Walt Disney’s attempt to make a $233 million acquisition of rights to show free over-the-air television programming in Russia was blocked by authorities who cited anti-monopoly concerns, Daily Variety reports. Disney had been planning to buy 49% of Russia’s Media…
Footage, log books and other materials belonging to the producer of Discovery Channel’s “Animal Planet” were confiscated from Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship the Steve Irwin in Tasmania by Australian officials, the Los Angeles Times reports. Australian officials were tipped…
A musical based on the television series “Little House on the Prairie,” which had a sold-out run in Minneapolis last year, will start a national tour in St. Paul, Minn., this fall, the Associated Press reports. Melissa Gilbert, who played…
NBC Universal’s USA Network had the highest primetime ratings among cable networks for the week ended Feb. 22, making it the highest-rated cable channel for all eight weeks of 2009, Multichannel News reports, citing Disney ABC Media Networks and Nielsen…
BET Networks has tapped Essie Chambers as its senior vice president of original programming. Ms. Chambers, who comes to BET Networks from Nickelodeon, will oversee development of new reality and scripted series, in addition to the company’s current shows. She…
Andy Richter is reuniting with Conan O’Brien, signing on to serve as announcer for Mr. O’Brien’s new incarnation of “The Tonight Show.” NBC is expected to announce the decision later today. Mr. Richter and Mr. O’Brien entered the pop culture…
It didn’t take long for Congress’ first attempt to open discussion of reauthorizing the nation’s satellite TV law to turn into a donnybrook between broadcasters and satellite companies over TV station carriage and compensation issues. In the first of three…
Ion Television has acquired exclusive U.S. broadcast rights for “The Border” and “The Guard.” The acquisitions include U.S. television, digital media, Internet streaming and video-on-demand rights for both original drama series, due to premiere on Ion later this year. “The…
ABC News executive Michael Clemente has joined Fox News as senior vice president of news. Mr. Clemente begins his position immediately, reporting to John Moody, executive VP of news editorial. Mr. Clemente previously was senior executive producer of ABC Digital…
Lifetime announced it is picking up a fourth season of its original series “Army Wives.” The drama’s third season begins airing in June. “This early pickup—even prior to the season-three premiere—is a true testament to our commitment and support of…