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MTV Networks and RealNetworks Spinning Off Rhapsody America

Viacom’s MTV Networks and RealNetworks will spin off their digital-music subscription joint venture Rhapsody America, Multichannel News reports. RealNetworks currently has a 51 percent stake and operating control of the venture. It was founded in 2007 and had 700,000 subscribers…

‘Deadliest Catch’ Captain Dies

One of the real-life stars of Discovery Channel’s popular "Deadliest Catch" has died after suffering a stroke on Jan 29th, the Associated Press reports. Phil Harris, 53, was the captain of the fishing boat Cornelia Marie. Sons Josh and Jake…

Video: Leno’s Last Show Gets ‘Punk’d’

Writer-Director Garry Marshall Wants to Make ‘Laverne & Shirley: The Movie’ and You’ll Never Guess Who Want to Play the Leads

Writer-director Garry Marshall ("Valentine’s Day," "Pretty Woman") wants to remake the popular classic sitcom, "Laverne & Shirley," as a feature film, he’s told "Extra." And guess who told "Extra" that they want to play the leads: Jennifer Garner and Jessica…

The Peeping Tom Who Spied On and Taped ESPN’s Erin Andrews Had Other TV Women in His Sights

He didn’t go so far as to tape them, but Michael Barrett, the Illinois man who taped secret videos of ESPN’s Erin Andrews, ran background checks on other female sports reporters and television personalities, according to a federal sentencing memorandum…

Looks Like ‘Jersey Shore,’ Like Many in the Northeast This Time of Year, is Going South

One of the more interesting parlor games of late is where MTV’s "Jersey Shore" will relocate for season two. It looks as if Miami’s South Beach is a good guess, Movieline reports. According to the report, MTV has rented a…

Famous “Zipless” Sexual Encounter Coming to TV

One of the most famous–and controversial–books of the 1970s, Erica Jong’s "Fear of Flying," is being developed for TV. The Sundance Channel is moving into scripted programming, and one of the projects it’s developing is an adaptation of "Fear of…

Worried That a Scene in ‘South Park’ Breaks the Law in Mexico, Airing in Mexico is Being Delayed While Govt. Permission is Sought

MTV canceled the airing, this past Monday, Feb. 8th –in Mexico only–of an episode in which a caricature of Mexican President Felipe Calderon appears in front of a Mexican flag, the Associated Press reports. The network said it hasn’t gotten government…

USA Network’s New Schedule of Originals Hits Some Bumps

Two of USA Network’s prime-time originals are showing a downward trend after a scheduling shift in January, Mediaweek reports. “White Collar” drew 2.89 million viewers last week in its new Tuesday 10 p.m. slot, down 39 percent from the 4.72…

Reports: News Corp. In Talks to Sell Sports Network Fuel TV To Viacom

News Corp. is in talks to sell its action sports network Fuel TV to Viacom. The story was first reported by the SportsBusiness Journal. However, a follow-up report by The Hollywood Reporter says News Corp. and Viacom aren’t close to completing…