THE WB: Time to Grow Up
Rather than return to the high school playground on which it has so often played, The WB may for the new season embrace more sophisticated fare with veteran auspices, insiders said. The WB could use at least one new drama…
In Depth
George Foster Peabody
By Lee Hall Born in 1852 in Columbus, Ga., George Foster Peabody was a banker and philanthropist who gave generously to the University of Georgia and other institutions. The university’s desire to find a way to honor him coincided with…
UPN: A ‘Model’ For Success With Young Female Viewers
After years of flailing in search of an identity, UPN is sticking with its latest goal of attracting young women. With the continued success of “America’s Next Top Model,” the strategy is simple. “It feels like they are going to…
Malone May Buy Nat Geo Channel
Transaction Could Be Step Toward Resolving Issue of News Corp. Stake
‘Stooges’ Earns Weekday Strip
| Cable | Spike Enhances Classic Shorts With Games, Products
MSNBC Hires Rita Cosby as Special Correspondent
One day after Fox News Channel ended contract talks with senior correspondent and weekend show host Rita Cosby, MSNBC announced it is hiring Ms. Cosby as a special correspondent and anchor for whom a weeknight show will be developed for…
Fox Announces Premiere of Drama ‘The Inside,’ Summer Reality Schedule
Fox announced Friday it will premiere three reality series and one scripted drama, “The Inside,” during the summer months and bring back the reality series “Renovate My Family” with original episodes.On Monday, May 30, at 9 p.m. (ET), the network…
Interpublic Names Rosenthal CEO of Media Operations
A day after losing the $3.6 billion General Motors media account, Interpublic Group of Cos. on Thursday named former MTV Networks President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Rosenthal CEO of the group’s media operations.Mr. Rosenthal will be based in New…
Michele Ruiz Won’t Return to KNBC-TV
Award-winning KNBC-TV news anchor Michele Ruiz will leave her position at the Los Angeles station, she announced Thursday. “As I look ahead, I need to make a change to accomplish my goals,” Ms. Ruiz said in a statement. She has…
MTV Greenlights Makeover Parody
MTV has ordered 10 episodes of “Trailer Fabulous,” a parody of cable makeover shows. In “Fabulous” a team of design professionals renovates trailer homes. Though the show will poke fun of the genre’s conventions, the makeovers are genuine. “The idea…