FCC asks appeals court to review ownership rule
Washington-The FCC urged a federal appeals court to reconsider a decision that vacated a rule barring cable systems from acquiring TV stations in their markets. The court also ordered the agency to reconsider a regulation barring broadcasters from owning stations reaching more than 35 percent of the nation’s TV homes. In February, the court held that the FCC had failed to adequately justify either regulation. But in its appeal, the FCC said the court’s ruling would make it difficult for the FCC to justify any of its ownership rules.
Amex, NBC sign deal for May sweeps blitz
Los Angeles-American Express signed a multimillion-dollar marketing deal with NBC for its month-long May sweeps 75th anniversary celebration, according to Advertising Age. NBC has not confirmed the value of the deal, which will include media and promotional elements on the network, MSNBC, NBC stations and NBC’s Internet properties.
FX renews `Shield’
Los Angeles-“The Shield,” FX’s controversial first-year drama about a rogue Los Angeles cop has been renewed for a second season. Renewal for the show, which features a level of language and nudity that has divided viewers and critics, comes despite advertiser defections.
ABC workers to picket
New York-Union workers will picket outside Walt Disney Co.’s ABC headquarters Monday, according to Crain’s New York Business. Writers Guild of America members say ABC wants to remove 14 workers at WABC-TV and NewsOne from the union to avoid paying them overtime.