Business

Just Where Did Ricky Gervais Go Wrong?

Much of the talk after Sunday’s Golden Globes telecast was not about the awards themselves but about the performance of host Ricky Gervais. He has drawn sharp criticism for his stinging jokes, which some are describing as vicious and inappropriate…

Facebook Eases Access by App Developers to Users’ Contact Info

Facebook has quietly implemented changes that make it easier for developers of applications to gain access to user addresses and mobile phone numbers, the Los Angeles Times reported. The changes are likely to reinvigorate long-running criticism of the social media…

Two Cable Nets Merge, Sparked by Arrival of Oprah’s New Network

The debut of Oprah Winfrey’s OWN cable network on Jan. 1 marked the end of the road for Discovery Health, with OWN taking over its slot. But now word has surfaced that Discovery Health has new life, according to Deadline.com….

Overrun From Big NFL Playoff Game Pushes CBS to Prime-Time Win, Even as Golden Globes Pump Up NBC’s Ratings

CBS got help from its huge afternoon NFL showdown between the New York Jets and New England Patriots, which ran over into prime time and gave the Eye Network an outright win Sunday Night even though NBC scored well with…

Jets-Patriots Playoff Game Draws Huge Numbers for CBS

The CBS Sunday afternoon telecast of the AFC divisional playoff game, in which the New York Jets upset the New England Patriots 28-21, pulled in big ratings, the network reported. The broadcast drew an average overnight household rating of 26.2…

Syfy Charting Innovative Approach to Social Media, Marketing and B-Movies

Syfy has big plans for its Saturday night lineup of B-movie fare, reports Brian Steinberg in Advertising Age. Syfy will pitch these movies, such as "Sharktopus" and "Mega Piranha," to marketers at this year’s upfront presentation, the story notes. The…

Nominations Being Accepted for Bennie Awards, Honoring Worst TV Shows of 2010

The Hollywood Temp Diaries Web site announced today that it is accepting nominations to “honor” the worst prime-time television shows and performances of the past year. The Bennie Awards–symbolized by the Golden Trash Can–will be presented Feb. 22. The awards…

Friend of Alleged Arizona Gunman Reveals Reasons Behind Grudge Against Congresswoman

A close friend of the suspect in the Arizona shooting rampage that killed six people and wounded 14, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, told the publication Mother Jones that Jared Lee Loughner had held a grudge against Giffords for years. Bryce…

High-Ranking CBS Exec Confirms Network Is Worried About Charlie Sheen

Nina Tassler, CBS entertainment president, spoke with reporters at the TCA press tour in Pasadena, Calif., today and admitted that the network is worried about one of its biggest stars, Charlie Sheen, reports Reuters. "We have a high level of…

Teen Superstar Justin Bieber Lands in Hospital

Justin Bieber has been doing some television acting this week, and it landed him in the hospital, MTV reported. The 16-year-old singing sensation reportedly developed problems breathing as he was taping scenes for a cameo appearance on “CSI.” Bieber was…