Tuesday, Dec. 3
‘Rob Nelson Show’ staffers let go
Staff members at Twentieth’s struggling rookie strip “The Rob Nelson Show” have been informed they are being let go while the series remains in hiatus, sources tell ELECTRONIC MEDIA. That move could finalize the freshmen talk show’s demise, since the series has been averaging a 1.0 rating so far this season. However, a spokesperson at Twentieth Television said the series is still being evaluated and no decision has been made on the future of the strip.
Adelstein sworn in at FCC: Jonathan Adelstein officially began his duties as a commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission this morning after being sworn in by agency Chairman Michael Powell. Mr. Adelstein assumes the agency’s second Democratic seat. His appointment brings the FCC to its full complement of five commissioners for the first time since Democrat Gloria Tristani resigned in September last year. Mr. Adelstein was an aide to Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D.
Fox News’ ‘Pulse’ continues: “The Pulse,” a one-hour newsmagazine series produced by Fox News, returns to the network on Thursday, Jan. 23 (9 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET). Shepard Smith, anchor of Fox News Channel’s “The Fox Report,” will resume his duties as host of the show, which had a limited summer run on the network.
“The Pulse” will explore how people are living during this time of heightened global tension and will also present stories that cover everything from pop culture to international crime. William Shine is the executive producer.
Bryan moves up at Buena Vista: John Bryan has been named executive VP, sales, Buena Vista Television (BVT) replacing Tom Cerio. Mr. Bryan previously served as senior VP and general sales manager, East, for BVT. In his new role, Mr. Bryan will oversee BVT’s entire sales force, including four regional sales offices, their sales staffs and their activities throughout the United States. His responsibilities include supervising all sales in broadcast syndication and basic cable.
Sony reorganizes media relations: Sony Pictures Television has reorganized its media relations operations under the direction of Paula Askanas, senior VP, media relations and promotion, where she will now oversee corporate communications for Sony’s domestic television businesses and its executives and syndication and the company’s advertiser sales operation and publicity for the studio’s programming for network, cable. Joining the department as VP of media relations is Robert Pietranton, who will concentrate on supervising the work on behalf of syndicated properties, including the upcoming eBayTV, as well as serving as a key contact with trade publications. Jennifer Schmitz has been promoted to VP, media relations, focusing on network and cable properties as well as overseeing organizational duties within the department.
Zahn hospitalized after skiing accident: CNN morning star Paula Zahn is expected to remain hospitalized the rest of this week following a holiday-weekend skiing accident that left her with a serious knee injury and leg fracture. Until Ms. Zahn returns to “American Morning With Paula Zahn,” probably next Tuesday, Daryn Kagan is filling in as Bill Hemmer’s co-anchor.
Columnist Thomas to host new Fox News show: Syndicated columnist and “Fox News Watch” panelist Cal Thomas will begin hosting a new weekly Fox News weekend show, “After Hours With Cal Thomas,” at 11 p.m. (ET) Saturday, when his guest will be Vice President Dick Cheney.