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In Depth

`2′ Be a Wannabe

With casting under way nationwide for “The Apprentice 2,” Virginia real estate entrepreneur Frank Borges LLosa has come up with a plan to, hopefully, set himself apart from the masses. Mr. LLosa recently launched the Web site ApprenticeWannabes.com as a…

No Shortage of Sexy Programs

While Congress debates what may constitute indecent broadcast programming, the reality is that the most outrageous, sexy, edgy content isn’t on broadcast television. It is available for those willing to pay to see it on premium cable channels and through…

N.Y. Braces for People Meters

Nielsen Media Research is standing by plans to switch Thursday to Local People Meter measurement service in New York in the face of pressure and criticism from lawmakers, advocacy groups and even some clients.“We’re still on target,” said Nielsen spokesman…

Basketball Tournament Contributes to Ratings Dips

March Madness on CBS sent most syndicated fare into a tailspin due to competition or pre-emptions during the week ending March 21, but rookies managed to dodge the bullet, according to Nielsen Media Research.Four of the five first-run rookie strips…

Perez Named NBC Exec VP

Anna Perez, who has imposing Hollywood and Washington connections, was named executive VP of communications for NBC in a surprise move last week. NBC, which will increase in size with its pending merger with Vivendi Universal, announced Thursday that Ms….

Once `Punk’d,’ Twice Shy

We didn’t blink when MTV announced last week that “Punk’d” was returning to its schedule, despite the apropos April Fool’s Day timing. It appeared the joke already had been played on the media in December, when series star-executive producer Ashton…

News Briefs

The National Association of Television Program Executives has confirmed that the organization will stay in Las Vegas for next year’s convention. NATPE 2005 will take place Jan. 25-27 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Convention Center in Las Vegas. NATPE…

The Insider

The Insider must be losing it. She’s only now learned that the dreams to jazz up CNN Headline News on weeknights with a quiz show and a topical puppet news show (which one tongue-in-cheeky source described as an homage to…

Editorial: Mandating a la Carte Is Not the Way to Go

Selling cable TV networks individually or in small, defined groups-the so-called “a la carte” system-holds obvious appeal for consumers troubled by rising cable TV bills. It seems so simple: Receive only the channels they want in return for a lower…

Breaking News Archives

CBS Slates Summer Reality Block CBS is creating a two-hour Tuesday reality block this summer with “Big Brother 5” and “The Amazing Race 5.” Both shows will get 90-minute premieres on Tuesday, July 6. “Big Brother” will debut from 8…