NHL Network has inked a deal with Charter Communications that will broaden the distribution base of the fledgling channel to more than 80 million homes. Under terms of the deal, Charter will launch the channel on its cable systems next…
ESPN2 led the first round of Nielsen’s C3 ratings measuring how well broadcast and cable networks retain viewers through commercial breaks. ESPN2 scored a 104 percent retention rate on average program ratings in prime time, meaning the number of viewers…
Former King World and CNBC exec Andy Friendly has been hired as executive producer and programming consultant at Planet Green, Discovery Communications’ eco-conscious channel. The company is converting its Discovery Home network, which has 50 million subscribers, to a channel…
Congress Opposed to Martin’s Speedy Review
Promax/BDA tapped Jonathan Block-Verk as the new president of the marketing and design nonprofit association, appointing a successor to Jim Chabin. Mr. Block-Verk previously served as VP/group publisher and executive producer of events for the commercial production industry’s Boards Magazine….
With less than a week left on the Writers Guild of America’s contract, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers placed what it called a “comprehensive proposal” on the bargaining table during today’s talks. The WGA said it would…
Spike TV said it has extended its deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and will remain the UFC’s exclusive basic-cable home through 2011. UFC programming is among the highest-rated on Spike. The UFC reality show “The Ultimate Fighter” averages more…
Comcast reported lower third-quarter earnings compared to a year ago, when the cable giant reported big gains from the acquisition of systems from Adelphia Communications. Brian Roberts, CEO of Comcast, acknowledged that increased competition and a slowing economy were impacting…
Anne Hopkins, veteran producer and TV exec, has been chosen to receive the 2007 Caucus for Television Producers, Writers & Directors’ Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Hopkins, president/partner at Marian Rees Associates, has produced 27 films for network, cable and public…
There’s no housing slump on HGTV. The E.W. Scripps-owned network has ordered additional episodes of three prime-time real estate shows, “House Hunters,” “Hidden Potential” and “My First Place.” “House Hunters,” produced by Pie Town Productions since 1999, is one of…