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JOBS PUBLICATIONS BOOKS ORGANIZATIONS NEWS RESOURCES INTERVIEWS PERSON OF THE YEAR SEARCH WWW SEARCH SITE		Television & Radio Recent Headlines TiVo Posts Profit From Settling Verizon Litigation Bloomberg TiVo posted a third-quarter profit after settling patent litigation with Verizon, signing more subscribers and boosting pay-TV revenue. The digital-recording pioneer has widened margins by selling set-top boxes with more storage and the ability to record several shows at once. Disney's 'Doc' Bests Viacom Kiddie Show 'Dora' Bloomberg Disney's "Doc McStuffins" has emerged as the top-rated cable TV show for preschoolers, taking viewers from Viacom's Nickelodeon and its long-running hit "Dora the Explorer." Disney's "Doc," about a 6-year-old who cares for sick toys, was introduced this past March. CBS 'Two & Half Men' Teen Star Issues Apology Reuters "Two and a Half Men" teen actor Angus T. Jones, who caused a media furor by calling his own show "filth," has apologized for disrespecting the creator, cast and crew of the bawdy TV comedy. But Jones did not retract his YouTube appeal to fans to stop watching the show. NBCUniversal's 'Dunder Mifflin' Thriving Off TV Businessweek A year after office-supply retailer Quill.com launched a line of printer paper under the label Dunder Mifflin, named after the fictional manufacturer from NBC's "The Office," the Staples subsidiary just announced that it will expand the brand to include a wide variety of office supplies. Discovery Acquires Middle Eastern Food Network Los Angeles Times Discovery has struck a deal to acquire Dubai-based Takhayal Entertainment, the parent company of Fatafeat, a popular food network in the region. The acquisition "significantly strengthens our portfolio in this important region." The price is said to be less than $10 million. NBC Signs Creator of 'Downton Abbey' for Drama New York Times Julian Fellowes, creator of the British period drama "Downton Abbey" on PBS, has entered a deal to create a new period drama for NBC. The new TV drama, "The Gilded Age," set in New York City in late 19th century, will be produced by the NBCUniversal TV studio. TNT 'Dallas' in Production After Hagman's Death Broadcasting & Cable "Dallas" has resumed production on its second season after shutting down following the death of star Larry Hagman. The actor died last Friday in Dallas, where he had been filming the TNT drama on which he revived his iconic television role as scheming oil baron J.R. Ewing. HBO Opens Outpost in Seattle for Digital Products Wall Street Journal Home Box Office is opening its first dedicated software-development office to work on mobile apps and other digital products. The cable TV service's new techie outpost isn't in Silicon Valley but instead in Seattle. Two former Microsoft execs are spearheading the project. Talk Radio Host Ingraham to Leave Her Network Associated Press Laura Ingraham is off the air — at least temporarily. The radio talk show host is leaving her distributor, Talk Radio Network, after more than nine years because her contract is up. Ingraham said she is in discussions with other distributors. She will continue to appear on Fox News. CBS Faces Another 'Two & Half Men' Cast Problem TV Guide Angus T. Jones, the teenage actor on "Two and a Half Men," said in a video posted online by the Voice of Prophecy Seventh-Day Adventist church that viewers shouldn't watch the hit CBS comedy. "Please stop watching it. Please stop filling your head with filth." Comcast Bets Big On TV, Videogame Convergence Forbes Syfy's "Defiance," which makes its debut next April, will be more than just a TV show on a basic cable channel. It will also be a massively multiplayer online videogame. If it succeeds, it will be vastly profitable for the network's corporate parent, Comcast's NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal, Verizon Strike TV Everywhere Deal Broadcasting & Cable NBCUniversal has struck a carriage deal with Verizon FiOS that includes rights to over-the-top delivery to multiple screens. The wide-ranging deal includes retransmission of NBC and Telemundo TV stations, as well as NBCU cable networks, which include USA, E! and CNBC. ESPN Says No Comment to Changes of Plagiarism Deadspin ESPN writer Lynn Hoppes is said to have an "extensive habit" of copying and pasting from Wikipedia. The sports media network has made no acknowledgement of the purported plagiarism. "It seems incumbent upon ESPN to answer these questions honestly." Fox News Interview Ends After Criticism by Author Associated Press A Fox News Channel interview ended abruptly after an author accused the network of hyping the killing of four Americans in Benghazi, Libya, and "operating as a wing of the Republican Party." The charges were made by Thomas Ricks, a veteran newspaper reporter and author. Report: Tablets Could Make TVs the Second Screen Hollywood Reporter Is the tablet ready to move from being the second screen to the primary screen? It might be, according to the Consumer Electronics Asssociation's senior researcher, who noted that tablets and smartphones are the top selling electronic devices this holiday weekend. Oprah's OWN Brings YouTube 'Golden Sisters' to TV Variety OWN is bringing YouTube stars the "Golden Sisters" to the small screen for a special one-hour presentation next month. Mary, Josie and Teresa are three elderly sisters who rose to Internet fame after a clip of them watching and reacting to a celebrity video went viral. Martha: Twitter is Good Thing; Pinterest Not So Much Financial Times Martha Stewart on Twitter: "I love the puzzle of doing something in 140 characters. I've even written recipes in 140 characters. I could do a whole cookbook in tweets." On Pinterest: "I don't pin. It's a faulty business. I don't need to put a picture on my computer to remember it." Fox Near $7 Billion Deal for LA Dodgers TV Rights Deadline Fox Sports is said to be close to clinching the exclusive TV rights for the Los Angeles Dodgers by paying between $6 billion and $7 billion over 25 years. Such a huge outlay by News Corp. would demonstrate the increasing value of sports to the media giant's bottom line. BBC Appoints a New Director General Amid 'Crisis' BBC News Tony Hall, CEO of the Royal Opera House and the BBC's former director of news, has been named director general. Hall's appointment follows the resignation of George Entwistle, who resigned amid a child abuse scandal. Hall is "the right person to lead the BBC out of its current crisis." Dish Network Forced to Change Social Media Policy Hollywood Reporter Dish Network employees will soon be able to go on Twitter and say things like, "I wish I was working for DirecTV." The National Labor Relations Board has ordered Dish to change a social media policy that prevented workers from making disparaging comments about the firm. CBS Analyst Apologizes for 'Homoerotic' Tweets Mashable The Ultimate Fighting Championship may be a hit sport on social media, but it apparently doesn't sit well with CBS Sports analyst Seth Davis: "Looking on news sites showing picture of two muscular bloody men in homoerotic fighting pose ... Sorry, I’ll never get this UFC thing." ABC 'Good Morning America' Host Called on Carpet New York Post "Good Morning America" co-anchor Josh Elliott has met with ABC brass to discuss his behavior on-set and conflicts with staffers, sources said. "He's being gossiped about in the media, and Josh is lashing out in a passive-aggressive way. They're concerned about his behavior." SiriusXM Radio to Air Reruns of 'Car Talk' Show Boston Herald Click and Clack are back: SiriusXM Radio said that beginning this Friday, the satellite radio broadcaster will air daily episodes from the 25-year collection of "Car Talk." In June, the show announced plans to retire from its National Public Radio broadcast after 25 years. Viggle TV Check-In Outfit to Acquire Rival GetGlue New York Post Media entrepreneur Robert Sillerman has another idea. The founder of Viggle, the New York company that rewards subscribers who "check into" TV shows, plans to buy rival GetGlue for $84 million in cash and stock. Sillerman used to own entertainment conglomerate CKX. NBCUniversal Pink Slips Hit Business Network CNBC New York Post NBCUniversal's year-end pink slips have hit business network CNBC. The network on Friday cut a handful of staffers as part of NBCU's call for 450 layoffs. A CNBC spokesman declines to comment. The changes come as new NBCU news chief Patricia Fili-Krushel makes her mark. CBS Names Garrett Chief White House Correspondent Variety CBS News has tapped Major Garrett as its chief White House correspondent. Garrett previously served as Fox News' chief White House correspondent, working at the cable news net until 2010. Prior to Fox News, Garrett served as CNN's White House correspondent. NBC: Can Network Keep Up the Ratings Swagger? Reuters NBC is expected to wrap up its fall season as the No. 1 broadcast network in the key 18-49 demographic for the first time in a decade. The question is how long can its ratings momentum last. NBC's red-hot Sunday Night NFL telecast and singing contest "The Voice" will be gone in December. Fox 'Simpsons' Actor Azaria Sues Over Web Show Bloomberg Hank Azaria, an actor on Fox's "The Simpsons," has sued fellow actor Craig Bierko over the rights to the voice of a fictional baseball announcer in the Internet comedy program "Funny or Die." Azaria said his plans to develop a movie based on the character have been "impeded." Time Warner Cable in Talks for New York Subway Bloomberg Time Warner Cable is in talks to join the coalition outfitting New York City subway stations with wireless Internet service. The business overseeing the project, Transit Wireless, said it is having "active and ongoing" talks with the cable giant to expand the number of companies involved. Hulu, Netflix, DVRs: Prime-Time TV Seeks a Future USA Today From DVRs to Netflix and Hulu, fewer viewers than ever watch on TV's schedule — threatening a $70 billion business. "Everything is being disrupted by technology. Television is very effective for advertisers, but we just can't rely on it to do the whole job the way we used to." NBCUniversal News Chief Says 'Today' Must Evolve Wall Street Journal Pat Fili-Krushel has made her presence felt as chairman of NBCUniversal's news operations, playing a key role in this week's executive shake-up at the "Today" show. "I don't think the show is broken. It needs to evolve," said Fili-Krushel, adding that she wants the show's pacing to be faster. CNN Eyes Dick Clark Veteran Shapiro for Top Job Los Angeles Times Mark Shapiro is said to have emerged as a candidate for the top job at cable news channel CNN. Shapiro, who prior to running Dick Clark Productions was a programming exec at ESPN, would be an unusual choice, given that he does not have a traditional news background. Bloomberg TV Expected to Cut Jobs After Review TV Newser Bloomberg Television is launching a review of operational efficiencies in its U.K. broadcast division, a two-week process which will likely result in layoffs before year-end. No decisions have been made yet about how many jobs will be eliminated, said a Bloomberg TV spokesperson. Univision Teams with P&G for Immigration Archive Associated Press Spanish-language media company Univision and Procter & Gamble are encouraging Hispanics to share their stories about establishing new lives in the United States for an immigrant archive. Univision will kick off the effort during Thursday's telecast of the Latin Grammy Awards. ESPN Reaches 12-Year Deal to Carry Orange Bowl Associated Press The Atlantic Coast Conference has agreed to a 12-year deal with ESPN for the rights to televise the Orange Bowl, with the conference champion facing either Notre Dame or a team from the Big Ten or SEC. The deal announced Thursday begins with the 2014 season and runs through 2026. DirecTV Enters Deal to Carry Los Angeles Lakers SportsBusinessDaily DirecTV subscribers in Los Angeles will be able to watch the Lakers on Time Warner Cable SportsNet after the satellite firm signed a carriage deal for TWCSN and the Spanish-language TWC Deportes. The deal leaves Dish Network as the biggest remaining holdout not airing the channels. NBC Names New 'Today' Show Chiefs in Revival Bid Reuters NBC has appointed two execs to take charge of "Today," a day after the network announced that producer Jim Bell would be leaving for a role in sports. Don Nash will become executive producer, reporting to Alexandra Wallace, who has been named executive in charge of the show. Fox TV Network Brand Exported to UK for First Time Guardian News Corp.'s Fox brand is to have its own U.K.-based channel, with rebranding next year of the company's FX pay-TV channel. Fox is the name of News Corp.'s main U.S. TV network. It will be the first time a Fox brand has been used on a News Corp-owned U.K. channel. BBC Faces Ofcom Investigation Over Abuse Scandal Wall Street Journal Britain's communications regulator is investigating the BBC for a recent broadcast of its current affairs program "Newsnight" that improperly accused a former Conservative Party official of child abuse, a mistake that has already led to the resignation of the broadcaster's top exec. Time Warner Cable Sued Over Modem Lease 'Scam' New York Daily News Time Warner Cable has been hit with two class-action lawsuits over the company's decision to charge a $3.95 monthly lease fee for modems. Customers contend that the fee is illegal in part because it is not included in existing agreements. "It's just a scam to increase revenue." Cablevision Sued Over Superstorm Sandy Credits Associated Press A Long Island couple is suing Cablevision, saying the company should be offering automatic credits to cable customers in areas that lost service due to Superstorm Sandy rather than waiting for them to call. "They know when you're on and they know when you're off. They monitor this." Poll: More Than Half of Americans Stream TV Shows World Screen More than half of Americans indicate that they have watched streamed TV, a method of viewing that is becoming dominant with those age 18 to 35, according to a Harris Poll. Among 18- to 35-year-olds, 41% report streaming as among the ways they most often watch TV. NBC Universal Shifts 'Today' Chief to Olympics Bloomberg NBC Universal said Jim Bell will take over as executive producer of its Olympics coverage after seven years of running the "Today" show. Bell will have "editorial and creative control" over NBC's Olympics coverage. Bell spent 16 years with NBC Sports before joining "Today" in 2005. Fox App Aims to Deliver on Promise of T-Commerce Los Angeles Times For decades, networks have experimented with T-commerce — technologies that would allow viewers to act on impulse to buy the clothing, furniture and other items they see while watching a television show. A new mobile app from Fox Broadcasting seeks to deliver on that promise. MTV 'Jersey Shore' Star to Get His Own Talk Show EW "Jersey Shore's" Vinny Guadagnino is getting his own talk show on MTV. Vinny will star in a hybrid talk/reality series titled "The Show with Vinny." The project will take celebrities out of the studio and have Vinny interview them in his Staten Island home with his colorful Italian family. Nielsen Says Americans Are Watching Less Live TV World Screen Americans spent more than 34 hours per week in front of a TV set in the second quarter of 2012, though a growing amount of what is being watched is delivered by the Internet, according to Nielsen. Americans added another five hours in front of the computer screen in the quarter as well. TiVo Taps NFL's Tim Tebow as Brand Ambassador USA Today TiVo is getting Tebowed. The DVR pioneer, on the comeback trail after losing subscribers in recent years, is turning to Tim Tebow to spread the company gospel. TiVo hired the famous backup quarterback of the New York Jets as its brand ambassador. "The name connection is cool." Netflix, Icahn Prep for Lengthy Video-Streaming Fight Wall Street Journal Netflix is steeling itself to do battle with investor Carl Icahn, who bought a 10% stake in the video-steaming outfit and is pushing for its sale to cash-rich tech giant. Icahn said he is prepared for a lengthy fight with Netflix if necessary: "If they want to go to war, then we'll go to war." MTV Taps WB, Lifetime Veteran for Programming Head New York Times MTV has made a significant management change, naming TV exec Susanne Daniels to the position of president of programming. Daniels, who is best known for leading the WB network during its most popular period, will replace David Janollari, whose contract is expiring. CNN Reporter to Co-Anchor 'Entertainment Tonight' Hollywood Reporter Rob Marciano has been tapped as the co-anchor of "Entertainment Tonight." The CNN veteran will join co-host Nancy O’Dell beginning in January. The move follows longtime Mark Steines’ departure from the CBS Television Distribution’s top-rated syndicated newsmagazine. Food Network Opens Its Own Eatery in Florida Airport South Florida Business Food Network has opened the first outpost of Food Network Kitchen at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Food Network Kitchen is described as a "first-of-its-kind" fast-casual restaurant and gourmet market inspired by the test kitchens of the TV channel for foodies. The CW Nabs Microsoft as Sponsor of Digital Series Adweek On Tuesday, The CW's new digital studio will take the wraps off its first original series, "Stupid Hype," a parodic homage to ’90s b-boy culture. Microsoft's Windows 8 will be the exclusive sponsor of the series. Windows 8 also will be receive a heavy presence on CWTV.com. YouTube Channels Not Yet Must-See TV at One Year In Associated Press When Google announced plans to fund 100 new channels of original programming on YouTube, many expected a transformation in television. A year later, the revolution has not yet been YouTubed. Says one YouTube exec: "I feel we're 300% smarter than we were in January." Nielsen Acquires SocialGuide to Measure Social TV TechCrunch NM Incite, a social media analytics and research joint venture between Nielsen and McKinsey, is acquiring SocialGuide, a New York-based social TV startup. SocialGuide's tools are said to capture social media data for some 30,000 TV programs on more than 230 U.S. TV channels. Fox Accused of 'Scaring' Google from Digital TV Hollywood Reporter Fox Broadcasting has libeled FilmOn, according to a new lawsuit, by making false statements to the likes of Google, Apple and Microsoft. Beneath the surface of the suit is a heated war over the copyright legitimacy of technology used to digitally deliver over-the-air TV. ABC, CBS, Fox Suffer Sharp Decline in TV Ratings Financial Times U.S. broadcast networks are suffering a precipitous drop in TV ratings so far this season, posing a significant threat to the system on which $70 billion in ads are traded each year. Media execs argue that TV watching is at an all-time high, with people viewing shows via new platforms. NBC Turnaround is 'Defining Story' of Fall Season Media Life After years in the ratings basement, NBC has climbed to No. 1 among adults 18-49 this season. The turnaround is the defining story of the fall, according to a survey of media buyers and planners. When asked to pick the season's biggest hit, respondents chose NBC's "Revolution." ESPN Ad Sales Cast Doubt on Mega Sports Deals New York Post ESPN, which spent big to secure the rights to National Football League, Major League Baseball and college football games, said that advertising sales have been "pacing down modestly." The change is spooking some analysts, given the soaring increase in sports rights costs. CNN: Is NBC's Capus in Running for President Gig? Mediaite The majority of chatter around the media water cooler has been that Jeff Zucker could get the job of president of CNN, a seat that became available when Jim Walton announced he would vacate at year-end. But NBC News chief Steve Capus is said to want the job "badly." MSNBC to Capitalize on Identity as 'Anti-Fox News' New York Times During President Obama's first term, MSNBC underwent a metamorphosis from a CNN also-ran to the anti-Fox, and handily beat CNN in the ratings along the way. Now that it is known as the liberal news network, the challenge in the next four years will be to capitalize on that identity. CNN, Fox News: Election Shatters Digital Records Adweek Cable news networks, legacy media outlets and digital publishers shattered records across the board online last Tuesday night, thanks in part to the rapid adoption of two-screen TV viewing. CNN reported a four-year online traffic record, while FoxNews.com had its best night ever. BBC Faces Overhaul as Report Leads to Chief's Exit Bloomberg The BBC has been urged by the head of its supervisory body to embark on a "thorough, radical, structural overhaul" after errors surrounding an abuse investigation forced director general George Entwistle to resign over the weekend. If the U.K. broadcaster loses public trust, "it's over." Time Warner Cable to Auto-Credit for Sandy Outages Associated Press Time Warner Cable, one of the two big cable companies in the New York area, said it will automatically credit customers for outages caused by Superstorm Sandy. Verizon Wireless is taking a similar approach, crediting customers in devastated areas for calls and text messages. Weather Channel Draws Attention by Naming Storms Associated Press The Weather Channel has taken to naming winter storms, much like is done for tropical systems. The move draws attention to the channel at times of bad weather, when ratings usually soar. The National Weather Service, however, isn't recognizing the channel's winter storm names. AMC, Netflix in Talks to Revive Canceled TV Series Hollywood Reporter "The Killing" might get a second life after all. AMC, which aired the serialized drama for two seasons before it canceled it in July, is in talks with Netflix to bring back the series for a third season. If a deal goes through, AMC would get the first window for the new season. Dish AutoHop Ad-Skipper Beats Fox's Block Bid Reuters A judge has rejected a bid by Fox Broadcasting to block Dish Network's AutoHop feature that allows users to skip commercials. TV networks are upset that the service will undermine advertising revenue. Dish "is gratified that the court has sided with consumer choice and control." CNN Expected to Name New President by Year-End New York Post Time Warner head honcho Jeff Bewkes is close to naming a new president for struggling CNN. A replacement could be in place by the time outgoing head Jim Walton exits at year's end. Speculation on who will fill the position continues to center on former NBCUniversal boss Jeff Zucker. NBC, Fox News Lead in Viewers on Election Night Bloomberg TV coverage of President Obama's re-election drew 66.8 million viewers Tuesday night, down 6.5% from his historic 2008 win. NBC led broadcast and cable networks, averaging 12.1 million viewers. Fox News was second with an audience of 11.5 million. CNN averaged 9.25 million. Fox News Has No Problems with Rove a Day Later Associated Press The on-air spectacle of Fox News analyst Karl Rove questioning his network's call of the election for Barack Obama happened because he had pieces to a puzzle that others weren't aware of, according to network exec Michael Clemente. The incident "proved Rove's value" to Fox News. ABC Journo Sawyer Spurs Jokes from Twitterverse Associated Press Diane Sawyer's Election Night performance left some viewers asking if she had begun celebrating Tuesday's election a bit early. Co-anchoring ABC News' coverage, the veteran journalist struck a different manner from her straight-news-delivering style, speaking more slowly than usual. NBC Star Trump Deletes Parts of His Twitter Tirade Associated Press Donald Trump deleted some of his posts on Twitter following President Obama's re-election, and added critiques of NBC's Brian Williams. The "Celebrity Apprentice" star posted more than 10 angry tweets, declaring "the world is laughing at us" and encouraging a "revolution." NBCUniversal Preps Shopping via Mobile Devices Advertising Age NBCUniversal and American Express have formed a partnership to let consumers buy products "inspired by" the broadcaster's programs via mobile devices while shows are airing. To do so, they will use Zeebox, the social TV app in which NBCU and parent Comcast hold a stake. Sirius CEO Search Expected to Be Lengthy Process Wall Street Journal The search to replace Mel Karmazin at Sirius XM Radio could extend well into next year, according to Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei. "We are both looking at internal and external candidates. It's unlikely to be a one-month process. I would hope it would be six [months] or less." Martha Stewart to Executive Produce Sitcom for Fox Deadline After dipping her toe in the sitcom waters with a guest spot on CBS' "Two Broke Girls" in May, Martha Stewart is entering the space in a major way with "Tao of Martha," a comedy she will executive produce for Fox. The project is based on Jen Lancaster's new book of the same name. Fox News Analyst Protests Obama Reelection Call Associated Press Careful news coverage of the close presidential election exploded so suddenly that it left the bizarre spectacle of Fox News analyst Karl Rove, a major fundraiser for Mitt Romney, publicly questioning his network's declaration that Barack Obama had been reelected president. Cablevision, Rivals See More Signs of Cord Cutting Wall Street Journal Growth in pay-TV was anemic in the third quarter, fueling the debate about whether subscribers are starting to cut the cord. Cablevision, Charter and Dish Network collectively lost 102,000 video customers in the latest quarter, based on information in their latest quarterly reports. Dish Network Mulls Possibility of DirecTV Merger Denver Business Charlie Ergen isn't ruling out a Dish Network-DirecTV merger consolidating the U.S. satellite TV industry and supporting a new, national wireless broadband network. The chairman of Dish Network said the two satellite providers may consider it but are yet to hold discussions. CNN, Google Partner on Deep Dive Into Election Data Advertising Age CNN and Google have collaborated on "Campaign Explorer," a website that takes data related to the presidential election's advertisements, spending and travel, and presents it in an interactive format. The site incorporates data from CNN's API and presents it in a variety of ways. FCC Chief Seeks Media-Ownership Vote This Month Multichannel News Julius Genachowski, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, said in July that the agency is on track to issue an order on its media ownership notice of proposed rulemaking by year-end. According to sources, he is expected to circulate an item for a vote on Nov. 30. Comcast Case Prompts Frustration at Supreme Court Dow Jones Comcast's challenge to an antitrust lawsuit by cable subscribers has provoked frustration at the U.S. Supreme Court, as some justices suggested the case may not produce a broad ruling. "Usually we decide cases based on disagreements about law, and here I can't find one." Time Warner Cable Loses More Video Subscribers Wall Street Journal Time Warner Cable's core video subscriber business lost 140,000 subscribers in the most recent quarter, more than some analysts expected, while the company acquired 85,000 new broadband subscribers. The soft subscriber figures are said to represent a persistent concern. U.S. Cable Industry to Seek Silicon Valley Pizzazz Reuters The U.S. cable industry, hoping to beat back the emergence of online video, is turning for ideas to Silicon Valley. Leading players from Time Warner Cable to Comcast plan to set up a showpiece research center in the heart of the region. The industry needs to "get re-energized." Cablevision, NBCUniversal Sign Distribution Deal Los Angeles Times Cablevision has signed a long-term distribution deal to carry broadcast and cable networks owned by Comcast's NBCUniversal unit. The agreement includes the broadcast networks NBC and Telemundo as well as the cable channels USA, Bravo, MSNBC, CNBC and NBC Sports Network. MTV 'Jersey Shore' Cast Reunites for Sandy Benefit EW The cast of "Jersey Shore" is reuniting for an MTV fundraiser to help victims of Hurricane Sandy. The effort will include a live one-hour special featuring celebrity guests. Last week's mega-storm devastated Seaside Heights, N.J., where several editions of the reality hit was filmed. Hulu Brings Older CBS Shows to Pay Video Service Associated Press Older CBS shows like "Medium" and "Numb3rs" are coming to the $8-per-month online video service Hulu Plus. The new deal falls short of what other broadcast networks provide. ABC, NBC and Fox, whose parent companies are the owners of Hulu, offer recently aired episodes. NBC Websites Hacked by 'Pyknic'; Quickly Restored Associated Press Several NBC websites were hacked on Sunday by a person or group calling itself "pyknic" and suggesting a possible link to the cyber-attack group Anonymous: "Remember the fifth of November." The defacement of the affected sub-sites appeared to be cleaned up within hours. Netflix Potential Bidders Said to Include Amazon, Google Bloomberg Carl Icahn disclosed last week that he took a 10% stake in Netflix, saying that Amazon and Verizon could seek to buy the world's largest streaming service to help capture the lead in online video. The billionaire investor also pointed to Microsoft and Google as potential bidders for Netflix. MSNBC 'More Negative' Than Fox News, Study Says Politico From Aug. 27 through October 21, some 71% of MSNBC's coverage of Mitt Romney was negative, far outperforming Fox News's negative coverage of Barack Obama, which came in at 46%, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism. Limbaugh Bio Movie in Development by Actor Cusack Associated Press Actor and outspoken liberal John Cusack is developing a movie about conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, according to Cusack's production company. The working title is "Rush," with production set for next year. Limbaugh is in the front ranks of provocative media figures. Beck Courted by Romney as Bridge to Evangelicals New York Times Glenn Beck's unique position as both a Mormon and a prominent voice among evangelical Christians has been too tempting for Mitt Romney's campaign to pass up. Campaign officials are said to have quietly courted the influential radio host and Internet conservative pundit. Comcast, DirecTV to Grant Hurricane Sandy Refunds Dow Jones Comcast, DirecTV and Time Warner Cable will offer customers a credit for service lost because of Hurricane Sandy, in some cases even if the disruption occurred because of a power outage. Also, Time Warner Cable is deploying mobile Wi-Fi to New York residents who don't have power. Time Warner Cable Seeks Beckham for TV Talk Show Daily Star David Beckham is reportedly being courted by Time Warner Cable to host a talk show for its new U.S. sports network. Execs believe the soccer star could woo millions of viewers away from ESPN and Fox Soccer Channel. Murdoch's Fox is said to be mulling a counter offer to Beckham. NBCUniversal to Telecast Hurricane Benefit Concert NBC Today "Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together," a benefit concert to aid victims of the storm that devastated the Northeast, will air Friday evening on the networks of NBC Universal. Performers include Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Christina Aguilera. The benefit will be hosted by Matt Lauer. Comcast: Service Should Return When Lights Do Dow Jones Several of the country's largest cable operators are still trying to figure out the extent of damages to their systems. Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision said most of the outages related to Hurricane Sandy were due to lost power, as opposed to damage to their infrastructure. Time Warner Cable to Deploy Mobile Wi-Fi Stations Dow Jones Time Warner Cable said it is sending mobile vehicles equipped with wireless access and charging capabilities to areas hard-hit by Hurricane Sandy. Power companies have warned it could take more than a week to restore power to the millions left in the dark after the superstorm. CNN in Atlanta Receives Threat of Chemical Bomb Atlanta Journal-Constitution Atlanta police are reopening streets in downtown Atlanta after a bomb threat. A caller said he had planted a chemical bomb at CNN Center. Police closed off several streets around the cable news channel's facility. Police later described the incident as an extortion plot. Weather Channel Taps MTV Veteran as TV President TV Newser The Weather Channel Network, the TV arm of what is now called the Weather Company, is naming David Clark as president. Clark was most recently executive VP of sales and partnership development for Madison Square Garden. He is a former exec of MTV Networks. Sirius XM Slams Internet Radio's Business Model Billboard Outgoing Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin is slamming the business model behind Internet radio. Companies such as Pandora are a "race to the bottom" because "those companies which can grow users and provide good customer experience usually have the worst models." Oprah Names Microsoft Tablet as 'Favorite Thing' Mashable Microsoft launched its Surface Tablet last week to mostly positive reviews. The software giant can now bask in one potentially game-changing endorsement: Oprah Winfrey is declaring the Surface one of her "Favorite Things" of 2012. "It feels like a Mercedes-Benz to me, people!" Current TV Said to Have Low-Wattage Bid Appeal New York Post Current TV's small numbers could make it tough to attract big bids. The cable network, which recently put itself up for sale, hopes to lure buyers even as it struggles with low ratings and questions about its cable distribution. Its low ratings and high subscriber fees "spell trouble." NBC Universal, Fox Set for Barnes & Noble Tablets Home Media Barnes & Noble has signed content license agreements with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment and NBC Universal for its pending Nook Video platform. Nook Video will be included with Barnes & Noble's Nook HD and Nook HD+ tablets featuring UltraViolet compatibility. Time Warner Cable Adds $3.95 Charge for Modems Albany Times Union Time Warner Cable customers are being told that the company is about to launch a new $3.95 per month charge for renting a modem. The new fee will allow Time Warner to "provide customers with the best possible Internet experience" and "continually maintain and service equipment." Fox News, CNN See Ratings Spike from Hurricane Huffington Post Hurricane Sandy brought strong winds, heavy rains and a ton of TV viewers. The storm resulted in a ratings spike for cable news, with Fox News bringing in the most total viewers and CNN winning in the coveted 25-54 demographic in both total day and primetime programming. MTV 'Jersey Shore' Stars Issue Statements on Sandy MTV As Hurricane Sandy overwhelmed Seaside Heights, N.J., the cast of MTV's "Jersey Shore" issued statements on the devastation that hit the coastal town where the top-rated reality show was filmed. "It's devastating to see our favorite spots ruined," said Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi. Hulu Missing From Top 10 Online Video Rankings Home Media Hulu, the online aggregator of repurposed TV content and subscription video-on-demand, continued its apparent slide by failing to rank among the Top 10 U.S. online video sites in September, according to new data from comScore. A year ago, Hulu ranked 10th with 27 million viewers. Aereo Wins Support of Digital Rights Advocates CNET News The Electronic Frontier Foundation is backing the Barry Diller-backed Aereo, which is embroiled in court with broadcasters and TV networks over copyright issues. The digital rights group urged a federal appeals court to throw out the case, which aims to shut down the service. CBS Preempts Schedule for Hurricane News Report Pacific Business CBS preempted its Monday night schedule to air a CBS News report on Hurricane Sandy, which meant "Hawaii Five-0'"s Halloween episode had to wait another week. The news report aired during the usual time slot for "Hawaii Five-0." Monday's episode is now slated for Nov. 5. New York TV Tapings Swamped by Massive Storm USA Today The storm hitting the East Coast is wreaking havoc with TV production. Most talk shows and prime-time dramas produced in New York were shut down Monday, and will probably be dark Tuesday. Jimmy Kimmel canceled at least the first of his five shows from Brooklyn. Weather Channel Ratings Up 500 Percent for Sandy Crain's New York Like CNN when a war starts, The Weather Channel gets a rise out of hurricanes. Ratings for the NBC-owned cable network and page views for its online arm Weather.com are showing record numbers, with ratings up 500% on Saturday among key viewers in preliminary Nielsen numbers. Netflix Sees Big Surge in Streaming During Sandy Los Angeles Times Apparently not everyone on the East Coast is glued to the Weather Channel or CNN. Entertainment giant Netflix has seen a big surge in streaming in cities that are in lockdown because of Hurricane Sandy. Netflix says streaming on Sunday and Monday is up 20%. Warner Bros Cancels Anderson Cooper’s Talk Show Bloomberg Warner Bros. said it is canceling Anderson Cooper’s daily talk show, saying the "Anderson" series won’t be back for a third season. "We made significant changes to the format, set and produced it live." However, the "marketplace has become increasingly difficult to break through." CBS, ABC See Ratings Drop as Fall Season Bombs New York Post There's a storm coming — and it's headed straight for Madison Avenue. As the ratings roll in for the first few weeks of the fall TV season, the television landscape is getting battered by double-digit ratings declines that could leave the networks on the hook for millions in "make goods." NBC Grabs U.S. Premier League Rights from Fox Reuters NBC Universal has won the U.S. broadcast rights to England's Premier League for the next two seasons beating current rights holder Fox. The new deal raises major questions over the future of Fox Soccer Channel, which has now lost rights to several soccer leagues. Univision to Launch UVideos Free Digital Network New York Times On Monday, Univision will officially start its first digital network, UVideos, which will offer more than 1,500 hours of long-form programming and about 200 short clips a day free to users. The content will be available as a mobile app for smartphones and tablets and online at UVideos.com. Weather Channel to Live-Stream Hurricane Reports Associated Press The Weather Channel plans to live-stream its TV coverage online so people in the eastern United States who lose power can keep up with the news about Hurricane Sandy on their mobile devices. "Our goal has been to get people to appreciate the magnitude of the storm." Current TV Put Up for Sale Amid Ratings Challenges New York Post Current TV, the ratings-challenged cable network started by former Vice President Al Gore, has put itself up for sale. "Current has been approached by media companies interested in acquiring our company," said CEO Joel Hyattt. "This year alone, we have had three inquiries." Olbermann Casts a Wide Net in Search for New Job Forbes Keith Olbermann doesn't think he has burned his last bridge in the TV business. Seven months after his dismissal from Current TV, the temperamental former NBC and MSNBC host is said to be aggressively job-shopping, reaching out to networks owned by Viacom and AMC. Fox News Hires Comedian Adam Carolla as Contributor Hollywood Reporter Comedian Adam Carolla has joined the Fox News Channel as a contributor primarily on the cable network's top-rated "The O'Reilly Factor." Carolla, who has competed in reality-TV shows like "Dancing With the Stars," has appeared sporadically on the news network. CNN Pulls Web Story About Women's Voting Behavior Washington Post CNN pulled from its website a much-criticized story examining a study about how the voting behavior of women may hinge on whether "a woman is single or in a committed relationship." According to a source at the news network: "The general consensus was that it was in poor taste." Cable, Local TV Are Leading Campaign News Sources Broadcasting & Cable Cable and local TV newscasts are the leading sources of campaign news in the run-up to Election Day, according to a study from Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism. However, the Internet has made the biggest gains since a January study, up 11 percentage points. TV Networks, AP Changing Strategy for Election Night Associated Press The major TV networks and the Associated Press plan to cut back on Election Night in-person exit polls while upping the amount of telephone polling. This is to take into account the growth in early voting and households that have abandoned land lines in favor of cell phones. TV Guide Says The DVR Is Now The No. 1 TV Network TV Guide There's a new No. 1 network in primetime, and no, it's not NBC. Or CBS. Or any of the traditional networks. If the digital video recorder were a network — with you, the viewer, as chief programmer — it would rank as tops among total viewers and in the key young-adult demographics. Oprah Developing Family Drama Project at HBO Hollywood Reporter HBO is developing a drama from Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Films. The untitled project centers on a wealthy academic who has become the first black president of a liberal arts college. Harpo first inked a long-term deal with HBO in 2008 to develop movies, miniseries and other projects. Sirius XM: Will Howard Stern Follow Exiting CEO? CNNMoney Sirius XM is looking for a new CEO to replace the departing Mel Karmazin. Will the satellite radio company have to start searching for a new shock jock as well? Howard Stern, Sirius XM's biggest star, said he is "miserable" and "would be happier if he quit work." ABC News Seeks to Move Lawsuit Over 'Pink Slime' Reuters ABC News wants to move to federal court a meat processor's defamation lawsuit over reports about lean finely textured beef, a product that critics have labeled "pink slime." Beef Products Inc. is seeking $400 million in damages for lost profit it says was caused by ABC's reports. Sirius XM CEO to Step Down as Liberty Takes Over Denver Business Mel Karmazin will step down as CEO of Sirius XM Radio and leave its board Feb. 1. Karmazin has said he wouldn't stay on at the satellite-radio company under the control of Liberty Media. "We appreciate the tremendous job Mel has done," said Liberty's John Malone. Fox News Sets Viewership Record with Third Debate Associated Press While it set a viewership record for Fox News Channel, Monday's debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney was the least-watched of their three meetings. An estimated 11.5 million people watched the debate on Fox News; NBC had the largest audience, at 12.4 million. MTV to Air Live Multiplatform Obama Interview Friday Associated Press MTV will air a live 30-minute interview with President Obama across its various networks and platforms on Friday at 5 p.m. ET. Viewers are being invited to submit questions on MTV's Facebook page. The interview will air on five different networks, MTV.com and its mobile platform. CNN's Morgan Faces New Phone-Hacking Charge Daily Mail The publishers of the U.K. Daily Mirror have become embroiled in the phone-hacking scandal after it was revealed that four individuals have launched legal action against the company's titles. One of the claims alleges hacking at the Daily Mirror while Piers Morgan was editor. HBO Eyeing Author Lebowitz for New Talk Show WWD Fran Lebowitz is working on a talk show with HBO. Frank Rich, who has a consulting gig with the premium cable channel, said the show is in early development. "It's really in formation. Her art form is speaking in public." He added: "We have a free-flowing conversation about the news." Nickelodeon Viewers Pick Obama in Landslide Win Associated Press It's a landslide for President Obama — at least among people too young to vote. The president captured 65% of the vote to beat Mitt Romney in Nickelodeon's "Kids Pick the President" vote. Some 520,000 people cast online ballots through the website of the children's network. Clear Channel Takes Down Voter Fraud Billboards CNNMoney Clear Channel Outdoor is taking down billboards that advocacy groups claim are an effort to suppress voter turnout in minority neighborhoods. The billboards in question, located in the swing states of Ohio and Wisconsin, warn that voter fraud is a felony punishable by jail time. ABC Family Tweets to Boost 'Pretty Little Liars' Bloomberg Cast members of the ABC Family show "Pretty Little Liars" are encouraged to reach out to fans via social media. Lucy Hale, one of the stars, frequently posts pictures of things she likes. Parent company Disney monitors online chatter for opportunities to promote the show. Fox 'American Idol' Ad Time No Longer Most Expensive Forbes Fox's "American Idol" has fallen to No. 2 on an annual list of shows with the highest advertising rates, after five years of owning the most expensive real estate in prime time. Taking over the top slot is a reality show of a different kind: NBC's "Sunday Night Football." NBC On Top as Rivals Fail to Attract Younger Viewers New York Times NBC, last among younger U.S. broadcast network viewers for a decade, is suddenly on top. Rival networks may have helped NBC's cause by offering little new to excite younger viewers. The greatest threat in the battle for younger viewers remains the appeal of top cable dramas. Fox News Renews Contract of CEO Ailes for Four Years Daily Beast Roger Ailes has signed a new four-year contract to stay on as head of News Corp.'s Fox News. Rupert Murdoch's company paid Ailes $21 million last year. Ailes "wants to be engaged as head of a news organization whose commentators reflect his aggressively political views." BBC Editor to Step Down Amid Child Abuse Scandal BBC News Peter Rippon, a top editor at the BBC's current-affairs program "Newsnight," will step down while the British broadcaster investigates his decision to drop an investigation into child abuse charges against longtime host Jimmy Savile. The BBC has vowed to work with authorities. CBS Interactive Nabs Yahoo's Media Products Head AllThingsD Another big media departure from Yahoo: David Rice, VP of media properties, has left the Internet giant to take over as SVP and GM of CBS Interactive Games, according to sources close to the situation. The media properties at Yahoo have been the company's most successful units. Weather Channel's Parent Company Drops 'Channel' New York Times The Weather Channel Companies has dropped "channel" from its name. The TV channel's name will remain the same. But the corporate re-branding reflects the fact that most of the Weather Company's growth is coming from the web and from specialized products, not from TV. AMC's Settlement Returns 'Mad Men' to Dish Networks Bloomberg AMC Networks and Dish Network have reached a settlement in their lawsuit over AMC's claim that Dish wrongfully terminated their contract for high-def TV programming. The settlement includes a return of AMC's award-winning shows like "Mad Men" and "Breaking Bad" to Dish. Time Warner Cable, DirecTV in Sports Channel Talks Investor's Business Daily Time Warner Cable is talking with DirecTV about a carriage deal to bring its two new sports networks to the satellite broadcaster, allowing Los Angeles Lakers fans to continue following the team. Time Warner is looking to get $3.95 in monthly subscriber fees from pay-TV firms. Scripps Networks Interactive Seen as Takeover Target New York Post Shares of Scripps Networks Interactive have hit an all-time high, spurred by growing investor expectations that it would soon be in play. Disney is seen as the most likely buyer of the Cincinnati-based cable group, which is home to Food Network, HGTV, the Travel channel and other properties. Hearst on Hunt for British TV Production Companies Broadcast Hearst is said to be scanning the United Kingdom for indie acquisitions as the transatlantic clamor for British production companies intensifies. Hearst, which holds a 40% stake in A+E Networks and a 20% stake in ESPN in the United States, is yet to branch out into other territories. Univision Unveils New Logo in Brand Identity Evolution World Screen Univision is showcasing a new logo, evolving the brand identity that has marked the U.S. Hispanic outfit for nearly 50 years. The company has had its previous logo since it began as one station in San Antonio, Texas, back in 1962. The new logo "speaks to who we are as a company." NBC Cancels Monkey Sitcom After Ratings Disappoint USA Today NBC is canceling "Animal Practice," a sitcom starring Justin Kirk as a veterinarian who is best known for his sidekick Dr. Rizzo, a capuchin monkey. The series debuted after the Olympics but never found a regular audience; Wednesday night's episode drew 3.8 million viewers. Dish, Cablevision Appear Close to Settling Legal Feud New York Post Dish Network and Cablevision appear to be in talks to settle their long-running legal spat over the cable operator's defunct Voom TV service. The court calendar entry on Thursday was entitled, "Poss. Settlement," suggesting the two warring parties could be close to a deal. Fox News Hires Newsweek Writer as Editor-at-Large Dow Jones Fox News said it will hire senior Newsweek correspondent Peter J. Boyer as editor-at-large, hours after the news magazine announced it will no longer publish in print. Before joining Newsweek and its sibling website, the Daily Beast, Boyer was staff writer at the New Yorker for 18 years. CNN Launches Zite-Powered News Aggregation Pages Forbes CNN Trends, a new page on CNN's website, takes the stories that are getting the most attention on social media that day and curates them into little clusters. Each cluster features a CNN article surrounded by links to stories on the same topic from elsewhere on the web. Hulu CEO Shares Perspective on TV Industry Evolution World Screen Jason Kilar, CEO of Hulu, delivered a Media Mastermind keynote at MIPCOM, in which he shared his perspective on the evolution of the television industry. "Our mission at Hulu is to help people find and enjoy the world's premium content when, where and how they want it." NBC, Fox News Lead in Presidential Debate Viewers Bloomberg Tuesday night's debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney attracted about 65.6 million viewers on cable and broadcast television. NBC led the broadcasters with about 13.8 million viewers, according to the Nielsen data. Fox News topped all cable networks with 11.1 million. Fox News Debate Coverage Matches Record Ratings Hollywood Reporter Fox News is reaping big benefits from Tuesday's presidential debate. The news channel's telecast matches its highest ratings ever — Sarah Palin and Joe Biden's 2008 vice presidential debate — with 11.1 million viewers. Fox News also scored a demo win in adults 25 to 54. MTV Says Millennials Are Fleeing Facebook for Twitter Reuters Few brands are as clued in to what Gen Y is thinking as is MTV, with its sweet spot of 18 to 24. But increasingly, the company is trying to suss out what is on the minds of the youngest Millennials — those between 12 and 17. "They're moving to Twitter, because parents are on Facebook." Cumulus Media Signs Deal with Radio Host Savage New York Times Michael Savage, the popular conservative radio host, has found a new home for his show, "The Savage Nation," which went off the air last month after he won a legal battle to leave his former employer. Cumulus Media Networks has signed a deal with Savage for the distribution rights. NatGeo Channel on Terror Alert Over Bid Laden Film New York Post The National Geographic Channel is said to have beefed up security at its Washington, D.C., headquarters after being "bombarded" by threats over its upcoming film, "SEAL Team Six: The Raid on Osama Bin Laden." The movie reportedly prompted threats from "extremist groups." CBS Star Tops Forbes List of Highest Paid TV Actors Reuters When Ashton Kutcher replaced Charlie Sheen on the hit comedy "Two And a Half Men," he also took his place as television's highest-paid actor, according to Forbes' annual survey. Forbes estimates Kutcher earned $24 million from May 2011 to May 2012; Sheen failed to make the top 10. CNN Talk Show Icon King to Moderate 3rd Party Debate Associated Press Larry King, the celebrated talk show host accustomed to A-list interview guests, has agreed to moderate a debate featuring minor-party presidential candidates. The former CNN giant will guide next Tuesday's debate in Chicago, which will be broadcast on the Internet. CBS: Beyonce Slated for Super Bowl Halftime Show Associated Press All the single ladies will be watching the upcoming Super Bowl along with football lovers — that's because Beyonce is the halftime show performer. The NFL confirmed the news after the performer posted hints on her Tumblr page. The big game is set for Feb. 3 in New Orleans. Fox Names Kardashian, Lopez as Hosts of 'X Factor' Reuters Reality star Khloe Kardashian will co-host "The X Factor," Fox has announced, putting one of the popular celebrities on U.S. television at the forefront of the revamped singing contest. Kardashian will share duties with Mario Lopez, host of syndicated news magazine show "Extra." CW Licenses Seminal Internet Series 'Prom Queen' Variety The CW has licensed the seminal web original series "Prom Queen" as the first offering of its digital studio. All 80 short-form episodes of the franchise — which was produced by Michael Eisner's digital studio Vuguru — are being put on CWTV.com and the CW's Facebook page. Weather Channel Lays Off 80 Staffers in Restructuring Adweek The Weather Channel has laid off some 7% of its work force in a restructuring "based around our customers and the products and services we create and deliver to them," the company said. "This effort has resulted in the elimination of positions in several divisions." Hearst Retiree to Launch Social Network for Weather Boston Herald Dick Albert, who spent 31 years as co-chief meteorologist at Hearst's WCVB-TV in Boston, is teaming up with a Rhode Island meteorologist to create SkyWatchers.me. The new social networking site will focus on the weather. No current weather site offers "a social aspect." Cumulus Adds Another New York-Area Radio Station Crain's New York Cumulus Media, which owns talk station WABC-AM and top-40s WPLJ-FM, has added another New York metro signal. The Atlanta-based radio operator has signed an agreement to buy WFME-FM, a Christian-themed station licensed to Newark and operating out of West Orange, N.J. Fox Sports Gains Digital Rights in Nascar TV Deal Bloomberg Fox Sports has signed an eight-year extension of its contract to carry Nascar racing, keeping rights to events including the Daytona 500 through 2022. Fox is said to be paying $300 million a year, or $2.4 billion over the eight years. Fox Sports also is gaining additional digital rights. Dish 'Smoking Gun' Email Seen in Cablevision Trial New York Post Cablevision is suing EchoStar-Dish for backing out of a deal to carry the Voom programming service. Dish claims it had the right to shut down Voom because Cablevision didn't spend $100 million on programming. But Cablevision has unearthed a "smoking gun" e-mail about the deal. HBO Digital Exec Departs to Run NBC's DailyCandy AllThingsD NBCUniversal's digital unit has hired well-regarded HBO exec Alison Moore to be EVP and GM for its women-focused online property DailyCandy. Moore has been a key player in the premium cable channel's aggressive efforts in digital, including its much-praised HBO Go offering. Pew: TV News Poised to Follow Newspapers' Decline TheWrap Newspapers continue to suffer in the digital age, but a new study by the Pew Research Center finds that television news is also vulnerable to the technological revolution. The number of 18-to-29 year-olds routinely turning on the local news has fallen from 42% in 2006 to 28%. NBC Sports Group Gets U.S. Rights to Formula One Associated Press NBC Sports Group has signed a four-year deal with Formula One for the exclusive U.S. media rights to the world's most popular motorsports series. The deal, which begins next season, will provide more than 100 hours of programming across NBC and NBC Sports Network. Clear Channel CEO Envisions New Life for Radio Wall Street Journal Traditional radio faces an array of digital competitors in streaming music services, from Pandora to Spotify. Clear Channel chief Bob Pittman sees his challenge as shaking off radio's fusty image and winning back advertisers. "The worst thing to do is nothing." Hulu Valued at $2 Billion in Providence Stake Sale Bloomberg Providence Equity Partners is said to have sold its 10% stake in Hulu back to company for $200 million, in a deal that values the streaming video service at about $2 billion. The deal closed last week. Separately, Hulu CEO Jason Kilar will receive about $40 million. CBS, NBC Develop TV Shows from Tumblr Blogs Mashable The blog #HollywoodAssistants will become a TV comedy after its creator, Lauren Bachelis, sold a script to CBS. It is just one of two Tumblr blogs last week that revealed it will be coming to the small screen. NBC is developing a show with the F*ck! I'm in My Twenties! blog. Fox News Wins Cable Coverage of Veep Debate Hollywood Reporter Cable news viewership of the vice presidential debate was down from the match-up between President Obama and Mitt Romney, but Fox News held steady in its lead. The network again pulled in over 10 million viewers during the 90-minute debate, topping MSNBC and CNN combined. TV Political Debates Winning Viewers with Drama New York Times While ratings for almost everything on TV have sunk, big spectacles that hold promise of spontaneity, like political debates in election years, have continued to thrive. "Television is about drama," said TV veteran Jeff Zucker, "and these debates have provided incredibly great drama." PBS to Benefit from 'Million Muppet' Protest March Reuters Plans to save Big Bird, the fuzzy yellow character on U.S. public TV's "Sesame Street," from possible extinction are taking shape in the form of a puppet-based protest dubbed the "Million Muppet March." The demonstration is planned for Nov. 3 in Washington, D.C. CBS: Shaffer Eyes Exit from Letterman's Late Show New York Post Is Paul Shaffer ready to leave David Letterman's show after three decades? "The Late Show's" longtime musical director said that he is seriously considering quitting when his current contract expires in 2014. "We've been on 30 years so now we've got another two years." Oprah Resurrects 'Favorite Things' Show on OWN USA Today For years, Oprah Winfrey wowed viewers every year with her "Favorite Things" show, as she handed out one fabulous prize after another to lucky audience members. Now, Oprah has announced she has revived the franchise and will air "Oprah's Favorite Things: 2012" on Nov. 18. Netflix, YouTube Eyed as Fall TV Viewership Drops Wall Street Journal TV viewing of both cable and broadcast networks fell for the first two weeks of the new fall season, a much weaker start than the industry experienced last year. The slump suggests traditional TV is being hurt by intensifying competition from the likes of YouTube and Netflix. YouTube 'Gangnam' Video Hints of Media's Future Deadline The hit "Gangnam Style" video from South Korea has "profound long-term implications for the traditional media ecosystem," according to BTIG analyst Richard Greenfield. The clip is especially popular with 12-to-17 year olds, and illustrates a "tremendous opportunity" for advertisers. Hulu Struggles to Survive Influence of Its Owners Fast Company Hulu's media-giant corporate parents and CEO Jason Kilar find themselves at a crossroads after years of long-simmering tensions and occasional battles. Said Kilar: "Anytime you move away from the traditional norm in the media industry, there's going to be ruffled feathers." Univision to Launch Online On-Demand Network Broadcasting & Cable Univision on Monday plans to introduce its new bilingual online network UVideos, providing on-demand programming and a social-TV experience on a variety of devices. The site will be free to the consumer and advertiser-supported, with P&G among the charter sponsors. Nickelodeon Execs Exit Amid 'SpongeBob' Squeeze Los Angeles Times Top execs are being chased from Viacom network Nickelodeon, which is reeling from a 28% drop in ratings in the key demographic of young children. One reason for the decline, according to analysts: The network became too reliant on its animated hit "SpongeBob SquarePants." NBC Losing 'Today' Viewers Over Curry Treatment Associated Press Viewers who have turned away from the "Today" show have cited various explanations, but the handling of co-host Ann Curry's dismissal was clearly a tipping point. One viewer likened the treatment of Curry to a public flogging. "It made me turn the channel, probably permanently." ESPN Radio to Get Blitzed by Cumulus-CBS Deal New York Post After dominating for two decades, ESPN Radio will take a big hit come January, when Cumulus Media will drop its programming from 47 stations and pick up rival CBS Sports Radio. In addition, Cumulus will syndicate CBS to other independent stations and work to woo Madison Avenue. ABC, Univision Hispanic Network to Launch in 2013 Reuters A new TV network joint venture between ABC News and Univision News, targeting the fast-growing Hispanic market in the United States, will begin broadcasting out of Miami in late summer of 2013, company officials announced. The new network will create about 350 jobs. ESPN Tops Among Cable Channels for Political Ads New York Post Political advertising dollars are pouring into cable TV, according to analysts, mostly at the expense of radio and newspapers. ESPN, capitalizing on politicians' desire to go after young male voters, is the most popular non-news cable network in terms of units bought. Sirius XM Lifts Forecast for 2012 Subscriber Gains Bloomberg Sirius XM Radio shares are up after boosting its forecast for 2012 subscriber gains to 1.8 million from 1.6 million, helped by growth in auto sales. Sirius added 445,921 subscribers in the third quarter, marking the best third quarter since the merger of Sirius and XM in 2008. CBS to Make 'Made in Jersey' Fall TV's First Victim Associated Press The fall TV season is claiming its first victim: the CBS series "Made in Jersey." The legal drama is being pulled from CBS' Friday lineup after just two airings. It premiered on Sept. 28 to puny ratings. The network will replace it with the fourth season of "Undercover Boss." NBC 'Hell-Bent' for a Woman to Lead 'Today' Show New York Post NBC brass are said to be eager to get a woman to take over the "Today Show." Top network execs are "hell-bent" in getting a female exec to succeed Jim Bell as executive producer. Hiring a woman might stanch the bleeding from the "public execution" of Ann Curry as co-host. Vice Media to Launch 24-Hour Online News Network Hollywood Reporter Vice Media CEO Shane Smith said that the company behind Vice magazine, premium online video and other media is looking to launch a global online news network early next year. The forthcoming Vice News promises to feature young news people reporting from the field. YouTube Chief Says Mobile Phones Will Eclipse TV Telegraph YouTube's programming chief is claiming that mobile phones will soon be the "first screen," ranking above the television as the place users go to watch video content. Robert Kyncl's remarks come as YouTube announces the rollout of 60 international original channels. NBC Regroups Under Comcast with Cuts, Spending Associated Press NBC slashes Jay Leno's "Tonight" pay in half, but forks out more than $8 billion to renew its broadcast rights to Sunday Night Football. Is this any way to run a network? Yes, according to observers, who say NBC is making the right moves under new owner Comcast. Fox Mulls New Talk Show Hosted by Kardashian Mom Broadcasting & Cable Kris Jenner is said to be in early talks to test a talk show on the Fox-owned TV stations next summer. Besides her appearances on E!'s "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," Jenner has picked up talk experience appearing on CBS' "The Talk" from time to time. Bravo's Tech 'Start-Ups' Full of Bikinis, Booze, Bawling San Jose Mercury News "Geeks are the new rock stars," according to one of the party-hearty cast members of "Start-Ups: Silicon Valley," the hotly anticipated Bravo series scheduled to debut Nov. 5. The show is co-produced by Randi Zuckerberg, sister of Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg. CBS, DirecTV in New Distribution Deal for TV Stations Broadcasting & Cable CBS has reached a new distribution agreement with DirecTV. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the agreement has been described as long-term and covering retransmission consent for the CBS owned stations. "We are very pleased with these renewals." HBO 'Girls' Star Dunham Wins $3.5 Million Book Deal New York Times Random House has acquired a book by Lena Dunham, the 26-year-old writer, actor and filmmaker, in one of the most heated auctions of the year. The debut essay collection was hotly pursued by publishers after the writer and star of the HBO comedy "Girls" circulated a 66-page proposal. Nickelodeon Says Romney Skipped Kids' Questions Associated Press Mitt Romney may want to reconsider his campaign strategy involving the pint-size voters of tomorrow. The presidential candidate skipped the chance to take part in Nickelodeon's "Kids Pick the President" special that includes President Obama. The decision "disses children." NBC Tells Obama Not to Use News Footage for Ad Politico NBC has asked President Obama's campaign to stop using the network's footage in a recently released reelection ad. In the 30-second spot, Andrea Mitchell is shown on air citing an independent analysis that Mitt Romney's tax plan would cost $4.8 trillion over 10 years. CNN Mulls Theatrical Releases for Documentary Unit New York Times CNN, laboring to make itself more relevant, plans to broadcast premieres of documentaries in prime time and will surround them with special editions of its programs discussing topics of the films. CNN International will also broadcast the documentaries. Survey: Most U.S. Adults Prefer TV as News Source UPI Some 50% of U.S. adults say they prefer getting news from TV, 36% prefer getting news online and 10% prefer print, a survey indicates. The survey of 2,307 adults by Harris Interactive found more than two-thirds of Americans display a moderate interest in the news. ABC, Yahoo News Partnership Claims Big Audience Poynter The partnership between ABC News and Yahoo News is reaching the largest digital audience in America as it celebrates its first anniversary. ABC News president Ben Sherwood's note to staff claims "an average monthly reach of over 85 million unique users since the launch." Hulu Acquires French Twist on 'The Shield' for U.S. Variety Hulu has acquired exclusive subscription U.S. video-on-demand rights to the first two seasons of "Braquo," Olivier Marchal's dark-edged thriller series. Commissioned by Canal Plus, the one-hour crime drama has been described as a French twist on "The Shield." Amazon Opens Up Checkbook for Streaming Video Reuters Amazon's deal to purchase streaming movies from cable network Epix could transform the way such deals are done. Amazon agreed to an earn-out provision payable to Epix over time if the number of subscribers to its Prime Instant Video service rises above a certain threshold. Netflix: A Dot-Com Darling After Analyst Upgrade Daily Finance The good times continue at Netflix. Shares of the leading premium video service provider opened 7% higher after an upgrade from Morgan Stanley. Netflix is "too cheap" given the quality of its growing domestic business. "Too many naysayers harp on Netflix's spotty profitability." Facebook, Retailers Partner to Test 'Want' Button Reuters Facebook has begun to test a feature that will let users create "wish lists" of home furnishings, clothing and other retail products, laying the groundwork for what could be an eventual push into e-commerce. Participating retailers include Pottery Barn and Victoria's Secret. Google Play Movies, TV Shows Arrive on Google TV Next Web Google's efforts to unify its products and become an all-encompassing media behemoth have taken a big step forward with the news that Google TV is set to get content from Google Play, including movies, TV shows and music. The content will be rolled out in the coming weeks. Tumblr: Social Media's Next Advertising Platform Upstart Business Tumblr still ranks behind Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest in popularity with users — and with advertisers. But with the social blogging platform's announcement of an official analytics tool, Tumblr has become a legitimate contender for business advertising dollars. Hulu, Netflix Take On Broadcasters at TV Trade Show Bloomberg Zombies and secret agents will join actor Kevin Spacey on the French Riviera this week for the MIPCOM TV trade show, where websites such as Netflix and Hulu will "compete aggressively" with traditional broadcasters for programming. Hulu CEO Jason Kilar will give a keynote. Vuguru, Fremantle in Online Series Distribution Deal Financial Times FremantleMedia has struck a deal to sell online series made by Vuguru — the web-video studio founded by former Disney chief Michael Eisner — to broadcasters and online distributors. Vuguru specializes in short-form web series seen on online platforms such as AOL and Yahoo. Cartoon Network Eyes Apps, Games Before TV Shows Guardian Cartoon Network is considering developing original content as apps and games first rather than as TV shows, in an effort to create its own digital brands to rival the likes of "Angry Birds." "I don't think everything has to be created as a show. Things can be developed as shorts." Fox News Chief Ailes Lunches with Time Warner CEO Wall Street Journal Here's a piece of breaking news that will give some people at CNN nightmares: Their ultimate boss, Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes, had lunch with Fox News chief Roger Ailes. Just imagine what those two discussed. Ailes's contract at Fox News is due to expire next June. ABC News' Champion Comes Out as Gay in Column Daily Beast He's the high profile weather anchor of ABC's top-rated "Good Morning America" and weather editor of ABC News. And he comes out in the new low-key, AC360 way in a vows column for another gay couple's wedding: "Among the 170 or so guests at the reception was Sam Champion." Oprah's Network Making Progress After Rough Start The Wrap After a rocky start marked by low ratings, executive shakeups and layoffs, Oprah Winfrey's OWN network is getting some good news. Its latest quarter was its biggest in ratings growth. Strikingly, OWN is hitting ratings highs without resorting to programming lows. 'Ellen' Season Premiere Attracts Record Audience Variety While newcomers like Katie Couric, Ricki Lake and Jeff Probst have been hogging the syndication spotlight, Ellen DeGeneres has seen her show turn in one of its strongest performances. Warner Bros.' "Ellen" premiered on Sept. 10 to the best numbers in its decade-long run. Dish, Gannett Reach New Agreement Over TV Fees Associated Press Dish Network and Gannett agreed to extend a deadline by several hours as their talks continue in a dispute over fees involving access by more than 2 million Dish subscribers to Gannett's TV stations in 19 cities. An existing deal was originally set to expire at 2 a.m. EDT Monday. Netflix Sets Premiere Date of First Original TV Series CNET News Netflix said it will premiere "House of Cards," its first original TV series, on Feb. 1. The show stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. In a twist, the company will release all 13 episodes at once instead of parceling them out in a manner like broadcast and cable channels. Dish Drops Plan to Turn Blockbuster Into Netflix Rival Bloomberg Dish Network is giving up on plans to turn the once-mighty Blockbuster video-store chain into a Netflix competitor. Plans broke down when U.S. regulators took longer than expected with satellite transmission approvals. "You make a lot of mistakes in business." Gannett May Pull TV Stations Off Dish Over Ad Skipper Reuters Gannett Broadcasting has threatened to withdraw telecasts on Dish Network if the satellite TV provider does not block the commercial-skipping feature on its Hopper digital video recorders. Dish customers in 19 cities could lose various ABC, CBS and NBC stations. Fox News Surpasses CNN, MSNBC in Debate Viewers Bloomberg News Corp.'s Fox News led cable networks in this week's debate between President Obama and challenger Mitt Romney with 10.4 million viewers. Time Warner's CNN was second with 6.05 million viewers and Comcast's MSNBC was third with 4.71 million. ABC 'GMA' Taps Romney's Wife as Guest Co-Host New York Times ABC's "Good Morning America" has booked Ann Romney as a guest co-host for the Oct. 10 broadcast of the program. Romney was booked before this week's debate, so it was not a case of ABC's looking to follow up on positive reaction to her husband's performance. National Geographic to Debut Bin Laden Film Nov 4 Associated Press A film dramatizing the death of Osama bin Laden is set to debut next month on the National Geographic Channel, two days before the presidential election. Film co-producer Harvey Weinstein is a prominent fundraiser for President Obama's re-election campaign. Oprah's Daytime TV Heir is Ellen, Ad Buyers Say Media Life Katie Couric has attracted much hype for her new syndicated talk show. But if media buyers and planners had to pick the heir to Oprah Winfrey, they would say it's Ellen DeGeneres, according to a survey. "Ellen keeps it fresh while Dr. Phil is doing nothing to evolve." CBS, Yahoo in Talks to Rename 'Insider' Show TechCrunch "The Insider," the syndicated news magazine, will take on a new name and new look as part of a new deal currently under discussion between CBS Television Distribution and Yahoo. The show will be renamed "omg! NOW," which is the name of a Yahoo online vertical. NBC Develops New Metric for Digital News Users MediaPost NBC's digital news operation will begin pitching a new audience targeting metric based on consumers' behaviors and "personas." News consumers are clustered into four main groups, based on how passionate they are about news and how much they use digital media. NBC Breaks TV Losing Streak in Fall Premiere Week Reuters NBC won U.S. television's official premiere week with key viewers for the first time since 2003, and swiftly announced full season orders for three of its new shows. In total viewers, CBS was first with 10.7 million, followed by ABC with 8.3 million, and NBC at 8.1 million. Fox, Turner Pay $6.8 Billion for Major League Baseball Bloomberg Major League Baseball will get $6.8 billion from Fox and Turner networks for the rights to broadcast games through 2021 in a contract extension, said two execs familiar with the deal. Fox will pay an average of $525 million a year, with Turner paying about $325 million annually. Liberty Media Buyout Talk Boosts Sirius XM Shares Investor's Business Daily Sirius XM shares jumped to a four-year high after a Citi analyst raised his rating for Liberty Media on the probability of the media company buying the satellite-radio firm. The Federal Communications Commission has opened up a public comment period on the bid. Time Warner Cable to Charge Fee for Modem Rental New York Times Time Warner Cable, the big broadband and cable provider, plans to start charging customers a monthly fee of $3.95 for renting a cable modem from the company. It said in notifications mailed to customers this week that the new fee would go into effect over the next two months. Apple Won't Disrupt Strong TV Studios, Report Says Variety The economics of Hollywood's TV studios have been strengthened so much that even Apple won't be able to disrupt their business, according to a research report. The tangled web of rights that studios control "will curtail Apple's ambitions for control of the living room." CBS, NBC TV Series Boosted by Delayed Viewing New York Times With about 20% of viewers watching episodes of network series on a delayed basis, initial television ratings may no longer predict a new show's success. NBC's new drama "Revolution" added 3.7 million viewers to its original total when viewed on delay. Fox's 'Family Guy' MacFarlane to Emcee Oscars Reuters Comedian Seth MacFarlane will host the Oscars ceremony in February in a choice seen aimed at attracting younger viewers to the movie industry's biggest night. MacFarlane is best known for his no-holds-barred humor and cultural satire on Fox's animated "Family Guy." Oprah's OWN Network Signs Deal with Tyler Perry Associated Press Oprah Winfrey's OWN network is venturing into scripted programming for the first time through a deal with Tyler Perry. The creative force behind movies like "Madea's Family Reunion" will produce, write and direct two series for the cable network to premiere next year. Time Warner Flips Switch on New Lakers Channels Associated Press Time Warner Cable bought the regional TV rights for the Los Angeles Lakers and Galaxy last year for an estimated $3 billion over 20 years. It's launching two new channels based on those rights on Monday. To help pay for them, it is seeking big dollars from other TV distributors. Dish Deemed 'Hell Bent' in Cablevision Court Case Reuters Dish Network is so "obsessed" with beating No. 1 satellite provider DirecTV that it schemed to get out of a pricey Cablevision contract when its larger rival began to offer more HD channels, an attorney for the cable company said in opening arguments of a multibillion legal battle. FCC to Buy TV Spectrum for Mobile Broadband Ars Technica The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has voted to officially launch the so-called incentive auction process, which aims to repurpose broadcast TV spectrum for mobile broadband use. Spectrum is expected to be more valuable when used for mobile services. Fox News Blames Live Suicide on 'Severe Error' Reuters Fox News apologized for a "severe human error" that resulted in viewers seeing a suspected carjacker fatally shoot himself after a police chase. The coverage of the Friday incident sparked outrage on social media websites and a quick on-air apology by anchor Shepard Smith. CNN to Let Web Viewers Clip-and-Share Debates Multichannel News CNN will stream the U.S. presidential debates live online and to mobile devices for free — and hopes to get viral traction by letting website visitors "clip-and-share" video from the events. CNN will offer unrestricted access to five hours of its digital debate programming. Al Jazeera Moves to Be More ESPN, Less CNN Businessweek Al Jazeera, the network that was supposed to be an Arab CNN, appears to have scaled back on such ambitions. The gas-rich emirate's English news channel has made deep cuts in its news operations and shifted its focus to sports, spending about $450 million on soccer rights. ESPN Finds 3-D TV Not a Big Hit with Viewers Associated Press At movie theaters, 3-D has attracted lots of viewers. But not at home. Fewer than 115,000 U.S. homes are tuned into 3-D channels at any one time. 3-D viewership is so tiny that Nielsen is unable to capture any meaningful data about viewers' programming preferences. Fox News Apologizes for Airing Suicide on Live TV Fox News A reported carjacking and police chase in Phoenix, Ariz., ended when the suspect pulled off the road and shot himself in the head. The chase was caught on video from a Fox TV affiliate's helicopter in a feed that aired on Fox News. "We apologize for what viewers ultimately saw." Martha Whips Up Sponsors for New Show on PBS Adweek "Martha Stewart's Cooking School" will premiere on PBS the weekend of Oct. 6-7, offering viewers a weekly tutorial on culinary basics and classic recipes. JCPenney has signed on to sponsor the show through its first two seasons, both of which have already been shot. Time Warner Cable, Google at Odds in Kansas City Kansas City Star Google and Time Warner Cable appear at odds over whether the new Google Fiber TV service in Kansas City will be able to include regional college basketball games in its subscription package. Time Warner said it has negotiated in good faith to sell programming to the service. Dish Network Preps Launch of Broadband Service Wall Street Journal Dish Network plans to launch a nationwide broadband service under the brand dishNET, hoping to add a new revenue stream on top of its pay-TV business. Dish is expected to sell broadband for between $39.99 and $69.99 a month for customers who also take its TV service. Comcast to Slash About 1,000 Jobs in California San Jose Mercury News Comcast will eliminate about 1,000 jobs in Northern California, including more than 600 in the Bay Area, as it closes call centers in Livermore, Morgan Hill and Sacramento. "The cost of doing business makes operations in California expensive and very difficult." NBCUniversal, Comcast to Support Zeebox Debut Los Angeles Times A technology designed in Britain to complement TV viewing launches Thursday in the U.S., in partnership with Comcast, NBCUniversal and HBO. Zeebox identifies the program the viewer is watching, then displays relevant data and loops in chatter from social networks. Merlin Media Radio May Shed Assets After Missteps Crain's Chicago Radio station company Merlin Media, which owns five radio stations in Chicago, New York and Philadelphia, may sell some assets, according to Jeff Smulyan, CEO of minority owner Emmis. "I do not believe that group is for sale. That's not saying they might not sell something." NBC 'Today' Producer Angry About Lauer Stories Associated Press Jim Bell, executive producer of the "Today" show, has defended Matt Lauer against stories that have portrayed the anchor as difficult to deal with during the program's ratings slide. "Matt has been the heart and soul of the show." Recent negative stories are "patently false." Nickelodeon Hopes for Rescue by 'Ninja Turtles' Los Angeles Times On Saturday morning, Nickelodeon will take the lid off a slicker, hipper version of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." The armed reptiles, a hugely popular cartoon franchise in the '80s and '90s, are the latest effort by the children's network to combat a dramatic ratings plunge. Report: TVs Surpass PCs for Viewing Web Videos AllThingsD Television sets are now the most popular way to watch streaming video, according to consumer-tracking service NPD. Some 45% of consumers report that TV is now their primary web video screen, up from 33% last year. It basically swapped places with the personal computer. McDonald's to Launch In-Store Local TV Channel Associated Press McDonald's plans to roll out a custom-made TV channel, similar to a broadcast network. The new M Channel will present its own news and entertainment localized for cities and even neighborhoods. It also will direct viewers online for shopping and other opportunities. ABC Eyed for Possible Exploitation of Host Roberts Associated Press "Good Morning America" cameras were present as co-host Robin Roberts underwent a bone marrow transplant. So were her colleagues Diane Sawyer and Sam Champion, wearing surgical masks and singing songs of encouragement. The show's attention is raising questions. CBS, NBC Swap Places in First Night of New Season New York Times The first night of the U.S. network television season turned the competition almost on its head as NBC dominated in the advertiser-preferred ratings, ABC dominated with older viewers, CBS saw its Monday lineup take a dive and Fox took a general battering. NBC Unpacks Trove of Data from Olympic Viewers New York Times Studies of more than 50,000 people who watched the London Olympics depict vast shifts in how people watch television, especially with devices like tablets or smartphones. Perhaps the most important finding: online viewing options did not cannibalize the prime-time audience. Nielsen Cuts U.S. 500,000 TV Homes on Web Viewing Bloomberg The number of U.S. TV households fell by 500,000, reflecting the popularity of online viewing and results of the 2010 census, according to Nielsen. The company is working with clients on what should constitute a TV home and how to account for new products such as tablets. Time Warner Cable Plots to Take On Game Consoles Bloomberg AT&T, Verizon and Time Warner Cable are said to be gearing up for a push to deliver video games to televisions, a strategy shift that poses a threat to traditional consoles such as the PlayStation, Wii and Xbox. Trials of cloud-gaming services are likely to start later this year. CNN Crisis Call: Time Warner Execs Eye Big Guns New York Post Time Warner execs have reached out to media heavyweights, including Howard Stringer and Jeff Zucker, as they cast about for a new chief to revive the cable news network. The contract of outgoing chief Jim Walton expires at the end of the year. "We need our Roger Ailes." NBC: Geist to Co-Host Third Hour of 'Today' Show New York Times Willie Geist, co-host of the MSNBC morning show "Morning Joe," is moving over to NBC's flagship "Today" as a co-host of the show's 9 a.m. hour. Geist also will be a backup for Matt Lauer, the longtime host of the 7 to 9 a.m. hours of "Today," a profit center for NBC. ABC Emmy Award Show Ratings Sacked by Football New York Daily News The National Football League went into Sunday night's matchup with the Emmy Awards as a heavy favorite, but even at that, it probably beat the spread. "Sunday Night Football" on NBC Sunday night beat the 64th annual Emmycast on ABC by more than six million viewers. MTV 'Snooki' Reality TV Law Eyed in New Jersey Associated Press A New Jersey lawmaker wants towns to have a say in the filming of reality-TV shows within their boundaries before a Situation develops. Legislation is being introduced for a Snookiville Law, allowing communities to impose conditions on certain TV productions. Cablevision Backs Broadcasters in Aereo Challenge Multichannel News Cablevision, for one, doesn't think its court victory over programmers in the remote DVR case should extend to Aereo. "Unlike Aereo, Cablevision operates a licensed cable system that retransmits content to subscribers pursuant to agreements with content providers." TiVo Settles Lawsuit with Verizon for $250.4 Million Associated Press Verizon will pay TiVo at least $250.4 million to license its digital video recording technology and settle a patent lawsuit. It is the third settlement that TiVo has garnered in recent patent cases. TiVo has alleged that companies are copying its DVR technology. Time Warner Cable Reaches Deal on NFL Network Bloomberg The National Football League and Time Warner Cable have ended a nine-year impasse by reaching a deal to make the NFL Network and RedZone Channel available to millions more U.S. homes. Time Warner had been the only major cable provider without NFL Network. HBO and Cable Rival Showtime Score Big at Emmys Reuters HBO took home the biggest haul at television's Emmy awards on Sunday, with 23 trophies for shows like political film "Game Change." The CBS broadcast network finished second with 16, and cable channel Showtime, also owned by CBS, scored big with several major wins. Broadcast TV Girds for New Season in Tense Times Wall Street Journal The new prime-time television season formally kicks off this week. It is especially tense this year, as the growing cacophony from the web and cable makes it more complicated for new broadcast TV shows to stand out. "It's a tough landscape to find a hit and break through." Fox TV Indecency Fine Lawsuit Dropped by U.S. Bloomberg The U.S. government has abandoned a lawsuit against News Corp.'s Fox network over its refusal to pay indecency fines for a 2003 broadcast of "Married by America" that featured strippers. The Justice Department said without elaboration that it was voluntarily dismissing the case. CNN Blasted by U.S. State Department Over Diary Associated Press CNN has reported on the personal journal of slain U.S. ambassador Christopher Stevens over the objections of his family. The news channel found the journal four days after Stevens died in an attack in Libya. The State Department is calling CNN's actions "indefensible." NBC 'Today' Host Lauer's Popularity Plunges 25% New York Daily News In less than a year, NBC "Today" show co-host Matt Lauer's "likability" has plummeted some 25%, according to Q Scores, an influential survey used by companies and advertisers to help make major decisions. Said an exec with Q Scores: "It raises a flag." ABC's 'Katie' Host Admits to Battle with Bulimia New York Post Katie Couric has admitted she battled with bulimia in her early 20s on a TV special about eating disorders. Couric makes the emotional confession on "Katie," her ABC syndicated daytime show. "I wrestled with bulimia all through college and for two years after that." Netflix Loses Rights to Stream Shows from A&E Hollywood Reporter Dozens of shows from A&E Networks have disappeared from Netflix. Deals that gave the streaming service the right to run "Storage Wars," "American Pickers" and several more expired on Friday. About 800 hours of content is gone from A&E and its sibling History channel. Aereo Says Content Deals Coming for Web TV AllThingsD Aereo, the startup that lets users watch broadcast TV over the web, is branching out. CEO Chet Kanojia said his IAC-backed company will soon start offering programming that doesn't come from local TV stations, which he will sell for an additional fee. "We have done a few deals." HBO Names Plepler New CEO as Nelson Retires Hollywood Reporter HBO CEO Bill Nelson is stepping down at year end. Richard Plepler will be elevated from co-president to CEO, with Eric Kessler and Michael Lombardo serving as president/COO and president of programming, respectively. Plepler is credited with reinvigorating the network. Epix to Run Los Angeles Times 'Envelope' Series Los Angeles Times The Epix movie channel will become the lead sponsor, broadcaster and streaming partner of the Los Angeles Times' annual Envelope Screening Series, which showcases films in contention for the Oscars. Interviews with filmmakers by Times journalists will air on Epix. Time Warner Cable Would 'Give Up Control' for Apple PC Mag Apple appears to be making headway in its efforts to strike a deal with cable companies and broaden its reach into living rooms. Time Warner Cable COO Rob Marcus said that his company is willing to give up control of the user interface to broaden its services to platforms like Apple's. Fox News, Comedy Central Stars' Debate Sells Out Politico The Oct. 6 debate between Fox News's Bill O'Reilly and Comedy Central's Jon Stewart sold out day after the event was announced. Scalpers are now offering tickets for up to $1,200 each on resale websites. A better deal might be streaming the debate for $4.95. Oprah 'Unfazed' by Fortune Ranking, Plugs Forbes CBS News Oprah Winfrey said she is "unfazed" by her demotion to last place on Fortune magazine's new 50 Most Powerful Women list. She pivots to the new issue of Forbes, which "talks about the importance of really what you do with wherever you are in your life ... for other people." ABC, Univision Preview New Channel's Website TV Newser ABC News and Univision have quietly launched a website for the upcoming cable news channel the two companies are developing. The new site exists as a micro-site on ABCNews.com. As promised, the articles on the site focus on issues of importance to Latinos. ESPN Builds Twitter-Style Sports News Service GigaOM ESPN is giving sports fans a way to hook up to its firehose of content with a new Twitter-style stream called SportsCenter Feed. The sports cable and online network is amassing almost every bit of content it pushes out over ESPN.com into a single feed — more than 1,000 updates a day. ESPN Internet Death-Threat Post Leads to Arrest Associated Press A former Yale University student remains jailed on $1 million bail after authorities say he made online death threats to children. Eric Yee, a 21-year-old who recently withdrew from Yale, posted on ESPN's website that he was watching children and wouldn't mind killing them. CBS Predicted by Ad Buyers to Finish in First Place Media Life This fall will belong to CBS. That's the prediction from media buyers and planners, who think the network will finish No. 1 during fourth quarter, according to a recent poll. They say CBS also has the best-quality schedule. Fox received the second-most votes; ABC was third. NBC's 'Today' Reeling After Departure of Host Curry New York Post Less than three months after a tearful Ann Curry bid goodbye to NBC's "Today" show, it's the network's turn to cry. The once-dominant morning program is falling further behind in the ratings. ABC's rival "Good Morning America" looks set to win its third consecutive week. Regis Returning to TV as Co-Host of 'Rachael Ray' USA Today Regis Philbin left his co-host gig with Kelly Ripa last year after 28 seasons. And now he's coming back on the air with a new partner. On Monday, the daytime talk show king will be sitting in Rachael Ray's kitchen. "I tried to make a distinct point that I wasn't retiring, that I was moving on." Fox News, Comedy Central Stars to Debate Online Politico Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly and Comedy Central host Jon Stewart will go head-to-head in a mock-debate next month. "The Rumble in the Air-Conditioned Auditorium" will take place at George Washington University, moderated by CNN anchor E.D. Hill, and will be livestreamed. MTV to Launch Fashion-Focused Online Spin-Off Media Week MTV plans to launch a fashion-focused digital property called District MTV, which will go live online in October and on mobile later in the year. District MTV, edited by former Huffington Post staffer Melanie Hick, is aimed at 18- to 34-year-olds in the U.K., Italy, France, Germany and Spain. Dish Blames TV Networks for Web Streaming Delay Bloomberg Dish Network would release an Internet-streaming product that includes live programming if it could convince TV networks that the service makes financial sense, said CEO Joseph Clayton. "We have the technology — but the long pole on the tent on this is the programmers." CBS, NBC in Squabble Over Sunday News Shows Associated Press "Face the Nation," CBS' Sunday morning public affairs show, is getting under the skin of its rivals at NBC's "Meet the Press." NBC has accused CBS of trickery in the Nielsen ratings and in scheduling designed to make the news show seem more popular than it actually is. Fox's 'American Idol' Adds Urban, Minaj as Judges Bloomberg "American Idol," one of the most-watched U.S. TV shows, is adding country singer Keith Urban and rapper Nicki Minaj as judges for the TV series' 12th season, following the departures of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. Urban and Minaj will be the ninth and 10th judges in "Idol's" history. Cumulus Kicks Off Ad Blitz to Take On Groupon New York Post Groupon daily-deals rival SweetJack, owned by radio broadcaster Cumulus Media, is rolling out an advertising campaign in 37 U.S. cities, aiming to help the startup grab market share in online discounting. SweetJack also has an alliance with larger radio giant Clear Channel. NBCUniversal Taps Guest Editors to Plug iVillage New York Times iVillage is lining up prominent "guest editors" who will handpick content on the female-oriented website. Owner NBCUniversal plans to use that content in sponsored video clips to appear on its cable channels. On Monday, Jessica Simpson begins a seven-day guest-editing stint. CBS, Showtime Teaming Up for Sports Newscast Associated Press CBS is expanding "60 Minutes" into cable TV for the first time with a monthly version of the newsmagazine on Showtime devoted solely to sports. "60 Minutes of Sports" will begin in November, featuring regular "60 Minutes" correspondents as well as CBS Sports contributors. Dish Network Fires Back at CBS as 'Out of Touch' Crain's New York After CBS boss Les Moonves threatened to take programming off the air at Dish Network, the head of the satellite network, Joe Clayton, fired back. The broadcast networks are out of touch with consumer expectations, he said. "Give the customer a better experience, and everybody wins." ABC News Sued for $1.2 Billion Over 'Pink Slime' Reuters ABC News was hit with a $1.2 billion defamation lawsuit by a South Dakota meat processor that accused it of misleading viewers into believing a product that critics have dubbed "pink slime" was unsafe. Beef Products Inc.'s suit "is without merit," said ABC News. OWN Network is Turning the Corner, Oprah Says Huffington Post Oprah Winfrey has announced that her struggling OWN TV network has finally turned the corner. Winfrey took over as CEO last summer and began revamping the programming. Her efforts are now beginning to pay off, she said. "Let me just say, we have made the pivot." Sirius XM: 'Fed Up' Howard Stern Seeking Exit The Daily Howard Stern is said to be "counting the days" until he can leave Sirius XM satellite radio. The shock jock took a big pay cut last year, and his shows have been cut down to about three hours. "He's fed up with Sirius, and has already decided he'll be gone at the end of his contract." CBS Chief Moonves Puts Dish Network on Notice Variety CBS CEO Les Moonves kicked off Wall Street's fall conference season by laying down an ultimatum regarding Dish Network's Hopper DVR service. "We cannot produce episodes for $3.5 million a piece and have the people at Dish say they will pull out the commercials." Sirius CEO Karmazin on Outs as Malone Moves In New York Post John Malone's Liberty Media, which is angling to gain control of Sirius XM, is said to be gearing up to replace Mel Karmazin, the satellite-radio company's CEO. Liberty will kick off a CEO search as soon as Karmazin's contract runs out at the end of this year, said a source. Liberty Media Signals Possible Sale of Starz Channel Bloomberg Liberty Media's Starz cable channel may be more valuable to another owner, CEO Greg Maffei said, signaling a possible sale of the network. Starz would offer a media company that operates other premium cable channels synergies that don't exist for Liberty Media, he said. ESPN, Arbitron, ComScore Prep Cross-Media Service New York Times ESPN, Arbitron and comScore plan to announce a new joint venture that will try to measure the media consumption patterns of consumers across five platforms: radio, TV, mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers. ESPN will be the first media company to use the service. DirecTV Adds Exclusives to TV Everywhere iPad App Multichannel News DirecTV subscribers can now watch shows from the No. 1 satellite operator's exclusive Audience Network lineup on their iPads over any broadband connection. The out-of-home live TV streaming feature is available to all DirecTV customers, for no additional charge. Liberty Media Raises Stake Again in Sirius XM Radio Wall Street Journal John Malone's Liberty Media has raised its stake in Sirius XM Radio to 49.7% from 49.2%, bringing it close to outright control of the satellite radio broadcaster. If Liberty wins control, it will be free to replace management and pursue options such as spinning the Sirius stake off. Dish Network to Telecast Glenn Beck Internet Show New York Times Glenn Beck is bringing his brand of conservative commentary back to TV. One year after embracing an Internet-only model, Beck is repositioning his TheBlaze TV as an offering for cable and satellite operators. On Wednesday, he will announce a deal with Dish Network. NuvoTV Taps Jennifer Lopez to Target U.S. Latinos Bloomberg Jennifer Lopez is joining NuvoTV, the English-language cable network aimed at Latino viewers. The actress-singer and her production firm will contribute programming, work on strategy and assist in marketing the eight-year-old channel. In exchange, she will receive a minority stake. HBO Exec Says No Go for Standalone U.S. Service TechCrunch HBO is making its programming available without a pay-TV subscription in the Nordic region. But a U.S. version won't be coming anytime soon, according to HBO digital exec Alison Moore. "It's a little presumptuous to say that $8 [a month] is going to make the business whole." Netflix to Add More ABC TV Series to Streaming Deal World Screen Netflix is making the first seasons of ABC's "Revenge," "Once Upon a Time" and "Scandal" available for streaming in the U.S. After the season 2 premiere of each series, Netflix will serve as the only subscription service that will allow viewers to catch up on season 1. ABC: 'Katie' Debut Draws Largest Audience in Decade Bloomberg "Katie," the ABC-distributed program featuring former CBS news anchor Katie Couric, attracted the largest audience in a decade for a new daytime talk show. The show produced a 2.8 rating in its debut — the biggest audience for a new daytime talk show since "Dr. Phil" in 2002. CBS to Collect $1 Billion a Year in Distribution Fees Los Angeles Times CBS is anticipating revenue of $1 billion in 2016 from retransmission consent fees from cable and satellite operators and their own affiliates, according to a report by Sanford Bernstein. Both Fox and ABC are on a similar track. NBC, however, is "mired down in complications." NBC Skips 9/11 Moment of Silence for Kardashians Reuters For NBC's "Today" show, an interview with Kris Jenner of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" trumped observing a moment of silence marking Sept. 11, which was aired by every other U.S. broadcast network. "Oh...my...God," said a staffer at rival ABC News. "What were they thinking?" MTV Awards Ratings Dwindle as Social Buzz Spikes Associated Press MTV's Video Music Awards show last week was seen by 6.1 million viewers, less than half of the 12.4 million who watched in 2011, when it was believed to be the network's most-watched program ever. Still, Trendrr said the awards were the top social media event of the year. Disney, Cartoon, Nick Patrol Kids' Social Media Pages Reuters Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network execs are said to be monitoring Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites for online comments by young cast members that might harm their shows' prospects with viewers or offend advertisers. "We try to watch their tweets." Huffington Post Veterans Prep Digital Video Service Forbes Now This News, a start-up from former Huffington Post principals Ken Lerer and Eric Hippeau, aims to "reinvent TV news for the Internet age." The digital venture, to be headed by former CNN exec Eason Jordan, will have a close relationship with BuzzFeed, which is also backed by Lerer. Nielsen Mulls Redefinition of U.S. TV Households Associated Press Many U.S. homes now get TV programming through DVDs or services like Netflix or Apple TV, according to Nielsen. Because of the changes, the company is considering redefining what it considers a TV household to include people who get service through Netflix or similar services. Kantar: Second Quarter Ad Sales See Slight Growth Crain's New York U.S. second quarter advertising expenditures grew just 0.9%, to $34.4 billion, compared to a year ago, according to a report by Kantar Media. For the first half of the year, ad spending was up 1.9% to $67.1 million. "When consumer spending gets better, ad spending will be right behind." WWE Wrestles with Plan for Its Own Pay-TV Channel Los Angeles Times WWE, which has been considering creating its own cable channel for years, is now said to be focusing on developing an HBO-like pay cable channel that consumers would order on an individual basis. WWE produces many pay-per-view events, including "Wrestlemania." PBS 'Masterpiece' Adds Ralph Lauren as Sponsor Associated Press PBS' "Masterpiece" is getting a fashionable new supporter. The public TV program said that Ralph Lauren will become a national sponsor, marking the company's first TV sponsorship. Lauren's support is "a tribute" to the home of the hit British period drama "Downton Abbey." ESPN, Fox Sports Enter $2.6 Billion Deal with Big 12 Associated Press The Big 12 has announced a new 13-year deal with ESPN and Fox Sports that is reportedly worth $2.6 billion and should provide long-term stability for a conference that once seemed on the brink of collapse. The deal covers televising football and men's basketball through 2024-25. NBC Looks to Early-Week Lineup for Ratings Revival Variety A return to glory on Thursday appears not to be in the game plan for NBC, which is waving the white flag on the night this fall, choosing instead to focus on its early-week lineup. The rebuilding network will turn to the music contest "The Voice" to anchor both Monday and Tuesday. CBS Tops Survey of Favorite Returning TV Shows Yahoo TV Yahoo TV has teamed with Entertainment Weekly to poll 2,000 TV fans to see which new shows they're planning to watch this fall. The top three returning shows that respondents are most excited to see return are on CBS: "The Big Bang Theory," "NCIS" and "Two and a Half Men." CNN Leads Cable News Ratings for Obama's Speech Bloomberg CNN led cable-news outlets in viewers during the final night of the Democratic convention, when President Obama accepted the party's nomination for a second term, after falling behind MSNBC the two previous nights. CNN averaged 5.56 million viewers from 10 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. ESPN Announces New Berman Deal on Anniversary USA Today ESPN has signed on-air talent Chris Berman to a new long-term deal. The sports network picked its 33rd anniversary to announce the deal with Berman, who joined ESPN when it was a month old. Said an ESPN spokesman: "The date of the announcement is no coincidence." Time Warner Cable's NY1 Boosts Subscriber Loyalty Int'l Business Times NY1, Time Warner Cable's round-the-clock local news channel, is celebrating its 20th birthday. Time Warner Cable does not count on the 24-7 news carrier to boost profitability — at least not directly. The value NY1 brings to its parent company is said to be subscriber loyalty. Fox News Chief Ailes in Talks Over New Contract New York Roger Ailes is said to be in contract negotiations with News Corp. for a new multiyear deal. The Fox News chief "could ask for a mega deal, worth more than $30 million per year." Ailes is News Corp.'s third-highest-paid exec, behind CEO Rupert Murdoch and COO Chase Carey. NBC: We Broke Even on London Olympic Games Bloomberg NBC Universal broke even on its broadcast of the London Olympics, according to company sports chief Mark Lazarus, citing strong ratings. Advertising sales for the games soared to about $1.25 billion. The London Games were the most watched U.S. TV event ever. CBS: Super Bowl Ad Slots Already 90% Sold Out USA Today CBS will announce that its Super Bowl advertising slots are more than 90% sold out. The news comes five months before the game's broadcast on Feb. 3. The 30-second slots are going for a record $3.7 million to $3.8 million. If CBS sells 60 slots, revenue could exceed $225 million. TiVo Launches Streaming Service for Mobile Devices Digital Trends TiVo aims to make recorded programming mobile with the TiVo Stream, a compact set-top box that will convert and stream or upload recorded TV to mobile devices. Managing shows on the box takes place through TiVo's free app for either iOS or Android devices. CBS, Cablevision Renew Carriage Without Blackouts Hollywood Reporter CBS and Cablevision have renewed their content carriage agreements covering retransmission consent for CBS-owned TV stations and continued carriage of cable networks including Showtime. CBS and Cablevision reached the new deal without any programming blackouts. MSNBC Topples CNN in Cable News at Convention Bloomberg MSNBC attracted the most viewers among cable networks covering the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night, supplanting CNN, which led the ratings four years ago. The ratings loss highlights the challenge facing CNN as it reconsiders its down-the-middle approach. NBC: Tom Brokaw Rushed to Hospital in Charlotte TV Newser NBC News special correspondent Tom Brokaw was taken to a Charlotte hospital Thursday morning after an appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe." Brokaw, 72, who stepped down as anchor of "Nightly News" in 2004, has been working a break-neck pace at the political conventions. MTV Targets the Multitasker with New Ad Product Wall Street Journal MTV's new advertising product, called Reverb, lets marketers place an ad on the TV channel, MTV's website and an MTV mobile app. The app gives viewers the ability to follow Facebook comments or tweets about the show, information about past episodes and additional footage. Social Media Driving TV Viewing Habits, Survey Says UPI The TV viewing behavior of young adults is influenced by social media interactions, according to a new study by Horowitz Associates. Advertisers seeking to cash in on the phenomenon need to do so carefully. "Consumers do not want to feel 'marketed to' or manipulated." Katie Couric Aims to Be Everywoman — But Oprah Wall Street Journal Katie Couric's new talk show, debuting Monday, hopes to capture some of the millions of viewers — and advertising dollars — that flocked to Oprah Winfrey's former show. Attracting them, however, won't be easy. The broadcast-TV world Winfrey enjoyed at her peak is long gone. Glenn Beck's TheBlaze Unveils Online Radio Channel Deadline TheBlaze, Glenn Beck's news, information, entertainment, and e-commerce network, has announced the launch of TheBlaze Radio, a new online radio channel. The channel will be available on several platforms including iHeartRadio, Clear Channel's free digital radio service. Time Warner Installs WiFi for Democratic Convention FierceCable Time Warner Cable installed 120 WiFi access points to deliver high-speed Internet service at the Democratic convention, held at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C. The effort showcases a model cable operators may adapt to offer WiFi access to large public venues. Viacom, Monster Prep Headphones for MTV Awards Mashable Viacom teamed up with electronics maker Monster to launch a new line of headphones called Monster DNA. The headphones, which allow users to "share" music, will make their official debut at this week's MTV Video Music Awards. Monster DNA will be "integrated" into the VMAs. CBS Affiliate Station in Nashville Is Sold to Journal Wall Street Journal Journal Communications has bought a CBS-affiliated station in Nashville from Landmark Media Enterprises for $215 million. The station, WTVF NewsChannel 5 Network, will be added to Journal's assets, which include 14 TV stations and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper. Clear Channel Outdoor Challenges CNN in Airport TV Reuters Clear Channel Outdoor is unveiling a TV product that will hang in airport gates and display news, sports and other programs, aiming to compete with CNN for viewers waiting for flights. Clear Channel has signed 100 content deals for the new service, including Fox, CBS and NBC. Al Jazeera Website Hacked by Syria's Assad Loyalists Reuters The website of Qatar-based satellite news network Al Jazeera was apparently hacked by Syrian government loyalists for what they said was the TV channel's support for the "armed terrorist groups and spreading lies." A Syrian flag was posted on the channel's Arabic site. TV Viewing Down, Social Media Up for Conventions Associated Press When it comes to following political conventions, Twitter may soon trump television. TV viewership for last week's Republican convention dropped sharply from 2008. But the convention was a hit on social media sites. "You are no longer tethered to that screen in your living room." Dick Clark Productions in Sale Deal with Guggenheim Wall Street Journal Guggenheim Partners is said to have agreed to buy Dick Clark Productions. An announcement is expected as soon as Tuesday. The company was expected to fetch some $350 million. The investment firm is a co-owner of The Hollywood Reporter and Prometheus Global Media. Emmis Defeats Bid by Stockholders to Block Vote Bloomberg Emmis, the ninth-biggest U.S. radio station operator, has fended off a bid to block a shareholder vote that could wipe out $34 million in unpaid dividends owed to preferred stockholders. The shareholders claimed that their preferred stock would become worthless. ABC, NBC, CBS Defeat Upstart TV Streaming Service Wired A federal appeals court has dealt a death blow to an upstart service that streams broadcast television over the Internet, ruling that ivi is not a cable system and therefore is not protected by the Copyright Act. The case was brought by broadcasters ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and others. NBC 'Today' Struggles Spark Talk of Lauer Pay Cut New York Post Staffers at NBC's struggling "Today" show are said to be bracing for possible cutbacks and layoffs — and wondering whether co-host Matt Lauer will give up any of his $25 million salary to save jobs there. "Tonight" show host Jay Leno recently took a pay cut to save staff jobs. Fox 'American Idol' Said to Lose Jackson as Judge TMZ The dawg days are said to be over at "American Idol." Randy Jackson is reported to be leaving the judge's table, but will remain a part of the hit Fox reality series as a "mentor." Jackson's presence is needed "because he's the glue that helps keep the show together." E! News Names Jenkins, Rancic Permanent Anchors Variety Terrence Jenkins will join Giuliana Rancic as an anchor of "E! News." His arrival solidifies the program's anchor team after former mainstay Ryan Seacrest stopped regularly hosting this year. Jenkins has co-hosted BET's "106 & Park" and appeared in films including "Sparkle." Dish Network, DirecTV to Air 'Addressable' TV Ads Advertising Age Allstate is taking widely available consumer data, along with subscriber information from Dish Network and DirecTV, and using all this to pinpoint renters in its new commercials. If the subscriber is a homeowner, the commercial is not supposed to appear on the TV screen. ESPN: The Everywhere Sports Profit Network Businessweek ESPN chief John Skipper attributes his company's success to a lack of hubris and a culture of "build, build, build." He also doubts that ESPN is likely to face a serious rival anytime soon: "Print, radio, TV, Internet, mobile. There are no competitors who have assets in all those media." MTV to Cancel 'Jersey Shore' After This Season Bloomberg "Jersey Shore," the reality show that made stars out of Snooki and The Situation, will end its run after its sixth season, according to a statement from Viacom's MTV. "Jersey" was the highest-rated show in MTV's history. "Yes, sadly it's true," said Nicole Polizzi, a.k.a. Snooki. CBS Eyes Robin Williams Series Set in Ad World Deadline Thirty years after the end of "Mork & Mindy," Oscar- and Emmy-winner Robin Williams is plotting a return to series TV with a comedy written by David E. Kelley. The untitled series is set in the world of advertising and would star Williams as an ad exec working with his daughter. Ryan Seacrest's Empire: Can an Idol Be a Mogul? Wall Street Journal Armed with a $300 million war chest and powerful backers, Ryan Seacrest is jump-starting his efforts to build an entertainment empire. Seacrest is entering a new phase of a long-scripted plan to try to follow in the footsteps of his mentors, Dick Clark and Merv Griffin. HBO to Cut the Cord for Its International Launch Variety HBO will make the Nordic region the first market where its programming will be available to consumers without requiring that they have a pay-TV subscription. The move sets HBO up to go head to head in competition in those countries with Netflix. HBO Nordic will launch in October. Fox Broadcasting Names Chief Operating Officer Los Angeles Times Fox Broadcasting has elevated its longtime marketing and public relations executive Joe Earley to a new post as chief operating officer. The promotion is the first major move by Kevin Reilly, who himself was recently promoted to Fox Broadcasting entertainment chairman. Nickelodeon Ousts 'Dora' Creator in Shake-Up Los Angeles Times Reeling from its spectacular ratings fall, Nickelodeon has pushed out animation chief Brown Johnson, the exec most responsible for creating the network's cartoon sensation "Dora the Explorer." Johnson was key to Nickelodeon's enormous success during the last decade. Dick Clark Productions Near Sale to Guggenheim Hollywood Reporter Guggenheim Partners is said to have entered final negotiations to acquire Dick Clark Productions. The deal for the production company behind the Golden Globe Awards, the American Music Awards and other TV programming is expected to close in the next week or two. ESPN, Major League Baseball in $5.6 Billion Deal SportsBusiness Daily ESPN has agreed to a deal that locks down Major League Baseball rights into the next decade. The eight-year deal is worth $5.6 billion, approximately doubling the amount ESPN currently pays the league. The new deal includes TV, digital, international and radio rights. Liberty Media Increases Stake in Sirius XM Radio Wall Street Journal Liberty Media has raised its stake in satellite-radio operator Sirius XM Radio to 48.8% from 48.1%, according to a regulatory filing. If Liberty gets U.S. blessing to take absolute control, the company will be freed to replace Sirius management and pursue other options. CBS Sees Older Viewers Becoming More Important Bloomberg CBS, derided by rivals for attracting TV viewers too old for advertisers to care about, says 54 is the new 49. The last of the U.S. Baby Boomers turn 48 this year, moving into the sweet spot for luxury cars, financial services and pharmaceuticals, three of CBS's largest ad categories. NBC Veteran to Oversee Digital for Shine America Hollywood Reporter After 19 years at NBCUniversal, Vivi Zigler is heading to News Corp.'s Shine America. The exec has been named president of Shine 360° & Digital at Shine America, where she will run digital operations. "Shine is a company that thinks multiplatform, multidiscipline," she said. MTV to Ramp Up Digital for Video Music Awards Broadcasting & Cable MTV has added new features and expanded others as part of its digital efforts for the Video Music Awards on Sept. 6. Additions this year include a CoverGirl sponsorship for an expanded Facebook Timeline Tracker and a tool allowing users to create and share animated GIFs. Time Warner Cable Ups Speeds as Google Looms Bloomberg Time Warner Cable plans to expand fiber-optic lines to businesses in New York. "We're positioning New York City as a much more tech-savvy place to work." The company faces a threat from Google in Kansas City, where the Internet giant is testing its own fiber-optic network. Comcast Veteran Joins Second Screen TV Startup Next Web Yap.TV, a startup that lets broadcasters and content owners manage their second screen experience, has named former Comcast VP Todd Brown as chief revenue officer and EVP of business development. According to Brown, Yap.TV has "a vision for the future." Fox Refines Strategies for Digital Series Premieres Variety "Ben and Kate" and "The Mindy Project" can be streamed on numerous digital platforms prior to their Sept. 25 premiere on Fox. The two new comedies will be available via Yahoo, Fox.com, IMDB and Hulu, as well as the 70 other sites that host the Hulu player, including Facebook. ABC: Roberts to Start Medical Leave from 'GMA' Associated Press Robin Roberts said Friday will be her last day co-anchoring "Good Morning America" for a while, making official the start date for her extended medical leave from the ABC morning show. Roberts told viewers in July that she has MDS, a blood and bone marrow disease. ABC's 'Katie' Will Be Similar to 'Oprah,' Couric Says Newsweek Katie Couric's new ABC syndicated daytime talk show debuts Sept. 10. "Katie" will "explore important issues in the way that Oprah did," said Couric. She adds: "Comparisons are inevitable. I'm a very different person from Oprah, with my own sensibilities and life experience." CNN, New York Times Urged to Merge by Analyst InvestorPlace Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes "probably would buy" the New York Times to bolster the company's flagging CNN network — if the publisher were for sale. Even though it's not, the case for CNN and the New York Times to joins forces "remains compelling" and "simply makes sense." Fox Asks Court to Ban Dish Ad-Skipping Features Reuters Fox Broadcasting has asked a court to put a stop to features on Dish's digital video recorder that let consumers skip commercials because it is hurting its business. Fox is seeking a preliminary injunction against Dish because it is "likely to suffer irreparable harm." Report: TV Ad Campaigns Fail to Reach Audiences Financial Times As much as 75% of TV advertising is viewed by just 20% of its target audience, according to a report by ad targeter Simulmedia. Unilever's $6.3 million TV ad campaign for its Axe body spray was not seen by 60% of the 18 to 24-year-olds it was intended to reach, the report said. TV Guide Updates App for Curation, Social Features Digital Trends TV Guide has released a major update to its iOS app, which includes a listing of sources for watching favorite TV shows offline and online, social features and video curation. The feature known as "Watchlist" saves TV shows and notifies the user of where they can be watched. NBC Affiliate in Utah Declines to Air 'New Normal' Deseret News KSL-TV, an NBC affiliate in Salt Lake City, Utah, will not air "The New Normal," a new sitcom about a single woman's life as a surrogate mother for a gay couple. "For our brand, this program simply feels inappropriate on several dimensions, especially during family viewing time." Fox, Dodgers in Talks on Multi-Billion Dollar TV Deal Reuters News Corp.'s Fox Sports and the Los Angeles Dodgers professional baseball team are said to have begun preliminary talks on a multi-billion dollar deal for cable TV. The deal being discussed is believed to include joint ownership of English- and Spanish-language channels. CNN Seeks Boost with HBO Sports, News Programs New York Times As Time Warner attempts to reinvigorate its 24-hour cable news channel, the company has pushed for CNN to incorporate HBO's sports and documentaries into its lineup of news programs. "We're moving toward doing more original long-form programming on the weekends." MTV Eyes Snooki's Baby for 'Jersey' Appearance Associated Press "Jersey Shore" star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi has given birth to her first child, a boy. In a statement, MTV congratulated Polizzi and looked toward the newborn's possible appearance on the network's hit reality TV show: "We look forward to Lorenzo's first trip to the Jersey Shore." Oprah Ratings Up with Book Club, Celeb Interviews New York Post The book club is back; so are the blockbuster celebrity interviews. Life is looking good again for Oprah Winfrey. Total day viewership for her OWN network has risen from 52,000 in 2011 to 66,000 in the target 25-to-54-year-old women's demographic, according to Nielsen. Dish Network Accused of Violating 'Do Not Call' List Reuters The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is suing Dish Network, accusing the satellite TV provider of violating telemarketing rules by calling millions of customers who had asked not to be contacted by the company. The FTC alleges that Dish has called millions of people since 2007. Cablevision, Dish Blackouts Give Ad Guys Angina New York Post Escalating programming battles are said to be hurting TV ratings, disrupting scheduled commercial time and jacking up advertising rates. The situation is bad enough that some Madison Avenue execs said it threatens to upend the entire pay-TV business model. CNN, Time Magazine Launch App for Conventions min Time Warner has introduced a CNN-Time "Convention Floor Pass" app, a mobile tool that will provide information on the political conventions. The app's offerings include 24/7 breaking news updates and alerts, daily analysis and commentary, and early access to CNN-Time polls. Fox News Reveals Author of Bin Laden Raid Tell-All Fox News The author of an insider account of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden has been identified by Fox News as a 36-year-old former Navy SEAL. The book, "No Easy Day," is set to hit shelves on Sept 11. It is penned under the pseudonym "Mark Owen," according to the publisher. CNN Taps Filmmaker Spurlock for Weekend Series Associated Press Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock is coming to CNN for a new weekend series, "Inside Man," which will take a close look at American life. Spurlock is best known for his Oscar-nominated film "Super Size Me," where he subsisted on only McDonald's food for 30 days. Univision Plans TV Forums with Obama, Romney New York Times Univision's request for a presidential debate may have been rejected, but the Spanish-language network has succeeded in securing both President Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney for "Meet the Candidate" forums. The candidates will participate in separate Q-and-A sessions. Current TV to Share Half of the Screen with Twitter Advertising Age Current TV is handing over half of its screen to Twitter during the conventions. The news channel will pair convention coverage on the left side of the screen with a Twitter feed on the right. "It's hard to compete with the big networks. We need to do something that looks different." Sirius XM Loses Bid to Halt Liberty Media Takeover Bloomberg Sirius XM Radio shareholders have lost a bid to stop Liberty Media from seeking to acquire a controlling stake in the satellite-radio provider after a judge denied their request to block further share purchases. The shareholders' request was deemed "a bit of a stretch." Study: TV Reruns Losing Viewers Amid New Options Los Angeles Times Prime-time network reruns, once a reliable source of ratings and advertising revenue, are losing their appeal as the media landscape becomes more crowded, according to a study by ad agency RPA. Also, the major networks are struggling to hold on to younger viewers. CNN, Facebook Launch 'I'm Voting' App for Users VentureBeat Want to tell all your Facebook friends that you're voting this year? CNN and the social network want to make that easy for you with the new "I'm Voting" Facebook app. The news network plans to use data produced from the app as a sort of "second screen" for its news segments. NBC Prime-Time Viewers Leave as Olympics End Associated Press With the Olympics gone, so are many broadcast TV viewers. No prime-time program exceeded 10 million viewers last week. NBC's "America's Got Talent" was closest, finishing just under that mark. Still, NBC kept the crown as the most-watched network for one more week. ABC: Strahan to Take Chair Held by Regis on 'Live!' Broadcasting & Cable ABC is expected to announce in early September that Michael Strahan, a former defensive star in the NFL, will take over as the cohost of "Live!" alongside Kelly Ripa. Even when he assumes the new role, Strahan is expected to continue in his role with "Fox NFL Sunday." ABC 'This Week' Chief Exits for Pepsi PR Position Politico Jon Banner, executive producer of ABC's "This Week," is leaving the network after more than 25 years to join Pepsi as senior VP of global communications. Senior executive producer Marc Burstein will lead ABC's political coverage until a new executive producer is named. ABC Bumps 'Nightline' for Jimmy Kimmel, More Ads Associated Press "Jimmy Kimmel Live" is moving into the thick of the late-night fight against Jay Leno and David Letterman, ABC said, bumping "Nightline" from its longtime perch. The move aims to take advantage of Kimmel's ratings growth and the potential for greater advertising revenue. Fox Broadcasting Names Reilly Entertainment Chief Reuters Kevin Reilly has been promoted to chairman of entertainment at Fox Broadcasting, the latest move in a shuffle of entertainment execs ahead of News Corp.'s split into two businesses. Reilly will be in charge of programming, scheduling, marketing, research and business affairs. Comcast Said to Help Import Social TV Firm Zeebox TechCrunch U.K.-based social TV startup Zeebox is getting ready for a U.S. launch, and when it does, it will be doing so with a big partner. The company is said to be on the verge of announcing a partnership with Comcast, which will also likely include a strategic investment from the cable provider. NBC Olympics Boost for 'Today' Show Short-Lived Associated Press The audience boost that the London Olympics provided for NBC's "Today" show in its ratings battle with ABC's "Good Morning America" was short-lived. "GMA" beat "Today" in the ratings last week, the week after the Olympics concluded, by an average margin of 162,000 viewers. Univision Makes Key Hire for News Channel with ABC Los Angeles Times Univision has tapped Keith Summa, head of CBS News' investigative unit, to oversee the Spanish broadcaster's partnership with ABC News. Summa will serve as VP of news partnerships, serving as the point person on the news network Univision and ABC News plan to launch. NBC Wins Bidding War for New Michael J. Fox Show New York Times NBC has won the bidding war for a new sitcom starring Michael J. Fox, the actor famous for his roles on "Family Ties" and "Spin City" and for his public battle with Parkinson's disease. The network has had made a 22-episode commitment to the untitled series, slated to debut in fall 2013. Rosie O'Donnell Reveals Heart Attack in Blog Entry Reuters Rosie O'Donnell said she suffered a heart attack last week and had a stent inserted to treat a blocked artery. "I am lucky to be here," the talk show host said in a blog entry on her Rosie.com website. "The Rosie Show" on Oprah Winfrey's cable venture OWN was canceled in March. Comcast's NBC Cuts Target Leno, 'Tonight Show' Deadline A year after NBC employees were greeted with gift boxes on the day the Comcast takeover became official, some of them are getting pink slips. The latest downsizing is at NBC's "The Tonight Show," where 20 staffers lost their jobs and host Jay Leno took a "tremendous" pay cut. Liberty Boosts Sirius XM Stake, Aims for Control Associated Press Liberty Media has boosted its stake in Sirius XM Radio and intends to take control of the satellite radio broadcaster if federal authorities approve. The John Malone-controlled conglomerate bought 94.3 million shares in the past week, raising its stake to 48%. Hulu Owners Consider Future Without CEO Kilar Variety A confidential internal memo regarding the business of Hulu covers many sensitive issues, including a "transition plan" in the event CEO Jason Kilar exits the streaming service. Kilar is due to receive an estimated $100 million from the buyout of co-owner Providence Equity Partners. NBC: Bell Poised for Promotion After the Olympics Reuters Jim Bell, the executive producer who spearheaded NBC's London Olympics coverage and shouldered most of the criticism directed at the network, is said to be poised for a promotion to a larger role. Bell is well-regarded by Steve Burke, the Comcast exec who runs NBCUniversal. CBS Drops Lawsuit Against ABC's 'Glass House' Dow Jones CBS has dropped a lawsuit that alleged Disney's ABC violated copyright law in its new reality show, "The Glass House." CBS had alleged that "Glass House" was a copy of its own reality show, "Big Brother." In a statement, CBS said it reserves the right to refile its claim. Discovery Among Media Seeking Growth in Education New York Times Under pressure to expand, media companies are capitalizing on the changes that technology is bringing to classrooms. Discovery, the cable TV company, is entering the digital textbook market. "Unlike traditional textbook publishers, we're not defending a dying business." Broadcasters Plan Web Streams of the Conventions Wall Street Journal Political conventions this year are coming of age as digital-media events — highlighting the decline of network TV coverage of the gatherings. Major broadcast networks will use the Internet to provide the kind of extensive coverage they long ago abandoned on their airwaves. NBCUniversal Sees Multi-Platform Olympics as a Win Philadelphia Inquirer Despite programming glitches, confusion over venues and schedules, and #nbcfail, the London Olympics are seen as a win for NBCUniversal. Plus, owner Comcast's effort to cross-link content across media platforms may well be the look of the future for big news and entertainment. Dish Network, Sinclair Reach Retransmission Deal Associated Press Sinclair Broadcast Group and Dish Network have reached an agreement in principle on retransmission fees, meaning the satellite TV provider will continue to carry Sinclair's broadcast stations. Sinclair had threatened to block Dish customer access to its stations in 45 U.S. cities. Cablevision Stops Carrying Tribune TV Channels Reuters Cablevision said it has stopped transmitting TV stations owned by Tribune over a carriage fee dispute, in the latest standoff between media companies and providers of cable and satellite TV. According to Cablevision, Tribune is demanding "tens of millions" in new fees. Univision Names NFL, NBC Veteran Ad-Sales Head Adweek Univision ad sales president David Lawenda is leaving the Spanish-language broadcaster. He will be replaced by Keith Turner, most recently SVP of media sales at the NFL. Turner previously was at NBC, where he worked in sports with Randy Falco, who is now Univision's CEO. CNN, Time Magazine Reinstate Zakaria After Charge New York Daily News Fareed Zakaria will return to CNN and continue writing for Time magazine after both outlets announced they will still employ him, despite his admission to plagiarism. Time said the one incident was "unintentional" and CNN said it found nothing to merit continued suspension. Fox News, USA Today Lowest in News 'Believability' Politico For the second time in a decade, the believability ratings for major news organizations are suffering broad-based declines, according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center. Fox News and USA Today are said to be the news outlets with the lowest "believability" ratings. Fox Networks President Steps Down in Shake-Up Reuters David Haslingden is stepping down as president of Fox Networks Group as News Corp. restructures management in its entertainment businesses. Haslingden is the latest exec to move on ahead of a split of News Corp. into separate entertainment and publishing companies. Dish Network Preps Nationwide Satellite Broadband Bloomberg Dish Network is said to be preparing to introduce a nationwide broadband-Internet service using a satellite from sister company EchoStar. The EchoStar 17 satellite, launched into orbit in July, can support download speeds of 15 megabits per second. HBO Unveils Nordic Service After Netflix Offering Hollywood Reporter Time Warner's HBO said it will launch HBO Nordic, a multi-platform video distribution joint venture serving Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. The news comes after video streaming provider and HBO rival Netflix earlier announced its own launch in the same countries. CNN Convention Coverage to Center on CNN Grill Variety Much of CNN's coverage of the U.S. political conventions will center around the CNN Grill, a restaurant and gathering spot to be set up at both the Republican convention in Tampa and the Democratic convention in Charlotte. A studio will be integrated into the grill's facilities. NBC: Olympics Thrill Is Gone Along with Audience New York Times NBC is getting its first taste of the difference between the Olympics and anything else it can offer in prime time: Its audience Monday night dropped about 25 million from the network's Olympic highs. Nonetheless, NBC's performance would be "considered respectable." CBS Turns Eye to Fashion with Bimonthly Magazine WWD Watch, the bimonthly magazine that covers celebrity and style through the eyes of CBS network stars, is working hard to establish its fashion cred. The September issue features "NCIS" actress Cote de Pablo on the cover, shot in Christian Dior at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris. MTV Takes on MySpace with Launch of Artist.MTV Billboard If MySpace isn't going to be the online destination for musicians, maybe MTV is up for the job. MTV is unveiling its long-awaited Artists.MTV platform. Each page streams music and video, contains video and news and has the capability to sell music and merchandise. Fox's Entire Internship Program Under Legal Attack Hollywood Reporter Last fall, two interns who worked on "Black Swan" sued Fox Searchlight, claiming that the company's unpaid internship program violated minimum wage and overtime laws. The plaintiffs now are seeking to file an amended lawsuit that will "broaden the scope of the case." NBC: Olympics Is Most Watched U.S. TV Event Ever Bloomberg The London Olympics drew 219.4 million U.S. viewers, overtaking the 2008 games in Beijing to become the nation's most watched TV event ever, NBC said. Showcasing taped events in prime time "undeniably" helped ratings. The broadcaster may even turn a profit on the games. MTV Spain to Debut Local Version of 'Jersey Shore' World Screen MTV Spain plans to air a local version of the hit U.S. reality show "Jersey Shore," which is being produced by Magnolia as "Gandia Shore." The new adaptation will be filmed in Gandia, a popular beach on the Valencia coast. The show will spotlight eight locally cast young people. Clear Channel to Acquire New York's WOR Radio Crain's New York WOR-AM, New York's oldest radio station, will soon have a new owner. Clear Channel is purchasing the 90-year-old, 50,000-watt talk radio station from Buckley Radio. The acquisition will give Clear Channel a New York flagship for its syndicated programming for the first time. NBC Changes Plans, Streams Closing Event Live Associated Press NBC acknowledged critics in changing its plans to stream the Olympic closing ceremony live online. The ceremony still aired on a tape-delayed basis in prime time. The network has found that streaming Olympic events live online has not cut into its prime-time audience. CNN Turns to Late Night, Reality Shows for Revival New York Post Suffering its worst ratings in 20 years, CNN is going Hollywood. In the past few weeks, the No. 3 cable news channel has started seeking out reality-show ideas and big-name stars not afraid to talk politics. They have even begun working on developing a late-night talk show. Univision Telenovela Enters Top 25 for First Time Bloomberg Univision, the biggest U.S. Spanish-language broadcaster, broke into the top 25 most-watched shows for the first time with "La Que No Podia Amar," drawing viewers not interested in the Olympics. Three episodes of the telenovela ranked among the most-watched prime-time shows. MundoFox Says Adios to Telenovelas at Launch Wall Street Journal News Corp. formally launches its Spanish-language U.S. broadcast network MundoFox on Monday. While rivals Univision and Telemundo have a programming diet heavy on telenovelas, MundoFox aims for a lineup of shows more akin to those on English-language networks. Fox Sues to Shut Down Aereo Copycat BarryDriller GigaOM Broadcasters are in a pitched fight with Aereo over whether the Barry Diller-backed TV-streaming service violates copyrights. Now, Fox is suing an Aereo copycat called BarryDriller.com. The two cases could help define the laws for how we watch TV in coming years. Report: CNN's Rival Is YouTube, Not Fox News Hollywood Reporter CNN is remaking video news online "as thoroughly as it remade broadcast TV news into 24-hour cable three decades ago," according to TV monitor Andrew Tyndall. "CNN's lack of ideological turf helps it online, where content is key. CNN's future rival is YouTube, not Fox News." Fox Hopes Twitter Will Make 'Mindy' Sitcom a Hit Fast Company Fox is betting that Mindy Kaling's online popularity will translate to viewership for her new sitcom, "The Mindy Project." Kaling boasts some 1.8 million followers on Twitter, where 76% of her tweets include an @mention. "Comedy writers do well" on Twitter, Kaling said. Netflix in Talks with Revolution for Original Show Fast Company Revolution Studios, one of the studios behind the Charlie Sheen sitcom "Anger Management," is in talks to produce an original show for Netflix, according to studio founder Joe Roth. Netflix will become competitive with TV networks when it releases "House of Cards," Roth said. Yahoo CEO Mulls Acquisitions in Strategy Review CNET News Yahoo new CEO Marissa Mayer said she might restructure the business and, as a result, might not return to shareholders the billions in proceeds it expects from the sale of the company's stake in Alibaba Group. Instead, Yahoo hints that it might use the money to make acquisitions. Twitter Exec Eyed for 'Big Media' Role at Yahoo AllThingsD Yahoo is said to be trying to recruit Katie Jacobs Stanton, Twitter's head of international markets, to take a major job on the media side of the Internet giant. Stanton was the key driving force in creating Yahoo Finance, when she worked at the company from 1999 to 2002. Google Agrees to Pay $22.5 Million Privacy Fine Associated Press Google is paying a record $22.5 million fine to settle allegations that it broke a privacy promise by secretly tracking millions of web surfers who use Apple's Safari browser. The Internet giant isn't admitting any wrongdoing in its settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. Dish Network: Dropping AMC Good for Bottom Line Denver Business Fans of "Mad Men" or "Breaking Bad" who subscribe to Dish Network might want to stop hoping the AMC channel will come back into the satellite broadcaster's channel lineup. Dropping AMC and three sister channels is good for Dish's bottom line, according to chief Charlie Ergen. HBO Go Adds Original Series to Digital Platform Variety As HBO subscribers embrace the premium cable channel's digital platform, HBO Go has quietly added original series to its programing mix. Four comedies originally pitched as TV series from the likes of Zach Galifianakis and Mike White are being re-developed for HBO Go. NBC Olympics Site Surpasses 1 Billion Page Views Associated Press The NBC Olympics website has surpassed 1 billion page views, doing it in about half the time it took to reach that milestone in Beijing four years ago, the network said. Also, Pew Research Center found that 17% of study respondents had watched some of the games online. CBS Sitcom Star Kutcher Among TV's Highest Paid TV Guide Networks and studios have continued to take a hard line on holding down salaries, based on TV Guide's annual pay survey. Still, Ashton Kutcher, of CBS' "Two and a Half Men," is paid $700,000 per episode. Matt Lauer, co-host of NBC's "Today," takes home $21.5 million per year. MSNBC Anchor Roberts Plans Same-Sex Nuptials New York Observer MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts, who said he was the first cable news anchor to come out as gay, is about to become the first cable news anchor to get married to someone of the same sex. Roberts believes that his September wedding is unlikely to hurt his career at MSNBC. Current TV: Gore to Anchor Convention Coverage The Hill Al Gore, the former U.S. vice president, plans to lead the political convention coverage for Current TV. Gore heads up the cable station, along with businessman Joel Hyatt. The 2000 Democratic presidential nominee will be joined on-air by a mix of Current TV personalities. NBC Sees Mobile as Big Winner in Olympics Viewing Financial Times The mobile phone is emerging as a winner in the Olympics, with more and more stats to show that this is how vast numbers of people are finding out about the games. Some 45% of NBC's online video streams of the games are being delivered to smart phones and tablets. Sirius XM's Karmazin: I'm Open to Working for Malone Forbes Did Mel Karmazin signal a ceasefire in his war of words with John Malone? The Sirius XM CEO and the Liberty Media chairman have been dueling for months, with Malone maneuvering to leverage Liberty's 46% stake in the satellite radio provider into operating control. Cablevision Preps Onyx Guide, WiFi Service on Trains Fierce Cable Cablevision plans to launch an interactive program guide called Onyx later this year that CEO Jim Dolan compares to the interfaces used by Netflix and other Internet video providers. Also, the company hopes to begin offering WiFi service on commuter trains by the end of the year. Time Warner Cable, Fox News Strike Carriage Deal Los Angeles Times Time Warner Cable and Fox News have struck a new long-term affiliation agreement. While terms of the deal were not disclosed, people familiar with the talks said Fox News was able to extract a major increase in the fee Time Warner Cable will pay to carry the popular channel. Fox News Hosts Speak Out for Same-Sex Marriage BuzzFeed Fractures in conservative opposition to gay rights are widening to include the Fox News Channel, where a cadre of younger voices are beginning to defend same-sex marriage. The Republican party is "on the wrong side of history," according to Fox News host Shepard Smith. CNN Records 20-Year Weekly Low in Prime Time Deadline Prime time is not good news for CNN lately. Amidst having its least watched month in prime time in two decades in May and the lowest rated month in total viewers in 10-years in April, CNN is now hitting a 20-year all time prime time weekly low, reported the week of July 30 to Aug. 5. MTV Preps Fantasy Election Game for Young Voters TechCrunch MTV is launching a fantasy football-style election game aimed at baiting young citizens into becoming civically active. In "Fantasy Election," users compete for glory and prizes over who can predict which politicians will be popular in the polls, engaging in social media and more. NBC: Olympics Fans on Web Sneak Around Delay Associated Press Even though NBC is streaming every Olympic event live online, some Americans still aren't satisfied. A number of fans have set up virtual private networks to bypass NBC's broadcast One fan prefers the BBC's coverage, which is devoid of "NBC's dumb commentary." Viacom's MTV Extends Brand Into Music Tourism Bloomberg Manchester, England aims to lure concertgoers by teaming with MTV to host a free concert. MTV will bring the stars and film the event to screen via online, mobile and pay TV. MTV already has brought Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Snoop Dogg to concerts in Malta, Malaysia and Mexico. Comcast's El Rey Network for Latinos Names CEO New York Times Antionette Alfonso Zel has been named CEO of El Rey, the English-language cable TV network aimed at Latinos. Zel previously ran the indie advertising agency La Comunidad. El Rey was created as part of conditions mandated for Comcast to take control of NBC Universal. NBC: Osbourne to Exit 'Talent' in Dispute Over Son New York Post Sharon Osbourne is quitting "America's Got Talent" after a dispute with NBC involving her son. The long-time TV judge said she is upset over how the network's new reality TV series "Stars Earn Stripes" cut ties with her son Jack after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. CBS' Moonves Hailed as 'Super Genius' by Redstone CNBC CBS chief Sumner Redstone is praising CEO Les Moonves as a "super genius" as the company reports a rise in digital dollars and other new revenue streams. Moonves points to the impact of deals with Amazon, Netflix and Hulu. "We continue to increase the ways we get paid." Viacom Preps New Projects to Revive Nickelodeon New York Times Viacom plans to develop a dozen new TV series and movies for its struggling Nickelodeon channel. Ratings softness, mostly at Nickelodeon, led to a 7% drop in domestic advertising revenue in the most recent quarter. "We are aggressively investing to create new hits." Comcast, Time Warner Cable Shift Emphasis from TV Wall Street Journal Time Warner Cable CEO Glenn Britt and Comcast CEO Brian Roberts separately said they see Google's nascent one-gigabit communications network in Kansas City as a "laboratory" for encouraging new Internet services that will drive the adoption of faster broadband tiers. NBC Undercuts Assumptions Over Olympics Delay Associated Press NBC research is finding that people who know the results of Olympic events before they are shown on tape delay are more — not less — likely to watch them. The network has been criticized for not providing live coverage of Olympic events so they can be aired later in prime time. CBS Claims Benefits from Change to Business Model Bloomberg CBS is countering a drop in advertising revenue with higher affiliate and subscription fees. The TV network "is benefiting from the steps we've taken to improve our business model," said CEO Les Moonves. Also, CBS is open to offers for its TV stations outside the top U.S. markets. NBC Offers Peek of Future Olympics Business Model Reuters NBC briefly tore down the digital wall protecting its Olympics coverage and permitted consumers without a pay-TV subscription to watch live online a much-anticipated race with U.S. swimmers Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. NBC said it aims to "mix innovation and tradition." ABC Objects to NBC's Fallon as Host of 2013 Oscars Los Angeles Times Comedian Jimmy Fallon is said to be in talks to host the Oscars in February, with "Saturday Night Live" veteran Lorne Michaels producing. But ABC has raised objections to having the late-night star from rival NBC play emcee on its Oscar broadcast, even though it has no veto authority. NBC Hires ABC's Bader as Program Planning Chief Los Angeles Business NBC Entertainment is naming former top ABC exec Jeff Bader to the newly created position of president of program planning, strategy and research. Bader will be responsible for overseeing program planning for NBC's primetime, daytime and late-night programming. DirecTV, Time Warner See Americans Drop Pay-TV Reuters High unemployment and other factors are contributing to more than 400,000 U.S. homes dropping their cable or satellite TV service since the start of the year. DirecTV is reporting its first customer loss of 52,000; Time Warner Cable said it has lost 169,000 video customers. Comcast, Verizon Near Agreement on 'Quad Play' New York Post A Comcast-led group of cable companies is said to be close to reaching an agreement with U.S. regulators on a controversial joint deal to market Verizon's cellular service as part of a "quad play" that also includes cable, high-speed Internet and Internet phone service. Tribune's WPIX Triumphs in Age-Discrimination Suit New York Post WPIX, Channel 11 in New York, has beat back age-discrimination claims from former news director Karen Scott, who said she was fired as part of a scheme to oust older workers. The station said it fired Scott because of sagging ratings that cost it millions of dollars in ad revenues. NBC to Break Even, Not Lose Money on Olympics Associated Press NBC is set to "break even" on its Olympics coverage, rather than lose money as previously expected. NBC paid $1.2 billion for the U.S. rights to show the games on TV and online. It has said that it sold more than $1 billion in ads. "We are way ahead of where we thought we'd be." CBS to Launch Channels in Europe, Middle East World Screen CBS and Chellomedia are entering a deal to roll out CBS-branded channels in 83 territories across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Chellomedia channels will be rebranded as CBS Reality, CBS Drama and CBS Action. "This is a terrific international business opportunity." Oprah's OWN Preps La Toya Jackson Reality Series Variety OWN has ordered a reality series centering on singer La Toya Jackson. Titled "Life With La Toya," the show will give viewers an up close look at Jackson's lifestyle "as she juggles the many demands of her famous family and dealing with a growing entertainment business empire." Current TV: Fugelsang to Host Political Program UPI Comedian John Fugelsang is developing and will serve as host of a new prime time show for Current TV. Fugelsang has served as guest host for several Current TV programs. "We at Current are eager to bring John's unique perspective on politics and the world to prime time." Kutcher Bringing 'Punk'd'-Like Series to the Web The Wrap The guys who brought the world "Punk'd" are bringing their hidden cameras to the Internet. Katalyst Network, the production outfit co-founded by Ashton Kutcher, is teaming up with virtual media company Machinima to produce "Prank Lab" -- "a celebration of sophomoric humor." YouTube Selects 10 Shorts Films for Venice Fest Associated Press YouTube's inaugural film festival has selected 10 short films that it will send to the Venice Film Festival, where they will be screened Sept. 2. The video site's contest was overseen by director Ridley Scott, whose production firm helped winnow the 15,000 submissions down to 10. Netflix Traffic Zapped by Streaming of Olympics Variety Netflix may not have been paranoid after all about the threat posed by the Olympics to its streaming business. U.S. streaming activity for the company dropped 25% on Sunday from "normal levels," according to research from Procera Networks, a broadband network tech provider. FTC Wants to Extend Rules on Child Online Privacy Associated Press Federal regulators want to update rules aimed at protecting children's online privacy to account for newer developments such as Facebook and mobile games. The proposed new rules extend the parental-consent requirement to third-party ad networks and so-called plug-ins. Facebook Mobile Use Jumps as U.S. Growth Slows San Jose Business Facebook's quarterly filing with regulators reveals why it is so important that the social network figure out how to make money on mobile users. The number of people who only access Facebook through a mobile device jumped by 23% to 102 million in the most recent quarter. Twitter Political Index Launches for U.S. Election AFP Twitter is launching a political index aimed at gauging the U.S. presidential race by analyzing daily tweets. In the first release, the index gave Barack Obama a score of 34 while Mitt Romney won 25. "Imagine getting a glimpse into election conversations happening every day." Hulu Pushes Further Into Branded Entertainment Adweek Ford and Schick are sponsoring the second installation of "Dating Rules," a web video series by Alloy Entertainment that is making its debut on Hulu. Episodes of series, running twice a week on Hulu through Aug. 20, will integrate products from both Ford and Schick. AOL Eyes Triple-Pronged Approach to Online Video Streaming Media Video is becoming central to AOL, as IP-based video grows in importance to home viewers and the line between broadcast and online content blurs. The secret to AOL's success isn't in one bold online move, but in three: branded entertainment, HuffPost Live and AOL On. NBC Spoils a Golden Ending with Promo for 'Today' New York Times NBC, which has endured criticism online for its decision not to broadcast Olympic events live, mistakenly showed a preview of a "Today" show segment new gold medalist Missy Franklin and her winning sprint in the 100 meter backstroke before televising the actual race. ABC News Launches Digital Video Series for Vets Press Release ABC News will launch a weekly video series on its website to spotlight the challenges U.S. veterans face finding jobs. The series, hosted by ABC News' Bob Woodruff, will pair veterans with famous mentors, such as George Lucas, Michael Bloomberg and Reid Hoffman. CBS Eyes Reboot of Sitcom Classic 'Brady Bunch' Deadline CBS is developing a new take on the cult comedy "The Brady Bunch," co-developed and executive produced by actor Vince Vaughn. CBS TV Studios, which holds the rights to the original series, has three reboots currently on the air, including "Hawaii Five-0" and "90210." Oprah's OWN Set to Turn First Profit by Late 2013 New York Post Oprah Winfrey's struggling cable network, OWN, could turn a profit by the "back half" of 2013, according to Discovery officials. Discovery and Winfrey are partners in the network, which has proven to be a ratings disappointment since launching to great fanfare in January 2011. Warner Bros to Overhaul 'Anderson' Talk Show Broadcasting & Cable Anderson Cooper's "Anderson" is getting a makeover, including changing its name to "Anderson Live." "Being live plays to Anderson's strengths." The talk show also is moving from the Time Warner Center to a new permanent set at the CBS Broadcast Center in Manhattan. NBC Eyes Kotb to Aid 'Today's' Olympics Coverage Daily News NBC is said to have dispatched Hoda Kotb to London to take part in the "Today" show's Olympics coverage because audiences "weren't digging" co-host Savannah Guthrie. A pre-Olympics broadcast fell short in the ratings against rival "Good Morning America" on ABC. Bravo 'Real' Ticked by Reality TV Star's Video Blog Daily News Alex McCord, an ousted "Real Housewives of New York City" star who was on the hit reality show from its start until season four, has been video-blogging insider information on RumorFix.com. Bravo is said to be unhappy about the reports and has asked McCord to "put a lid on it." ABC Pulls Fred Willard Improv Show After Arrest Associated Press Fred Willard's improv series is a wipeout with ABC. The network is pulling the last two original episodes of "Trust Us With Your Life," a move that comes two weeks after Willard's conduct arrest at an adult movie theater. Reruns of ABC's "Wipeout" will replace the Tuesday show. CW Bringing Online Hit Musical 'Dr Horrible' to TV Associated Press Dr. Horrible is coming to television. The CW network said the 2008 online hit "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" will air as an hour-long special in October. The musical stars Neil Patrick Harris as Billy, aka Dr. Horrible, an inept would-be villain seeking world domination. ABC, Univision Seal Deal on Joint News Channel Politico ABC News and Univision News have officially closed the deal on their new joint 24-hour news channel. The two networks officially announced the channel in May. ABC and Univision will now charge ahead to create the first 24-hour, English-language channel for U.S. Hispanics. Oprah Interview Proposal Rejected by OJ Simpson Daily News Note to Oprah: O.J. Simpson isn't a fan. Oprah Winfrey is said to have approached Simpson to do an interview for her OWN network. However, Simpson, currently in prison, "feels like she's partially responsible for him being in jail now." Simpson "doesn't like Oprah." Ricki Lake to Start Her Own Online Social Network Advertising Age Ricki Lake returns to the airwaves Sept. 10 after an eight-year-absence, and her TV show won't be the only thing being updated. The syndicated talk program will also try to rework the way daytime programmers keep up with viewers by launching its own social network. NBC: Record TV Audience Amid Twitter Backlash Reuters NBC has announced record audiences for its prime-time TV coverage of the London Olympics, even as the Twitterverse erupted in complaints about delays in broadcasting key competitions and its online streaming efforts: "I can't stream because your website is broken." NBC Cuts Olympics Tribute to Terrorist Victims Huffington Post NBC has come under fire for editing out a performance during the Olympics opening ceremony that was seen a tribute to victims of the "7/7" terrorist attacks that rocked London in 2005. NBC Sports responded in a statement: "Our program is tailored for the U.S. television audience." Fox Sports Innovative CEO Hill Quietly Departs Deadspin David Hill, the "Roger Ailes of Fox Sports," has announced that he is stepping down at the network. Hill ran Fox Sports since its creation in 1993, and the news of his departure sent sports media geeks into a tizzy: "It's an understatement to say he changed sports TV." CNN Overhaul Sought After Exit of Chief Walton The Wrap The removal of Jim Walton as president of CNN Worldwide is said to have been in the works for a couple of months. A plan had "emerged" at parent Time Warner for Walton to be replaced after the November election. "It seems that Walton took their signals and leaped." Fox News, MSNBC Viewers See World Differently Boston Herald The cable news channel people watch has become a bona fide indicator of what they think about major issues, according to a McClatchy-Marist poll. MSNBC viewers are more likely to be willing to pay more taxes; Fox News viewers are more likely to think the poor should pay more. CBS to Send Text Alerts When NFL Delays Shows Bloomberg CBS said it will use text messages and send notifications via Facebook and Twitter to alert viewers when its shows are delayed by Sunday football games that are running long. "We will do everything possible to let the audience know when our shows will be on later." ESPN, HBO, Turner in Talks on Google Fiber TV Multichannel News ESPN, HBO, Fox and other channels are in talks about carriage on the IPTV service Google is launching in Kansas City, the companies have confirmed. Without a full suite of cable channels, Google is seen as unlikely to get TV viewers to switch from traditional cable. MTV Former CEO to Advise Online Music Startup World Screen Judy McGrath, a former CEO of MTV Networks, has been named an advisor to BalconyTV, an online music network that started as a show on YouTube. BalconyTV recently secured institutional funding from Polaris Venture Partners, Lerer Ventures and Greycroft Partners. Clear Channel CEO Expects Big Sales ... in Tequila Crain's New York Bob Pittman, CEO of Clear Channel, also co-owns the ultra-premium tequila brand Casa Dragones, which is on track to double its sales this year to more than $6 million. The brand is winning applause from the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, Bobby Flay and Eric Ripert. CNN Chief Resigns Amid Poorest Ratings Ever Associated Press Jim Walton, the longtime president of CNN Worldwide, plans to leave the company at year-end, saying the news organization needs "a different perspective and a new plan." CNN's flagship U.S. network is entrenched in third place in ratings behind rivals Fox News and MSNBC. NBC Questioned Over Olympics News Coverage Washington Post NBC News has deployed a journalistic force of some 450 people to cover the Olympic Games in London. Critics suggest that much of the coverage is driven by corporate synergy, in which the news division generates stories to heighten interest in NBC's Olympic telecasts. Comcast Plans Big Campaign to Explain Xfinity Wall Street Journal Comcast is launching a marketing campaign costing at least $170 million, aimed at improving consumer understanding of Xfinity, the company's umbrella of TV, phone and Internet services. TV ads will air during the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games. CBS Names O'Donnell Co-Host of Morning Show New York Times CBS has shuffled the deck of "CBS This Morning," replacing Erica Hill with Norah O'Donnell, the network's chief White House correspondent. The casting change came as a surprise to staff members, the network's latest effort to create a competitive morning program. ABC News Defends Colorado Shooting Coverage Reuters ABC News head Ben Sherwood has defended the network's response to an incorrect report suggesting the accused gunman in the Colorado movie theater shootings was linked to the U.S. Tea Party. The report was "an obvious clear error we corrected immediately." WGBH Boston Buys Public Radio International Boston Herald Public Radio International has been acquired by Boston's WGBH. "Recognizing the tremendous changes and opportunities occurring in media, PRI and WGBH are responding to the imperative for public media to find new and innovative ways to work more effectively." NBC Surpasses $1 Billion in Olympics Ad Sales Associated Press NBC said it has topped the $1 billion mark in advertising sales for the Olympic Games beginning this week in London. That tops the $850 million in ad sales for the Beijing games in 2008 and is the biggest advertising haul ever for an Olympics, according to the network. Comedy Central Re-Ups with Stars Stewart, Colbert EW Comedy Central's late-night political-satire duo will stick around at least through the next midterm elections. According to a statement released by the cable network, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert have both extended their contracts with Comedy Central for the next couple of years. MTV's 'House of Style' to Return as Web Series Advertising Age MTV is reviving its fashion series "House of Style" as a digital show, as the cable network aims to reach viewers not only as they watch a TV show, but in the periods of time between episodes. "House of Style" will appear in digital segments based in MTV's style blog. Dish Network Alters AutoHop Amid Legal Battle Variety Dish Network has made software upgrades to its DVRs embedded with the controversial AutoHop feature, raising speculation that the satellite outfit is trying to bolster its legal positioning against broadcasters' efforts to sue the controversial technology out of existence. Sirius XM Preps Twitter-Powered Politics Show HyperVocal Sirius XM Radio on Monday will launch "Politics Powered by Twitter," a live, daily hour-long show covering politics as presented daily via Twitter. The new show will offer a "brand new radio format that reports to listeners exclusively what politics are being talked about on Twitter." NBC, Storify Team for Real-Time Olympics Coverage TechCrunch NBC is linking up with Storify, the social-media "story creator," to put streams of real-time Olympic content, curated by NBC journalists, across Today.com and NBC's 10 owned TV station websites. NBC said that this is the "biggest thing" it has ever attempted with social media. ABC 'Modern Family' Cast Sues Over Contracts USA Today Nobody is laughing on the set of ABC's "Modern Family," as a contract dispute is jeopardizing the start of the fourth season of the hit comedy. Five of the show's actors, all Emmy-nominated, have filed suit in California in a legal maneuver aimed at boosting their salaries. Tennis Channel Scores in Dispute with Comcast Los Angeles Times The Federal Communications Commission has served up an ace for the Tennis Channel, ruling that Comcast had discriminated against the indie sports channel, ending a three-year legal dispute. Comcast must now add the Tennis Channel to an additional 18 million households. Discovery Veteran Liguori to Consult for Carlyle Wall Street Journal Private-equity firm Carlyle Group has added a big name in media, hiring long-time industry exec Peter Liguori as a consultant. Liguori was most recently COO at Discovery, where he helped launch the Oprah Winfrey Network. He previously held several top positions at Fox. Senator: TV Market Broken as Viewers Pay More Bloomberg Consumer TV bills keep climbing and blackouts of popular programs have become common, showing that marketplace rules set in the 1990s may need to be changed, said U.S. senator Jay Rockefeller, speaking at a hearing on cable regulation. "The market isn't working." HBO Nixes Possibility of Partnership with Netflix Reuters Netflix CEO Reed Hastings raised the possibility that his video rental company could partner with HBO, with which his firm has jostled in the past. But the pay-TV channel is pouring cold water on the idea: "We are not in discussions and have no plans to work with Netflix." Fox Networks Promotes Peter Rice to Chairman, CEO Dow Jones News Corp. is promoting Fox Networks exec Peter Rice to group chairman and CEO, a move that comes a month after the company unveiled plans to split its entertainment business from its publishing business. Rice will play a bigger role in the entertainment company. Time Warner Cable May Drop Meredith TV Stations Deadline Time Warner Cable on Wednesday could lose the CBS and MyNetworkTV affiliates in Kansas City, an NBC station in Nashville, and a CBS outlet in Springfield, Mass. The script will be familiar to anyone who has followed the recent numerous retransmission consent fights. NBC Delays London Olympics Opening Ceremony Wall Street Journal NBC is winning kudos for its decision to show nearly every Olympics event live, either online or on TV. But the network plans to wait until prime time on both Eastern and Pacific time Friday to show the opening ceremony. Live streaming the event "was never our intent." CNBC to Develop Its First Slate of Reality Shows Deadline Aiming to find "new ways to attract a broader viewership," CNBC is expanding its portfolio with the announcement of seven unscripted projects in development. They include an antiques detective probing art forgeries and a "life-changing" competition that awards a franchise. Fox's 'American Idol' Taps Mariah Carey as Judge New York Times The Fox network is entering a deal with Mariah Carey, the multiplatinum pop singer, to bring her to TV as a judge on the next season of "American Idol." Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler have reached mutual agreements with Fox to end their participation in the hit show. Twitter, NBC Enter Partnership for the Olympics Wall Street Journal Twitter plans to open an Olympics hub, in partnership with NBCUniversal, which will be one of the first times the company serves as an official narrator for a live event. With the partnership, Twitter hopes to use the Olympics as a launch pad into a more sustainable business. Viacom, DirecTV Resolve Dispute, Ending Blackout Associated Press DirecTV and Viacom have settled a fee dispute that will bring shows featuring Sponge Bob and Jon Stewart back to the satellite-TV service's subscribers. Seventeen Viacom channels had not been accessible on DirecTV since July 10. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Hearst, Time Warner Cable End TV-Station Blackout Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Hearst and Time Warner Cable have reached an agreement in a carriage fee dispute that kept 13 local TV stations off the cable service for the past week. In a statement, Time Warner seemed to suggest Hearst was responsible for the "unnecessary broadcaster blackout." NBCUniversal Names Chief for Combined News Units New York Times NBC News and cable news channels MSNBC and CNBC will be brought under a new corporate umbrella, the NBCUniversal News Group, and a new boss, Patricia Fili-Krushel. NBC News head Steve Capus said he wants to "enhance collaboration" between NBC's news brands. Sinclair to Acquire Six TV Stations Amid Buying Binge Baltimore Sun Sinclair Broadcast Group has announced an agreement to buy six TV stations from Kansas City, Mo.-based Newport Television for $412.5 million. Sinclair has been on an acquisition binge in the past year, purchasing 23 stations representing nearly $1 billion in assets. AMC's 'Mad Men' Poised to Make Emmy Award History Washington Post AMC's tony Madison Avenue period piece "Mad Men" moved one step closer to making Emmy history as the most honored drama series on when it bagged a leading 17 nominations. "Mad Men's" 17 noms tied the tally of FX's haunted house nightmare "American Horror Story." Dish Lost 10,000 Net Subscribers in Second Quarter Bloomberg Dish Network, the second-largest U.S. satellite-TV operator, lost about 10,000 subscribers in the second quarter, fewer than some analysts' estimates. Dish added 665,000 new subscribers in the quarter. The results "should ease investor fears about Dish's core business." Viacom Says DirecTV Talks Are Now at 'Impasse' Bloomberg Viacom, owner of MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central, said contract talks with DirecTV have stalled. "I don't see any end to this blackout." DirecTV, meanwhile, claims Viacom "insists that we carry the Epix channel at an additional cost of more than half a billion dollars." Hearst, Time Warner Cable Negotiations Continue Deadline Hearst said its negotiations to resolve the contract dispute over carriage fees with Time Warner Cable "is ripe for settlement." Hearst TV stations in 13 communities went dark on the cable company's systems last week. Time Warner Cable, however, said: "Negotiations are ongoing." Time Warner Cable Slams 'Huge' Programmer Fees Dow Jones Time Warner Cable has issued a stern warning to TV programmers, arguing against "huge price increases," as disputes have forced new blackouts. Recently, Time Warner Cable allowed 15 Hearst TV stations to go dark. "Consumers are tired of these disputes. So are we." Hulu Hosts Larry King's Online Interview Program New York Times Larry King's new interview program on the Internet, announced earlier this year, has found a home on Hulu. "Larry King Now's" first interview, with Seth MacFarlane, is now on the video streaming site. Interviews with Meghan McCain and Matthew McConaughey are coming. TiVo to Buy Tracker of TV Viewer Shopping Habits New York Times TiVo is expected to announce that it has acquired full ownership in TRA, a research company that has found success in recent years with a system that matches up TV viewing with consumer buying habits. TiVo will spend about $20 million to buy out other investors in TRA. Disney's ESPN to Pay $80M a Year for Rose Bowl SportsBusinessDaily ESPN is said to have agreed to pay an average of $80 million a year for the Rose Bowl, which could push the price tag for the playoffs media rights as high as $600 million for an all-in package. The new fee represents a 167% jump from the $30 million the network currently pays. Viacom Ends Web Ban for Stewart, Colbert Shows AllThingsD Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are back online. Viacom and DirecTV are still fighting over subscription fees, so it is unclear what prompted the media giant to change its mind about the web ban of its programming it instituted last week, or whether it will apply to other shows as well. Comcast to Bring Scripps Networks Shows Online TechCrunch Comcast wants to make all its content available online, and has been hard at work striking deals with content partners to bring their shows to its Xfinity website, mobile and TV apps. The latest deal, with Scripps Networks, will add more programming to those platforms. Time Warner, Comcast's TV Everywhere a 'Failure' Los Angeles Times The pay-TV industry is divided over how best to implement TV Everywhere, an initiative led by Comcast and Time Warner to let subscribers watch content online from PCs, phones or tablets. "It's simply a mess," said BTIG analyst Rich Greenfield. "A complete failure." NBCUniversal Drops Plan to Become a Home Builder Variety After months of gathering feedback from residents and local officials to its 20-year-plan to update a 391-acre property in Universal City, NBCUniversal will not move forward with a proposed housing project that would have involved the construction of nearly 3,000 homes. Oprah Opens Up About Struggles with OWN Network ABC News It's been more than a year since Oprah Winfrey launched her OWN TV network. The former queen of daytime talk is opening up about her tumultuous past year: "I did not expect the velocity of schadenfreude -- meaning people sort of lying in wait for you to fail." Dick Clark Productions Eyed by Private Equity Firms New York Post Todd Morley's G2 Investment Group is joining the bidding for Dick Clark Productions. Morley, a co-founder of Guggenheim Partners before setting up his own shop in 2009, is drafting former Conde Nast sales chief Richard "Mad Dog" Beckman to run DCP if he wins the bidding battle. Telemundo, iVillage Team to Target Hispanics Online Adweek iVillage is going hard after the exploding Hispanic-American web audience. The NBCUniversal-owned women's lifestyle site is joining forces with corporate sibling Telemundo to launch iVillage Mujer de Hoy. The new Hispanic-female-aimed site will live on Telemundo.com. CW to Broadcast 'Sing-Along Blog' Internet Show Hollywood Reporter "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," the three-part web series created by Joss Whedon, will air on the youth-skewing CW network, the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" creator announced at Comic-Con. The musical starring Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day will run this fall. NBC Rewrites Olympic Playbook In Age of Twitter Wall Street Journal NBC will make every event of the 2012 Olympics Games available live online for cable and satellite subscribers. The network is gambling it will still draw enough viewers to its taped replays during evening prime-time broadcasts, when big advertisers have bought commercial time. CBS Mulled Outsourcing News to CNN, Exec Says New York Post During the Katie Couric years, CBS "discussed" the idea of outsourcing the evening news to CNN to save money, according to Paul Friedman, the former No. 2 exec at CBS News. A network could "get around the union barriers by licensing CNN to produce an evening newscast." Fox's 'American Idol' to Add Aretha as a Judge? Reuters Aretha Franklin said she is interested in joining "American Idol" as a judge, just days after Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler declared they have ended their judging roles on the Fox show. "Idol" remains the most-watched U.S. TV show contest but has seen its ratings slump. Time Warner Cable Paying for Tips About Google GigaOM Time Warner Cable, one of the ISPs providing broadband access in Kansas City, is seeking details on Google's fiber-to-the-home deployment in the city, and is willing to pay for tips. The company is distributing posters saying it will pay $50 for information about Google. Viacom-DirecTV Dispute Boosts Disney Junior Bloomberg DirecTV's 20 million customers, following the loss of Nickelodeon kids' programming because of the satellite-TV provider's dispute with Viacom, will begin receiving the 24-hour Disney Junior channel. Disney Junior will be permanently added to DirecTV's lineup as a basic channel. Liberty's Malone Aims to Spin Off Sirius XM Radio Bloomberg John Malone said his effort to take control of Sirius XM Radio will eventually lead to a spinoff of the satellite-radio company. Malone's Liberty Media announced plans six weeks ago to assert control of Sirius after receiving approval from the Federal Communications Commission. Clear Channel, Yahoo in Digital Radio Partnership CNET Yahoo is teaming up with radio giant Clear Channel on a distribution and cross-promotional deal, expanding on its strategy of striking content-sharing deals with traditional media brands. Yahoo will use Clear Channel's iHeartRadio platform as its official digital radio service. Shine: Murdoch Daughter Drops Role as Chief Exec Telegraph Elisabeth Murdoch is stepping down as CEO of Shine Group to focus on her role as chairman of the TV production firm. She will be replaced in the executive role by COO Alex Mahon. "The continued growth of the company requires the roles to be distinct and separate," she said. NBC 'Today' Co-Host Curry Exits with New Deal USA Today Ann Curry's voice chokes when she talks about saying goodbye on NBC's "Today" show, years earlier than she had hoped. "I don't know who has been behind the leaks, but no question they've hurt deeply." Curry's new multiyear deal with NBC has her leading a seven-person unit. CNN Identity Crisis Strikes a Blow to Staff Morale Politico A lack of an editorial strategy has led to a decline in programming quality at CNN, according to some employees, denting the brand and causing embarrassment for Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes, who has reportedly called on network top brass to find a solution to the problem. Dish Network, Netflix Testify on Future of Video World Screen Dish Network chief Charlie Ergen and Netflix's David Hyman were among the media execs testifying in front of U.S. lawmakers in a hearing on "The Future of Video." Dish's new ad-skipping technology, Ergen said, allows kids to bypass commercials for "junk food and alcohol." HBO Go Streaming App Arrives on the Kindle Fire Multichannel News Time Warner Cable customers will soon be able to access HBO Go content on Amazon's Kindle Fire, three weeks after the programmer launched the app. Bright House and Insight subscribers with HBO subscriptions also will be able to access HBO Go on the device. Sirius XM, Shock Jock Stern Coming to Google TV Reuters Google will be getting help from shock jock Howard Stern to revive its Internet TV software, which has languished since its debut 19 months ago. Sirius XM will make all of its programming available on Google TV, including Stern's shows and live sports through a new app. Oprah Taps Video Startup Vyou for Book Club 2.0 New York Observer Vyou, the New York-based Q&A platform, has a very familiar face on its new service: Oprah Winfrey. The former daytime diva is using Vyou's video platform to enrich the recently-rebooted Oprah's Book Club 2.0. Said Winfrey: "I just love the digital world." NBC Offers Guthrie 'Today' Position as Curry Exits Hollywood Reporter Ann Curry is said to be staying at NBC News, as network execs hammer out a "substantial" role for her as she is set to exit as co-host of "Today." Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie, who co-hosts "Today's" 9 a.m. hour, has been offered a promotion to the main broadcast. CBS Says Super Bowl Ads Already 80 Percent Sold Sports Business Daily CBS has sold 80% of the Super Bowl's game advertising inventory and is moving into the summer with a handful of spots left to sell. The network is asking a record-high $3.8 million per 30-second spot for the game, which has set viewership records for the past three years. Dish Network Chief Seeks TV-Network Rule Reform Denver Business Dish Network chairman Charlie Ergen will argue that rules for broadcast TV networks need to be overhauled when he testifies before a congressional subcommittee Wednesday on the "Future of Video." Ergen has publicly fought the rising cost of TV programming. Turner Sports, PGA Tour to Digitally Part Ways Adweek After six years, Turner Sports and the PGA Tour will move separate ways and end their digital partnership. Both sides stressed that the partnership's close is the result of separately evolving digital strategies. The split marks the third such digital breakup for Turner this year. ABC Former News President Gives 'Exit Interview' The Hill In his new book "Exit Interview," David Westin recounts his 14 years as president of ABC News. Westin describes his time during major news events between 1997 and 2010, including the death of Princess Diana, the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Tennis Channel: FCC Ruling May Serve Up a Sale New York Post The Tennis Channel could be on the block by the end of the year if U.S. regulators agree to extend its distribution. A positive decision in the matter, now pending, would boost the value of the independent niche cable network — and tilt its owners' minds toward a sale. DirecTV, Dish Receive Justice Department Requests Bloomberg DirecTV and Dish Network have received requests from the U.S. Justice Department about pricing contracts with TV networks, part of a probe into whether pay-TV companies are squeezing out Internet rivals. The U.S. is seeking data about so-called most-favored-nation provisions. Survey: Viewing Paid Video on Mobiles is Growing UPI Watching paid video content on mobile devices like tablet computers and smartphones is increasing, according to a U.S. survey by J.D. Power and Associates. Still, viewing on mobiles has yet to match traditional TV viewing. "The TV screen is still preferred for viewing media." HBO Puts Pilot of 'The Newsroom' Online for Free TV Guide Missed Sunday's series premiere of "The Newsroom"? HBO has got you covered. The network has put the pilot online for free. The episode is available on HBO.com, YouTube, DailyMotion, TV.com, multiple on-demand platforms and on iTunes as a podcast. NBC Series 'Smash' Saved by Delayed Viewership New York Times NBC's "Smash" had been considered a flop — until it was found to be a ratings success among viewers 18 to 49 because of DVRs. On average, "Smash" added 2.5 million viewers over seven days of playback. "Some marginal shows suddenly start to look more viable." Oprah Seeking to Reclaim Her Big Interview Spot Associated Press Faced with the potential failure of her cable network OWN, Oprah Winfrey has been working the phones hard to secure big-name interviews for her show, "Oprah's Next Chapter." No one has truly filled her role as the top TV celebrity interviewer since her daytime show ended. Fox News Reporter Tapped for Vatican PR Post Daily Beast Shortly after the Pope's butler was arrested for allegedly leaking private documents to the press, the Vatican named Fox News's Rome correspondent, Greg Burke, as its new communications adviser. "I have a solid career in journalism," said Burke. "I am a faithful Catholic." ABC Spanish Ad in NBA Finals a Broadcast First Fox News Latino A Hispanic first marked the recently concluded NBA finals: A Spanish-language commercial for Ford Motor aired on ABC — an English-language broadcast network. The move may signal a significant change in advertising approaches toward Latinos in the United States. NBC Eyeing Kotb to Replace Curry on 'Today' Radar Online / TMZ Hoda Kotb is said to be the frontrunner to replace Ann Curry on NBC's "Today," which has recently tumbled in the ratings to ABC's rival "Good Morning America." Kotb currently co-hosts "Today's" fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford. Also: NBC will pay Curry $10 million in an exit deal. Current TV, Salon Among Brands to 'Disappear' 24/7 Wall St Current TV and Salon.com are among the U.S. brands predicted by the financial news site 24/7 Wall St. to "disappear within a year." Current TV "was on life support even before" it fired star Keith Olbermann; Salon.com "has been eclipsed by better financed" news and commentary sites. CBS to Launch Massive Sports Radio Network Crain's New York CBS, taking advantage of a rising interest in sports across all media, plans to launch CBS Sports Radio, a 24/7 network combining the resources of CBS Radio and CBS Sports. Experts see little downside for CBS in the new venture. "They already have the content." ABC, Fox 'Indecency' Cleared by Supreme Court Los Angeles Times The U.S. Supreme Court has voided a fine against ABC for brief nudity and a finding against Fox over cursing by Nicole Richie and Cher in live awards shows. But broadcast TV will continue to have to steer clear of the "indecency" that has become prevalent on much of cable TV. NBC News to Launch News Site in September Politico NBC News, which has long had to share its website with MSNBC, will finally get its own website. The new NBCNews.com, which is said to be scheduled for September, will allow NBC News to distance its digital presence from that of its increasingly liberal sibling MSNBC. MSNBC Show to Feature Political Pundit Panel New York Times MSNBC's new 3 p.m. program will feature an ensemble cast of four fresh-faced political pundits. The hourlong show, given the name "The Cycle," will start on Monday. It will be hosted by Touré, Krystal Ball, S.E. Cupp and Steve Kornacki, all of whom are MSNBC contributors. CNN Tops English TV News Across Middle East Rapid TV News CNN ranks as the most watched international English language news channel in the Middle East, with BBC World News and Al Jazeera English following in its wake, according to the latest EMS Middle East survey. "Audiences trust us to deliver a true account of the news." NBC to Replace Curry on 'Today' as Ratings Slip New York Times NBC plans to replace Ann Curry on the "Today" show, only a year after she became the co-host of the newly vulnerable morning TV franchise. The planning is effectively an admission that all is not well at the morning show, which consistently ranked No. 1 until this spring. CBS Mocks ABC with Spoof Statement to Media Entertainment Weekly CBS has playfully announced a new series: "Dancing on the Stars." Taking a page from The Onion, the network released a spoof-statement to the press, in the latest move in its campaign against ABC's "Glass House," which CBS said is too similar to its hit "Big Brother." FX: Sheen's 'Anger Management' Sells Out Ads Hollywood Reporter Charlie Sheen's new sitcom "Anger Management" is said to be selling at the highest CPM rates FX has ever seen for a first-year series. For weeks, the first four episodes of the series have been sold out thanks to a mix of eager auto, alcohol and movie-studio advertisers. Fox News Unveils Online 'Magazine' for Women Atlantic Fox has introduced Fox News Magazine, a website apparently for the ladies, and it is shocking not because it has a conservative take on traditional women's content, but because it has no point of view at all. The site calls itself "the official lifestyle magazine of Fox News." CBS, Tribune Bring Back Arsenio to Late Night Los Angeles Times Arsenio Hall is returning to late-night TV. The comic and recent "Celebrity Apprentice" winner is partnering with syndicator CBS Television Distribution and Tribune, which will broadcast the new show on its 17 TV stations, giving it access to more than half the country. NBC 'SNL' Producer Sketches Online Alternative Variety Lorne Michaels' production company has quietly launched a YouTube channel with comedic shorts featuring "Saturday Night Live" cast members Bill Hader, Abby Elliott and Kenan Thompson. NBC declines to comment on the channel because it is currently in beta. Seacrest Considers Bid for Dick Clark Productions Wall Street Journal "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest is said to be mulling a bid for the TV-production company founded by Dick Clark. Controlled since 2007 by private-equity firm RedZone Capital, Dick Clark Productions makes various awards shows, including the Golden Globes. Beck Working on Project to Destroy 'Glee' on Fox Billboard Glenn Beck, the former Fox News host, plans to destroy "Glee," telling the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference in Washington that "the left" won't know what hit them when his conservative version of the "horrifying" Fox network high-school musical show makes its debut. CNBC Former 'Market-Moving' Journo Dorfman Dies TheStreet Dan Dorfman, an important contributor to the success of CNBC, died on Saturday at age 80. "Today's business commentators — and an entire network, CNBC — owe Dan a lot. He provided a template, in the early days, of 'market-moving' journalism." MSNBC to Rotate Hosts For New Afternoon Show Politico MSNBC plans to launch a new show at 3 p.m. featuring a rotating group of hosts from its pool of contributors. Salon's Steve Kornacki and conservative columnist S.E. Cupp are among those who will co-host the new show. Touré, the cultural critic, is also seen as a likely co-host. CBS to Adapt Zynga Game 'Draw Something' for TV Variety CBS has won a bidding war for the pilot of a primetime game show based on the Zynga mobile game "Draw Something" from Sony Pictures Television, Ryan Seacrest Productions and Embassy Row. Celebrities and everyday users will test their skills to earn money and big laughs. NBC to Premiere Two Sitcoms Ad-Free This Fall MediaPost NBC will use dual stunts to give a lift to a pair of new fall comedies: premiering them following Olympic coverage without commercials. "Go On" will debut ad-free Aug. 8, while "Animal Practice" will do the same several days later following the closing ceremonies. Telemundo, NBC Team Up for Election Coverage Politico NBC News and Telemundo, the Spanish-language channel, will pool resources for 2012 election coverage. "NBC News will give Telemundo access to the assets and strengths of the No. 1 news organization, while Telemundo will contribute its expertise and reach." WNBC Airs Tributes as Anchor Simmons Departs Newsday One of New York TV's legendary anchor runs ends Friday, as Sue Simmons wraps up 32 years at WNBC Channel 4. The station announced in March that her contract, which expires Friday, would not be renewed. WNBC said it will take a "look back" at Simmons' contributions. HBO Apologizes for Airing Severed Bush Head New York Daily News HBO has apologized amid outrage that "Game of Thrones" features former President George W. Bush's severed head impaled on a spike. The head appears briefly in episode of the fantasy series that aired last year. Said HBO: "We were deeply dismayed to see this." TNT 'Dallas' Reboot Not a Gusher Among Young The Wrap The premiere of TNT's reboot of classic nighttime soap "Dallas" pulled in 6.9 million viewers Wednesday, which the network claims is a year-to-date high for scripted series premieres on cable. However, it attracted just 1.9 million viewers in the coveted 18-to-49 demographic. ESPN Loses Out In English Soccer TV Rights Dow Jones The English Premier League has awarded the rights to show live soccer matches for the next three seasons to BSkyB and BT, meaning that ESPN has lost the right to show any live games. The news will be a blow to the U.S. network, which had expected to win in the auction. Tribune: Tough Time for Auction of TV Stations Variety Chatter about potential bidders for Tribune's 23 TV stations is mounting amid speculation that the media company's post-bankruptcy owners will look to sell off newspaper and TV assets, probably in piecemeal fashion. "It's a big group and it's hard to see just one buyer." Dick Clark Productions Pursues a Sale of Itself New York Times Dick Clark Productions, the 55-year-old company that produces the Golden Globe Awards and the American Music Awards, is said to be exploring a sale of itself. The company has hired the Raine Group, a boutique investment bank, to run the sales process. CNN Cancels 'John King USA' Political Show New York Times CNN has announced the end of "John King, USA," its 6 p.m. political news program. The show will be replaced by an expanded "Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." The ailing cable news network is under pressure from owner Time Warner to improve its programming and ratings. Fox News 'Most Uncivil' Network, Study Says Huffington Post Fox News is considered the "most uncivil" network, according to a U.S. survey by Weber Shandwick, Powell Tate and KRC Research. CNN and MSNBC fared slightly better; PBS was considered the "most civil" network. "A considerable 62% called out the media as uncivil." NBC Packages Digital Ads In Upfront Sales Broadcasting & Cable With an improving schedule and a strong NFL football franchise, NBC's registered an increase in upfront sales, according to people familiar with the situation. In what has been a fairly flat market overall for the broadcasters, NBC was priced attractively relative to its rivals. ABC's 'Katie' Expected to Lose Partner Zucker Daily The way Jeff Zucker's name keeps popping up for every available job opening, it doesn't appear the former head of NBC Universal will last long as Katie Couric's partner in her new syndicated talk show. Zucker has been touted as the future chief of Tribune, Yahoo and CNN. Comcast, TiVo in E-Commerce Pact with PayPal Bloomberg EBay's PayPal payment service will join with Comcast and TiVo to let television viewers donate money and buy goods from their TV sets via remote control. Users will be able to click on TV commercials to buy advertised goods, make political donations and collect coupons. Time Warner, Comcast Probed Over Online Video Wall Street Journal The U.S. Justice Department is said to be conducting an antitrust probe into whether cable companies are acting improperly to quash nascent competition from online video. Officials have spoken to Netflix and Hulu, and questioned Comcast and Time Warner Cable. Nielsen: TV Eroding as Primary Video Device MediaPost TV is still the media elephant in U.S. living rooms, but the way Americans watch television and other forms of video is changing so rapidly that a top Nielsen exec said the media ratings giant has begun working to "redefine" the very nature of the households it measures. CBS, ABC Wrap Upfront Amid Less Ad Demand Broadcasting & Cable Confirming that demand for advertising time was not as strong as expected, CBS has wrapped up its upfront advertising sales with less money committed to the network than last season. ABC also wrapped its upfront deals, with volume about flat, according to sources. MTV 'Jersey Shore' Top Stars Paid $2 Million Radar Online How much does the cast of the "Jersey Shore" get paid for gym, tan, laundry? Almost $2 million a season for some cast members. In season six of the hit MTV reality show, top tanners Nicole Polizzi, Mike Sorrentino and Paul DelVecchio are said to be pulling in the big bucks. CNBC, Yahoo Team Up for Web Financial News Yahoo News Yahoo and CNBC have joined forces to provide a broadcast platform for original content from Yahoo Finance while expanding CNBC's web presence. CNBC will be the premier content provider for Yahoo's finance section, dramatically increasing its presence on the site. ConnecTV, Broadcasters Build TV Social Network TheWrap ConnecTV and a consortium of broadcasting companies have launched a new social network, also named ConnecTV, to compliment television viewing. Using audio recognition technology, ConnecTV picks up on what a viewer is watching and offers supplementary data. Nielsen: DVRs Shift Viewing Habits, and Ratings USA Today The increasing use of DVRs has complicated the math of TV ratings, new Nielsen data show. And it explains how ABC's "Modern Family" ultimately eclipsed Fox's "American Idol" among key young-adult viewers. "Family's" audience jumped when factoring in delayed viewing. Clear Channel Signs Beck to $100 Million Deal Bloomberg Radio talk-show host Glenn Beck is said to have renewed his contract with Clear Channel in a deal that doubles his pay to $100 million over five years. Premiere Networks, the syndication unit of Clear Channel that has carried Beck's show for 10 years, announced the agreement. Sirius XM Opposes Liberty's Latest FCC Request Wall Street Journal Sirius XM Radio has urged the Federal Communications Commission to reject the latest application by shareholder Liberty Media for approval to take effective control of the satellite-radio operator. Liberty asked the FCC on May 31 to reconsider its earlier rejection. ABC's Roberts Reveals Bone Marrow Disorder New York Times Robin Roberts, co-host of "Good Morning America," has told viewers that she has a blood and bone marrow disorder called M.D.S. Roberts will receive a bone marrow transplant, most likely requiring her to be away from the show for months. "I am going to beat this," she said. Current TV Hires Behar for New Talk Show Associated Press Joy Behar will join Current TV as the host of a new prime-time talk show. Behar's nightly program on cable channel HLN ended in December. Her talk show on the left-leaning Current will begin in September and will air Monday through Thursday at 6 p.m. ET. CBS Tony Awards Hit Record Low Viewership Washington Post Sunday's Tony Awards broadcast attracted what is believed to be the franchise's smallest audience on record. The show, hosted for the third time by Neil Patrick Harris, scored a low 6 million viewers, according to early stats, despite airing on a night heavy with repeats. AMC 'Mad Men' Finale Sets a Viewer Record Reuters "Mad Men" drew a record 2.7 million viewers for its low-key Season 5 finale Sunday night, bringing to an end its most watched and most controversial season yet. Cable channel AMC said that the drama enjoyed its biggest weekly audiences during a season to date. CBS Classic Sitcom 'Gilligan' Set for Broadway Deadline Producer Dianne Fraser has acquired the stage rights to "Gilligan's Island: The Musical," and plans to bring the show to Broadway, banking on the idea that the audience for the 1960s TV show will want to see Gilligan, the Skipper and other characters brought to the stage. DirecTV Could Also Deploy Ad Skip Technology Reuters DirecTV could deploy technology that would enable its millions of subscribers to skip TV advertising, said CEO Mike White. The U.S. satellite TV giant bought the rights to the technology nearly five years ago but has not seen a "raging demand" to deploy it. Nielsen: DVRs Shift Viewing Habits, and Ratings USA Today The increasing use of DVRs has complicated the math of TV ratings, new Nielsen data show. And it explains how ABC's "Modern Family" ultimately eclipsed Fox's "American Idol" among key young-adult viewers. "Family's" audience jumped when factoring in delayed viewing. ABC, CBS Expand TV Ratings System to Internet New York Times The black labels that tell families what to expect from network television shows will start to appear on the Internet streams of those shows, too. The expansion of the TV content ratings system is expected to be announced by the major broadcast networks on Monday morning. NBC Preps Sports Radio Network to Rival ESPN Radio Ink ESPN Radio will be getting more competition soon. NBC and Dial Global have announced a partnership to create the NBC Sports Radio Network. Beginning in September, the network will be distributed to radio stations nationwide. It will also supply content to online platforms. CNN Near Deal to Acquire Tech Blog Mashable Business Insider Mashable, the tech news blog, is said to be preparing for an acquisition by CNN. The deal is "80% likely to close." Founded in 2005, Mashable has morphed into a general-interest news site with a tech perspective. It is owned almost entirely by founder Pete Cashmore. MSNBC Host Ratigan Exits as Contract Expires New York Times Dylan Ratigan, the opinionated TV host, is leaving MSNBC, the cable channel where he has worked for the last three years. Ratigan plans to keep in touch with viewers through his personal website, DylanRatigan.com, which might take the shape of a media property. Oprah Book Club Results Aren't What They Were Crain's New York The return of Oprah's Book Club is seen as good news for book publishers. What remains to be seen is whether Winfrey's picks still become blockbusters, now that the segment will appear on OWN, her little-watched cable network. So far, the signs are mixed. Time Warner Cable, TV Station End Fee Fracas WDRB Louisville's WDRB has reached an agreement on retransmission fees with Time Warner Cable, and the TV station's signal has been returned to the cable system. Frustrated viewers by the hundreds are said to have contacted Time Warner and WDRB as negotiations continued. AMC Enlists 'Mad Men' for Ad in Dish Dispute Zap2It Is this AMC's version of Don Draper's letter to the New York Times? On Friday, the cable channel plans to run a "Mad Men"-centric ad in the Wall Street Journal calling the satellite provider Dish Network on the carpet for threatening to drop AMC from its lineup at the end of June. CW Wraps Upfront Deals Bundled with Mobile Adweek The CW is the first network to finish writing its upfront business, taking in approximately $400 million to $410 million in advance commitments for the 2012-13 TV season. This year marked the first in which the broadcaster bundled mobile inventory with its linear TV units. TV Bests Internet, Other Media Among Consumers World Screen Television is still the most dominant medium when it comes to time spent and consumer engagement, according to a new study by TVB, with adults spending 5.2 hours watching TV per day as compared with 3 hours spent on the Internet. TV "continues to dominate all other media." Turner Selects Tech Start-Ups For 'Media Camp' Broadcasting & Cable Turner Broadcasting has named the six tech start-ups that will participate in its first Media Camp accelerator program this summer. The 12-week program will offer start-ups and tech entrepreneurs one-on-one mentorship with digital, TV and film execs. NBC Names Digital Chief in Network Shake-Up Los Angeles Times Robert Hayes has been named executive VP, digital media for NBC. He becomes the eighth former Showtime executive to follow entertainment chief Robert Greenblatt to the network. Vivi Zigler, NBC's digital head for six years, is leaving the network. "It's time," Zigler said. CBS 'Evening News' Anchor Marks First Year Associated Press Scott Pelley, who has just marked his first year as anchor of the "CBS Evening News," said he is confident his newscast will reach No. 1. That would be an achievement for CBS News, where the division's signature broadcast has been a consistent third since the 1990s. Clear Channel Accord May Become a Template Bloomberg A revenue-sharing accord between radio-station owner Clear Channel and Taylor Swift label Big Machine may become a template for the music industry, according to artist manager Irving Azoff. Other musicians may enter similar deals to get paid for songs played over the air. NBC Eyes 'TV Everywhere' Plan for Olympics Stream AllThingsD NBC plans to livestream every event of the London Summer Olympics, which kick off July 27. In order to watch, viewers must pay for cable and prove that they are subscribers. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, NBC blocked some events from its website to protect TV ratings. ABC's Walters Apologizes for Helping Aide to Assad Telegraph Barbara Walters apologized after newly released emails showed her attempting to get a close aide to Syrian president Bashar al-Asaad an internship at Piers Morgan's show on CNN and a place at Columbia University. Asaad had granted Walters an exclusive interview. Dish's 'Mad Men' Blackout Threatens to Cost AMC Bloomberg AMC Networks' escalating feud with Dish Network is increasing the risk of a prolonged blackout of its shows on the satellite provider's network, potentially costing AMC tens of millions of dollars. Dish said last month that it wouldn't renew its contract with AMC. TiVo Countersues Cisco in Battle Over DVR Patents Reuters TiVo has countersued Cisco Systems in a court over alleged infringement of four patents relating to digital video recorder technology, days after Cisco filed a lawsuit against TiVo to void those same patents. TiVo is already fighting patent lawsuits against a number of companies. Clear Channel in Revenue Sharing Deal with Label Billboard In an unprecedented deal, U.S. radio-station giant Clear Channel has agreed to pay sound-recording performance royalties to record label Big Machine and its artists, which include Taylor Swift and Reba McEntire. CEO Bob Pittman said the deal treats the radio business "holistically." Time Warner Cable Drops TV Stations in Dispute Courier-Journal Louisville TV stations WDRB and WMYO have been pulled from local cable service over a protracted contract dispute. Time Warner Cable stopped carrying the stations following a breakdown in negotiations over fees paid to their owner, Block Communications. Viacom Said to See Surge in Upfront Ad Activity Advertising Age As the big broadcast networks start to write business as part of this year's "upfront" market, cable-network owner Viacom is said to have already completed deals for 50% to 75% of the ad inventory it means to offer. Viacom's goal is "to take a bigger share." Oprah Revives Her Book Club for the Digital Age Associated Press Oprah Winfrey is back in the book club business, updated for the digital world. In addition to the traditional paper version, "Oprah's Book Club 2.0," a joint project of her OWN network and O magazine, will include e-editions featuring Winfrey's comments and a reader's guide. TNT: 'Dallas' Returns With Social Media Push Wall Street Journal TNT's marketing plan to promote the return of "Dallas" emphasizes social media. The show's Facebook page features J.R. Ewing, with his timeline integrating facts from the 1980s series. Each character has a Twitter account, and two of the show's writers will craft the tweets. Clear Channel CEO Joins Board of Video Startup AllThingsD Clear Channel chief Bob Pittman will join the board of Airtime, the soon-to-launch video startup from Napster co-founders Sean Parker and Shawn Fanning. Pittman is a founder of MTV. "He's the only media mogul who's genuinely an entrepreneur," said Parker. CBS Interactive Sews Up Pro Gaming on the Web Reuters CBS Interactive, the gaming wing of CBS, has locked up exclusive advertising deals with six major professional leagues, capitalizing on a sport that is rapidly growing in popularity while managing to run under the mainstream radar. "We've locked up 96% of all the ad inventory." Fox, ABC Cut First Deals as Upfront Heats Up Adweek The 2012-13 upfront marketplace has come to life, as Fox began piecing together a wave of preliminary commitments. Sources said that the network is doing business with two of its most stalwart categories, writing deals with auto manufacturers and at least two movie studios. Turner 'Very Unhappy' With Ratings Dive at CNN Broadcasting & Cable Turner Broadcasting CEO Phil Kent admitted to being "very unhappy" with CNN's primetime ratings, but said it won't resort to tricks to increase viewership. CNN ratings hit a 20-year low in May. "We have some shows that probably need to be replaced. This is an execution issue." Aereo Two-Day Hearing Ends Without a Ruling Dow Jones Lawyers for TV broadcasters warned about dramatic changes to the industry should Internet start-up Aereo continue to be allowed to stream their video, as a two-day hearing ended without a ruling. Aereo, backed by Barry Diller, is being sued by major broadcasters. Disney Channel App to Allow for Mobile Viewing Bloomberg Disney Channel plans to release an app that will enable the children's network to be watched on Internet-connected mobile devices. The channel is drawing some of its highest ratings ever after making some shows available online, according to Disney CEO Bob Iger. NBCUniversal Signs Streaming Deal with Amazon TechCrunch Amazon's European Netflix competitor Lovefilm has announced a multi-year deal with NBCUniversal to offer its members access to streaming titles from Universal Pictures. The titles will be available through the Lovefilm Instant service, starting at Ł4.99 a month. CBS: 2013 Super Bowl is More Than 50% Sold Advertising Age CBS has sold more than 50% of its ad inventory for its 2013 broadcast of Super Bowl XLVII and could reach sell-out levels approaching 80% in the next few weeks, according to the broadcast network. "The marketplace continues to be pretty active." CNN Names Berman to Anchor Early Mornings New York Times CNN has hired John Berman, a longtime ABC News correspondent, to be an anchor and reporter. Berman will be an anchor of "Early Start," the cable news channel's new 5 to 7 morning news show, which was started earlier this year. He will also report for other programs. Fox News: Criticized Obama Video Unauthorized Associated Press Fox News Channel's morning show aired a 4-minute video that contrasted President Obama's words with negative statistics about his administration in a format that looked similar to a campaign ad. Fox said the video was not authorized at the network's senior level. MSNBC, Fox News Ratings Fall Across the Board New York Times The month of May generated some of the worst recent ratings for U.S. cable news networks, despite the impending presidential campaign. That included the dominant leader in that category, Fox News. The ratings for some of its top programs declined to their lowest levels. Cox Media Invests $12 Million in iHigh Digital TV Atlanta Journal-Constitution Cox Media Group has invested nearly $12 million in iHigh, a digital TV platform and online network. Schools and small organizations use iHigh's web-based production tools and live video streaming capabilities to send content to smartphones, tablets and other devices. Aereo, Broadcasters in Court Over TV Service Dow Jones A lawyer representing TV startup Aereo argued that the Barry Diller-backed company's new TV-streaming service doesn't violate copyright law because it records show content before transmitting it to viewers. "The Aereo system operates just like DVRs." Dish Network Ad-Skipper Suit from Fox Halted Hollywood Reporter A New York federal judge has issued a preliminary restraining order that bars Fox from pursuing its lawsuit against Dish Network until a hearing more than a month from now. That could give Dish the opportunity to play offense in the fight over its AutoHop service. Time Warner Cable May Drop Duo in Carriage Spat Business First There is a "75 to 80% chance" that WDRB-TV and WMYO-TV, both of Louisville, Ky., will not be carried by Time Warner Cable after May 31 if officials can't reach a new carriage agreement. TWC is "saying that 'we're not going to pay what you think you're worth.' " MundoFox Preps Spanish-Language Evening News TV Newser This summer will bring a new player in Hispanic news, as News Corp. launches Spanish-language broadcast channel MundoFox. News will be a significant part of the new channel, with an evening news program anchored by Rolando Nichols of KWHY Los Angeles. CNN Hires Chef Bourdain to Host Weekend Show Associated Press Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain will begin hosting a new show next year on news network CNN. According to CNN managing editor Mark Whitaker: "We have license to love a wide variety of news, not just war and politics, but other things that reflect all aspects of our lives." History's 'Hatfields' Series Sets Cable TV Record Bloomberg "Hatfields & McCoys," a History channel miniseries, attracted a record cable audience to its premiere and encore showings. The program lured more than 13.9 million viewers to become the most-watched non-sports telecast on an ad-supported cable network. AMC 'Man Men' Clothing Boosts Banana Republic Bloomberg Clothing based on the 1960s "Mad Men" styles of Don Draper and Peggy Olson helped Banana Republic post its best first-quarter sales ever this year. Banana Republic's North American same-store sales rose 5% in the three months ended April 28, the most in two years. MTV Adds Twitter Voting to Annual Movie Awards Advertising Age MTV is taking votes for an annual movie awards via Twitter for the first time. The voting is part of the cable network's plan to emphasize social media before and after the telecast as much as during the show itself. MTV dubs its digital strategy "storytelling without borders." Dish Ad Skipper Could Hurt TV Biz, Moody's Says Dow Jones If Dish Network's new commercial-skipping feature, called Auto Hop, becomes widely used by consumers, it will have broad negative implications across the TV industry, said Moody's Investors Service. Auto Hop "could destabilize the entire TV ecosystem." CNN International Reports Audience, Ad Growth Financial Times CNN last week registered its worst U.S. primetime ratings in 20 years. Its global network CNN International, however, is seeing record growth in audience and advertising revenues. "As many companies become more global in their marketing activities, CNN stands to gain." NBC Pulls YouTube Video for Violating Copyrights Gizmodo A few years ago, NBC late-night host Jay Leno played a YouTube video clip made by Brian Kamerer and his friends on his show. Since then, according to Kamerer, YouTube took the down the video because it was violating the network's copyrights. Dish, TV Networks Swap Lawsuits Over Ad Zapper Reuters A legal battle erupted between Dish Network and some of the major broadcast networks as the two sides traded lawsuits over the satellite distribution company's "Hopper" DVR. The service threatens to bring down the TV business model by letting viewers skip commercials. TV Networks Move Smaller Shows to 'DVR Fridays' Bloomberg Major TV networks are moving little-watched shows with big DVR audiences to Fridays, testing whether the technology can help such programs make it on a night with few viewers. NBC's "Community," which ranked 141st in viewers, saw DVRs boost its audience by half. Fox's 'American Idol' Sets a Record Low for Finale Reuters The "American Idol" finale brought in the lowest TV audience of its 11-year history with just 21.5 million Americans tuning in. The contest was once a TV industry juggernaut for Fox which attracted more than 30 million viewers for its finale in its 2006 and 2007 heyday. NBC Rises to No 3 in Key Age Group, ABC Fourth Reuters NBC rose out of the ratings basement for the first time in eight years to claim third place among 18- to 49-year-olds — the age group prized by advertisers. ABC slipped to fourth in the category but maintained its third-place standing among viewers for the 2011-12 season. ESPN Extends Deal to Air Hot-Dog-Eating Contest MarketWatch ESPN has extended its deal to air the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest through 2017. Terms of the pact with Major League Eating were not disclosed. Last year 9 million people watched Joey Chestnut win his fifth straight title on ESPN. Fox News Re-Ups 'Hannity' Host in Multi-Year Deal New York Daily News Sean Hannity has signed a multiyear deal to continue as host of "Hannity" on the Fox News Channel. Terms and exact duration were not disclosed, but Fox said the deal will take him past the 20-year mark, which would mean at least through the 2016 elections. NBCUniversal Seeks Buyback of MSNBC Website Adweek NBCUniversal is in serious talks with Microsoft to buy back MSNBC.com. Several sources with first-hand knowledge of the situation said that negotiations between the two companies have progressed to the stage where NBCU parent Comcast is conducting due diligence. CNN's Piers Morgan Accused of Hacking Lessons Telegraph BBC host Jeremy Paxman has described how Piers Morgan, the former editor of the Daily Mirror, told him how phones could be hacked during a lunch in 2002, five years before a News of the World journalist was jailed for the practice. Morgan is now a CNN talk show host. Oprah Gets Her Own Section on Huffington Post Reuters Oprah Winfrey is expanding her online offerings by teaming up with the Huffington Post for a section dedicated to the talk show host. The Oprah section, launching in August, will develop original content with Oprah.com, the OWN TV channel and Huffington Post editors. CBS Declares TV Victory, 'Idol' Still Most-Watched Reuters CBS has declared victory in the 2011-12 TV season, saying it was the most-watched U.S. network for the ninth year thanks to hits like "NCIS" and "The Big Bang Theory." Fox is first in the 18-49 demographic, despite losing 9% of those viewers compared to last season. ABC Owned Stations Offer Free Alarm Clock App Broadcasting & Cable The ABC Owned Television Stations Group has begun rolling out new Apple iPhone and iPod touch alarm clock apps that also offer news, weather, traffic reports and other features. The group expects the app to be available in all eight of its markets by mid-June. NBCUniversal to Boost Online Olympics Coverage Los Angeles Times Under the TV Everywhere initiative, NBCUniversal plans to offer 3,000 hours of programming online in the belief that live streaming won't cannibalize the prime-time audience. NBC is recruiting Carson Daly to make promo spots to educate viewers about TV Everywhere. Broadcasters Fight Online Political Ad Disclosures Adweek Broadcasters wasted no time challenging the Federal Communications Commission's recent rule requiring TV stations to put their political advertising files online. The National Association of Broadcasters has filed an appeal, describing the rule as "arbitrary, capricious." Sirius Chief Airs Static in Clash with Liberty Media Wall Street Journal Sirius XM chief Mel Karmazin said he resisted John Malone's Liberty Media taking control of the satellite-radio operator partly because he didn't want to report to a majority shareholder. He also said he didn't want Liberty to take control of Sirius without paying a premium. ESPN, Twitter Eye Ads in Comment Aggregation CNBC ESPN is teaming up with Twitter to "figure out around big sporting events how to let people aggregate to a big audience and comment," said ESPN president John Skipper. "We're experimenting with Twitter on how to do advertising within the context of the aggregation." CNN Records 20-Year Weekday Low in Primetime Deadline Last week, CNN had its lowest-rated weekday primetime in 20 years in terms of total viewers. From May 14 to 18, the cable news network averaged 395,000 viewers in primetime. The full seven days of last week was the third-lowest-rated week in primetime since March 1997. Fox News Chief Regrets New York Times Remarks Daily Beast Roger Ailes, in a speech at Ohio University, his alma mater, described New York Times reporters as "a bunch of lying scum." A senior Fox News exec said the news channel's chairman realizes he went too far, adding that Ailes believes the Times has been fair to Fox. Aereo: Court Dismisses Unfair-Competition Claim Wall Street Journal A federal court has dismissed the unfair-competition claim filed by TV broadcasters against the Barry Diller-backed online video start-up Aereo, leaving another claim still to be heard. A hearing on the copyright infringement claim is scheduled for next week. Time Warner Cable Criticizes Dish's Ad-Skipper New York Times Glenn Britt, CEO of Time Warner Cable, has voiced disapproval of the Dish Network's ad-erasing Auto Hop feature, aligning himself with TV networks that are trying to squash the technology. "I don't think we want to destroy one of those revenue streams," said Britt. Comcast New App to Turn iPhone Into TV Remote Los Angeles Times Comcast plans to introduce an app for the Apple iPhone that will enable people to use motions and gestures as signals to control their televisions. The service will launch first on the U.S. cable giant's Boston systems before it rolls out across the country. Cable Giants to Share Access on Wi-Fi Hotspots Associated Press Cable TV companies are trying to give their customers another reason not to cancel their service: better access to Wi-Fi hotspots. Five major operators said they plan to let each other's customers access more than 50,000 Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide for no extra charge. Discovery: We Don't Know What Customers Want Hollywood Reporter Will cable TV remain relevant, or will it be usurped by steaming video alternatives or other new platforms? "The truth is we don't know what the customer wants," said Discovery president David Zaslav. "It's important for us to stay flexible and look at the market place." CBS, ESPN in Deal to Broadcast Basketball Games Sports Business News CBS Sports has acquired the rights to broadcast men's college basketball games from the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 and Pac-12 Conferences through an agreement with ESPN. The multi-year deal begins with the 2012-13 college basketball season. ABC Taps Anchors for 'Good Afternoon America' Broadcasting & Cable ABC has announced that "Good Morning America's" Josh Elliott and Lara Spencer will anchor the show's new one-hour expansion. For nine weeks, GMA will extend its runtime by an hour, to be titled "Good Afternoon America," which will begin the week of July 9. Comcast's NBC Climbs Out of Ratings Basement Crain's New York The broadcast TV season ends on Wednesday, but experts are already predicting the winners: Fox in 18- to 49-year-olds, and CBS in total viewers. But there is one surprise: NBC has broken its seven-year losing streak, edging out ABC for the No. 3 spot. CBS: GM Passes on Ads During 2013 Super Bowl Reuters General Motors will not advertise in next year's Super Bowl because it is too expensive, the U.S. automaker said days after announcing it was dropping ads on Facebook. The Super Bowl will be broadcast by CBS, which is selling 30-second ads for as much as $4 million. ABC's Canceled 'Pan Am' May Fly Again Online Bloomberg In the world of TV, canceled doesn't mean what it used to, thanks to new programming outlets like Netflix and DirecTV. Sony Pictures Television, producer of the canceled drama "Pan Am" that aired on ABC, is said to be holding talks with distributors to keep the show going. CW Launches Digital Studio for Online Projects Hollywood Reporter The youth-skewing CW is expanding into the web space, announcing the creation of CWD, the CW Digital Studio, during its upfront presentation to advertisers. CWD will spotlight original, shorter-form content in animation, game shows, comedy and digital personalities. Larry King to Launch Online Show This Summer Associated Press Larry King's talk show will resume this summer on the new digital network Ora.TV, earlier than anticipated. The new "Larry King Now," with a format similar to his former show on CNN, will mark the startup of the network financed by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim. Fox's 'Mindy Project' Generates Big Upfront Buzz Media Life The Big Four networks presented their fall schedules this week, and already the social networks, especially Twitter, are buzzing about next fall's new shows. Fox's "The Mindy Project" is projected to be successful "largely because of the social presence of Mindy Kaling." Comcast Ditches Data Cap, Tests Tiered Pricing CNET News Comcast has changed the data cap policy on its broadband offering to encourage customers to use the service without worrying about how much data they are consuming. Comcast will soon begin testing a new pricing model for customers whose data use is "excessive." iHeartRadio Growth Rate Bests Facebook, Twitter Mashable Clear Channel's iHeartRadio has revealed its user stats for the first time, citing faster growth than other services including Facebook and Twitter when they first opened up registration. The digital radio platform brought in in 10 million registered users in just eight months. NPR Mulls Program Cuts Amid Sharp Ad Downturn Washington Post NPR new CEO Gary Knell has signaled that there may be some static ahead. The radio and digital news organization is seeing a sharp downturn in corporate "underwriting," or advertising revenue. The falloff is leading to talk of staff and program cuts. Comcast Brings Skype Video Calling to TV Sets Bloomberg Comcast has introduced a service that lets customers make Skype video calls over their TVs, part of a push to add revenue and stem subscriber defections. The feature will cost $9.95 a month for Triple Play users, which get Comcast's Internet, TV and voice services. CBS, Fox Up Response to Dish Network's 'Hopper' Dow Jones Broadcasters warn they are ready to fight Dish Network's new technology that allows viewers to skip advertisements. Fox said it will no longer air Dish ads mentioning the "Auto Hop" technology. CBS chief Les Moonves warned that broadcasters will "reach a tipping point." Dish Uses TV Ads to Promote Ad-Skipping DVR Wall Street Journal Dish Network plans to promote its new ad-skipping feature with, ironically enough, a TV ad — that is, if broadcast networks agree to run it. Fox and NBC have said they won't accept ads promoting the satellite-TV operator's new ad-skipping DVR, dubbed the "Hopper." NBC to Telecast Olympics Across Four Channels Philadelphia Inquirer NBC will telecast Olympics events on the cable channels CNBC, MSNBC and Bravo, in addition to the 24-hour NBC Sports Network. MSNBC, in a ratings battle with Fox News and CNN, will air 155.5 hours of wrestling, badminton, basketball and other Olympics events. Fox: Lopez Rumored to Leave 'American Idol' E! Online Jennifer Lopez may have just been named by Forbes as the most powerful celebrity, but her reign at "American Idol" is said to be coming to an end. While J.Lo has publicly said she has yet to make a decision about her future on "Idol," sources said she plans to leave. ESPN Faces Lawsuit by Syracuse Coach's Wife ESPN Laurie Fine, wife of former Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine, plans to file a lawsuit against ESPN and two of its employees, saying she was libeled during reporting of child abuse allegations against her husband. "I have never engaged in despicable conduct." CNN Hits Lowest Primetime Rating in 15 Years TV Newser CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" on Tuesday night attracted a mere 39,000 viewers in the 25 to 54 demo at 9 p.m. That is the lowest 9 p.m. weekday demo rating for the cable news network since at least 1997. "PMT" on Tuesday drew a total of 284,000 viewers. CBS News Legend Cronkite 'Hated' Dan Rather New York Post Walter Cronkite never hid his disdain for his "CBS Evening News" successor, Dan Rather, until his CBS bosses ordered him to zip it as part of his final contract with the network. So says "Cronkite," a new biography of the legendary CBS News anchor, who died in 2009. Turner Takes Stake in Funny or Die Comedy Site Advertising Age Turner will manage advertising sales for Funny or Die as part of a deal giving it a minority equity stake in the Will Ferrell-backed comedy website. The deal will allow Turner to bundle digital ad inventory from its TBS and Adult Swim channels with Funny or Die. Clear Channel Buys Indie Boston Radio Station Boston Herald Boston's WFNX FM will lose its alternative rock format after Phoenix Media completes a deal to sell the 29-year-old independent station to radio giant Clear Channel. "It was a tough decision; the whole communications business is being redefined." Disney's ESPN, Apple in Talks for TV Access Bloomberg ESPN is said to be talking with Apple about giving subscribers online access to programming through the computer maker's Apple TV device. The network would consider putting its WatchESPN app on Apple TV for users who confirm they are pay-TV customers. Comcast Denies Favoring Xfinity Video Content CNET News In response to charges that Comcast favors content streaming via its Xfinity app on the Xbox over that of its competitors, the cable giant denied giving preferential treatment to its app and said its traffic policies are in compliance with rules by U.S. regulators. Dish Responds to Criticism of Ad-Skipping DVR Bloomberg Dish Network said it has "respect" for broadcast networks after executives at NBC and Fox questioned the company's motive for letting subscribers automatically skip ads. The second-largest U.S. satellite-TV service has "respect for the advertising model." Nielsen: Computer Video Watching Matches TV World Screen Global video consumption on in-home computers ranks as high as TV usage for online consumers, according to Nielsen's new multi-screen media survey. More than 80% of Internet respondents reported watching video on a home computer at least once a month. ABC: We Can Guarantee Multimedia Audiences Deadline "We're breaking down the walls" between different media, ABC sales president Geri Wang told advertisers at the network's upfront presentation. "One deal. One CPM. One guarantee. Every screen. In a world of fragmentation, we offer you aggregation." CBS 'Two and a Half Men' Sees Ratings Slide Yahoo TV Viewers appear to be abandoning CBS's "Two and a Half Men," one of TV's most successful programs. Viewership has eroded steadily since Ashton Kutcher joined the cast last fall. No original episodes have topped the 12-million-viewer mark since February. NBC, Fox Irked by Dish Network's Ad Skipping Los Angeles Times NBC exec Ted Harbert called Dish Network's new offering enabling customers to block commercials from certain recorded shows "an attack on our ecosystem." Fox exec Peter Rice described the satellite broadcaster's decision to offer Auto Hop "a strange thing to do." Fox to Reinvigorate Aging Hit 'American Idol' Wall Street Journal Fox broadcast network said Britney Spears would join "The X Factor" as a judge next season, after a disappointing debut year. The network also said it has "some creative reinvigoration" planned for its aging hit "American Idol," although it didn't offer details. CBS Preps New Sitcom Inspired by Groupon Vanity Fair CBS has ordered a sitcom for next season called "Friend Me," which is said to be inspired by Groupon. The series will star Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Nicholas Braun as "best friends who move to Los Angeles to begin their exciting new lives working at Groupon." ABC Named 'Must-Keep' TV Brand in Survey World Screen ABC has topped the "must-keep TV" poll, conducted by Solutions Research Group, based on interviews with 1,400 U.S. consumers. ABC was identified as the No. 1 "must-keep" TV brand. Among men, CBS took the top spot, while ABC led among women. CNN to Launch 'CNN Films' Features Banner TVNewser CNN plans to launch a feature film banner called CNN Films that will develop "tentpole" non-fiction films for TV and theatrical release. The plan is to pursue well-known documentarians and filmmakers to produce the features. The first films are expected out next year. ESPN Website to Sell Legit Ad Impressions Adweek ESPN has partnered with Horizon Media and the startup firm RealVu, which claims to be able to gauge how many ads in a campaign are actually viewable. Several test campaigns for Horizon clients will roll out this this month employing RealVu's technology. NBC Seeks Comeback with a Former 'Friend' Associated Press NBC has unveiled a fall schedule that has 10 sitcoms, double the number of dramas the network will air. Comedy is being added to two nights, Tuesday and Friday. Four of the comedies are new, including "Go On," which will star former "Friends" actor Matthew Perry. Fox: Britney Will 'Factor' Into a Familiar Lineup USA Today Fox thinks Britney Spears has "The X Factor," and will add her to the judging panel as part of a stable fall lineup that includes just three new series. The singer's arrival will be announced at a presentation to advertisers, when Fox also will detail plans to move "Glee." CBS Cancels 'CSI: Miami,' Adds Show to Netflix Bloomberg CBS said "CSI: Miami" won't return to the network's broadcast schedule next season. The crime drama will continue to be sold as reruns to other networks and will become available through CBS's digital distribution deals, which include streaming on Netflix. Univision to Launch UVideos Digital Network Associated Press Univision this summer plans to launch a digital network that will enable viewers to tap into its programming on computers, smartphones and tablets. The new service will have special content and social media links designed to encourage second-screen viewing. Sirius XM CEO Karmazin Likely Out in Takeover TheStreet The recent moves by John Malone's Liberty Media to buy more shares of Sirius XM are expected to lead to an eventual takeover of the satellite broadcaster. CEO Mel Karmazin has said: "I'm not really good at working for somebody. I just could not be a No. 2." NBCUniversal Bashes Diller's Aereo TV Service The Verge NBCUniversal exec Matt Bond: "It makes little sense for cable systems and satellite broadcasters to continue to pay for NBCU content when, with a relatively modest investment, they can simply modify their operations to mirror Aereo's 'individual antenna' scheme." CBS Throws a Lawsuit at ABC's 'Glass House' New York Times CBS has filed a lawsuit seeking to block a proposed ABC series called "Glass House" because of its similarities to its show "Big Brother." CBS argues that the ABC show represents copyright infringement. Many of the show's producers had worked on "Big Brother." TBS Saves 'Cougar Town' from Cancellation EW TBS has rescued "Cougar Town," ordering a fourth season of the comedy to begin airing in early 2013. In addition, TBS has purchased the rights to "Cougar Town's" first three seasons that originally aired on ABC. "'Cougar Town' is a smart, whimsical sitcom," said TBS. Oprah Rallies the Troops in Rah-Rah E-Mail New York Post Oprah Winfrey has rallied the troops as only she can. Buffeted by several days of headlines covering her cable channel's struggles, the former talk-show queen sent an e-mail to her staff, telling them better days are ahead: "Our momentum is real and growing." ABC: How Network Made Gay Marriage History Guardian The call came in to ABC News around midday Tuesday: the White House was offering "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts a sit-down with President Obama. The interview would not just command a ratings-crushing audience – it would likely make history. Vice Media, HBO Team for News Magazine Show New York Observer Vice Media has partnered with HBO on a news magazine show to be hosted by Vice founder Shane Smith. The weekly series will be executive produced by Bill Maher, Shane Smith and Eddy Moretti, Vice's chief creative officer, with CNN's Fareed Zakaria consulting. Dish Adds a Feature to Help Skip Commercials Los Angeles Times Dish Network has introduced a feature that makes it even easier for viewers to skip commercials. Called "Auto Hop," the feature skips ads in recorded prime-time programming from CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox. Said Dish: "Viewers love to skip commercials." Time Warner Cable Preps LA Sports Networks Los Angeles Times Time Warner Cable plans to launch English- and Spanish-language sports channels in the Los Angeles area this fall in a bid to circumvent News Corp. The cable operator has shelled out billions of dollars to snag the Los Angeles Lakers away from Fox Sports West. Comcast Offers ESPN to iPhone, iPad Users Philadelphia Inquirer Comcast has made available to its cable-TV subscribers the WatchESPN service for iPhone and iPad devices, part of the TV Everywhere initiative. The WatchESPN app is free and allows Comcast customers to stream ESPN networks to mobile devices. Nielsen: TV Holds Lion's Share of Ad Dollars Nielsen Wire American advertisers and consumers have a huge appetite for television, as TV holds the lion's share of ad dollars and consumers' media time, according to Nielsen. Ad spending for TV reached $72 billion in 2011, more than all other ad platforms combined. ABC Bungles Obama Gay Marriage Scoop Adweek President Obama's announcement of his support for same-sex marriages was touted as a major win for network TV. Yet, what looked to be an airtight scoop for the network appears to have been bested by the efforts of Reuters journalist Matthew Keys on Twitter. Fox: Britney Spears in Deal to Join 'X Factor' E! News Britney Spears has signed a contract to join Simon Cowell as a judge on "The X Factor." The pop star will be paid $15 million for one season's worth of work. Cowell hopes the addition of Spears will help boost the talent show's second-season ratings. ABC Tries 'Revenge' Social Media Experiment Associated Press ABC and Yahoo will experiment on the season's last two episodes of "Revenge" with a smartphone and tablet app designed to encourage more people to watch TV live. The companies are trying to take advantage of the growing trend of multiscreen use. Cumulus Lost 'Millions' in Limbaugh Boycott New York Daily News This spring's advertiser boycott of Rush Limbaugh over his insulting description of a female college student cost Cumulus Media "a couple of million dollars," said CEO Lew Dickey. "A couple of million bucks in the first quarter and a couple of million bucks in quarter two." Discovery Profit Hurt by Oprah TV Network Reuters Discovery reported a lower-than-expected quarterly profit, hurt by losses at the Oprah Winfrey Network, its joint venture with the "queen of talk." Discovery expects the network's cash flow to break even during the second half of 2013, said CEO David Zaslav. DirecTV Profit Rises as Customer Growth Slows Bloomberg DirecTV reported an 8.5% increase in first-quarter profit as it focused on retaining U.S. customers rather than adding new ones. The largest U.S. satellite-TV provider is using programming to persuade customers to stay and fend off competition from Dish and cable carriers. ABC, Univision Team for News Network in English Associated Press ABC News and Univision announced a joint venture to create an English-language news network aimed at Latinos that will offer online content this summer and be on TV next year. The venture aims to appeal to U.S. Latinos who prefer to get their news in English. Al Jazeera Shuts Bureau After China Visa Denial Reuters Al Jazeera closed the China bureau for its English channel after authorities refused to renew its correspondent's visa, marking the first time a foreign journalist has been forced to leave the country in over a decade. The correspondent "violated" unspecified rules. Fox News Jumps Into Live Streaming on Devices Adweek Fox News has quietly begun enabling customers of AT&T U-Verse, DirecTV and other small cable systems to stream the network live on their tablets or smartphones provided they prove they are paying subscribers. Fox plans to sell video ads during the live streams. CBS Senior VP for Strategic Initiatives to Depart AllThingsD Zander Lurie, CBS's senior VP of strategic development, is leaving the media giant. Lurie has been involved in projects ranging from the company's acquisition of Clicker to its recent spate of licensing deals for digital distribution. "I want to build something new," he said. NBC Plans Olympic-Size Test of Digital Limits Advertising Age NBC Sports is reversing its stance on digital viewing and offering live-streaming of every sport in the games on NBCOlympics.com. A few months before the games kick off, NBC execs are not sure what to expect. "There's virtually nothing to draw on here." CNBC Asks Media Bigwigs About 'Future of TV' CNBC The television industry is at the brink of extraordinary change, as the line between traditional TV and the Internet disappears, notes CNBC reporter Julia Boorstin in "The Future of TV." The special interviews Barry Diller, Jeff Bewkes, Ashton Kutcher and others. Dish Uses Digital as Weapon in AMC Fee Fight AllThingsD In Dish Networks' dustup with AMC Networks over fees, the satellite-TV service argues that because the programmer is selling digital versions of its shows to Netflix, Amazon, iTunes and other outlets, the programs have become "devalued" to its subscribers. Comcast Looking to Sell Part of A&E Ownership Associated Press Comcast's NBCUniversal plans to sell part of its 15.8% ownership in A&E Television Networks to the other partners in the joint venture, Disney and Hearst. The deal could be worth about $2 billion. The sale could help NBCUniversal reduce the company's debt. Liberty Media Bid for Sirius XM Control Rejected Forbes The Federal Communication Commission has rejected the request by John Malone's Liberty Media to take control of Sirius XM Radio with its stake of 40%. The FCC noted that Liberty was unable to get "passwords, signatures and other information required" from Sirius. CBS Offers Moonves Post-CEO Production Deal Los Angeles Times CBS chief Les Moonves has nearly three years remaining on his employment contract. After that, he will be entitled to a CBS-financed TV and film production deal. Former News Corp. president Peter Chernin exercised a similar deal when he left Fox in 2009. Viacom: O Music Awards Digital Event to Return Broadcasting & Cable Viacom has relaunched its OMusicAwards.com website and opened nominations for the third O Music Awards on June 27. The digitally driven event allows fans to suggest music categories and nominate and vote on bands in the run-up to the awards show's live stream. Dish Network to Drop AMC Over Low Viewership Bloomberg Dish Network said it will drop AMC Networks channels including AMC, WE tv, IFC and Sundance Channel from all packages, citing poor viewership. The No. 2 U.S. satellite-TV provider will no longer carry the networks because AMC is demanding a "high renewal cost." Sky News Arabia Launches Across Arab World AMEInfo Sky News Arabia, a multi-platform 24-hour Arabic news channel, has launched in some 50 million homes across the Middle East and North Africa. Sky News Arabia is a joint venture of Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation and U.K. pay-TV provider BSkyB. Vice in Talks for News Channel with Bloomberg Advertising Age Vice divulged plans for a coming news channel at its "upfront"-like event for advertisers. The audience was told it would be produced in partnership with Bloomberg. Asked for details, a Vice spokesman backtracked, describing the project as in "talks." Oprah Sees 2013 Turnaround for Her TV Network Wall Street Journal Oprah Winfrey said it might take until late 2013 before her struggling cable TV network "finds a vein. I'm in the middle of this journey." But it is unclear exactly how much time partner Discovery will give the venture. Some analysts are skeptical of a turnaround. TNT, TBS Think 'Big' for Rolling Stone Magazine New York Times Wenner Media's Rolling Stone magazine will return to its former size of 10 by 11 3/4 inches for its special "Big Issue" celebrating top names in popular culture. The issue will include advertising exclusively by the Turner Broadcasting networks TNT and TBS. Fox News Chief Is Subject of Three New Books New York Times Roger Ailes is the subject of three books in the works, two of which appear to be "pre-emptive strikes" by the Fox News chairman himself. Zev Chafets is racing to finish an Ailes biography with the cooperation of the subject. Also, Ailes plans to write his own memoir. Nielsen Reports a Decline in Television Viewing New York Times The number of American households with access to a television set and a TV signal has shrunk for the second year in a row. The data, released by Nielsen, is sure to be pored over by TV and Internet execs for evidence of changes in consumer behavior. Discovery Buys Web-Video Startup Revision3 Bloomberg Discovery Communications, owner of cable networks Animal Planet and TLC, has agreed to acquire online-video startup Revision3 as part of a strategy to own and distribute reality programming. San Francisco-based Revision3 bills itself as a web television network. Oprah Network Estimated to Lose $330 Million Bloomberg Businessweek Discovery Networks has invested more than $500 in Oprah Winfrey's cable network, whose losses are estimated to exceed $330 million. Discovery execs said they remain upbeat about OWN's prospects. Winfrey's network "will be a very significant asset." CBS Praised by Bin Laden in Al Qaeda Memo New York Daily News Osama Bin Laden wrote in 2010 that Al Qaeda should send a video to an impartial U.S. TV station -- and suggested CBS. "We should look for an American channel that can be close to being unbiased, such as CBS," he wrote in a letter uncovered in the raid that killed him. NBC News Staffer Fired Over Misleading Edit TVNewser Lilia Luciano, a Miami-based NBC News correspondent who had reported on the Trayvon Martin story, has left the network. Sources said her dismissal came after an investigation which also led to the firing of a seasoned NBC News producer over a similar, misleading edit. Viacom's SpongeBob in Crisis as Ratings Fall Wall Street Journal Viewership has plunged for "SpongeBob SquarePants," which Nickelodeon has depended on at times to fill as much as 40% of its airtime. The ratings decline poses a serious challenge; Nickelodeon accounts for about 15% of owner Viacom's operating profit. MTV On Demand Launches in United Kingdom Next Web MTV viewers in the U.K. can now use a catch-up service and watch 24 hours or a week of past programming. The new MTV On Demand will allow fans to watch their favorite shows when it suits them. A pay-as-you-watch model aims to appeal to younger audiences. Comcast Loses to Bloomberg TV in FCC Fight Bloomberg Comcast must carry Bloomberg Television near other news channels on cable systems in the 35 largest U.S. markets, the Federal Communications Commission said. Comcast agreed to "news neighborhooding" when it bought NBC Universal, per the FCC. CBS Earnings Increase Thanks to Digital Media Los Angeles Times CBS might be a titan of old media, but its first-quarter earnings were boosted by gains in new media: the digital distribution of its TV programming and the sale of e-books. "The growth in digital is a positive development for us," said CEO Les Moonves. DirecTV's 'Mel Model' Tests $9.99 Pay-Per-View Bloomberg Mel Gibson is bypassing theaters and releasing his latest movie on pay-TV. "Get the Gringo" will be available solely on DirecTV this month for $9.99, before its DVD release. The satellite service is promoting the film to its customers on TV, via e-mail and on its website. Dish Network's Ergen Lays Out 10-Year Plan Associated Press Charlie Ergen, the billionaire who controls Dish Network, has a 10-year plan to transform the satellite TV provider into a one-stop shop for Internet access, video and voice services at home and on the go. "No matter where you are, you can take that video with you." Netflix Seeks to Revive CBS Cult Fave 'Jericho' TV Guide Netflix has approached CBS about reviving the series "Jericho." The drama, which followed the residents of a small Kansas town in the wake of a nuclear attack, has been off the air since 2008. Repeats of "Jericho" remain popular on Netflix's on-demand service. Discovery Channel Eyes Acquisition of Revision3 TechCrunch The Discovery Channel is said to be working on a deal to acquire Revision3, the online video content pioneer. The San Francisco company currently brings in 100 million video views per month. The price is believed to be between $30 million to $40 million. NBC Stations to Increase Investigative Reporting Deadline NBC-owned local TV stations are hiring additional reporters, creating special units to handle big stories and developing sections on their websites to highlight journalists' work. "This continued emphasis on local reporting deepens our commitment to our communities." CNN Scrapes Decade Lows as 'Anderson' Falls Los Angeles Times The news keeps getting worse for CNN, with April ratings that sunk to their worst levels in more than 10 years. The ill tidings for the No. 3 cable news network were led by the 10 p.m. airing of "Anderson Cooper 360," which slid 26% to 522,000 total viewers. Sirius XM CEO Doubts FCC Will Side with Liberty Reuters Mel Karmazin said it was unlikely that John Malone's Liberty Media, the biggest shareholder of Sirius XM Radio, would get permission from U.S. regulators to take control of his company with its current 40% stake. "A 40% shareholder is not in de facto control." ESPN Fires Columnist After Report by Website SportingNews ESPN abruptly ended its association with gambling columnist Sarah Phillips, hours after the release of an online story claiming Phillips and a partner may have committed fraud and extortion. The report by Deadspin also examined suspicions that Phillips is an alias. Weather Channel Revamps Website to Go Social TechCrunch The Weather Channel has revamped its website to celebrate its 30th birthday, adding trending keyword graphics from Twitter. The new weather.com also will be able to "predict when it's going to rain, and better yet, when it's going to stop raining." NBCUniversal's E! Network Plans Refurbishing Associated Press The Kardashians' TV neighborhood is getting a refurbishing. The E! network has expansion plans that include a music series from "American Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe, a reality series with a member of the Jonas Brothers and a talk show starring Whitney Cummings. ESPN Aims to Draw Soccer Fans in Fox Rivalry Financial Times ESPN is relaunching its ESPNFC soccer brand in an effort to compete with Fox, which outbid it for the U.S. broadcasting rights to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. ESPNFC plans to offer fans a one-stop soccer destination across ESPN's TV and Internet channels. CBS Bosses Lack Cuban's 'Guts,' Rather Says Forbes Dan Rather, the ousted CBS newsman and current host of HDNet's "Dan Rather Reports," said his new boss, Mark Cuban, has "guts," which his former managers lacked. "The news operations are a small part of their overall business," he said, promoting his new book. Clear Channel to Extend Deal with Host Seacrest New York Times Clear Channel is expected to announce that Ryan Seacrest's $20-million-a-year deal there has been extended two more years, through 2015, at a value of more than $25 million each year. "Ryan's a rare breed," according to Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman. Sirius XM: Stern Seeks Payout in Lawsuit Appeal WebProNews Howard Stern isn't about to take the dismissal of his lawsuit against Sirius XM Radio lying down. A judge recently crushed the shock jock's dream of a multi-million dollar payout from his employer. Unhappy with the decision, Stern has decided to revisit the ruling. Cumulus Media Sells 55 Scattered Radio Stations New York Times Cumulus Media, the nation's second-largest broadcaster, has sold 55 stations and gained 10 others as part of an effort to move into larger, more closely clustered markets. The company announced that it would sell the stations to Townsquare Media for $116 million. NBCUniversal Expands Seacrest's On-Air Role New York Times Look for Ryan Seacrest to be appearing soon on NBC's "Today" show and on the network's coverage of special events like the Olympics. The appearances are included in a new contract between Seacrest and NBCUniversal. The contract reduces Seacrest's on-air role at E! CNBC 'Freaking Out' Over Decline in Ratings New York Daily News CNBC execs are said to be "freaking out" because viewership levels are down essentially across-the-board, particularly with its marquee shows, "Squawk Box" and "Closing Bell." Said one insider: "Their biggest attractions have become their biggest losers." FCC: TV Stations to Put Political Ad Data Online Associated Press The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has voted to require broadcast TV stations to post online the advertising rates they charge political candidates and advocacy groups. The vote came despite strong opposition from many broadcasters. YouTube Channels Debut Signals Media Transition Crain's New York On Wednesday evening in New York, advertising execs will gather for the coming-out party for YouTube's 90 or so new channels of original content, backed by some $100 million in spending. "This is the beginning of the most exciting transition in media since cable." Hulu, Networks to Change Free Streaming Model New York Post Hulu is said to be taking steps to change to a model where viewers will have to prove they are a pay-TV customer to watch shows. Also, Fox is expected to talk with Comcast on a TV Everywhere deal. Plus, Comcast will likely switch to an authentication model for the Olympics. ESPN Nabs New York Station for Sports Radio Crain's New York ESPN New York has a new radio home starting Monday. The sports station will jump to 98.7 on the FM dial from its old haunt at 1050 AM. The move will present a new challenge to the dominant player in New York sports radio, CBS Radio's WFAN-AM. NBC Chief: Obama Beating Romney in Digital ClickZ People looking for a below-the-radar factor in the presidential election this fall should consider digital media marketing, said Chuck Todd, NBC's political director and chief White House correspondent. The early advantage goes to President Obama, he said. HBO to Air 'Intimate' Documentary on Bush Washington Post HBO will present "an intimate look at the life and career of George H.W. Bush" in the film "41," debuting in June. The documentary, executive-produced by Bush pal Jerry Weintraub, was written and directed by Jeffrey Roth. "There's no political stuff in it," said Weintraub. CBS Lawsuit Was Worth It, Rather Book Says Associated Press Retired CBS anchorman Dan Rather said his lawsuit against his former network was worth it, even though the $70 million breach-of-conduct case was rejected by the courts. In his new book, "Rather Outspoken," he said the case forced "ugly truths" about CBS into the open. NBC Affiliate Fires Reporter for Phone Call Edits Miami Herald Miami NBC affiliate WTVJ made the same edits to George Zimmerman's call to police that were widely attacked when the network aired a similarly misleading clip on the "Today" show last month. Station veteran Jeff Burnside was fired and two other staffers were disciplined. NY1 Anchor Kiernan Eyes 'Live! With Kelly' Seat New York Times Pat Kiernan, who has become somewhat of a sensation at Time Warner Cable's NY1, hopes to trade his morning news chair for Regis Philbin's old seat. The Alberta native will have another tryout as guest host on "Live! With Kelly" this Monday and Tuesday. DirecTV Files FCC Complaint Against Tribune Wall Street Journal DirecTV has accused creditors of Tribune of taking control of certain local TV stations without getting a green light from regulators, escalating the latest spat over TV-programming costs. The satellite-TV giant filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission. FCC Weighs Putting Political Ad Data Online Los Angeles Times The Federal Communications Commission wants to place broadcasters' political ad data on the Internet. On Friday, the agency will vote on whether to make that a new rule. Broadcasters are crying foul, fearing that putting such data on the web will undermine their businesses. ABC News, Yahoo Prep Katie Couric Web Show Adweek Katie Couric has an official ABC News show, but it is not on TV. The former "Today" and "CBS Evening News" anchor will host a digital program, "Katie's Take," on Yahoo, which partnered with ABC News last year. It is the first ABC News program with Couric as headliner. NBC Seeks Nearly $1 Million for Football Ads Advertising Age NBC is said to be seeking an ambitious sum for ad inventory in its new Thanksgiving-night NFL broadcast. The network aims to get "pretty close to seven figures" for a 30-second spot in the game, which will feature the New England Patriots and the New York Jets. MTV Online Game Aims to Energize Youth Vote CNN MTV hopes to give its get-out-the-vote campaign a viral boost with an online game, inspired by fantasy sports, that rewards players for participating in the 2012 elections. Gamers will rack up points in "Fantasy Election" for registering to vote and supporting candidates. E! Signs $40 Million Deal with Kardashian Clan TMZ The Kardashian family is said to have signed on with E! for three more seasons of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" in deal worth more than $40 million. The sixth season of the reality series averaged 3 million viewers. The seventh season begins airing May 20. Bloomberg Lied to Regulators, Comcast Says Los Angeles Times Comcast has accused Bloomberg LP of lying to the U.S. government in the latest twist in the battle between the two media behemoths. Bloomberg's charge that Comcast was ignoring the conditions of its takeover of NBCUniversal are "demonstrably false," Comcast said. Fox News Enters Multiyear Deal with Bill O'Reilly New York Daily News Bill O'Reilly has signed a multiyear deal to continue "The O'Reilly Factor" on the Fox News Channel. Terms of the unsurprising announcement were not disclosed. O'Reilly "has helped to make Fox News the success story it is today," said Fox News chief Roger Ailes. Fox: Ryan Seacrest to Continue as 'Idol' Host Associated Press Ryan Seacrest "will continue" as host of "American Idol," over which he has presided since its premiere a decade ago, Fox said. The network gave no specifics about the length of his new contract or monetary details. Seacrest describes the show's run as "a wild ride." CNNMoney Unveils International Home Page Next Web CNNMoney has launched an international home page to target global audiences. Users outside of the United States will be directed to this new page the first time they visit the site. Some 13% of the traffic to CNNMoney comes from outside North America. Univision: We Will Take Ad Dollars from NBC Crain's New York For years, Univision has been telling advertisers they should spend more on Spanish-language TV. This year, they're listening, according to Univision sales chief David Lawenda. "NBC is the weakest animal in the herd right now. We'll be taking money from them." CBS Files Lawsuit Over Theft of 'Happy Days' Hollywood Reporter CBS Television Distribution has sued ComStar Media for $1.5 million in allegedly owed license fees for such old series as "Happy Days." The shows have run on ComStar's FamilyNet. But the defendant asserts the right to air the shows without paying for them. Fox TV at Age 25 Enjoys Hits, Faces Challenges Reuters Fox, the start-up broadcast network of 1987 that within a few years changed the face of U.S. TV with edgy comedy and youth programming, has finally grown up. However, at age 25, the network faces a new set of rivals on still-expanding cable TV and the Internet. DirecTV Lowering Price of NFL Sunday Ticket Bloomberg DirecTV, trying to broaden its audience, is cutting the price of its Sunday football package by about 40% for existing customers and offering it free to new customers for a year. The satellite-TV provider has had the exclusive rights to out-of-market NFL games since 1994. NBC Hires Viacom Veteran as Chief Dealmaker Hollywood Reporter NBC has hired Viacom exec George Cheeks as EVP of business operations for both the network and its Universal Television studio. Cheeks will oversee business affairs and production operations. He will not make the move until his Viacom contract expires this fall. ABC Morning Show Victory Over NBC is 'Official' New York Times The final score is in for last week's ratings race between NBC's "Today" show and ABC's "Good Morning America," and the winner is ABC. The ABC morning program surpassed NBC's by 31,000 viewers for the week, marking its first full-week victory over NBC since 1995. CNN: Has All-News Strategy Become Old News? Bloomberg Businessweek More than rivals Fox News and MSNBC, CNN relies on "the story" to drive its audiences, rather than opinions or personalities. It's a strategy that works well when news breaks. However, when the big news stories subside, CNN ratings plummet. Fox News, CNN Newsmen Tweet Plane Emergency New York Observer CNN's Ali Velshi and Fox News' Grant Cardone were apparently traveling on the same Delta flight out of John F. Kennedy International Airport when a bird smashed into one of the engines shortly after takeoff. Both tweeted about the aircraft's emergency landing. Martha to Do Weekly PBS Show After Cable Exit New York Times Martha Stewart, whose daily talk show is being dropped by the Hallmark Channel this summer, plans to start a weekly show for PBS this fall. The series, titled "Martha Stewart's Cooking School," will be distributed by PBS stations across the United States. CW Network's Rush to Internet Rankles Affiliates Wall Street Journal Conscious that its audience of young people is spending more time online, the CW network, home of "The Vampire Diaries," has moved to put its shows on the web, and has pushed advertisers to buy ads online. Some CW affiliates have chafed at the activity. DVR May Be Behind Primetime TV Ratings Woes Variety In recent weeks, many of TV's most popular series, from "Modern Family" to "NCIS," have been experiencing either series or season lows. While daylight savings time to warm weather have been blamed, a research report sees increased DVR use as a cause. CBS: Janet Jackson 2004 Indecency Fine Eyed Politico The Obama administration has urged the Supreme Court to review the FCC's decision to fine CBS for Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" during the 2004 Super Bowl. "The commission explained that its indecency rules never included a 'fleeting nudity' exception." ABC 'The Bachelor' Is Accused of Racial Bias Reuters Two African-American men who said they auditioned last summer for "The Bachelor" have sued ABC, saying they were rejected because of their race. The suit said ABC has never put a single person of color in the central role on the popular reality TV show. Fox News Near New Deals with O'Reilly, Hannity Daily Caller Fox News Channel is in the process of entering new deals said to be worth millions of dollars with primetime show hosts Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity. The new multi-year, multi-million dollar agreements are expected to be completed by early next week. Current TV Hires Newsom as Talk Show Host New York Times Gavin Newsom, the lieutenant governor of California, is getting a second job as a talk show host on Current TV, the cable TV upstart. "The Gavin Newsom Show" will air weekly starting in May. Newsom is a former mayor of San Francisco, where Current TV is based. Dick Clark, 'American Bandstand' Host, Dies Associated Press Dick Clark stood as an avatar of rock 'n' roll virtually from its birth and, until his death Wednesday at age 82, as a cultural touchstone for boomers and their grandkids alike. He virtually owned New Year's Eve after four decades hosting his annual telecast on ABC. Oprah Dropped from Time's 100 Most Influential New York Post After being included in every single Time magazine 100 list since its inception in 1999, Oprah Winfrey for the first time did not make the cut this year. The newsweekly did not explain why it had dropped her from its list of the world's most influential people. Martha Sued by Investor Over Stock Option Plan Bloomberg Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has been sued by a shareholder over a proposed increase in the number of shares in a stock option plan. Investor Helene Hutt is accusing the company's directors of violating their fiduciary duties of "care, loyalty and good faith." Time Warner Cable Releases Streaming TV App PCMag Time Warner Cable customers can now watch live TV on their Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich-equipped tablets and smartphones. As promised, the cable provider updated its Android app for devices running the most recent version of Google's mobile operating system. NBC to Live Stream All London Olympic Sports New York Times All 32 sports at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London will be streamed live at nbcolympics.com. The live streaming of every event is a major shift. Under former owner General Electric, NBC did not stream live events that would be featured in prime time, lest they diminish ratings. CBS Sees Ad Opportunity in Live Game Streams Adweek CBS Interactive is adding the virtual equivalent of a live sports feed to its GameSpot site. Twitch.tv, which streams competitive multiplayer games, will provide live streams of popular games to GameSpot's audience base, with CBS selling ads around the content. Liberty Seeks FCC Recognition on Sirius XM Wall Street Journal Liberty Media said it needs approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to take "de facto" control of Sirius XM Radio. FCC support would remove a potential regulatory obstacle in the way of Liberty raising its stake in Sirius above 50%. Comcast Expands Xfinity Home to Chicago Chicago Tribune Comcast plans to introduce its Xfinity Home service in the Chicago area. The launch represents the cable company's push into home security and automation. The service was first launched in Houston in June 2010. Since then, it has expanded to more than 20 markets. Viacom: Tablets Becoming an Alternative to TV Next Web Tablets are becoming an alternative to television and to other devices for users to watch full-length TV episodes, according to a study by Viacom. However, the tablet "isn't replacing TV." The top genres viewed on tablets, comedy and music, align more with computers. ABC's 'GMA' Ends NBC's 'Today' Win Streak New York Daily News ABC's "Good Morning America" last week averaged an estimated 13,000 viewers more than "Today" to finish ahead of the NBC breakfast show for the first time in 16 years. Final numbers will be out later this week, though neither side is contesting the outcome. NBC: Baldwin Explains Tweets About 'Leaving' Associated Press Alec Baldwin said he is still a fan of NBC despite tweeting angrily last week that he was "leaving NBC just in time" after a "Today" show crew camped outside his apartment building. The actor said he will finish a seventh season of the NBC sitcom "30 Rock." USA, TNT Explore New Programming Genres USA Today In an increasingly crowded climate for original programming, several cable networks are moving beyond the genres on which they've built their successes. USA is expected to announce its first half-hour comedy series; TNT this summer will air its first reality show. BET Founder Plans Web Distribution Firm Los Angeles Times Robert Johnson, founder of BET, the first cable-TV network targeted to African Americans, is rolling up a pair of small video firms to form a new venture, RLJ Entertainment. Johnson plans to create an online distribution company to syndicate "eclectic" programming. Murdoch's Star Brand Exits TV News in India Business Standard The Rupert Murdoch-controlled Star Group has decided to end its brand association with the Ananda Bazaar Patrika Group in their joint venture, after months of discontent over editorial and strategic issues. Star India will continue to hold its stake in the joint venture. Sirius XM Defeats Stern's Lawsuit Over Stock Hollywood Reporter A judge has dismissed the lawsuit brought by Howard Stern against Sirius XM Radio for allegedly stiffing him on promised stock. The judge found that the parties never anticipated counting new subscribers via merger to trigger the radio host's bonus compensation. Clear Channel Pursues Multiplatform Marketing San Antonio Express-News Clear Channel has created a marketing and sales group to pursue multiplatform marketing initiatives. Leading the effort will be Tim Castelli, who has been promoted to president of national sales, marketing and partnerships. Castelli previously headed digital sales. Survey: Viewers Would Pay $1.50 Per Channel Variety U.S. consumers would overwhelmingly prefer to pay for just 19 TV channels at $1.50 a pop than their current multichannel packages, according to a new survey by RBC Capital Markets. Some 92% of more than 1,000 respondents are interested in a la carte TV. NBCUniversal Plans Streaming of Olympics Variety Online streaming will play a big role in NBCUniversal's coverage of the Olympics. Every competition will be available live on at least one NBCU platform, either TV or digitally streamed. "Everybody seems to be watching TV with an iPad or an iPhone or a laptop." CBS Chief Tops Media Pay at $69.9 Million Los Angeles Times Les Moonves vaulted to the top of the media pay ladder in 2011 with a compensation package valued at $69.9 million, according to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CBS defended its CEO's pay, noting that its stock soared 42% last year. Oprah Returns to Silver Screen in 'The Butler' USA Today Director Lee Daniels said Oprah Winfrey will be playing a big role in his film "The Butler," which starts shooting in July. "It's a true story of a man who served several decades in the White House. Forest Whitaker plays the butler and Oprah plays his wife." Time Warner Cable Could Mull Dodgers Stake Dow Jones Time Warner Cable would consider buying a stake in the Los Angeles Dodgers new ownership structure, in order to negotiate a broadcast deal for the team's future games and snatch the rights away from News Corp.'s Fox Sports, people familiar with the matter said. Comcast Heads to Trial in Monopoly Charge Bloomberg A 2003 consumer $875 million antitrust lawsuit against Comcast is headed for trial after a federal judge upheld some of the claims: "Because it possessed market power, its decision to target promotional discounts to deter a new entrant may be deemed predatory." Telemundo Chief Flags Up U.S. Ads Disparity Financial Times Spanish-language channels in the United States are getting only half the advertising revenues they should, according to Telemundo CEO Emilio Romano. Telemundo and Univision face new competition as News Corp. plans to launch a Spanish-language network this fall. Fox Taps Seacrest to Host Anniversary Special EW Fox has announced that Ryan Seacrest will host its 25th anniversary special, airing April 22. Several network stars, past and present, are to appear in the two-hour special that Fox promises "will showcase our hits, our misses, and everything in between." Food Network Rolls Out Online Reservations Wall Street Journal Scripps Networks Interactive, owner of the Food Network, has rolled out a service that lets people make restaurant reservations online. The new CityEats service pits the company against OpenTable, which has offered a similar service since 1998. Fox Business Net Is 'Cost Neutral,' Ailes Says TalkingBizNews Fox Business Network, which launched in 2007, is now "cost neutral," according to Fox News boss Roger Ailes. The network spends about $150 million on programming, he added. "Business news is a small niche. It's not surprising that Fox Business is where it is." CNN International Puts Focus on 'Amanpour' WorldScreen Christiane Amanpour's new series, "Amanpour," is set to launch April 16, serving as the centerpiece of a new CNN International lineup. The show will air around the globe in more than 200 territories. The half-hour series will air twice during European prime time. Public TV U.S. Political Ad Ban Struck Down Reuters A U.S. appeals court has struck down a federal ban on political advertising on public TV and radio stations, a decision that could open the public airwaves to a heavy dose of campaign ads. The move could "fundamentally change the character" of public broadcasting. HBO Offers Free Access to a Pair of Comedies New York Times HBO said it will offer two new promising comedies, "Girls" and "Veep," to nonsubscribers. A day after each show gets its first run on HBO, the premiere episodes will be made available on multiple free websites including YouTube, DailyMotion, TV.com and HBO.com. TV Everywhere Hits Mainstream, Survey Says World Screen A new survey from QuickPlay Media has found increased interest and adoption of mobile TV and multiscreen services, with 57% of respondents reporting that they are interested in multiscreen viewing. Some 35% said they have tried a mobile TV and/or video service. Fox 'X Factor' Near Record Deal with Spears E! Online Britney Spears is said to be close to signing a $15 million deal to become a judge on Simon Cowell's "X Factor." The deal would make the pop singer the highest paid judge on reality TV, eclipsing Jennifer Lopez's $12 million deal for "American Idol." ABC 'General Hospital' Soap Opera Renewed New York Times ABC has renewed "General Hospital" for another season, putting to rest the fears of fans about the fate of the long-running soap opera. However, daytime talk show "The Revolution" was canceled, with the network stating that it would end its run at the beginning of July. Sirius XM CEO Sees Rise in Compensation Dow Jones Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius XM Radio, earned total compensation for 2011 valued at $10.7 million, up around 8% from a year earlier. The bulk of Karmazin's pay was awarded in the form of a $9.2 million bonus, as the company beefed up its subscriber base and profits. Fox News Eyes Legal Action Over Gawker 'Mole' Mediaite Joe Muto, the newly revealed Gawker "mole" and a former associate producer at "The O'Reilly Factor," has been fired from Fox News, according to a spokesperson. The network is "continuing to explore legal recourse against Mr. Muto and possibly others." Report: Cable TV to Pass $200 a Month by 2020 New York Post While wages for U.S. workers have remained stagnant, cable bills have climbed 6% a year and will pass $200 a month by 2020, according to a forecast by research firm NPD Group. NPD blames the price spiral on a tug of war between cable operators and program creators. Hearst TV Delivers News, Ads to Mobile Devices Fierce Cable More than two dozen Hearst-owned TV stations are using a cloud service from Yospace to deliver news and short-form content to mobile devices. The service also links into the broadcaster's advertising response server to ensure pre-roll advertising is targeted to the user. Sky News to Launch Arabic Channel in May Journalism.co.uk Sky News has announced May 6 as the launch date for its 24-hour Arabic news channel, which will be based in the United Arab Emirates. Sky News Arabia joins the BBC, Al Jazeera, Al Arabeya and France 24 in providing round-the-clock news in Arabic. CBS' Simon & Schuster to Publish Lauper Associated Press Cyndi Lauper swears her book will show her true colors. The performer has a memoir coming out this fall, published by Atria Books, an imprint of CBS-owned Simon & Schuster. "Cyndi Lauper" will cover the singer's story from her troubled childhood to stardom in the 1980s. NBC: Palin Repels Couric Challenge to 'Today' Associated Press Sarah Palin is largely responsible for the "Today" show repelling the Katie Couric challenge. NBC's morning show beat ABC's "Good Morning America" by a margin of 210,000 viewers last week — one week after the gap between the two shows shrank to 119,000. Limbaugh to Leave AM Station in Philadelphia New York Times Rush Limbaugh's show is leaving the dominant conservative talk radio station in Philadelphia. The move does not appear to be directly related to the recent ad boycott against the radio host. Nonetheless, the move is likely to gain attention due to the recent scrutiny. Epix Channel Turns On Major Ad Campaign New York Post Pay-TV startup Epix is entering a new phase of its life with an $8 million branding blitz and the potential for fresh digital dollars. The movie channel, backed by Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM, aims to increase subscribers ahead of its third birthday in October. CBS' 'Mother' Boosted by Netflix, Repeats New York Times "How I Met Your Mother" is proving that the new ways to watch TV can sometimes enhance the old ways. Two factors helped make the CBS sitcom a hit in its seventh season: Its early seasons became available on Netflix, and repeats began running on cable channel FX. NBC's Lauer Deal Puts Co-Host in Hot Seat New York Post Matt Lauer's new $25-million-a-year contract to continue as a host of NBC's "Today" show could cost co-anchor Ann Curry her job. Lauer's decision to stay was said to be driven in part by the prospect of a new co-host. Lauer and Curry are said to "lack chemistry." CBS '60 Minutes' Legend Wallace Dies at 93 CBS/AP Mike Wallace, the "60 Minutes" pit-bull reporter whose probing, brazen style made his name synonymous with the tough interview, has died. Wallace's reputation "was so fearsome that the words 'Mike Wallace is here to see you' were the most dreaded words in English." CNN Anchor Apologizes for On-Air N-Word New York Post CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield apologized after a reporter covering the murder of three African-Americans in Tulsa used offensive language during her news report. Reporter Susan Candiotti didn't censor herself when reading from the accused killer's Facebook page. NBC Producer Fired Over Zimmerman 911 Call Associated Press NBC News is said to have fired a producer for editing a recording of George Zimmerman's call to police the night he shot Trayvon Martin. The identity of the producer was not disclosed. The network's news division has apologized for having aired the misleading audio. ABC, Fox Oppose Internet Posting of Ad Rates Wall Street Journal Broadcast TV stations would be required to disclose online the rates they charge for political ads under new rules circulated by U.S. regulators. Broadcasters are expected to fight the change. They say it would cost them significant time and money to update online files. Time Warner Cable Preps Android Live TV App Multichannel News Time Warner Cable expects to deliver an app for Android-based phones and tablets within the next few weeks that will let subscribers watch live TV — although not many current Android devices will be able to run it. The app will run only on devices that support Android 4.0. NBC Signs Lauer to Multiyear 'Today' Contract New York Times NBC News has signed Matt Lauer to a new multiyear contract to remain as the co-host of the "Today" show, addressing one of the division's most pressing issues. "Matt is the franchise, and our franchise player has decided to keep leading our team." Discovery to Tap Brokaw for Military Channel TVNewser Discovery's Military Channel plans to air "The Brokaw Files," a new show hosted by legendary NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw, and featuring some of his most famous reports. Brokaw will reflect on those moments in new discussions, and add analysis and new information. Fox News Channel Hires Jackson Daughter Time Out Chicago Santita Jackson will debut Friday as a contributor to Fox News Channel, appearing on "Fox & Friends." Jackson, an outspoken liberal and the eldest daughter of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, most recently hosted middays at Chicago talk radio station WVON. CBS News Names TV Critic Huff to PR Post Broadcasting & Cable Richard Huff, deputy features editor of television at the New York Daily News, has been named executive director of communications at CBS News. Huff will be responsible for "strategic communications and brand development across multiple platforms." Current TV Sued by Olbermann for $50 Million Associated Press Talk show host Keith Olbermann is moving his grievances with his former employer Current TV to the courtroom, suing the network for more than $50 million and blasting it for what he claims were shoddy production values. "Current's dysfunction permeated all levels." Sirius XM's New Radios Installed in Chryslers Reuters Chrysler has become the first auto manufacturer to sign on to install in its vehicles the new Sirius XM radios that can carry more Spanish-language channels and other content. Chrysler, the No. 3 U.S. automaker, will carry the new radios exclusively for a year. Discovery Drops Planet Green for 'Fast Food' Los Angeles Times Discovery is pulling the plug on Planet Green, its low-rated cable network devoted to "green lifestyle programming." On Memorial Day, Planet Green will become Destination America, which will offer shows devoted to fast food and "America's obsession with meat." 'Oprah's Farm': Is Winfrey Moving to Hawaii? Pacific Business Oprah Winfrey may be moving ahead with her idea of moving to Hawaii to run an organic farm if her Oprah Winfrey Network doesn't succeed. OWN has registered "Oprah's Farm" with the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs. OWN declines to discuss the listing. Current TV: Low Ratings Could End Cable Deal Reuters Al Gore's Current TV has bigger problems than a potential lawsuit from fired news anchor Keith Olbermann -- namely not getting kicked off Time Warner Cable for low ratings. "Time Warner Cable has been flirting with pulling Current off its systems for some time now." ABC: Ad Buyers Eye 'GMA' Amid TV Showdown New York Post While advertisers have been paying a premium for NBC's "Today," some media buyers said rival "Good Morning America" is starting to look like a better bang for their buck. "Advertisers are getting better value now that ABC is closing the gap in ratings." NBC to Broadcast Olympic Trials in Primetime MarketWatch NBCUniversal will broadcast a record 67.5 hours of U.S. Olympic Team Trials from late April through early July, including 15.5 hours on its NBC network in primetime. In total, 47 hours of the coverage will be live. NBC has exclusive rights to the Olympic Games through 2020. Bravo Teams with Zuckerberg for Reality Series CNNMoney Bravo is teaming with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's sister Randi Zuckerberg for a series with the working title of "Silicon Valley." The show "captures the intertwining lives of young professionals on the path to becoming Silicon Valley's next great success stories." DirecTV, Tribune Reach Fee Deal, End Blackout Chicago Tribune DirecTV and Tribune have reached a deal on retransmission fees, ending a four-day blackout that cut off programming to millions of subscribers amid an acrimonious negotiation process. The new agreement is for five years. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. CBS Deal Allows Letterman to Make TV History Washington Post CBS has extended David Letterman's contract through 2014, which will officially make him the longest-running late-night talk show host in TV history. Letterman, who has helmed a late-night franchise since 1982, will surpass Johnny Carson's record of 30 years. NBC Taps Seacrest as Olympics Correspondent Hollywood Reporter Ryan Seacrest has added another gig to his already-padded resume: NBC Olympics correspondent, making his debut for this year's London games. Seacrest, on the "Today" show, said that the plan "is for me to join the NBC family and continue to have a role at the E! Network." Fox Broadcasting Takes Stake in Social TV Firm Variety Fox Broadcasting has taken a small equity stake in a tech company that specializes in creating apps to accompany TV shows. The broadcaster is investing an unspecified amount in ACTV8.me, which just launched a so-called "second screen" app. MTV Exports Reality Hit 'Jersey Shore' to France Hollywood Reporter The French will be fist pumping when "Jersey Shore" makes its premiere in Gaul, as Viacom's MTV signs more international deals for local versions of its hit reality series. The U.K.'s version, "Geordie Shore," has given MTV its best ratings in the territory to date. Al Jazeera Eyes Sports to Boost Global Brand Reuters Al Jazeera, best known for its Middle Eastern news coverage, is taking aim at Europe's pay-TV market, using sports to build a global media brand. The broadcaster is racing to launch a new French channel in early June in time for the European soccer championships. CBS to Premiere Daily Sports Show by Rome Associated Press Jim Rome is still "burning," it's just that the passion has moved to a different place. The sports TV personality has taken his game to CBS, where his new daily show, "Rome," debuts on the CBS Sports Network on Tuesday evening. "The show feels leaner and meaner." Comedy Central's Stewart to Cover Convention USA Today "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" is taking 125 staffers to cover its fourth Democratic National Convention and broadcasting a week of shows from Charlotte, N.C. The Comedy Central program's coverage of the 2012 DNC will air nightly from Sept. 4 through Sept. 7. Oprah Admits to Mistakes with OWN TV Network New York Daily News Oprah Winfrey said that if she had a clue how tough getting a cable network off the ground was, she might have gone in a different direction. "Had I known that it was this difficult, I might have done something else," she admitted during an appearance on "CBS This Morning." DirecTV Takes Tribune Clash to U.S. Regulators CNBC DirecTV's battle with Tribune isn't just another conflict over retransmission fees. It has turned into an indictment of Tribune's management in bankruptcy, and what DirecTV calls "another case of runaway Wall Street greed," as the company filed a complaint with the FCC. Current TV Drops Olbermann After One Year New York Times Current TV has terminated the contract of lead anchor Keith Olbermann, scarcely one year after he was hired to reboot the fledgling channel in his progressive political image. The move comes after months of infighting with the famously temperamental news anchor. Fox News CEO Backs Network Tell-All Book New York Daily News Roger Ailes is said to be helping writer Zev Chafets fast-track a book, due out this fall, about the Fox News chief and the cable-news network because he is worried about a similar book that New York magazine's Gabriel Sherman is writing. Sherman's book is due in 2013. Sirius XM Fights Liberty Media Takeover Move MarketWatch Sirius XM Radio has petitioned U.S. communications regulators to block a move by Liberty Media to gain control of the satellite radio broadcaster. Liberty Media received its Sirius XM stake as part of a transaction to lend Sirius "as much as $530 million." Comcast to Extend Reach of Oprah TV Network Wall Street Journal Oprah Winfrey's OWN cable channel is said to have struck a distribution deal with Comcast, lifting the number of homes in which the network can be seen. As a result of the deal, 17 million Comcast subscribers will be able to watch the network, up from about 14 million currently. NBCUniversal Near New Contract with Seacrest New York Times Ryan Seacrest is near a new contract with NBCUniversal, where he already has commitments with the E! channel, Bravo and NBC. Seacrest is likely to announce an expanded relationship with the company when he comes on NBC's "Today" on Tuesday morning. NBC 'Today' Show Legend Vieira Set for Return Huffington Post Former NBC "Today" host Meredith Vieira will join the network's team reporting live from the 2012 Olympics in London. Also, Sarah Palin will guest co-host "Today" on Tuesday. The moves come as former "Today" host Katie Couric fills in on ABC's "Good Morning America." Time Warner, Comcast Channels Stay Bundled Los Angeles Times A panel of judges has sided with Time Warner, Comcast and other media giants in a class-action suit that was looking to do away with the practice of bundling multiple channels together and selling them as a package, a long-standing industry tradition. Liberty Media Seeks 'Control' of Sirius XM Radio Seeking Alpha Liberty Media has filed with U.S. regulators seeking "de facto" control of Sirius XM Radio. The move "appears to be a hostile action" by Liberty Media to take control of the satellite radio broadcaster "without having to obtain over 50% of the company." Clear Channel Cuts Jobs Amid Strategy Change RBR Clear Channel has cut a number of jobs in markets across the country. Six were let go in Nashville; six in Columbus, Ohio; three in Oklahoma City; and a facility in Minneapolis has been shut down. "Our strategy continues to evolve," said the radio-station giant. Viacom's Nickelodeon Bested by Disney Channel TheWrap Nickelodeon said last fall that its ratings woes were temporary, but that doesn't look to be the case: This month, kids-TV rival Disney Channel beat the Viacom network for the first time in total daily viewers. Nick had ruled the ratings category since June 1995. Time Warner: TV Will Evolve to 'Pandora' Model Multichannel News Someday you will turn on your TV and the programming you are most interested in will just play sequentially -- the way the Internet music service Pandora works, according to Time Warner Cable exec Peter Stern. It will be "a very different customer experience." CBS, Turner See March Madness Digital Dollars Advertising Age Turner and CBSSports.com are said to have brought in $60 million in advertising sales from digital viewing of NCAA tournament games this year. The figure does not include revenue from the $3.99 fee that they charged for the multi-platform March Madness Live service. ABC, Nielsen Partner to Measure iPad Usage Variety Disney-ABC Television and Nielsen have unveiled a collaboration to measure iPad usage, a move reflecting an urgency to understand the device's impact on media consumption. The little data available on tablet video consumption is seen as a testament to its potential. CBS Blocks Fan-Produced Internet 'Star Trek' New York Times An unused script for the cult 1960s TV show "Star Trek" was set to be produced for the Internet, featuring amateur actors, until CBS blocked the production, claiming it owned the script. The move appalled Trekkies: "These execs should be phasered on heavy stun." ABC Nabs Couric to Guest Host Morning Show Gawker ABC has named former NBC "Today" show star Katie Couric to fill in for "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts, who goes on vacation next week. "This is a diabolical decision by an executive Disney goon squad to further taunt 'Today' and its flat ratings." Oprah's Presence Boosts Viewership of OWN Reuters Oprah Winfrey's OWN channel saw a 21% rise in total daily viewers in the first quarter of 2012, as the talk show's queen decision to put more of herself on the network began to pay off. But the 15-month-old venture is still attracting only 180,000 viewers a day. Martha to Make Cameo in Zynga Social Game VentureBeat Martha Stewart will make a cameo appearance in Zynga's social game "CastleVille." Players will be able to interact with Stewart's avatar and get special in-game rewards. Stewart will have her own neighboring kingdom, designed after her home in Bedford, Conn. Limbaugh Sees Heat Turn Down to a Simmer Washington Post One month after radio host Rush Limbaugh sparked outrage by calling a law-school student "inappropriate" names in a three-day diatribe, stations are standing by him, advertisers are trickling back to his program and the news media appear to have moved on. Clear Channel to Delay Ads for Online Service Associated Press CEO Bob Pittman said that Clear Channel plans to keep part of its iHeart Radio online service free of advertising for at least a few more months, explaining that a consumer backlash against ads on Pandora Media's competing offering serves as a "cautionary tale." CBS, Kutcher Near Deal for 'Two and Half Men' TV Guide Talks have begun to bring Ashton Kutcher back to the hit comedy "Two and a Half Men" for at least another year. Kutcher is already believed to be the highest-paid star in TV comedy, at around $700,000 an episode. No one would be surprised if that number reached seven figures. MSNBC Surpasses CNN in First Quarter Ratings Politico CNN and MSNBC, contenders in the ongoing battle to be No. 2 to Fox News, are both out with their first quarter ratings reports. Both claim to have come in first in primetime: MSNBC topped CNN in total weekday viewers; CNN beat MSNBC in viewers age 25 to 52. ABC Family Wins TV Debut of 'Hunger Games' EW "The Hunger Games" is coming to TV in 2014. ABC Family, which is also home to the Harry Potter franchise, has acquired the network TV premiere rights to the just-released hit film and the franchise's second film, "Catching Fire," the network announced. AMC 'Mad Men' Season Debut Boosted by Netflix Bloomberg AMC's season debut of "Mad Men" was the series' most-watched episode, aided by a streaming deal with Netflix that made past seasons available to viewers, increasing audience interest. The premiere for season five attracted some 3.5 million viewers. Netflix Ends Talks to Revive Fox's 'Terra Nova' TV Guide The dinosaurs of "Terra Nova" are now even more extinct. Despite an 11th hour attempt by streaming service Netflix to keep the drama alive, a deal with 20th Century Fox TV could not be reached and the show's producers are ready to throw in the towel. TiVo Files Suit Against Motorola, Time Warner ZD Net Just over a year ago, Motorola filed a lawsuit against TiVo over patent infringement related to digital video recorders. Now, TiVo has filed counterclaims that Motorola and customer Time Warner Cable infringed upon some of its patents as well. DirecTV: Tribune May Pull Channels Over Fees Los Angeles Times Tribune, owner of 16 U.S. TV stations, is threatening to pull its channels from satellite broadcaster DirecTV. At issue are fees that Tribune wants DirecTV to pay in return for carrying its local stations. According to Tribune: "DirecTV is refusing to offer a fair deal." New York Studios Expand in Bid for More Jobs Reuters Five new sound stages catering to film and TV productions were opened in New York on Monday. The city's mayor, Mike Bloomberg, opened the stages at the Steiner Studios in Brooklyn, predicting they would add more entertainment industry jobs in New York Sirius XM: Should Limbaugh Make the Move? RBR Should Rush Limbaugh jump to Sirius XM satellite radio? Such a move turned out to be a solution for Howard Stern. With advertisers bailing on the controversial radio host, analysts see the move as a possibility: "Would be fantastic for Sirius if they could get Rush." AMC Eyes More Originals Thanks to 'Mad Men' Reuters AMC Networks CEO Josh Sapan built a "new" network around the award-winning drama "Mad Men" with other hit series, including "The Walking Dead" and "Breaking Bad." What's next? "Rational investment in original content. We may add more shows." Nickelodeon, TNT, FX See Ratings Take a Slide Wall Street Journal The biggest drama on cable TV may be the ratings plunge under way at some of the largest networks. The biggest losers include Nickelodeon, TNT and FX. Many viewers appear to be simply changing the channel: The History Channel, TBS and AMC are seeing growth. CBS Develops 'I Love Lucy' Into Social Game USA Today Casual games developer Entertainment Games is releasing the "I Love Lucy" social game, in partnership with Desilu, Too, and CBS Consumer Products. The game is based on scenes from the iconic "candy factory" episode, incorporating images from the classic sitcom. NBC New York to Cancel Local Lifestyle Show Broadcasting & Cable WNBC New York's "New York Live," the local lifestyle show that bumped 5 p.m. news in fall 2009, will be dropped this coming fall for syndicated programming. "New York Live" targets women that otherwise would be tuning in to female-focused cable networks. Analysts: U.S. TV Stations Ripe for Acquisitions Reuters A confluence of factors, from a robust advertising market to the growing importance of retransmission fees, is setting the stage for a new wave of TV station mergers and acquisitions over the next 12 to 24 months. "Established TV groups are looking for possibilities." NBC Renews Hyped Broadway Drama 'Smash' New York Times NBC has announced it will bring back "Smash" for a second season. The pricey Broadway-based drama has performed reasonably well in its 10 p.m. Monday slot — and far better than anything the broadcast network has tried in that time period in many years. Fox's 'Glee' is Sued for Trademark Infringement Bloomberg News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox Film unit has been sued by a British firm claiming the "Glee" TV series may be confused with U.K. comedy events using the same name. The claim was brought by Comic Enterprises, which operates "Glee Club" comedy venues. ABC Tests Ad Packages Including 'On Demand' Advertising Age ABC has begun talking to media buyers about purchasing ads in shows both when they air live and wherever they're available on demand — including the full-episode player on ABC's website, cable systems' video-on-demand channels, and iPad and iPhone apps. Oprah Wants Shriver for Show on OWN Network Radar Online Oprah Winfrey is said to be hoping to recruit her friend Maria Shriver to do a news/special interest show on her embattled cable network, OWN. Winfrey decided last week to pull the plug on Rosie O'Donnell's short-lived talk show due to poor ratings. Rush Limbaugh Targeted in Radio Ad Campaign Associated Press Rush Limbaugh's opponents are starting a radio campaign against him, seizing upon the radio star's attack of a Georgetown law student to make an effort at weakening his business. The liberal Media Matters for America is spending at least $100,000 on the ads. CNN Lays Off Staffers in Transition to New Model TV Newser CNN has laid off dozens of employees in its two documentary units. The channel said that while it will continue to produce in-house docs, much of its long-form journalism will now come from outside production companies. "We are transitioning to an acquisition model." Bloomberg TV Cuts 30 Staffers, Adds Digital Jobs TV Newser Bloomberg TV has laid off up to 30 reporters, producers, editors and other staffers, as the company shifts to a digital-centric newsroom. Bloomberg plans to add 13 new positions and create a digital video desk to move video productions to web platforms. Viacom: Ratings Woes at MTV, Comedy Central New York Post The ratings woes that showed up at Nickelodeon last year have spread to Viacom's other big cable properties, including MTV, Comedy Central and BET, according to new data. At MTV ratings powerhouse "Jersey Shore," Snooki and the gang "are starting to show their age." Discovery Oprah Network to Lose $143 Million Bloomberg Oprah Winfrey Network, the cable-TV venture between Discovery and the talk-show host, may lose $142.9 million in 2012 as it struggles to gain viewers, according to researcher SNL Kagan. Discovery challenged the findings: "The report is riddled with inaccuracies." CBS Local Digital Push Ups Audience, Revenue MediaPost CBS has launched a new iPad app offering access to content from its local TV, radio and online properties in 24 major U.S. markets. The free "YourDay" app also features content from CBS-owned sites such as Chow.com. "The sites aren't just about news anymore." NBC 'Fashion Star' Sees Growth in Week Two WWD The audience for NBC's "Fashion Star" is growing. The premiere episode last week averaged 4.5 million viewers, and the second episode on Tuesday drew 4.7 million people. Participating retailers H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's report strong sell-throughs. Lionsgate, 'Mad Men' Actors Open Wall Street Variety The cast of "Mad Men" joined Lionsgate execs to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday. "Mad Men" starts its fifth season Sunday on AMC. It is also a huge weekend for Lionsgate's film studio, with "The Hunger Games" opening Friday. Time Warner Cable Bashed by Fox News Anchor Huffington Post Attention Time Warner Cable: Shepherd Smith is not happy with his service. "I could scream at Time Warner until the cows come home and make new cows," said the Fox News anchor. "And nothing would still happen. It is a monopoly and it's un-American." Clear Channel, HuffPost Execs Invest in Mets Wall Street Journal Bob Pittman and Kenneth Lerer are said to be among several investors who combined to purchase a $20 million stake in the Mets. Pittman is CEO of Clear Channel; Lerer is a co-founder of the Huffington Post. Pittman and Lerer purchased only a portion of a 4% stake. Aereo Countersues More Major TV Broadcasters Reuters Aereo, the online TV service backed by Barry Diller, filed a second countersuit against major broadcasters that want to stop it from retransmitting their programming. The new lawsuit targets Fox, PBS, Univision and the WPIX and WNET stations in New York. Current TV to Launch Morning Program Block Associated Press Current TV said it will launch a six-hour morning talk block next Monday. Announced earlier this month, the morning slate will consist of live simulcasts of the liberal-leaning radio programs "The Bill Press Show" and "The Stephanie Miller Show." Discovery: We Won't 'Pull the Plug' on OWN USA Today Ratings for the troubled Oprah Winfrey Network aren't coming in anywhere near as forecast, according to analysts. "It would be a huge disappointment for co-owner Discovery to have to pull the plug." Is that possible? "Absolutely not," said a Discovery spokesman. 'Katie' Has Best Shot to Claim Oprah's Crown TheWrap Ten months after Oprah Winfrey signed off her long-running daytime talk show, the TV industry is still trying to fill the vacuum. While there is no shortage of contenders, all eyes are on Katie Couric, who launches "Katie" in the fall. Couric "will probably do better." ESPN's Website for Women Adds a Sponsor New York Times ESPN's dedicated website for women is getting some additional marketer support as packaged-food product Colavita olive oil becomes the first in its category to advertise with the company. Colavita is forming a professional women's cycling team, co-branded with espnW. Oprah's OWN Network Lays Off 30 in Restructuring TheWrap Oprah Winfrey's OWN is laying off 30 people in a restructuring that continues the troubles of her ratings-deprived, turnover-plagued network. The restructuring also gives Discovery Communications more input into the network it established with Winfrey. ABC 'Housewives' Firing Case Declared a Mistrial Associated Press A judge has declared a mistrial in Nicollette Sheridan's wrongful termination trial after the jury deadlocked, leaving an unresolved finale to a two-week trial that focused on the behind-the-scenes intrigue and personalities of ABC's "Desperate Housewives." MTV Renews 'Jersey Shore' with Pregnant Snooki Washington Post MTV is renewing "Jersey Shore," cable TV's most watched show among 12-to-34 year olds, for a sixth season. Production is set to begin this summer. In its fifth season, "Jersey Shore" delivered nine of the top 15 cable telecasts of 2012 to date among 12-to-34 year olds. Nickelodeon, Disney Spark Run on New Series USA Today Disney Channel is challenging the once-dominant Nickelodeon as the top home for children's TV. Nick is ramping up production of new shows in a bid to stave off Disney, which on Friday will unveil its full-time Disney Junior preschool network to compete with Nick Jr. Fox News Blamed for Political Woes by Obama Politico President Barack Obama blamed Fox News for his political woes in a private meeting with labor leaders in 2010, saying he was "losing white males" who tune into the cable outlet and "hear Obama is a Muslim 24/7," according to journalist David Corn's new book, "Showdown." BBC Director General to Step Down in Autumn Journalism.co.uk Mark Thompson has confirmed he will step down as director general of the BBC, a role he has held since 2004, later this year. In an email to staff, Thompson said he has told the chairman of the BBC Trust that he will step down in autumn, following the Olympic games. C-Span Founder to Step Down as Chief Exec New York Times Brian Lamb, who created the revolutionary nonprofit cable-TV network C-Span, plans to step down. His colleagues Rob Kennedy will take over as co-CEOs on April 1. Lamb, 70, will become executive chairman and continue to host "Q&A," his Sunday night interview show. NPR Retracts Broadcast About Apple Workers Chicago Tribune "This American Life" aired an excerpt from Mike Daisey's one-man show about the deplorable conditions endured by Chinese workers who make Apple products but failed to identify that it was filled with fictionalized incidents. Host Ira Glass has retracted the broadcast. Oprah Network Cancels Rosie O'Donnell Show Chicago Tribune Rosie O'Donnell's talk show for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has been canceled. "The Rosie Show," which debuted in October, saw its viewership slide from 500,000 at the start to about 150,000. Winfrey thanked O'Donnell for "joining me on this journey." Rush Limbaugh Seen Vulnerable by Radio Rivals Reuters Cumulus Media has sent out an email blast to radio station owners touting Mike Huckabee as the conservative talk radio host of the future. Though the email did not name Rush Limbaugh, the intent was obvious to some recipients. "They are going after Rush's affiliates." MTV History Book Eyed for Movie Adaptation Variety Producer Brett Ratner is near a deal with Sony to adapt "I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution," by music journalists Craig Marks and Rob Tannenbaum. The book is an oral history of MTV, offering behind-the-scenes dirt on the network's "golden age." Fox Sports Plans Spanish-Language Games SportsBusiness Journal In what appears to be a response to Time Warner Cable's plans to launch a Spanish-language regional sports network in Los Angeles, Fox Sports will make many of its Angels, Dodgers and Clippers games available in Spanish starting this season. TiVo Tech Chief Resigns Amid Bottom-Line Woes Dow Jones TiVo chief technology officer James Barton has resigned from the video-recording company he helped found. His departure comes in the wake of two far-reaching settlements the company made over the use of its recording technology, which boosted its bottom line. Time Warner Cable Sued Over Missing Linsanity Hollywood Reporter Fans haven't forgiven Time Warner Cable for robbing them of the opportunity to see 49 days of Linsanity. In an amended class action, plaintiffs demand that the cable giant reimburse them for $5 million in service fees and charges for withholding programming. ABC: Katie Couric Show to Debut in September Washington Post Katie Couric's new nationally syndicated talk show will debut Sept. 10, according to an announcement from executive producer Jeff Zucker. "Katie," distributed by Disney-ABC Domestic Television, will be produced out of ABC's Manhattan headquarters. NBC's Brian Williams: A Caregiver for Seniors? Associated Press At an NBC meeting with advertisers, MSNBC's Willie Geist described NBC "Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams as "a caregiver for our parents and our grandparents." Geist drew roars from the audience, who know that nightly newscasts attract TV's oldest viewers. Rush Limbaugh Joins Twitter to Mobilize 'Army' Politico Rush Limbaugh announced on his radio show that he has opened an account on Twitter, in an effort to combat his critics and mobilize his "army" of supporters. "I'm just going to put some things on Twitter that you can help us circulate. It's that simple -- you just retweet them." CNN Takes Crown in Social Media, Not Ratings TheWrap CNN accounted for almost 13% of all social media mentions in February, making it the most social network of all cable for the month, according to analytics firm Trendrr. Ironically, the network itself still trails Fox and MSNBC in regular competition for ratings. MTV Unveils Service to Dominate Online Music Los Angeles Times MTV plans to launch a multiplatform service giving independent and major label acts a new space to promote their works backed by promotion across its stable of TV networks. The new Artists.MTV will help music acts "get heard, get promoted and get paid." Limbaugh Scandal Leaves Radio Execs on Edge TheWrap Rush Limbaugh's attack on Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke and the subsequent fallout has shaken up conservative talk radio. More than 100 sponsors have already pulled ads from Limbaugh's show, raising fears that action will spread to other provocative hosts. Beck Rallies Troops for Revolution Against TV Wall Street Journal Glenn Beck, the conservative radio host, plans to expand his online video network, GBTV, saying the shift to Internet viewing constitutes a revolution. "We're taking on the big guys," he said, pointing to mainstream TV. GBTV is expected to rake in $40 million in revenue this year. Rose Former Intern Sues Over Wage Violations New York Times "Charlie Rose" former intern Lucy Bickerton has filed a lawsuit against Rose and his production company, accusing them of violating New York State wage laws by not paying the show's interns for the work they performed. Hearst's Harper's Bazaar is facing a similar suit. Guber Joins Magic's Bidding Group for Dodgers Los Angeles Times Peter Guber, co-owner of the Golden State Warriors and a veteran Hollywood exec, has joined the Dodgers bid group led by Magic Johnson. Guber would be a minority investor in the group. Guber and Johnson also have been partners in the entertainment business. ESPN, Big 12 Near Blockbuster TV Rights Deal Sports Business Journal ESPN and the Big 12 are nearing a large TV contract that could put the college conference's media revenue among the highest of its peers. The extension plus a Fox TV contract would bring the conference a combined $2.5 billion, with $1.3 billion coming from ESPN. CBS Undecided on Future of 'Two and Half Men' New York Daily News CBS has renewed 18 shows for the 2012-2013 season, including the critically acclaimed and modestly rated drama "Good Wife." Absent from the list of returnees, for the moment, is "Two and a Half Men," which suggests CBS is still in talks with Ashton Kutcher. HBO Runs Out of 'Luck' After Three Horses Die Reuters HBO's critically-acclaimed horse-racing drama series "Luck" has been canceled after the deaths of three horses. "Accidents unfortunately happen," said HBO. "And it is impossible to guarantee they won't in the future." "Luck" starred Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte. Fox Has No Rights for 'Valley of the Dolls' Series Bloomberg News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox Film unit doesn't have the rights for a "Valley of the Dolls" TV series it is developing, the estate of the late novelist Jacqueline Susann said in a lawsuit. The estate accuses Fox of copyright infringement and seeks unspecified damages. TV Stations Balk at FCC Proposal to Post Ad Costs Wall Street Journal TV broadcasters are upset about a proposal from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission that would make them post online their pricing information about political ads. Posting ad rates online means "competitors may glean highly sensitive pricing data." Discovery Joins Amazon Streaming Video Service New York Post Discovery Communications has struck a deal to make popular shows such as "Dirty Jobs" and "Say Yes to the Dress" available through Amazon Prime's instant video service. The deal will draw on programming across Discovery's 13 cable channels. BBC Announces iTunes-Style Download Service Telegraph The BBC plans to launch a download service, similar to Apple's iTunes, to sell new and old programming. The new service will make the British broadcaster's programs available to download and keep. Prices have not been confirmed, but reports suggest Ł1.89 per show. CW Shortens Web Streaming Delay to Battle Piracy Variety The CW will accelerate the availability of its primetime programming on its website, shortening what had been a three-day delay to just eight hours. The shift is aimed at curbing illegal downloads that siphon viewers of series including "The Vampire Diaries." HBO Palin Biopic Draws Most Viewers in 8 Years Bloomberg "Game Change," the HBO film about former Alaska governor Sarah Palin's 2008 vice-presidential candidacy, was the cable channel's most-watched original-film premiere in almost eight years. The debut on March 10 drew an average of 2.1 million viewers, HBO said. E! Plans Reality Series with Clint Eastwood Family EW Looks like the Eastwoods are the next celebrity family to land their own reality show: E! has announced that the new series, "Mrs. Eastwood & Company," will debut in May, focusing on Clint's wife Dina. My family is "a constant source of entertainment," said Clint. CNN Sees Quality Journalism as 'Good Business' MarketWatch CNN star Anderson Cooper is unruffled by naysayers who wonder why he doesn't get higher ratings, said the network's U.S. news chief, Ken Jautz, who is "pleased" with Cooper's growth. Piers Morgan, who succeeded Larry King, is developing a "water-cooler" appeal, he added. ABC Accused of Cover-Up in 'Housewives' Trial Deadline Actress Nicollette Sheridan's lawyers dropped a bombshell in court during her wrongful termination and battery trial. A "Desperate Housewives" employee said ABC intended to erase hard drives of all emails in regard to the killing off of Sheridan's character. NBC's 'Fashion Star' Turns Retailers Into Judges Wall Street Journal On the new NBC show "Fashion Star," aspiring apparel designers pitch their fashions to buyers from Saks, Macy's and Hennes & Mauritz. The three retailers pay to manufacture and promote items they bid on and sponsor a collection created by the show's winner. CBS, Turner Use March Madness to Net Obama TheWrap The biggest upset of March Madness has already happened. Turner Sports and CBS Sports have secured an exclusive joint interview with President Barack Obama and U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron during halftime of the NCAA tournament's first game. OWN Gets Big Boost from Houston's Daughter New York Times Oprah Winfrey scored the highest rating for her new cable channel, OWN, for an interview with Whitney Houston's daughter and members of her family. About 3.5 million viewers tuned in for the exclusive, which was promoted for more than a week in advance. NBCUniversal to Join 'Upfront' for Internet Video Advertising Age The confederation of Internet companies planning two weeks of "upfront" presentations for advertisers this spring is getting an unexpected new member: NBCUniversal. The company is joining Google, Yahoo, Hulu and others in their pitch to lure ads. Also, CBS is in talks to join. Report: Teens Not Abandoning TV for the Internet Los Angeles Times Fear not television execs: Teenagers are not abandoning the tube for the Internet and cellphones. In fact, teen TV viewing is actually on the rise, according to a new report from Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. The typical teen watches almost four hours of television per day. NBC's Lauer Gets $25 Million to Stay on 'Today' Newsday NBC and Matt Lauer are said to be closing in on a deal that will pay the "Today" show co-host an estimated $25 million per year over the course of a multiyear deal. The agreement could be announced soon, and is expected to be unveiled by the May upfronts. Turner Opens 'Media Camp' to Help Tech Startups GigaOM Turner Broadcasting is launching a tech accelerator program called Media Camp, which aims to help early-stage startups that are focused on solving problems for media companies. Media Camp will be led by former Apple exec David Austin, based in Silicon Valley. NBC Plans to Expand 'The Voice' to Two Nights Broadcasting & Cable NBC plans to expand its new hit "The Voice" to a second night, adding one-hour live elimination rounds starting April 3. The addition of "The Voice" results show puts it into the same two-night format as other reality competition series like "American Idol." MTV's Snooki: I Won't Return to 'Jersey Shore' EW Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, the diminutive mascot of MTV's money-minting hit series "Jersey Shore," has officially confirmed rumors that she is pregnant and engaged. The star told Us Weekly that she has no plans to return to the series for the proposed sixth season. WNBC 'Save Sue Simmons' Online Efforts Begin New York Observer The news that WNBC's Sue Simmons won't have her contract renewed after 32 years has sparked the launch of online campaigns aiming to keep the beloved news anchor on the air. The "Save Sue Simmons" Facebook group says she is "effortlessly cool." Limbaugh: 'Everything's Cool' as Advertisers Flee ABC News Rush Limbaugh has sought to reassure listeners after the tally of companies that have pulled their advertisements from his time slot topped 40. Limbaugh told his listeners that "everything's cool," insisting that "nobody is losing money in all this." NBC, YouTube Partner for London Olympics Next Web NBC has partnered with YouTube to provide its video player and livestreaming infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Google-owned video service will become NBC's "official video-on-demand partner," using its player on NBCOlympics.com. Plum TV Network for Rich Sold for $1.17 Million Los Angeles Times Plum TV, the struggling cable network aimed at the super rich, has new owners. LXTV co-founders Joseph Varet and Morgan Hertzan have acquired the channel out of bankruptcy. They say they want Plum TV to be a TV version of upscale magazines. CBS, Turner Plan Multi-Media March Madness Financial Times CBS and Turner will next week start broadcasting the annual March Madness college basketball tournament. All 67 games will be available live on TV networks including CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV, online and on an app for smartphones and tablets. Fox Shops 'Terra Nova' After Dropping Drama Wall Street Journal Fox Broadcasting said it doesn't plan to order a second season of the dinosaurs epic "Terra Nova," potentially ending one of the most expensive new TV series ever made. Series producer Twentieth Century Fox Television will shop the series to other TV networks. NBC New York Boots News Anchor Sue Simmons New York Post WNBC Channel 4 in New York is not renewing the contract of news anchor Sue Simmons, ending her tenure of more than three decades. The move will break up Simmons and Chuck Scarborough, the longest-running anchor team in New York TV history. OWN: Rosie O'Donnell Show Moves to New York Huffington Post Rosie O'Donnell is leaving Chicago, taking her five-month-old talk show on the Oprah Winfrey Network to New York. Among other troubles, O'Donnell was said to be having difficulty enticing celebrity guests to travel to Chicago. Also, "Rosie loves New York." Clear Channel 'Muzzles' Romney on Limbaugh Daily Beast Fourteen directors of Clear Channel, the company that hosts Rush Limbaugh's radio show, have contributed $726,400 to Mitt Romney since 1994, most of it in the current presidential campaign. Romney has come under attack for refusing to criticize Limbaugh's remarks. Limbaugh Show Faces Backlash via New Media Bloomberg Rush Limbaugh is facing rising pressure from critics who are using new media to keep advertisers away from his long-running radio show. At least 10 companies have dropped out. Much of the pressure has come from activists using Twitter and Facebook. ESPN Developer Center Opens Data to 'Nerds' TechCrunch Geeks and sports together? ESPN's new Developer Center marks the first time that the "world leader in sports" will open its doors to third-party developers and provide access to the company's enormous array of editorial content, stats and other data. MTV.com Brings Back Music Videos in Vevo Deal CNET News All of Vevo's music videos, which include clips from three of the four largest record labels, have reappeared at MTV.com. The companies reached a deal after more than a year since Vevo's videos owned by Universal Music Group disappeared from MTV websites. Current TV to Simulcast Two Radio Talk Shows New York Times Current TV will soon add two radio show simulcasts to its weekday lineup, giving it live political programming in the mornings for the first time. Cameras will be installed inside the radio studios of both "The Bill Press Show" and "The Stephanie Miller Show." TVGuide.com Buys Fav.tv for Mobile Expansion Advertising Age TVGuide.com has acquired Fav.tv, a self-funded startup that has had a program guide product out since September. Fav.tv's co-founders will join TVGuide.com to help the company create versions of its interactive Watchlist for mobile devices and tablet computers. Pandora Seen as 'Must-Have' App for Mobiles Associated Press Shares of Pandora Media rose after an analyst upgrade, saying it will likely make more money from mobile advertising. Pandora is said to have evolved into a "must-have" app for tablets and smartphones and is building a sales force to boost its money-making efforts. Clear Channel Unit Defends Rush Limbaugh Wall Street Journal More advertisers and at least one radio station have defected from Rush Limbaugh's radio show, even as Premiere Networks, the syndication company behind the program, defended the political pundit. Limbaugh made "an attempt at absurdist humor." NBC Universal: High Hopes for London Olympics Advertising Age Persuading advertisers to buy the London Olympics is crucial to NBC Universal. NBC hopes for massive viewership to which it can promote the fall lineup. The company is also using the Olympics to test how live video streaming affects the traditional TV audience. ABC 'Modern Family' is Tops Amid Viewing Shift New York Times Thanks to time-shifted viewing, ABC's "Modern Family" now is the most popular show on U.S. television among viewers ages 18 to 49, the group that determines much of the revenue of the TV business. No other show on TV comes close to that comedy. Fox 'American Idol' Decline Marks End of an Era Crain's New York "American Idol's" decline this season signals the end of an era in which broadcast TV could produce massive hits on a regular basis, according to some observers. "Idol" is seen as another casualty of the media fragmentation that makes TV a smaller medium every year. TV Networks Prep Record 46 Comedy Hopefuls USA Today The four major broadcast networks working on next season's new shows are prepping 46 comedies, a recent record. "It's uplifting kind of comfort food for people right now," said NBC exec Jennifer Salke, who has ordered 14 comedy pilots, more than any other network. NBC Shuts Down 'Community' Inspired Web Show PandoDaily NBC and Sony Pictures are said to have pressured the shutdown of "Inspector Spacetime," a fan-produced web series that sprung out of an episode of the sitcom "Community." Actor Travis Richey, who helped create the parody, said: "I have no wish or ability to fight." ABC to Roll Out Webisodes for 'Happy Endings' Adweek ABC's new six-episode slate of webisodes tied to its sitcom "Happy Endings" have high production quality and feature the show's entire cast rather than just secondary players. The webisodes also feature an original plot. "These could easily be full episodes on the air." Comedy Central Enters Book Publishing with Leary MediaPost Comedy Central is expanding into book publishing, forming a partnership with an arm of Perseus Books Group. The first release, a "holiday-themed novelty" book by comedian Denis Leary, is scheduled for an October release, linked with a network special. Oprah Lands Whitney Houston's Daughter for OWN TMZ Oprah Winfrey has found a way to get people to watch OWN. The talk-show queen has scored an interview with family members of Whitney Houston, including daughter Bobbi Kristina. Winfrey was among the guests invited to Houston's funeral last month. Rush Limbaugh Faces 'Imus Moment' as Ads Drop Washington Post Did Rush Limbaugh just have his Don Imus Moment? The flap over the radio host's "crude" on-air comments about a law student are beginning to look like radio history repeating itself. At least seven national advertisers have pulled out of Limbaugh's show. CBS, NBC, Fox, ABC, PBS, Univision to Sue Aereo Los Angeles Times Aereo, a new service backed by Barry Diller's IAC that promises consumers access to broadcast TV though the Internet, has been hit with lawsuits from ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, Univision and PBS. Aereo hopes to charge customers $12 a month to receive TV signals. ABC 'Good Morning' Producer to Run News Shows New York Times James Goldston, the TV producer who has been overseeing ABC's "Good Morning America" for the last year, will now oversee all of the network's news division programs. The promotion, long rumored inside ABC News, will give Goldston a significant amount of power. Fox News Expands Morning Show by One Hour Hollywood Reporter Starting Monday, "Fox & Friends" will be one-hour friendlier. Fox News is expanding its morning flagship by an hour, airing live for the first time between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. ET. The move comes on the heels of recent 9 percent ratings growth, year over year, in total viewers. NBC to Beef Up Radio News as CNN Withdraws Associated Press NBC is stepping into a radio news hole that CNN is leaving behind. The network said it will expand its weekday radio news broadcasts beyond the 1 minute per hour it now produces. This will start on April 1, the date CNN plans to stop providing syndicated radio news. Sirius XM Radio Seen Moving Closer to Sale TheStreet Sirius XM Radio has been a battleground stock seemingly forever. But as the company has improved its cash position, the rumblings that it could be acquired grow ever louder. John Malone and Liberty Media could be the ones to do it, according to a Citigroup analyst. CNN Founder Doesn't Watch HLN, Prefers 'News' Hollywood Reporter Ted Turner, legendary founder of CNN, said he doesn't pay attention to TV anymore, other than CNN. "I don't watch entertainment." As for CNN sister network HLN, "the News and Views Network" featuring Nancy Grace: "I haven't watched in years. I want to see serious news." Current TV, Olbermann Sued by Video Blogger New York Post Conservative video prankster James O'Keefe filed a lawsuit against anchor Keith Olbermann and his network, Current TV, for stating he had been convicted of a felony and accused of assault. "MSM will do anything to stop a citizen journalist they cannot control." ABC 'Desperate Housewives' Firing Trial Begins Associated Press Actress Nicollette Sheridan should receive $6 million for being killed off "Desperate Housewives" after show creator Marc Cherry slapped her, her attorney said, as a defense lawyer argued her onscreen demise was a natural part of television. NBC Sees 'Voice' Ratings Rise as 'Smash' Crashes Reuters NBC's two most-talked about new TV shows have been on opposite trajectories: "The Voice" has soared in the ratings, while viewership for "Smash" has crashed. The shift in viewer habits brought on by DVRs and online video has been cited for the ratings juxtaposition. CBS 'Men' Declines as Charlie Sheen Interest Fades Media Life "Two and a Half Men" slid to a series-low 18 to 49 rating in the 9 p.m. timeslot Monday night, according to Nielsen, just five months after the show achieved a series high in Ashton Kutcher's first episode last fall. One reason: Interest in the Charlie Sheen saga has abated. ESPN to Stream Basketball Games on Facebook Los Angeles Times As March Madness approaches, ESPN will allow college basketball fans to watch its coverage of more than 200 conference tournament games on Facebook, marking the first time the sports network has provided live games for the sprawling social network. MTV in Crisis Mode Over Snooki Pregnancy Report New York Post "Jersey Shore" star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, who denied being pregnant earlier this month, is indeed expecting, according to Page Six. The news has sent MTV into "crisis mode." Polizzi has "brokered a deal" to announce the news on the cover of Us Weekly. ABC's Diane Sawyer is Most Beloved News Personality Politico A poll by Harris Interactive found that ABC's Diane Sawyer is America's most beloved news personality, ahead of CNN's Anderson Cooper and NBC's Brian Williams, who are tied for second. Radio host Rush Limbaugh registers as the least favorite news personality. MTV Launches 'World First' App for Mobile Social TV TechCrunch Viacom's MTV has launched Under The Thumb, a new social TV app. MTV and Viacom are calling this a "world first" in that it will let users watch MTV content on mobile devices, share it on the go with others, and watch on-demand programs simultaneously with friends. Netflix Transitions to TV Shows as Starz Films Depart New York Times The loss of its contract with Starz for movies may hurt Netflix less than originally thought, because more than half of its streaming audience are watching TV series. CEO Reed Hastings said that the company would try a couple of dozen original series in the coming years. ABC Oscar Telecast Doesn't Slip Among Young Adults Los Angeles Times Sunday's Oscar telecast delivered 39.3 million viewers, up 4% compared with last year, according to Nielsen. And it was flat in the demo advertisers care about most, adults ages 18 to 49. ABC also said that its Oscar app was downloaded 370,000 times this year. CBS, Discovery Eye Acquisition of TV Guide Network New York Post The TV Guide Network, which is up for sale along with its companion website, is drawing interest from potential suitors Discovery and CBS. Sources familiar with the talks said the channel could fetch as much as $350 million, with the site going for close to $50 million. Clear Channel Ups John Hogan to Chairman, CEO Los Angeles Times Clear Channel has elevated John Hogan to chairman and CEO. The promotion comes as the company aims to remake itself as a general entertainment outfit. Clear Channel Radio recently changed its name to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. NPR Names Chief Content Exec for Radio, Digital New York Times NPR has named Kinsey Wilson, its exec in charge of digital media, to oversee news and programming as well, effectively stitching together the organization's core radio divisions and its newer online and mobile division. Wilson will serve as chief content officer. Netflix Near Deal with Univision for Spanish Shows Bloomberg Netflix is said to be near an accord to provide U.S. online customers with Spanish-language programming from Univision. The deal is expected to include programs from Grupo Televisa, the world's largest Spanish language broadcaster. Hulu added Univision in October. Stewart, Colbert Reign as New Kings of Late Night Crain's New York Comedy Central's Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are garnering higher ratings among 18- to 49-year-olds than Jay Leno, David Letterman and Conan O'Brien, according to Nielsen. The duo may be benefiting from increased interest in political satire. NBC: Brian Williams' 'Rock Center' Hits a New Low The Wrap Brian Williams' "Rock Center" hit a new ratings low last week. So how long can NBC leave it on the air? As long as it takes to gain traction, according to the network. "We have to be disciplined. The idea is to create a franchise that will last 20 years." Oprah Manhattan Penthouse on Sale for $7.9 Million Zillow A penthouse apartment at the Place 57 condominium on Manhattan's East 57th Street, said to be purchased by Oprah Winfrey's best friend Gayle King but later revealed to have been bought by the talk show diva herself, has returned to the market for $7.9 million. ABC: Oscar.com Hidden Cameras to Spy on Stars Associated Press Thanks to a collection of hidden cameras backstage at the Academy Awards, fans can click around on Oscar.com to see various perspectives that aren't part of the main telecast. "We're giving fans the control to follow their favorites," said ABC digital exec Karin Gilford. Oscars Attract Advertisers Despite Fewer Viewers USA Today Academy Awards viewership has declined over the past decade. Ratings for last year's show were the second smallest ever. But marketers are willing to pay ABC record ad rates — near $1.7 million per 30-second slot — because they will get an "engaged audience." Fox's 'American Idol' No Longer No. 1 TV Show New York Times After a decade on top, "American Idol" is no longer the most popular show on U.S. television. The former powerhouse took another sharp drop in the ratings this week, falling to a mark where it will be almost a full ratings point behind NBC's "The Voice." ESPN Signs Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as Columnist SportsBusiness Journal ESPN.com has signed basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as a columnist. Abdul-Jabbar, who is also a best-selling author, will write a biweekly column covering a wide range of sports topics. Columns will likely delve into social and political issues. Canoe to Shut Down Interactive TV Ad Business Multichannel News Canoe Ventures, formed in 2008 by the six largest U.S. cable operators, is shutting down interactive TV advertising operations -- closing its New York office and laying off 120 employees, including CEO Kathy Timko. The move is "the result of what the marketplace told us." CBS Evening News Bests Rival ABC in Ratings TV by the Numbers The "CBS Evening News" with Scott Pelley beat "ABC World News" in adults 25-54, according to Nielsen ratings for the week of Feb. 13. This marks the first time "CBS Evening News" finished ahead of "ABC World News" in that demo since September 2006. TBS Extends 'Conan,' Boosted by Web Presence EW Conan O'Brien's late-night talk show has been extended by TBS through April 2014, the network announced. "Conan and his team draw a young and fiercely loyal audience. They have also built a dynamic online presence that keeps fans engaged." Whitney Houston Funeral Wins TV, Web Viewers New York Times Millions of TV and web viewers spent time Saturday watching the funeral service for Whitney Houston, the pop music icon who died a week earlier. The Associated Press's live stream had almost 2 million unique visitors, far surpassing the British royal wedding last year. CBS 'Amazing Race' Staffer Fatally Poisoned Fox News Jeff Rice, a production facilitator for "The Amazing Race," was found dead in his hotel room in Kampala, Uganda, and his production assistant is clinging for her life after a suspected poisoning. The two were allegedly poisoned after a failed shakedown attempt. NBC's 'Smash' Goes Splat as Ratings Drop Off New York Post "Smash" is a crash. NBC entertainment head Bob Greenblatt's hyper-hyped Broadway drama is headed in a downward spiral after just three episodes. On Monday night, the expensive drama drew a 2.3 rating in the key 18-49 age demo, down 18% from week two. MTV 'Jersey Shore' Spin-Off Production Delayed MyFoxNY Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi and Jenni "JWoww" Farley were set to start filming the spin-off of "Jersey Shore" in Jersey City on Tuesday, but production was delayed again. Some bars and restaurants in the city are posting signs in their windows saying "No Snooki." Comedy Central's Colbert Writes Book for Kids Associated Press With the blessing of Maurice Sendak, Stephen Colbert is releasing a children's book. Grand Central Publishing will publish "I Am a Pole (And So Can You!)" on May 8. Colbert previewed the book on "Colbert Report" with "Where the Wild Things Are" author Sendak. AT&T, Comcast to Alert Users in New Piracy Push Variety AT&T, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and other major U.S. Internet service providers will soon start sending out "copyright alerts" to users who illegally download copyrighted movies, music and TV shows. Users face possible sanctions including slower Internet speeds. Comcast Launches Video Service to Rival Netflix Philadelphia Inquirer With the launch this week of Xfinity Streampix, Comcast is jumping into an increasingly crowded and competitive market for subscription streaming video services and adding to the pressure on Netflix. Streampix will be included in Comcast's triple-play package. Netflix Discussing Deal with Ex-HBO Films Chief Los Angeles Times Netflix is said to be discussing a partnership with former HBO Films president Colin Callender to produce original content, including mini-series and movies, for the online video service. A deal would accelerate Netflix's growing resemblance to pay cable network HBO. Comcast Plans Magic Johnson, Diddy Combs Nets Wall Street Journal Comcast and Earvin "Magic" Johnson plan to launch a general interest cable channel aimed at African-Americans, to be called Aspire. The cable giant is also working with Sean "Diddy" Combs on a music-based network called Revolt, slated to launch later this year. Time Warner: Linsanity Helps End MSG Blackout Associated Press First, he lifted the Knicks back into the playoff hunt. Now Jeremy Lin has put them back on television: MSG has reached a deal to return Knicks games to TV for 2 million Time Warner Cable subscribers in the New York area after state officials pressured the companies to settle. NBC Sports Network Ratings Slow Out of the Gate SportsBusiness Journal A month into NBC Sports Network's rebrand, and more than a year after the Peacock's sports division took over Versus, the channel has seen viewership levels drop considerably. Despite heavy promotion on the NBC broadcast network, viewership is down 21%. ESPN Fires Writer for Racist Jeremy Lin Headline New York Daily News ESPN has fired the writer who wrote a headline using the phrase "chink in the armor" to refer to Jeremy Lin. The sports network also hit anchor Max Bretos, who used the same term on the air while discussing Lin, with a 30 day suspension. "We will be better in the future." Comedy Central's 'Colbert' Returns to Airwaves New York Daily News Stephen Colbert returned to TV Monday, making a vague nod to his ill 91-year-old mother — and putting to rest the "wild rumors" of why he suspended his show last week. There is no truth to the rumor, he said, that he was shut down by the FCC to derail his presidential candidacy. NBC News Near Long-Term Contract with Clinton Washington Post NBC is said to be close to signing a new, longer-term contract with Chelsea Clinton to continue as a special news correspondent. Clinton's current contract is a three-month agreement that is due to expire within a few weeks. Clinton made her NBC debut on Dec. 12. Oprah's Daytime Slot Eyed by Host of Contenders New York Times A multitude of new daytime talk shows will arrive this September in the first real test for the genre since Oprah Winfrey left the scene in May. According to industry analysts, Katie Couric's forthcoming talk show is the most anticipated of them all. Anderson Cooper Struggling to Survive in Daytime Associated Press In six months, the ratings of Anderson Cooper's daytime talk show rank him behind rivals Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, Jerry Springer, Maury Povich, Ellen DeGeneres and Kelly Ripa. Still, Cooper believes he has turned a corner: "I think we've made a lot of progress." TV Cord-Cutting to Rise as Viewers Turn to Web Variety SNL Kagan projects that abstainers from cable, telco and DBS multichannel video will rise from about 4% of U.S. households at the end of 2011 to 10% by the end of 2015. Most people who substitute the Internet for traditional services tend to be young. Discovery: Key to OWN Success Lies with Oprah CNBC Discovery has reported revenue growth. But on the earnings call, analysts focused on the company's stake in OWN, the Oprah Winfrey network. Top execs stressed that Winfrey will have a much greater on-air presence this year. "Seems the pressure is on Oprah to deliver." Turner, CBS: March Madness No Longer Free Online Associated Press Some fans will no longer be able to watch every NCAA men's basketball tournament game online for free. The model for streaming March Madness will change, according to Turner, CBS and the NCAA. Fans can pay $3.99 to see every game on multiple platforms. Hulu Plus Arrives on Nintendo Wii Game Console Digital Trends Since approximately 4.5 million new households added the Nintendo Wii to their home theater, the gaming company is rolling out support for expanded entertainment options through Hulu. While the app is free to download, the Hulu Plus service costs $7.99 a month. Comedy Central: Colbert Stops Show for Mom New York Post Stephen Colbert shut down his late-night comedy show this week, reportedly for his ailing 91-year-old mother. The actor caused a stir when he said only that he was canceling the shows due to "unforeseen circumstances." Repeats will air until further notice. MSNBC Parts Ways with Commentator Buchanan Mediaite Conservative commentator Pat Buchanan is out at MSNBC, writing in the American Conservative that his "days as a political analyst at MSNBC have come to an end." The news channel confirmed the news. "After 10 years, we've parted ways. We wish him well." CNN Cancels Debate After Candidates Decline National Journal CNN canceled its March 1 Republican presidential debate after three of four candidates — Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum — declined to participate, citing busy campaign schedules. A Feb. 22 debate co-sponsored by CNN is still scheduled. Fox News: O'Reilly Book on JFK Murder Coming Associated Press After the big success of "Killing Lincoln," Bill O'Reilly is back on the case of a presidential assassination. The Fox News Channel host and best-selling author is collaborating with Martin Dugard on "Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot," due out this fall. Time Warner Cable, MSG Meet Amid 'Linsanity' New York Post The popularity of New York Knicks star Jeremy Lin may help bring peace in the ongoing MSG-Time Warner Cable war. The two sides met this week for the first time since December, when Time Warner's contract expired and MSG shut down the signal. ABC Oscar Ad Spots Said to Sell for $1.7 Million Broadcasting & Cable ABC, which has sold out of advertising time for its broadcast of the Academy Awards on Feb. 26, sold 30-second spots for $1.7 million this year, according to an estimate by Kantar Media. In 2011, 30-second Oscar ads cost an average of $1.55 million. NBCUniversal CEO Sees 'Smash' as 'Problematic' Adweek As Comcast wrapped its quarterly earnings call, NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke offered an aside to an unknown interlocutor, saying that while "The Voice" was likely to sustain its momentum, "'Smash' is more problematic." NBC has a great deal riding on the new series. AMC Networks Ideal For a Sale, Analysts Say Reuters Now could be the perfect time for the sale of AMC Networks, one of the few remaining pure-play U.S. cable TV networks, according to analysts. AMC, home of the critical darling "Mad Men," is near a ratings peak. "Usually you want to sell when everything is working." Starz Premium Movie Channel Names President Denver Business Glenn Curtis has been promoted to the new position of president and CFO of Starz, the premium movie and programming provider. Curtis previously was executive VP and CFO. In his new role, he will "assume expanded management and operational roles." DirecTV Adds Fewer Subscribers Than Expected Reuters DirecTV added fewer subscribers than expected in the fourth quarter in the United States. But the satellite TV provider added more than expected in Latin America, as it pushed further into Brazil and Mexico, the company's hottest growth markets. ESPN to Give 'Jaws' Multiple Media Platforms Business First Ron Jaworski is exiting the ESPN "Monday Night Football" broadcast booth for a new role with the all-sports network. The former National Football League player has agreed to a five-year contract that will place him on multiple media platforms on ESPN. CNN Officially Severs All Ties with Larry King Los Angeles Times CNN and Larry King are going their separate ways. Though King gave up his daily prime-time talk show on CNN in December 2010, he still had a deal for several specials. The last of those — "A Larry King Special: Dinner with the Kings" — aired in December. MTV, NPR Improve Their Apps for Finding Music New York Times NPR and MTV separately introduced new versions of apps to help fans find new music online. NPR released an iPad app featuring video and audio of from its broadcasts; MTV's Music Meter scrapes various online sources to find the most-talked-about new bands. CBS in Talks to Make Original Shows for Netflix Bloomberg CBS is in talks to produce an original program for Netflix, said CEO Les Moonves. "We are talking to Netflix about a potential deal to produce a show for them. Until they are doing 22 hours a week of premium content, we do not look at them as a competitor." Google 'Antenna Farm' Plans Hint at TV Service Kansas City Star Google has applied to U.S. regulators for permission to set up a satellite receiving station, fueling speculation that the search giant might bundle Internet and TV services. Google is being characteristically mum on the subject: "We're still exploring product offerings." Time Warner Cable Now Streams to Desktops CNET News Time Warner Cable, which last year unveiled its first iPad app, has just launched a beta version of the software for computer streaming. The new app lets cable subscribers stream live TV to their Mac or Windows PC. Features include a seven-day program guide. IAC-Backed Service to Stream Local TV Stations New York Times Barry Diller's IAC has introduced Aereo, an Internet TV service that "pries broadcast television out of that closed system." IAC led a $20.5 million round of financing for Aereo, and Diller is joining the start-up's board. The service will become available in New York City in mid-March. ABC, Facebook Named Strongest Media Brands BtoB ABC is the highest-rated U.S. media company for brand strength, sales knowledge, customer service and advertiser satisfaction, according to an assessment by media research firm Advertiser Perceptions. Facebook is the strongest brand among purely digital companies. CBS Credits the Web for Grammy Ratings Spike AllThingsD Sunday night's Grammys attracted some 40 million viewers -- the award show's second-largest audience ever. CBS argues that it worked hard to generate online interest. The show generated 13 million "social media comments," even more than the previous week's Super Bowl. NBCUniversal Teams with Google, ComScore Advertising Age NBCUniversal has enlisted Google and comScore to analyze consumption of its London Olympics coverage this summer across video shown via TV, mobile devices, PCs and tablets. Among the behaviors likely to be measured: how fans use devices simultaneously. Barry Diller Invests in 'Cord-Cutting' Business AllThingsD Barry Diller has become a minority investor in Aereo, a service allowing users to stream broadcast TV stations to their Internet-connected devices. Aereo, formerly known as BamBoom, will hold a press event Tuesday at Diller's IAC headquarters in Manhattan. Comcast Targeted by Protesters Over Al-Jazeera Philadelphia Inquirer About 40 demonstrators descended on the Philadelphia headquarters of Comcast on Monday to demand that it add Al-Jazeera English to its lineup of cable offerings. The protesters brought 23,092 signatures advocating for the inclusion of Qatar-based channel spin-off. MSNBC's Joe Scarborough Gets Politico Blog Huffington Post Joe Scarborough, co-host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," has begun writing a blog for Politico. "This is the lucky break I've been waiting for all my life." He promises to write about "what's really happening behind the scenes in Congress, the White House and in the media world." Oprah Apologizes for Tweet to Nielsen Viewers New York Times Oprah Winfrey has apologized for publishing a message to Twitter that encouraged people counted in Nielsen ratings to watch her cable channel, potentially influencing the ratings. The tweet was seen at Nielsen as a potentially serious violation of its policy. CBS Grammy Ad Rates Reach $800,000 Per Spot New York Post Advertisers shelled out big bucks for spots during Sunday night's Grammy Awards telecast. After the average ad cost $621,000 last year, this year's rates were closer to $800,000 per 30-second spot, two media-buying execs familiar with this year's rates told Billboard. Time Warner Cable, MSG Pressured by Jeremy Lin Forbes After leading to the New York Knicks to their fifth straight win, Jeremy Lin may accomplish something that others failed to: end the long battle between MSG and Time Warner Cable. "If Time Warner doesn't televise Knick games they could lose subscribers to Direct TV." Comcast to Help TV Viewers Lower Diabetes Risk Philadelphia Inquirer Comcast will offer customers at risk of developing diabetes a chance to participate in a study that uses a reality show on its video on demand service, as well as Internet and telephone monitoring, plus wifi-enabled scales that transmit viewers' weights to study leaders. MSNBC Taps University Professor for Show Host New York Times MSNBC will introduce a progressive talk show called "Melissa Harris-Perry" on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Harris-Perry, who teaches at Tulane University, will be the only tenured professor in the United States who serves as a host of a cable news show. ESPN to Mine TV Advertisers for Mobile Push Digiday While most mobile-focused publishers have had a hard time attracting serious ad budgets from brands, ESPN has a luxury that most others don't: a large base of established TV advertisers. The company is selling the power of mirroring brand messaging across channels. ABC Host Jimmy Kimmel Walks Web Tightrope Wall Street Journal Jimmy Kimmel's YouTube channel, which includes clips from his ABC late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live," is said to have produced annual revenue of up to $2 million. Still, "the key financial question is whether online access cannibalizes the TV viewing audience." CBS Readies Three-Day Online Grammy Build-Up Beet.TV CBS is kicking off a robust slate of programming online for three days ahead of the Grammy Awards on Sunday night. CBS has signed up Target and GM as the lead sponsors for extended online coverage prior to the leading music industry awards ceremony. CNN Host Morgan Resurfaces in Hacking Scandal Telegraph Heather Mills, former wife of Paul McCartney, never authorized former News of the World editor Piers Morgan to listen to her voice mails, she told the Leveson inquiry into British press standards. Morgan previously said he listened to a voice-mail message left to Mills. Fox Business Makes Over Its Prime-Time Lineup New York Times The struggling Fox Business Network canceled its entire prime-time programming lineup in one stroke on Thursday. In place of political talk shows, Fox Business will replay its programming shown from 5 to 8 p.m., giving more exposure to some of its best-known anchors. CNBC Hires VH1 Exec to Develop Reality Shows New York Times CNBC might be turning Wall Street bankers into reality show stars. The business news network has hired Jim Ackerman, who spent the last nine years at VH1 producing reality shows like "Celebrity Fit Club," to jump-start its own development of reality shows. NBC's Lauer Seeks $30 Million to Stay at 'Today' TMZ Matt Lauer is said to have softened his position about leaving "Today" at the end of his contract in December -- that is, if NBC antes up a record amount of money. The morning show co-host will re-sign "if NBC ponies up way more than the $17 million he's currently making." Oprah Moves Oscar Special Franchise to OWN Deadline Oprah Winfrey, whose post-Academy Award specials were among the highest-rated episodes of her syndicated daytime talk show, is launching what likely will be an Oscar primetime special franchise on OWN. "Oprah's Oscar Special" will premiere Feb. 15. Nielsen: Youths Watch Less Often on TV Sets New York Times Americans ages 12 to 34 are spending less time in front of TV sets, even as those 35 and older are spending more, according to new research from Nielsen. Young people are still watching the same shows, but they are streaming them on computers and phones. NBCU Airs 'Smash' Encore Across Cable Nets TheWrap NBCUniversal cable networks will air a late-night encore of NBC's new musical drama "Smash" Thursday night, following up on its strong debut Monday. It's a savvy case of NBCU using its network of successful cable networks to help support fourth-place NBC. ESPN Drops Among Web Sports Destinations Sports Business Daily Yahoo Sports again earned the top spot on comScore's monthly rankings of U.S. online sports destinations. But the biggest story was the fall of ESPN.com to third place, behind FoxSports.com. The shift is ESPN's first month outside the top two positions in four years. Back9Network to Tee Off with Clint Eastwood Hollywood Reporter Clint Eastwood is to become creative board chairman and founding shareholder of Back9Network, a new golf lifestyle TV network slated to launch this spring. It's a fitting addition, given the filmmaker's love for the sport. Back9 is currently in talks with distributors. Cumulus Plans 'Mike Huckabee' Radio Show New York Times Rush Limbaugh will soon have a new radio rival: Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential candidate. Cumulus will begin airing the "Mike Huckabee Show" in April. Huckabee will continue hosting his talk show on Fox News Channel. MTV Star Snooki Releases Game on Facebook Mashable "Jersey Shore's" Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi has released her first Facebook game. "Snooki's Match Game" bears a striking resemblance to Facemash, Mark Zuckerberg's site from 2003, which challenged users to pick the "hotter" person pictured in two separate photos. Turner Embraces Social TV with 'Conan' App Adweek Each episode of "Conan" will be "fingerprinted," allowing users of Conan O'Brien's new app to be greeted with pop-ups featuring information such as facts about a guest's movie career. Soon, viewers will be able to buy tickets to those guests' movies via the app. CNN Suspends Analyst for 'Offensive' Tweets CNN CNN has suspended political analyst Roland Martin for "regrettable and offensive" tweets written during the Super Bowl that critics said appeared to call for violence against gays. "Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization." BBC Journos: Don't Break Stories on Twitter Guardian BBC journalists have been told not to break news stories on Twitter before they tell their colleagues. The new rules were announced a day after it was revealed Sky News had told its journalists not to repost information from Twitter users who are not co-workers. Univision Adds Discovery's Zaslav to Board Hollywood Reporter Univision, the Spanish-language media giant, has added Discovery CEO David Zaslav and Jose Baston Patino, president of television and content for key investor and content partner Grupo Televisa, to its board. The two execs are "natural and valuable additions." ABC News Eyes High-Level Executive Shifts Broadcasting & Cable ABC News is said to have a plan in the works to elevate "Good Morning America" senior executive producer James Goldston to a more wide-ranging role under president Ben Sherwood. Insiders expect Goldston to be succeeded by executive producer Tom Cibrowski. NBC Scores 2.1 Million Super Bowl Streamers New York Post More than 2 million football fans streamed the Super Bowl live on their computers and iPads, NBC said. But many of the viewers complained that the streamcast lagged behind the TV video and that the halftime show and many of the commercials were not included. ABC Sells Out Ad Spots for Oscar Broadcast Los Angeles Times ABC last week sold the remainder of its available advertising time — several weeks earlier than usual. The network fetched an average of $1.7 million per 30-second spot for the 84th annual Academy Awards broadcast on Feb. 26, a slight uptick from last year's rate. Fox New York Anchor Cleared of Rape Charge New York Daily News Manhattan prosecutors cleared Greg Kelly of rape in a case that threatened his career as host of Fox 5's "Good Day New York." Kelly said he was grateful to be exonerated and promised a rapid return to his anchor chair. "I am innocent of the allegations." Sky News Clamps Down on Journo Twitter Use Guardian Sky News has told its journalists not to repost information from any Twitter users who are not an employee of the U.K. broadcaster. An email to staff laid out new social-media guidelines for employees, including a ban on retweeting rival "journalists or people on Twitter." HBO Invests in Australian Video Streamer Quickflix World Screen HBO has invested $10.7 million for a 15.7% stake in the Australian online DVD rental and video streaming firm Quickflix. The investment follows Quickflix's recent licensing agreement with HBO for the streaming of TV series and films in Australia. TiVo: Madonna's Halftime Show is Most Popular Hollywood Reporter Madonna's halftime show at the Super Bowl was more popular among viewers than the football game itself, according to TiVo. However, the DVR pioneer's data indicates that while the halftime show outscored the game, it didn't beat specific moments during the game. NBC's Super Bowl is Most-Watched TV Show Ever USA Today Sunday night's broadcast of the Super Bowl was the most-watched show in U.S. TV history, with an average viewership of 111.3 million, breaking the 111 million average set in 2011. Madonna's halftime show bested last year's by the Black Eyed Peas by almost 4 million. NBC News Preps iPad Series with Richard Engel Broadcasting & Cable NBC News will debut the series "Hidden Planet," hosted by Richard Engel, on the "Rock Center with Brian Williams" iPad app. The monthly travel documentary show will be exclusive to the iPad app on release, then available on RockCenterNBC.com a week later. Fox: Sale of 'The Simpsons' Dolls Banned in Iran Los Angeles Times Sorry kids, the Simpsons are now forbidden in Tehran. An agency tied to the Iranian government has banned the sale of dolls of the U.S. cartoon characters "to avoid the promotion of Western culture." Superman and Spider-Man are allowed because they help the "oppressed." CNBC to Use Technology for Developing Editorial CNBC CNBC and Collective Intellect announced a collaboration to develop and produce editorial content based on real-time social analytics technology. The tie-up kicked off with a real-time tool analyzing viewers' social media engagement with brands in Super Bowl ads. Oprah's 'Rosie' Cuts Staff Amid Shift in Format Crain's Chicago "The Rosie Show" has cut its production staff by as many as 30 employees, as host Rosie O'Donnell reshapes the program to draw more viewers and advertisers. The Oprah Winfrey Network show is trying to give O'Donnell a platform "that works best for her." Report: Multi-Screen Media Use Becomes Reality World Screen According to IMS Research, 2012 is poised to be the year when multi-screen content consumption "transitions from hype to reality," as convergence within the home gains momentum. Coming next: the wireless sharing of content with tablets and smartphones. Super Bowl Hikes Second Screens, Social Media Reuters Social media "has put more value on Super Bowl advertising," as fans discuss ads on Twitter and Facebook and then go to YouTube to watch them on demand. Some 60% of fans watching the Super Bowl were forecast to also be tied to a smartphone or tablet. Comcast Scores with NBC Promos at Super Bowl Philadelphia Inquirer NBC's prime time has been a problem for years. The network hopes the Super Bowl will energize ratings for "The Voice," which had its season premiere after the game. A second new episode of "The Voice" airs Monday night, followed by the premiere of Smash." NBC Apologizes for Halftime Show Vulgar Gesture Yahoo! OMG NBC apologized after Madonna sidekick M.I.A., the British rapper, extended her middle finger during the Super Bowl halftime show. "It was a spontaneous gesture that our delay system caught late." It was the show's first controversy since 2004's wardrobe malfunction. CBS, Grammy Awards to Plan Digital Experience GigaOM Last year, the online Grammy Live was powered by YouTube's then-fledgling live-streaming service. For 2012, the awards are working with CBS for interactive content. "This year there have been broadened opportunities through this new partnership." NBC: Sunday's Bowl Will Bring Super Ratings Philadelphia Daily News Sunday's Super Bowl broadcast will be the 17th for NBC, tying the network with CBS for the most in the big game's history. The past two Super Bowls were the most watched in history, and NBC aims to ensure that the trend continues. The matchup is "a network's dream." CBS Eyes 'Ladies Night' Opposite Super Bowl TV Newser CBS plans some counter programming Sunday night. With the Super Bowl airing on NBC, CBS's "60 Minutes" gives it up for the ladies, with the special "Three Remarkable Women." The special will feature interviews with Dolly Parton, Anna Wintour and Meryl Streep. Clear Channel: Global Debut for Madonna Video Associated Press Clear Channel plans Friday to premiere Madonna's new single "Give Me All Your Luvin'" and its music video across its radio stations, electronic billboards and online venues. Clear Channel estimated the campaign could reach some 150 million people around the world. Time Warner Cable Buys Super Bowl Spot FierceCable Time Warner Cable has purchased a TV spot in NBC's coverage of the Super Bowl to kick off a new branding campaign. The ad, starring Ricky Gervais and Mary Louise Parker, is expected to show how subscribers can "enjoy" pay TV on multiple platforms. Comcast to Seek Global Expansion via NBC Philadelphia Inquirer After four decades of snapping up U.S. cable companies, then acquiring NBC Universal in 2011, Comcast is ready to take on the planet. CEO Brian Roberts said he sees "tremendous opportunities" for international expansion, mostly likely via a reenergized NBC Universal. NBC Super Bowl Ad Spot Sells for $3.5 Million Forbes NBC is charging 17% more for a 30-second Super Bowl ad this Sunday than Fox charged when it had the game last year. NBC is charging double the amount that a spot cost 14 years ago. Super Bowl ad spots "could easily hit the $7 million mark within the next decade." Seacrest Gets $300 Million from Private Equity Bloomberg Ryan Seacrest has garnered a commitment for $300 million from Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital to fund media ventures. The private-equity investors will provide capital to Ryan Seacrest Media to buy and develop companies, content and other properties. Fox News Honors 10th Year as Most-Watched New York Daily News Amid the day-long coverage of the Florida primary vote, there was a little cheering in the halls at Fox News Channel. The network has notched its 10th consecutive year as the most-watched cable news network. Fox News surpassed CNN within five years of its launch. CBS Letterman Marks 30 Years Without Fanfare New York Times David Letterman will celebrate 30 years as a late-night TV host on Wednesday, though without much fanfare. There has been little media attention paid to the anniversary planned by CBS. The "Late Show" host "has never really liked anniversary specials." NBC Bets $32 Million on New Drama 'Smash' New York Post Bob Greenblatt, NBC's entertainment chief, has spared no expense with "Smash," his heavily hyped backstage musical drama. The network lavished $7 million on the pilot episode alone. NBC shelled out another $25 million to market the show ahead of its Monday premiere. Comedy Central's Colbert Raises $1.02 Million New York Daily News Stephen Colbert's Super PAC, Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow, has raised $1.02 million, its latest filing with the Federal Election Commission shows. The Super PAC was set up by the Comedy Central star as a satirical take on campaign finance laws. NBC to Dissect Super Bowl Ads on Google+ Mashable Google has partnered with NBC to run a Super Bowl post-game Hangout where visitors will dissect the big game's commercials, tapping sports business reporter Darren Rovell to host. The goal, said Rovell, is to take "water cooler conversations to a digital stage." Martha Stewart Eyes Move to Internet Video Wall Street Journal Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia's deal with the Hallmark Channel will end this year, and the company is examining other outlets for its programming, including the Internet, according to president Lisa Gersh. The Internet could also serve as a product-sales outlet. BSkyB to Launch Internet TV, Movie Service Telegraph BSkyB plans to launch an online TV service to non-customers in the first half of 2012. The U.K. broadcaster, which is 39% owned by News Corp., aims to take on cheaper on-demand services, such as Netflix, which launched in the U.K. this month, and Amazon's LoveFilm. Clear Channel to Invest in Seacrest Company New York Times Clear Channel plans to take a minority stake in Ryan Seacrest's TV and film production company, financing future growth and allowing for new collaborations. The investment comes weeks after Clear Channel Radio renamed itself Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. NBC Yanks Donkey Fluid 'Fear Factor' Episode TMZ NBC has decided not to air an episode of "Fear Factor," the stunt reality game show, in which contestants were shown drinking bodily fluids from a donkey. NBC entertainment head Bob Greenblatt said: "I reviewed the episode and decided it was a segment we should not air." Fox's 'Simpson' to Feature WikiLeaks Founder EW Julian Assange, founder and editor in chief of WikiLeaks, will portray himself in the 500th episode of "The Simpsons." Assange recorded a guest spot over the summer that is part of the animated Fox comedy's landmark episode scheduled to broadcast on Feb. 19. IGN Launches Series-Led YouTube Channel Media Week IGN, the News Corp-owned gaming publisher, is launching a Google-funded YouTube channel tomorrow, backed by a European ad deal with Sega. The channel, called Start, is one of several funded by Google in a bid to introduce more professional content onto YouTube. Food Network Exec to Run YouTube Channel New York Times Bruce Seidel, who oversaw shows for the Food Network on cable, is moving online to a forthcoming food channel for YouTube. Electus, the multimedia studio formed by Ben Silverman, has recruited Seidel as CEO of the channel, which is scheduled to start in July. Netflix Drama Tests New Ground in Streaming Wall Street Journal Steven Van Zandt, the E Street Band guitarist and "Sopranos" actor, will star as a mobster in the new series "Lilyhammer" — the first of five original series Netflix is developing. The eight-episode first season of "Lilyhammer" will be instantly available on Feb. 6. CBS Fires News Aggregator for Bogus Story Washington Post CBS Sports dismissed journalist Adam Jacobi for aggregating a bogus story about the death of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno. "I had an awesome 17 months with CBSSports.com," said Jacobi. "I'm sorry to everyone, most importantly the Paterno family." NBC Asks Romney to Remove Story from Ad Associated Press NBC asked GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney to pull a campaign ad made up of a 1997 "Nightly News" report on Newt Gingrich's ethics reprimand. The footage "inaccurately suggests that NBC News agrees with the political position espoused by the videos." Fox's 'American Idol' Eclipsed by 'Big Bang' New York Times The CBS sitcom "Big Bang Theory" easily topped "American Idol" last week among 18- to 49-year-old viewers — the standard Fox has always used for success. Compared with the ratings of "American Idol" last year, Thursday night's decline was the show's biggest falloff yet. CBS Orders Pilot for Series Set at Groupon EW ABC and CBS have picked up a slew of comedy pilots. One pilot, "Friend Me," for CBS, centers on two twenty-something best friends, Evan and Rob, who "move from their hometown of Bloomington, Ind., to Los Angeles to begin their exciting new lives working at Groupon." CNN: Teenagers Broke In to Check Facebook Atlanta Journal-Constitution Police said they arrested two teenagers for breaking into the CNN newsroom in Atlanta and using the news network's computers to check their Facebook pages. The teenagers, who were found on the fifth floor of CNN Center, were charged with criminal trespass. Comcast, NBC Donate to Broadcasting Museum Chicago Tribune Comcast and NBC has given $2.7 million in cash and content donations to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, expected to open this year in Chicago. In return, the museum has agreed to name the principle presentation area the Comcast NBCUniversal Center. DirecTV Signs Accord Ending Blackout Threat Bloomberg DirecTV reached an agreement with Sunbeam Television, restoring subscriber access to two stations in Boston and one in Miami and ensuring that viewers in Massachusetts will be able to see the Super Bowl. The accord was reached following a fee dispute. Hulu Premieres Reality Show with Vogue Editor Next Web Hulu continues to expand into exclusive programming with a new reality show. "The Fashion Fund" will follow competitors in a fashion design competition, with a jury that includes Vogue's Anna Wintour. The winner gets $300,000 and a mentorship with a fashion leader. NBC Plans 18 Hours of Super Bowl Coverage EW NBCUniversal announced more than 18 hours of coverage for the 3.5-hour Super Bowl game, across NBC and its cable channels. A highlight: "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" will go on the road for the first time in its history, traveling to Indianapolis for four shows. Oprah Makes Exec Changes at OWN Network New York Post Oprah Winfrey's OWN network is drafting some cable talent to help spark ratings momentum. Lisa Erspamer, executive VP for production and development, has exited the talk show queen's employ after a year. She will be replaced by Discovery exec Rita Mullin. BBC Boss Said to Plan Departure After Olympics Guardian Mark Thompson, director general of the BBC, has signaled to senior colleagues that he is ready to step down. Insiders believe that Britain's most powerful TV exec will quit at the end of 2012 or early in 2013, at the end of the broadcaster's Olympic year. Fox New York Anchor Kelly Accused of Assault New York Times The Manhattan district attorney's office is investigating an accusation that Greg Kelly, a New York Fox TV anchor who is a son of police commissioner Raymond Kelly, assaulted a woman last October. Kelly, a co-anchor of WNYW's "Good Day New York," denies the charge. CNN: We're the Leading News Brand in Mobile Broadcasting & Cable CNN has released data showing that an average of more than 73 million people visited its digital platforms each month in 2011. CNN said it "remains the No. 1 mobile news brand for the fourth year running" and is the "most followed news organization on social media." Comcast to Help Launch Sean Combs Network Broadcasting & Cable Sean "Diddy" Combs, the entertainment impresario, plans to launch a music cable network called Revolt. Former MTV programming chief Andy Schuon is involved. Comcast will provide distribution as part of its commitment to help launch minority owned networks. Yahoo Director Named CEO of Weather Channel Reuters Weather Channel has named Yahoo director David Kenny as its new chairman and CEO, taking over from Mike Kelly. The cable channel, which is popular across the web and mobile devices, will look to Kenny's digital experiences with Akamai and digital ad group VivaKi. CBS Silicon.com to Vanish After Almost 15 Years Guardian The once high-profile tech news website Silicon.com is set to disappear after almost 15 years, as parent company CBS rolls it into a new U.K. edition of its flagship IT site TechRepublic. The launch of the new TechRepublic U.K. site is scheduled for Feb. 1. News Corp to Launch Sports Channel in Brazil Wall Street Journal News Corp. will launch a new, all-sports TV channel in Brazil as part of a planned expansion in Latin America's largest country. The company's Fox Sports unit will officially kick off its Fox Sports Brasil channel Feb. 5. The new channel will have a total of 120 employees. NBCUniversal to Launch Book Publishing Arm Digital Book World NBC News is launching a book publishing arm to capitalize on growth in e-reader and tablet adoption, the decreasing cost of e-book production and a backlog of over 1 million hours of video content. NBC Publishing will produce both enhanced e-books and print-based e-books. CBS Comedies Push Barriers with Risque Jokes Associated Press Last week seemed typical for CBS' sitcoms on Monday night. A quick count found 53 "adult" jokes on the network's four sitcoms, including "Mike & Molly" and "Two and a Half Men." Said CBS exec Nina Tassler: "Strong ratings growth means those shows are resonating." ABC News, Yahoo to Launch Political Web Shows TV Newser ABC News's partnership with Yahoo has resulted in several new web shows launching this week. Two of the shows are extensions of blogs from George Stephanopoulos and Jake Tapper. Another new show will be hosted by ABC senior political correspondent Jonathan Karl. Time Warner, MSG Face-Off Could Last a Year New York Post Time Warner Cable's three-week-old standoff with MSG Network is said to be nowhere near an end and could continue for quite some time. Top execs at Time Warner and MSG are having phone conversations, but "there's precious little progress to speak of." Comcast Challenges FCC on Tennis Channel Broadcasting & Cable Comcast has challenged the Tennis Channel's carriage complaint decision by the Federal Communications Commission. The cable giant claims that the Tennis Channel was trying to rewrite its contract. Also, the complaint was filed "after the statute of limitations expired." Comedy Central's Colbert Holds Political Rally Washington Post Comedian Stephen Colbert and former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain teamed up Friday for an entertaining sideshow the day before the South Carolina primary. More than 3,000 people turned up for the event on the College of Charleston campus. Oprah Confident Obama Will Win Re-Election Associated Press Oprah Winfrey has said she is confident that President Obama will win another four-year term in this year's election. Winfrey praises Obama's handling of the presidency. She backed Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign in her first-ever political endorsement. Katie Couric Talk Show Cleared in Most of U.S. Deadline The clearances for Katie Couric's upcoming live daily syndicated talk show "Katie" have reached 93% of the country, including 95 of the top 100 markets. "Katie," executive produced by Couric and Jeff Zucker and distributed by Disney-ABC, premieres in September. RLTV Cable Channel Targets Aging Boomers Los Angeles Times John Erickson, a 68-year-old who made his fortune building retirement communities, has created RLTV, a cable channel for senior citizens. Fronting the shows is a collection of aging TV presenters, including Joan Lunden, Sam Donaldson and Florence Henderson. Fox Drama to Debut with Historic Global Ad Deal Advertising Age News Corp. will launch "Touch," a Fox drama starring Kiefer Sutherland, in 100 countries with a global marketing effort from Unilever. The concept illustrates the pressures media companies face as social media make it easier for consumers worldwide to follow TV programs. NBC Turns to Betty White to Revive Network New York Post NBC hopes that 90-year-old Betty White can help revive its sagging prime time, after her two specials Monday night gave the network its best numbers in years, excluding Olympics coverage. The results moved NBC to re-arrange Saturday night's lineup to repeat both shows. Fox 'American Idol' Season Debut Hits Sour Note Reuters The audience for "American Idol" dropped by some 18% to 21.6 million viewers when the TV singing contest returned for its 11th season. But despite the fall-off, which Fox had expected, the season premiere was still the most-watched show by a huge margin. CBS Bashed for 'Disruptive' Product Placement New York Times A product placement in Monday night's episode of "Hawaii Five-0" has attracted comments on blogs and Twitter, calling the action "jarring and insulting." For nearly 60 seconds, the actors stepped completely out of the story in order to plug Subway sandwiches. Cuban, Seacrest Team on Pop-Culture Channel Los Angeles Times Mark Cuban, Ryan Seacrest, concert giant AEG and Hollywood talent firm Creative Artists Agency are teaming up to launch a new cable channel. Called AXS (short for access), the network will be a rebrand of Cuban's HDNet channel with a new focus on popular culture. Fox's 'American Idol' Predicted to Remain No 1 Media Life "American Idol" will remain the top show on U.S. television in both total viewers and adults 18 to 49 in its upcoming season, although ratings for the Fox show will begin to decline again. That is the prediction from media buyers and planners, responding to a survey. ABC 'Modern Family' Cussing Toddler Draws Ire Associated Press An anti-profanity crusader has asked ABC to pull this week's "Modern Family" episode in which a toddler appears to use a bleeped curse word. "Our goal is to stop this from happening," said McKay Hatch, an 18-year-old college student and founder of the No Cussing Club. Drudge: ABC Debates Airing Gingrich Ex Interview Drudge Report ABC News debated whether or not to air an "explosive" interview with Newt Gingrich's ex-wife Marianne ahead of the South Carolina primary, according to the Drudge Report. A "civil war" erupted inside the newsroom over the interview that "could end" Gingrich's career. Verizon TV Returns Volley to Tennis Channel Bloomberg Verizon pay-TV subscribers regained access to the Tennis Channel two days into the Australian Open tournament, after the two sides reached an agreement that ended a four-month blackout. The multiyear deal gives Verizon FiOS customers immediate access to the channel. CBS Sports Invitation Rejected by Tim Tebow USA Today Denver Broncos star quarterback Tim Tebow has turned down an invitation to be an analyst in the CBS' NFL studio on Sunday, according to network sports head Sean McManus. "Tim Tebow has decided not to appear," but the network "is perfectly fine with the lineup we have." ABC Opens Oscar.com with Billy Crystal Video KGO The Academy Awards and ABC Entertainment have launched a website for the Oscar season, with an exclusive video clip of host Billy Crystal. The site will feature live streams, exclusive videos and insider commentary. The Oscar ceremony will air Feb. 26 on ABC. Scripps: TV Revenue Up as Newspapers Decline Business Courier E.W. Scripps has told investors in Miami that its TV revenue will jump 50% in 2012. "Our TV business is very healthy." Newspaper revenue, however, will continue to decline. Forecasted newspaper revenue for 2012 is expected to drop to $400 million in 2012. HuffPost to Take on CNN with Web Video Service Forbes The Huffington Post plans to launch a live over-the-Internet video channel modeled on the 24-hour cable news networks. The project will be called the Huffington Post Streaming Network, or HPSN. The yet-to-be-announced service will be previewed at an event on Feb. 2. TV Guide Network for Sale as Audience Declines New York Post Fresh off its deal to acquire "Twilight" studio Summit Entertainment, Lions Gate Entertainment is said to be prepping a sale of its TV Guide Network. The channel lost 20% of its audience last year. "The question is, will they sell the network and the website together or separately?" Lions Gate to Use Facebook for Film Rentals Financial Times Lions Gate will be the first movie studio to include Facebook rentals in a home entertainment launch of a national feature film when it releases "Abduction" on Tuesday. "We know who our fans of the [Facebook] page are, but we don't have a direct to consumer relationship with them." Shine Americas CEO Departs to 'Do Own Thing' Deadline Shine Americas CEO Emiliano Calemzuk plans to leave the company after a year-and-a-half on the job. Calemzuk, a former rising-star News Corp. international TV exec, said: "After 14 years at News Corp., I want to take my own path and do my own thing." CBS Opens Sports Site to Fantasy App Makers Wall Street Journal CBS is opening up its CBS Sports website so outside developers can create apps geared toward fantasy enthusiasts. The move is intended to help boost the company's share of the nearly billion-dollar fantasy-sports business. The site will offer both free and paid apps. ESPN Program Costs, Journalistic Integrity Eyed Newsweek By driving up the price of sports rights and passing the cost to consumers, ESPN helps send cable bills through the roof. And in order to maintain favorable access to athletes and teams, it is accused of downplaying stories that cast sports in a negative light. Oprah, Weinstein on Obama Re-Election Wish List Daily Caller President Obama is said to have compiled a wish list of big names whose endorsement he hopes to secure before Election Day. The list includes entertainers like Tina Fey and Oprah Winfrey alongside business leaders like Warren Buffett and Harvey Weinstein. Fox, Twitter Join Forces for Republican Debate New York Times At the Republican presidential primary debate on Monday night, Fox News measured viewer reactions to answers on Twitter. Users watching the debate were encouraged to react using the hashtags #answer and #dodge, with results displayed on FoxNews.com. 'Mad Men,' 'Twilight' Unite in $412.5 Million Deal Reuters Lions Gate Entertainment has acquired movie studio Summit Entertainment, producer of the blockbuster "Twilight" vampire series, for $412.5 million. With the deal, "Mad Men" producer Lions Gate assumes control of the fifth and final "Twilight" movie, due out in November. Clear Channel Drops 'Radio' in Media Expansion San Antonio Express-News Clear Channel Radio announced that it has changed its name to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. The core of the company's business will remain its 850 radio stations. The new name "more clearly reflects" Clear Channel's expansion into other media. Comedy Central's Colbert Eyes Presidential Run Entertainment Weekly The "major announcement" that Stephen Colbert promised has come to pass. He formally transferred his super PAC to Jon Stewart on Thursday's "Colbert Report." In so doing, Colbert is able to enter the Republican presidential primary in South Carolina, his home state. MTV Original VJs in Deal for 'Uncensored' Book Associated Press MTV's surviving original veejays have some wild times to share. Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, has signed Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter and Martha Quinn for an "uncensored" oral history of the music channel launched in 1981. CBS Deal Would Lead Letterman to a Milestone New York Times David Letterman is said to be likely to extend his contract, pushing him past the 30-year run of his idol, Johnny Carson. A deal to remain on CBS until 2014 is said to be imminent. However, the future of Craig Ferguson, the host of CBS show that follows Letterman, remains unsettled. CNN Former Host Larry King Plans Web Venture TheWrap Larry King is said to be developing a "huge" online initiative backed by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim. King has not picked up a new job since December 2010 when he left CNN after 25 years. Slim's media holdings include a sizeable stake in the New York Times. Fox Joins Battle to Buy Los Angeles Dodgers Wall Street Journal Fox has joined the battle to buy the Dodgers, signing a nondisclosure agreement with bankers handling the sale of the baseball franchise. The move is the latest indication that the parent News Corp. plans to do whatever it can to hang onto the team's valuable media rights. ESPN Sportscaster Jumps to CBS, Showtime Washington Post ESPN sportscaster Jim Rome is leaving the cable channel to join CBS networks. Rome will work across multiple CBS platforms, starting with a new, half-hour show on CBS Sports Network, called "Rome." He will also launch a sports and pop-culture series on Showtime. ABC Series to Broadcast Child Saying F-Word Entertainment Weekly On next week's episode of "Modern Family," toddler Lily is going to utter the profanity "f---." The 2-year-old character is shown saying the word, but it will not be audible to viewers. It might be the first time in a scripted family broadcast TV series where a child has said the F-word. Current TV Dropped from Lineup at BSkyB World Screen British Sky Broadcasting has withdrawn its support for Current TV, with the network likely to cease in March. Current, founded by Al Gore and Joel Hyatt, made its U.K. debut in 2007, following its U.S. launch. "The entire team at Current is devastated by this news." TiVo: Internet-Delivered Content Bests Live TV Hollywood Reporter TiVo said its research shows that viewership of recorded TV programs and Internet-delivered content is surpassing live TV viewership. Looking at web-connected TiVo devices, nearly two thirds of viewing on them is now driven by delayed TV or online on-demand content. ABC: DVR Users See Similar Number of Ads Bloomberg People watching TV shows on DVRs sit through a similar number of commercials as those watching live, said ABC entertainment head Paul Lee. "Not as many people fast forward through the ads. And people who watch live get up to make a cup of coffee and miss some." Fox Indecency Case: TV on 'Borrowed Time' Ars Technica The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday for FCC vs Fox Television Stations, in a battle over regulating "fleeting" expletives. One justice commented: "Well, broadcast TV is on borrowed time," destined to "go the way of vinyl records and 8 track tapes." ABC Plans to Unveil Two New 'B*tch' Shows New York Daily News ABC is optimistic the B-word will help sell two of its midseason primetime shows. One show, "Don't Trust the B*tches in Apartment 23," is a sitcom. The second is "GCB," a drama based on the book "Good Christian B*tches." The similar titles are "just coincidence." Oprah's 'Next Chapter' Sets Record for OWN Hollywood Reporter "Oprah's Next Chapter" proved a better read the second time around. After posting 1.1 million viewers during its Jan. 1 premiere, the follow-up episode of Oprah Winfrey's sit-down interview with pastor Joel Osteen nabbed a network record of 1.6 million this week. Fox, Dodgers in Settlement Over Media Rights Reuters The Los Angeles Dodgers will not market its media rights beyond 2013 as part of lawsuit settlement with Fox Sports, according to papers filed in bankruptcy court. Fox had persuaded a judge to temporarily halt the team's plan to sell the media rights to games starting in 2014. Fox Indecency Case Returns to Supreme Court NPR Dirty words return to the Supreme Court Tuesday, as justices hear arguments about a regulation that allows U.S. broadcasters to be fined for the fleeting use of vulgar language. Opponents assert that the rules cannot be justified in today's multichannel world. CBS Venture to Launch TV Channel in India Wall Street Journal CBS and India's Reliance Broadcast Network plan to launch a Punjabi-language TV channel in India. The new channel will air CBS prime-time shows like "Jerry Springer," "Hawaii Five-O," "America's Next Top Model" and "Masked Warriors," dubbed in Punjabi. NBC, Panasonic to Offer 2012 Olympics in 3D Multichannel News NBC Sports and Panasonic are teaming up to make the London 2012 Olympics available in 3D to all U.S. distributors who carry game coverage, which will be the first time 3DTV owners will be able to watch the event in the format. Comcast is expected be in the mix. Univision News App Targets U.S. Hispanics Multichannel News Univision has launched a news app, "Noticias Univision," for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The free app offers coverage of national, local and international news targeted to U.S. Hispanics. "Hispanics continue to outpace the market in mobile consumption." NBC, NewsBeast Join for 2012 Election News Huffington Post NBC News and Newsweek-The Daily Beast have announced a joint initiative focusing on 2012 election coverage. The magazine and website will have access to NBC News political reporters and video content, and may collaborate with NBC News at debates. Fox News Updates Website for Mobile, Video VentureBeat Fox News has adopted a new online strategy that takes the mobile world into special account. Among other changes, FoxNews.com will allow users to upload videos, photos, opinions and more. "The point is to make viewers feel like they are also a part of the news." Dish Unveils Hopper DVR, Broadband Service CNET News Dish has introduced a kangaroo-themed DVR system called the Hopper that can record up to six programs simultaneously while pushing content out to accompanying "Joey" boxes in additional rooms. The company also announced a new high-speed broadband service. Sirius XM Eyes Personalized Streaming Audio RBR-TVBR Sirius XM, the satellite radio company, is preparing to roll out a Pandora-like personalized streaming audio service, likely this year, according to CEO Mel Karmazin. "We're not going into it as a business. We like our business model. But our subscribers like that feature." Nielsen: TV Still Most Popular Consumer Device Forbes The average weekly media time for Americans is 32 hours and 47 minutes, according to Nielsen's new "State of the Media" report on media usage. Also, the TV remains the most popular device in American households, despite the proliferation of new media platforms. NBC Adds 5 New Shows After 'Really Bad Fall' Bloomberg NBC has ordered five new pilot shows to regain viewers after its poor start to the new TV season, according to Bob Greenblatt, head of entertainment. The pickups follow "a really bad fall," he said. "We have nowhere to go but up. But it's going to take a lot of work." Fox to Take On 'SNL' with Late-Night Animation Bloomberg News Corp.'s Fox Broadcasting, home to "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy," is creating a Saturday night animation lineup that will go against NBC's long-running "Saturday Night Live." The new block will air at 11 p.m. Saturdays starting in January 2013. ABC, CBS, NBC Differentiate Evening Newscasts New York Times Influenced by cable and the Internet, the network news divisions of ABC, CBS and NBC have shifted the focus to differentiating their evening newscasts. Viewers these days "make their own choices," said ABC News head Ben Sherwood. "We are trying to be responsive." Current TV, Olbermann Appear to Bury Hatchet Hollywood Reporter After a rocky week of public sniping between Current TV and Keith Olbermann, the newsman said he will anchor on election nights beginning after the New Hampshire primary. "I am pleased that I'll be running the election coverage," said Olbermann in a statement. MTV 'Jersey Shore' Season Debut Ratings Fall New York Daily News The fifth season debut of MTV's mammoth hit "Jersey Shore" averaged 7.6 million viewers, down from the 8.79 million of the previous season premiere. Still, 7.6 million is better than a lot of broadcast network fare, and "Jersey" ranks as new season's top cable show. Dish Plans Wireless Service, Multi-Room DVR Multichannel News Dish Network plans to launch a broadband satellite service this summer and will debut a multi-room digital video recorder, according to reports that leaked out ahead of the satellite operator's press conference set for this week's Consumer Electronics Show. BSkyB Buys Stake in Social TV app Zeebox Financial Times BSkyB aims to harness viewers' growing use of Twitter and Facebook while watching TV with its investment in Zeebox. The start-up's web, iPhone and iPad apps combine a "live" TV guide, which indicates what your online friends are watching, with tweets and status updates. Shine's Murdoch to Give MacTaggart Lecture Guardian Elisabeth Murdoch, founder of production company Shine and daughter of Rupert Murdoch, is scheduled to give the MacTaggart lecture at this year's Edinburgh International Television Festival. Last year Google chief Eric Schmidt delivered the keynote speech. Murdoch's Shine Buys Web TV Show Maker Guardian Elisabeth Murdoch's Shine has bought ChannelFlip, known for creating Internet shows for TV personalities, in its latest move to become a multimedia production company. The News Corp.-owned group acquired the London-based firm for an undisclosed amount. Fox News Chief 'Indispensable' at News Corp GQ Forget the phone-hacking scandal, writes Michael Wolff in the British edition of GQ. "The real threat to News Corp. comes from its enemy within. Fox News president Roger Ailes has the power, profitability and political influence to bring the media empire to collapse." Current TV, Keith Olbermann Future Unclear Hollywood Reporter Keith Olbermann's attorney said that the disgruntled Current TV newsman is negotiating his next moves with his employer in the wake of a falling out over his participation in coverage of the Republican primaries. The future of the "cantankerous" Olbermann remains unclear. NBC Chelsea Clinton Deal Lasts Only 90 Days New York Post Chelsea Clinton's much-trumpeted deal with NBC appears to be nearly done. Her contract is said to be for only 90 days, and while she will provide the network with two more stories, it is not certain she will sign up again. NBC "created unrealistic expectations." Weather Channel, WebMD on Yahoo Wish List Bloomberg The Weather Channel and WebMD are said to be among companies Yahoo is interested in owning as part of a tax-efficient asset swap with Alibaba and Softbank. Yahoo is considering a range of opportunities, including specific investments or dispositions of assets. Netflix Now 15th Most-Watched TV 'Network' Hollywood Reporter Netflix would be the 15th most-watched U.S. TV "network," according to an analysis of newly released figures by BTIG analyst Richard Greenfield. The video streaming service has "more than twice the viewer hours of CNN, Discovery, MSNBC and BET." Fox, ABC to Take On FCC Indecency Rules Los Angeles Times Next Tuesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments from News Corp.'s Fox and Disney's ABC that the Federal Communications Commission's rules regarding indecent programming and the way they are enforced by the agency are both vague and unconstitutional. Current TV in Spat with Anchor Olbermann Politico Keith Olbermann was notably absent from Current TV's coverage of the Iowa caucus results, setting off speculation that the channel wanted to keep him off the air. A Current spokesperson, however, said that Olbermann "declined to anchor or participate." Sirius XM Adds 1.7 Million Users in 2011 TheStreet Sirius XM Radio said the satellite radio giant added 1.7 million subscribers in 2011. CEO Mel Karmazin called 2011 "our best year for net additions since the merger" and said the performance shows "strong continuing demand for our unmatched audio content." Time Warner Cable 'Should Pay' Viewers Bloomberg Time Warner Cable should reimburse customers who are missing New York Knicks and Rangers games because of its dispute with programmer Madison Square Garden, according to New York City comptroller John Liu. The clash "unfairly punishes" customers. Cablevision Entices Buyers With Low Value Bloomberg Cablevision is now the cheapest U.S. cable or satellite-TV provider for potential acquirers from Time Warner Cable to Comcast following the resignation of its COO. "At this valuation level, it becomes something that investment banks will look at." Plum TV Files for Bankruptcy in Asset Sale Variety Plum TV, a cable channel aimed at wealthy viewers in vacation hotspots, has filed for bankruptcy as part of a sale of its assets. The network will be purchased by a group of investors including former top leaders of Univision and Titan Worldwide. Oprah's 'Next Chapter' Attracts Few Fans New York Times The premiere of "Oprah's Next Chapter," the successor to her "Oprah Winfrey Show," drew 1.1 million viewers for two showings on OWN Sunday night, far fewer than the 6 million to 8 million that had watched her previous talk show on local TV stations. Martha to End TV Show Amid Poor Ratings New York Post "The Martha Stewart Show," the domestic diva's flagship TV property now airing on the Hallmark Channel, is to close at the end of the broadcast season in April — a victim of poor ratings. Martha's TV family is planning a lavish Oprah-style send off for the program. Analyst: TV Viewing to Hit Skids in 2012 Los Angeles Times Will 2012 be the year people watch less television? That's what analyst Rich Greenfield of BTIG thinks. "We believe 2012 will be a watershed year for the media industry and serve as a historic inflection point for traditional TV consumption." NBC Gets $4 Million for Super Bowl Ads Bloomberg NBC has sold out its 30-second advertising spots for this year's Super Bowl, getting as much as $4 million per slot — a record for the network. The average ad for the Feb. 5 game in Indianapolis sold for $3.5 million. NBC has also sold out its digital ads. Ryan Seacrest: Is He the Future of Media? Fortune Ryan Seacrest represents the future of media, according to the cover story of the new issue of Fortune magazine. "The one-man brand produces TV, chats up stars and woos advertisers." The TV exec/personality is "an emblem of where show biz is headed." Oprah Winfrey Vows to Farm if OWN Fails Associated Press Oprah Winfrey in 2012 faces the task of rescuing OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network, after a disappointing first year. But if the channel falls short, Winfrey said she has a Plan B: "If this doesn't work out, I'm going to go into organic farming in Maui. And I'm not kidding." Time Warner Cable Drops MSG in Dispute Associated Press Subscribers of Time Warner Cable woke up New Year's morning to find the sports channels MSG Network and MSG+ missing from their cable TV line-up. It is the latest spat between a cable company and a channel provider over the fees carriers pay for channels. NBC Sports Network Unable to Air Sports USA Today Versus became a footnote in TV sports history as it was redubbed NBC Sports Network on Monday. But with many top-tier sports locked up in long-term deals, the new sports channel can't upgrade by buying big events. Initially, it will rely on documentaries and talk shows. NBC Limits Ad Spots for Super Bowl Online Wall Street Journal Ad spots for this year's Super Bowl on NBC TV are sold out. Marketers are paying $3.5 million for a 30-second spot — up from $3 million last year. As many as eight advertisers are expected to pay between six and seven figures for ad time on NBCSports.com. ABC, NBC Hail Taxicab TV, But Will Riders? Crain's New York This week ABC and NBC are unveiling new programming on taxicab back-seat TV screens, as both companies expand their out-of-home presence with new technology partners. Advertisers see opportunities in being alone for a 10- or 15-minute ride with consumers. Network Morning TV Faces Defining Year Associated Press The new year looks to be pivotal for network morning shows. CBS and ABC's "Good Morning America" are positioning themselves as distinct alternatives to the longtime king, NBC's "Today" show, which faces uncertainty over anchor Matt Lauer's future. NBC Veteran May Run 'American Idol' Owner New York Post After a six-month search, "American Idol" owner CKX is close to hiring former NBC exec Marc Graboff. Last month, Graboff exited as NBC's head of West Coast operations, one of a string of execs to depart after Comcast took control of NBC Universal. Nielsen: 'American Idol' Is Top Show of 2011 World Screen Fox's "American Idol" remains the top U.S. prime-time program, a spot it has held since 2007, according to Nielsen's Top 10 of 2011 list. The freshman FX original "American Horror Story" gained the highest audience share through time-shifted viewing in 2011. Comedy Central Star Offers to Pay for Primary Associated Press Stephen Colbert, who plays a mock conservative pundit on "The Colbert Report," has offered to pay half a million dollars to help subsidize South Carolina's GOP presidential primary, as state officials struggle to pay for it. But there is doubt whether it would even be legal. CNN: Little Impact from Piers Morgan Probe Associated Press CNN host Piers Morgan's testimony about his past life as a London tabloid editor before a British panel probing media ethics won't have much effect on his U.S. standing, experts said. However, things could change if future phone-hacking evidence emerges. Xinhua News Website Plans $158 Million IPO Reuters China's state news agency Xinhua is said to be planning to list its online portal in a $157.8 million stock market offering. The exact timing of the IPO of Xinhuanet.com has not been fixed. Other state news outlets are also looking to list their online operations. CBS Eyes Live Web Stream of 'Morning' Show Variety CBS is considering making its new "CBS This Morning" show available via web streaming simultaneous with the live broadcast. Live streaming of a regular network program could raise hackles with CBS affiliates, because it could draw viewers away from local stations. ABC's 'Work It' Gets Detractors All Worked Up Associated Press ABC's new sitcom "Work It," which depicts two out-of-work men who dress as women to land jobs in a tough economy, has drawn fire from groups complaining that the series mocks the transgender community: "It re-enforces inaccurate and tired stereotypes." NBC: Fans Plan Flash Mob to Rescue Sitcom TheWrap NBC "Community" fans are planning a flash mob at Rockefeller Center on Thursday afternoon to save the show, which has been pulled from the network's midseason schedule. The event is being promoted via #OccupyNBC and #SaveCommunity hashtags on Twitter. Comcast Web Service for Poor 'Needs Work' Philadelphia Inquirer Action United, an activist group of low- and moderate-income residents, said Comcast's discounted Internet program for poor children needs to be improved and more heavily advertised. Some 62% of survey respondents had not heard of the $9.95-a-month service. Time Warner Cable Touts New Carriage Model Wall Street Journal Facing a heated battle with MSG sports network over rising rates, Time Warner Cable CEO Glenn Britt said sports channels should be sold separately from the main cable-TV package of channels: "What was a minor problem is turning into an astronomical problem." Comcast Deemed Unfair to Tennis Channel Los Angeles Times A Federal Communications Commission judge ruled that Comcast discriminated against the Tennis Channel by putting it at a competitive disadvantage. The ruling marked the first time an FCC judge found a cable operator violated carriage anti-discrimination rules. CNN's Piers Morgan Hacking Claim Disputed BBC News James Hipwell, a former Daily Mirror reporter who was jailed for his part in an insider trading scam, told the Leveson inquiry that phone hacking was widespread at the paper. He said it was very unlikely that then-editor Piers Morgan was unaware of the practice. Time Warner Cable, MSG Battle Over Contract Multichannel News The contract renewal contretemps between MSG and Time Warner Cable continues to boil with the programmer taking out multimedia ads warning of a possible service drop. The parties have been negotiating for two years, with the current contract set to expire Dec. 31. Dish Network Surges on AT&T Buyout Talk TheStreet Shares of Dish Network surged on speculation that AT&T could be eyeing the satellite-TV giant. This comes after AT&T's decision to attempt to buy T-Mobile fell through. An acquisition of Dish Network could also help AT&T build a faster network quickly and cheaply. NBC Super Bowl Online Kicks Off TV Redo Wired NBC, which will broadcast the next Super Bowl in February, plans for the first time to stream the world's biggest television event on the web, via NFL.com and NBCSports.com. The move also may signal the beginning of the next stage in the web's transformation of TV. CBS Dominates Fall Season in Prime Time Associated Press CBS was the dominant television network again this season, but not so much as last week. CBS had its largest margin of victory in weekly ratings, beating No. 2 NBC in prime time by more than 5 million viewers. Fourteen of the 16 most-watched shows were on CBS. CNN Denies iReport Led to Employee Layoffs Wired CNN said that the recent layoff of 50 employees was not related to cost-cutting or the rise of its iReport user-generated content service. CNN "does not view iReport as a replacement for traditional newsgathering." The recent changes "were about shifting resources." Fox News Sends 'Hostile' Holiday Greetings New York Observer Fox News Channel is said to be sending out a holiday greeting card with a "hostile" message. The card presents a Fox News version of the song "Joy to the World" -- "Joy to the world for Fox News Channel / See our ratings we don't lose / Beating the rest in TV news." Vevo Mulling Launch of Cable TV Channel Financial Times Vevo, the online music video venture of Sony Music, Universal Music and Abu Dhabi Media, is looking at launching a cable channel and eyeing Internet-connected devices as a way into the living room. Said CEO Rio Caraeff: "I don't rule out having a traditional channel." Hulu: We Enjoyed Significant Growth in 2011 Search Engine Watch Hulu's audience had grown to 31.3 million unique viewers in November, up from up from 29.2 million in October, and 27.1 million in September, according to comScore. The online video site attributes the growth to factors including the addition of new content partners. Cablevision to Offer Viewers HBO Go App Bloomberg Cablevision said it plans to start offering Time Warner's HBO Go mobile-TV app within a few months. The agreement comes three days after Time Warner Cable agreed to offer the app. HBO Go allows HBO subscribers to watch 1,400 old and current shows. Cox Media to Invest $6 Million in Skyword TechCrunch Fledgling content farm Skyword has raised $6 million from broadcasting and publishing company Cox Media. Skyword markets a "digital content platform" that provides brands and media companies with a way to buy "search engine and social network friendly" articles. ESPN Viewers Punt Monday Night Football MarketWatch ESPN has seen the audience for its Monday Night Football broadcasts drop about 10% this year, as a number of unappealing games have tested fans' appetite for the sport. The dip comes as CBS, NBC and Fox signed unprecedented nine-year extensions with the NFL. NBC to Post Unscripted TV Series Online Variety NBC is looking to its website to give viewers a chance to catch up on the network's prime time programming. The entire first season of "The Voice" has been posted on NBC.com just weeks ahead of its second-season premiere. Other unscripted series will follow. ABC 'Pan Am' Episodes Fly Free on iTunes Hollywood Reporter In case you missed the takeoff of ABC's "Pan Am," Sony Pictures Television is hoping viewers will take another look at the freshman drama series by offering all nine episodes aired this season for free. Plus, free songs will be available from the new soundtrack. CBS 'Two & Half Men' Funeral Most DVR'd TheWrap What do Ben Roethlisberger's Super Bowl choke and "Two and a Half Men's" send-off to deceased cad Charlie Harper have in common? They were the year's top two most "time-shifted" television moments, according to DVR company TiVo's new annual report. NBC to Replace ABC in New York Taxi Cabs Associated Press VeriFone has signed a multi-year deal with NBCUniversal to deliver entertainment programming in taxi cabs, gas stations and other platforms. New York taxis with VeriFone systems currently show ABC programming. They will switch to NBC on Jan. 1. CNN Eyes Digital to Regain Ground on Fox Bloomberg CNN is looking to acquisitions as part of an effort to regain ground on rivals Fox News and MSNBC by pushing more programming to tablets and smartphones. Said president Jim Walton: "As more tablets are sold, it's only going to continue to grow." CNN Star Piers Morgan to Face Questions Associated Press CNN host Piers Morgan is scheduled to appear by videolink at an inquiry into the ethics and practices of Britain's scandal-tarred press on Tuesday. The often colorful and sometimes controversial story of Morgan's rise to the top is expected to be revisited. NBC Sports Chief Preps Rebrand of Versus New York Times Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBC Sports, is overseeing the transformation of the Versus network into a more viable channel that will be renamed the NBC Sports Network on Jan. 2. His job is to not necessarily compete head-on with ESPN, but to give it a stiff challenge. ABC News: Barbara Walters Is Not Retiring UPI Broadcast journalist Barbara Walters was joking when she told President Obama that she plans to retire in 2012, said ABC News. TMZ had quoted a source as saying Walters quietly told Obama: "I need one more interview with you because I'm retiring next year." Sirius XM May See Boost from Howard Stern Associated Press Howard Stern is set to be a judge on the NBC show "America's Got Talent," and Wall Street is betting that the new job will benefit the shock jock's satellite radio home, Sirius XM Radio. "We see this as a positive for Sirius, holding potential for free on air-promotion." Viacom, Ustream in Web Live-Streaming Deal Billboard Viacom has struck a web-exclusive content deal with Ustream. The home of MTV, VH1 and other cable networks has agreed to stream live, web content solely through the live-streaming outfit. Ustream will "expand the reach of our digital specific live streams," Viacom said. CBS to Revive Murrow's 'Person to Person' New York Times CBS News plans to revive "Person to Person," a 1950s series hosted by Edward R. Murrow that visited celebrities, politicians and other stars in their homes. Charlie Rose and Lara Logan will co-host the new version of the series, which is scheduled to debut Feb. 8. ABC Barbara Walters to Obama: 'I'm Retiring' TMZ Barbara Walters is said to have told President Obama that she plans to retire next year. After interviewing Obama at the White House, according to a source, Walters leaned over to the president and said, "I need one more interview with you because I'm retiring next year." ESPN Extends TV Rights to Men's Basketball Bloomberg ESPN has reached a deal to extend its international rights to the National Collegiate Athletic Association's men's basketball for $500 million through 2023-2024. The accord includes coverage across multiple media on the company's cable channels and online outlets. Fox Sports Seeks Halt to Dodgers Rights Sale Associated Press A bankruptcy judge has blasted Fox Sports for claiming that the Los Angeles Dodgers' plan to sell media rights to games is intended to enrich team owner Frank McCourt after Fox negotiated a failed deal that would have left McCourt with hundreds of millions of dollars. Fox, NBC & CBS to Pay Big for NFL TV Rights Los Angeles Times The NFL has signed record-setting TV rights deals with Fox, NBC and CBS that will see the broadcasters pay a total of nearly $28 billion over nine years. The rise of TV sports rights fees underscores the value of big-event programming in a fragmented media landscape. Time Warner Cable Gets Headache from MSG New York Post New York fans may lose Knicks basketball if Madison Square Garden's MSG Network and Time Warner Cable can't work out a new deal. Their contract expires at midnight Jan. 1. MSG is said to be seeking an increase that would put it in the same ballpark as ESPN. NBC 'America's Got Talent' Lands Howard Stern Twitter Howard Stern has signed on as a new judge on NBC's "America's Got Talent," according to a tweet on the feed of the shock jock's show. "It's official - Howard just signed on the dotted line." Another tweet reads: "Howard says he'll start shooting in February." ABC Barbara Walters: Steve Jobs 'Fascinating' Huffington Post Barbara Walters named Apple co-founder Steve Jobs as 2011's "most fascinating person in the world" on her annual special for ABC's "20/20." Walters described Jobs as always "seeing something we couldn't," which "makes him the most fascinating person of 2011." CBS Local in Content Deal with Examiner.com Denver Business Philip Anschutz's Examiner.com has entered a deal to produce lifestyle content for CBS Local Digital Media websites. Examiner.com is a U.S. network of local sites featuring content produced by 85,000 contributors. The content will cover arts, entertainment and travel. NBC News Plans Latino-Targeted Site for 2012 Broadcasting & Cable NBC News plans to launch an NBCLatino.com website targeting Hispanics sometime in early 2012, in a move that reflects the growing importance of Hispanic audiences for news divisions. In November, CNN launched a Spanish-language site, CNNenEspanol.com. NPR Secures $1.5 Million Grant for Web News Associated Press NPR has won a $1.5 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to boost web training and content at member stations nationwide. "Our expectation," said the Knight Foundation, "is that NPR will become a model for nimbleness in the digital age." Nielsen: Viewers Watch TV on Game Devices Los Angeles Times Increasingly, people are using their Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii devices to stream movies and TV shows, according to a survey by Nielsen. Because the devices readily connect to the Internet, viewers can use them to access services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube. ABC's Amanpour to Exit 'This Week' for CNN New York Times Christiane Amanpour is leaving as anchor of "This Week," ABC's ratings-challenged Sunday a.m. public-affairs program, and rejoining her former network home, CNN. George Stephanopoulos will return to "This Week" while remaining on ABC's weekday "Good Morning America." NBC News to Launch NBCPolitics Website Nieman Lab NBC News has launched NBCPolitics.com, a website that brings all of its political news under one digital roof, as described by digital chief Vivian Schiller. NBCPolitics will be something of an NBC News aggregator, with video and a one-of-a-kind "candidate tracker." CBS to Buy Second New York City TV Station Los Angeles Times CBS has struck an agreement to acquire WLNY, a small independent television station serving New York City and the surrounding areas. The deal will give CBS two TV stations in the nation's No. 1 market. CBS already owns WCBS, the broadcast network's flagship station. NBC '30 Rock' Ban Eyed by American Airlines E! Online The union for American Airlines flight attendants is seeking to yank the NBC's "30 Rock" from the airline's inflight entertainment lineup. Members are said to be unhappy about the publicity generated about the airline because of activities by sitcom star Alec Baldwin. Dish Network Eyes Online in Cable TV Rivalry Bloomberg Dish Network, the U.S. satellite-TV provider, has the capability to offer an online TV service that would expand competition with cable companies, said CEO Joseph Clayton. "If Verizon can do it, why can't we? Both of our companies buy a lot of content. That gives us leverage." Comcast in Carriage Deal with BBC World News New York Times The BBC plans to announce a deal for Comcast to carry BBC World News, opening the door to wider U.S. distribution for the news channel. The BBC is seeking U.S. expansion, believing American viewers' news appetites are not satisfied by CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. Fox News Chief Ailes to Write Autobiography New York Roger Ailes, the Fox News chief, is said to be at work on an autobiography. New Corp.'s HarperCollins is expected to publish the book, which is being co-authored by Fox News contributor Jim Pinkerton. Fox News, however, describes the project as "speculation." Oh No! Oprah's New Network Is Struggling Crain's New York Despite programming expenses of $135 million in 2011, OWN drew roughly the same number of viewers as the low-rated channel it replaced, Discovery Health — whose programming budget was just $29 million, according to the cover story of Crain's New York Business. Sony to End Oprah Spin-Off 'Nate Berkus' Broadcasting & Cable Sony Pictures Television and Harpo Studios plan to shut down production of "The Nate Berkus Show" after this season, the show's second. The Oprah spin-off premiered in 2010, but never got off the ground, ratings-wise, leading to constant speculation about its future. CBS News Taps Former 'Daily Show' Regular Deadline Mo Rocca has been named a correspondent for "CBS Sunday Morning." Known for his satirical news reports and commentary, Rocca has been serving as a contributor for the broadcast since 2006, and in his new capacity will report for other CBS News broadcasts. ABC to Run Reality-TV Show from Budweiser Wall Street Journal "Bud United Presents: The Big Time," a show featuring amateurs competing in various sports activities, will air Saturday afternoons on ABC for seven weeks, starting Jan. 21. Disney's ABC has no concerns about airing a brewer-produced show "done in good taste." TLC: Lowe's Pulls Ads from Muslim TV Show Associated Press Lowe's yanked its ads from TLC's "All-American Muslim" reality show following protests from an evangelical Christian group, sparking calls for a boycott against the retail chain. The Florida Family Association had described the show as "propaganda." CBS to Expand Sunday Political Talk Show New York Times "Face the Nation," the CBS half-hour Sunday public affairs program, will become an hourlong show next spring, matching its rivals on other networks. "Face the Nation," which started in 1954, is one of the longest-running news programs on U.S. television. WABC Radio to Hire Geraldo as Talk Host New York Times Geraldo Rivera has been signed to host a talk show on WABC in Manhattan. Station owner Cumulus Media anticipates that Rivera will broaden the audience of WABC, which is best known for conservative heavy hitters including Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. ESPN Nabs New York Timesman for Digital New York Observer ESPN has poached New York Times investigative reporter and presidential golf expert Don Van Natta Jr. "Having a well-respected reporter like Don Van Natta on board is a testament to the commitment ESPN has made to quality cross-platform journalism." CNN Zite Brings Its Mag-Like App to iPhone USA Today Zite, the magazine-like app that gained an ardent following on iPad before CNN bought it in August for an estimated $20 million, is bringing its personalized news service to a smaller screen: the Apple iPhone. The new iPhone app is a "pocket-sized" magazine. ABC Puts First-Season Show Episodes Online MediaPost ABC plans to make all episodes of new first-season shows "Once Upon a Time" and "Revenge" accessible on ABC.com or through the network's iPad player, in an effort to give a promotional push to the two promising series. ABC said the aim is to reach "new audiences." OWN May Shift to African-American Viewers Adweek Oprah Winfrey's struggling OWN cable network could be shifting its programming strategy to appeal to its African-American audience. The move may help ratings, but it would mean a dramatic shift, and one that could put the channel at odds with Winfrey's own brand. NBC Rebranding Versus to Take On ESPN Advertising Age NBC Universal will begin a challenge to ESPN when it rebrands Versus as NBC Sports Network on Jan. 2, but faces a long road before it can catch the established leader in sports. Even NBC execs admit it will take years to take even a modest bite of ESPN's lunch. Fox Sports Overruled Over Dodgers Rights Bloomberg The Los Angeles Dodgers won a bankruptcy judge's permission try to sell future TV rights to the team's games months earlier than their current contract with Fox Sports allows, overruling the News Corp. unit's objections. The rights could be worth $100 million a year. ABC May Replace Amanpour at 'This Week' New York Post Christiane Amanpour may be giving up the anchor chair on ABC News' "This Week." Network honchos are said to be mulling who might replace the award-winning journalist, who has struggled in the ratings since she jumped from CNN to the public-affairs show last year. Oprah Appeals to Viewers to 'Find' Her Network Huffington Post Oprah Winfrey discussed the challenges of running her own network in her debut appearance on "Dr. Oz" this week: "Let me tell you running a network is challenging. You have to be committed because, you know, I signed a deal. Can y'all please find it on your channels?" ABC Canceled Soaps Still Shopped for Online Variety The deaths of "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" may have been greatly exaggerated. Prospect Park, the production firm that licensed digital rights to the soaps from ABC, has continued to hold meetings with other parties exploring options for keeping them going online. NBC Courts Seacrest as Co-Anchor on 'Today' Wall Street Journal NBCUniversal is said to be pursuing "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest as a possible successor to Matt Lauer on the "Today" show, if Lauer vacates his co-anchor seat next year. The talks are preliminary and also may be in part a negotiating tactic for NBC execs. MTV, Vevo to Hook Up Again for Music Videos CNET News Vevo, the online music video service, will once again make its clips available on MTV.com and other MTV-owned sites. Vevo had pulled its content off MTV's sites in a licensing dispute, but the sides have renewed their deal and should make an announcement soon. CBS Chief: Broadcast Television Not Dead CNBC Cable hasn't killed broadcast television, which is still drawing viewers and advertisers, according to CBS CEO Les Moonves. "Broadcasting is having an up year," with CBS having 20 of the top 30 shows. "The DVR has become our friend," helping push up ratings. AMC Eyes Less-Expensive Reality TV Shows Wall Street Journal AMC is weighing a move toward more reality shows, as it looks for an inexpensive way to expand beyond its core of scripted dramas. The channel, known for shows like "Mad Men" and "The Walking Dead," has four new nonfiction shows in "some state of production." Comcast: No Plans for Usage-Based Pricing GigaOM Many cable operators are considering new pricing for broadband services that would link the amount of data their subscribers consume with the amount they pay. But Comcast isn't one of them. Such plans could inhibit Comcast's broadband growth, execs said. NBC TV Stations Team with News Nonprofits New York Times NBC TV stations in Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia will team up with nonprofit news organizations, including blogs and public radio outlets, as a byproduct of Comcast's bid to gain control of NBC Universal. Comcast had made a vow to set up such partnerships. CNBC Merges Units for International Operation TVNewser CNBC president Mark Hoffman has announced that CNBC Europe and CNBC Asia have merged to form CNBC International. "We will achieve better overall coordination with a single P&L focused on one set of common goals and objectives," he wrote in a memo. MTV Turns to Twitter to Shape Live Programs Times of London For the past four years, Twitter workers have been actively assisting MTV and other networks to curate tweets and gather audience feedback in "real time" for live programming events, such as the Video Music Awards. Twitter, said MTV, "lets us react to unplanned moments." Disney/ABC Establishes Times Square Studios WorldScreen Following the news that Brian Frons, president of daytime at Disney/ABC, will leave his role in January, the company has decided to merge its daytime and syndicated units into one division, Times Square Studios. "We took this opportunity to rethink our business." ESPN: Cable-TV Rivals Cry Foul Over Costs Wall Street Journal Rising sports programming costs — including in a recent deal between ESPN and the NFL — are producing a vocal backlash from some media companies, which are afraid customers will drop services as prices escalate. ESPN is a "tax on every American household." Cox Launches iPad App as 'Additional Screen' FierceCable Cox Communications has become the latest cable provider to roll out an iPad app for television viewing. The new Cox TV Connect app will allow subscribers to use their iPads "as an additional screen to watch live, streaming video in their home at no additional charge." WalMart Steps Up Effort to Lure Cord-Cutters Multichannel News WalMart is seeking cord-cutters. The retail behemoth aims to make it easier for them to buy everything they need, including access to the WalMart-owned Vudu over-the-top programming package, from a special promotional section in its 2,100 stores nationwide. TiVo Poised to Benefit as TV Moves to Internet Barron's TiVo could benefit as viewing of "long form" content moves from the traditional television setup more and more to the Internet, according to analysts. Online viewing rose to nearly 7 billion in August. "Subscriber growth will accelerate" as the more deals come online. Sirius XM Sees 100 Million Satellite Radio Cars RBR Sirius XM CFO David Frear said he is confident in projecting that by the end of this decade there will be more than 100 million cars on the road equipped with satellite receivers. Still, the company will have to convert new-car buyers from free samplers to subscribers. Dish Satellite TV Gets Boost from Big Cable New York Post Dish Network is getting a nice boost from an unlikely source: big cable. Wall Street lauded Dish CEO Charlie Ergen as a "wireless power broker" after Verizon's deal to buy licenses for mostly unused spectrum from Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. Hearst May Pull TV Stations from AT&T, Charter FierceCable Hearst television stations are warning viewers that they could soon lose local programming, as the company's retransmission-consent agreements with several cable operators are set to expire on Dec. 31. Hearst said it is attempting to negotiate for increased fees. Clear Channel, Cumulus Team for Daily Deals New York Times Clear Channel, which owns about 850 radio stations, will run ads for SweetJack, the daily-deals program owned by Cumulus Media. In turn, Cumulus, the second-biggest operator with 570 stations, will become part of iHeartRadio, Clear Channel's online radio brand. MTV Near a Deal to License Vevo Music Videos CNET News MTV, the cable TV service that was once synonymous with music videos, may soon end a feud with Vevo, the web music video company supported by major record companies. The two are in talks on a deal that would give MTV's online properties access to Vevo's music videos. ABC Hails Taxicabs to Boost Backseat Audience Deadline ABC has entered a deal with Creative Mobile Technologies, a firm that programs video screens in the backseats of taxi cabs, to provide show clips, news reports and advertising. "ABC's presence in Times Square will afford myriad synergistic opportunities with in-taxi media." CBS Picks Not-So-New Name for Morning Show Los Angeles Times CBS has picked a new name for the upcoming morning show hosted by Charlie Rose and Gayle King — "CBS This Morning." It turns out that this isn't the network's first use of this title. Back in 1987, CBS replaced the ill-fated "The Morning Program" with "CBS This Morning." Bounce TV Network for African-Americans Grows Associated Press Bounce TV, the first free broadcast network targeting African-Americans, has arrived in Philadelphia, the fourth-largest U.S. media market. The Atlanta-based Bounce TV is one of a growing number of networks carried on the broadcast digital signals of local TV stations. Nielsen: TV Ownership Declines for First Time Kansas City Star The total number of U.S. households with television sets has declined for the first time, according to a new TV audience report by Nielsen. Moreover, the number of households with no TV at all is at its highest level since 1975. Some 3% of homes are TV-free. Glenn Beck Admits to Guesswork on the Internet Forbes Former Fox Newser Glenn Beck said his new Internet-based media operation is just a hedge against a fast-changing industry: "I have no idea where this thing's going to land. We're like a tiny little Epcot. We're trying to be an experimental prototype city of tomorrow. What will work?" CNN's Piers Morgan Logs Lowest-Rated Month Deadline A month shy of his one-year anniversary at CNN, Piers Morgan has posted his lowest-rated month to date in the key adults 25-to-54 demographic. His "Piers Morgan Tonight" averages 154,000 viewers in the demo, down 4% from the delivery of his predecessor Larry King. 'Anderson' Makes Behind-the-Scenes Changes New York Post Anderson Cooper's daytime talk show is going through behind-the-scenes changes. Executive producers Cathy Chermol and Lisa Morin, who joined "Anderson" in June, have stepped down. A source inside the show described the departures as "natural evolution." Sirius XM's Karmazin: I Would Have Sold Viacom Reuters Sirius XM chief Mel Karmazin admitted that given the opportunity and presented with the right price he would have sold Viacom when he was in charge. "I would have sold Viacom if Sumner Redstone wasn't around." Also: Karmazin may have problems working with Liberty Media. ABC Responds After Tweet from 'Pan Am' Actress Washington Post ABC and Sony went into spin control after "Pan Am" series actress Karine Vanasse tweeted to the world that the drama had been canceled. "Nothing has changed," said ABC in a statement. "We are not canceling 'Pan Am.' We will return in January with new episodes." Time Warner Cable Holds Streaming from Tablets Multichannel News Time Warner Cable has launched a free app for tablets running Google's Android operating system to let subscribers program their DVR and check TV listings. But for now, it doesn't provide access to live TV channels, a service that some programmers have objected to. Netflix Viewing Expected to Swell Cable TV Bills Bloomberg Time Warner Cable and U.S. pay-TV companies, weighing how to profit from Internet demand spurred by Netflix and Hulu, are on the verge of instituting new fees on web-access customers who use the most. At least one cable operator may institute usage-based billing next year. MSNBC Pulls Ahead of CNN After Brief Reversal New York Times CNN's re-emergence as the top ratings competitor to Fox News Channel seems to have been short-lived. The cable news ratings for November indicate MSNBC has come back to move ahead of CNN across the board. Neither network, however, was close to Fox News. ABC, ESPN on Fast Break to Recoup NBA Ads New York Post The NBA and its TV partners are scrambling to make up for 16 missed games and lost advertising revenue as a result of the league's 149-day lockout. Some $103 million was spent during November and December alone across the big three ad partners — ABC, ESPN and TNT/TBS. BSkyB Reelects Murdoch Despite Protest Vote BBC News James Murdoch has been reelected BSkyB chairman, despite a fifth of shareholders voting against the move. A number of key shareholders voted against him at the broadcaster's annual meeting, expressing interest in an independent chairman rather than an exec of News Corp. Cable Crunch: Ratings Down, Ad Growth Slows New York Post Since the start of the fall TV season, big cable channels have seen significant declines in the number of people watching shows live. Among the factors that could explain the downward trend: More people are watching shows via tablets, smartphones and computers. Analyst: Pay TV to Lose 200,000 Subscribers Hollywood Reporter "It's About Cord-Avoiders and Cord-Nevers, Not Cord-Cutters." That is how Credit Suisse analyst Stefan Anninger summarized weak pay-TV subscriber trends in a new report. The multi-channel TV universe is forecast to contract by around 200,000 subscribers in 2012. Fox Sports 'Avoiding Competition' for TV Rights Bloomberg The Los Angeles Dodgers has accused News Corp.'s Fox Sports of trying to avoid competition in its pursuit of the bankrupt baseball team's TV rights. Fox aims "to prevent the debtors from engaging in any effort to expose the debtors' telecast rights to the marketplace." ESPN President Sees No Impact from Scandals Reuters John Skipper, in his first interview since last week's announcement that he would take over as ESPN's president early next year, said he saw little financial impact to the sports network from two sports scandals involving charges of child abuse at Penn State and Syracuse University. Clear Channel Says Outdoor Ads Resist Crisis Reuters Outdoor advertising is proving surprisingly resilient amid Europe's debt crisis, although many companies are still wavering before committing to ad budgets for next year, according to William Eccleshare, the head of the international arm of Clear Channel Outdoor. ABC Soap Operas' Transfer to Web is Scrapped Wall Street Journal Prospect Park, a Hollywood production company, has scrapped its effort to reincarnate the canceled TV soap operas "One Life to Live" and "All My Children" as web-based programs, citing difficulty in finding backers to pay for the shows and contractual demands from talent unions. NBC Licenses 'Dunder Mifflin' to Staples Online Wall Street Journal An online outlet owned by office-supply chain Staples has struck a licensing deal with NBC's parent company to launch a Dunder Mifflin brand of copy paper. The packages, named after the paper supplier on "The Office," will be emblazoned with phrases from the sitcom. CNN's Piers Eyed for UK Press Ethics Inquiry Digital Spy Piers Morgan is to give evidence to the U.K. Leveson inquiry into press standards and phone hacking. His appearance has not yet been officially confirmed. But Gill Penlington, executive editor of CNN's "Connect the World," tweeted that Morgan will give evidence "at a later date." Disney Names Skipper to Helm Juggernaut ESPN Los Angeles Times ESPN has a new skipper. Disney has elevated programming and production exec John Skipper to lead its most profitable division, replacing George Bodenheimer, who had run the sports media juggernaut for 13 years. Skipper is a veteran of Rolling Stone and Spin magazines. NBC 'Nightly News' Bests Network's Prime Time Associated Press NBC must wish it could start prime time a couple of hours earlier. The network's "Nightly News" broadcast with Brian Williams averaged 9.1 million viewers over five days last week, beating virtually everything NBC airs in prime time. CBS remains the prime-time king. CNBC Said Under Pressure Amid 'Cash Crunch' New York Post Comcast is said to be pressuring CNBC president Mark Hoffman to make cuts at the financial news network. CNBC Europe recently "didn't meet its budget for the first time." However, CNBC insists it is "tracking for a sixth consecutive year of record financial performance." NBC: Howard Stern Wants $20 Million for 'Talent' New York Post Howard Stern appears to be interested in joining "America's Got Talent" after all. The Sirius XM shock jock is said to be in advanced talks with NBC to take Piers Morgan's seat on the talent competition show — but he wants $20 million and the production to move to New York. DirecTV to Cut Back on Spending, Hiring in 2012 Bloomberg DirecTV will cut back on spending in 2012 to prepare for any slowdown in the economy, according to CEO Michael White. Also, the largest U.S. satellite- TV provider is considering offering channel bundles that don't include sports networks to customers looking to save money. Oprah Network Sees Departure of Another Exec Deadline Rod Aissa, senior VP of programming and development for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, is leaving the channel to join rival Oxygen as head of programming. The move is the latest departure of a high-level exec from the OWN, and the first since Winfrey took over as CEO. MSNBC Hires McCain Daughter as Contributor UPI Meghan McCain, daughter of U.S. Sen. John McCain, has joined MSNBC as a contributor. McCain, a frequent MSNBC guest, worked at Newsweek and "Saturday Night Live" when she was a student at Columbia University. McCain, 27, is also a columnist for the Daily Beast. Comcast SportsNet in Newspaper Content Swap Philadelphia Business Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia's CSNPhilly.com will provide the Calkins newspaper chain with pro sports coverage in exchange for high-school sports coverage from Calkins reporters. The deal will "provide additional content for each party, while creating revenue opportunities." NBC News Changes Tech, Social Media Staff MediaWire NBC News digital head Vivian Schiller has announced several staff moves. Among them: John Keegan, formerly of Fox News, is joining the company in the new role of technology director, and Craig Kanalley from the Huffington Post is taking over as NBC News social media editor. NBC Exec to Leave Network in Career Change Los Angeles Times Marc Graboff, president of NBC's West Coast business operations and the network's longtime consigliere, is leaving the company. "Marc wants to pursue the next phase of his career," said NBC, "which will not include working for a TV network." NBC continues to lag in the ratings. Fox Sports Seeks to Toss Dodgers Bankruptcy Reuters Fox Sports has asked a court to dismiss bankruptcy cases against the Los Angeles Dodgers, saying they "fail the test of good faith" and are an attempt to extract more money from deals for the team's TV rights. Also, it is time for club owner Frank McCourt to "stand down." ABC to Ground 'Pan Am' in Favor of 'B*tches' New York Times ABC has announced mid-season changes to its schedule, including bumping the struggling "Pan Am," in favor of the promising soap "GCB." The "GCB" initials originally stood for something more vulgar but now are an abbreviation for "Good Christian Belles." Fox News Hires GOP Veteran as Contributor New York Daily News Ed Rollins, the Republican political consultant, is joining Fox News as a political contributor. Rollins stepped down in September as GOP hopeful Michele Bachmann's campaign manager. In the last presidential primary cycle, Rollins served as campaign manager to Mike Huckabee. Oprah's Media Products Suffer from Declines WWD It isn't only OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network that is struggling. Oprah Winfrey's magic seems to have slipped a bit across all forms of media, including her magazine and website. The declines, according to observers, reveal a vulnerability in Oprah as a media brand. CBS Boss Sees Long Run for 'Two & Half Men' TheWrap CBS chief Les Moonves, speaking at a Hollywood Radio and Television Society luncheon, said the network is pleased with the new iteration of the hit sitcom "Two and a Half Men" with Ashton Kutcher: "This show could last with the current numbers it has for many, many years." Disney-ABC: Regis Philbin Departs 'Live' Friday Washington Post Friday is Regis Philbin's last day on "Live! With Regis and Kelly" and as grand marshal of morning talk TV — a post he has held since his morning show went into syndication in 1983. "Live" will continue with co-host Kelly Ripa; Philbin's replacement has not yet been announced. Sirius XM's Howard Stern Says No 'Talent' Talk New York Post Howard Stern has shot down rumors that he may take over for Piers Morgan as a judge on NBC's "America's Got Talent," saying he is not currently negotiating with the talent competition show. "I heard that they want me for the job. I'm honored that they would consider me." Starz to Launch Online Version for Subscribers Reuters Starz, the premium pay-TV network, will unveil an online version for its subscribers in 2012. The Liberty Media company will also explore a stand-alone online service for Internet subscribers. The plans come as Starz decides against signing a new deal with Netflix. NBC Uses Social Media to Tout Sandusky Scoop Associated Press NBC worked feverishly to spread the word about Bob Costas' exclusive interview with former assistant Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky, even as the two men were still on the phone together. Staffers began tweeting quotes almost as soon as they left Sandusky's mouth. Optimedia: Online Buzz Won't Lure TV Viewers Wall Street Journal A new TV show that generates a lot of online buzz before it airs won't necessarily draw a host of viewers, according to a new study by ad-buying firm Optimedia. The study raises questions about the effectiveness of social media as a promotional tool for TV. Fox Sued by LA Dodgers Over Regional TV Deal Bloomberg The Los Angeles Dodgers sued News Corp.'s Fox Sports, accusing the broadcaster of interfering with the bankrupt baseball team's plan to sell itself and its TV rights through a court-sanctioned auction. Fox Sports sent a letter that "constitutes a deliberate attempt to interfere." HLN Said to See Exit of Joy Behar by Year End Deadline Joy Behar, host of "The Joy Behar Show," is said to be planning to leave HLN. Behar, who has hosted her prime-time talk show on the CNN sibling since 2009, is in the final year of her contract. According to an insider: "It just felt it was time for everyone." Oprah's Best Friend Leaves OWN for 'Early Show' Deadline Oprah Winfrey's best friend is leaving her network to join CBS' re-do of "The Early Show" -- but Gayle King's exit from OWN looks to be amicable. "We are so happy for Gayle's opportunity of a lifetime," said OWN presidents Sheri Salata and Erik Logan. Glenn Beck Drops Plan to Build Studio in Church Star-Telegram Glenn Beck is no longer interested in buying the former Gateway Church building in Southlake, Texas, for his media headquarters. But he still wants to locate in the area. Beck's media firm said it has "decided to look for another building that will better suit production needs." Fox, Warner Bros Near Pact for Online TV Shows Bloomberg News Corp.'s Fox network is said to be near a deal to let the broadcaster stream current Warner Bros. programs on websites and mobile devices. In exchange, Time Warner's Warner Bros. would be allowed to sell reruns to cable channels and broadcast outlets sooner. Time Warner Cable Nabs Soccer Rights from Fox Los Angeles Times Time Warner Cable is near a deal to snag the TV rights to the Los Angeles Galaxy away from Fox Sports West. Landing the rights to the soccer team on its new sports cable channel didn't come cheap: Time Warner is said to be paying $55 million over 10 years. ConnecTV Teams with Top Broadcast TV Groups Lost Remote Ten local broadcast groups have signed with ConnecTV, a new social-TV startup, to power second-screen experiences. The partners are a who's-who list of broadcasters: Gannett, Hearst, Belo, Scripps, Cox, Media General, Meredith, Post-Newsweek, Raycom and Barrington. CBS Eyes Overhaul, New Name for 'Early Show' New York Times "The Early Show," the long-suffering morning news program, has officially added PBS interviewer Charlie Rose, joining anchor Erica Hill for the 7 a.m. hour, as well as talk-show host Gayle King, who will lead the 8 a.m. hour. The show will get a new name and a hard news focus. Katie Couric Unlikely to Get Oprah's Ad Dollars New York Post Katie Couric is not as big as Oprah Winfrey, at least when it comes to the ad rates Disney-ABC is seeking. The syndication company is said to be asking around $50,000 for a 30-second spot — only about half of the $100,000 a spot that Oprah's show once commanded. Glenn Beck Predicts End of TV Amid 'Revolution' Advertising Age Traditional TV is on its way out, and fast, according to Glenn Beck, who left Fox News to launch the GBTV.com online TV station. "I don't know anybody under 30 who is watching television." GBTV.com won 235,000 subscriptions at $9.95 a pop even before it launched. MTV's 'Situation' Sues A&F Over Ad Campaign Reuters MTV "Jersey Shore" star Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino has sued Abercrombie & Fitch over what he claims was a publicity stunt to sell clothes using phrases associated with the reality-TV actor. The complaint stems from an offer the retailer publicized in August. Disney-ABC Signs Katie Couric for Most of U.S. Bloomberg Disney-ABC said Katie Couric's new daytime talk show has signed up TV stations reaching 80% of the U.S. since efforts to win commitments began two months ago. The one-hour "Katie" has secured key times and agreements in 55 of the top 60 TV markets. NBC Sees 'Community' Lacking in Mid-Season New York NBC is pulling "Community" from its mid-season schedule to make room in January for the return of "30 Rock" and a new comedy based on the life of Chelsea Handler. "Community" is being put "on the bench for a bit," NBC said. Also, "Prime Suspect" is no longer on NBC's lineup. ABC: Ad Prices May Dip for 2012 Oscar Show Advertising Age ABC is said to be seeking between $1.6 million and $1.7 million for a 30-second spot on its 2012 Oscars telecast. The figures show demand for the broadcast staying flat with -- or dipping slightly below -- that for the 2011 telecast, for which the network sought around $1.7 million. AMC 'Mad Men' May See Don Draper Reach 84 Atlantic Wire "Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner has given hints about the series finale: "How I hope to end the show, is like ... It's 2011. Don Draper would be 84 right now. I want to leave the show in a place where you have an idea of what it meant and how it's related to you." CNN iReport Looks Like Social Network in Redo Poynter CNN has rolled out a redesign of iReport, giving the citizen journalism news site an appearance that resembles a social network. The iReport team hopes the changes will make it easier to identify more go-to contributors, get better content and smooth interactions. CNN Cites Changes in Tech for Cutting 50 Jobs Atlanta Journal-Constitution CNN has eliminated about 50 positions in locations including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Washington, D.C. The Time Warner cable news network said the job cuts were due to "technology and workflow changes" in editing, production and other areas. CNN Website Sees Yahoo as Online News Rival MarketWatch CNN.com doesn't worry about thwarting the websites of cable-TV rivals Fox News and MSNBC — It has its eyes on Yahoo. "They're the only ones who get more traffic." CNN.com is rolling out five blogs focusing on photography, identity, education, innovation and technology. NBCUniversal News Channel Hires Panhandler Boston Herald NBCUniversal's New England Cable News has hired Ted Williams, who was living on the street just a year ago, as the official "voice" of the regional network and its 9 p.m. newscast. Said Williams: "A year ago today, I was homeless and toothless and everything else-less." NBC to Tap Chelsea Clinton for 'Nightly News' New York Times NBC News plans to announce that it has hired Chelsea Clinton as a special correspondent. Clinton, a national figure since her father won the presidency in 1992, is expected to work on stories for the "Making a Difference" series, which runs on "NBC Nightly News." CBS Accused of Bias by Bachmann Campaign Los Angeles Times Michele Bachmann's campaign has accused CBS of conspiring against the Republican U.S. presidential contender. A CBS staff email suggested Bachmann would not get many questions at the CBS/National Journal debate because "she's nearly off the charts" in polls. ESPN: Six Ads Dropped from Penn State Game Bloomberg About six advertisers including Cars.com dropped out of Saturday's Penn State University football game airing on ESPN. The ads for the game with the University of Nebraska were moved to other ESPN programming in the wake of the child abuse scandal at Penn State. ABC: Muppets May Help Billy Crystal Host Oscars Bloomberg Billy Crystal will host the Academy Awards after replacing Eddie Murphy and may be joined onstage by the Muppets. The show will air on Disney's ABC. "I like the idea of Billy and Miss Piggy on stage," said Disney CEO Bob Iger. Disney's new movie "The Muppets" is due out this month. CBS Seeks Charlie Rose, Gayle King for 'Early' New York Times Charlie Rose and Gayle King are said to be joining "The Early Show," CBS' low-rated morning TV show, as part of a makeover that aims to emphasize hard news and use a conversational approach like "Morning Joe" on MSNBC. "The Early Show" may be named as well. NBC, Howard Stern in Talks for Talent Show Wall Street Journal Howard Stern is said to be in talks with NBC to become a judge on "America's Got Talent." The radio personality and the network are talking about a $15 million a year sum. Stern, who would continue to host his Sirius XM Radio show, would replace the exiting Piers Morgan. HBO Former Sports Chief to Join NBC Sports MarketWatch NBC Sports has hired Ross Greenburg, former head of HBO Sports, to produce sports documentaries for its channels. Among Greenburg's new projects will be NHL Original Productions, a partnership with the National Hockey League that will produce hockey programming. CBS: Jeff Probst's Talk Show Set for Fall 2012 EW The tribe has spoken: "Survivor" host Jeff Probst's eponymous talk show is a go for fall 2012. CBS TV Distribution has sold the one-hour "re-creation of the classic talk show" in more than 55% of the country in 16 of the top 20 markets, including NBC network owned stations. Comcast, NBC Blasted by Michael Jackson Estate Associated Press Executors of Michael Jackson's estate have blasted NBC for plans to air a documentary on the doctor convicted of killing the singer. In a letter to top execs of NBC and Comcast, lawyers expressed outrage that Dr. Conrad Murray is being treated like a celebrity. NBCUniversal Deal to Link TV with Mobile Shopping New Media Age Music identification service Shazam has teamed up with e-commerce firm Delivery Agent to let viewers buy products featured on NBCUniversal TV shows from their mobile phones. NBCUniversal will be first channel to use the technology with the USA Network series "Covert Affairs." Warner Bros: 'Anderson' Renewed for Season Two Broadcasting & Cable "Anderson," hosted by Anderson Cooper, will be back for season two. Fox TV stations have picked up the talk show in New York, Minneapolis and Tampa and are renewing it in Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. The key deal is in New York, the country's biggest market. TBS: Conan Viewers Near Number of Predecessor Yahoo News Conan O'Brien averaged 952,000 total viewers a night during his first year on TBS, according to Nielsen. That is only 41,000 more than George Lopez did in the same time slot on "Lopez Tonight," the show TBS moved and later canceled to make room for "Conan." ABC: Eddie Murphy Drops Out of Oscars Telecast New York Times Eddie Murphy dropped out as host of ABC's Oscars telecast, less than 24 hours after show producer Brett Ratner stepped aside amid criticism over his use of an anti-gay slur. Murphy is following Ratner — his friend, and the director of his latest film "Tower Heist" — out the door. CNN's Piers Morgan Leaving 'America's Got Talent' EW There will be one less lippy Brit on the competition shows next year: Piers Morgan announced that he is leaving NBC's "America's Got Talent" to focus on his show on CNN. He tweeted: "Turned out that juggling's harder than it looks, so I'm going to focus on CNN." CNBC Enters 'Significant' Deal with Qatar Airways Media Week CNBC has signed a commercial deal with Qatar Airways. Spot ads will be placed around "Worldwide Exchange," CNBC's weekday global business program in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Also, a TV campaign will encourage travellers to use the Doha airport in Qatar. Fox News to Use Google+ Hangouts for Interviews The Verge Fox News' "Special Report" will undertake a series of interviews with the Republican presidential candidates, running them through Google+ Hangouts. Fox News anchor Bret Baier will hold the first in the series with Mitt Romney, with more in the works over the election season. Viacom's 'NickMom' to Take On Lifetime, Oxygen Wall Street Journal After months of research, Nickelodeon concluded that 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. are magical hours for mothers, the time when they unwind. In response, the kids cable channel is launching a block of evening programming targeting moms, facing off against Lifetime, E!, Oxygen and Bravo. Time Warner Cable Eyes Los Angeles Dodgers Bloomberg Time Warner Cable is said to be considering bidding for the rights to broadcast Los Angeles Dodgers baseball games. The second-largest U.S. cable-TV provider wants a long-term deal similar to the contract it signed with the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team this year. Comcast Awaits FCC Decision on Tennis Match Los Angeles Times The Tennis Channel has asserted that Comcast kept it isolated on a little-watched sports tier while giving better placement to the Golf Channel and Versus, two channels owned by the cable giant. That complaint is awaiting a Federal Communications Commission ruling. FCC Aims to Connect Poor Americans to Internet Washington Post The Federal Communications Commission will announce a program to provide low-income homes with $10 monthly broadband Internet service, in an effort to connect all Americans to the Internet. Comcast, Cox and Time Warner will be among the participating cable ISPs. CNN 'Next List' Series to Profile World Innovators Multichannel News CNN continues to build new programming around its on-air talent with the launch of a new weekly series featuring Dr. Sanjay Gupta. "The Next List" will feature CNN's chief medical correspondent as he profiles individuals who are setting trends in various industries around the world. China Central Television to Open U.S. TV Studio Financial Times China Central Television, which produces the ruling Communist party's news shows, plans to open a studio in Washington, D.C., for production of English-language programming. The Communist party aims to counter what it sees as the negative image of China spread by Western media. NBC's Must-See TV Days May Be Gone for Good TheWrap Warren Littlefield was NBC's entertainment chief during the network's long run as the home of Must-See TV comedy on Thursday nights. But he doesn't think there will ever be another Must-See TV night for any network. "The average household has 200 channel choices." ABC, Yahoo News to Stream Candidate Interviews Yahoo News ABC News and Yahoo News announced that they will kick off their joint digital coverage of the 2012 presidential election by interviewing each of the Republican candidates on Tuesday. The interviews will be live-streamed throughout the day on both ABCNews.com and Yahoo.com. National Geographic Channel Names President Washington Post National Geographic Channel, in a restructuring of its executive suite, has named Howard Owens as president of the National Geographic Channels U.S. Owens is a founding managing director of Reveille Productions, which is behind such shows as NBC's "The Office." Discovery Acquires UK Production House Betty Guardian Discovery has made its first-ever acquisition of an independent production company by snapping up U.K. firm Betty for an estimated Ł10 million. The acquisition is part of a strategy of international expansion that includes the rollout of lifestyle network TLC. CBS: Former '60 Minutes' Star Andy Rooney Dies CBS News Andy Rooney has died at age 92, only a month after delivering his 1,097th and final commentary on "60 Minutes." His death was attributed to complications following minor surgery. "It's a sad day at '60 Minutes'," said CBS News chief Jeff Fager. NBC Still Struggles for Footing Under Comcast New York Times In a year in which NBC's new corporate owner, Comcast, increased the budget for fall shows, ratings have continued to slide. Most of NBC's prime-time schedule has regressed in ratings this season. The fourth-place network has lost some 800,000 viewers from last season. Comcast, DirecTV: No HBO Go for Roku Users GigaOm Roku scored a coup with the release of the HBO Go app on its streaming media box. But not everyone who subscribes to the cable network will have access to it. The two biggest U.S. pay-TV operators, Comcast and DirecTV, have decided not to support the Roku app. Dish Network Eyes Live Cable Channels for Web New York Post Dish Network chief Charlie Ergen is said to be weighing a move to offer live cable channels via the web, likely under his Blockbuster brand name. Ergen is talking to program providers about their interest in supporting a service delivered exclusively via broadband. DirecTV Gains Imply Strength Over Web Video Bloomberg DirecTV reported a 7.7% increase in third-quarter profit after an NFL Sunday Ticket promotion helped the satellite-TV provider add 327,000 U.S. subscribers. The gain suggests subscribers leaving cable TV may be switching to satellite TV instead of Internet-based video. CBS Boosted by Deals for Internet Streaming Associated Press CBS said its third-quarter net income rose 7%, helped by new online streaming deals for its content as advertising revenue held steady despite lower political ad spending. The company recently entered deals with Netflix and Amazon to stream its programming. Univision Offers More Video on Redesigned Site Broadcasting & Cable Univision launched a revamped Univision.com homepage that features additional video, easier registration and geo-targeted news and information. The Spanish-language broadcaster has also redesigned its mobile website with improved search capabilities and video. TVGuide.com: Fans Watch More TV Than Ever TV Guide Viewers are watching more TV than ever before, thanks in part to the prevalence of new devices and services, according to a TVGuide.com survey. Some 71% watch more time-shifted TV than they did in 2010. Also, 55% tune in to their favorite shows online. CNN: Soledad O'Brien Returns in Morning Redo AJC CNN's "American Morning" show, in terms of ratings and influence, has been an afterthought compared to the "Today Show," "Good Morning America" and "Fox & Friends." CNN is seeking to change that by bringing back Soledad O'Brien to the anchor desk from 7 to 9 a.m. CBS Wins Ruling in 2004 Wardrobe Malfunction Reuters An appeals court has thrown out the Federal Communications Commission's decision to fine CBS TV stations $550,000 for airing Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" during the 2004 Super Bowl. The agency "arbitrarily" departed from prior policy. DirecTV to Double the Size of Its Headquarters Los Angeles Times DirecTV has agreed to double the size of its El Segundo, Calif., headquarters in a lease valued at more than $300 million -- the largest in Los Angeles County in the last decade. The satellite broadcaster plans to "create a campus that will reflect its premium brand." Sinclair to Acquire Eight Freedom TV Stations Baltimore Business Sinclair has agreed to acquire Freedom's eight TV stations for $385 million. Sinclair is acquiring stations in Florida, Michigan, New York, Tennessee, Oregon and Texas from Freedom, which also publishes newspapers including the Orange County Register. ESPN Execs Swap Lawsuits After Group Cut Deadspin Former ESPN senior VP Keith Clinkscales is said to be exchanging lawsuits with another unnamed network exec over "transgressions," including physical altercations. ESPN recently announced plans to eliminate Clinkscales's content development department. Fox Sports Mulls Bid for Los Angeles Dodgers Bloomberg News Corp.'s Fox Sports may participate in an auction for the bankrupt Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, according to a person familiar with the company's thinking. However, News Corp. COO Chase Carey said the company has no plans to buy the team. Charter Combines Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Search St. Louis Business Charter said it is organizing online content from Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu into a single online directory on Charter.net. The cable TV, Internet and phone company will continue to expand the coverage available on Charter.net over the course of the year. Discovery Gets a Boost from Netflix - Not Oprah Broadcasting & Cable Discovery reported higher profits in the third quarter thanks to higher advertising revenue and $77 million from its recent deal with Netflix. Oprah's OWN TV network continues to have "negative cash flow" and is responsible for a loss on Discovery's books. Sirius XM Radio Not Worried About Price Hike Reuters Sirius XM added 334,000 new subscribers in the third quarter, falling short of some expectations. Still, the satellite radio provider plans to increase the base price of its packages. CEO Mel Karmazin said that he has not heard of any consumer backlash. NBC's 'Rock Center' Disappoints in Premiere New York Brian Williams's NBC newsmagazine "Rock Center" did not rock the Nielsens with its Monday debut, attracting a mere 4.1 million viewers. Ratings actually went down during the second half-hour of the program, which featured an interview with Jon Stewart. NBC to Hire 130 People in Local TV News Push The Wrap NBCUniversal plans to enhance local news at its 10 owned TV stations, hiring more than 130 people for the effort. The company is making a "major investment" to ensure that its stations have "the resources necessary to effectively compete in their markets." ABC Star to Host White House Journalist Dinner Politico Jimmy Kimmel, host of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" has been named to host the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 28. "Jimmy's humor is sophisticated and edgy while appealing to a wide audience," said Caren Bohan, president of the correspondents' group. E! Network in Emergency Talks on Kardashians Hollywood Reporter E!, the cable channel that has aired several seasons of shows starring Kim Kardashian and her family, seemed to have been taken by surprise by the reality star's divorce. Network execs held an "emergency" meeting to discuss how to proceed. "All of us at E! are surprised." NBCUniversal Names Ad Exec for Cable, Digital Deadline Linda Yaccarino, a former top exec with Turner Entertainment, has been named president of cable entertainment & digital advertising sales at NBCUniversal. She will run ad sales for cable networks such as USA and Bravo, as well as websites including iVillage and DailyCandy. Sony Sees Queen Latifah as New Oprah Winfrey Washington Post Sony announced it is getting together with Queen Latifah to produce a syndicated daytime talk show that will star the rapper turned actress. The new show will not launch until fall 2013, in order to allow time for the thinning of the herd of would-be new Oprah Winfreys. DirecTV, News Corp Reach New Carriage Deal Los Angeles Times News Corp. has struck a new deal that will keep its cable and broadcast channels on satellite broadcaster DirecTV. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. DirecTV had complained that Fox was seeking an increase of 40%; Fox called that figure ridiculous. Fox Breaks Record with World Series Broadcast EW Game 7 of the World Series on Friday that featured the triumphant comeback of the St. Louis Cardinals attracted 25.4 million viewers — the most-watched matchup since 2004. The game was the single highest-rated Friday night program in Fox history. CNN Expected to Unveil Redo of Morning Lineup New York Times CNN is expected to announce that Soledad O'Brien, a former morning anchor, will start anchoring from 7 to 9 a.m. weekdays. Ashleigh Banfield, until recently with ABC News, will start co-anchoring from 5 to 7 a.m. The plan will effectively dismantle "American Morning." Oprah Looks to the Web to Energize Her Network Associated Press Oprah Winfrey's live webcast discussions about her new show, "Oprah's Lifeclass," have become very popular, so they have been added to the Oprah Winfrey Network's lineup. "That was my vision of what this network could be," she said. "It's just a fantastic experience." Cablevision Challenged by Rise of Video Websites Reuters Cablevision lost 19,000 video subscribers in the third quarter, as it dealt with factors including competition from phone companies and websites such as Netflix and Hulu. The cable operator's results are similar to the results reported Thursday by Time Warner Cable. DirecTV, News Corp Far From New Carriage Pact Los Angeles Times DirecTV and News Corp. are still far apart on a deal to keep more than 25 networks on the satellite broadcaster's service, with their current agreement due to expire Tuesday. Contract disputes between distributors and TV networks are becoming more commonplace. MTV Book Shopped as Feature Film by CAA New York Post Craig Marks and Rob Tannenbaum's 600-page oral history, "I Want My MTV," is being shopped as a feature film by CAA. The new book features 400 interviews with music artists, exec and VJs, including Bob Pittman, Walter Yetnikoff, Cher and Chuck D. Bloomberg TV Begins Live Streaming via iPad Mashable Bloomberg said it is bringing its 24-hour live broadcast to the iPad. Unlike CNN or ESPN, which make their live feeds available only to select subscribers, Bloomberg is making its broadcast available to anyone with the device. The app soon will offer iPad-exclusive content. FX to Air Charlie Sheen's 'Anger Management' MSNBC Charlie Sheen is headed for TV screens again. FX Networks has announced that Sheen's new project, "Anger Management," will air on cable network next summer. The sitcom is based on the 2003 Adam Sandler-Jack Nicholson film of the same name. ABC: Will Katie Couric Kill 'General Hospital'? Hollywood Reporter ABC has cleared the way for Katie Couric's syndicated "Katie" talk show to air in more than 60% of U.S. homes, sparking rumors that "General Hospital" may be pulled from the lineup. ABC likely won't decide the fate of its last remaining soap opera until spring. 'Ellen DeGeneres' Partners With Yahoo Shine Hollywood Reporter Expect "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to periodically plug the Shine website beginning next week. As part of a new deal, the online presence of DeGeneres's TV talk show will be hosted by Shine, which Yahoo describes as the biggest U.S. site dedicated to women. Clear Channel Cuts 'Many Hundreds' of Jobs All Access Clear Channel is said to have laid off "many hundreds" of employees across the radio-station chain. The cuts are part of a new strategy "that will improve local programming in smaller markets by using resources based on Clear Channel's most efficient stations." DirecTV Takes Fight with News Corp to FCC Los Angeles Times DirecTV has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission in its carriage dispute with News Corp.'s Fox Networks, accusing the company of misleading consumers: "Fox is clearly abusing the public trust by its deliberate attempt to confuse and alarm." Disney TV Seeking Millennials with ABC Spark Reuters Millennials, the massive generation of teens and young adults aged 15 to 34, have lured Disney north of the border. The company has announced a new, 24-hour network in Canada called ABC Spark targeting that demo -- like the ABC Family channel does in the United States. CBS Launches '60 Minutes' Chrome Web App TechCrunch CBS has unveiled a "60 Minutes" app that users can find in and launch from the Google Chrome web store. The app delivers high-quality video of "60 Minutes" program content, starting with the recently aired interview of Walter Isaacson, Steve Jobs's biographer. NBCUniversal Hires New Head of Cable Ads New York Post NBCUniversal has shaken up its ad-sales ranks again, tapping top Turner Entertainment exec Linda Yaccarino to head cable advertising. Yaccarino, who announced she would leave to pursue "new opportunities," will replace NBCU cable ad chief Dave Cassaro. CBS to Benefit from Online Video Providers MarketWatch Morgan Stanley analyst Benjamin Swinburne said that CBS remains a top pick among entertainment stocks in his coverage. A decline in advertising growth, he predicted, will be offset by the revenues CBS will rake in from online video providers such as Netflix and Amazon. ABC: Christiane Amanpour Eyes CNN Return New York Post "This Week" anchor Christiane Amanpour is said to be not getting along with the bosses at ABC News, and has reached out to the honchos at CNN to return to the network where she started her career. Amanpour has been "miserable" anchoring the weekly political talk show. Fox News Website Targeted by Anonymous CNET News The hactivist group Anonymous plans to take down the Fox News website on Nov. 5, according to a new video released recently by the group. Anonymous said it targeted the network for what it called biased news coverage of the Occupy Wall Street protests. Fox 'X Factor,' Twitter Help Each Other Grow New York Times As an alternative to calling or texting in a vote for a singer on Fox's "The X Factor," Twitter will make it possible to vote with a message to the show's account. The new voting option is a reflection of the Twitter's symbiotic relationship with the television industry. NBC's 'Office' Star Makes 'Mistake' on Twitter Boston Herald Rainn Wilson, star of "The Office," seems to have put his foot into his mouth via Twitter, apparently disparaging a potential endorsee. Wilson tweeted: "Joanne — tell @DelTaco I will accept $12,000 to plug their [expletive] food." The post was retweeted by his many followers. Fox Hires Silicon Valley Veteran for Digital Head Los Angeles Times Fox Broadcasting has tapped Silicon Valley veteran David Wertheimer as its president of digital operations. Wertheimer will have oversight of Fox's strategy with digital media platforms. He most recently was CEO of the Entertainment Technology Center at USC. Current TV to Launch Online Series with Vimeo New Media Age Current TV and Vimeo have struck a deal to launch an online TV documentary series sourced from the video-sharing site's filmmaker community. The companies will kick off their partnership with a contest encouraging Vimeo users to submit short videos. Fox, Telemundo Buy TV Rights to World Cup Los Angeles Times The Fox network and the Spanish-language Telemundo network have scored U.S. TV rights to FIFA's World Cup soccer from longtime incumbents ESPN and Univision. Fox is believed to have paid $425 million while Telemundo shelled out about $600 million. NBC Sports Exits to Connecticut for Tax Breaks Associated Press NBC Sports plans to relocate from New York City to Stamford, Conn., to take advantage of tax breaks. The move could bring hundreds of jobs. In 2009, "Maury" left New York for Stamford, joined by NBC's "Jerry Springer Show" and "Steve Wilkos Show," from Chicago. Comcast: NBC Unable to Shake Slide in Ratings Wall Street Journal NBC has fallen further behind its competitors this fall, heightening the challenge facing its new owner Comcast as it works to mount a turnaround. Said NBCUniversal chief Steve Burke: "No network has ever been as far behind financially as NBC is." Disney 'Bans' ABC Affiliates from Johnny Depp Hollywood Reporter Disney has apparently banned ABC affiliates from speaking with and videotaping Johnny Depp about his new film, "The Rum Diary." The "ban" is attributed to a clause in the actor's contract aiming to protect the profitable "Pirates of the Caribbean" film franchise. CBS Star Criticizes Media Integrity in Web Video OnTheRedCarpet Ashton Kutcher has slammed new media's lack of integrity in a video posted online. Today, "we are our own editors, we are our own publishers," muses the "Two and a Half Men" actor. "The cost threshold is zero dollars. Thereby there is no gatekeeper of the truth." NBC News Seeks Book Deal for Casey Anthony TMZ NBC News reportedly has been reaching out to literary agents, trying to land a book deal for Casey Anthony, the Florida woman acquitted in the high-profile death of her 2-year-old daughter. An NBC producer said that a book deal would secure a "primetime special." Fox News Taps Ex-Governor of South Carolina New York Times Former Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina may have not have been able to run for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination after his 2009 cheating scandal, but the onetime rising star will at least get to talk about the campaign as a new contributor on Fox News Channel. CBS 'Early Show' Eyes Charlie Rose, Gayle King New York Post Gayle King may be Charlie Rose's angel on CBS' revamped "The Early Show." Network honcho Chris Licht, creator of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," is said to be planning to re-tool the low-rated program to be more politically focused. "Gayle was a regular on 'Morning Joe.' " Fox, NBC Duke It Out for Priciest TV Commercial Advertising Age Fox's "American Idol," long TV's most expensive program for advertisers, is now neck-and-neck with NBC's "Sunday Night Football" as the costliest prime-time show, according to an annual Ad Age survey of the costs of running a 30-second commercial in prime time. CNBC Yanks $1 Million Web Contest Over Glitch The Daily CNBC's much-hyped Million-Dollar Portfolio Challenge has been suspended after cagey users managed to game the system. The online fantasy stock market game was to award $1 million to the player who best managed a portfolio of stocks with "CNBC bucks." DirecTV, News Corp at Odds Over New TV Deal Los Angeles Times More than two dozen News Corp.-owned cable channels may go off DirecTV on Nov. 1 if the two companies can't agree on a new distribution deal. DirecTV said News Corp. is demanding an increase of 40% in subscriber fees; Fox Networks calls the claim "ridiculous." ABC, NBC New Shows at Risk of Cancellation TV Guide Just weeks into the new TV season, 10 shows are said to be at risk for cancellation, based on dismal ratings. The list includes ABC's "Pan Am," which "has begun a slow-and-steady nosedive." Also, while NBC's "Community" is a critical darling, "no one is watching." Nielsen: Half of Americans Watch Video Online ClickZ News Nearly half of people in the U.S. watch video online, according to Nielsen's new 2011 report on cross-platform consumption. The report also reveals that whites spend less time viewing video online and via mobile devices than other races and ethnic groups. MTV 'Jersey Shore' Star Plans Apps, Games IBTimes MTV "Jersey Shore" star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi has partnered with Apps Genius to release up to eight social games and mobile apps, starting in November. Said Polizzi: "These games and applications are my new favorite accessories, and I love them to death." FX 'Sons of Anarchy' App to Sell Merchandise Associated Press News Corp.'s FX channel is teaming up with sister studio 20th Century Fox on an iPad app that will follow along during airings of the show "Sons of Anarchy" and offer up ways to buy products that appear on screen. The app, called SOA Gear, is set to launch Nov. 1. CBS Salutes 60th Anniversary of CBS Eye Logo TV Guide CBS will mark the 60th anniversary of its CBS Eye logo on the air, CBS.com and CBSNews.com. Thursday's prime time will start with an on-air spot showcasing the various CBS logos throughout the years. The logo is "a major source of pride," said chief Les Moonves. GBTV Enters Deal to Bring Glenn Beck to Boxee TV Newser GBTV, Glenn Beck's live streaming video network, will become available on Boxee, the device that finds Internet programs and puts them on TV sets. Said Boxee exec Andrew Kippen: "Adding GBTV to our library of apps helps expose a new audience to Boxee." CBS 'Two & Half Men' Continues Ratings Slip TheWrap "Two and a Half Men" has finally coming down to earth from its jaw-dropping season premiere, according to preliminary numbers. The CBS sitcom was still Monday evening's top-rated program in the 18 to 49 demographic, though it dropped 51% from its season debut. ABC 'Modern Family' is Big Winner with DVRs Associated Press ABC's "Modern Family" may not be TV's top-rated comedy, but it's the one most viewers catch up with on their DVRs. Through the first two weeks of the season, some 4.5 million viewers watched a recording of "Modern Family" after it first appeared on the air. Oprah Network May Face Rebrand Without a Hit Fox News Even with the lackluster ratings, execs at Oprah Winfrey's OWN cable network aren't ready to throw in the towel just yet. But according to a top cable network exec: "Companies tend to give a channel a certain amount of time, and then they'll rebrand it with another concept." Comcast's NBC Evolving Into Niche TV Network Philadelphia Inquirer NBC's Thursday night comedy block and its Sunday night football attract a large male audience. In some ways, NBC has become a niche network, getting advertisers to pay extra for that viewership. But new owner Comcast "doesn't need NBC to be another cable network." 'Sesame Street' on YouTube to Return After Hacking Associated Press The YouTube channel for "Sesame Street" is expected to be back online shortly after hackers forced its shutdown by loading adult material. The explicit videos were online for less than an hour and "Sesame Street" said it had received no viewer complaints. ABC, CBS & NBC Evening News Far From Dead Associated Press Despite repeated death knells for the ABC, CBS and NBC evening newscasts, the networks have just completed a TV season where all three grew their audiences for the first time since 2001-02. The curating function of the evening news has become "more vital." NBC 'Today' to Send Matt Lauer Back on the Road Associated Press Matt Lauer is adding to his frequent-flier miles. NBC's "Today" show said that it will revive its popular "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?" feature for a week starting Nov. 7. Lauer last hit the road in 2008. The network has scheduled it for a ratings "sweeps" month. Clear Channel & LivingSocial in Tie-Up for Deals Wall Street Journal Under a new agreement, radio giant Clear Channel's DJs will promote daily deals from LivingSocial, the No. 2 website in that business. On-air personalities will use unscripted patter to direct people to buy LivingSocial vouchers on 500 stations' websites. Sirius XM Launches 2.0 Technology with New Radio PC Mag Sirius XM Radio has announced the launch of SiriusXM 2.0, a technology that expands the company's available channel lineup and data bandwidth, which will be complimented by a new radio, the SiriusXM Edge. The radio will be sold at retail and on Sirius XM's website for $140. McDonald's to Launch TV Channel with Local News Los Angeles Times McDonald's, the global fast-food chain, is launching the McDonald's Channel, an in-store TV network featuring local news and entertainment features. So far, reality TV mogul Mark Burnett, BBC America and KABC-TV are on board to provide original programming. Time Warner Cable, NFL End Talks Without Deal SportsBusiness Daily Time Warner Cable and the NFL, in advanced talks over a carriage agreement last month, have broken off negotiations after a recent "contentious meeting." With the breakdown in talks, an agreement this season is unlikely. No new meetings are scheduled. NBC Poised for 'Rethink' Amid Show Cancellations Crain's New York NBC suffered the first two cancellations of the new TV season, "The Playboy Club" and "Free Agents." For the three weeks ended Oct. 9, the network ranked dead last among total viewers. According to observers: "NBC is not going to be feasting this year. They've got to rethink." ABC Cancels 'Charlie's Angels' TV Classic Reboot EW Some classics are better left in the past, and "Charlie's Angels," it seems, is no exception: ABC has shut down production on the reboot from "Smallville" scribes Al Gough and Miles Millar. An unknown number of already-produced episodes will continue to air. CBS Taps John Miller to Help Boost 'Early Show' New York Times Every week or so comes another signal that CBS is reshaping "The Early Show," its low-rated morning newscast. On Monday comes another: the announcement that ABC News veteran John Miller is joining CBS as a senior correspondent with an emphasis on the morning show. CBS 'I Love Lucy' to Celebrate 60th Anniversary Post-Journal "I Love Lucy" turns 60 years old on Saturday, and Jamestown, N.Y., will mark the anniversary with a day of events to honor the 1951 network TV debut of native daughter Lucille Ball. Activities include bus tours, speeches and a public screening of the pilot and first episode. NBC Taps 'Nightline's' Koppel for Newsmagazine Associated Press Ted Koppel is joining Brian Williams' newsmagazine on NBC. The longtime "Nightline" anchor will join Harry Smith and Meredith Vieira as correspondents on "Rock Center." Since leaving ABC News in 2005, Koppel has done work for the Discovery Channel and NPR. HBO Snags Showtime's Hershman as Sports Chief Los Angeles Times Ken Hershman, executive VP and general manager of Showtime Sports, has been named president of HBO Sports, filling the void created when Ross Greenburg abruptly resigned almost three months ago. Hershman spent almost 20 years at HBO's rival pay-TV network. ESPN Shutters Division for Content Development Multichannel News ESPN will shut down its content development department after four years of creating original movies and specials. Head Keith Clinkscales will leave the company to become an independent producer, while another 20 to 25 jobs will be "repurposed" to other areas of the company. Dish Network Founder Ergen Creating Media Empire Businessweek Dish Network founder Charlie Ergen wants to transform the satellite-TV firm into a wireless mobile video company that can take on both traditional cable rivals and online services such as Netflix. Ergen's companies have spent $5 billion this year on acquisitions. NBC, Fox Vow to Fight TV Blight on Friday Night New York Times After Saturday, Friday night has become the weakest night for every broadcast network and many cable networks, especially those that appeal to younger viewers. "We don't want to see Friday become another Saturday night ghetto," said NBC research head Alan Wurtzel. Viacom, Comcast End Sale Talks with Seacrest New York Post Ryan Seacrest aims to buy a cable channel to air a variety of his productions. But his separate talks to acquire VH1 Soul from Viacom and the G4 gaming network from Comcast have both come to an end. The "American Idol" host hasn't given up on his cable ambitions. CBS Boss Says No Way to MTV's 'Jersey Shore' Los Angeles Times CBS entertainment honcho Nina Tassler wants no part of "Jersey Shore." When asked if she would buy MTV's smash reality soap about hard-partying young people, she responded that the series "is not delivering the kind of numbers we need to have a hit show" on CBS. MTV to Import Global Culture with 'Iggy' Brand Associated Press MTV's new program "The MTV Iggy Show," and the network's new Iggy branding, aims to import global pop culture and music to U.S. viewers. A new website, MTVIggy.com, will include videos, performances and other content from Korea, Pakistan and other countries. ESPN Launches 'Wider World' Web Video Show Hollywood Reporter ESPN has launched an online video series, "Kenny Mayne's Wider World of Sports," an homage to ABC's classic "Wide World of Sports." In the new web series, former "SportsCenter" anchor Kenny Mayne will travel the globe to check out off-beat sporting events. Clear Channel to Bring New Screens to London Financial Times Clear Channel is bringing a new wave of interactive billboards to London, installing 100 roadside digital screens with "near-field communication" capabilities in the coming weeks. The company predicts that 90% of revenues will come from digital by 2020 in some markets. HBO Go Coming to TVs via Roku Set-Top Boxes Bloomberg Time Warner will begin offering its HBO Go streaming-video service on set-top boxes made by Roku. HBO Go, which streams all episodes of "The Sopranos" and "The Wire" along with newer programming, will be available beginning at the end of October. Charter Communications CEO to Step Down in April Associated Press Charter Communications CEO Mike Lovett plans to resign in April, and the cable company is working on a plan to choose a replacement. Charter did not say why Lovett is stepping down, but in a statement Lovett said that he believes now is a good time to move on. Lifetime, ESPN Decline as Small Channels Prosper New York Post Most of the top 20 cable networks saw double-digit dips in the third quarter, signaling a shift in TV habits as viewers move to smaller cable channels, according to analysts. ESPN, TNT and Lifetime "fell off a cliff" while Style, HLN and The Weather Channel saw gains. ESPN, TNT, Regional Sports Nets Hit by NBA Strife Los Angeles Times The loss of at least the first two weeks of the NBA's regular season due to labor strife will have not only ESPN and TNT scrambling, but also dozens of local sports cable channels that count on pro basketball for a big chunk of their fall and winter programming. OWN: Rosie & Oprah Show Premieres Disappoint Los Angeles Times Monday evening's premiere of "The Rosie Show" on OWN, with first guest Russell Brand, drew a very modest 497,000 total viewers. It was followed by "Oprah's Lifeclass," featuring OWN boss Winfrey, which opened even worse, with a mere 333,000 viewers. CBS Scores Easy Ratings Victory with 12 Shows Associated Press CBS' strength in scripted material made for another non-competitive week in TV ratings. Increasingly, it appears ABC, Fox and NBC have a few hit shows and CBS has a hit network, topping its nearest competitor by an average of more than 3 million viewers in prime time. Fox: Broadcasters Need Business Model Rethink Broadcasting & Cable Broadcast networks need to rethink their business models, especially the "choreographed and wasteful" upfront season, according to Fox exec Kevin Reilly, speaking at a panel discussion held by the Hollywood Radio & Television Society. The "inefficiency" is "not good." ESPN, Fox News Bashed in Hank Williams Jr Song Associated Press Hank Williams Jr. has cut a new song calling out "Fox & Friends" and ESPN after an interview last week on the Fox News show led to the end of his association with the sports network and "Monday Night Football," home to his "Are you ready for some football?" theme. ABC Drama 'Pan Am' Hits Turbulence in Third Week EW ABC dramas have taken some serious hits in the adults 18-49 demographic, with new series "Pan Am" dropping 27% to a 1.9 rating and 6.4 million viewers, according to preliminary ratings. When a series hits the 1 rating range, its chances for renewal drop precipitously. DVRs Bring Some TV Shows a Big Ratings Boost New York Times Judgments about TV shows based on initial ratings may be a foolish policy. Fox's "New Girl," which already posted an impressive first night rating of 4.8 among the key 18- to 49-year-old audience, grew an additional 29% to a 6.7 rating when delayed viewing was counted. Discovery Hires Hulu Guru as Chief Digital Officer Wall Street Journal Discovery Communications is expected to name NBCUniversal veteran Jean-Briac Perrette as its chief digital officer, in a sign that it may dive more deeply into digital distribution of its programs. Perrette was on the team that helped create Hulu, the online-video joint venture. Fox Renews 'Simpsons' After Talent Pay Dispute Associated Press Fans of "The Simpsons" can breathe a "d'oh!" of relief: The animated series has been renewed for two more seasons. A dispute with the show's voice cast had threatened to end TV's longest-running scripted nighttime series, but Fox announced it will air through season 25. Oprah Staffers Fear TV Network is Next 'Beloved' Fox News Has Oprah Winfrey lost the Midas touch? With Winfrey's OWN cable channel sinking in the ratings, the talk show titan has been forced to star in not just one, but two new shows. According to an insider: "The big fear is that OWN is the new 'Beloved'" -- Winfrey's one failure. CNN's Piers Morgan 'Shadowed' by Tabloid Past New York CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" is doing better than many had expected. In August, his show was up 52% in the all-important 25–54 demo. But as the British phone-hacking story erupted as global news, Morgan has found himself having to deflect attention away from his tabloid days. Fox News: Murdoch, Ailes Celebrate 15th Year Huffington Post Fox News creators Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes appeared on the network's "Fox and Friends" show, as the cable news channel celebrated its 15th year. Murdoch mused: "If you're in media, you get into controversies, you've got to take it, just like you give it out. It's fun." Bloomberg TV to Host Its First Presidential Debate Los Angeles Times Bloomberg TV is getting into politics. The business news cable channel is hosting its first-ever presidential debate next week at Dartmouth College featuring the Republican candidates for the Oval Office including Rick Perry, Mitt Romney and Michele Bachmann. Fox: Social Networks More Effective Than Old Media Advanced Television Social networks have become more effective marketing tools than traditional media, said Fox Broadcasting entertainment VP Kevin Reilly, speaking at MIPCOM. "The power of the social networks can create loyalists who are committed to helping spreading the word." NBC Cancels 'Free Agents' in Second Fall Casualty Associated Press NBC has dropped the low-rated new sitcom "Free Agents." The comedy is the second casualty of the fall season, both at struggling NBC. The drama "The Playboy Club" got its cancelation notice earlier this week. "Free Agents" had finished fourth in its time slot. ESPN, Hank Williams Jr Part Ways After Comments Reuters ESPN and Hank Williams Jr. have parted ways, both parties announced, following comments in which the country music star compared President Obama to Adolf Hitler. Williams' song "All My Rowdy Friends" will no longer be used as the opener for "Monday Night Football." Disney/ABC Chief: TV Will Become More Personal World Screen Anne Sweeney, president of Disney/ABC Television, discussed the new opportunities presented by digital technology in her keynote address at MIPCOM, asserting that "TV has been unleashed." TV will become more personal, she said. "There is no one future for television." Discovery Spends to Save Oprah's OWN Network New York Post Discovery, in an effort to boost the struggling Oprah Winfrey Network, will simulcast the premieres of Winfrey's and Rosie O'Donnell's new shows across five Discovery networks. Discovery will spend $15 million on the push, outstripping the $10 million it spent to launch OWN. NBC 'Today' Shows Weakness as 'GMA' Closes In Wall Street Journal NBC's crown jewel, the "Today" show, faces its biggest threat in years from ABC's "Good Morning America," and the battle comes as both shows have made major changes in their anchor lineups. "Good Morning America" is also starting to look a lot more like "Today." Fox News Chief Ailes Mulls His Future at Network Associated Press Roger Ailes' contract as chairman and CEO of Fox News Channel runs out in summer 2013, shortly after he turns 73. Ailes said he hasn't decided if he will stay on at the network, which turns 15 on Friday. "If I somebody offers me a job in June of '13, I may just take it." BBC to Drop 2,000 Jobs Amid Cuts in Spending Financial Times The BBC plans to cut more than 2,000 jobs from its workforce of about 18,000, as the British broadcaster struggles to meet the demands of a 20% cut in its spending power over the next five years. The publicly-funded company is not expected to close any services. Hearst: Local TV Bests Internet for Hurricane News Broadcasting & Cable Local TV was the go-to source for residents in markets affected by Hurricane Irene, with 39% of respondents learning the storm was approaching from local TV news, according to a study conducted for Hearst Television. That's ahead of the Internet and other sources. Comcast's NBC Cancels First Show of Fall Season New York Times NBC, reacting quickly to the collapse of its Monday night drama "The Playboy Club," has announced a series of programming moves, led by the cancellation of that 10 p.m. show and the addition of a newsmagazine hosted by its main news anchor, Brian Williams. CBS: 'Men' Lifts Network to Season Ratings Win Bloomberg CBS, the most-watched U.S. TV network, gained viewers in the new season's second week on the strength of the retooled "Two and a Half Men," with Ashton Kutcher, and its mainstay dramas. "Week two is when people decide if they're going to stick with a new show." Scripps Buys McGraw-Hill TV Stations for $212 Million Associated Press E.W. Scripps will pay $212 million for nine TV stations owned by McGraw-Hill. Four stations included in the deal are ABC affiliates, in markets such as Denver and Indianapolis. With the addition, Scripps will own 10 ABC affiliates and a total of 19 TV stations. CBS '60 Minutes' Targeted by NBC's 'Rock Center' New York Post CBS News boss Jeff Fager is said to be angry after losing talent to NBC as the Peacock network gears up to launch "Rock Center with Brian Williams," a prime-time news magazine to take on "60 Minutes." NBC has already given "Rock Center" a three-year commitment. Fox News: Glenn Beck Replacement 'More Profitable' Associated Press "The Five," the Fox News Channel talk show given a summer tryout in Glenn Beck's old time slot, has been picked up full-time. While Beck's show attracted more viewers, Fox said that "The Five" is more profitable, since advertisers that had boycotted Beck have returned. NBC Super Bowl Halftime Show to Feature Madonna SBNation Madonna is said to be scheduled to perform during the halftime show of Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, to be televised live on NBC on Feb. 5. The pop star was also rumored to be set to perform at Super Bowl XXXIII in Miami, only to have the plans fall apart. ESPN Pulls Hank Williams Jr Song After Comments ESPN The Hank Williams Jr. song that has opened ESPN's "Monday Night Football" for 20 years was yanked from this week's game after the singer made controversial comments about President Obama. ESPN said: "We recognize that he is closely linked to our company." Fox's 'The Simpons' May End Over Money Dispute Daily Beast A pay dispute between Fox and the six principal actors who voice the characters on "The Simpsons" may force the longest-running sitcom in broadcast history to shut down. Execs are said to be insisting that the cast must accept a "draconian 45% pay cut." Fox Woes Unrelated to News Corp Hacking Scandal Reuters Though the phone-hacking scandal has dominated headlines, analysts said it hasn't had much of an effect on the performance of Fox's television and movie slate. "The distractions at News Corp. have been at the upper management level but not at the operating level." NBC, Broadcasters Face Critical Test for New Shows New York Post With the new broadcast season entering its third week, the pressure is on top programmers to perform. Advertisers spent $1.7 billion on NBC's fall schedule and, so far, most of the network's rookie shows, including "The Playboy Club," have flopped in the ratings. Clear Channel Names Media Veteran Pittman CEO AllThingsD Bob Pittman, the longtime media and Internet exec, has been named CEO of radio and outdoor advertising giant Clear Channel. Pittman, the former MTV wunderkind, has not been in a top media job since he resigned as COO from the then-AOL Time Warner. NPR Names Knell CEO Following Controversies Reuters National Public Radio has named Gary Knell, the head of Sesame Workshop, as president and CEO. Knell takes over after the radio network was hit by high-profile controversies, including the exit of chief Vivian Schiller. Knell said he hopes to "calm the waters." MTV Remakes Itself for the Millennial Generation Los Angeles Times MTV president Stephen Friedman enlisted the assistance of marketing exec Nick Shore in retooling the youth-oriented channel's focus to woo the younger millennials. "We needed to let go of Generation X so we could own the millennials," who have different sensibilities. CBS Eyes Rose for Politically-Driven Morning Show New York Post Charlie Rose, the veteran newsman and PBS talk-show host, has been added to the short list of newscasters being considered to relaunch CBS' low-rated morning program. "They want the show to be politically oriented as they head into the 2012 election cycle." Yahoo, ABC News Announce Major Online Alliance ABC News Yahoo and ABC News will join forces to launch an online news alliance that will deliver content to more than 100 million U.S. users each month. GoodMorningAmerica.com is launching on Yahoo along with three new online-first video series hosted by ABC News anchors. ABC 'Nightline' Bests Leno & Letterman in Ratings New York Times The decline of television's two big late-night stars was more noticeable than ever during TV's premiere week, as NBC's "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" and CBS' "Late Show With David Letterman" were both beaten by ABC's "Nightline" -- a first during that week. Bravo, Fox Try Tablet Apps to Boost Engagement Wall Street Journal TV networks are launching tablet apps that are in sync with the shows as they run in real time, proving companion material such as polls and tweets from cast members. The effort aims to preserve the economic pillars of the TV business that are eroding: loyalty and live viewership. Fox's Jackson Doctor Trial App Becomes Big Seller Broadcasting & Cable Fox Television Stations has launched a mobile app dedicated to the Michael Jackson doctor trial that the station group is billing as the first app exclusively dedicated to covering the case. The 99 cent app quickly became the No. 1 paid news app in the Apple store. CBS: No Profit from Kutcher's Internet Stake Plugs Hollywood Reporter Ashton Kutcher gave free publicity to several tech companies in which he holds personal investments during this week's "Two and a Half Men." CBS described the plugs as organic to the nature of Kutcher's character. The network will not be seeking compensation for them. NBC's 'Playboy Club' Faces Pressure to Drop Ads New York Post The Parents Television Council has pressured advertisers into dropping their sponsorship of NBC's "The Playboy Club." Seven marketers -- including Kraft, Sprint and Campbell's Soup -- are said to have dropped their ads. But NBC insiders insist that the list is wrong. ABC's 'Dancing with Stars' in White Powder Scare Reuters An envelope containing white powder and addressed to "Dancing With the Stars" caused a security scare but was found to be harmless. Police were called to CBS Television City in Los Angeles, where the ABC show is filmed, after powder was found in a mailroom envelope. Fox Deemed Most Gay-Friendly Broadcast Network EW Fox and HBO lead the broadcast and cable networks, respectively, with the most gay characters on television, according to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Fox, with very gay-friendly shows like "Glee," leads the way with 6.8% of its characters being LGBT. Microsoft to Add Comcast, Verizon Pay TV to Xbox Bloomberg Microsoft plans to offer online pay television service from Comcast and Verizon Communications through Xbox Live, in a bid to channel more entertainment to its video-game console. Microsoft may announce an expanded Xbox Live streaming service as soon as next week. Time Warner Cable Close to Offering HBO Go App Bloomberg Time Warner Cable is said to be close to offering the HBO Go app to its 12.2 million video subscribers, allowing them to watch shows including "The Sopranos" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" on mobile devices. An agreement may be announced in the next several weeks. Mediacom, Cable Giants Seek 'A La Carte' System Reuters Cable operators are privately working on a plan to force programmers to unbundle their networks and allow customers to subscribe to TV channels on an individual basis. Mediacom has suggested "instituting a carefully designed a la carte system" to U.S. federal regulators. Fox Sports Sues Dodgers to Halt TV Rights Sale Los Angeles Times Fox Sports has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Dodgers, alleging the team has breached its current TV contract in pursuit of a new one. The suit aims to stop the Dodgers from the proposed sale of its TV rights, the key to owner Frank McCourt's plan to emerge from bankruptcy. ABC Canceled Soap Operas Go Online in January TV Guide ABC's canceled soap operas "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" will live on online, starting in January. Prospect Park, the company that acquired the rights to the daytime dramas, plans to launch The Online Network, or TOLN, with several first-run entertainment shows. CBS '60 Minutes' Says So Long to Andy Rooney TV Newser Andy Rooney's "60 Minutes" commentary this Sunday is expected to be his last regular appearance on the newsmagazine. Rooney, who began his whimsical end-of-show pieces in 1978, was missing in action from last week's 44th-season premiere. Rooney turns 93 in January. Oprah Taps Former Lifetime Boss to Reshape OWN Hollywood Reporter Oprah Winfrey's OWN has tapped former Lifetime president Susanne Daniels to help reshape the network. Daniels has been brought in as an executive consultant, reporting to OWN presidents Erik Logan and Sheri Salata. OWN's ratings have failed to meet expectations. Glenn Beck Aims to Become 'Next Oprah' Online Daily Beast Glenn Beck has declared that his new online television network will be "bigger than Oprah." GBTV "will transform the way news is consumed," he said, adding that his venture's programming will be "more one-on-one" and "interactive" than anything on his former home at Fox News. Fox News Seeking 'Course Correction,' Ailes Says Newsweek Fox News Channel has quietly adopted a "course correction" over the past year, said chief Roger Ailes, as the inflammatory rhetoric of some of its on-air hosts "became a branding issue for us." The opinion arm of the operation has been told to lower the temperature. MSNBC Close to Falling to Third Place in Cable News New York Times How badly has MSNBC been hurt by the loss of Keith Olbermann? Enough, apparently, to be on the verge of falling back into third place among the cable news networks. September ratings show that CNN is edging its way back up, while MSNBC is moving in the other direction. CBS 'Two & Half Men' Charlie Sheen Lawsuit Ends Los Angeles Times Charlie Sheen, Warner Bros. Television and "Two and a Half Men" co-creator Chuck Lorre have officially made peace and settled their legal differences. While none of the parties would comment on the settlement, reports have said that Sheen would receive $25 million. MTV 'Jersey Shore' Tax Credit Vetoed by Governor Newark Star-Ledger New Jersey governor Chris Christie has cut $420,000 in tax credits that would have gone to the production company behind "Jersey Shore." According to Christie, the MTV hit series "does nothing more than perpetuate misconceptions about the state and its citizens." Bounce TV Network for African-Americans Debuts AllHipHop Bounce TV, the first U.S. broadcast network aimed African-Americans, has launched in more than 50% of the country, including major markets such as Chicago, Atlanta and Philadelphia. According to Bounce TV exec Will Packer, African-Americans are "over-consumers" of media. NBC to Stream Rookie Sitcoms Early on Yahoo Hollywood Reporter NBC, taking a page out of the playbook of Fox and the CW, plans to stream episodes of the new comedies "Up All Night" and "Whitney" early online. In addition to the early appearances on Yahoo, previous episodes of both series will be streamed online as well. Comcast Working on iPad TV Streaming Service MacRumors Comcast is said to be working on a television streaming solution for iPads, to compete with Cablevision and Time Warner. The cable giant's product, called AnyPlay, will allow Comcast subscribers to view live TV on their iPad as long as it is connected to the home network. Viacom's MTV Lays Off 100 as CEO Cuts Outlook Reuters MTV Networks has made "isolated changes" at a brand and business unit, laying off less than 100 employees. The pink slips were handed out in an "unfortunate coincidence" as Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman announced that advertising revenue growth would miss targets. CBS 'Two & Half Men' Sees Spike in Social Chatter Advertising Age The debut of Ashton Kutcher on "Two and a Half Men" had a big effect on the sitcom's social-TV profile. Last Monday's season premiere garnered 92,000+ comments via the likes of Twitter and Facebook. "Over the last 12 months, social-TV activity in general has taken off." ABC 'All My Children' Eyes Possible Move to Web New York Post The series finale of "All My Children" ended with several cliffhangers, preparing for a possible move to the Internet. Producers Prospect Park aim to turn the 41-year-old soap opera into a web series. So far, however, star Susan Lucci has turned down offers to participate. Turner Pitches Conan Web Popularity to Advertisers Advertising Age Turner Broadcasting will start selling Conan O'Brien to advertisers with a new pitch: Forget the weak TV ratings, look at his online popularity. Turner argues O'Brien's late-night TBS show skews toward young audiences that don't necessarily make TV their first choice for sampling video. Clear Channel Holds Concert for iHeartRadio Redo Associated Press Jay-Z, Coldplay and the Black Eyed Peas were among the performers at Clear Channel's two-night iHeartRadio concert in Las Vegas. The event aimed to promote the revamp of iHeartRadio, Clear Channel's free music website. "This is our coming out party," said chief Bob Pittman. Fox News-Google Debate Draws Big TV Audience Yahoo News The Fox News/Google Republican presidential debate had attracted the biggest TV audience of any debate of the 2012 campaign cycle to date. The Thursday broadcast averaged 6.1 million viewers, eclipsing the 5.4 million that tuned in to MSNBC for the GOP debate on Sept. 7. Pew: Twitter, Text Messages Gain on TV for News New York Times Television remains the most common medium for local news, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center. But younger adults "rely on local television less," and more on the Internet --"a fact that suggests more vulnerability for the medium in the future." CBS Erects Paywall for '48 Hours Mystery' App MediaPost It doesn't take long for the "free" download of CBS Interactive's "48 Hours Mystery" app for the iPad to rush users toward the subscription wall. Without the $4.99 annual fee, the user is met with a preview video clip. A subscription provides access to full episodes of the series. ABC Ends 'All My Children' as Soap Operas Fade Los Angeles Times On Friday, ABC will end the nearly 42-year-run of "All My Children," starring Susan Lucci, amid a decline in viewership. ABC's "One Life to Live" will end in January, leaving just four broadcast TV daytime dramas. "In many ways, soap operas were the first social network." NBCUniversal Names President for Telemundo Miami Herald Emilio Romano has been named president of Telemundo, assigned to lead the second largest Spanish-language broadcast network and its 14 stations, parent NBCUniversal announced. Romano, a native of Mexico, replaces Don Browne, who left the Miami-based network in June. Oprah Under Pressure to Save Her OWN Network Forbes Oprah Winfrey's OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has fallen short of expectations. Ratings quickly tanked after its Jan. 1 launch. Observers warn that advertiser support has neared its limit: "If we get to the end of the year and ratings are still terrible, then it's a big problem." BBC Revamps Website Amid Channel Cost Cuts ZDNet UK The BBC has launched a beta version of its redesigned home page, as part of an effort to drive more web traffic to the broadcaster's content, as well as reduce costs in accordance with government cuts to the channel's funding. The homepage beta boasts a "carousel" format. Hulu Surpasses 1 Million Subscribers, CEO Says Reuters Hulu, the popular online video service which has been put up for sale by its joint owners, now has more than 1 million paying subscribers, according to CEO Jason Kilar. Earlier this year Kilar forecast that Hulu would have 1 million subscribers by the end of the year. Comcast Rolls Out $10 Internet for Needy Families BetaNews Comcast has announced the nationwide launch of "Internet Essentials," a program that will provide low-cost Internet access and affordable computers to families with children who are eligible for the National School Lunch Program. Some 1,000 school districts are participating. MSNBC Veteran Takes Online Show to Current TV Crain's New York Current TV has named former MSNBC host Cenk Uygur to fill its 7 p.m. slot as Al Gore's cable channel continues its bid to challenge MSNBC as the TV home for progressives. Uygur, who hosts a popular online show called "The Young Turks," will bring his program to Current. CNN Opens World's First 'CNN Cafe' in South Korea Campaign Turner International has opened the world's first CNN-branded cafe in Seoul. The new CNN "coffice" (coffee-office) offers customers free wi-fi, computers and printing services, and features CNN content across different platforms, including a live feed of the CNN International channel. CBS 'Two and a Half Men' Attracts Record Viewers Associated Press Ashton Kutcher's debut in CBS' "Two and a Half Men" on Monday night was seen by 27.7 million people. Nielsen said that is more than any other episode in the first eight seasons, when Kutcher predecessor Charlie Sheen was the star of the most-watched comedy on U.S. television. Al Jazeera Chief Resigns After WikiLeaks Report Yahoo News Al Jazeera managing director Wadah Khanfa has announced his resignation amid a scandal unearthed by a diplomatic cable. According to a cable published by WikiLeaks, Khanfa met with a U.S. intelligence official to discuss "disturbing Al Jazeera website content." ESPN, Slacker Streaming Tie Up on Sports Radio CNET News Music-streaming service Slacker is moving into the sports world through a new partnership with ESPN. Basic radio users will be able to listen to a programmed ESPN station, while Slacker Radio Plus and premium subscribers can listen to an ad-free programmed station. Netflix, Discovery Enter Deal to Stream TV Shows Reuters Netflix and Discovery are said to have reached an agreement to bring episodes of TV shows including "Man vs. Wild" and "River Monsters" to the streaming service. The deal is the first major move by Discovery to make full episodes of its shows available for instant streaming. Warner Bros, Charlie Sheen Eye Big-Money Settlement Los Angeles Times Charlie Sheen and Warner Bros. are finalizing a multimillion-dollar settlement that would end one of the ugliest public battles ever between a major star and a Hollywood studio. Sheen is said to be near a $25 million deal over wrongful termination from "Two and a Half Men." Fox's Emmy Awards Show Attracts Small Audience Washington Post Up against a rousing football game on NBC, Fox's broadcast of the Emmy Awards on Sunday night attracted an average of only 12.5 million people — the show's smallest audience since 2008. Last year's Emmy show lured about 1 million more viewers than Sunday's. NBC News Names Holt New Host of 'Dateline NBC' Associated Press Lester Holt will replace Ann Curry as host of "Dateline NBC" when the newsmagazine begins its 20th season Friday. The NBC News veteran will keep his job as co-anchor of "Weekend Today." Curry, co-anchor of the "Today" show, was judged too busy for both jobs. CNN to Add Ari Fleischer as Political Contributor CNN CNN said it is continuing to expand its team of political contributors with the addition of former White House secretary Ari Fleischer as political contributor. "It's shaping up as a red hot political year," Fleischer said. "I'm eager to lend my perspective to it." Fox News is Best Cable News Network, Survey Says Politico Most Americans think Fox News is a better cable network than CNN and MSNBC, according to a survey of cable news networks by Poll Position, a nonpartisan polling site. A plurality of respondents preferred Fox News across all age groups except for those aged 18 to 29. Clear Channel to Broadcast Music Festival via Xbox San Antonio Business Clear Channel and Microsoft plan to team up to offer a high definition video stream of this weekend's iHeartRadio Music Festival exclusively on the Xbox 360. The event will feature performances by top radio artists including Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Coldplay and Nicki Minaj. Time Warner Cable Wins U.S. OK to Acquire Insight Reuters Time Warner Cable has won U.S. antitrust approval to buy Insight Communications from the Carlyle Group, the Federal Trade Commission said. The deal, announced in mid-August, was valued at $3 billion. Insight ranks as the 10th-largest U.S. cable operator. Scripps Consolidates Digital Efforts Into Single Group Knoxville News Sentinel E.W. Scripps has consolidated the digital operations of its newspapers and TV stations under a new organization headed by Adam Symson, VP and chief digital officer. "This is the beginning of a process to figure out how we can continue to serve our customers." Fox Cuts Phone-Hacking Joke From Emmy Awards Deadline "30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin pulled out the Emmy Awards broadcast on Fox after a joke about the phone-hacking scandal at network owner News Corp. was cut from a comedy skit he had pre-recorded. The decision for the cut was said to have been made at the Fox level. ABC's 'Modern' Helps End HBO's Winning Streak Bloomberg The comedy "Modern Family" has led Disney's ABC to five Emmy Awards, the most of any network, ending an eight-year winning streak by Time Warner's HBO. The recognition for "Modern Family" is expected help lift ratings for the show and for third-place ABC. CBS Chief Bets Rep on Kutcher, 'Two & Half Men' Newsweek Les Moonves has 20,000 people working for him at CBS, but right now his fortunes are riding on just one: Ashton Kutcher. As the revamped "Two and a Half Men" premieres Monday night, Moonves will get credit — or blame — for the fate of the network's crown jewel. NBC in Talks With Koppel for News Magazine Show Wall Street Journal NBC is in talks to bring veteran news anchor Ted Koppel to "Rock Center with Brian Williams," its new news magazine program slated to launch this fall. Koppel anchored ABC's "Nightline" for more than two decades before retiring from the show in 2005. Canoe Ventures Cable Ad Plan in Shallow Waters New York Post Canoe Ventures, the cable industry's effort to grab a bigger piece of the $70 billion spent on TV advertising, has been largely unsuccessful, and is said to have reached a critical juncture. Its first initiative to target ads to smaller groups of cable viewers was scrapped. Dish to Announce Prices for Blockbuster Streaming Bloomberg Dish Network is expected to announce the pricing for its Blockbuster streaming-movie service at a press conference on Friday. The new service will compete with Netflix. Dish is unveiling the service next month to take advantage of Netflix's recent price increases. Disney Channels President Resigns Unexpectedly Bloomberg Carolina Lightcap has resigned as president of Disney Channels Worldwide after less than two years on the job. The departure of the 11-year Disney veteran is the second high-level resignation at the company this month. Gary Marsh has been named president of the unit. CBS Less Reliant on Ads as New Platforms Emerge Los Angeles Times Wall Street has been wary of CBS for its reliance on advertising revenue compared to other media giants. However, thanks to sales of its content to new platforms like Netflix and Amazon, as well as retransmission consent fees, CBS' revenue is diversifying. NBCU Symposium Highlights Use of Social Media Philadelphia Inquirer NBCUniversal held a conference on the set of "Saturday Night Live" in New York to showcase its social-media prowess. Highlights included the Bravo channel's "tweet tracker." According to Jimmy Fallon, NBC's late-night comedian: "Twitter is a big movement now." Viacom Touts Social Media in Charlie Sheen Roast Mashable Comedy Central has developed a variety of social tools to get the audience more engaged with its roast of Charlie Sheen, airing Monday. Every moment of the show will correspond with onscreen social cues, such as a display of roasters' Twitter handles. New TV Season, Fewer Viewers May Spell Trouble Businessweek Among younger viewers, there is no difference between watching "Gossip Girl" online or on the tube, said CBS chief researcher David Poltrack. College-age audiences are relying more on laptops than TVs to watch favorite shows. Cable "can be a significant expense." Vice Media, HBO Develop Show for Young People Wall Street Journal Vice Media, known for coverage of such nefarious activities as human rights violations abroad, is allying with HBO to develop a "'60 Minutes' for young people." The new "Vice TV" will be a weekly newsmagazine inspired by the videos that Vice produces for the web. CBS: 'Two & Half Men' Return Will Be Event TV Associated Press The introduction of Ashton Kutcher's character to "Two and a Half Men" could turn the season debut on Monday into "event television," said analyst Bill Carroll of Katz Media. Ultimately, the change could reinvigorate the long-running sitcom and extend its life. NBC, CBS Execs Say Ad Market Remains Strong Bloomberg Television execs from NBC Universal, CBS and Discovery said advertising remains strong in the second half of 2011, bucking concern that the economy may be slowing. NBC said it has already sold out most of the advertising for the Super Bowl in February. Comcast Boss Flip-Flops on Retransmission Fees New York Post Comcast exec Steve Burke surprised a media conference by saying his NBC Universal unit would chase "hundreds of millions of dollars" in retransmission fees, something he fought for years as a cable guy. "We will try to get compensation similar to CBS, ABC and Fox." Fox News Plans 15th-Anniversary National Tour Yahoo News Fox News has announced a six-city, cross-country tour to commemorate the top-rated cable news network's 15th anniversary. The month-long tour begins Monday in Orlando, where "Fox & Friends" will broadcast live. Other tour stops include Boston, Chicago and Atlanta. CNN: Soledad May Return to 'American Morning' New York Post Soledad O'Brien may return to CNN's "American Morning." The CNN special correspondent anchored the show from 2003 to 2007 with Miles O'Brien and was replaced by Kiran Chetry, who was recently axed. O'Brien "may be back with an ensemble cast." Bloomberg, Saudi Prince to Launch News Channel Dow Jones Bloomberg LP has entered a deal with Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed bin Talal to launch an Arabic language satellite news channel called Alarab. The channel will "focus editorially on the important shifts taking place across the Arab world," said Alwaleed. Cumulus Deal to Buy Citadel Radio Gets U.S. OK Buffalo Business The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has approved the $2.4 billion deal by Cumulus Media to acquire Citadel Broadcasting's portfolio of 225 radio stations. Cumulus runs 572 stations. The deal was approved by last week by the U.S. Justice Department. Sirius XM Radio to Raise Price for Basic Package Associated Press Sirius XM Radio plans to raise the price of its basic package for the first time, from $12.95 to $14.49 per month. To get approval from U.S. regulators for its 2008 merger with XM Satellite Radio, Sirius had agreed not to raise prices for three years. CBS Embraces Social Media For Fall TV Launch Mashable The fall TV season officially kicks off this week, and CBS.com is celebrating with social media events. Fans of CBS series can join live online chats with show producers. They can log in using Facebook or Twitter, ask questions and discuss shows in real time. Glenn Beck Eyes $100 Million from Internet, Assets Forbes The centerpiece of Glenn Beck's new Internet network, a daily program called "Glenn Beck," already has more than 230,000 paying subscribers. The former Fox News host, who raked in $40 million in earnings last year, is on course to break the $100 million barrier. CBS' Letterman Eyed as Late-Night TV Declines New York Times Broadcast TV's late-night landscape appears to be undergoing a long-term shift as viewing habits change. Some of David Letterman's biggest advocates have suggested that it might be time for him to consider stepping away before his legacy is tarnished. ESPN's New NFL Deal Bashed by Cable Operators New York Post ESPN's new eight-year, $15 billion rights deal with the National Football League has sparked a backlash from the American Cable Association. The organization claims that the agreement "will push the cost of pay-TV service into the stratosphere." NBC Upgrades App to Broadcast Full TV Episodes Mashable NBC has upgraded its iPad app so that users can watch entire shows on their Apple tablets. The network held off on featuring full episodes when the app was first released in June. NBC fans will be able to watch "pretty much everything," said network exec Vivi Zigler. MTV Takes Online Tools to New Levels with App Variety During MTV's telecast of its Video Music Awards last month, the network launched WatchWith, an iPhone and iPad app that gave users the ability to share clips, view the show through multiple camera angles and even pinpoint the celebrity tweeters in the crowd. CBS Drops Show Over 'Steve Jobs Death' Tweet Hollywood Reporter CBS News has severed its relationship with "What's Trending," a web show that sent out an erroneous tweet saying Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had died. The tweet spread instantly through the blogosphere, with headlines attributing the blunder to CBS. NBC Twitter Feed Hacked with False Terror Tweet MSNBC The NBC News Twitter account @NBCNews has been hacked, resulting in false reports about an airplane attack at Ground Zero. A hacker group called "The Script Kiddies" claimed responsibility. The group is an off-shoot of the hacker collective known as Anonymous. Glenn Beck Preps Launch of Online TV Network Bloomberg Businessweek Glenn Beck's new Internet channel, GBTV, is where his TV show will resurface on Monday after its tumultuous run on Fox News. GBTV will charge $4.95 a month, or a premium $9.95 monthly rate. Beck vows to grow GBTV into a 24-hour, Internet-based network. Clear Channel to Offer Pandora-Style 'Stations' Wall Street Journal Clear Channel Radio plans to upgrade its iHeartRadio.com website to let users create "custom stations" similar to the ones offered by Pandora. Clear Channel said its service draws from 11 million songs, compared with the 900,000 Pandora recently said it offers. ESPN, NFL Extend Deal Through 2021 Season Bloomberg ESPN has extended its broadcast-rights deal with the National Football League for eight years, giving the Disney unit "Monday Night Football" through the 2021 season. The deal is believed to be valued at some $1.9 billion a year, or about 73% more than ESPN has been paying. Dish Network May Boot ESPN Over Higher Fees New York Post Charlie Ergen's Dish Network could be headed for a split with ESPN over escalating rights fees. Dish is negotiating a new carriage renewal deal with ESPN and is said to be balking at passing along big fee hikes from sports providers to its satellite-TV customers. DirecTV to Stream NFL Games for Added Sales Reuters DirecTV plans to expand its NFL Sunday Ticket package, which lets viewers watch football outside their local markets, to see if it can make some extra money from broadcasting the games on the Internet, as the likes of Netflix, Google and Amazon threaten its growth. Sinclair to Pay $200 Million for Seven TV Stations Baltimore Business Sinclair has agreed to pay $200 million to acquire a group of seven television stations in Utah, Texas, Florida and Massachusetts. Sinclair is buying the stations from Four Points Media, an affiliate of New York private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management. Scripps to Launch Mobile App for Streaming TV MarketWatch E.W. Scripps plans to launch technology in all of its nine television markets to allow viewers to watch live programming on mobile devices. The media industry has been devising ways to capitalize on rather than lose viewers because of a migration to web viewing. CNBC Finds News Apps Cannibalize Websites Guardian A survey of European business leaders by CNBC has found that the proliferation of news apps has reduced the use of news websites from their mobile devices. According to CNBC, websites will continue to lose ground to apps on among business leaders. CNN, Tea Party Express to Host Tea Party Debate CNN CNN and the Tea Party Express, along with more than 100 local tea party groups, will team up Monday to present a first-of-its-kind debate from Tampa, Fla., the site of the 2012 Republican National Convention. Eight Republican presidential contenders will participate. HBO Orders Cable News Drama from Aaron Sorkin Associated Press "The West Wing" writer Aaron Sorkin plans to return to television with a series about cable news for Time Warner's HBO. The as-yet-untitled drama will center on a cable-news anchor played by Jeff Daniels and a newsroom boss played by Sam Waterston. Fox News Personalities Targeted in Video Game Fox News "Tea Party Zombies Must Die," a new video game from StarvingEyes Advergaming, allows players to slaughter politicians like Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin. Fox News personalities are also featured, including Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity and Brit Hume. NBC's Mitchell Reveals She Has Breast Cancer MSNBC Andrea Mitchell, NBC chief foreign affairs correspondent, announced on air that she has breast cancer, saying to other women: "Screening matters. Do it." She said her cancer was caught in the "earliest stages" and she described her prognosis as "terrific." Oprah Set for Facebook Interview, Tech Meeting San Francisco Chronicle Oprah Winfrey is slated to participate in a live, one-hour online interview today at Facebook headquarters. She will also hold a private meeting with Silicon Valley leaders to get advice on boosting traffic to Oprah.com, which has slipped since her TV show ended. ABC: Academy Awards to Be Hosted by Murphy Reuters Eddie Murphy, whose movies range from "Beverly Hills Cop" to voicing the smart-mouthed donkey in "Shrek," has been picked to host the Academy Awards for the first time in his career. The 84th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to air live on ABC on Feb. 26. Lifetime to Resurrect Fox's 'America's Most Wanted' Associated Press "America's Most Wanted" is resuming its decades-long run on Lifetime. The deal will restore John Walsh's weekly criminal roundup, which has helped bring almost 1,200 fugitives to justice. In May, Fox announced it was axing the series, citing high production costs. Al Jazeera English to Cover Ground Zero Memorial World Screen Al Jazeera English correspondents are set to anchor live bulletins from Ground Zero in New York on Sept. 11, as well as from the Pentagon and Shanksville, Penn., while also reporting live from locations such as Kabul, Baghdad, London, Bali, Madrid and Guantanamo Bay. Regis Announces Date for Retirement from 'Live' Associated Press Regis Philbin said he will retire from his talk show on Nov. 18. The veteran TV personality made the announcement on Tuesday's edition of "Live with Regis and Kelly." Philbin announced last January that he planned to leave the show by year's end, but didn't specify a date. Plum TV Lays Off Staffers, Suspends Magazine Miami Herald Plum TV, which moved its headquarters to Miami Beach last year amid plans to expand into multimedia, has laid off most of its employees and suspended publication of Plum Miami Magazine. The move comes five days after CEO Jerry Powers resigned over financial issues. Dish to Take On Netflix with Film Streaming Service Bloomberg Dish Network is said to be planning to introduce a Blockbuster streaming-movie service to compete with Netflix. The timing is designed to coincide with price increases being implemented by Netflix. Dish acquired almost all of Blockbuster's assets in April. ESPN 3-D Eyed as 'Love Affair' with TV Sets Ends New York Post The next big thing in TV -- 3-D -- is proving such a bomb with consumers, the first victim may be ESPN's sports-in-3-D channel. The sports channel insists that ESPN 3-D is in it for the long haul: "New television technologies have always taken time to grow." HBO Growth Stalls Amid Cable Business Losses Variety HBO saw its subscriber level for the second quarter stay virtually on par with the previous quarter. The subscriber base of pay TV networks contributes the lion's share of their revenues, in turn a key driver to the bottom lines of their parent companies. CBS Launches Free Fall Series Preview iPad App World Screen CBS has launched a free iPad app that gives users a look at the network's new fall series. "NCIS" star Pauley Perrette is the app's guide. Users can get an up-close look at CBS's five new shows with special previews, behind-the-scenes videos and more. ABC: Couric to Make Network Debut on 'Nightline' Hollywood Reporter After a closely watched migration from CBS to ABC last June, Katie Couric makes her ABC News debut with a wide-ranging interview with actress Sarah Jessica Parker to air Tuesday on "Nightline." Couric is developing a syndicated daytime talk show for Disney/ABC. NBC Nabs Record $3.5 Million for Super Bowl Ads Adweek With a good five months before the Super Bowl kicks off in Indianapolis on Feb. 5, NBC has nearly sold out all of its most valuable football inventory. "Literally a handful of units" remain available in the network's Super Bowl XLVI broadcast. Cablevision, Verizon Lose Tennis Channel Access Bloomberg Customers of Cablevision and Verizon's FiOS pay-TV service lost access to the Tennis Channel amid a fee dispute, causing them to miss some coverage of the U.S. Open tournament. Customers can still watch CBS and ESPN's coverage of the tournament. Plum TV, Magazine CEO Exits Amid Financial Woes Miami Herald Jerry Powers has resigned as CEO of the Miami Beach-based Plum TV, a network of eight hyper-local TV stations, as questions surfaced about his financial affairs. His departure comes just months after the launch of Plum TV's print offshoot, Miami Plum Magazine. CNBC Launches Free Real-Time TV App in Europe New Media Age CNBC has launched a real-time news app for connected TVs in the UK and EMEA regions. Viewers of the free app will be able to watch CNBC video interviews and market analysis. The app also features real-time market data from London and New York exchanges. Fox News, Google to Hold GOP Presidential Debate Huffington Post Fox News and Google will team up to host a Republican presidential debate on Sept. 22 in Orlando, Fla., featuring video questions submitted by the public via YouTube. "For access to news and information, it's hard to imagine two more powerful brands." Oprah to Appear in Facebook Live-Stream Interview AllThingsD / Post Oprah Winfrey will visit Facebook's offices in Palo Alto, Calif., on Sept. 8, to participate in a live-streamed video interview. Also: Winfrey plans to huddle with top tech players to gin up some ideas for reviving her floundering Oprah.com website. Fox's 'Terra Nova' Is Most Anticipated Fall Show TV Guide "Terra Nova," "Ringer" and "Prime Suspect" are the top three most eagerly anticipated new fall TV shows, according to a survey of TVGuide.com users. "Terra Nova" is a drama about a police officer whose family travels back to prehistoric Earth. NBC-Politico GOP Debate Time Stirs Partisan Fight Politico President Obama's request to deliver a Sept. 7 speech quickly devolved into another partisan pie fight, as it came into conflict with a Republican presidential debate co-hosted by NBC and Politico. Obama later moved the date of his speech to Sept. 8. Time Warner's CNN Buys Zite iPad App for News Bloomberg Time Warner's CNN cable news channel has acquired Zite, a free app for Apple's iPad that offers users a personalized news stream, in a deal said to be worth about $25 million. CNN is buying Zite as more viewers get their news on tablets and smartphones. Comcast: NBC Picks 'Today' Exec for Olympics New York Times Nearly three months ago, Comcast agreed to pay $4.38 billion for its NBC Universal subsidiary to carry the four Olympics from 2014 to 2020. On Tuesday, NBC made a critical hire, naming "Today" show executive producer Jim Bell as its top Olympic producer. Viacom: MTV Awards Show Draws Record Viewers Bloomberg MTV's "Video Music Awards" on Sunday attracted 12.4 million viewers, the network's largest audience ever. This year's show, which aired after a new episode of MTV's top-rated "Jersey Shore," generated traffic on social networks, further fueling viewership. NBC London Olympic Coverage to Be Live, Online USA Today With the 2012 London Games, NBC has its first Olympic coverage since Comcast gained control of the network. And coverage will be different. Unlike past Games when marquee action was quarantined until prime time, all events will be available live, at least online. Weather Channel Ratings Surge With Hurricane New York Times Hurricane Irene was the biggest storm system in the Weather Channel's 29-year history. Ratings for the channel soared over the weekend as Irene made landfall three times along the East Coast. Saturday represented the channel's highest-rated whole day ever. CBS Chief's Wife Wields Axe Over Ladies of 'The Talk' New York Post Page Six: The wrath of "Queen" Julie Chen continues as she axes the ladies of CBS gab-fest "The Talk." Chen, who show insiders say warned her co-hosts, "My husband Les Moonves can fire your asses any day," has left execs "essentially neutered." CNN Host Grace Scheduled for 'Dancing with Stars' CNN Nancy Grace, the CNN HLN legal commentator, has been confirmed as one of the 12 celebrities appearing on the 13th season of the hit ABC show "Dancing with the Stars." Grace will unleash her quickstep with the likes of Chaz Bono and Rob Kardashian. BBC to Broadcast Olympics in 3D, Super Hi-Vision Digital Trends The BBC is considering broadcasting some events at next year's London Olympics using 3D and "super hi-vision" technology, said to be 16 times better than HDTV. Super hi-vision technology is said to be so advanced that it is not expected to be in homes for a decade. Sony Bets Big with Prime Time 'Pan Am' for ABC New York Times Sony is producing "Pan Am," a stylish period drama about spying stewardesses, for ABC. The stakes are considerable for the company, which spent an estimated $10 million to make the "Pan Am" pilot, a staggering sum by industry standards. Playboy Club Returns After Two-Decade Hiatus Crain's Chicago Plans are in the works for a new Playboy Club in Chicago just blocks away from where the original opened 51 years ago. Playboy is resurrecting the clubs through licensees some two decades after closing down the last of its company-owned clubs. Oprah Turns to Rosie to Save Her Cable Network New York Post Oprah Winfrey is counting on Rosie O'Donnell to save her struggling cable network. OWN, which launched New Year's Day, has already burned through more than $150 million in start-up money without producing a single hit show. "There is pressure." Weather Channel 'Let Down' by Hurricane Irene Associated Press Hurricane Irene, aimed squarely at New York City, put TV networks on high alert Sunday. The Weather Channel's anchors seemed visibly disappointed when Irene was downgraded to a tropical storm just hours before its direct hit on the U.S. media capital. MTV VMAs Ramp Up Social Media Integration Huffington Post MTV added social features and co-viewing options to its tent-pole event, the 2011 Video Music Awards, which aired Sunday. Viewers were encouraged to use social media and their various devices -- tablets, smartphones and computers -- to weigh in on the show. Apple Developing Digital Television for 2012 VentureBeat Apple is said to be working on a digital television set based on its iOS operating system. The rumor is widespread among professionals in the gadget industry. "Apple will do to television manufacturers what it did to phone makers with the iPhone." Google TV Poised for a Reboot, Schmidt Hints Financial Times Google TV will soon be getting a reboot, hinted chief Eric Schmidt. After announcing the rollout of Google TV in Europe, Schmidt predicted that the Internet-television service would move from a set-top box to being incorporated within all TV sets within five years. Apple Ends 99-Cent Rentals of TV Episodes Los Angeles Times Apple has pulled the plug on its 99-cent rentals of television show episodes after making a push last year to persuade TV networks to sign on to the plan. Consumers, the company discovered, were just as willing to pay $1 or $2 more to purchase an episode. Clear Channel to Promote 9/11 Memorial Services San Antonio Business Clear Channel has launched a major public service campaign, using its outdoor, radio and digital properties to support the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. A live video simulcast of the service will take place on Clear Channel's SpecHD digital display in Times Square. Fox Rolls Out Splashy Mall Video Ads for Fall TV Deadline Fox has placed full-motion video advertisements in mall kiosks in 12 U.S. markets, as part of a promotion campaign for the network's new and returning TV series. Fox is the first TV network to implement the moving ads technology to the digital billboards. ABC Slammed by Weinstein for 'Ban' of Movie Ad Los Angeles Times The Weinstein Co. has decried how ABC has refused to air a commercial for its new comedy "Our Idiot Brother," about a family dealing with an irresponsible stoner, played by Paul Rudd. ABC refused to run the ad unless the studio cut "objectionable" material. CBS Adds Kardashian Mom to 'The Talk' Lineup Deadline Kris Jenner, the manager mother of the reality-TV star Kardashians, will be the new fill-in host on CBS's "The Talk." Also being added is African-American stand-up comedienne Sheryl Underwood. Options for Leah Remini and Holly Robinson Peete weren't renewed. ESPN Meeting Infiltrated by Spy from Sports Blog TheWrap The irreverent sports blog Deadspin planted a spy in ESPN's annual all-company meeting, posting dispatches and photos from the inside. Said one post: "Now talking about internal dating policy. Rebecca lobo just walked by me. Good time to leave, she said." CBS Web Writer-Producers Win Guild Contract Los Angeles Times The Writers Guild of America - West has signed its first contract covering news writing and promotions for the Internet. About 15 Web writer-producers working in TV and radio news and promotions at CBS studios in the Los Angeles area ratified the first-ever contract. NBC 'Today' Ratings Gap Cut by Resurgent ABC Bloomberg NBC's "Today" show, making its biggest talent change since Katie Couric left in 2006, heads into the new TV season with its 15-year dominance challenged by a resurgent ABC. "Today's" lead has shrunk to a four-year-low as Ann Curry joins as co-host. ABC Show Asked to Leave Town Over Disruptions Associated Press Officials in well-to-do Greenwich, Conn., called the filming of the ABC hidden-camera show "What Would You Do?" disruptive and asked the crew to choose another location. One of the show's scenes caused an alarmed resident to call the police. Hulu Sale Seen as 'Epic Mistake' for Media Giants Hollywood Reporter BTIG analyst Richard Greenfield said that selling Hulu would be "a mistake of epic proportions" for content giants. "We find it very hard to fathom why any media company would want to give up ownership of such a unique asset at such an early stage of growth." MSNBC Formally Names Sharpton as Show Host New York Times After a nearly two-month tryout, Al Sharpton has become the permanent host of MSNBC's 6 p.m. hour. The cable news channel said that the time slot will be renamed "PoliticsNation." Sharpton will "lead a lively and informed discussion of the top headlines." CNN in Talks to Acquire iPad Magazine App Zite AppAdvice CNN is said to be in talks to acquire Zite, a controversial, free personalized news service that keeps track of a user's reading patterns. The cable news channel is reportedly near a $20-to-$25 million deal to acquire the Vancouver-based start-up. CBS: Letterman Milks Death Threat for Laughs Associated Press David Letterman, back from vacation and making his first TV appearance since a threat against his life was posted on a jihadist website, played it for laughs during Monday's "Late Show" monologue. He told audience members that they will be his "human shield." ABC Chooses Name for New Couric Talk Show TV Newser Former "CBS Evening News" anchor Katie Couric has settled on a name for her upcoming ABC talk show. The program will be called simply "Katie," when it debuts in fall 2012. Disney-ABC is preparing to market the show to stations and advertisers. NBC Hires Star Correspondent from Al Jazeera New York Times Ayman Mohyeldin, a star Al Jazeera English correspondent, is rejoining NBC News, the news organization where he started 10 years ago. Mohyeldin will be a foreign correspondent for the network, based in Cairo and covering the whole of the Middle East. DirecTV Embraces Web Streaming With NFL Offer Bloomberg DirecTV's decision to make its "Sunday Ticket" package available to Sony PlayStation 3 users may be the first step toward giving viewers access to out-of-market NFL games on a range of web-enabled devices. "We're open to relationships with other consoles." Pac-12 Names Exec to Oversee TV, Digital Units SportsBusiness Journal The Pac-12 is bringing in sports industry veteran Gary Stevenson to oversee its TV, digital and sponsorship units. Stevenson will be president of Pac-12 Enterprises, the new wholly owned subsidiary that will launch a suite of cable TV channels in August 2012. Hulu Delay Escalates Piracy of Fox TV Shows TechCrunch A week ago, Fox television changed its licensing rules so that non-paying users of Hulu would be unable to watch new show episodes until eight days after their air date. Piracy of "Hell's Kitchen" went up by 114% and "MasterChef" went up a massive 189%. CBS Tightens Security After Letterman Threat New York Post Security at the Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan is expected to be beefed up for CBS "Late Show" host David Letterman after an al Qaeda-linked figure called for the comedian's death. The threat was made in response to a joke about the death of an al Qaeda leader. NBC's 'Real Housewives' to Edit After Suicide Variety NBCUniversal's Bravo is reediting the upcoming season of the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" after the apparent suicide of one of the series star's husbands. No decision has been made on the premiere date of the new season, which was slated for Sept. 5. HDNet: Dan Rather Memoir Due Out In Spring WWD Nearly five years in as anchor and managing editor of HDNet's "Dan Rather Reports," the 79-year-old newsman is polishing up "Summing Up," a memoir due out in spring. Rather said the book will examine "things I have lived," including his CBS "Evening News" departure. Hulu Ponders Its Next Move as Bids Come Due Wall Street Journal Initial bids for the video site Hulu are due by Wednesday. Some bidders are likely to indicate a range of $500 million to $2 billion. Google, Yahoo, Amazon and DirecTV are expected to bid. The sale process could last many months and may not result in a sale. ABC Soap Star Lucci Considers Going Online Deadline Prospect Park, the company that recently forged a deal to bring departing ABC soaps "All My Children" and "One Life To Live" to the Internet, is said to have made an offer to soap star Susan Lucci to continue her role online at basically the same salary. MTV Launches Online Show for Music Videos Wall Street Journal MTV's online arm, MTVhive.com, has launched a program, "Weird Vibes," that flaunts the network's vintage format: music videos. Can the music video make a triumphant return to a channel that has seemingly mortgaged its future on the likes of "The Jersey Shore"? Time Warner Cable Eyes Live Viewing on iPad Multichannel News Nielsen has initiated tests with Time Warner Cable, Cablevision and two programmers to try to measure live-TV viewing on the cable operators' iPad apps. "Right now, iPad streaming is not having an impact on ratings." The effort is still in "an R&D stage." Fox Says Lopez Will Return to 'American Idol' Associated Press Jennifer Lopez will be back at the judge's panel for the 11th season of "American Idol." The Fox network has made Lopez's return official, along with her fellow judges, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson. Lopez had publicly been coy about whether she would return. TBS to Transform 'Conan' Into Network Mascot Wall Street Journal TBS is doubling down on making Conan O'Brien the face of the cable network, investing in new programming to flank his late-night show, despite his declining ratings. Viewership of "Conan" has tumbled by about 60% since its high-profile debut last fall. CBS' Letterman Receives Death Threat Over Joke Reuters A Muslim militant has urged American followers to assassinate CBS talk show host David Letterman, saying his tongue deserved to be cut out for joking about the death of a leading member of al Qaeda. The FBI said it was taking the threat seriously. CNN: O'Donnell Walks Out of Morgan Interview CNN Christine O'Donnell, former Delaware GOP Senate candidate, walked off the set of CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" when asked about her views on sexual abstinence and gay marriage. "I'm not being weird," she told Morgan. "You're being a little rude." Fox News Preps E-Book on World Trade Center Huffington Post Fox News Channel has teamed up with News Corp. sibling HarperCollins to publish an e-book, "Rise of Freedom: The New World Trade Center." The title aims to offer an overview of the Ground Zero rebuilding effort with profiles, timelines, animation and Fox News video. Time Warner Cable Pulls Fox Ad Jabbing CNBC New York Daily News Fox Business Network bought commercial time on Time Warner Cable to run on CNBC, in which it took a shot at the way its rival had "gone fishin'" airing reruns during the recent financial crisis. Time Warner Cable dropped the spot citing "inappropriate content." CNN's Anderson Cooper Disappoints in Debut New York Times Anderson Cooper moved into the most important time slot in U.S. cable news, 8 p.m., last week. But he didn't receive a very warm reception. In his first week, Cooper attracted fewer viewers than the man he replaced, Eliot Spitzer, whose show was canceled in July. ABC Ready to Follow Fox on Online TV Pullback AllThingsD News Corp.'s Fox has followed through with its plans to keep new TV shows off the web for eight days, except for Hulu Plus and Dish Network subscribers. Disney's ABC is now set to do the same thing, according to people familiar with the company's plans. NBC: 'Real Housewives' Regular Commits Suicide Los Angeles Times Russell Armstrong, 47, an entrepreneur who appeared on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," has been found dead in an apparent suicide. Facts have emerged raising questions about whether the glare of publicity from the show played a role in his death. MTV 'Jersey Shore': Abercrombie Wants Off Show CNNMoney Abercrombie & Fitch said it would offer "substantial payment" to cast members of MTV's "Jersey Shore" to stop wearing the brand on the air: "We are deeply concerned that the association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image." Fox Slows Online Offerings for 'TV Everywhere' Multichannel News Fox is encouraging pay-TV customers to demand that their providers participate in its "TV Everywhere" service. Fox has stopped providing new episodes at Hulu and Fox.com for free to everyone the day after they air, making them available only to subscribers. CBS, Broadcasters Mull Web Video Ad Networks Digiday:Daily U.S. broadcast networks are said to be exploring whether to become web video networks in order to broaden their reach in the growing market for online video advertising. CBS and other networks are reportedly looking into selling ads that run on other websites. ESPN Acquires Australian Sports Site FootyTips SmartCompany ESPN has acquired the Australian sports tipping and fantasy games site FootyTips.com.au for an undisclosed amount. "What the FootyTips guys have done so well, is effectively create a social media website just as much as they have a tipping site." Comcast, NBC Eye Seacrest for 'Today' Show Mediaite While NBC has denied reports that "Today Show" host Matt Lauer plans to depart when his current contract ends, network execs are said to be considering possible replacements. The top choice of key Comcast and NBC execs is "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest. CBS President's Wife Ticks Off 'The Talk' Team New York Post Julie Chen's "queen bee attitude" is said to be forcing the co-hosts of CBS's "The Talk" to flee the daytime talk show after just one season. Leah Remini reportedly plans to quit on the heels of Sharon Osbourne's break. Chen is the wife of CBS boss Les Moonves. Time Warner Cable to Acquire Insight for $3 Billion Reuters Time Warner Cable is said to have reached a deal to buy the Carlyle Group's Insight Communications, the 10th-largest U.S. cable operator, for $3 billion. The deal could enable Time Warner Cable to reap programing cost savings and other operating synergies. Scripps Networks to Buy Stake in British Cable TV Bloomberg Scripps Networks Interactive, the U.S. TV company that runs Food Network, has agreed to buy Virgin Media's 50% stake in British cable TV company UKTV amid a push to expand outside its home market. Scripps Networks will pay about $552 million to buy the stake. Oprah $50 Coffee-Table Book Due Out in Autumn USA Today Twenty-five years of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will be celebrated in a new $50 coffee-table book, featuring celebrity contributors ranging from Bono to Maya Angelou. "The Oprah Winfrey Show: Reflections on an American Legacy" will be published Nov. 15. Viacom Star's Iowa Election Ad Rejected by ABC Associated Press Stephen Colbert's latest attempt at mischief-making involved encouraging Iowa voters to write in a false name during the weekend's presidential straw poll. But one TV station, an ABC affiliate in Des Moines, rejected the ads, saying they would confuse voters. CBS Brands Itself Network of 'Original Reporting' TV Newser CBS News has unveiled an advertising campaign that is likely to irk the competition at ABC and NBC. A 30-second TV spot features a voiceover that says sarcastically: "It's not like we invented original reporting on television. Oh, wait: yes, we did." AMC Networks Sees Ad Boost from 'Mad Men' Wall Street Journal AMC Networks' second-quarter profit jumped 23% as higher advertising demand helped it report bigger revenue growth than expected. A 21% jump in ad revenue led AMC's top line higher, reflecting the ratings impact of hit shows such as "Mad Men" and "Breaking Bad." PBS Responds to 'Bert & Ernie' Internet Petition WebProNews Sesame Workshop, the non-profit behind "Sesame Street," issued a statement in response to a petition circulating on the Internet seeking support of a puppet marriage: "Let Bert and Ernie Get Married." The beloved puppet characters will remain "best friends." Weather Channel, Twitter Team for Forecasts GigaOM The Weather Channel and Twitter have launched an integration of tweets in the network's on-air programming, website and mobile platform. The Weather Channel also will launch 220 custom local Twitter feeds to update users about their city's weather forecast. NBC Networks to Air Major League Soccer Games Associated Press Major League Soccer games will be televised by NBC's networks starting next season, doubling the number of homes that dozens of games will be available in. The package currently on Fox Soccer Channel will move mainly to the NBC Sports Network, Versus' new name. CBS Star Kutcher Among Highest-Paid on TV TV Guide "Two and a Half Men" star Ashton Kutcher has become the highest-paid sitcom actor on U.S. television, at $700,000 per episode — far less than predecessor Charlie Sheen's take of $1.2 million. "There are so few gigantic stars and the rest are not making any money." Sirius XM Seeks to License Directly From Labels Billboard.biz Sirius XM Radio wants to directly license music from record labels, rather than pay royalties. The satellite radio company wants to allow subscribers to record programming blocks and be able to rewind and fast-forward those segments, among other functionalities. Lionsgate, Perry Plan 'Tyler TV' Cable Channel New York Times Will Madea be the new Oprah? Lionsgate and Tyler Perry are said to be forming a new venture called Tyler TV -- a cable channel that will tap the writer/director/performer's African-American fan base. Perry often appears in drag as Madea, a gun-toting grandmother. MTV App Locates Places to Buy Contraceptives Mashable MTV has partnered with iCondom to release an iCondom iPhone app, a geo-aware map that is part tool, part crowdsourced experiment. The app, which allows users to search via GPS for the nearest place that sells contraceptives, is part of MTV's Staying Alive campaign. Time Warner, Cablevision Boost WiFi in New York Crain's New York New York City will see new WiFi hot spots in 32 parks, as well as a doubling of public access cable-TV channels, thanks to a franchise renewal agreement with Time Warner Cable and Cablevision. The cable firms will also contribute to the city's media lab initiative. Cablevision, Dish Lose More TV Subscribers Associated Press Americans are canceling cable and satellite TV subscriptions in record numbers. Eight of the nine largest U.S. pay-TV providers lost 195,700 subscribers in the April-to-June quarter. Dish CEO Joe Clayton said that the industry is "increasingly saturated." CBS Conjures Remake of TV Classic 'Bewitched' Variety CBS has ordered a script for a remake of the classic TV comedy "Bewitched," after scoring one of the few hits of the 2010-11 season with its reboot of "Hawaii Five-0." "Bewitched," starring Elizabeth Montgomery, ran for eight seasons on ABC beginning in 1964. NBCUniversal: Telemundo to Expand Local News Hollywood Reporter NBCUniversal's Telemundo will launch a local weekend news show in New York, among others, as it plans to expand local news programming by 25%. New NBC owner Comcast promised U.S. regulators that it would expand news and public affairs content. Current TV Names CNN Vet Bohrman President Associated Press David Bohrman, a former CNN Washington bureau chief, has been named the new president of Al Gore's Current TV. Mark Rosenthal left as Current CEO last month. Bohrman's main job will be to build a lineup around Current's prime-time star, Keith Olbermann. Sirius XM's Howard Stern Eyed for Movie Leak TorrentFreak A high-quality copy of the Steven Spielberg movie "Super 8" has turned up online. While it is not unusual for preview copy DVD screeners to become available in this way, it is unusual for them to carry watermarks appearing to identify the source of the leak -- H STERN. MSNBC's Breaking News Teams Up with Storify TechCrunch Storify, the content curation platform, has entered a partnership with Breaking News, the MSNBC-owned Twitter handle and website for news updates. Storify users will be able to add updates from @BreakingNews, as well as other updates from the newswire. Liberty Media's Starz, BBC Team for Productions Wall Street Journal Starz has struck a deal with BBC Worldwide to co-produce original TV shows. Depending on the number of seasons produced, the deal could provide Liberty Media's pay-TV channel with $300 million for programming and generate more than 100 hours of original TV. Comcast Offers Internet to Low-Income Families Mashable Comcast has launched a program to offer discounted Internet service and computers to low-income families. The program, called Internet Essentials, will "provide low-cost access to the Internet and affordable computers as well as digital literacy training." Fox Aims for No Repeats in Prime-Time Schedule Variety Fox entertainment head Kevin Reilly said he aims to have a repeat-free prime-time schedule, a goal fueled by his prediction that the network will "have success in every genre." Fox has placed big bets on its fall schedule, from "The X Factor" and "Terra Nova" to "Glee." CBS: Sheen Character in 'Men' Dies in Subway TMZ Charlie Sheen's character on "Two and a Half Men," TV's top-rated sitcom, will be killed off in a Paris subway "accident," according to sources at the taping of the season premiere. Also: "The producers have made sure there's no way for 'Charlie Harper' to return." ABC Seeks New Hits as 'Housewives' Nears End Wall Street Journal ABC said it is betting that 1960s flight attendants and a scorned Hamptons socialite can make up for the loss of the scheming ladies from Wisteria Lane. ABC Entertainment head Paul Lee has announced that "Desperate Housewives" will end its eight-season run in May. MTV 'Jersey Shore' Draws Social Media Crowd Hollywood Reporter The season premiere of "Jersey Shore" had more people talking on social media networks like Twitter and Facebook than any other show this year, according to SocialGuide. "TV programmers are viewing Twitter as an important driver of sentiment around their shows." Comcast Sues DirecTV Over 'False' NFL Ads Reuters Comcast has sued pay-TV rival DirecTV, accusing it of misleading consumers by promising "free" broadcasts of National Football League games. Comcast said the campaign does not disclose that the offer requires customers to sign up for two-year contracts. DirecTV Downplays Interest in Hulu Acquisition GigaOM One more potential Hulu acquirer has thrown its hat in the ring, with DirecTV admitting it has joined Apple, Google and others in taking a look at the video site's financials. But DirecTV has yet to determine if Hulu's business model makes sense for an acquisition. Time Warner, DirecTV Hit by Web Adult Content Wall Street Journal Time Warner Cable, DirecTV and other cable and satellite-TV companies have an adult-content problem: Their customers aren't watching enough of it. Revenue from highly profitable adult services has been slipping, as the genre's consumers spend more time with free web content. CNN's Morgan Eyed by Lawmakers Over Hacking Bloomberg Piers Morgan, CNN show host and a former editor of the Daily Mirror newspaper, should return to Britain to answer questions about phone-hacking, U.K. lawmakers said. Paul McCartney's ex-wife, Heather Mills, has made "unsubstantiated" new claims. CBS: Kutcher to Play Internet Billionaire on 'Men' Associated Press Ashton Kutcher will play "an Internet billionaire with a broken heart" when he arrives as the new star of "Two and a Half Men" next month. CBS exec Nina Tassler shared the tidbit about the much-anticipated cast change for TV's biggest sitcom during a session with TV reporters. ESPN Promises to Create Hundreds of Jobs Associated Press ESPN and Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy have announced the construction of a digital technology building and the addition of at least 200 jobs in exchange for millions of dollars in tax breaks. ESPN will get a 10-year, $17.5 million state loan to build its digital center. MTV New Unit to Make Cross-Platform Videos Broadcasting & Cable MTV has set up a new unit, MTVX, to develop content across platforms, including TV, online and mobile. MTV Films' David Gale, a film producer whose credits include "Napoleon Dynamite," will run MTVX. "The goal is to create content that has the potential to live anywhere." CNN Sees iReport as Social Network for News Beet.TV CNN iReport, the cable news network's platform for citizen journalists to upload and share photos and videos, will become something of a "social network for news" with its imminent redesign, according to digital exec Lila King. IReport is currently marking its fifth anniversary. MSNBC Locks in Maddow with New Contract Hollywood Reporter MSNBC has extended Rachel Maddow's contract in a new deal that will keep the host at the cable news network well beyond 2012. The news comes as MSNBC has already locked in many staffers with extensions, a response to overtures from former host Keith Olbermann. Sirius XM to Raise Subscription Fees in 2012 Los Angeles Times Sirius XM expects to raise its prices next year, now that a U.S. mandate to freeze fees has been lifted. While CEO Mel Karmazin has not said how much the increases will be, he notes that the company has not changed its $12.95 monthly fee since the 2008 Sirius-XM merger. Univision Unveils Radio Station App for iPhone Billboard Listeners of Univision radio stations will now be able to access most of their local stations anywhere via the new Univision Radio App for iPhone and iPod touch. Users can search for station by name, city or genre. The app's interface is in English and Spanish. TVGuide.com Site Put Up for Sale by Lionsgate Deadline Lionsgate, intent on shedding non-core assets, is said to be planning to sell TVGuide.com. The studio reportedly has begun to interview investment bankers who can quietly sell the consumer website, which is a joint venture with JP Morgan Chase's private equity arm. Internet Launches New Episode for TV Groups Financial Times The Internet was supposed to be bad for the TV industry. But a flurry of new deals between networks, cable operators and digital video companies revealed a surprisingly dynamic marketplace, where the rules of the U.S. TV business are being rewritten on the fly. CBS: 'Men' Aims to Squelch Details of Reboot Deadline Speculation on how new star Ashton Kutcher will be introduced to "Two and a Half Men" is expected to go into overdrive as production begins on the ninth season of the CBS hit sitcom. But keeping details under wraps may be impossible in the era of texting and Twitter. NBC to Rebuild 'Quality TV' Under Comcast Reuters Comcast is serious about investing in struggling NBC, according to new entertainment head Bob Greenblatt, and will be patient about seeing results. He also announced plans to reestablish NBC's TV production arm, Universal Media Studios, as a stand-alone entity. MSNBC Names Nation DC Editor as Show Host Politico Chris Hayes, Washington editor of The Nation and frequent Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell guest host, is getting his own show on weekend mornings. The "journalistic wunderkind" was named The Nation's Washington editor in 2007 at the age of 28. FCC Seeking More Channel Choices in Cable Associated Press U.S. regulators are adopting new rules intended to make it easier for independent TV programmers to get their channels carried in cable system lineups. Cable giant Comcast, however, said the new rules "will result in additional regulatory burdens." Dish Network Plans Revamp to Take On Netflix Los Angeles Times By buying Blockbuster and paying almost $3 billion for broadband spectrum, Dish Network plans to become a Netflix rival and a player in wireless communications: "Everybody's enamored with Netflix. Who's to say we can't do the same thing?" Bloomberg, Saudi Prince to Launch News Channel Fast Company Bloomberg LP is reportedly in talks with Prince Alwaleed of Saudi Arabia to launch an Arabic-language business news channel. The move could cause massive headaches for Rupert Murdoch; Prince Alwaleed is the second-largest shareholder in Murdoch's News Corp. Al Jazeera English Arrives in New York on Cable New York Times Al Jazeera has not gained distribution on any major U.S. cable or satellite system. Nonetheless, the Qatar-based news channel is making headway. On Monday, Al Jazeera will be carried in New York City for the first time, though only by subletting space from a channel owner. PBS Mulls Launch of Digital Channel in Britain New York Times PBS, known as the American TV outlet for many British programs produced by the BBC, is looking to turn the tables by starting a digital channel in Britain. The channel, which would be distributed via cable and satellite, would show both older and current PBS programs. BBC Journalists on 24-Hour Strike Over Job Cuts BBC News BBC news programs are being disrupted as journalists take part in a 24-hour strike to protest job cuts. The British public broadcaster said it must cut staff because the government has reduced funding. Union employees staged a similar strike on July 15. Sky Italia Names New CEO Amid Hacking Scandal Dow Jones News Corp. has named BSkyB exec Andrea Zappia CEO of Sky Italia. Zappia, BSkyB's customer group managing director, replaces Tom Mockridge, who left News Corp.'s Italian satellite TV unit last month to become CEO of the company's News International. Comcast Rebrands Versus as NBC Sports Network Philadelphia Inquirer NBCUniversal plans to rename Versus, Comcast's ratings-challenged sports channel, as the NBC Sports Network in January 2012. The goal of the name change is to make the sports channel more popular with fans so that Comcast can charge higher per-subscriber fees. Oprah to Host 'Teaching' Show on OWN Channel New York Post Oprah Winfrey hopes to save her struggling cable network by hosting her own nightly "teaching" show. "OWN Your Life: The Oprah Class" will recycle segments from 4,000 hours of "Oprah" as instructional tools. Winfrey aims to create "the world's biggest classroom." NBC's 'Today' Loses Ground After Hiring Curry New York Post NBC staffers are said to be "in disarray" behind the scenes because ABC's second-place "Good Morning America" has been closing the gap since Ann Curry took over "Today" in June as co-host with Matt Lauer. "They're not going to pull the plug on Curry for a while." MTV at 30: Reality TV Killed the Music-Video Star Cleveland Plain Dealer MTV, which turns 30 on Aug. 1, has evolved into a very different network from its origins. The channel stopped playing music videos years ago, as part of a makeover that has led to a reality-show portfolio capped by "Jersey Shore." MTV now "stands for nothing, literally." Merlin Media Launches All-News Radio in Chicago Chicago Tribune Merlin Media, the new broadcasting venture headed by controversial former Tribune CEO Randy Michaels, has launched Chicago's first all-news FM radio station, FM News 101.1. "My favorite format has always been spoken radio," said CEO Michaels. Oprah Web Traffic Drops After TV Show Ends New York Post Oprah.com, Oprah Winfrey's main contribution to the OWN cable network, has lost half its readership since the "Oprah" talk show left broadcast TV in May. Winfrey gave Oprah.com to Discovery Communications as her half of their partnership in starting OWN. Current TV CEO Departs as Network Struggles Los Angeles Times Current TV, Al Gore's struggling cable channel, has announced the departure of Mark Rosenthal, its CEO for the last two years. Current TV co-founder Joel Hyatt once again steps into the CEO role. MTV veteran Rosenthal steered the channel away from short-form programming. Pacific-12 Plans National, Regional TV Networks San Francisco Business The Pacific-12 Conference will launch national and regional TV networks next year. The Pac-12 Network's creation comes after the conference last May struck a $3 billion broadcast deal with ESPN and Fox, the richest among all major college conferences. Comcast, Bloomberg Continue TV-Channel Fight Los Angeles Times Comcast has fired back at Bloomberg, which had asked U.S. regulators to determine whether the cable giant violated conditions for approving its takeover of NBCUniversal. Bloomberg has attempted "regulatory gamesmanship" to "extract preferential channel placement." CBS, Netflix in Deal for Latin America, Canada Reuters Netflix has reached a deal with CBS allowing the video rental service to stream shows such as "Californication," "Dexter" and "Twin Peaks" to audiences in Latin America and Canada. The deal follows a similar earlier agreement in the U.S. between Netflix and CBS. NBC Affiliates Under Pressure to Drop 'Playboy' Broadcasting & Cable The Parents Television Council said it has sent letters to every NBC affiliate asking them not to air "The Playboy Club," a new fall drama set against the backdrop of Chicago's famed Playboy Club in the 1960s. The group said it will keep an eye on the show for "indecency." CNN Denies Piers Connection to Phone Hacking Guardian Piers Morgan, the former editor of the U.K. Daily Mirror, has for the second time in a week denied that he printed stories obtained through phone hacking. CNN, which now employs him as a talk-show host, issued the latest denial over comments Morgan had made. MSNBC's Maddow Hit with Defamation Lawsuit Politico MSNBC host Rachel Maddow has been hit with a $50 million defamation lawsuit from a Christian rock musician Bradlee Dean, who also runs a ministry. The suit focuses on a Aug. 9, 2010, segment on Maddow's show about campaign contributions given to Dean and his ministry. Oprah Network Dumped by McCarthy for NBC Fox News Oprah Winfrey's struggling cable OWN channel has suffered yet another blow: Winfrey pal Jenny McCarthy, who was set to create a TV series for the network, has reportedly taken the concept to NBC to produce. McCarthy was "frustrated with OWN's creative team." BBC to Roll Out Global Version of iPlayer App Telegraph The BBC has launched a global version of the iPlayer on the iPad, offering users outside of the U.K. "the best of the BBC's content" for €49.99 a year. The app has launched across 11 European countries and will roll out to the U.S. and Canada before the end of the year. Fox Delays Web Viewing Except for Subscribers Associated Press In a move that seeks to reward viewers for paying their monthly TV bills, News Corp.'s Fox broadcasting plans to allow Dish subscribers to watch new episodes of its shows online the day after they air, but make others -- including Fox.com and video site Hulu -- wait eight days. Comcast, NBC Offer Live Ads with On-Demand Reuters Comcast is teaming up with its NBC Universal unit to help programmers dynamically place commercials around on-demand TV shows in a bid to drive new advertising revenue. Using new technology from Comcast and partner Black Arrow, the ads can easily be changed at any time. ABC Cancelled Soaps Face Rocky Move to Web Los Angeles Times Prospect Park, the firm that plans to give new life to the cancelled ABC soap operas "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" on the Internet, appears to be facing difficulties with the transition. Producing the two shows for the web will mean persuading the unions to swallow a lot of cuts. CNN Hires Washington Correspondent from NBC CNN Athena Jones will join CNN as a general assignment correspondent, reporting on a wide range of news stories. Jones, who will be based in Washington D.C., previously was a White House producer with NBC, where she reported on air for both NBC News and MSNBC. ABC Bans Paying News Subjects for Exclusives Daily Beast ABC News has decided to get out of the business of paying news subjects for exclusive interviews. After taking a public-relations hit in several high-profile cases, ABC will no longer be buying photos or video. However, the new approach "is not an absolute ban." ESPN Tell-All Book Near Deal for Feature Film Deadline 20th Century Fox is closing a deal for the rights to "ESPN: Those Guys Have All The Fun," to develop a feature about the formation of the 24-hour sports network. The gossipy media book features back-stabbing and egos with elements reminiscent of "The Social Network." MSNBC Ex-Host Takes Network Gripe to Internet Los Angeles Times Cenk Uygur, who hosted the news show "MSNBC Live" during the 6 p.m. hour, has left the network after it sought to move him to a less prominent slot. Uygur then went on his Internet show, "The Young Turks," to lash out at MSNBC brass for requiring a coziness with power players. MTV: 'Beavis and Butthead' to Return in October Associated Press Nearly two decades after their heyday, Beavis and Butthead are coming back. Creator Mike Judge says the ever adolescent, trash-talking duo will return to MTV this fall. In their new incarnation, the two perennial teens riff on YouTube submissions and "Jersey Shore." CBS: Sitcom Cast Seeks 'Happy Days' in Suit Associated Press "Happy Days" cast members who filed a multimillion dollar lawsuit against CBS over merchandise profits have received checks for a "small fraction" of the amount they say they are owed. Checks received after the case started were between $6,000 and $6,500. Fox Sued by 'American Idol' Creator Over Fees Reuters "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller has sued Fox seeking credits and monetary fees for the upcoming U.S. version of TV talent show, "The X Factor." The suit alleges that Fox has refused to honor a 2005 contract granting Fuller fees for the U.S. version of the new show. ABC to Test Couric as Talk Host on 'The View' Associated Press Katie Couric will be a guest co-host on the ABC talk show "The View" airing live on Aug. 3. Last month, it was announced that ABC and Disney had signed Couric as host and producer of a one-hour nationally syndicated talk show premiering in September 2012. CNN Claims 10 Million Mobile App Downloads TechCrunch CNN offers mobile apps for many devices. All in all, the news network's mobile apps have been downloaded 10 million times, according to the company. On Apple devices, CNN is the No. 1 and No. 3 news apps on the iPhone, as well as the No. 1 news app on the iPad. ESPN Releases Facebook Social Sports Game Mashable ESPN is mixing its sports prowess with the increasingly popular casual gaming sector by releasing its second social game, ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. The game, now playing on Facebook, was developed in collaboration with Playdom and tasks players to run a virtual sports bar. SNL Kagan: 12 Million to Cut the Cord by 2015 Forbes Cable viewership may be holding steady for now but according to SNL Kagan, cord cutting will be a real threat in the next few years. The research firm expects 12 million households, roughly 10%, to go without cable, satellite or telco video service by 2015. Time Warner Cable Launches Daily Deals Site Austin Business Time Warner Cable is the latest trying to grab a piece of the growing daily deals pie. The company's advertising division, Time Warner Cable Media, has rolled out a deals platform in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, Texas. It will be expanded to other cities later this year. Nexstar TV-Station Operator Puts Itself Up for Sale Reuters Nexstar Broadcasting plans to explore strategic alternatives that may result in a possible sale of the television station operator. Nexstar, based in Irving, Texas, operates or provides sales and related services to 65 TV stations, many of which are affiliates of NBC and CBS. Sinclair Extends CW Network Affiliate Agreements MarketWatch Sinclair Broadcast Group said that its 10 affiliation agreements with The CW Network have been extended until the end of August 2016. Sinclair is one of the largest CW affiliate groups. CW shows include "Nikita," "The Vampire Diaries" and "America's Next Top Model." CBS Unveils Billboard Touting 'Two and Half Men' TMZ It has barely been a month since Charlie Sheen's face adorned the outer wall of Warner Bros. studios in California. But now, Ashton Kutcher has finally entered the picture -- with significantly less clothing. A new "Two and a Half Men" billboard promotes the sitcom's new cast. CNBC Media Journalist Takes Maternity Leave CNBC Julia Boorstin, CNBC media and entertainment reporter and author of the CNBC.com blog Media Money, has gone on maternity leave. Boorstin, who works from CNBC's Los Angeles bureau, is expected to return to reporting for CNBC and to posting Media Money in September. MSNBC Eyes Sharpton as Evening Show Host TVNewser Keith Olbermann's departure from MSNBC earlier this year set in motion several host changes on the news channel's lineup. Among the possible changes yet to come: Al Sharpton could become host of a program at the 6 p.m. hour, recently known as "MSNBC Live." Showtime Brings Kudrow's 'Web Therapy' to TV Reuters Former "Friends" star Lisa Kudrow is back on TV in Showtime's new series, "Web Therapy" — the first time a show created for the Internet has moved to a 30-minute comedy on television. In the new show, Kudrow plays a self-involved online therapist. CBS Former Sitcom Star Sheen Plans TV Return Entertainment Weekly Charlie Sheen has announced plans to develop a TV show based on the movie "Anger Management." The former "Two and a Half Men" star said he will have ownership in the series, as well as a "certain amount of creative control." The project is yet to find a network home. NBC, Facebook Team for Presidential Debate The Hill NBC's "Meet the Press" and Facebook will host a GOP presidential debate the Sunday before the New Hampshire primary. Moderated by NBC's David Gregory, the forum will air as a special edition of "Meet the Press" and live stream on the social network. CNN, HLN to Stream on the Web for Subscribers Wall Street Journal Time Warner plans to make live simulcasts of its CNN and HLN cable-news channels available on the web to people who subscribe to participating TV distributors. Subscribers will be allowed to sign in to watch on CNN's website or on Apple devices like the iPad. NBCUniversal Opens Site to Sell Archived Clips Broadcasting & Cable NBC News has launched NBCUniversalArchives.com, a site that will allow customers to buy archive material from divisions across NBCUniversal, including NBC News, NBC Entertainment and Universal Studios. The site includes more than 40,000 clips. MTV Ratings, Growth Propelled by 'Jersey Shore' Examiner "Jersey Shore" has been credited with helping MTV mark its sixth consecutive quarter of growth, despite only one episode of the show airing in the second quarter of 2011. "Jersey Shore," MTV's flagship series, is the cable network's highest-rated series ever. CBS to Reveal Fate of Sheen Character on 'Men' Washington Post CBS will reveal to viewers Sept. 19 what happened to Charlie Harper. That's the date the network has set for the return of "Two and a Half Men" to its Monday lineup — without Charlie Sheen. Current speculation has Sheen's character driving his car off a cliff. ABC, CBS, NBC Win Viewers for Evening News New York Post The Royal Wedding, the killing of Osama bin Laden and Japan's near-nuclear meltdown drove TV viewers to do the almost unthinkable: watch the evening news. The evening broadcasts on NBC, ABC and CBS added viewers in the second quarter -- the first time in a decade. Sirius XM Legal Battle with Stern Heating Up Deadline The legal war between Howard Stern and his satellite radio boss Mel Karmazin appears to be heating up, according to newly filed affidavits. Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin "has said that if he had been CEO at the time" of their contracts, "he would have given Stern much less." NBC's 'Playboy' Finds Outlet in Salt Lake City TV Guide NBC has found a new home for "The Playboy Club" in Salt Lake City. KMYU, the Utah capital's My Network TV affiliate, has agreed to air the new drama after local NBC affiliate KSL refused. KSL is owned by Bonneville, which is operated by the Church of Latter-Day Saints. CNN's Yellin Named White House Correspondent Associated Press CNN has named Jessica Yellin as its new chief White House correspondent. She replaces Ed Henry, who recently jumped to Fox News Channel. Yellin has served as national political correspondent for CNN since January 2009. She joined the network in 2007. CBS Plans Talk Show for 'Survivor' Host Probst New York Times CBS, the longtime distributor of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," is planning a new daytime talk show with Jeff Probst, host of the reality show "Survivor." Probst's untitled talk show, expected to start in the fall of 2012, will likely cover many of the same topics as Winfrey's. TBS: No 'Bidding War' for New Sheen Sitcom Digital Spy TBS has denied speculation that it is involved in a "bidding war" for a new Charlie Sheen show. A Radar Online report had claimed that Sheen has signed a deal with Lionsgate to make a new sitcom and that TBS was the frontrunner to broadcast the show. Fox News Talk Shows Aren't Factual, Exec Says Media Matters Former News Corp. president Peter Chernin has admitted in a new TV special on Rupert Murdoch that some Fox News shows are not meant to be "factual." According to Chernin, "no one ever pretends" that Fox's talk and opinion shows "are news and factual." Supreme Court to Decide TV Profanity, Nudity Reuters The Supreme Court has said it would decide whether broadcasters can be fined for showing nudity or airing a single expletive blurted live. The justices agreed to review a an appeals court ruling that struck down the Federal Communication Commission's indecency policy. HBO App Gets 3 Million Downloads in 3 Weeks New York Post HBO expected to see its 3 millionth download of the HBO Go app -- the mobile version of the pay channel -- sometime last night, company officials said over the weekend. While rival Netflix has some 23 million subscribers, the HBO app is only 3 weeks old. NBC New iPad App Lacks Full-Length Episodes GigaOM NBC has introduced a new iPad app as a companion to its online video property, NBC.com. The app has a wide range of information about its shows, schedules, games and some short-form video. But the app lacks access to full-length episodes of NBC shows. CNN First Sports Broadcaster Charles Dies at 64 CNN Nick Charles, who started off as a taxi driver and later became the first sports anchor at CNN, died Saturday after battling bladder cancer since 2009. He was 64. Charles began at CNN on the network's first day, June 1, 1980, and covered nearly every sporting event. Sirius XM Radio Sees New Future in Used Cars TheStreet Shares of Sirius XM are heading higher after the company announced a new promotion this week with General Motors. More than 1,000 GM dealers will offer a three-month promotional subscription on any satellite-radio equipped used car sold. Comcast, AT&T Eye Tough Piracy Punishments CNET Comcast, AT&T and other bandwidth providers are near a deal with media companies that would call for them to establish tougher punishments for customers who refuse to stop using their networks to pirate films, music and other intellectual property. Viacom, Time Warner May Settle iPad TV Suits Reuters Viacom and Time Warner Cable are trying to settle lawsuits over whether cable companies have a right to stream programing on devices such as Apple's iPad. The two companies are "attempting to resolve this and other litigation and potential litigation." CBS 'Two & Half Men' to Kill Sheen Character? Janet Charlton's Hollywood Writer Andrew Morton insists that he has inside information as to how Charlie Sheen's character will disappear on "Two and a Half Men." Sheen's character will be killed off in a car crash. After the funeral, Ashton Kutcher's character will buy his beach house. NBC Gives Trump-Sized Raise to The Donald New York Post Playing the presidential card has paid off for Donald Trump. The real-estate mogul got a sizeable pay raise to renew his contract to host "The Celebrity Apprentice." NBC has agreed to pay Trump and co-producer Mark Burnett $160 million over two years. CBS to Air Grammy Awards for Another 10 Years CBS News CBS and the Recording Academy have reached a new 10-year deal to keep the Grammy Awards airing on the network through 2021. The deal also includes the annual "Grammy Nominations Concert Live" special, as well as an additional two-hour special. AMC 'Mad Men' Inspires Banana Republic Line New York Times Banana Republic has teamed up with the costume designer from "Mad Men" to offer a new collection of '60s-inspired fashions, due out in August. The next season of "Mad Men" won't debut until 2012. " 'Mad Men' continues to be relevant whether it's on the air or not." Current TV: Olbermann Bests CNN in Young Adults Associated Press Current TV is celebrating Keith Olbermann's debut performance. His new "Countdown" drew 179,000 viewers age 25 to 54, the young adult demographic favored by advertisers. In comparison, CNN's Eliot Spitzer had 89,000. Olbermann left MSNBC five months ago. Comcast CEO: 'Jury is Out' on Netflix's Impact Wall Street Journal Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said the "jury is out" about whether Netflix will compel people to cut their cable service but that initial fears that it may have been overblown. "Whether its business prospects are good or over-hyped… your guess is as good as mine." Dish Network CEO Quits Board of EchoStar Denver Business Joseph Clayton, the new president and CEO of Dish Network, has resigned from the board of its sister company, EchoStar. Clayton left the EchoStar board, "among other reasons, to allow him to devote more time to his new responsibilities" at Dish.
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