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In Depth

Lake Bell Joins ‘Fathom’

Lake Bell, who recently left the cast of ABC’s “Boston Legal,” has been cast in the NBC Universal Television Studio pilot “Fathom.” The studio confirmed Ms. Bell’s involvement with the pilot Wednesday.The hour-long pilot, written by Jonas and Josh Pate,…

Newsmagazines Up, Other Syndies Mostly Flat, Down

Propelled by audience interest in the death of Johnny Carson and the marriage of Donald Trump, newsmagazines made gains during the week ended Jan. 30. Magazines bucked a trend that saw the majority of syndicated fare drop or remain flat…

Lauer to Host ‘Greatest American’

“Today” co-anchor Matt Lauer will host “Greatest American,” a seven-hour prime-time event that will be telecast in June as part of Discovery’s 20th anniversary celebration. Members of the public can nominate as many as five people they think have most…

SEC Inquiry into DirecTV Accounting Ends

The Securities and Exchange Commission has concluded its analysis of how DirecTV Group accounted for a series of 2004 transactions. The SEC has decided not to take any action, the satellite company said in an SEC filing submitted Wednesday.In January…

Mystery Writers Announce Edgar Nominations

The Mystery Writers of America announced the nominees for their 2005 Edgar Allan Poe Awards Wednesday, with NBC’s “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” taking four of the five best television episode teleplay nominations.“Criminal Intent’s” Elizabeth Benjamin was nominated for her…

Univision Names Ray Rodriguez President

Univision Communications on Wednesday named Ray Rodriguez president and chief operating officer of the Spanish-language broadcaster, promoting a 15-year veteran who most recently oversaw the company’s television properties.All of Univision’s business properties will report to Mr. Rodriguez, who in turn…

CBS Orders Two Installments of ‘Amazing Race’

CBS has ordered the eighth and ninth installments of its reality challenge series “Amazing Race” for airdates in the 2005-06 season. In a format twist, the eighth installment of “Race” will feature all-family teams, which will be expanded to four…

House Panel Passes Indecency Measure

The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 46-2 Wednesday afternoon to approve legislation that would raise the cap on broadcast indecency fines from $32,500 to $500,000. The legislation, which mirrors a bill that was approved by the House in a…

Powell, Copps Want Quorum Probihition Gutted

Outgoing Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell, a Republican, and Democratic Commissioner Michael Copps on Wednesday announced that they have jointly asked Congress to gut a provision in the Government in the Sunshine Act that bars a quorum of the…

‘Connected: Coast to Coast’ to Debut Feb. 15 on MSNBC

A live, twice-daily show co-hosted by Ron Reagan and Monica Crowley, “Connected: Coast to Coast,” will premiere at noon and 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, on MSNBC.The two hours of programming each weekday represent “part of the new era of…