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Big Ideas from a Handsome Scientist

The Science Channel’s new show, “Joao Magueijo’s Big Bang,” features a dreamy theoretical physicist discussing weighty issues, such as inconsistencies in the theory of relativity, the New York Times says. “Not everyone will be charmed, however, by the extent to…

CNN to Debut Overseas Show

CNN on Sunday will debut an international news show delving deeper into topics scarcely covered by the cable network’s regular news broadcasts, Multichannel News reports. Foreign affairs analyst Fareed Zakaria will be featured while the executive producer will be Liza…

Garrett Visits ‘Monk,’ Rather Gets ‘Sexy’

Brad Garrett will appear in the season premiere of USA’s “Monk” on July 18, TV Guide’s Michael Ausiello reports. He will play a handyman doing some home renovations for Monk, the magazine says. Additionally, Dan Rather will return as himself…

TBS, Def Jam Partner for ‘Payne’ Promo

TBS will join with Def Jam Records and R&B singer Chrisette Michele to promote Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne,” Media Daily News reports. The partnership will include a new song by Michele to be featured on-air and in ancillary promos,…

Turner Sets Fourth German Channel

Turner Broadcasting System will launch its fourth pay TV channel in Germany with a roster of American series, Daily Variety reports. The shows expected to air on TNT Serie beginning in January include “ER,” “Smallville,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Monk,” “King…

Sony Deal Advances Cable’s Two-Way Plan

The cable industry is unveiling a major move toward expanding two-way services with a deal with Sony Electronics that will bring to market next-generation TV sets incorporating interactive capabilities next year. The National Cable & Telecommunications Association announced the agreement…

Cable Nets Post Ratings Gains

Ad-supported cable channels recorded a 9% increase in viewers during the September-to-May broadcast season and a 48% share of the total TV audience in April, the New York Times reports. The History Channel, AMC, USA and Fox News all posted…

Mathison, Shepherd to Host Daytime Emmys

Soap star and former “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Cameron Mathison will host the 35th annual Daytime Emmy Awards alongside “The View” host Sherri Shepherd, the Associated Press reports. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC from Hollywood’s Kodak…

Watts Pushes Black News Network

Former congressman J.C. Watts is planning to launch an all-news network targeting the African American community, the New York Post reports. Tentatively called Black Television News Channel, the network is slated for a early 2009 launch and already has a…

Three Bidders Remain for Weather Channel

Time Warner, NBC Universal and private equity firm Blackstone Group appear to be the only remaining bidders for Landmark Communications’ Weather Channel, the Hollywood Reporter says. The high asking price, a lack of synergy and different corporate priorities are said…