Comcast will be adding three high-definition channels—A&E HD, HGTV HD and Food Network HD—to its lineup in coming weeks, part of its push to have 800 HD offerings by 2008. The channels will roll out on a market-by-market basis according…
HD-DVD’s ‘Matrix’ and Blu-ray’s ‘Pirates’ Series Square Off
The two-hour “American Idol” finale on Fox dominated Wednesday night’s television ratings as contestant Jordin Sparks was crowned winner. ABC’s “Lost” season-ender gave a solid boost to the series following a recent slump. “Idol” earned an 11.5 rating among adults…
In our final “American Idol” Backlot Talk for the season, executive producer Ken Warwick critiques the two finalists. “Idol” winner Jordin Sparks sang “Broken Wing” during Tuesday night’s episode, and Mr. Warwick backed judge Randy Jackon’s assertion that her performance…
Measurement firm Rentrak linked up with mobile television provider Hiwire in a deal that calls for Rentrak to measure mobile TV viewing. The trial will take place in Las Vegas this summer, the companies said. The partnership represents one of…
John Damiano, who has been executive VP of affiliate relations for NBC since 1995, is retiring next week from the network with which he has worked for 38 years. The network would not name a successor when it announced Mr….
Despite Some Ratings Attrition This Season, Still Most Mass on TV
The National Football League has completed a three-year television package deal with Canadian broadcasters CTV and Rogers Communications in a move designed to broaden NFL coverage in the country. As part of the deal, CTV will have rights to air…
Local broadcast TV revenues in the first quarter of 2007 were down 3 percent year-to-year, according to Television Bureau of Advertising analysis of TNS Media Intelligence/CMR estimates that were based on data from the top 100 markets. The dip was…
Broadcast, cable groups and filmmakers are tapping one of the deans of First Amendment law to make their case against legislating new limits on TV violence. The National Association of Broadcasters, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association and the Motion…