TCA Notes
CBS
In Depth
Digital File System in Works at Ascent
Ascent Media Management Services plans to introduce a new digital delivery system for syndicators by April that’s designed to facilitate the technological transition from videotape to a file-based world.
Dennis Swanson: Where Are They Now?
Within hours of being named executive VP and chief operating officer of Viacom Television Stations Group in July 2002, Dennis Swanson began remaking the executive ranks in the 35-station group. Soon he will have added 18 new general managers to…
She’s With Oscar
ABC’s freshman situation comedy “I’m With Her” is a show that lends itself to a tie-in with the Academy Awards. As part of the special Oscar push this year, ABC will air an unusual arc of four episodes with a…
TV Guide Channel Broadens Its Appeal
In its continuing quest to offer more than scrolling listings, TV Guide Channel this week unveils new programming and graphics.
Ford Pays $3.5 Mil for Super Monday
After the Super Bowl, CBS is planning a Super Monday, and Ford Motor Co. has paid an estimated $3.5 million to promote its new Freestar minivan during the network’s prime-time and late-night programming that day. Ford will be the only…
Jeff Fager
In June Jeff Fager is going home to “60 Minutes,” where he spent five years. He returns as the successor to Don Hewitt, the series’ iconic founder and father figure who could no longer stave off pressure from CBS to…
TV News Notes
Jerry Nachman, the MSNBC VP and editor -in chief who was one of the most well-known, outside-the-box and colorful characters in his generation of television newsmen, died Jan. 19 at his home in Hoboken, N.J. He was 57 and had…
The Ratings Wizard
Monday, Jan. 12, 2004-Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004
News Briefs
Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., introduced legislation last week to jack up the maximum fine for an indecent broadcast from $27,500 to $275,000. The maximum fine for a “continuing violation” would be raised from $300,000 to $3 million. Federal Communications Commission…