NBC executives apparently forsee a bright future for “Medium.” According to people familiar with the situation, the network today ordered six more episodes of the CBS Paramount Network Television-produced drama. “Medium” was given a 13-episode midseason order last spring, and…
NBC is working on a new dance-themed competition series with reality producers Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller, to be hosted by “Lord of the Dance” Michael Flatley. The series, tentatively titled “Superstar Dancers of the World,” will bring together teams…
CBS is giving a thumbs-up to first-year comedies “Gary Unmarried” and “Worst Week.” The network Friday ordered a full season of “Gary” and three additional episodes of “Worst Week.” Both moves had been expected. In the case of “Gary,” CBS…
Leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee are warning Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin that he better meet with its staffers—pronto—if he wants input on a potentially damning report about his stewardship of the agency. The committee’s long…
President-elect Barack Obama today named two academics to head his transition team looking at issues and personnel for the Federal Communications Commission. Susan Crawford, a University of Michigan law professor of communications law, and Ken Werbach, a Wharton School assistant…
The Television Bureau of Advertising and its board think the basis for local advertising buying and planning should be consistent with the standards used by networks and national advertisers. Therefore, the TVB has notified members and clients that it supports…
Actress-singer Hilary Duff, who gained fame on Disney Channel’s “Lizzie McGuire,” has signed an exclusive, one-year talent and development deal with NBC. Ms. Duff will star in her own series under the partnership, which also allows her to guest star…
David Letterman’s “Late Show” on CBS joined the trend of “live” commercials Thursday night with one of Dave’s sidekicks providing a tour of a new Mazda 6. Just before the nightly “Top 10 List,” Letterman presented a “special message from…
Television networks’ online video destinations are girding for the economic slowdown by focusing on advertising metrics and proven programming, executives at sites including Hulu.com and ABC.com said at the NewTeeVee conference in San Francisco today. Advertiser interest in ABC.com remains…
Online video destination Metacafe set a traffic record in October, drawing more than 9 million unique visitors in the United States, the company said Wednesday, citing comScore numbers. That’s a 30% rise since January and a 10% bump over September,…