be set in Chicago during the current economic hard times.

-- Allison J. Waldman

CBS' Don Hewitt Memorial Set for Oct. 19 in New York

The creator of "60 Minutes," the late Don Hewitt, will be honored by colleagues at a memorial in New York City on Monday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. in the Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center, according to the Huffington Post.

Among those expected to speak are Hewitt's close friend, actor Alan Alda, CBS CEO Les Moonves, current "60 Minutes" executive producer Jeff Fager and on-air correspondent Morley Safer and "Sesame Street" creator Joan Ganz Cooney.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Source:

HBO Teams Up With NASCAR for '24/7'

For the first time in the "24/7" reality series' history, the subject of the HBO Sports program will not be a boxing event, reports B&C.

"24/7" will direct its cameras on NASCAR, following driver Jimmie Johnson as he prepares for the Daytona 500.

"24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race To Daytona" premieres Jan. 26 at 10 p.m. with the first of four episodes, the other three to air over the next three Tuesdays.

The final episode, Feb. 16, will air just two days after the race.

-- Allison J. Waldman

The Little Boy [Thought to be] in the Balloon, Found Safe

It's a happy conclusion of a story that was followed by millions of people around the world on TV today.

Falcon Heene, the six-year-old boy who was thought to be in a compartment attached to a helium balloon that was set adrift, had been hiding in the attic in his home, according to Reuters.

--Chuck Ross

Fox Wins Tight Ratings Race on Wednesday

The competition between Fox, CBS and ABC was tight Wednesday night, with Fox narrowly winning the night, according to B&C.

In the 8 o'clock hour, "So You Think You Can Dance" earned a Nielsen 2.8/8 compared to "The New Adventures of Old Christine's" 2.2/7 and "Gary Unmarried's" 2.4/7.ABC and NBC lagged behind, with ABC's "Hank" and "The Middle," getting a 1.8/5 and a 2.0/6, respectively, while NBC's "Mercy" matched "The Middle" with a 2.0/6.

At 9 p.m., CBS' "Criminal Minds" earned a 3.6/9, the same as ABC's 9-9:30 sitcom "Modern Family." However, "Cougar Town" fell to a 3.2/8, which put it behind CBS and Fox's "Glee" which pulled a 3.3/9. NBC's "Law & Order: SVU" collected a 2.7/7.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Bravo Schedules New Kathy Griffin Special

Emmy-winning comedienne Kathy Griffin's new stand-up special, "Balls of Steel," will air on Bravo Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 9 p.m., according to The Hollywood Reporter.

This is Griffin's seventh original special and will be her take on popular culture, including gags about Jon and Kate Gosselin, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus, among others.

-- Allison J. Waldman

NBC Universal and Anheuser-Busch Partner for 'SNL' Promo

On Saturday, Oct. 17, "Saturday Night Live" will have just one sponsor, a first in the 35-year history of the show.

NBC Universal and Anheuser-Busch announced a comprehensive sponsorship in which Bud Light Golden Wheat will be "SNL's" exclusive sponsor for the night.

As part of the promotion, the show will feature "Backstage with Bud Light Golden Wheat," a series of never-before-aired clips from "SNL" throughout the years.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Jorja Fox Sticking With 'CSI'

When former "CSI" regular Jorja Fox returned for the current season of the show, the deal was for just five episodes.

However, the deal has now been extended and remains open, reports EW.com. Fox will appear on an unspecificed number of episodes of the hit CBS series.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Young Singer to do Double Duty on 'SNL' Next Month as Host AND Musical Guest

One of the hottest singers in the country will both host and be the musical act on the Nov. 7 “Saturday Night Live,” the Associated Press reports.

Calling the gig "mind-blowing," it will be Taylor Swift's second trip to the show; she was the musical guest back in January.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Report: What Vivendi's Board Did Yesterday About Selling Its Stake in NBC Universal

In what was clearly the most-watched board of director's meeting by media watchers in quite some time, the board of director's of Vivendi met yesterday, with observers hoping it would decide whether or not to sell its 20 percent stake in NBC Universal.

According to a Bloomberg report, the Vivendi board held off on making a decision about the matter.

Instead, the board was preoccupied with a bidding war that's erupted in Vivendi's attempt to buy the Brazilian telecommunication's company GVT.

According to the Bloomberg report, an unnamed person familiar with the discussions said the board still favors an eventual sale of the NBC stake.

Vivendi still has time to decide what to do. As the report notes, "Vivendi has an option to sell its stake every year between mid-November and early-December until 2016."

So Vivendi could still decide to sell this year.

NBC and its parent General Electric have reportedly been in discussions primarily with Comcast about that company taking, initially, a 51% stake in NBCU, eventually ramping up to a larger stake in the company.

--Elizabeth Jensen and Chuck Ross

Prosecutor in Letterman Case Wants Parts of the Case to be Kept Sealed

A Connecticut prosecutor asked a court to keep search warrants sealed in the case of the CBS News producer who is accused of trying to extort $2 million from David Letterman, the Associated Press reports.

The search warrants involve the home and a car related to CBS News producer Robert J. "Joe" Halderman, who has pleaded not guilty in the case.

The prosecutor argued that if the search warrants are made public, it could hurt the prosecution by subjecting witnesses to media scrutiny. She also wants to keep the courtroom closed during a Thursday hearing.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Fox Reality Channel Will Go Out of Business Next Year; New Venture to Take Its Place

News Corp.’s Fox Reality Channel will sign off sometime next year after a four-year run, reports our good friend (and former TVWeek TV guru) Joe Adalian in his column for TheWrap.

Adalian writes that he got a hold of Fox Reality chief David Lyle, who "hinted that News Corp.'s new direction for the channel now called FRC will be more specific. While he said he's 'aware of why and how this change is being made,' he wouldn't offer details of the new service."

Adalian said the replacement would likely be a joint venture between the Fox Cable Networks group and an outside party.

Fox currently does that with its National Geographic and its En Espanol channels. It's also a model used lately by others, most prominently by Discovery, who has partnered with both Hasbro and Oprah Winfrey for channels. 

FRC is now seen in about 50 million homes.

--Chuck Ross

Showtime's Blank and Time Warner's Britt to Co-Chair The Cable Show in 2010 (Guess Which City Will Host the Show--Hard To Believe it Hasn't Been in this City in 13 Years!)

Showtime Networks Inc. chairman and CEO Matt Blank will co-chair next year's annual Cable Show with Time Warner Cable chairman, president and CEO Glenn Britt, reports Multichannel News.

The show is produced by the National Cable & Telecommunications Assn.

Answer to quiz: From May 11-13, 2010, the Cable Show (NCTA) will meet at the Los Angeles Convention Center and the nearby Nokia Theater. The last time the Cable Show was held in L.A. was 13 years ago, in 1996.

-- Allison J. Waldman

ABC Orders 13 Episodes of Suburban Crime Drama

ABC ordered 13 episodes a crime drama set in a gated suburban community where the new cop in town finds that all’s not as peaceful as it seems, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The order of the show, called "The Gates," is contingent upon the studio producing the show, Fox TV Studios, finding an international partner for the program, the report said.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Report: Redstone’s National Amusements Selling $1 Billion in Viacom and CBS Shares

Despite summer denials to the contrary, Sumner Redstone’s National Amusements plans to sell nearly $1 billion worth of shares in Viacom and CBS to pay down debt, the New York Times reports.

Some $500 million in debt is due at the end of the month. Total debt is about $1.5 billion. National Amusements said it will retain control of the two companies, with about 75 percent of each company’s voting stock, down from about 81 percent.

National Amusements will sell its entire amount of Viacom and CBS common shares, which, in total come to about 40 million shares, the report says.

According to the report, an alternative to selling the stock would have been to sell movie theaters, but no deals were worked out to do so.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Fox Cuts Back Order for Show Slated to Follow 'Idol' on Tuesday Nights

Fox has already cut its order for the midseason show that is currently scheduled to follow the network's mega-hit  “American Idol” on Tuesday nights, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The show, "Past Life," will not shoot six episodes (not including the pilot). The hour-long drama, from Warner Bros., is about an investigative team that uses past life regression to solve crimes, according the to THR report.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Sartorial Alert: Brooks Brothers to Carry Don Draper Suits

“Mad Men” mania has extended to the clothier Brooks Brothers, which is selling a limited edition “Mad Men”-inspired suit for the next few weeks, reports the New York Post.

The suit, inspired by the clothes worn by the character Don Draper, will retail for just under $1,000.

If you want to look as dapper as Draper (we stole that from the Post), you can buy the suits from Oct. 19th through Nov. 8, which is the date of this season's "Mad Men" finale, the report says. There are only 250 of these suits available.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Is TLC Ready to Pull the Plug on 'Jon & Kate'?

Has TLC had enough of the off-screen shenanigans of the Gosselins that it's ready to pull the plug on their reality show "Jon & Kate Plus 8" or "Kate Plus 8" as it was renamed.

The network promos are stating that there only "a limited number of episodes" left, and the New York Post reports that TLC might be tipping their decision to viewers by noting that the show is ending soon.

TLC has refused to talk on the record about the show's future since Jon Gosselin's action forced production to shut down.

-- Allison J. Waldman

ABC Chooses a New Man for 'The Bachelor'

After Tuesday night's edition of "Dancing With the Stars," ABC announced that Jake Pavelka would be starring in next season's "The Bachelor," according to Entertainment Tonight.

Pavelka is well-known to fans who watched last season's "The Bachelorette." "The Bachelor" starts in January 2010 on ABC.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Ving Rhames, Rachel Hunter, Others Sign on to New Cable Dramedy

Four cast members, including Ving Rhames and Rachel Hunter, have signed up for a new cable dramedy, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The new show, Gravity, will be on Starz. The show is about an outpatient program of suicide survivors, the report says..

The other two actors who have signed with the show are Krysten Ritter ("Breaking Bad") and  Ivan Sergei ("The Break-Up"). The 10-episode series was previously dubbed "Failure to Fly."

--Elizabeth Jensen

Tori and Dean Return for Season Five … on the Road

The reality series "Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood" has been greenlighted for a fifth season by Oxygen Media, according to Multichannel News.

The new angle for the show will be to get the couple and their two children out of the studio and on a cross-country family road trip.

-- Allison J. Waldman

More Animation Development for Fox, Including Project From Peter Chernin

Fox added two projects to its animation development, including a Jonah Hill ("Superbad") presentation, Variety reports.

The project about a precocious 7-year-old socialite who is forced to attend public school is from former News Corp. exec Peter Chernin.

The network’s second project is based on Peter Bagge's graphic novel series called "The Bradleys," about a dysfunctional suburban family.

--Elizabeth Jensen

'Cleveland Show' Will Get Full Second Season

‘The Cleveland Show’ Gets a Second Season Variety

 Fox gave a full second season order to the "Family Guy" spinoff, "The Cleveland Show," which will take the show through mid-2011, given the long lead-time for animation, Variety reports.

The network ordered the back nine episodes of the second season, bringing the show’s total episode order to 44.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Jon Bon Jovi Teaming With NBCU for Mass Promotion

In a creative marketing move, singer Jon Bon Jovi is putting all his eggs in the NBCU basket to promote his new album, "The Circle," according to the New York Times. 

In the next two months, Bon Jovi will circle the networks of NBC Universal as “artist in residence” with exclusive appearances “Today,” “The Tonight Show,” “The Jay Leno Show,” “Saturday Night Live,” the “NBC Nightly News With Brian Williams" and “Inside the Actors’ Studio” on Bravo, reports the New York Times. "The Circle" will be released on Nov. 10.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Twentieth TV Ad Legend Bob Cesa Retiring; Judy Kenny Named His Replacement

With 20-year veteran of Twentieth Television Bob Cesa retiring in June 2010, Judy Kenny has been named executive VP of ad sales for Twentieth TV.

As Kenny takes over, Cesa will remain on hand through the transition handling new business development for Twentieth. Kenny will answer directly to Greg Meidel, president of Twentieth Television, who made today's annoucement. In her new position, Kenny will oversee all sales initiatives for Twentieth Television, including sales for MyNetworkTV, Debmar and Carsey-Warner.

Of Cesa, Meidel said, “[His] contributions to Twentieth have been extraordinary. For the better part of 20 years, Bob has continuously built impressive partnerships and relationships, always taking a forward-thinking, innovative approach to the television ad sales business. I could not be more thrilled with the seamless passing of the torch between these two leaders in the world of television ad sales.”

-- Allison J. Waldman

Will Michael Jackson's Kids Be Included in A&E Reality Show?

When A&E's reality show about the Jackson Family was originally planned -- before Michael's death -- his children were not part of the program, but now that he's gone, is that still the case?

According to the New York Post, the family is sparring with A&E because some siblings of Michael do not want Prince, Paris and Blanket in the show, "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty."

Janet Jackson has no objection, but older sister Rebbie has declared that Michael would be vehemently against his children appearing on camera. The show is tentatively scheduled to air in December.

Source:

Bravo Comes up With New Show for Jackie Warner

Following the success of her reality show "Work Out" which ran three years on the network, Bravo is teaming with Jackie Warner to develop "Thintervention with Jackie Warner," reports The Wrap.

The show will be more about weight loss than hanging in the gym, with the producers of "The Real Housewives of New York City" behind the scenes.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Hell's Kitchen' Wins at 9, but 'NCIS' Continues Tuesday Dominance

CBS' "NCIS" continues to flex its rating muscles by beating the season finale of Fox's hit reality series "Hell's Kitchen" Tuesday night at 8 p.m., reports B&C.

"HK" managed to beat the "NCIS" spinoff, "NCIS: Los Angeles," in the 9 p.m. slot. "NCIS" scored a 4.4/12, followed by "HK" with a 3/6/10, NBC's "Biggest Loser" first hour netted a 3.1/9, while ABC's "Shark Tank" garnered a 1.6/4.

In the 9 o'clock hour, "HK" rated a 4.0/10, while "Biggest Loser" stayed close with a 3.8/10 and bested "NCIS: Los Angeles" (but had more total viewers, 15.3 million). The "Dancing With the Stars" results show earned a 2.8/7.

--Allison J. Waldman

General Mills Wins TV Advertising Award

Hallmark Channels and the Parents Television Council presented General Mills with the Crown Award for responsible TV advertising yesterday, reports B&C.

Hallmark Channel's President Bill Abbott and PTC President Tim Winter cited General Mills for "consistent commitment to and appreciation of quality, family-friendly programming through their advertising."

-- Allison J. Waldman

NBC Allowed 'Idol' Winner in the Macy's Parade, but Not Cast of 'Glee'?

The fact that NBC intervened and asked that Fox's "Glee" not be included in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade has raised a number of questions, including why the network allowed an "American Idol" winner to perform in the event in other years, reports the Washington Post.

Allowing the current cast of "Glee" to appear, however, would likely boost interest in the Fox show which is currently in direct competition with NBC programs on Wednesday nights. On the other hand,  "American Idol" does air in competition with NBC programming until January, well after the parade.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Mandy Patinkin Returning to CBS to Guest on 'Three Rivers'

Despite his history with CBS -- quitting two hit series, "Chicago Hope" and "Criminal Minds," during their runs -- Mandy Patinkin is returning to guest on the network's new medical drama "Three Rivers," reports the Associated Press.

Patinkin is doing the show to tell a personal story, how he received a corneal implant to improve his eyesight which has been impaired by keratoconus, a degenerative disorder of the eye.

--Allison J. Waldman

Time Warner Chief Bewkes on NBCU, AOL and Time Inc.

[This report is based on remarks made by Time Warner Chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes at the TVWeek Innovation360 Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in New York City. It is primarily written by Andrew Hampp of Advertising Age, with a minor contribution from TVWeek's Chuck Ross]

As reports amass around NBC Universal's potential future corporate owners, you can officially count out Time Warner Chairman-CEO Jeff Bewkes among the interested parties.

Bewkes reiterated remarks he has made previously that Time Warner is not interested in buying NBC Universal.

He then explained why Time Warner wasn't interested in NBCU, which touched both on his philosophy of mergers and acquisitions and his explanation as to why it was a bad idea for Time Warner to have merged with AOL in the first place.

Two misguided philosophies of media mergers and acquisitions are often cited, he said. One, "we're great, so we can do it better," and two, "synergy." He then went on to note that in theory "there are certainly cases where their assets could complement each other. Like when Turner merged with HBO, that made sense because they were like businesses. But there are a lot of times where properties are not very connected."

Time Warner is in the process of ending its own failed media merger with AOL, which bought Time Warner in 2000 on the misguided premise that it could persuade rival media companies to use AOL as their sole online subscription service. "What's amazing is how little scrutiny there was over that premise," he said of AOL's failed bid to become a cable-like content brand online. "Nobody had that discussion at the time."

Bewkes pointed to Time Warner Cable's recent spin-off from its corporate parent as a sign of media disaggregation done well. "They figured out the difference between being a content company vs. a distributor, and their stock has been at the high end since the spin-off," he said. "The question was, would each of us be able to focus on our assets and be valued? And now our stock is on the high end, too."

Bewkes is still a firm believer in the future of Time Inc., a publishing portfolio he insists is not for sale, despite recent rumors. "No publishing company can ever say they wouldn't consider restructuring," he said. "But we have in that business a pretty healthy readership. There's a lot of myths that newspapers show the way of magazines, but newspapers rely on local, classified advertising, which magazines just aren't exposed to. Our magazines' readership is holding up, the brand position is actually increasing for competition, although there's certainly more change needed in the news category than celebrity."#

CBS News Investigative Reporter on the Letterman Case

CBS News’ chief investigative correspondent Armen Keteyian is delving into the story in his own newsroom: The alleged extortion plot against late-night host David Letterman by a “48 Hours” producer, reports the New York Observer.

Sources told the paper that the correspondent and his producers are actively investigating what happened.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Friday Meetings Could Clarify Who’s Really Interested in NBCU

GE, which owns 80% of NBC Universal, releases its third-quarter earnings on Friday with a conference call, the same day that two potential bidders on NBCU hold investor meetings as well, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Liberty Media, which CNBC has reported is interested in some part of NBCU, should it come into play, will hold an annual investors' meeting from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Manhattan.

At 10 a.m., News Corp., which has also been reported to have some interest, will hold its annual meeting.

Executives at all three meetings could be questioned about their intentions.

Meanwhile, Deadline Hollywood reports that News Corp. and Liberty are no longer in the running, and that Comcast wants any deal for a joint NBCU venture, which it would control with GE, done by November. The site says that contrary to a Bloomberg report earlier this week, Comcast sources are saying they aren’t interested in keeping on NBCU CEO Jeff Zucker for the long term.

ABC Pays Up to Land Matthew Perry Project

ABC beat out NBC for the new single-camera comedy project starring former “Friends” star Matthew Perry, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

THR said the deal could be the richest so far of the development season, with hefty penalties that almost guarantee it will be greenlit.

Perry will play a sports arena manager re-evaluating his life as he turns 40. He’ll write, with Alex Barnow and Mark Firek, and Thomas Schlamme is set to direct.

--Elizabeth Jensen

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ibadf593c28401ee8e0cc9c8118259217

HBO Mother-Daughter Project for ‘Gilmore Girls’ Creator

“Gilmore Girls" creator and executive producer Amy Sherman-Palladino will delve once more into the mother-daughter relationship with a dramedy project for HBO, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

This one will follow three adult sisters, all writers and all living in the same New York City apartment building, and their fraught relationship with their mother, also a writer, who favors their brother

--Elizabeth Jensen

Walter Cronkite’s Name Came Up in 1974 FBI Extortion Investigation; More Files Being Processed for Release

Gawker.com continues to delve into the mysteries of Walter Cronkite’s destroyed FBI files and has discovered that the former CBS anchor’s name surfaced in conjunction with an extortion investigation.

After submitting a FOIA request, the site got a packet of info with numbering that it says indicates the investigation involved extortion; Cronkite was just one of three names involved and an FBI spokesman said he wasn’t the subject of the investigation. No other details could be gleaned.

The spokesman also told Gawker that "at least two or three" other files on Cronkite are being processed for release.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Fox’s WTTG Wants Anchors to Run Their Own Teleprompters

In an attempt to cut costs, anchors at Fox-owned WTTG in Washington may soon be running their own teleprompters, reports the Washington Post.

The station wants to reassign the technicians who normally do the job, and have the anchors scroll their own scripts using hand and foot controls, while they are reading the news.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Entertainment Studios Preps New Court Show for Next Fall

Add another court show to the offerings for fall, reports B&C.

Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios is launching a strip called “America’s Court” featuring Judge Kevin A. Ross, a Southern California judge, prosecutor and media figure, reports B&C.

The show, which will also air on one or two of Entertainment Studios’ six HD cable channels, is a half-hour but will be sold in one-hour blocks.

--Elizabeth Jensen

NATPE Leaving Las Vegas

NATPE is leaving Las Vegas, where in 2010 it will have been holding its annual programming marketplace for the last eight years, reports B&C.

In  2011, it is will head to Miami’s South Beach hotels, the Fontainebleau and adjacent Eden Roc.

The move will make the event more accessible for the growing number of international attendees.

--Elizabeth Jensen

First Carrie Underwood and Now, Seth MacFarlane

Carrie Underwood isn’t the only one who is planning a variety special for Fox, reports Variety.

“Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane will star in one, as well. The "Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show," will air Sunday, Nov. 8, and star Alex Borstein (the voice of "Family Guy" mom Lois), in addition to MacFarlane. It’s part of an all-MacFarlane night on Fox, which will also air new episodes of his "American Dad,” "Family Guy" and "The Cleveland Show."

The 30-minute variety show will be dotted with marketing messages from the duo plugging Microsoft's new Windows 7 operating system and no commercials.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Imus Show Boosts Fox Business Ratings

Adding a simulcast of Don Imus’ radio show boosted Fox Business Network ratings, B&C reports.

During its premiere week of Oct. 5-9, “Imus in the Morning” averaged a .2 rating and an average 148,000 viewers from 6-9 a.m. B&C didn’t say what the previous numbers had been, but at one point, the predecessor show was reported to have drawn just 21,000 viewers on average in the 5-9 a.m. slot.

FBN wouldn’t comment, because the network isn’t publicly rated by Nielsen.

His numbers beat those of CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” which averaged 145,000 viewers, but fell short of CNN’s “American Morning” and MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

--Elizabeth Jensen

Jon Gosselin Loses a Court Round

Jon Gosselin lost a family court round to his wife Kate, whom he’s divorcing, reports the Associated Press.

According to Kate Gosselin’s lawyer, Jon was ordered to return $180,000 he took from joint marital funds by next Monday. Kate, meanwhile, has to account for past expenses, and an arbitrator will review $55,000 she says was spent on household items and expenses for their eight children.

If Jon doesn’t return the money, he’ll face contempt charges.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Which Are the Top TV Show Web Sites?

Cable shows rule in the Web site wars.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hitwise has determined that the top four Web sites linked to television shows are Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants," Comedy Central's "South Park," Bravo's "Real Housewives of Atlanta" and Cartoon Network's "Star Wars: The Clone Wars."

The other six show in the Web top 10 were: ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," BET's "106 & Park," CBS' "NCIS," Fox's "America's Most Wanted" and NBC's "The Office" and "Heroes."

--Allison J. Waldman

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Conan's Feuding Partner Booked on 'Tonight Show'

After taking guff from Conan O'Brien about the quality of health care in his city, Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker has agreed to appear on "The Tonight Show" on Oct. 16, reports USA Today.

The good-natured feud began Sept. 23, when Conan quipped that the way to get quality medical care in the New Jersey city was to get a bus ticket out of town.

--Allison J. Waldman

CBS Shows Appeal to Older Viewers, Fox Appeals to Youth

When it comes to the average age of television viewers for new shows, CBS watchers are generally older, while Fox viewers are generally younger, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The average age of a viewer watching the Fox animation series "The Cleveland Show" is 28. On the other end of the spectrum, CBS's "The Good Wife" and "Three Rivers" draw viewers who are a median age of 57.

CBS' top-rated drama series, "NCIS: Los Angeles" is right behind those two with viewers who are 56 years old on average.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Southland' May Move to Cable Network

Just days after NBC canceled the show, Warners Bros. TV is in talks with a cable network about airing the remaining six filmed episodes of the cop drama, "Southland," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

TNT is interested not only because the programming is akin to their cop shows, like "The Closer" and "Dark Blue," but also because it could see how these six shows fare before  incurring the cost of restarting production.

--Allison J. Waldman

CBS' 9 p.m. Monday Comedy Block Up in Ratings

Audiences chose to watch the CBS 9 o'clock comedy block -- "Two and Half Men" and "Big Bang Theory" -- over Fox's "Lie to Me," ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" and NBC's med drama "Trauma," according to B&C.

CBS saw gains in "Two and a Half Men" -- 4.6/11 up from 4.3/10 a week ago -- as well as "Big Bang Theory's" even bigger surge, going from 4.5/10 to 4.8/12. On ABC, "Dancing's" s second hour had the most total viewers, 16.8 million, but rated a 3.7/9. "Lie to Me" at Fox posted a 2.8/7, while NBC's rookie series,"Trauma," remained level at a 1.8/4. On the CW, "Gossip Girl" held with 1.2/3.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Source: B&C

'CSI' to Air Its First Crossover Trilogy

For the first time in the history of CBS's "CSI," one actor will appear across all three shows in a crossover trilogy story, according to the network.

On Monday, Nov. 9, on "CSI: Miami," "CSI -- Crime Scene Investigation" star Laurence Fishburne guests as Dr. Ray Langston to investigate a severed leg in the Everglades belonging to a missing Las Vegas woman. On Wednesday, Nov. 11, the character travels north to guest on "CSI: NY," following a lead related to an interstate trucking ring involved in trafficking human cargo. Finally, on Thursday, Nov. 12, Dr. Langston returns to his regular series set in Las Vegas to wrap up the case.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Big Names Booked for Elvis Costello's 'Spectacle'

Sundance Channel's "Spectacle: Elvis Costello With … ," which commences its new season Dec. 9, has lined up some big-name guests, according to Multichannel News.

The Elton John-produced talk show with music has set U2's Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow and Lyle Lovett for the sophomore season.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Cougar Town' Casts Veteran Comic Actors

Veteran comic sidekicks Rachael Harris ("In the Motherhood") and Alan Ruck ("Ferris Bueller's Day Off") are joining the ABC freshman sitcom "Cougar Town," according Michael Ausiello at EW.com.

Ausiello learned exclusively that Rachael will be playing Shanna, an adversary of Courteney Cox's character. Ruck is playing Shanna's hubby.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Glee' Performers Might Take It on Tour

Much like the "American Idol" top 10 tour each year, Fox is contemplating taking the talents of the performers on "Glee" on the road in a singing and dancing tour, reports EW.com.

The music from "Glee" has taken off on iTunes, opening the doors for ancillary income from the music-oriented comedy-drama.

-- Allison J. Waldman

DVR Numbers a Plus for 'Dollhouse'

Despite poor ratings in first-run showings, Fox announced that all 13 episodes of Joss Whedon's sci-fi series "Dollhouse" will be broadcast, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Fox is encouraged by the DVR numbers for the show, noting that the second-season debut improved by 50% from its 1.0 rating in the adults 18-49 demo.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Third ‘Friends’ Star Headed Back to Series Work

A third member of the “Friends” ensemble comedy is making a return to series television, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Matthew Perry will star in, co-write and executive produce an untitled single-camera comedy for Sony Pictures TV, which is being pitched to networks this week.

He’ll play the manager of a sports arena who starts to re-evaluate his life when he turns 40. Thomas Schlamme ("Friends," "The West Wing," "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") will direct.

In addition to Perry, Courteney Cox is starring in ABC’s “Cougar Town” and Matt LeBlanc is set to star in a Showtime/BBC series “Episodes.”

--Elizabeth Jensen

Proposed Joint Venture for NBCU Would Let GE Unwind Its Stake Over Several Years; News Corp. and Liberty Media Also Interested in the Company

The proposed GE and Comcast Corp. joint venture for NBC Universal would give GE the chance to reduce its stake over the course of seven years, with Comcast committing extra money, reports the Associated Press, citing “a person close to the situation.”

The proposed deal would allow GE, which currently owns 80% of NBCU, to redeem some of its 49% stake in exchange for cash generated by NBCU’s operations as soon as 3-1/2 years into the joint venture, the AP said. Vivendi may decide at a board meeting this week whether to dispose of its 20% stake, which could trigger a possible deal.

Meanwhile, NBC Universal’s CNBC reported that News Corp. and Liberty Media Corp. are interested in gaining control of NBC Universal, but haven’t begun talks with GE.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Former 'Idol' Winner to Star in Fox Special

A former winner on Fox's “American Idol” winner is returning to the network to star in a variety special airing Dec. 7, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Country star Carrie Underwood will be joined on the special by Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley and “Idol” winner David Cook.The show will be executive produced by Simon Fuller, the creator of “American Idol.”

--Elizabeth Jensen

Weekly World News' Bat Boy Could Be Headed to Television

The supermarket tabloid Weekly World News, home of fictional figures such as the half-bat, half-human Bat Boy and regular Bigfoot and Elvis sightings, is looking for TV spinoff projects, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The 30-year-old tabloid signed with CAA, and a DreamWorks-produced show focused on Bat Boy is looking for a home, which it is hoped will be the first tapping into the publication’s library of characters

--Elizabeth Jensen

New NBC Project for ‘Reno 911!’ Stars

Co-creator and star Thomas Lennon ended his long-running Comedy Central show "Reno 911!" over the summer and now is headed to NBC, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The multicamera NBC series, which has a pilot commitment with penalty, will be written by Lennon with his “Reno” co-creator and co-star Robert Ben Garant. Lennon will star in the project, details of which aren’t being revealed, and Garant will play a supporting role.

--Elizabeth Jensen

DVR Numbers Shoot Up as Season Begins

New DVR playback numbers show increased time-shifting by audiences, with the most popular dramas such as ABC’s "Grey's Anatomy" and Fox’s "House" showing the most added viewing compared to premiere week ratings, reports Variety.

Comedies such as CBS’ "The Big Bang Theory" and NBC’s "The Office" also got a boost. NBC, however, benefited the least from first-week DVR viewing, with relatively little playback of "Sunday Night Football," and "The Jay Leno Show."

--Elizabeth Jensen

A&E’s Next Drama Could Be About a Bipolar Cop

A&E gave a pilot order to a drama about an LAPD detective who has bipolar disorder, reports Variety.

“The Quickening” would star Radha Mitchell (“Surrogates”) as a detective who can only do her job well if she doesn’t take her medication.

The drama was written by Jennifer Salt, an executive producer of FX's "Nip/Tuck."

--Elizabeth Jensen

Pay Cable Channel Epix Sets a Launch Date

New pay channel Epix set a launch date, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The channel will go live on Oct. 30 with a lineup that includes the television and online premieres of Madonna's two-hour concert "Sticky & Sweet: Live From Buenos Aires," the film "Iron Man" and an Eddie Izzard comedy special.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Viewers Interested in ‘Discovering Ardi’

Some 1.8 million viewers tuned in to Discovery Channel’s Sunday night “Discovering Ardi” special on new advances in human evolution despite a short promotional window for the show, reports B&C.

That was just shy of the nearly 2 million viewers who tuned in last May to History’s competing special about the Ida fossil, called “The Link.”

--Elizabeth Jensen

Oprah Winfrey Network Adds Sales Exec in Advance of Launch

Discovery Communications and AOL/Time Warner veteran Kathleen Kayse is joining OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, as executive VP of ad sales, where she’ll oversee ad sales strategy for both the channel and Oprah.com, reports Variety.

Her resume includes time as publisher of Time Warner’s People, Money and FSB: Fortune Small Business magazines; she was also head of Discovery’s digital media sales.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Top Comedy Central Programming Exec Stepping Down

Comedy Central’s president of original programming and development is stepping down to return to producing, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Lauren Corrao had been at the network seven years and oversaw development of such shows as "Chappelle's Show" and "RENO 911!" She’ll leave at the end of the year when her contract expires.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Are Layoffs Ahead for Current Media?

Current Media, the cable channel and Web site co-founded by former Vice President Al Gore, may be about to lay off more of its San Francisco-based employees, reports nbcbayarea.com, citing a “source familiar with its plans.”

The layoffs would come as part of a plan to move video production to Los Angeles, or outsource it entirely.

Last year, the company had a staff reduction of about 60 employees or 15% of the staff.

The company didn’t return a call for comment, the site said.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Jon: Kate is the Proverbial Pot Calling the Kettle Black--He Claims She Actually Has $1 Million in the Bank and Has Withdrawn Hundreds of Thousands Herself

Jon Gosselin has fired back at the accusations by his estranged wife Kate that he has withdrawn $230,000 from a joint bank account, leaving her with only $1,000.

Jon claims Kate has withdrawn hundred of thousands of dollars herself, and actually has $1 million in the bank, The Insider reports.

According to the report, "Jon accuses Kate of not telling the whole truth to the court because she's failed to provide a proper accounting of the funds she withdrew. He admits that he removed 'certain funds' from one of their accounts, but claims bank statements show that Kate took out 'more than $100,000.'

Here's the link the Insider provides to the actual court papers Jon filed.

--Chuck Ross

'Family Guy' Overtaking 'Housewives' as Sunday's Big Hit

Just weeks into the new season, Fox's "Family Guy" has landed somewhere it never had before -- ahead of ABC's "Desperate Housewives" in the ratings, according to The Hollywood Reporter, citing preliminary Nielsen figures.

NBC won the night thanks to the NFL, but "Family Guy" has emerged slightly ahead of "Housewives."

NBC's "Sunday Night Football" reached 13.8 million total viewers with a 5.5 preliminary adults 18-49; "Desperate Housewives" was seen by 13.1 million total viewers with a 4.4; "Family Guy" reached 8.9 million with a 4.5; and CBS's "Three Rivers" (time-shifted because of the NFL overrun) managed to snag 7.7 million total viewers with a 1.9.

-- Allison J. Waldman

ABC Gives Sci-Fi Series Full-Season Order

On the heels of giving three sitcoms -- "The Middle," "Cougar Town" and "Modern Family" -- full-season commitments last week, ABC announced today that sci-fi series "FlashForward" has gotten the same order, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

"FlashForward" is performing better in the ratings than "Ugly Betty" had in the same slot last season.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Off-Network 'Real Housewives' Clears 60 Percent of U.S.

NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution has sold Bravo's "The Real Housewives" franchise to stations from NBC Local Media, Hearst Television and other broadcast groups, including CBS, LIN, Local TV, Media General, Post-Newsweek, Raycom and Sinclair.

The series, which  makes its Monday-through-Friday off-network syndication debut in fall 2010, is now cleared in more that 60 percent of the country in markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Miami, San Diego, Hartford, Tampa, Orlando, Sacramento, Kansas City, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Louisville, New Orleans and West Palm Beach. 

-- Tom Gilbert

Talk Show Host (Not Oprah) Tops TV Women in Earnings

The top earner among all women in primetime television over the past year, raking in $30 million, was a talk-show host -- and NOT Oprah Winfrey.

According to a report in Forbes.com, if you count monies from her talk show, her guest appearances and her part in "America's Next Top Model," it's Tyra Banks who was ranked No.1.

"Grey's Anatomy" star Katherine Heigl was next ($18 million), including her ancillary income off the tube. Also in the top 10 were "Desperate Housewives"' Eva Longoria Parker, "The New Adventures of Old Christine's" Julia Louis-Dreyfus and "30 Rock's" Tina Fey.

-- Allison J. Waldman

No 'Glee' at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The cast from the new Fox TV show "Glee" was all set to sing and dance in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, but NBC -- which broadcasts the parade -- reportedly intervened to cancel their appearance, according to TMZ.com.

TMZ said Fox had no comment about the rejection and NBC could not be reached.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Upstairs, Downstairs' Being Remade for U.K. TV

The Emmy-award winning British soap opera "Upstairs, Downstairs" is being remade in England with plans for an American TV debut in 2011 after its U.K. run, according to the New York Post.

The saga of the well-to-do Bellamy family, and the lives of their servants, will be a historical drama set in 1936, rather than the previous version which took place at the turn of the century.

Jean Marsh, who co-created the show and played the maid, Rose, will be in the remake. This time around she will be the head housekeeper.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Treats Lined Up for AMC Fearfest

AMC's annual Halloween "Fearfest” film festival running from Oct. 23-31 has a couple of special wrinkles planned for 2009.

Three "AMC Celebrates" specials, honoring the 30th anniversaries of "Alien" and "The Amityville Horror" and the 35th anniversary of "Young Frankenstein," are scheduled, reports Multichannel News.

Also, on Halloween night, AMC will present a digitally restored and remastered copy of the zombie classic, "Night of the Living Dead."

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Dr. Oz' Emerging as Syndie Hit of the Season

Matching the best numbers put up by "Rachael Ray" when her talk show launched in 2006, Sony’s "Dr. Oz" -- produced by Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions -- is the breakout syndication hit of 2009, reports B&C.

"Dr. Oz" drew a 2.3 live-plus-same-day Nielsen national household average rating, and has ranked third after "Oprah" and "Dr. Phil" among talk shows.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Fox Alters Monday Schedule for 'Dance' Special

There'll be an extra hour of "So You Think You Can Dance" on Monday, Oct. 26, reports the Futon Critic.

In place of a first-run episode of "House" at 8 p.m., Fox will present a one-hour, non-elimination showcase of the top 20 finalists. Then on Tuesday, Oct. 27, the two-hour performance shows commence, building to the finale.

-- Allison J. Waldman

White House Ups Attacks on Fox News

White House Communications Director Anita Dunn said Sunday that the Obama administration plans to treat top-rated Fox News Channel “the way we would treat an opponent,” the New York Times reports.

“As they are undertaking a war against Barack Obama and the White House, we don’t need to pretend that this is the way that legitimate news organizations behave,” Dunn told the paper.

Fox responded with a statement from Senior VP of News Michael Clemente, who said, “Perhaps the energy would be better spent on the critical issues that voters are worried about.”

Meanwhile, the paper reports that sister channel Fox Business is interested in CNN's Lou Dobbs, a critic of the Obama administration; he met for dinner last month with Fox News' Roger Ailes.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Deja Vu All Over Again: Another Late-Night Talk Show Host Is Dating the Co-Head Writer on His Show

People magazine is reporting that another late-night talk show host is dating one of his employees.

The host is Jimmy Kimmel, 41, who is dating Molly McNearney, 31, the co-head writer of his talk show, People reports.

The People report also says, "While the relationship may draw comparisons to David Letterman's recent revelations, the insider says, "during work hours, they keep things professional.”

McNearney joined the staff of Kimmel's show as an assistant to the executive producer in 2003, and was promoted to her current position in May 2008.

The People report also claims that the insider said that Kimmel and McNearney both "found themselves single" after Kimmel broke up with comic Sarah Silverman.

--Chuck Ross

Producers Working the Phones to Find New Home for Canceled Series

The producers of “Southland,” which NBC canceled last week even before the second season got on the air, were working the phones to find a new home for the dark cop drama, reports the Los Angeles Times.

A&E has already passed so producers’ hopes are pinned on TNT picking it up, to add to its drama lineup. Since six episodes are already produced, the price could be right. AMC could be another option.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Writer on Popular Drama Won an Emmy and Lost Her Job

A woman who just won the Emmy for drama writing for her work on “Mad Men,” has left the show and it isn’t completely clear why, reports Deadline Hollywood.

Kater Gordon started as creator Matt Weiner’s personal assistant and was eventually promoted to a full-time writer. The site quotes “a show insider” who says Gordon left because “Matt has reluctantly decided that their relationship has reached its full potential. She’ll be missed, but the series has consistently benefited from the influx of new writer talent, and there’s absolutely no doubt that Kater will continue to have unprecedented success in her career as she spreads her wings.”

--Elizabeth Jensen

Ousted Illinois Governor Headed to NBC Reality Show

Impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich had to send his wife Patti to sub for him this summer on NBC's "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" but now he’s landed a show of his own, reports the Associated Press.

He’ll make an appearance on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice" but it’s not clear whether it will be as a full contestant. The former governor pled not guilty to federal corruption charges; his trial is set to take place next June.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Former Top Executive Lands Two Network Comedies

Former News Corp. president Peter Chernin’s production company has landed script commitments for two workplace comedies at CBS, reports Variety.

A multicamera show from writer Chris Harris ("How I Met Your Mother") centers on an office friendship between a thirtysomething guy who feels his career is at a dead-end and a 22-year-old.

Jared Stern ("Bolt") is writing a multicamera show about a group of blue-collar workers at a big-box store.

--Elizabeth Jensen

The Leno Move So Far: NBC Says It Makes Financial Sense; Late News on Local NBC Affiliates Is Suffering

Bill Carter of the New York Times delves in some depth as to what the the move of Jay Leno to 10 pm has wrought thus far, and reports that some of the ratings of local NBC affiliate late newscasts in the country's top 15 markets are down significantly, though station owners are not yet screaming about it publicly.

The late news in those top 15 markets are down 10 percent to 30 percent in ratings, the Times notes, but the reports says, "so far the owners seem to be holding their tongues — along with their breath. 'You don’t make decisions based on a week or two,' said Michael Fiorile, the vice chairman of the Dispatch Broadcasting Group, which owns the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis. 'Six months from now we’ll take a look at the trends.'

Indianapolis is the nation's 25th=largest market.

From the network point of view, according to the Times, "Jeff Gaspin, the chairman of NBC Universal Entertainment, said he was certain of one aspect of the Leno move. 'We’ll make money at 10 o’clock this year, I guarantee.' "

The article also said that "Mr. Gaspin repeated NBC’s conclusion that hits cannot be established at 10 anymore, largely because the hour is dominated by viewers playing back recorded shows on digital video recorders," and said that Mr. Gaspin noted the ABC's tough sledding in the 10 p.m. hour supported his thesis. 

--Chuck Ross
 

CBS and Cablevision Renew Carriage Agreement; Smithsonian Channel Will Benefit

CBS and Cablevision renewed their carriage agreement, and viewers don’t have to worry about losing New York’s WCBS and Philadelphia/New Jersey’s KYW and WPSG, reports Mediaweek.

Terms weren’t disclosed but CBS was asking for transmission consent fees in the realm of 50 cents a subscriber.

The deal also covers Showtime, CBS College Sports Network and the Smithsonian Channel. Smithsonian will join Cablevision's iO Gold digital premium package.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Mini-Newscasts Popping Up on Local Stations

Mini-newscasts of 2-1/2 to 12 minutes are popping up on local stations from Detroit to San Diego, reports B&C.

The short shows are finding an audience that has gotten used to watching YouTube clips and quick stories on station Web sites.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Comcast Likely to Keep Zucker and His Team if it Gains Control of NBCU

If Comcast Corp. gets control of NBC Universal, it is leaning toward keeping on president and chief executive Jeff Zucker and his team, Bloomberg reports, citing “three people with knowledge of the situation.”

The companies declined to comment. Any possible deal involving NBCU depends on what Vivendi USA decided to do with its 20% stake and a decision on that front could come at the Vivendi board meeting this Wednesday.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Lauren Graham a Definite for NBC’s ‘Parenthood’

Former "Gilmore Girls" mom Lauren Graham is joining NBC’s ensemble drama “Parenthood,” taking over the role that was to have been played by Maura Tierney, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Helen Hunt had also been approached about taking the role after Tierney had to step down to treat her breast cancer.

--Elizabeth Jensen

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Cable Again Behind the Eight-Ball in Customer Satisfaction

The 2009 J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Residential Television Service Satisfaction Study is out, and leading the survey are AT&T U-verse, Verizon-FiOS and WOW!, according to Multichannel News.

WOW is a cable operator owned by Avista Capital Partners and stands for Wide Open West. They serve areas in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

According to the Multichannel report, there is actually some good news for cable operators in the J.D. Power survey: "Bruce Leichtman, a market researcher and former cable-operator marketing executive, said he thought it was significant that cable's scores were up in the new survey. 'To me, that's as much a story as DBS beats cable,' he said. 'That [the scores are] up, not going down. And heck, as you're losing subscribers, the ones that are still with you are satisfied because they made a choice.' "

Nearly all cable operators improved from the scores they received on last year's J.D. Power survey, Multichannel said.

--Chuck Ross

Studio Bringing Continuation of Vintage Nighttime Soap to Cable

After a failed attempt as a big screen adaptation -- with Shirley MacLaine as Miss Ellie -- Warner Bros. is now settling its sites on a "Dallas" reboot for the TNT network, reports the New York Times.

This time around, the chldren of J.R. and Bobby Ewing would be the focus, including J.R.'s son John Ross and Bobby's boy Christopher. Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy have been asked to participate in a pilot.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Major Network Sued for Using Typefaces Without Paying for Them

The Font Bureau, a company that designs typefaces for firms like Apple and Microsoft, has filed suit against NBC Universal and CNBC for failing to secure the rights to the materials used in advertising and promotion for such NBC shows as "The Jay Leno Show," "Saturday Night Live" and "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon," reports Cityfile New York.

Font Bureau, which is seeking "no less than $2 million" in damages, charges that NBC used trademarked fonts for multiple uses but only paid for a single license and only paid to use a limited number of fonts.

Cityfile says it is still waiting for comment from an NBC spokesperson.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Obama's Improbable Peace Prize Plays Like It Was Invented in Hollywood; Some, Ahem, Say It Actually Was

President Obama’s selection as the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize came as such a surprise, some wags are saying even Hollywood wouldn’t have come up with such an improbable scenario. But sources are telling TVWeek Open Mic blogger Chuck Ross that that’s exactly where the idea was hatched. Read about it here.

Get Ready to Rock With Susan Boyle

The name of Susan Boyle's debut album is "I Dreamed A Dream," but get ready for another side of the "Britain's Got Talent" singing sensation when she interprets numbers made famous by the likes of the Rolling Stones, Madonna and the Monkees, reports People magazine.

The CD is coming out in November and in addition to show music, pop and rock, she's also singing the spiritual "How Great Thou Art" and a Christmas carol, "Silent Night."

-- Allison J. Waldman

'The Office' Wedding Episode Does Well in Ratings for NBC

Thursday night's wedding between Pam and Jim on NBC's "The Office" didn't win the show its time period, but was up from last week, placing second to ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" and beating CBS' "CSI," according to TVbythenumbers.com.

"The Office" was up from 3.7 the previous week to a 4.5 in adults 18-49, while "Grey's" dropped from 6.0 to 5.3, and "CSI" went from 4.0 to 3.4 in the same demo, the Web site says. Fox's "Fringe" lagged with a 2.1.

In total viewers, "CSI" lead with 14.63 million, followed by "Grey's" with 13.79 million and "The Office" with 9.1 million and "Fringe" with 2.41.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Fox Star to Let Her Hair Down for Playboy

The November issue of Playboy will star one of the most colorful women in the entertainment world, Marge Simpson, reports TMZ.

The cartoon character from Fox's "The Simpsons" will be on the cover in a suggestively naughty pose, as well as featured inside in a lingerie spread -- although only Matt Groening knows how much skin will be shown.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Baseball Playoffs a Ratings Winner for Cable Network

On Wednesday, the first day of 2009 Major League Baseball postseason, TBS drew an average of 4.9 million viewers, up 16% from last year, according to B&C.

The New York Yankees vs. the Minnesota Twins game scored the highest Nielsen rating, 4.3 (6.6 million viewers); the L.A. Dodgers vs. the St. Louis Cardinal game garnered a 3.3 (4.9 million viewers) and the Philadelphia Phillies vs. the Colorado Rockies -- an afternoon game -- earned a 2.0 (2.8 million viewers).

--Allison J. Waldman

Pay Cable Net to Telecast Updated Version of British Terror Documentary

An updated version of "Terror in Mumbai," a British documentary about the terrorist activities in India last year that left 170 people dead in Mumbai, will be aired by HBO, according to Multichannel News.

CNN's Fareed Zakaria hosts the documentary, which debuts on HBO Nov. 18 at 8 p.m.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Warner Bros. Animation Restructuring Completed

Warner Bros. Animation named Peter Girardi to the new post of senior VP of series and alternative animation, and named Ed Adams as senior VP of business and legal affairs and administration, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The moves, along with the naming of Jay Bastian as VP, series, complete the unit’s executive restructuring.

--Elizabeth Jensen

NBC Drama's Second Season Canceled Before It's Even out of the Gate

An NBC drama has had its second season canceled even before it premiered, Variety reports.

The network didn’t say why it was canceling the John Wells cop series “Southland”, which was to have aired Fridays at 9 p.m. starting Oct. 23. But insiders said its dark tone was better suited to a 10 p.m. hour, which NBC no longer has because of its Jay Leno talk show.

Newsmagazine “Dateline” will air in the slot instead, leaving the network with another time slot without scripted programming

--Elizabeth Jensen

Longtime Soap Star Storms out After Salary Is Cut

A “Young and the Restless” star has quit the CBS soap rather than have his salary cut, reports the New York Post.

Eric Braeden, who has played Victor Newman on the show since 1980, told the Post he should have been spared a salary cut, which producers did by invoking a contract clause that allows them to review salaries every 26 weeks. He said he would have preferred that the producers talk to him directly.

He could still return to the series if the dispute gets worked out. Producers CBS and Sony declined to comment.

--Elizabeth Jensen

'West Wing' Actor Tapped for New Fox Series

In a role that’s the furthest from his “West Wing” character, Bradley Whitford will star in Fox’s new buddy cop “Jack and Dan” series about mismatched cop partners, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Whitford will play Dan, an alcoholic, out-of-control cop who stays on the force because of a past heroic act; his partner is the straight-laced and ambitious Jack.

The series comes from Matt Nix (USA Network’s hit “Burn Notice.”)

--Elizabeth Jensen

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Announcement of a Sequel to His Mega-Hit 'Phantom,' Set 10 Years Later in Coney Island at its Peak and Slated to Debut in March, Pushes Back His BBC Reality Show That Will Cast New Version of 'Wizard of Oz'

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber announced details Thursday of his new musical "Love Never Dies," according to the Los Angeles Times. A sequel to his mega-hit "Phantom of the Opera," it will be set 10 years later, and the Phantom will have moved from the Paris Opera House to Coney Island in New York.

The show opens in March in London and in November 2010 on Broadway.

Previously, Webber had committed to a new version of  "The Wizard of Oz," with some new songs written by Webber and lyricist Glen Slatter. In conjunction with the "Oz" show, Webber will oversee a reality show on the BBC whose function is to find someone to play Dorothy and a dog to play Toto in the upcoming West End verision to that show.

The TV reality show, at first slated for early spring, will now likely debut in late spring, given that  Webber's  "Phantom" is set for a March debut.

--Chuck Ross

Sony to Shed its Stake in Elisabeth Murdoch's Shine

Sony Pictures Entertainment plans to sell off its stake in Shine, Elisabeth Murdoch's drama and reality production company, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Sony owns 21% of Shine, the fast-growing parent of Reveille and Kudos. In a statement, Shine said it had become too much of a competitor to Sony. JP Morgan will look at the sale options.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Nielsen, Clearly Freaked About Its Clients Forming a Coalition to Get Single Measurement, Reacts

Nielsen invited about 75 clients to a special Oct. 16 meeting to discuss the issues around integrating online viewing measurement into the company’s television ratings, reports B&C.

In a letter from Sara Erichson, Nielsen president of media client services, North America, clients are invited to “discuss ‘TV Everywhere’, ‘OnDemand Online’ and similar initiatives and their implications for television audience measurement.”

She said Nielsen is working to develop its ability to add online viewing numbers to its National People Meter panel and wants to hear what clients think about aligning those efforts with the industry initiatives.

Clearly this is partly in reaction to 14 of its clients recently forming the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement to finally get single measurement. To read about the Coalition, click here.

--Elizabeth Jensen and Chuck Ross

Doesn’t Scripps Already Have One Food-Focused Network? Soon It Will Have Two

Foodies who think the Food Network doesn’t have enough actual cooking shows on the air may soon get their wish: Scripps Networks Interactive will turn its existing Fine Living Network into the Cooking Channel next year, reports Multichannel News.

The network, which will make the transition in the third quarter, will focus more on instructional cooking shows, and topics such as baking, ethnic foods, wine and healthy cooking, complementing its sister Food Network, which has ramped up the personality-focused and reality shows in recent years.

--Elizabeth Jensen

ABC Gives Full-Season Orders to Three of Its Four New Wednesday Comedies

Three new ABC comedies--"Modern Family," "Cougar Town" and "The Middle"—got full-season pickups from the network, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The fourth entry in the Wednesday comedy block, “Hank,” was left hanging; its ratings haven’t fared as well.

--Elizabeth Jensen

'Book 'em, Dano': CBS Developing New ‘Hawaii Five-O’

“Hawaii Five-O” is getting a contemporary remake for CBS, with the help of some writers who have other experience in reviving classic franchises, reports Variety.

Writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who were behind the summer features “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” and “Star Trek,” are working on the project along with Peter Lenkov, an executive producer on CBS’ “CSI: NY.”

--Elizabeth Jensen

'Housewives' Creator Developing Another Series

A new series is being developed for ABC for next season by “Desperate Housewives” creator Marc Cherry, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

His co-writer will be "Desperate Housewives" executive producer Alexandra Cunningham, but the show isn’t going to be a spin-off of that series, as had initially been discussed. It’s expected to have the same tone, however.

--Elizabeth Jensen

‘Project Runway’ in Your Living Room: Create the Clothes and Model Them Yourself

“Project Runway” is about to become a series of videogames, reports Variety.

The first Atari game, for Nintendo’s Wii, will be available in the spring. Players will be able to compete to design clothes and outfits, and then become the models themselves, as well as the photographers. Both host Heidi Klum and the show’s fashion guru Tim Gunn are expected to be involved in the game.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Las Vegas’ KVBC-TV Alleges Competitors Sold the News

Las Vegas station KVBC-TV asked the Federal Communications Commission to look into whether three of its competitors agreed to cover in their newscasts an auto dealership’s liquidation sale as part of an undisclosed ad buy, reports B&C.

One of the stations and the media buyer who arranged the ad buy denied the allegations by the Valley Broadcasting-owned station.

--Elizabeth Jensen

Forbes Report: Comcast's Rivals Who Are Also Interested in NBCU (Hint: The Winds Are Blowing Strong Off the Rocky Mountains)

Forbes has come up with its list of who--besides Comcast--might mount a bid for NBC Universal. Confirming our own TVWeek speculation, Forbes thinks it's likely that Liberty Media, led by Denver-area based John Malone, will make a bid. And, like TVWeek. Forbes speculates that one of the things Malone, who owns DIrecTV and Starz, could do is turn NBC into a cable network.

Forbes rates Disney and News Corp as longshots in the hunt for NBCU, and Time Warner's interest at slim to none. 

On the more probable challengers to Comcast, besides Liberty, Forbes says some private equity firms are likely to make a bid for NBCU as well. The only ones Forbes mentions in the article are Providence Equity and Thomas H. Lee and Bain Capital. 

--Chuck Ross

Big Star Quits Tweeting Despite More Than a Million Followers

One of the most popular celebrities on Twitter, with more than 1.1 million followers, has closed her account with the microblogging site, according to the Associated Press.

Sixteen-year-old "Hannah Montana" star Miley Cyrus, in one of her last posts, wrote that her co-star in the upcoming film "The Last Song," Liam Hemsworth, wanted her to delete her Twitter account "with good reason," AP said, adding that Cyrus fans have organized on Twitter to call for her return under the heading "mileycomeback."

--Tom Gilbert

Talk Show Host Accused of Sexual Misconduct

A TV talk show host has been accused of sexual misconduct by a former patient, Fox News reports.

Shirely Dieu filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Dr. Phil McGraw in L.A. County Superior Court, alleging that she had been held captive by Dr. Phil inside his production offices and that he had touched her breast.

A representative for McGraw did not immediately respond for comment, Fox News said.

-- Allison J. Waldman

'Star Trek' Veteran Not Against Another Spot in Future Films

If you beam him, he will go. Or something like that.

Leonard Nimoy, who originated the role of Mr. Spock on the TV version of "Star Trek," would not turn down the chance to play Spock again in a sequel to the big-screen hit from this summer, according to Reuters.

Still, he doesn't expect to get such a casting call from J.J. Abrams, the film's writer-director.

"They have a wonderful new cast in place... and I don't see why they would need me in this next film. But if they called me, I would be happy to have a conversation about it," Nimoy said in a conference call with reporters promoting his role on the Abrams-created Fox series "Fringe."

-- Allison J. Waldman

Yankees Broadcasts Boost YES Network to the Top

Through the first three quarters of 2009, New York Yankee baseball games led to the YES Network being the most-watched regional sports network in the country, according to Multichannel News.

Thus far in 2009, YES averaged 101,000 households in primetime, with Yankee games averaging a 4.62 rating in the New York DMA, a 9.5% increase over its Yankees telecasts in the 2008 season.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Novel Plot Twist: Character Presumed Dead Returning to Soap

A fan favorite will return to ABC's "All My Children," reports SoapCentral.com.

 Rebecca Budig will return to the soap as the character of Greenlee.This is Budig's second return to the show, and when she last left, her character was presumed dead after a motorcycle accident. She will begin shooting in New York, prior to "Children's" move to L.A.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Pay Cable Network to Make Animated Version of Hit Series for the Web

If you haven't had enough of blood, guts and serial killing on TV, the Internet is about to get into the game.

Showtime is launching an animated version of the TV series "Dexter" for the Internet called "Dexter: Early Cuts," according to UPI.

There will be four chapters in the 12-part series which premieres on www.sho.com on Oct. 25, telling the story of how the adult Dexter became the killer that he is. Michael C. Hall, star of the TV series, will provide the voice for the animated Dexter, too.

-- Allison J. Waldman

Daytime Talk Show Gets Colorful Lineup of Guest Hosts

Maybe Elisabeth shouldn't have taken so much time away from the studio.

ABC's "The View" has lined up a variety of stars to fill in as guest host while Elisabeth Hasselbeck remains on maternity leave, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, "Big Bang Theory's" Kaley Cuoco dishes with the ladies, then on Wednesday, Valerie Bertinelli appears to discuss her new book. On Thursday, "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi takes over for Hasselbeck.

-- Allison J. Waldman