Logo

In Depth

Forum’s Focus is Family-Friendly Shows

The Family Friendly Programming Forum is considering about 15 scripts from four broadcast networks it might back through its Family Friendly Script Development Fund. The Forum, which is made up of 40 major national advertisers who are members of the…

Quick Takes

“In the context of our company’s environment, kids are adequately protected and entertained as we provide `family-friendly’ programming to our network partners, who in turn pair these series with age- and subject-appropriate advertising.”Stephen Ellis, president, Ellis Entertainment“No, of course not….

It Saves Dollars but Does it Make Sense?

Two weeks ago CNNfn switched its ticker crawl of major stocks from symbols to full names. While that may please those confused by the cryptic initials common to stock traders, it has brought complaints from some market pros because stock…

Thanks for the Memories

No performer in the history of television can top the success of Bob Hope. Not only is he the most honored entertainer in history, but he also holds the distinction of maintaining the longest-running contract with a single network-more than…

Murdoch Interactive

What is the best hope for Interactive TV in the United States?It’s a 72-year-old man named Rupert.Rupert Murdoch, that is. The News Corp. chief may be the world’s most enthusiastic supporter of two-way interactive television. Murdoch’s BSkyB, the satellite TV…

The First All-Media Television Superstar

At one point during his third NBC special in 1950, Bob Hope got lost behind the curtain at the end of a comedy skit. For another performer on live TV, it might have been a disaster. Instead, as he worked…

News Corp.’s DirecTV Acquisition Will Cut Programming Costs

In the intensifying tug of war between content providers and distributors, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. is the winner that takes all as a result of the company’s finally snagging a deal to control domestic satellite leader, DirecTV.News Corp.’s acquisition of…

Breaking News Archives

‘Simpsons’ Sweeps Sunday Fox won last night in adults 18 to 49 against competition that consisted mostly of repeats. The Simpsons was the highest-rated show of the night with a 5.0/15 among adults 18 to 49. In the 10 p.m.-to-11…

Bobby Darin Fans Have Their Knives Out

American Dreams executive producer Jonathan Prince has been personally e-mailing fans offended by a portrayal of the late singer-actor Bobby Darin in the March 30th episode. Although the Bronx-born singer whose hits included Splish, Splash and Mack the Knife has…

Delivering Television Anywhere

Television 24/7/365 is fast becoming the new reality as telephony and broadcasting converge to enable the next generation of PVPs (portable video players) that will power “TV to Go.” While manufacturers of PCs, laptops, PDAs and even some mobile phones…