Business

‘Smallville’ Gets Its Villain for Series Finale

After a report that actor Michael Rosenbaum had been refusing to reprise his role as "Smallville" villain Lex Luthor, the actor has decided to return for the show’s two-hour finale in May, reports TVLine.com. "I’m delighted to return for the…

Disney Tones Down the Academics, Shifts Focus of Preschool-Targeted Programming

The Disney Channel is retiring its longtime preschool-oriented "Playhouse Disney" programming block in favor of "Disney Junior," a new name that brings with it an emphasis on programming that highlights social values, rather than teaching academics, reports the Los Angeles…

CNN’s Cooper: ‘Fear Has Been Defeated’ as Mubarak Steps Down

The news that Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak is stepping down was greeted with emotional responses around the world, and among those to react strongly was Anderson Cooper, who was attacked last week while on assignment in Cairo for CNN, Examiner.com…

After Record-Setting Super Bowl, NBC Says It Will Raise Ad Prices for Next Year’s Event

Just days after the Super Bowl attracted a record audience, an NBC executive said that the network will be asking for more than the almost $3 million per 30-second spot charged by Fox this year, reports Jon Lafayette in B&C….

Sources Say Paula Abdul’s CBS Flop ‘Live to Dance’ Is Dead

Former "American Idol" judge and fan favorite Paula Abdul has apparently struck out with her CBS competition show, "Live to Dance," reports TVLine.com. CBS was still saying that a final decision had not been made on the low-rated dance show,…

FCC to Tackle Retrans Consent in March

Retransmission consent is on the agenda of the Federal Communications Commission for its March 3 open meeting, B&C reports. The agency has been indicating it wants to change the rules governing retrans consent. On Thursday it revealed that the issue…

MGM Names New Boss of Domestic TV Distribution

MGM announced today that it has picked a new president of Domestic Television Distribution. Company Co-Chairmen and CEOs Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum announced that John Bryan has been promoted to the position. Bryan is the executive vice president of…

Thursday Ratings: ‘Idol’ Hits a Season Low, Still Wins the Night

"American Idol" continued to dominate the Thursday night ratings, even with a season-low 7.2 average rating in adults 18-49, according to Nielsen overnight totals reported by TVbytheNumbers.com. Fox was an easy winner in the 18-49 demo for the night as…

Following Lohan’s Arraignment on Felony Grand Theft, All Anyone Seems to Be Talking About Is Her White Minidress

The judge at Lindsay Lohan’s arraignment Wednesday stressed the seriousness of the felony grand theft charge against her, but for the media and the public, it seems all anyone wants to talk about is her white minidress, MSNBC reports. Lohan,…

Today’s Must Read–More on the Brouhaha Between Fox Affiliates and Fox Networks on Retrans and a Program Fee. We Have Two Letters You Have to Read, Plus Links to a Hot Interview and Sensible Commentary

It’s clearly the subject of the week: the ruckus between Fox and its affiliates about a program fee the network wants to charge since stations get retransmission fees. First, like a few other publications that cover the TV industry, we have…