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

Lee Clow Steps Down as Chief Creative Officer on Apple Ad Account

NOTE: Originally posted by Kunur Patel at adage.com

 Lee Clow has stepped down as chief creative officer of TBWA/Media Arts Lab, which has handled TBWA's longtime client Apple. At 66, Mr. Clow is relinquishing the creative lead on an account that has distinguished his storied career.

Duncan Milner, executive creative director on Apple and a TBWA alum since 1990, has been tapped to fill the role at Media Arts. Mr. Clow will remain chairman and global director of Media Arts Lab and chief creative of the TBWA network. He was not available for comment on this story.

Media Arts Lab was founded in 2006 to serve Apple, as well as embody Mr. Clow's vision of a new type of ad agency that makes culture, rather than just commercials

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. His other memorable campaigns include the Energizer Bunny and the Taco Bell Chihuahua.

Mr. Clow's replacement, Mr. Milner, has worked at TBWA offices in San Francisco, Toronto, St. Louis, New York and Los Angeles. Besides Apple, Mr. Milner has worked on agency clients including Nissan, Levi's and Pedigree. TBWA is part of Omnicom Group.

"[Duncan's] contribution to Chiat/Day over the last 18 years has been a role model for any creative person here," said Mr. Clow of his replacement in a statement. "I couldn't think of anyone I'd feel more comfortable passing this role on to. He's truly earned it." #

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