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Briefly Noted

May 20, 2002  •  Post A Comment

NATPE 2004 location up in the air
Executives with the National Association of Television Program Executives have confirmed that while its convention in New Orleans is on as scheduled for next year, the organization has formally released its commitments to hold its 2004 conference in the Big Easy.
“The decision to hold NATPE 2004 in New Orleans was made a long time ago, and since then the television business has undergone the most significant changes ever in the history of this great industry,” said Bruce Johansen, president and CEO of NATPE. “Make no mistake about it-we will hold an annual conference in 2004. As such, we are currently exploring all possible options available so that NATPE can best serve the interests of our membership.”
Schiller joins Discovery Civilization Channel
Vivian Schiller has been appointed general manager of Discovery Civilization Channel, which Discovery Communications and The New York Times Co. co-own and will jointly develop and relaunch in an agreement announced last month. Ms. Schiller, who takes the post in early summer, will oversee programming, management and operational aspects of the network. She will be based in Bethesda, Md., where the channel is headquartered. Previously, Ms. Schiller was responsible for long-form programming at CNN.
4Kids unveils Fox lineup
Programmer 4Kids Entertainment has unveiled its “Fox Box” lineup for its Saturday morning children’s block on the Fox stations, which kicks off Sept 14. Opening the block will be “Stargate Infinity” followed by “Ultraman Tiga,” “Kirby,” “Kinnikuman: Ultimate Muscle,” a new “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” series and “Food Feud.” The programmer paid $100 million for a four-year shot at programming Fox’s Saturday block. 4Kids CEO Al Kahn noted that a marketing campaign soon to be under way will include the handing out of millions of “Fox Boxes”-actual boxes containing children’s materials-and TV spots on competing networks.
Trio, Universal get Zalaznick
Lauren Zalaznick has been named president of digital arts network Trio and executive VP of the emerging networks division of Universal Television, formerly USA Networks. In addition to overseeing programming and marketing strategies for Trio, Ms. Zalaznick will be among the senior executives developing new cable networks for Universal Television. Ms. Zalaznick replaces Trio’s founding president, Bill Haber, who will become a consultant to the network.
ABC, PBS lead Daytime Creative Arts Emmys
With nine awards each, ABC and PBS led the competition for creative arts Daytime Emmys handed out May 11 in New York and Los Angeles. CBS brought in eight wins. Syndicated material won six Emmys, followed by Showtime (4), American Movie Classics and Disney Channel (2 each), and ABC Family Channel, Comedy Central, Food Network, HBO, NBC and The WB (1 each).
Nick Clooney to host GoodLife network
The GoodLife TV Network, targeting the baby boomer demo, has signed Nick Clooney as its on-air host and spokesman, introducing shows and providing commentary. Mr. Clooney, the father of actor George Clooney and brother of singer Rosemary Clooney, formerly performed a hosting role at American Movie Classics. GoodLife currently reaches about 12 million cable subscribers.
Disney promotes Mucha
After little more than a year as head of ABC’s public relations operation, Zenia Mucha has been promoted to senior VP of corporate communications for The Walt Disney Co. Ms. Mucha’s predecessor, John Dreyer, is leaving the company but will have a role as a consultant. Ms. Mucha, who will continue to be based in Burbank, Calif., will oversee communications policies and strategic positioning of all Disney businesses. She also will be Disney’s chief spokesperson. There was no word on who will replace Ms. Mucha in the ABC job.#