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Updated: 37.8 Mil Watch Obama Inauguration

A combined 37.8 million Americans watched the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Tuesday throughout the day, ranking it as the second most-watched inauguration behind Ronald Reagan’s in 1981. Nielsen Media Research released the combined numbers across 17 broadcast and…

Martin to Host ‘SNL’ Jan. 31

Steve Martin will host NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” for a record 15th time on Jan. 31. Mr. Martin’s last hosting gig was three years ago. He first hosted the show in 1976. Additionally, musical artist Jason Mraz will make his…

NBC, CNN Take Top Ratings During Oath of Office

NBC beat ABC and Fox as the most-watched broadcast network in the hour leading up to and including President Barack Obama’s inauguration oath and speech. CNN topped the cable networks during the oath of office. During 11 a.m. and 12:30…

DTV Delay Vote Held Up in House

The possibility that Congress may not delay the digital TV transition, despite a request from President Barack Obama, was raised today by the sudden cancellation of a House committee’s expected vote on a bill changing the DTV switch date. The…

CMT Orders New Episodes of ‘Nanny 911’

CMT is ordering eight additional episodes of “Nanny 911” from producer Granada America, putting the former Fox series back into production, the two companies announced today. “Nanny” is currently airing in repeats during daytime on CMT after having been on…

‘ET,’ ‘Inside Edition’ Surge on Travolta Story

Coverage of the death of Jett Travolta, son of actor John Travolta, drew viewers to syndicated television, pushing most entertainment news magazines towards season high ratings for the week ending Jan. 11. Five out of six programs in the entertainment…

BBC Worldwide, U.S. Public Stations Make Syndie Deal for ‘MI-5’

BBC Worldwide America and U.S. public broadcasters have inked a syndication that will bring the U.K. drama “MI-5” to U.S. public TV stations. The drama has sold upfront in 64% of U.S. markets, representing the largest upfront syndication deal thus…

Web Views of Obama Speech Skyrocket Overnight

Online views of President Barack Obama’s inauguration speech and swearing in on Tuesday skyrocketed overnight, according to data from online video measurement firm Visible Measures. By about 24 hours after the event, videos of the inauguration had been viewed more…

Scripps Adds Originals to Fine Living Network

Scripps Networks is adding new original programming to its Fine Living Network, which will adopt a new tagline: Entertainment You Can Use. The changes come as the channel, currently in 50 million homes, begins receiving ratings from The Nielsen Co….

DIY Network, Sears Strike Craftsman Deal

Sears has struck a deal with DIY Network making Craftsman Tools the official tools of cable channel. It is the first time DIY has done an official category sponsorship, the network said. The one-year deal begins in the second quarter….