In an effort to plug a loophole in the digital TV transition, broadcasters have asked the Federal Communications Commission to establish regulations to bar the sale of cable-ready digital TV monitors that can’t receive over-the-air broadcasts.FCC regulations already require that…
After we arrived in Kuwait a month or more ago, it became immediately apparent to us that there were two ways to cover this war: as an embedded reporter (not an option given my obligation to anchor an evening newscast…
The ABC Network was the target of a savvy April Fool’s parody on the Web last week, which included a tongue-in-cheek announcement that the entire schedule would henceforth consist of reality shows such as Canine Crime 2003, American Pimp (and…
Awaiting publication of his latest book at age 84, Bernard “Bernie” Gordon knows something about living in frightening times. He lived through an era of repression and even worse, thinks it is back. And he isn’t talking about al Qaeda…
Sony Pictures Television sales executive Mark Wurtzel has been promoted to senior VP, Western region. In his new position Mr. Wurtzel will oversee all group and local sales for first-run and off-net syndicated product from SPT for the region and…
Cable’s pre-upfront campaign to win hearts, minds and dollars on Madison Avenue continued on many fronts in Manhattan last week.In last year’s tough economic terrain, many cable networks cut back or even cut out the kinds of lavish, star-studded presentations…
On KTVU-TV’s morning newscast, what’s interesting is what you don’t see. There’s not a lot of the usual chitchat or happy talk between the anchors. The sets are simple, the graphics are clean and the newscast is all about the…
On-demand television provider TVN Entertainment just announced an agreement with VTV: Varsity Television, a network targeting teens, for VOD distribution of approximately 30 hours of city- and region-specific programming. The announcement comes on the heels of Austin, Texas-based VTV’s launch…
To help TV stations round out their digital newsrooms, the industry’s largest equipment suppliers are introducing a host of new products at the National Association of Broadcasters convention this week in Las Vegas.Among the highlights of this week’s show:* One…
BroadcastingWolfgang Liebertz to general manager, Miami, Millennium Sales & Marketing, from account executive, New York.Audrey Fish to VP, creative services, WTXF-TV, Philadelphia, from VP, creative services, WJBK-TV, Detroit.Michael Gay to Web site producer, WBBM-TV, Chicago, from Web site manager, KRON-TV,…