The Chinese government rejected CNN’s explanation for remarks by newscaster Jack Cafferty, who referred to the country’s “goons and thugs,” the Associated Press reports. CNN said that Cafferty was referencing the Chinese government, not the Chinese people, while a China…
BET announced plans to air an animated series based on the Marvel Comics superhero Black Panther, Daily Variety reports. At its upfront presentation in New York, the cable channel also announced plans for a court show, a dating show and…
Cablevision unit IFC Entertainment acquired the North American rights for Madonna’s directorial debut, “Filth and Wisdom,” Daily Variety reports. The movie, which Madonna co-wrote and co-produced, will appear simultaneously on video-on-demand and in theaters this fall, the newspaper says. —…
NFL Network said it plans to file a formal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission about what it claims is discriminatory and anticompetitive treatment by Comcast. The cable operator was served with a 10-day notice of intent, NFL Network said….
Media agency Starcom USA has signed up for TNS Media Research’s new DirecTView service, which provides audience measurements based on set-top data from DirecTV subscribers. Starcom, in 2006, was first to get TNS data on viewing from 320,000 Charter Communications…
Comcast has enlisted top sports producer Mike Weisman as a consultant to improve the quality of its Golf Channel and Versus sports networks, the New York Times reports. Mr. Weisman will continue to work for NBC Sports, where he revamped…
Ashley Tisdale, star of Walt Disney Co.’s “High School Musical” franchise, is close to an agreement with “American Idol” producer FreemantleMedia to develop television projects, Daily Variety reports. Ms. Tisdale is also in talks with United Artists about appearing in…
Discovery Communications has named James Hitchcock the marketing and branding officer at the Discovery Channel. Before joining Discovery, Mr. Hitchcock was senior VP of marketing at MTV Networks’ CMT. Before that, he was a director at creative firms Kirshenbaum Bond…
NBCU is urging recipients of the government-issue digital-to-analog converter coupon to act fast, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The network is concerned that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, in charge of overseeing the February digital switchover, will not extend the…
The Mach 5 is making a comeback. “Speed Racer: The Next Generation” launches May 2 on Nicktoons with a 90-minute premiere. Based on the original cartoon that first aired in 1967, the animated “Next Generation” is part of a “Speed…