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Yearly Archives : 2008

History Stokes ‘Extreme Trains’

A real railroad conductor, Matt Brown hosts History’s new series “Extreme Trains,” which premieres Tuesday, USA Today says. “Trains”‘ eight episodes are packed with the technology, history and tough blue-collar workers that have popularized History Channel shows such as ‘Ice…

CTAM Discusses Recession Marketing

The cable industry is counting on the high-definition TV experience being exciting enough to keep people from shutting off service and switching to Web-based video as recession-wary consumers look to cut back, attendees at the opening panel of the Cable…

SAG Reminds Members of ‘Rule One’

The Screen Actors Guild reminded members they cannot work for non-union producers, even when doing new-media projects, Daily Variety reports. SAG said in a message to members that as of Jan. 1 it will “vigorously” enforce compliance with Rule One,…

Thiessen Takes ‘Collar’ at USA

“Saved by the Bell” alum Tiffani Thiessen will co-star in USA Network’s pilot “White Collar,” the Hollywood Reporter says. She will play the wife of an FBI white-collar crime unit investigator. Also, Spike TV has cast Matthew Marsden and Kevin…

Will Cable News Get a Honeymoon?

After drawing record viewers during a rough and tumble election season, the Associated Press wonders if viewers will still tune in to cable news for the traditional honeymoon period afforded to new presidents. Frank Sesno, a former CNNer and now…

Bill Burke Writes the Book on Turner

Bill Burke, who worked for Turner Broadcasting and ran the Weather Channel, has collaborated with Ted Turner on an autobiography called “Call Me Ted,” the New York Times says. “The good thing for me is that Ted likes to spend…

TV Land Orders Hidden-Camera Show

TV Land has ordered six episodes of a new hidden-camera series “Make My Day,” Daily Variety reports. The project, from Michael Davies and Sony Pictures TV and based on a British series, will feature unsuspecting subjects faced with outlandish events…

Chase Mum on ‘Sopranos’ Ending

With a boxed set of “The Sopranos” coming out this week, David Chase has little to say about the series’ controversial ending, the Los Angeles Times says. “Every time I say anything about the ending, I just make things worse,”…

YouTube Adds MGM Films to Dancing Cats

YouTube, which was known for making short video clips popular on line, is now going to show some complete films and television shows from financially troubled MGM, the New York Times reports. With the popularity of Hulu showing that full-length…

Spike TV, FremantleMedia Sign Funding Deal

Spike TV has partnered with FremantleMedia Enterprises for the global financing, distribution and marketing for three of the network’s upcoming series “Jesse James Is Dead,” “Deadliest Warrior” and “Surviving Disaster,” Daily Variety reports. All three shows are expected to debut…