DirecTV has raised its third-quarter and full-year guidance for revenue and new customers thanks to the strength of several customer promotions, including one aimed at football fans. The No. 1 satellite operator said last week it now expects third-quarter revenue…
In a development critical to the growth of the video-on-demand business, leading VOD services supplier SeaChange has partnered with Nielsen Media Research to provide ratings of on-demand audiences. The deal, announced Sept. 29, is a milestone toward the mainstreaming of…
In a blow to the National Association of Broadcasters, Jeff Baumann, the association’s longtime executive VP of legal and regulatory affairs, last week announced he has opted to take early retirement, effective in February.Mr. Baumann, 59, has served as NAB’s…
October8-9 MIPCOM JuniorEleventh edition of the youth program screenings held in conjunction with MIPCOM 2003. Hotel Martinez, Cannes, France. Information: Margot Gardett, 33-01-41-90-45-59 or margot.gardett@reedmidem .com; or www.mipcom.com.13 RTNDA Awards DinnerBlack-tie dinner honoring winners of the Edward R. Murrow Awards…
Fox thinks there’s something fishy about NBC’s new season promotions. Members of Fox’s on-air promo department noticed what they consider striking similarities between their efforts last year and NBC’s this year, so they promptly cut a tape comparing one with…
The definitive merger agreement that General Electric’s NBC and French conglomerate Vivendi Universal are expected to sign this week, combining NBC’s broadcast and cable networks with Vivendi Universal Entertainment, is expected to create a show business behemoth with synergies that…
For the first time in a quarter of a century, the ad industry is planning to alter its basic model for measuring the effectiveness of advertising, including media buys. The changes ahead are likely to place an even greater responsibility…
CF Entertainment Hires Thomas Devlin Independent syndie producer CF Entertainment has hired former Hearst Entertainment senior VP Thomas Devlin as its president of international television distribution. In the newly created position, Mr. Devlin will be responsible for clearing CF’s 12-program…
John Calley Departs Sony Pictures Entertainment John Calley has resigned as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment, the movie and TV arm of the Sony Corp., according to a company announcement. Mr. Calley, who held the top…
Showtime to Launch HD Version of The Movie Channel In an expected move, Showtime Networks said it will launch a high-definition version of The Movie Channel on Dec. 1. The HD channel will carry the East Coast feed of the…