Digital

Kids’ Internet Sensation Conquers TV With Huge Premiere Ratings

An Internet character who has been embraced by kids nationwide is now having an impact on TV as well, according to TVbytheNumbers.com. Nickelodeon is reporting that the premiere of “Fred: The Movie,” starring Lucas Cruikshank as Fred Figglehorn–already one of…

Apple TV Moves Closer to All-in-One Television

Speculation is revving up about just what shape Apple TV will take after Apple quietly signed a licensing deal with a tech company known for its interactive TV guides, Business Insider reports. Few details have surfaced about the multiyear deal…

Despite Denials, Facebook Is Mulling a Branded Smart Phone

Even though Facebook is denying that it’s working on a smart phone, the social-networking company has been talking with hardware makers and carriers to decide on whether a Facebook-branded phone would be marketable, reports CNET Editor in Chief Scott Ard. …

Report: Zucker Out in 100 Days; Ex-Showtime Programmer Greenblatt To Take Over NBC Network; More

[UPDATE: Changes Headline 8:20 AM, 9/17/10] Comcast is preparing to put a new regime in place at NBC Universal sometime this fall, before it closes on purchasing the media company, reports Claire Atkinson at the New York Post. Former Showtime executive…

Former ‘Idol’ Star Adam Lambert Accused of Battery

Singer Adam Lambert, the runner-up on season eight of Fox’s “American Idol” in 2009, has been accused of battery, according to a report on Entertainment Weekly’s Music Mix blog. The report stems from an incident Thursday night in Miami Beach…

Samsung Unveils Plans to Distribute TV Shows, Movies Through Media Hub

Samsung has announced the "imminent availability" of its Media Hub media store, where downloads and rentals of video content will be offered for the company’s Galaxy line of phones and tablets, PCMag.com reports. The content will include programming from MTV…

Google Snags Netflix Executive Behind Online Streaming Service, Signaling Serious Intentions About TV

Google has hired one of the key executives behind Netflix’s popular online streaming service, signaling the search-giant’s seriousness about getting into television, reports the Los Angeles Times’ Company Town blog. Robert Kyncl will become Google’s vice president of content partnerships,…

Netflix Deal, 90-Day Movie Window an Obstacle for Epix if Channel Aims to Get on Time Warner Cable Systems

Epix, the pay-television channel from Viacom, Lionsgate and MGM, probably shouldn’t hold its breath as it waits to get on Time Warner Cable’s systems, reports the Los Angeles Times’ Company Town blog. Time Warner Cable Chief Financial Officer Rob Marcus…

Ratings For Martha Stewart’s Debut on Hallmark Channel Well Below Reruns It Replaced

The ratings of the debut of Martha Stewart on the Hallmark Channel fell well below the ratings of the reruns it replaced, reports The Hollywood Reporter. "The Martha Stewart Show" debuted with just 199,000 viewers on Monday at 10 a.m. on…

In Face of Lukewarm Sales and Challenges from Droid Phones and iPhones, Bets AGAINST Stock of BlackBerry Maker Have Doubled Since April

It’s not only consumers who appear to prefer Apple’s iPhone devices that use Google’s Android software to Research in Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry, but also skeptical investors, according to Bloomberg News. Bets against Research in Motion stock–known as taking a short…