The Insider
Some UPN affiliates, who have not gathered en masse since the pre-CBS regime offered them tickets to the netlet’s May 2001 upfront in New York, are thinking that it’s time to get the whole gang together again. The Insider hears…
In Depth
Founder of American News Network plans to build a ‘must carry’ for independent stations
Vincent Castelli wants to give independent television stations a voice they have heretofore lacked. His American News Network, launched earlier this month intends to deliver a one-hour national newscast to independent stations twice each day, along with brief one-minute updates….
Who Is News
BroadcastingJustin Delvecchio to account executive, WTIC-TV, Hartford, Conn., from sales representative, New Haven, Conn., SBC/SNET.Stephanie Holloway to national sales manager, KDFW-TV, Dallas-Forth Worth, from local sales manager, KWTV, Oklahoma City.Barbara Banda to group manager, Cleveland, Eagle Television Sales, from account…
EchoStar’s Ergen not out of game yet
In a strange and unexpected way, Charlie Ergen’s EchoStar Communications is winning the domestic satellite derby, at least perceptually, for now.After losing his bid to take over dominant rival DirecTV late last year, it seemed as though Mr. Ergen had…
May buy WB, start Chicago sports channel
Dennis FitzSimons, Tribune Co.’s veteran “television guy” and newly elected CEO, is on track to make some bold program moves and acquire more big-market TV stations to become a top-tier media player.Mr. FitzSimons, 52, has demonstrated a keen appreciation for…
EM TICKER
2 Separate segments devoted to the return of Fox’s “American Idol” on NBC’s “Today” show Tuesday3 Teases during Tuesday’s “Today” to the “American Idol” segments6.5 million Average viewership for Tuesday’s “Today,” according to fast nationals from Nielsen Media Research24.9 million…
Editorial: Goodbyes to Johansen are bittersweet
It will soon be time to say farewell to Bruce Johansen, at least in his capacity as president and CEO of the National Association of Television Program Executives. Mr. Johansen leaves at a time the organization faces great challenges but…
NATPE NEWS – Allen’s formula: Put the show first
Byron Allen’s CF Entertainment will add to its programming larder with four new series slated for the fall, which will give it a total of 12 shows on the air. Not too shabby for a business started 10 years ago…
BRIEFLY NOTED
NATAS ‘Halls’ out management honorsThe TVB’s Annual Marketing Conference is accruing critical mass by the day. As many as nine major station groups plan management meetings in conjunction with the conference, which is itself being held for the second year…
Stations putting a local spin on reality
Stations are facing the reality that local news alone may not be enough anymore.Given the success of reality programming on network and cable television, it was only a matter of time before local broadcasters would try to cash in on…