Even while America’s big automakers are begging Washington for a bailout, Ford Motor Co. plans to continue to sponsor Fox’s top-rated “American Idol,” Broadcasting & Cable reports. The publication cites data showing Ford spent about $78 million on “Idol” last…
With news outlets focusing on the latest from the people on “The Hills,” some fans may be able to follow the characters without watching the show on MTV, the Los Angeles Times says. Viewership has gone down hill from a…
Ben Silverman’s knack for finding hits hasn’t translated into higher ratings since he joined NBC, Advertising Age says. On the other hand, he has been good at generating profits by weaving advertisers into the network’s programming, the magazine says. —Jon…
Rachel Maddow became a star on MSNBC as Barack Obama swept into office. But Newsweek asks: “How does a liberal, left-leaning ‘Rachel Maddow Show’ behave when a left-leaning president is elected? –Jon Lafayette
The use of digital video recorders by consumers is changing the way networks schedule programs and is reducing the importance of overnight ratings in evaluating shows, the Associated Press says. Hardest hit is The CW, which gets 17% of its…
The Los Angeles Times takes a closer look at Katherine Pope, president of Universal Media Studios, which produces “Heroes,” “House,” “The Office” and “30 Rock.” Ms. Pope’s contract with NBC is up in June. “This isn’t an easy job, but…
NBC has added Josh Cooke as a co-star to its upcoming pilot “Lost & Found,” the Hollywood Reporter says. Cooke will play a psychiatrist in the project from Wolf Films and Universal Media Studios. Also, ABC has added Jessica St….
The National Football League is allowing cable systems around the immediate Philadelphia market to carry the broadcast feed of the Philadelphia Eagles-Arizona Cardinals game Thanksgiving night, the Associated Press. The game is being televised by the NFL Network, which has…
Endemol USA has signed R. Greg Johnston to a two-year overall deal to develop reality programming, the Hollywood Reporter says. Johnston worked with MTV for 16 years and helped develop “The Osbournes” and “Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica.” He has been…
Bill Cowher’s name comes up whenever a coaching job comes up in the National Football League, but he appears content covering games as a CBS Sports studio analyst, USA Today says. “Yeah, I do enjoy [TV] more than I expected,”…