In a bullish upfront, syndicators were able to take a hard-line approach for the first time in years, with overall tallies estimated to be around $2.3 billion. Estimates place both volume and price increases at an average of 12 percent…
Thinking about buying a new, expensive high-definition TV? Well, get ready to pay even more after you bring it home. I have learned that DirecTV and EchoStar, the nation’s two satellite TV services, are planning to launch a monthly package…
Flush with success from rising ratings, increased distribution and an aggressive development slate, Discovery Heath Channel Executive VP and general manager Bob Reed is out to prove the cable channel isn’t all about the babies. The cable channel is preparing…
You could say Steven Spielberg is Neal McDonough’s guardian angel. “Before doing Band of Brothers I could not get arrested,” Mr. McDonough said. “No one would hire me. I had done tons of episodic work, lots of independent films, a…
A powerhouse combination of talent and serendipity enabled the creative team on this telefilm to stay faithful to Tennessee Williams’1950 novella and interpret it for the small screen. The story-about an aging Broadway star who, after her husband dies while…
When Tribune Entertainment President/CEO Dick Askin announced he was a candidate for chairman of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences early last week, he was prepared to face off against incumbent Bryce Zabel. Then Mr. Zabel dropped out (see…
The surprising upside to this year’s record upfront could eventually have a troublesome downside for advertisers and broadcast networks. Despite how it appears, it is not a sure proxy for a healthy ad recovery or economy. When the networks, advertisers…
1. Cast members from Coupling discuss the series with international buyers May 21 at the Los Angeles Screenings 2003 held at Universal Studios. From left are Christopher Moynihan, Lindsay Price and Jay Harrington. 2. ABC News’ Ted Koppel, left, and…
One telling difference between this cable upfront and the last one is the shift in strategy from Jeff Lucas, president of advertising sales, Universal Television Networks. Last year, just two months after joining Universal, Mr. Lucas infuriated many of his…
Our nation has chosen to protect the environment; these regulations are for the public good. Our nation has chosen to protect the flying public; these regulations are for the public good. Our nation has chosen to protect the public from…