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Television & Radio Recent Headlines Dr Laura to Leave Radio Show ... for Internet CNN Dr. Laura Schlessinger, under fire for using the N-word repeatedly during an on-air chat with a caller, has decided "not to do radio anymore" after 30 years, saying she wants to regain her "First Amendment rights." She adds that she plans to grow her Internet presence. FM Radio Mandatory In Future Cell Phones? Ars Technica Music labels and radio broadcasters want Congress to mandate FM radio receivers to be built into mobile phones and other portable devices. The Consumer Electronics Association, however, sees the request as "the height of absurdity" from "buggy-whip industries." Google TV Plan Causes Jitters in Hollywood Los Angeles Times Google is touting an ambitious new technology, called Google TV, which will marry the Internet with traditional television. But the prospect of Google entering TV frightens many in Hollywood. Some say the Internet giant's moves will "destroy the legacy business model." Comcast Poll: TV Time Shifting on the Rise Associated Press Some 62% of U.S. viewers say they use time-shifting technology such as digital video recorders, says a poll conducted for cable giant Comcast. Six in 10 people say they own a DVR. "I just don't have the time to figure out what shows are on at what time," one viewer says. ABC: We Won't Drop 'Charlie Brown' Specials Associated Press The "Peanuts" holiday specials, including "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," will continue running on ABC under a new five-year deal with Iconix Brand Group. Iconix bought the licensing rights to "Peanuts" from Scripps earlier this year. Fox Television Studios Taps Madden as Head Los Angeles Times David Madden, the top creative exec at Fox Television Studios -- the News Corp. production outfit behind some of cable's highest-rated dramas -- is being named president of the unit. He succeeds Emiliano Calemzuk, who resigned last week to lead the U.S. arm of Shine. NBC Universal Promotes Digital Guru Death Variety Cameron Death, who helped launch NBC Universal's Digital Studio, is being upped to senior VP and general manager. Death, the exec behind NBCU's advertiser-supported digital shorts, will be charged with integrating digital productions with entertainment properties. NBCSports.com Relaunching as Traffic Grows Sports Business Journal NBC Sports is using the success of ProFootballTalk.com as a template for its digital business, with a redesign for NBCSports.com set to launch around Labor Day. The PFT model, featuring a blog-based effort as an entry point, will be replicated for other major sports. ABC, CBS Audiences Aging Faster Than Ever AP / NYT The median age of viewers at ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC is now 51. The broadcasters' audience has aged at twice the rate of the general population during the past two decades, according to a new report from Baseline. Also: The big cable channels keep getting bigger. Universal, MTV Call Truce Over Web Videos Advertising Age MTV.com lost its rights to stream videos from Universal Music artists after the two companies couldn't agree on digital-advertising terms. Now, Universal is allowing the site to post its artists' videos strictly for the purpose of the Video Music Awards, coming Sept. 21. Hulu Online Video Hub Seen Ready for IPO New York Times Hulu execs are said to be talking to investment banks about pursuing an initial public offering that could value the company at more than $2 billion. The video hub, founded as a joint venture of News Corp., Disney and NBC Universal, could go public as soon as this fall. Oprah Network Sued for MS Discrimination TMZ A former employee of the forthcoming Oprah Winfrey Network claims in lawsuit that she was subjected to a "hostile work environment" because she suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. Catherine Dunn says that her MS symptoms were exacerbated due to workplace stress. NBC Pulls 'Man Men' Spoof After Complaints Hollywood Reporter NBC, which will air the Emmy Awards on Aug. 29, pulled its promo spots for the show after other networks complained about its joking "Mad Men"-themed promo ad for the telecast. "They're running basically ads for 'Mad Men' in middle of the voting," says one rival. MTV 'Jersey Shore' Breaks Another Record Examiner Last week's episode of "Jersey Shore" ranks as the highest rated show in the series' history, attracting 5.5 million viewers. Among viewers ages 12 to 34, the episode was watched by more than 5.3 million fans, making it the highest rated show on television on Thursday. NBC Universal Names Revenue Exec for CNBC Broadcasting & Cable Former WNBC general manager Tom O'Brien is being named chief revenue officer at CNBC, a new position. The cable channel says it aims to derive "the full value for CNBC's brand" across all platforms. "As the media landscape evolves, our strategy needs to do the same." Viacom's MTV Sees Competition for Arab Youth New York Times The Cairo-based 4Shbab channel broadcasts music videos and reality shows aimed at young people without the sexual content found on Viacom's MTV Arabia, which mostly runs Western videos. Launched just last year, 4Shbab claims to reach 60% of Arab youth. MTV UK Launches First Internet-Only Drama Telegraph MTV U.K. is announcing the launch of its first web-only drama, "Being Victor," and says more programming exclusive to digital will follow. The new series, about a Scottish teen blogger, will run in 20 five-to eight minute shorts. "Viewing habits are evolving," the network says. Allbritton Objects to Comcast-NBC Merger Los Angeles Times Allbritton, the parent of Politico and television operations in Washington, D.C., is running advertisements warning of potential pitfalls of a Comcast-NBC Universal merger. The union, Allbritton fears, could allow Comcast-NBC properties to benefit unfairly in the D.C. market. Fox: Lopez Out as Judge on 'American Idol' People Jennifer Lopez won't be a judge on "American Idol" after all, sources say. The singer-actress had been closing a deal to become a judge on the show for its upcoming 10th season but the talks fell apart. "Her demands got out of hand. Fox had just had enough." CNN Due to Announce Morgan as King Heir TheWrap An official announcement on Piers Morgan is taking over as Larry King's replacement is expected early next week at the latest. The "America's Got Talent" judge will take over weeknights at 9 p.m. on CNN. "That quite a big job to do," Morgan is quoted as saying. AMC's 'Mad Men' Offers Charity Walk-On Role Reuters "Mad Men" is offering a walk-on role in the AMC 1960s advertising drama in a charity auction that will partly benefit the lung cancer program at southern California's City of Hope hospital. Other items up for auction include dresses worn by characters Betty Draper and Joan Harris. Oprah, Sheen Lead List of TV's Top Earners TV Guide Oprah Winfrey, Charlie Sheen, Matt Lauer and Ryan Seacrest are among television's highest-paid performers in various categories, according to a newly released breakdown of salaries. The broadcast networks are said to be cutting star pay as revenues decline. Tiger Woods Making TV Networks 'Nervous' Bloomberg Ratings for two golf events on CBS have dropped nearly 70% from the events held the same weeks a year ago, when Tiger Woods won them both. Woods, who is searching for his first golf victory since a five-month break from the sport, is making networks "nervous." ESPN, Gas Station TV Expand Deal for Ads Mediaweek Gas Station TV is expanding its agreement with ESPN, which has provided content to the out-of-home network at the gas pump since 2007. In the new deal, the two companies now offer advertisers the opportunity to embed advertising within ESPN Sports News. Apple TV to Run Apps, Rebrand as 'iOffering' Engadget Apple's TV project is said to be preparing to be renamed iTV and will run apps, much like the company's iPhone and iPad. Cross-pollination between the iPad, iPhone and other Apple "iofferings" is unclear. In addition, the new iTV, expected out this fall, will cost just $100. Cox to Offer Video-on-Demand Through TiVo Associated Press Cox Communications's video-on-demand library will become accessible on TiVo's latest digital video recorder, the TiVo Premiere, in Cox's major markets. The deal aims to allow customers to use TiVo's interface and search function to access Cox's on-demand videos. Time Warner Cable Plans Apple iPad App NewTeeVee Time Warner Cable is developing an Apple iPad app that will allow subscribers to navigate through content with an interactive programming guide. Time Warner plans to tie its TV Everywhere streaming content into the device, enabling subscribers to view on-demand service. CBS Leads Broadcast Networks' Aging Viewers Hollywood Reporter The audiences of the four major U.S. broadcast networks are older than ever, according to Nielsen data. CBS' median viewership aged one year last season -- to 55. The oldest-skewing broadcast shows include CBS' "The Good Wife" (58) and the "NCIS" franchise (57). Comcast Spends Multimillions on NBC Takeover Philadelphia Inquirer Comcast is spending tens of millions of dollars on lawyers, accountants, lobbyists and bankers to gain approval of its $30 billion takeover of NBC Universal. The uncertainty surround the deal is taking a toll, as the cable giant returns modest gains to shareholders. CKX Founder Preps Cash Bid for 'American Idol' Bloomberg Robert F.X. Sillerman, the former CEO of CKX, says he is preparing a cash offer of $5.50 to $5.75 a share for a controlling stake in the owner of the "American Idol" television show. The proposal calls for Sillerman to return to the company as executive chairman. NBC: Fallon is Web's Top Late-Night TV Host Forbes NBC's Jimmy Fallon is No. 1 on the list of the top late-night television show hosts on the web, based on the size of their digital footprint, according to PeekScore. Fallon boasts an active Twitter feed with 2.7 million followers and a highly-trafficked stream of web content. Fox News Host to Open Ground Zero Gay Bar Mediaite Fox News Channel "Red Eye" host Greg Gutfeld says he is talking to investors about building an Islamic gay bar next door to the controversial so-called Ground Zero mosque. Gutfeld, a former editor of Maxim magazine, claims the establishment would reduce Muslim homophobia. MTV Selects Its First-Ever Twitter Jockey Associated Press MTV is naming 23-year-old blogger Gabi Gregg its first "Twitter Jockey." Gregg won the position after a nationwide vote. The TJ position is the updated version of the network's VJ job. Gregg will report on pop culture news using Twitter, Facebook and blogs. MTV Loses Web Videos from Universal Music CNET Viacom's MTV, once the king of music videos, has failed to reach an agreement with music portal Vevo for the rights to online music videos from Universal Music, home of such artists as U2 and Lady Gaga. Most of MTV's Internet properties will lose access to Universal's videos. CNN Surpasses Fox News on the Internet Mediaweek FoxNews.com trails cable-news rival CNN.com by many millions of visitors. The numbers are leading some to wonder whether Fox News's lack of success in the arena could eventually undermine its influence in American news, as more audiences migrate to digital sources. Fox Sees Mommy Bloggers as Fertile Demo Variety News Corp.'s 20th Century Fox home entertainment unit is among the sponsors of this year's BlogHer conference, now wrapping up in New York. Fox execs see mommy bloggers as "the most fertile marketing demo to come along since comic-book geeks." NBC Reality Star at Center of HP Scandal New York The woman involved in the scandal that brought about Hewlett-Packard CEO Mark Hurd's resignation is identified as actress Jodie Fisher. Fisher appeared on the NBC reality show "Age of Love," in which a group of women competed for the affection of a tennis star. MSNBC's Olbermann Punted by 'Football' New York Post MSNBC news commentator Keith Olbermann is reportedly being yanked off NBC's "Sunday Night Football" this year. Olbermann's MSNBC bosses are said to be behind the move, complaining that the show is distracting him from his job on the cable news network. My Damn Channel Web Videos Win Backing New York Times Money is trickling back into professional web videos, helped by branded entertainment deals and venture capital firms. My Damn Channel, the distributor of Illeana Douglas's Ikea-backed "Easy to Assemble," is announcing a $4.4 million infusion of financing. Tribune Anchorless TV News Plan 'Flawed' New York Daily News Houston's KIAH is considering anchorless news as the Tribune local TV station looks for a new strategy to boost its low ratings. But some local insiders insist that the idea is flawed, saying TV news audiences want an "intimate" and "familiar" bond with anchors. Fox: 'American Idol' Eyed David Geffen for Judge Deadline A few months ago, "American Idol" producer Simon Fuller reportedly approached Hollywood titan David Geffen, the founder of both Asylum Records and Geffen Records, to take the judging gig left vacant by Simon Cowell. The multibillionaire responded: "Why should I do this?" CBS 'ET's' Mary Hart Accepts 50% Salary Cut Hollywood Reporter "Entertainment Tonight" anchor Mary Hart is said to have accepted a 50% pay cut in her 29th and final year at the entertainment news show -- a reflection of the declining fortunes of television's syndication business. Hart reportedly had been raking in $5 million a year. Oprah Network Signs Rosie for Daytime Show Bloomberg OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network is signing Rosie O'Donnell as host of a daily program scheduled to begin airing in 2011. The one-hour daytime show, part of a program slate for the new pay-television channel, will be produced by O'Donnell and based in New York. CBS 'Entertainment Tonight' Host Hart to Quit New York Post Mary Hart, the co-anchor of "Entertainment Tonight" for the past 28 years, is said to be planning to step down from the CBS syndicated show after next season, when "ET" will celebrate its 30th anniversary. "She hasn't decided what she'll do next," says an insider. Sirius XM Eyes Renewal of Shock Jock Stern Hollywood Reporter Sirius XM Satellite Radio hopes to have an update on the future of shock jock Howard Stern, whose contract is up at the end of this year, within the next few months, says CEO Mel Karmazin. More than 1 million subscribers are said to have signed up with Sirius based on Stern's hire. Fox's 'American Idol' to Add Iovine as Mentor Los Angeles Times Jimmy Iovine, the legendary record producer, is expected to have a significant role on "American Idol" next year. Iovine, who has worked with the likes of Bruce Springsteen and U2, is unlikely to be a judge on the show. He is expected to serve as "a mentor of sorts." Comcast-NBC Merger Threatens 11 Markets The Hill The proposed Comcast-NBC Universal merger poses a particular threat to 11 U.S. markets, says the Coalition for Competition in Media. The markets: Boston; Chicago; Denver; Fresno; Hartford; Houston; Miami; Philadelphia; Tucson; San Francisco; and Washington, D.C. CBS Combines TV, Radio Station Websites MediaPost CBS is rolling up all of the websites for its New York City broadcast properties, including television and radio stations, into a single mega-site, CBS New York. The move is expected to be the first of many such mergers of CBS local station sites across the country. NBC Rolls Out 'Daily Connection' to Stations New York Daily News The latest phase in NBC's attempt to spread content across its stations arrives Monday when WNBC in New York launches the "Daily Connection." The show compiles segments culled from NBC's various properties -- CNBC, MSNBC, LX.TV, "Access Hollywood." CBS to Sell TV Stations, Launch Websites RBR CBS boss Les Moonves says he is interested in selling some of the company's smaller-market radio and television stations. Meanwhile, CBS plans to boost its local media business online, launching destination websites that will "leverage the power" of company assets. Discovery Near Budget Limit on Oprah Network New York Post Discovery Communications says it has already spent $75 million out of the $100 million it set aside to launch Oprah Winfrey's OWN cable network in January. The network has completed production on only two to three nights worth of programming and will have to rely on reruns. Fox 'American Idol' Judges May Be Weeks Away Associated Press "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest says it could be weeks before the show's new judges are announced. Two openings have been created by the departures of Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres; Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are said to be front-runners for the chairs. Sony Music Label Dumped by 'American Idol' CNET Fox's "American Idol" is signing a new distribution and marketing deal with Universal Music, which calls for the record giant to promote and distribute albums globally from the talent show's finalists and contestants. The deal ends a longtime partnership with Sony Music. Comcast Enters 10-Year Deal to Carry CBS Dow Jones Comcast is signing a 10-year agreement that provides for CBS stations to have retransmission consent, a deal providing the cable giant with expanded on-demand access. Comcast will greatly expand access to CBS and Showtime content via its cable and online platforms. CBS in Talks to Bring TV Shows to Hulu Reuters CBS is in talks to bring some of its television shows to the Hulu Plus subscription online video service, says CEO Les Moonves. CBS is the only major broadcaster whose shows are not available on Hulu. "Our goal is to get paid in different ways without hurting the mother ship." Broadcast TV Viewers Get Older Every Year New York Post The median age of viewers of all U.S. broadcast networks except the CW is over 45, says a study by Magna Global. Young people are more likely to go online. No new big hits means audiences are getting older every year. The median age of CBS' "CSI" is 56. MTV Kicks Off Global Music Performances Media Week MTV Networks will kick off a series of events, "MTV Crashes ..." in Glasgow next month, with a performance by rapper Sean Diddy Combs. The "MTV Crashes ..." events will feature exclusive music performances hosted by MTV and broadcast in 161 countries. ABC Family Creates 'Chatterbox' iPad App Mediaweek ABC Family is unveiling the ABC Family Chatterbox app for the Apple iPad, allowing fans of hit shows such as "Pretty Little Liars" to weigh in on which characters are being particularly wicked that week --- as the show airs. Users can connect with fellow fans via the app. CBS: '$#*! My Dad Says' Faces a Boycott EW.com The Parents Television Council is again warning advertisers against CBS' new show "$#*! My Dad Says." Sitcom co-creator Max Mutchnick responds: "As a parent, it is my opinion that the Parents Television Council has more important s---t to focus on." CBS: 'Men' Unaffected by Sheen Plea Deal Los Angeles Times The coming season of CBS' No. 1 sitcom "Two and a Half Men," set to debut Sept. 20, is no longer jeopardized by Charlie Sheen's legal woes. The star has reached a deal with prosecutors in his assault case that will involve a speedy stay in rehab plus probation. News Corp Eyes Bids for Texas Sports Teams Dallas Morning News News Corp. is said to be interested in bidding on the Texas Rangers baseball team. The media giant also is among the bidders for the Texas Stars hockey team. Most Stars games are seen on Fox Sports Southwest. Fox Sports "would like control over the product." Viacom Kills 'Anchorman' Over Foreign Forces Wall Street Journal Viacom's Paramount Pictures canceled the planned sequel to the hit 2004 film "Anchorman," fearing the comedy's uniquely American brand of humor wouldn't play internationally. "The economics of the business have changed," says "Anchorman" director Adam McKay. Time Warner's Turner to Open Office in Dubai National Turner Broadcasting System, parent of CNN and Cartoon Network, plans to open an office in Dubai this year and may start a production center as it aims to boost production of Arabic-language content. The company also will launch a Cartoon Network Arabic channel. Disney's ABC Family Guy 'Super-Unprepared' USA Today Paul Lee, head of the ABC Family cable network, is being named programming chief for ABC. The former BBC exec takes over for Steve McPherson, who exited last week. Lee says he is "super-unprepared" to discuss strategy, but has no plans for immediate changes. NBC Chief Hopeful as Comcast Buyout Nears Wall Street Journal Comcast is rumored to be considering replacing NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker when it wins U.S. approval to take over the media company. "Nobody is entitled to any job," Zucker admits. However, he believes that "things are going incredibly well, and I'm excited to continue." Fox: No 'American Idol' Announcement Monday Hollywood Reporter Fox says there will be no news about "American Idol" at its Television Critics Association panel on Monday. However, last year Simon Cowell signed his "X Factor" deal minutes before taking the TCA stage. Jennifer Lopez's deal to become a judge "is holding things up." CNN: Morgan Beats Out Couric to Replace King New York Times Piers Morgan and Katie Couric were the two people considered for the coveted slot at CNN to replace Larry King. But unwinding Couric from her CBS deal this year would be "severely complicated." Morgan and CNN are now in talks; his hiring could be announced this week. ABC: Obama Visit Sets Record for 'The View' Baltimore Sun President Obama's visit to ABC's "The View" set a ratings record for the daytime talk show, with an audience of 6.59 million viewers. The previous high was 6.17 million viewers on the morning after the 2008 presidential election that brought Obama into office. MTV 'Jersey Shore' Premiere Ratings Up 300% Star-Ledger MTV's "Jersey Shore" season 2 premiere, with an audience of 5.3 million, is the top cable telecast of the year so far among young viewers. The telecast ranks as the Viacom network's best season premiere since the season 2 start of "The Osbournes" in 2002. Fox News Gets Front Row White House Seat Yahoo News The White House Correspondents Association is moving Fox News up to the front row in the briefing room. The WHCA's unanimous decision was "persuaded by Fox's length of service and commitment." However, Fox News will not be taking Helen Thomas's former center seat. CBS Staffer Alleges Abuse by Chief Redstone Daily Beast Karen O'Rourke Zatorski, CBS VP of corporate relations, claims that chief Sumner Redstone verbally abused her and displayed a violent temper. Though Zatorski has not yet filed a lawsuit, she has lodged a complaint with CBS, which is investigating the matter. ABC: Emails Focus of Exec McPherson Probe Hollywood Reporter The story behind ABC entertainment chief Steve McPherson's departure from his job apparently is more dramatic than previously believed. While McPherson was on vacation, Disney reviewed e-mails as part of a probe triggered by a complaint from a female exec. ABC: Obama Explains 'The View' Appearance Washington Post Why did President Obama do "The View"? Obama says he wanted to be on a show his wife "actually watched." According to the White House, Obama appeared on the daytime talk show due to "the difficulty of reaching people in this hyperactive media environment." Fox: DeGeneres Out as 'American Idol' Judge Los Angeles Times Ellen DeGeneres' tenure as the fourth judge on Fox juggernaut "American Idol" is sputtering to an end after just one season, with the show in the midst of a massive overhaul. DeGeneres says she told the producers that the show "didn't feel like the right fit for me." MTV 'Laguna' Series Triggers a Crime Wave AOL News Crime appeared to rise in Laguna Beach after MTV filmed its hit reality series "Laguna Beach" there, according to a study from Occidental College. The series lured tourists to the region, resulting in an increase in burglaries and rapes. The rise is "statistically significant." CBS Boss Moonves is Fodder for 'The Talk' Entertainment Weekly Julie Chen, wife of CBS boss Les Moonves, will star on three CBS shows: hosting "Big Brother," anchoring "The Early Show" and now co-hosting "The Talk." Chen is expected to chat about her relationship with Moonves on the new "The View"-like daytime talk show. ABC Exec Departs Amid 'Gossip, Innuendo' Hollywood Reporter Steve McPherson is said to have resigned as ABC's top entertainment exec as the network conducted an internal sexual harassment investigation of him. McPherson's attorney says: "It is not uncommon for high level execs to be the subject of gossip and innuendo." Showtime Urged to Dump Oliver Stone Series Bloomberg Billionaire media investor Haim Saban is calling on CBS' Showtime to cancel Oliver Stone's planned "Secret History of America" documentary series after the filmmaker made remarks criticized as anti-Semitic. CBS Radio fired host Don Imus in 2007 over racial epithets. DirecTV Signs Up for 'Undercover Boss' Show Reuters Will DirecTV CEO Mike White be installing satellite-TV dishes on the sly for a reality television series? CBS is announcing that top execs from DirecTV, NASCAR, Chiquita and Great Wolf Resorts will take part its reality TV hit "Undercover Boss" for the coming season. CBS Adds More Gay Characters to TV Shows Hollywood Reporter CBS says it will add gay characters to "$#*! My Dad Says," "Rules of Engagement" and "The Good Wife" following a report by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation that gave the network a failing grade for two years in a row. "We're not happy with ourselves." ESPN Pulls LeBron James Story from Website New York Observer ESPN yanked a story from its website about a night basketball star LeBron James spent at a nightclub in Las Vegas. "The draft was inadvertently put on the server," says a spokeswoman. ESPN has faced criticism for "ceding control" to James in exchange for exclusives. CNN: Piers Morgan 'Can't Talk' About Job Offer USA Today Piers Morgan is giving no hints during an appearance on NBC's "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" about the rumor that he will take over Larry King's post on CNN. "I can't actually talk about that at the moment. All I can say is I have just signed a new deal with 'America's Got Talent.' " Fox to Debut TV Show in Vanity Fair Magazine New York Times A new Fox television series will be seen by Vanity Fair readers and Apple iPad owners before its network premiere. Vanity Fair will insert DVDs of "Lone Star" in copies of the magazine and stream it through its iPad app. Fox is also buying print ads in VF's October issue. Oprah TV Show Hits All-Time Ratings Low Broadcasting & Cable In the week ending July 18, CBS Television Distribution's "The Oprah Winfrey Show" sunk to an all-time ratings low for the third time in five weeks -- almost moving Oprah out of syndication's Top 10. Compared to last year at this time, Oprah is down 20%. Cable, Games Seen as Sure Bets for Media Biz Los Angeles Times Jeff Sagansky, a veteran of "old media" companies including NBC, CBS and Sony, is now an investor in new media. Internet entertainment is still an "evolving business," he admits. What are the best businesses today? "Cable and games are the two leaders." ABC Programming Chief Resigns After Clashes Los Angeles Times Steve McPherson, president of ABC Entertainment, is stepping down after repeated clashes with his bosses that reached a climax in the last few days after he got wind that a replacement was in the wings. McPherson is to be succeeded by ABC Family chief Paul Lee. Comcast Profit Slips on NBC Universal Costs Reuters Comcast is reporting a nearly 9% decline in quarterly profit as it absorbs expenses related to its highly anticipated acquisition of NBC Universal. The No. 1 U.S. cable operator hopes to close the deal for a majority stake in NBC Universal by late this year. CBS is Most-Viewed Network for Fifth Week Associated Press Episodic reruns and reality shows are handing CBS a decisive win in the ratings. For the fifth consecutive week, CBS is dominating in total prime-time audience, averaging 5.9 million viewers. ABC and NBC are virtually tied with 4.99 million and 4.96 million, respectively. CNN Ratings Woes Not Limited to Larry King Los Angeles Times While CNN is spending much of its time focusing on jump starting its 8 and 9 p.m. hours, it might want to start paying a little more attention to the 7 and 10 p.m. hours as well. At 7, John King's show is off 42% in viewers; Anderson Cooper's 10 p.m. show is down 56%. MTV 'Jersey' Crew Opens NY Stock Exchange Associated Press The cast of MTV's "Jersey Shore" skipped the beach for a day to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi gave a thumbs up to stock brokers before ringing the bell. The second season of the hit show debuts Thursday. Univision Settles Payola Suit for $1 Million Wall Street Journal The U.S. government is settling charges against Spanish-language media firm Univision over allegations that some of its radio stations accepted payment to play some songs more frequently. Univision did not admit to any legal violations as part of $1 million settlement. NBC Won't Shutter 'Office' After Carell Exit Associated Press NBC is acknowledging that Steve Carell, star of "The Office," is leaving after this coming season when his seven-year contract expires. The sitcom, a linchpin of NBC's schedule, will continue. "We have tremendous faith in the writers and actors to keep it alive," NBC says. Fox Eyes Elton, Timberlake for 'Idol' Role Hollywood Reporter Elton John and Justin Timberlake are being added to the list of potential replacements for Simon Cowell on Fox's "American Idol." The two pop stars are on "Idol" producer Simon Fuller's wish list. Rumors are circulating that Fox is mulling dumping the entire judges panel. AMC: Viewers Mad for Return of 'Mad Men' New York Post "Mad Men" got off to a strong start Sunday night. The fourth-season premiere averaged 2.9 million viewers on AMC -- the biggest season opener in the show's history. Sunday's season opener is also up 5% in viewers and 10% in households over last year's season premiere. MTV's 'Jersey' Gets Facebook Game, App Mashable To help promote the second season of "Jersey Shore," MTV is releasing a Facebook game and Apple iPhone app that will feature the hit show's personalities in cartoon form. The Facebook game allows players to battle each other in a suntan lotion throwing contest. Hulu Viewers Decline Sharply in New Data Los Angeles Times Hulu, frequently touted as among the most popular video websites, is said to have seen its viewership shrivel to 24 million in June, from 43.5 million in May, under new methodology by comScore. The new figure underscores inconsistency in measuring online audiences. ABC: Obama to Visit 'The View' Thursday Associated Press President Obama will appear on ABC's "The View" on Thursday, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president has visited a daytime talk show, according to executive producers Barbara Walters and Bill Geddie. Obama's appearance is scheduled to tape on Wednesday. Oprah Offers Fergie Her Own TV Talk Show Daily Mail Oprah Winfrey is said to have offered the cash-strapped Duchess of York her own prime-time talk show. Winfrey is launching her own cable channel in January, and last week reportedly called Sarah Ferguson to offer her a deal. For Fergie, "the offer is a ray of light." AMC Screens 'Mad Men' Ahead of Cable TV New York Times AMC is screening the fourth-season premiere of "Mad Men" in Duffy Square (Times Square) in advance of the Sunday debut of the acclaimed series on cable television. The event includes the attendance of Elisabeth Moss, an Emmy Award-nominated star of the series. Viacom Chief's Girl-Band is a Go at MTV Hollywood Reporter An MTV reality show about an aspiring girl band favored by Viacom chief Sumner Redstone remains in development despite objections by some at the network. Redstone associates admit that his voice-mail flap makes them wonder if the 87-year-old mogul is "losing his grip." YouTube, ABC Affil Team for Citizen News WebProNews YouTube is experimenting with citizen reporting in San Francisco, teaming up with local ABC station KGO-TV to launch ABC7 uReport. YouTube and KGO are encouraging residents to submit news videos, and the ones that are deemed newsworthy will go on the air. NBC Universal Creates Its Own Ad Network Mediaweek NBC Universal is creating its answer to an online advertising network, though one comprised solely of its own websites. Called Universal Audience Platform, the group will sell display inventory across 21 sites on an audience basis, including NBC.com and iVillage. ABC's 'Smart, Original' Bashir Jumps to NBC Associated Press ABC News' Martin Bashir is leaving his post at "Nightline" to host a daily afternoon program on MSNBC and report for "Dateline NBC." MSNBC president Phil Griffin says the London-born Bashir "fits in with what MSNBC wants to be: He's smart, original and thoughtful." MTV Recognized for Gay Inclusion on Shows Reuters "The Real World" helped MTV became the first network to win an "excellent" rating for its portrayal of gay, lesbian and transgender people on television from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Fox was slammed for offensive stereotypes on "Family Guy." CNN Launches Free International News App Journalism.co.uk CNN is launching an international news app for the iPhone and iPod Touch, in a move described by company execs as "revolutionary." CNN launched a U.S.-only, paid news app last year but the international version will be free to users outside of the United States. Comcast May Be Forced to Sell NBC Stations Bloomberg Comcast may have to sell some NBC television stations or agree to have independent arbitration settle pricing disputes to get U.S. government approval for buying NBC Universal, analysts say. Comcast's power in key markets is "absolutely going to be a major concern." DirecTV Not Worried About Comcast-NBC Los Angeles Times Mike White, the new CEO of DirecTV, says he is not too concerned about a possible merger of Comcast and NBC Universal. "By the time they get done with the Federal Communications Commission, whatever they might have liked to do, they won't be able to do anyway." CBS Discusses Ending Couric 'Experiment' New York CBS is said to have considered buying out the remainder of Katie Couric's contract as anchor of the network's troubled evening-news broadcast and putting in someone new this fall. NBC CEO Jeff Zucker reportedly would "welcome Couric's return when she is available." Fox News Shutdown Sought by 'Journolists' Daily Caller A group of so-called liberal journalists using the now-defunct listserv Journolist are said to have debated the merits of whether the U.S. government should forcibly shut down Fox News: "Is there any reason why the FCC couldn't simply pull their broadcasting permit?" ESPN Internal Watchdog Slams LeBron Special Wall Street Journal Don Ohlmeyer, ESPN's internal journalism watchdog, is sharply criticizing the cable-sports network for what he says were ethical missteps in its recent broadcast of a television program devoted to basketball star LeBron James. "ESPN made some major mistakes." Comedy Central's 'South Park' Foe Arrested Smoking Gun Zachary Chesser, the 20-year-old Virginia man who this year threatened the creators of "South Park" over an episode featuring the Prophet Muhammad, is being arrested on federal charges after speaking openly to authorities of his ties to an overseas terrorist group. Comcast-NBC to Be Fourth Largest in Media New York Post Comcast, General Electric and NBC Universal claim in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission that their new joint venture entity won't dominate the television market, saying it will rank fourth among media companies in terms of advertising and affiliate revenue. ABC News for iPad Features Interactive Globe MacWorld The new ABC News app for the Apple iPad eschews the typical menu of headlines for a giant, interactive globe. A 3D globe covered with images from news headlines fills the iPad screen. Users manipulate the globe with the touch screen to access articles and videos. CBS to Launch Daytime Show Like 'The View' Associated Press After the soap opera "As the World Turns" concludes its 54-year run in September, CBS will replace it with an daily talk show hosted by six celebrity women, an echo of ABC's "The View." The new show's hosts include Julie Chen, the wife of CBS boss Les Moonves. ABC to Air Interviews with Facebook Founder Hollywood Reporter Diane Sawyer's interview on Wednesday with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg will also be extended to "Nightline" after a first part runs on "World News Tonight." ABC is considering using further material from the interview Thursday on "Good Morning America." NBC Covers Viacom Boss Redstone Phone Flap Los Angeles Times Viacom chief Sumner Redstone's voice mail message to Daily Beast reporter Peter Lauria trying to persuade him to give up a source is now fodder for the morning shows. NBC's "Today" is having Lauria on to discuss his story about the Redstone message. NBC: Conan Writer Stirs Twitter War Over Emmy Washington Post After Conan O'Brien's "Tonight Show" was nominated for an Emmy Award for best variety, music or comedy series, one of Conan's writers discovered the show's nod for best writing would not be part of the ceremony broadcast, triggering a Team Coco "ecstasy of outrage." Comcast, NBC Owner Boost Lobbying Spending Bloomberg Both Comcast and NBC parent General Electric are boosting spending on political donations and lobbying as they seek approval to merge Comcast and NBC. "We've come to a period in which money talks with particular force," says an opponent of the big-media merger. DirecTV Saves FX's 'Damages' from Cancellation New York Daily News DirecTV is saving FX's "Damages" from a near-fatal blow. After the show's dismal third-season ratings, DirecTV says it has inked a deal with Sony Pictures Television to take over the critically acclaimed drama. Last year, DirecTV salvaged "Friday Night Lights." MTV Signs 'Jersey Shorers' for Another Season Los Angeles Times Seven members of the "Jersey Shore" cast will be back this weekend to begin production on the third season of the MTV breakout show. The "Jersey" cast shot the first season for $5,000 per episode each; for season three their pay is close to $30,000 an episode. Fox Talks With Isaak to Replace 'Idol's' Cowell Hollywood Reporter Replacing Simon Cowell on Fox's top-rated "American Idol" is the network's No. 1 priority. Singer Chris Isaak has met twice with the network. Another affable crooner, Harry Connick Jr., also has been considered. Even Donald Trump has quietly lobbied for the job. CNN Pays Less to Hire Spitzer for New Show New York Post Eliot Spitzer is said to have accepted a contract from CNN for closer to $500,000 than $1 million, as is his new 8 p.m. show co-host, Kathleen Parker. Insiders say CNN isn't spending a lot on talent for the 8 p.m. show because its chances for success are slim. CNN Seeks NBC Permission for Piers Morgan Bloomberg CNN is said to be seeking permission from NBC to talk to "America's Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan about taking over for talk-show host Larry King. NBC's assent is necessary before CNN can hold direct negotiations with Morgan. King plans to step down later this year. MSNBC Olbermann Website Acquired by Rival New York Post Keith Olbermann "is despised at MSNBC," says rival cable news pundit Tucker Carlson. "He's the most disliked person in the building." Carlson bought the website KeithOlbermann.com just to drive him crazier. The site redirects to Carlson's site, DailyCaller.com. CBS '$#*! Dad Says' Leads Racier Primetime Hollywood Reporter CBS's "$#*! My Dad Says" and NBC's "Friends With Benefits" are among the new broadcast television shows poised to raise the risque quotient this fall. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission's "unconstitutionally vague" indecency rules are being struck down. Comcast-NBC Merger Faces Doubts at FCC Philadelphia Inquirer Michael Copps, a commissioner with the Federal Communications Commission, is skeptical of the proposed merger of Comcast and NBC Universal. More media giants will pursue their own mergers if Comcast and NBC are given a green light, he warns. Clear Channel: Internet Outdates FCC Rules Ars Technica Internet-based audio services are now "robust competitors to terrestrial radio stations," according to radio-station giant Clear Channel. These new rivals "axiomatically reduces radio broadcasters' share of the market," making U.S. ownership restrictions outdated. MTV Networks Buys Game Firm Social Express Associated Press MTV Networks is acquiring Social Express, a developer of online social games, marking its first entry into this increasingly popular space. MTV will integrate Social Express into Nickelodeon Digital, and create games based on Nickelodeon and other MTV Networks brands. E! Co-Founder Launches Celebrity Website Hollywood Reporter E! co-founder Alan Mruvka is launching a celebrity-focused online network, The Look, in the hope of establishing a new brand in the entertainment programming space. The site aims to blend fashion and celebrity programming with e-commerce. Turner, Sports Illustrated to Battle ESPN.com Bloomberg Time Warner is consolidating the online operations of its Turner Sports and Sports Illustrated magazine to challenge top sports site ESPN.com. SI will continue to create all editorial, and Turner Sports will handle the technical operations and advertising sales for SI.com. BBC U.S. News Website to Rival Newspapers Reuters British state broadcaster BBC plans to roll out a U.S.-focused news website, which will see it go into direct competition with local broadcasters and newspapers for advertising. The BBC has come under fierce attack from its U.K. commercial rivals. China Launches Global English TV Channel BBC News China's state news agency Xinhua is launching CNC World, a 24-hour global news channel in English. The launch is seen as an attempt by China to counter foreign media views. Beijing keeps close control over media in the country and often accuses Western media of bias. Comcast-NBC Makes Promises to Latinos Los Angeles Times Comcast says it will add a Latino to its board and create Telemundo spin-off channels after it closes on its deal to merge with NBC Universal. The move aims to ease concerns among the Latino community about the merger's possible effects on media diversity. Oprah Losing a Quarter of Her TV Viewers New York Post Last week was the lowest rated in the 24-year history of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," Nielsen says. While Oprah's influence may be at an all-time high, her impact on TV is "starting to fade." Viewers may be disconnecting in anticipation of her departure from five-days-a-week TV. Tribune to 'Bust' Local TV Station Clichés Chicago Tribune Tribune Broadcasting is naming Carrie King and John Zeigler regional VPs for "innovation and imagination," in a prelude to overhauling the on-air "feel" of the company's television stations. "We're out to bust the TV clichés," says Lee Abrams, Tribune chief innovation officer. CNN's Larry King to Leave 'On His Terms' CNN Larry King, the iconic television interviewer, says he plans to step aside from hosting his prime-time CNN show this fall. King will end his 25-year run "on his own terms," according to CNN U.S. chief Jon Klein. King will continue to contribute to CNN in periodic specials. Clear Channel: Seacrest Hints of Departure Radio-Info Ryan Seacrest, who is in year three of his three-year deal with Clear Channel, says he doesn't think he will renew his contract with the radio station giant. The popular on-air host says he is mulling "different things." Seacrest is rumored as a replacement for Larry King. Sirius XM Eyes Brand as 'New Howard Stern' Sun Russell Brand, the British comedian and star of the film "Get Him to the Greek," is reportedly being courted by Sirius XM Radio to host a show for the satellite broadcaster. Sirius XM is "giving him the hard sell" about how it "could make him the new Howard Stern." Univision Sets Record for World Cup Game Associated Press While many eyes were focused on the United States' World Cup match against Ghana last weekend, the contest between Mexico and Argentina became the most-watched program ever for Univision, the U.S. Spanish-language network, attracting 9.4 million viewers. NBC Execs Face Tense Wait on Their Future New York Post Jeff Zucker and Dick Ebersol and other NBC Universal senior staff are awaiting word of who gets to stay with the company as Comcast pushes for a possible November close on its purchase of the media giant. A new organizational structure is expected in September. MSNBC Hires WaPo Former Blogger Weigel Mediaite Dave Weigel, a blogger for the Washington Post until the publication of his private emails forced his resignation last week, is joining MSNBC as a paid contributor. Weigel's new assignment was announced on MSNBC's "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" on Monday night. CBS' Showtime Names Programming Boss Los Angeles Times Showtime is poised for a makeover as the CBS premium channel confirms that programming chief Robert Greenblatt, known for darker shows like "Dexter," is leaving the network. His successor, David Nevins, has developed more heartwarming fare, such as "Parenthood." Rosie, NBC in Negotiations for Talk Show Gossip Cop Rosie O'Donnell is said to be negotiating with NBC to host a new talk show on the network's owned and operated stations. The show is looking to launch in fall 2011. But there is one sticking point: "NBC wants an out if she implodes like she did on 'The View.'" Oprah Tops Forbes List of 'Most Powerful' Forbes Oprah Winfrey, after being ousted by Angelina Jolie on last year's Forbes list of the World's Most Powerful Celebrities, is taking back her crown. The Queen of all Media earned $315 million over the past 12 months and "garnered more media attention" than any other celeb. Tyra, Demand Media to Create Digital Brand AllThingsD Modeling star Tyra Banks is entering a partnership with Demand Media to create a digital brand focused on fashion and beauty. The deal between Banks' company and the online content maker will include the development of a website, online video offerings and mobile apps. Disney to Revive Radio Serials via Mobiles Associated Press Radio Disney, aimed at kids and young teenagers, is launching a 20-episode series that follows a 14-year-old girl as she tries to become a singer and songwriter. Listeners who miss the daily 90-second episode can hear it later on the station's website or via mobile phone. CNN, CBS in Talks Over Couric, Cost-Sharing New York Post CNN and CBS execs are said to have met again just last week to restart negotiations over a cost-sharing deal. Also, news anchor Katie Couric is in serious talks to stay at CBS after she informed CNN that she was not interested in taking over Larry King's spot. ABC News' Sawyer Forges 'Advocacy' Program Washington Post By pushing reporters to investigate e-mails from viewers and complain about official intransigence, news anchor Diane Sawyer is forging what one ABC exec calls an "advocacy" program. Says Sawyer: "It's become a real conversation. It gives us some freedom to be ourselves." Bloomberg Says Comcast Must Sell CNBC Philadelphia Inquirer According to Bloomberg L.P., if Comcast succeeds in acquiring NBC Universal, the cable giant will have the incentive to keep the currently unrated Bloomberg TV buried in its cable-TV channel lineup, permanently sealing CNBC's position as the No. 1 business-news channel. MSNBC.com Says Web Banner Ads Are Dead Mediaweek MSNBC.com is rolling out a sweeping redesign that aims to encapsulate "a major rethinking of what a news site is." As part of the redesign, MSNBC.com will no longer serve banner ads. "The banner is dead," says publisher Charlie Tillinghast. "They've become too commoditized." ABC/ESPN Airs Most-Watched Soccer Match Bloomberg The U.S.'s 2-1 loss to Ghana in the World Cup on Saturday was the most watched men's soccer match in American history, according to ESPN. The game, which was shown on Disney sibling ABC, averaged an 8.2 rating, 9.455 million households and 14.9 million viewers. Fox Unveils 'Mobile Hulu Lookalike' BitBop NewTeeVee News Corp.'s Fox Mobile is officially rolling out its mobile video service BitBop, offering television shows via Blackberry phones for $9.99 a month. The service, described as a "mobile Hulu lookalike," features programming from networks including CBS, Fox and NBC. Al Gore Sought Current TV Sale to Google Hollywood Reporter Al Gore's Current TV is bringing in MTV veterans to help overhaul the struggling cable channel, jettisoning its user-generated video clips in favor of more traditional full-length fare. The shakeup comes after Gore and his partners tried to sell the channel to Google. Showtime President May Jump to NBC Los Angeles Times Showtime president Bob Greenblatt plans to step down after seven years, after informing his bosses at owner CBS that he was prepared "for a new challenge." Greenblatt is said to be on the short list to run NBC Entertainment after Comcast takes over NBC Universal. Comcast-NBC: FCC Stops Clock of Review Wall Street Journal The Federal Communications Commission is stopping the clock on its review of Comcast's deal to acquire control of NBC Universal, citing deficiencies in the companies' responses to requests for information. Comcast says the holdup is due to mere "technical issues." NBC Star Al Franken Fights Comcast Merger RBR Former "Saturday Night Live" star Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., opposes the pending merger between Comcast and NBC Universal: "Approval of this deal poses a grave threat to the public interest, threatening to set off a dangerous trend of further media consolidation." CNN: Eliot Spitzer to Co-Host News Program CNN Former New York governor Eliot Spitzer and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Kathleen Parker will co-host a new CNN prime-time news program starting in the fall as the nation prepares for the 2010 midterm election. "I am grateful to CNN for the opportunity," Spitzer says. ESPN Says 99 Million Have Viewed World Cup TheWrap ESPN is estimating 99.2 million people have "consumed" World Cup content across all of its platforms during the first 10 days of the tournament. Of those who have consumed content on ESPN and ABC, 97% watched on TV, 27% used the Internet and 6% used mobile. MSNBC Preps Cautious Move Onto the iPad AllThingsD MSNBC is preparing its own entry into the Apple iPad app world. But the cable network is moving cautiously: Its free app will feature programming from just one of its shows, which it is yet to identify. Many programmers are yet to figure out what the iPad means for them. Disney, Dish Battle Over High-Def Channels Dow Jones Subscribers to Dish Network's satellite television service are losing access to four Disney high-def channels as the two companies reach an impasse in talks over carriage fees. The channels are ESPNews HD, Disney Channel HD, Disney XD HD and ABC Family HD. Clear Channel CEO Mark Mays Steps Down Financial Times CC Media Holdings CEO Mark Mays is to step down by the end of 2010, ending the founding Mays family's executive control of the largest U.S. radio company. Mays says the decision was made "amicably." The radio business was hit hard in 2009 during the recession. CBS Seeks Big Bucks for 'Oprah' Sendoff Broadcasting & Cable CBS Television Distribution is said to be seeking big price hikes for commercials in "The Oprah Winfrey Show" for its last season in syndication. "Crazy numbers" for spots in her final episode range from $500,000 up to $1 million. "Oprah's a legend," says a CBS rep. CNN Ends Use of AP Content as Talks Stall Associated Press CNN will no longer use the Associated Press after the two sides failed to agree on a contract extension. The news network says that the terms the news wire was offering "did not fit our business model." CNN has a new arrangement with Reuters to supplement its news. Comcast-NBC Universal Merger Draws Critics Los Angeles Times The proposed Comcast-NBC Universal merger is being heavily criticized by media rivals Bloomberg, DirecTV and Dish Network, as well as some consumer advocacy groups. The groups are filing comments with the Federal Communications Commission to block the deal. ABC/ESPN, Univision Win World Cup for Web Mediaweek ABC, ESPN and Univision are seeing big ratings for through the first 14 matches of the World Cup. The tournament is also drawing a sizable live audience to the Internet. Live games on ESPN3.com are "off to a flying start. Univision is setting "new records each day" online. NBC Hiring Writers for Web-Only Episodes Variety NBC's digital division is assigning writers to pen web-only episodes to complement existing shows like "Parks and Recreation" and "The Office." "Fans are getting savvier and demand more for their entertainment time. You can't just air your show anymore." CNN to Air Telethon to Aid Gulf Oil Spill Victims Associated Press Time Warner's CNN and Larry King are presenting a telethon Monday to benefit victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Celebrities on the special will include Justin Bieber and Cameron Diaz. Ryan Seacrest will host an online effort for users of social media like Facebook. CBS, Reliance to Launch Indian TV Channels Times of India CBS plans to enter a joint venture with India's Reliance Broadcast Network to launch television channels in India. The venture will initially broadcast English language entertainment channels and will explore Hindi and regional language channels in the next phase. NBC Affiliates to Support Sale to Comcast Wall Street Journal Independent NBC stations expect to support Comcast's proposed takeover of NBC Universal after the cable giant agrees to measures intended to protect their interests. Conditions include not to bypass local stations by taking the NBC signal straight to cable. MTV Unveils Microsoft-Powered Dance Game Los Angeles Times MTV is unveiling a new game called "Dance Central," which represents the first non-"Rock Band" game produced by the Viacom cable network and Harmonix. "Dance Central," due out in November, uses Microsoft's new Kinect interface to track players' body movements. NBC-Comcast: FCC Denies Bloomberg Appeal Philadelphia Inquirer With a Monday deadline approaching, the Federal Communications Commission is denying a request from Bloomberg LP to extend the public comment period over the proposed Comcast-NBC Universal merger. Bloomberg says it needs more time to formulate its position. CNN to 'Phase Out' Larry King for Piers New York Post Piers Morgan will start his takeover of Larry King's CNN show in October, sources say. The British journalist is entering a deal to host an hourlong interview program starting four days a week as CNN "phases out" King. CNN says: "We don't comment on speculation." MSNBC, CNBC Websites See Record Traffic Mediaweek Two NBC Universal digital properties are both enjoying record traffic surges, driven in part by interest in the BP oil spill and the volatile stock market. MSNBC.com delivered a record 154 million total video streams in May, a healthy surge a 59% versus last year. CBS 'Free' Internet Series to Integrate Ads Advertising Age CBS Interactive is rolling out a web series whose entire narrative will depend on the two most hard-to-find attributes in digital entertainment: sponsors and active fans. "Around the World for Free" will feature integrated sponsorships by AT&T and American Airlines. NBCU Preps Web Series with Bonnie Fuller World Screen "Dial Star," a new web series starring "90210's" AnnaLynne McCord, will debut later this month from NBC Universal Digital. Sponsor AT&T will incorporate its devices into the series. Bonnie Fuller's HollywoodLife.com will serve as an integrated marketing partner. ABC Yanks Ads from Perez Hilton Website Los Angeles Times Has celebrity blogger Perez Hilton gone too far with a link to an alleged "upskirt" photo of 17-year-old Miley Cyrus? If you're ABC, the answer is apparently yes. In the wake of the photo scandal, the Disney network is said to be pulling its spots for "The View" off the site. Sony Web TVs Let Buyers Create Channels Bloomberg Sony plans to introduce a new generation of web-connected televisions that will stream movies, TV shows and music. The idea is to make it easier for consumers to bypass cable and effectively create their own TV channels -- and allow Sony to pursue advertising dollars. Cable TV Channels Shake Up Programming USA Today Chefs on the sci-fi channel Syfy? Boxer Mike Tyson on Animal Planet? Cable channel consolidation among big media companies is transforming programming. In the clamor for viewers and advertisers, owners "have come to realize that some channels have built-in limits." EPIX Begins Rollout of New Online Platform Deadline Upstart movie channel EPIX is branching into online, hatching a service that will allow subscribers to watch on their computers through a subscriber authentication system. EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom, its Paramount Pictures unit, MGM and Lionsgate. Disney CEO Emails Used in 'Millionaire' Trial Bloomberg Ex-Disney CEO Michael Eisner's emails are being presented as evidence by Celador International, the creator of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," in a trial accusing Disney of cheating it out of profits. Current CEO Bob Iger says in testimony that he is "less excitable" than Eisner. DirecTV: Malone Steps Down as Chairman Denver Business Media mogul John Malone is stepping down as chairman at DirecTV and slashing his control over the company in a previously announced stock swap meant to satisfy the Federal Communications Commission. Associates Greg Maffei and Paul Gould also are leaving DirecTV's board. CBS Boss Les Moonves Has Digital Fears Hollywood Reporter The advertising market is back, but it is still not where it was, says CBS boss Les Moonves. His biggest fear, he adds, is that viewers will watch the hit show "CSI" online without the firm getting fully paid for it. Also: "We are not looking for any major acquisitions." DirecTV to Sell Local Ads for First Time Associated Press DirecTV is joining forces with NCC Media, an advertising sales firm owned by its cable rivals, to sell local ad spots coast-to-coast for the first time. NCC is owned by Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cox Communications. "On the advertising sales level, this makes sense." MSNBC: Lawrence O'Donnell to Get Show Associated Press MSNBC is developing a show for the 10 p.m. ET hour featuring Lawrence O'Donnell, a longtime political analyst for the news network. O'Donnell once worked for U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York, for whom the late Tim Russert of NBC News had also worked. ESPN Fans Watch World Cup on Mobiles Reuters "Second and third screens" like mobile devices and home computers are creating a bigger audience for ESPN's sports content, says president George Bodenheimer. Nearly 10% of ESPN's audience that has viewed World Cup content has done so on a device other than a television. Gannett Sets Up Local Sites in 10 Markets Associated Press Gannett's broadcasting arm is launching local websites in 10 of its markets. The new sites will be integrated with the websites of its television stations and carry community news contributed by the sites' visitors along with content produced by its own staff. TiVo Brings Facebook, Twitter to TV Sets San Francisco Business TiVo is starting a service called FrameChannel, allowing broadband-connected users to post news, photos and updates from Twitter or Facebook on their television sets. The TV-recording firm likens the service to "a constantly updating slideshow of information." ABC, ESPN Rake In Viewers for World Cup Bloomberg Disney's ESPN and ABC have averaged 4.94 million viewers through five games of the World Cup, more than double the figures for the corresponding fixtures in the 2006 tournament. The U.S. match against England had the most viewers since the U.S. played Brazil in 1994. CBS to Sell Local TV Station in Virginia Dow Jones CBS plans to sell WGNT, a CW station in Norfolk, Va., to a broadcast holding company owned by a group that includes private-equity firm Oak Hill Capital Partners. CBS has seen revenue increase of late, though the company plans to continue cost cutting and paying down debt. CNN Says Larry King Reports Are Untrue Yahoo News CNN is shooting down reports that former British tabloid editor Piers Morgan is near a deal to replace Larry King on the news network. King "will continue to be part of the CNN family into the future," says a CNN spokesperson. "Larry is a beloved member of the team." MTV Looking to Hire First 'Twitter Jockey' Associated Press MTV is searching for a social media maven who will engage with its audience and serve as a liaison between viewers and network honchos. While the new "Twitter Jockey" won't appear on television like a VJ, says MTV exec Dave Sirulnik, he or she "will always be on." Al-Jazeera Eyes U.S. Entry via Social Media Associated Press Frustrated by its continuing inability to crack the U.S. television market, Al-Jazeera English's new strategy is to make itself available for free on every other possible screen -- iPad app, smart phones, and content distribution through Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Microsoft's Xbox Live to Air ESPN3 Shows Bloomberg Disney will make its ESPN3 online sports channel available on Microsoft's Xbox video game console, extending the programming to users' televisions. "Our fan base wants to be on all these screens, not just one," says Disney-ESPN exec Matthew Murphy. World Cup to Break Global Viewing Records Brand Republic The 2010 World Cup is expected to achieve record global viewership, with an audience increase of at least 5% over the 2006 tournament, according to research by IPG's Initiative. The sports event "can be described as the largest shared experience in the world." Univision Bests ESPN in World Cup Opener Broadcasting & Cable Univision attracted 5.4 million U.S. viewers for the opening World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa on Friday. Given the high Mexican-American audience composition, Univision not surprisingly bested ESPN's opening match coverage of 2.6 million viewers. MTV Bets on Scripts After 'Jersey' Success Wall Street Journal MTV is betting on scripted comedies and dramas as it looks to sustain an uptick in its audience after two years of quarterly declines. "Reality shows tend to burn bright and then burn out," says MTV programming exec Tony DiSanto. "Scripted shows tend to have more legs." Discovery, MTV Seeing Ad Rates Heat Up Wall Street Journal Some cable networks are seeing bigger increases in advertising rates than broadcast networks as advertisers move quickly to lock in commercial time. MTV is seeing rate increases "comparable to broadcast," while Discovery is earning 8% rate increases over last year. Oprah, Jenny McCarthy Eye 'Possibilities' New York Post Jenny McCarthy, the actress and former model who became an activist and author after her son was diagnosed with autism, is entering a development deal with Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions. Harpo says they are "exploring possibilities across a number of platforms." CNN to Let Larry King's Contract Expire New York Post / Telegraph CNN host Larry King's contract for his 9 p.m. nightly show is said to be up next May, and network bosses reportedly plan to let it expire. Also: Piers Morgan is said to be on the verge of signing a four-year, multi-million dollar deal to take over King's show. Sirius XM CEO Wants Howard Stern to Stay TheStreet CEO Mel Karmazin says "shock jock" Howard Stern has been a great partner and he believes that Sirius XM is still the best place for him to be. "I'd love to have Howard stay. It's been a great relationship," Ultimately, of course, he adds, the decision is Stern's. Cablevision to Buy Bresnan for $1.36 Billion Bloomberg Cablevision is said to be entering a deal to buy Bresnan Communications for $1.36 billion. The acquisition will give Cablevision a bigger slice of the burgeoning market for high-speed Internet services. Bresnan provides broadband- communication services in four states. CNN, Foursquare Team Up for World Cup CNN CNN is partnering with the location based social network Foursquare on a project for World Cup fans in the 32 competing nations. Fans will be eligible for a "South Africa Explorer" Foursquare badge, as well as a "Super Fan" Foursquare badge for those watching from bars. NBC Sells $2.5B in Ads Before Fall Season Bloomberg NBC is said to have sold about $2.5 billion in advertising ahead of the fall television season. The network sold ads across all day-parts including prime-time, late-night, news and Sunday Night Football. NBC raised prices for prime-time ads by about 7% on average. CBS: Ryan Seacrest Rumored for Talk Show LARadio "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest, whose radio-show contract with Clear Channel's KIIS ends in November, is rumored to be mulling a jump to CBS. "The move would be predicated on CBS' interest in Seacrest hosting an afternoon Oprah-type show for the 2011 season." Oprah to Hire MTV Exec, 'Queer Eye' Guy Hollywood Reporter Oprah Winfrey's upcoming OWN network is making executive changes and developing shows. Former MTV Networks programming exec John MacDonald is joining as COO. Also, OWN is working on shows with celebrity chef Cat Cora and fashion expert Carson Kressley. CNN Wooing Piers Morgan for Prime Time New York Post CNN is said to be talking to snarky British journalist Piers Morgan about hosting a panel show in the news network's troubled prime-time lineup. Morgan, a judge on NBC's "America's Got Talent" and a winner of "Celebrity Apprentice," is a former editor of Britain's Daily Mirror. ESPN Worker in Phillips Affair Sues Network Associated Press ESPN production assistant Brooke Hundley, whose affair with broadcaster Steve Phillips led to their firings, has filed a lawsuit against the network. Hundley, who is seeking $15,000 in damages, says ESPN defamed her by firing her based on false statements by Phillips. CBS Seeks Concessions from Cable Players New York Post CBS is asking cable operators to take "pennies" from less-watched cable networks so the operators can afford to pay the broadcaster retransmission fees and not have to raise cable rates. Smaller cable networks fear that the move could drive them out of business. ABC Latest to Finish Ad Sales in TV Upfront Reuters ABC says it has joined Fox and CBS in wrapping up sales of its advertising for the upcoming TV season, in what is becoming one of the swiftest upfront selling periods in recent memory. ABC is said to have secured price increases of up to 9% from advertisers. Oprah.com Transfer OK'd by Regulators Broadcasting & Cable The Federal Trade Commission and Justice Department of Justice are giving their blessing to the transfer of the Oprah.com domain from Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions to OWN, the company's new joint venture with Discovery. Oprah.com is part of the venture deal. Martha: Twitter Outage Not a Good Thing CNET Martha Stewart wanted to post to her Twitter account from an Internet Week panel discussion Wednesday, but she couldn't. One of Twitter's service outages got in the way. "I was trying to tweet, but Twitter is having an error," Stewart fumed at the start of the panel. Clear Channel Attacked at Billboard Event Nashville Business Radio giant Clear Channel took much of the heat for the ailing music industry at the Billboard Country Music Summit in Nashville. Country star Tim McGraw called for more local control of radio programming so that the same songs don't monopolize airplay nationwide. ESPN Gets Advertisers to Test 3-D Spots Wall Street Journal ESPN has convinced Gillette, Sony and Pixar to produce 3-D commercials for its new cable sports channel that debuts Friday with the World Cup. Ad execs say 3-D ads are costly and represent a time-consuming effort since few production firms are skilled to create such spots. MTV Eyes Tom Cruise's Grossman for Film Deadline Tom Cruise's "Tropic Thunder" parody of a movie producer was a hit at this year's MTV Movie Awards and became a viral video phenomenon. Now, Viacom's MTV and Paramount Pictures are developing a movie around the foul-mouthed Les Grossman character. Oxygen Media Ups Klarman to President Mediaweek Jason Klarman is being elevated to president of Oxygen Media. He previously served as general manager, a position he has held since January 2008. "Jason has an unparalleled gift for identifying a brand's essence," says NBC Universal exec Lauren Zalaznick. Google, Apple at Odds Over iPhone Ads Reuters Google claims that new changes to Apple's developers agreement will cripple its advertising tools for the iPhone, creating "artificial" barriers to competition. Apple's change appears to prohibit third-party ad agencies from collecting usage data from iPhone apps. Apple iPad Users Data Exposed in Breach Gawker Some 114,000 Apple iPad users are said to have had their personal data exposed through an AT&T network security flaw. Among those who had their email addresses revealed: Rahm Emanuel, Diane Sawyer, Janet Robinson, Harvey Weinstein and Michael Bloomberg. Web Series Attract Prime-Time TV Viewers Wall Street Journal Original web video series, once popular during the daytime, are finding an audience among former prime-time television viewers. "The moment we start doing more prime-time web video viewing on the TV, then Internet video is actually competing with old-school TV." Fox, NBC to Lead Mobile Content Venture Broadcasting & Cable A joint venture formed this spring by Fox, NBC and ION Media and nine television station groups to bring mobile digital TV to market is announcing its interim management team. The "Mobile Content Venture" will be led by Erik Moreno from Fox and Salil Dalvi from NBC. CBS Said to Boost Ad Sales by 'High Teens' Bloomberg CBS reportedly boosted advertising sales for the next television season by a "high teens" percentage from a year earlier. "As we close out the upfront, we are pleased to once again be in the leadership position," says CBS in a statement without providing figures. NBC: Concern Over Jimmy Fallon's Ratings New York Post NBC is said to be worried about Jimmy Fallon's "Late Night" show after the ratings dropped 20% in a year. Fallon is being beaten by ABC's Jimmy Kimmel and CBS's Craig Ferguson. His 2009 ratings were "unusually high" due to "the lead-in from Jay Leno's farewell shows." MTV's Movie Awards See Drop in Ratings RTTNews This year's MTV Movie Awards took a major ratings hit. Compared to last year, ratings were down by 13%, even after coverage was expanded onto MTV sibling network VH1. Competition from the NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup Finals "may have been too much to overcome." Disney to Close ESPN Zone Restaurants Los Angeles Times Disney is shutting down most of its ESPN Zone chain of sports-themed restaurants in seven cities. ESPN Zone opened in 1998 to capitalize on ESPN's brand. It is unclear what has prompted Disney to close the outlets, although the bars may well be a recession casualty. ESPN Bets Big on World Cup Coverage Associated Press ESPN is making a huge investment in World Cup coverage, paying $100 million for the rights to the 2010 and 2014 tournaments. The cable sports network's compound at the international broadcast center in Johannesburg is massive, dwarfing that of any other operation. AT&T in Deal With ESPN for 3-D Channel Bloomberg AT&T will carry the ESPN 3-D channel on its pay-television service, allowing customers to watch World Cup soccer in 3-D starting this week. The channel will be available for an extra $10 a month. ESPN also has deals with Comcast and DirecTV to air the 3-D channel. Fox News Launches Social Media Website WebNewser Fox News Channel is soft-launching a website, Fox News Insider, with a social media focus. Users can sign into the site with their Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo or MySpace accounts, allowing them to comment on and share stories. A Twitter tracker aggregates Fox News tweets. CBS: Charlie Sheen Plea Deal Delayed CNN Acceptance of a plea deal that would give CBS "Two and a Half Men" sitcom star Charlie Sheen a short jail sentence on charges stemming from an argument with his wife is being delayed "to work out the glitches." Sheen may perform community service with a theater. MTV Apologizes for On-Air Swearing Los Angeles Times MTV is issuing an apology for all the four-letter words that were thrown around by participants in its annual MTV Movie Awards show last weekend. Most were bleeped, but a few got through the Viacom cable network's censors. The telecast drew 4.6 million viewers. CNN, MSNBC Eye Eliot Spitzer as Host Associated Press Eliot Spitzer became a national punch line after he resigned in disgrace as New York governor, following a prostitution scandal. Two years later, he's a hot commodity in cable news. Execs at both CNN and MSNBC have talked to Spitzer about hosting jobs. CBS, Clear Channel Assets Are Circled Reuters France's JCDecaux, the world's second-biggest outdoor advertiser, sees acquisition opportunities in the United States. The global company says it is interested in CBS' outdoor assets as well as Clear Channel Outdoor. "There will undoubtedly be opportunities." MTV Says Viacom Feud is 'Blog Drama' New York Post A report that Viacom chief Sumner Redstone is sparring with MTV CEO Judy McGrath over an all-girl music group is much ado about nothing, says a high-ranking insider. "Judy doesn't report to Sumner." A rep for MTV dismisses the story as "blog-manufactured drama." Oprah TV Network May Damage Lifetime New York Post Oprah Winfrey's OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, the talk show host's cable channel debuting Jan. 1, is close to finalizing a sizable advertising deal with General Motors. Ad execs expect OWN to compete for dollars with Lifetime, whose ratings among women are down. Fox, CW Complete Upfront Ad Sale Deals Wall Street Journal Fox and CW say they have completed their advance advertising sales for the coming television season, with the rebounding economy boosting prices. However, it may be "too early to uncork the champagne," as much of the increase is from marketers who are simply buying early. Comcast-NBC: Heat From Ex-FCC Chief? Los Angeles Times Comcast's proposed takeover of NBC Universal will be probed in a hearing Monday in Los Angeles. Among those possibly testifying: Kevin Martin, former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, whose appearance could be damaging to the deal. ESPN Kicks Off 3-D Coverage at World Cup Los Angeles Times ESPN launches its 3-D network Friday with the first game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup competition in South Africa. The network will carry up to 25 soccer matches in 3-D. Over the course of the year, ESPN plans to cover at least 60 additional live sporting events in 3-D. Sony, Discover to Unveil 3-D TV Venture New York Post Sony, Discovery and IMAX are expected to raise the curtain on a joint venture 3-D channel this week. The partners are hiring Discovery Channel COO Tom Cosgrove as their new chief. The as-yet unnamed 24-hour 3-D service is expected to launch in January. ABC: Barbara Walters Set for Preservation Washington Business The Paley Center for Media is hiring Accenture to restore, digitize and archive hundreds of hours of film and video chronicling interviews and the career of Barbara Walters. Selected highlights of the collection will preserve some 30 years of Walters' television career. Fox's 'American Dad' May Face FCC Fine Wall Street Journal The Federal Communications Commission is proposing a $25,000 fine against Fox Television Stations for not providing information about an indecency complaint about the animated show "American Dad." A Jan. 3 episode featured scenes suggesting sex acts with a horse. Viacom Boss May Drive Out MTV's McGrath Daily Beast Viacom chief Sumner Redstone is said to be forcing MTV to produce a reality show about the Electric Barbarellas, a "sexy but talentless" all-girl band. Tensions are so heated that sources say it could lead to CEO Judy McGrath leaving MTV, either by resignation or firing. CBS: Nash to File World Cup Reports Online Associated Press Phoenix Suns basketball star Steve Nash, a soccer enthusiast, will travel to South Africa to report on the World Cup for CBSSports.com. Nash will file eight videos and have additional reports and photos posted to CBSSports.com's social media platforms. Cablevision Eyes Wi-Fi for New York Trains Bloomberg Cablevision is submitting a proposal to offer Wi-Fi on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North commuter rail trains to expand wireless coverage of New York City. The connections will let Cablevision's high-speed Internet subscribers access the Web on the trains for free. Disney: Early Upfront Sales Meet Targets MarketWatch Early advance advertising sales for the fall television season at ABC have met early projections, says Bob Iger, CEO of network parent Disney. "We thought it would be a good upfront based on an improvement in the economy. The business so far has met our expectations." Viacom: TV Ad Sales Are 'Starting to Break' Bloomberg Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman says the market is "starting to break" for television commercials sold in advance of next season, an improvement from last year. "The price talks seem pretty good. It's all about, 'How much of a price increase will it be over last year?'" Time Warner Seeks Top Ad Rates for Conan New York Post TBS, which landed Conan O'Brien after his falling-out with NBC, is asking advertisers to pay top-shelf broadcast TV-level rates for the comedian's one-hour show. It would mark the first time that a cable channel has reached parity with a broadcast network. Fox: Ads Strong as Sales Season Starts Los Angeles Times Fox Broadcasting has kicked off this year's television advertising sales season -- another sign that companies are stepping up their purchase of TV time after two years of cautious spending. The network is said to be seeing strong demand for 30-second spots. MTV Show Puts Saudi Youths in Hot Water Reuters Saudi Arabia's religious police are trying to bring to court three Saudi youths for "openly declaring sin" on the MTV reality show "True Life." The show traced the daily lives of three Saudi heavy-metal band members. Punishment could include imprisonment and whip lashing. Comedy Central 'Jesus' Show Stirs Protest Hollywood Reporter Comedy Central's development of an animated series about Jesus Christ is stirring television watchdog groups to form a protest super-group to preemptively strike down the project. The Coalition Against Religious Bigotry aims to urge advertisers not to support the show. FCC Urged to Monitor TV's 'Hate Speech' Hill The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is being urged to monitor "hate speech" on talk radio and broadcast networks. A coalition of 30 organizations argues that the Internet has made it harder for the public to separate facts from bigotry "masquerading as news." NBC News Attacked by Palin Over Interview CNN Sarah Palin is taking aim at NBC over the network's interview with Joe McGinniss, a journalist who is writing a book about the former Alaska governor. Palin criticizes NBC on her Facebook page for not including statements she had provided. NBC "broke their promise." CBS: Charlie Sheen Will Serve Jail Time People Charlie Sheen is said to be planning to plead guilty to a misdemeanor offense and get 30 days jail time in his domestic violence case. The deal should allow Sheen to serve out his jail sentence with time to spare before the new season of "Two and a Half Men" starts shooting. ABC Mulls Online Subscription Service NewTeeVee ABC may be considering rolling out an online subscription service, based on a consumer survey unearthed by Engadget. The service would run alongside existing free online viewing options. An ABC spokesperson says that such a service "may or may not ever come to pass." Time Warner Cable: A 'Pirate Sanctuary' Ars Technica Lawyers suing thousands of peer-to-peer users are unhappy with Time Warner Cable's unwillingness to process subscriber subpoenas in a timely manner. Time Warner Cable appears to be seeking to "garner public support and possibly gain more subscribers." NBC Boss Zucker Eyes $30M+ Exit Deal New York Post General Electric is said to have finalized details of Jeff Zucker's exit deal from NBC Universal. Zucker will leave "a couple of months" after Comcast closes its agreement to acquire a 51% stake in the media giant with an exit package of "roughly $30 million to $40 million." Time Warner, Disney to Fight Over ESPN New York Post Time Warner Cable has until midnight Sept. 1 to ink a new agreement with Disney or face having top channels, including ESPN and Disney Channel, yanked from its systems. Disney is said to be looking for a high single-digit percentage increase in its monthly per-subscriber fees. CBS to Form TV Joint Venture in India Economic Times CBS is forming a joint venture with India's Reliance Media World to launch a network of English and Hindi TV channels. The venture, which will start operations in January, will launch movie channels as well as regional entertainment channels, but won't enter the news space. MTV Viral Video Features Tom Cruise New York Post A new promo spot for the MTV Movie Awards features actor Tom Cruise reprising two memorable film characters. Les Grossman, Cruise's film-producer character from "Tropic Thunder," is revealed to be responsible for a pivotal scene in "Risky Business." Advertisers Like New Fall TV Schedule Los Angeles Times Broadcast network sales execs are touting their new comedies and dramas as they begin selling commercial time for the fall TV season. Only three of the 38 new programs introduced by ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and the CW network are unscripted -- a retrenchment from last year. Publicis CEO Targets Digital Ad Growth Wall Street Journal French advertising giant Publicis is targeting digital advertising growth to make a series of acquisitions in that field pay, according to CEO Maurice Levy. "There is nothing big left to buy. However, digital advertising still heralds many unknown opportunities." Dish Network to Launch Local Channels RBR Dish Network says it will launch local channels in 29 more markets, becoming the first pay-TV provider to deliver local channels -- including CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox -- to all 210 U.S. television markets. "Every American will soon have access to their local channels from Dish." CNN Quietly Turns 30 Amid News Upstarts Cox Newspapers CNN plans to commemorate its 30th anniversary with a minimum of hoopla. The news revolution Ted Turner launched on June 1, 1980 is now facing sagging ratings. "What Twitter and other social media is doing today is similar to the impact CNN had 30 years ago." YouTube's Leanback Will Be More Like TV New York Times This fall, YouTube plans to introduce YouTube Leanback, a service that will start playing a video the moment a user clicks on the site. "It behaves like you would expect television to." YouTube Leanback will be introduced in coordination with the release of Google TV devices. Google, Apple to Fight Over TV's Future LA Times Apple is said to be revamping its Apple TV service, adding features that will enable viewers to stream content from the Internet, similar to the just-announced Google TV. Apple may add iPhone-like features to a new version of its content-streaming set-top box. Disney Seen Unlikely to Find Buyer for ABC Reuters Wall Street has long seen sense in Disney selling or spinning off ABC, the low-rated TV network and the one piece that does not seem to fit well with the entire entertainment empire. But the problem is finding a buyer, analysts say. "ABC would be very hard to divest." Fox's 'American Idol' Finale Wins Fewer Fans Wall St Journal About 24.2 million Americans watched Wednesday's finale of "American Idol," the smallest audience for a finale of the competition series since 2002. Though "Idol" remains the most-watched show on TV, its audience is declining. Also, judge Simon Cowell is leaving. 'American Idol' Creator Plans Bid for CKX Financial Times Simon Fuller, the creator of "American Idol," is teaming up with a former Barclays Capital exec in a $600 million bid for CKX, the entertainment group that owns the rights to the TV talent show. The offer would trump a proposal pitched in March by JPMorgan's private equity arm. Turner Broadcasting in TV's 'Big Leagues' LA Times Time Warner's Turner Broadcasting, the parent of TNT and TBS is now "one of the big boys" following its deals to land Conan O'Brien and NCAA basketball games. O'Brien's forthcoming late-night TBS show will see "product integrations and possibly even live commercials." Clear Channel Unveils Ad-Free Radio App Austin Business Clear Channel is launching a commercial-free version of its iheartradio mobile app. Listeners will be able to stream music and download podcasts without ad breaks. The subscription program allows access to program archives from some 750 company radio stations. Disney Junior for Kids to Replace SoapNet LA Times With soap operas going the way of land-line telephones, Disney is pulling the plug on its cable channel SoapNet. In its place, Disney is launching a new kids channel targeting preschoolers and their parents. The network, dubbed Disney Junior, will debut in 2012. DirecTV Exec Named Head of Fox Sports LA Times In a major shakeup, Fox Sports is naming Eric Shanks, a senior exec at satellite broadcaster DirecTV, its new president. Shanks will succeed Fox Sports veteran Ed Goren, who will become vice chairman of Fox Sports Media. DirecTV has not yet named Shanks' replacement. Hulu Eyed in Comcast-NBC Merger Deal B&C Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), chair of the Senate Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee, is seeking strong conditions on any Comcast-NBC Universal merger, including that it divest its stake in the online video site Hulu within a year and apply program access rules to web video. Oprah Shutters Charity as TV Show Ends Reuters Oprah Winfrey's charity, the Angel Network, is closing down as the popular TV talk show host prepares to end "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 2011 after 25 years to set up her own cable TV network. The Angel Network says it will no longer accept donations after May 24. HBO Casts Keaton as Hollywood Blogger EW Diane Keaton is signing on to play the title role in HBO's "Tilda," a half-hour comedy pilot about a powerful Hollywood blogger who may or may not be loosely based on Nikki Finke. Also, Ellen Page is being tapped to costar as a "morally conflicted creative assistant." CBS Seen as Winner of 2009-10 Season Reuters CBS is claiming an early victory as the most-watched U.S. television network for the seventh time in eight years in the 2009-10 prime-time season, which ends this week. But Fox's "American Idol" will wind up the No. 1 program. ABC and NBC are battling it out for third place. ESPN, ABC Plan World Cup 'Celebration' MediaPost ABC, which will feature the World Cup final, will also air an Olympic-style opening ceremonies show in prime time. ABC will have a "highlight" version of the "Celebration Concert" after it airs live on ESPN2. ESPN and ESPN2 will air the majority of the games. TiVo Unable to Reverse $709M Deficit SF Business A TiVo digital recorder can run television in reverse, but the company can't spool backward though time and shrink its $708.9 million deficit. TiVo, which is reporting a loss of $14.2 million for the first quarter, is seeking new sources of revenue as DVR competition heats up. News Corp's BSkyB to Seek More Shine TechWatch BSkyB, the British satellite broadcaster controlled by News Corp., is expected to increase its stake in Shine, the U.K. TV production firm founded by Rupert Murdoch's daughter Elisabeth. The share increase makes for a complicated mix of family and business interests. Sirius XM Radio Expected to Go Global TheStreet Liberty Media is expected to take Sirius XM's programming abroad after buying up debt of international satellite radio operator WorldSpace. Liberty bought 40% of Sirius XM in 2009, rescuing the firm from bankruptcy. "The business is seriously unprofitable at this point." Comcast Plans Social Network for TV Viewers PC World Comcast plans to roll out a social networking service, called Tunerfish, allowing users to let the world know what they are watching on TV and the Internet. "People are really passionate about their favorite TV shows, and eager to share that passion with others." Sony to Offer HBO Through PlayStation 3 Dow Jones Sony plans to offer Time Warner's HBO programs through its PlayStation 3 in the latest of a string of deals that positions the video-game-console maker as a media distribution channel. Sony has signed similar deals with major film studios and TV networks, as well as with Netflix. CBS, ABC Networks in 'Prime Time' for Sale NY Post With General Electric in the process of selling NBC Universal to Comcast, some Wall Street dealmakers predict Sumner Redstone and Disney will begin debating whether to put CBS and ABC, respectively, on the block. "This is a good time to sell a network." ABC: 'Lost' Finds Viewers as Network Slips Bloomberg Sunday night's finale of ABC's "Lost" drew 13.5 million viewers as the series about stranded survivors of a plane crash concluded a six-year run. ABC is third among networks in prime-time audience and the only major broadcaster whose total audience declined this season. NBC: Betty White's 'SNL' Scores on DVRs NY Times Betty White turned out to be an even bigger star than NBC thought: Her appearance earlier this month on "Saturday Night Live" got a huge kick upward in ratings when digital recorder numbers were included. The show jumped from 12.1 million viewers to 14.95 million. CNBC to Debut Lunchtime Show With Faber NY Times CNBC is adjusting its lunchtime programming line-up for the first time in years, adding a half-hour program co-hosted by David Faber and Gary Kaminsky. The program, called "The Strategy Session," will have its debut in CNBC's 12 p.m. time slot on June 7. Dish, Weather Channel Eye Interactive TV Denver Business Satellite-television service Dish Network is ending its threat to drop the Weather Channel, announcing a new multi-year carriage deal for the cable network. The deal "provides for collaboration in developing interactive TV applications, as well as Internet and mobile services." CBS Eyes Canceled Shows for Cost Cuts Bloomberg CBS boss Les Moonves says the broadcast network's television production costs will drop with the cancellation of "aging," expensive series such as "Cold Case." Rookie shows will "cost a bit less." Also: A CBS partnership with CNN is unlikely "in the near future." ABC Returns Miss America to Network TV AP Miss America is returning to network television, thanks to a three-year deal with ABC. Next year's contest will air live on Jan. 15. ABC had dropped the pageant in 2004 after record-low ratings. Since then, it has aired on cable, twice on CMT and three times on TLC. Time Warner Preps Movie Shortcut to TV Wall St Journal Time Warner Cable is in talks with Hollywood studios about a "home theater on demand" service that would send movies to people's living-room TVs just 30 days after films hit the multiplex. Consumers would be allowed to watch a movie at home for about $20 to $30 a pop. TiVo Eyed for Takeover After Google TV Barron's Following last week's announcement of Google TV, some analysts see TiVo as a natural acquisition for Google, "as a means of accelerating its TV ambitions." Alternatively, Microsoft or Cisco "could become interested buyers," given the new threat posed by Google TV. CBS 'Twitter' Series Title Angers Parents AP The Parents Television Council, which monitors decency issues, is threatening CBS affiliates with challenges to their broadcast licenses if they air "(Bleep) My Dad Says," a sitcom based on a Twitter feed. The group is upset by the suggestion of an expletive. Disney Gives ABC's 'Lost' a Global Goodbye WorldScreen Audiences around the world will be able to watch the series finale of "Lost" this weekend at the same time as the show airs in the United States, thanks to ABC parent Disney. In total, 59 worldwide markets will air the show within 24 to 48 hours after the U.S. airing. ESPN: Video Conferencing for World Cup AP ESPN plans to use video conferencing to interview coaches and athletes from remote sites during this summer's World Cup. The move will allow the network to produce more reports on off days from far-flung cities instead of being limited by using expensive satellite trucks. MTV Oral History Due for 30th Anniversary NY Post Craig Marks and Rob Tannenbaum, former top editors of Blender magazine, are writing an oral history of MTV's golden age for Dutton. The book, due out in time for MTV's 30th anniversary, will trace the network's evolution and include interviews with former boss Tom Freston. Clear Channel to Launch Interactive Ads San Antonio Business Clear Channel Outdoor is teaming with multimedia firm Monster Media to roll out a network of digital signs in select U.S. airports. Using motion-detecting technology, consumers will be able to access more product data from advertisers by touching the digital signs. ShopNBC: NBC Universal Aims to Cash Out RBR With home shopping on television rebounding less quickly as advertising, NBC Universal is making arrangements to sell its stake in ShopNBC. The shopping outfit says that its consumer trends are improving, with new customers up 48% and active customers up 30%. TV Networks Look Back to Attract Ad Sales Financial Times The advertising rebound is expected to lift this year's upfront television advertising sales. This has inspired networks including CBS, Fox and NBC to spend heavily to remake shows -- "Hawaii Five-O," "The Defenders" -- that aired when they set the cultural agenda. NBC Issues Statement on Lauer Infidelity UPI The NBC "Today" show is issuing a statement of support for co-anchor Matt Lauer, the subject of recent infidelity rumors. "The allegations surrounding Matt Lauer are completely inaccurate and unfounded. These accusations are reckless and harmful to the Lauer family." MSNBC Courts Spitzer for Hosting Position WaPo Eliot Spitzer, the "tele-energetic" former New York governor, is reportedly being courted by MSNBC for an on-air hosting gig. Several television and radio outlets are approaching Spitzer, who resigned in a prostitution scandal in March 2008, about hosting possibilities. Oprah Hires Star Investor for Her Fortune Wall St Journal Oprah Winfrey, one of the most powerful brands in media, is setting up a so-called family office to handle her personal investments. Her first hire is Peter Adamson, a well-regarded investor who currently serves as chief investment officer for billionaire Eli Broad. Playboy Broadens Offerings to Lure Women Crain's Chicago Playboy Enterprises plans to increase profits by adding cable television programming aimed at couples. New Playboy "TV for Two" programming is coming this fall. The new couples programming will be "more plot-driven," like prime-time drama, to appeal to women. Fox News Eyes Latinos with New Website Reuters Fox News plans to launch a website, Fox News Latino, aimed at a Latino audience as it seeks to build its coverage and links with one of the fastest-growing U.S. communities. However, a Fox News TV channel focused on the Latino community is "not on the drawing board." MSNBC, BermanBraun Mull Political Site Mediaweek MSNBC.com and BermanBraun are in talks to launch of a content site focused on politics that will borrow heavily from BermanBraun’s current project with MSN, the celebrity photo-filled Wonderwall. The new yet-to-be-named site would likely be hosted by MSNBC.com. NBC Universal Seeks New Home for 'L&O' UPI NBC Universal is setting up meetings with Time Warner's TNT about possibly airing new episodes of "Law and Order," which NBC canceled last week. The show ran for 20 seasons and spawned several spinoffs. It is currently tied with "Gunsmoke" as TV's longest-running drama. ESPN Makes Moves in Gaming, Local Apps H'wood Reporter ESPN is entering a deal with social gaming firm Playdom to develop ESPN-branded online sports games. Plus, ESPN plans to expand its mobile reach by launching six local-based iPhone and iPod touch apps. Also, ESPN 3D will launch next month airing World Cup soccer matches. Fox Host Website Attacks Lead to Arrest IDG News Federal prosecutors have charged a 22-year-old Mitchell Frost with launching online attacks against conservative Web sites, including those of Bill O'Reilly, Ann Coulter and Rudy Giuliani. His attacks against Billoreilly.com forced administrators to take the site offline. CNN Anchor Quits Citing Cable Bombast NY Times CNN anchor Campbell Brown is resigning, saying she is unable to compete with the opinion-mongers that dominate cable news in prime time. "I owe it to myself and to CNN to get out of the way so that CNN can try something else. CNN will have to figure out what that is." HBO in Talks with Blogger Nikki Finke H'wood Reporter HBO is negotiating an arrangement with showbiz blogger Nikki Finke to bless "Tilda," its planned comedy about a Hollywood blogger very much like herself. Talks are said to be centering on a per-episode "consultant" fee for the show. Finke is yet to write a single word about "Tilda." 'Twitter Dad' Shatner Sitcom Set for CBS AP CBS is giving the green light to a sitcom in which the son of William Shatner's character has more than a million followers to a Twitter account where he writes down his father's musings. Other new network shows include a remake of the 1970s police series "Hawaii Five-0." CBS: Sheen in 'Two and a Half Men' Deal TMZ Charlie Sheen is said to have agreed to a new deal with Warner Bros. to do two more years of "Two and a Half Men," the No. 1 sitcom on U.S. television. Sheen had wanted around $2 million an episode. "I want to thank Les Moonves for his support," the actor says. Fox Shrinks 'American Idol' Results Show H'wood Reporter Fox's newly unveiled fall and midseason schedule includes a shortened "American Idol" results show and gives breakout hit "Glee" the coveted post-Super Bowl time slot. The network says it will launch a search for departing "Idol" judge Simon Cowell after the upfronts. ABC Set to Roll Out Nine Scripted Shows Dow Jones ABC is rolling out a big cache of new television shows for the second consecutive year, as it tries to rebuild a shrinking audience in its evening hours. The network on Tuesday plans to unveil to advertisers about nine new scripted shows, with six likely to be hourlong dramas. NBC, Affiliates Eye 10-Year Commitments B&C Some 182 affiliates met with NBC on Monday following the network's upfront presentation. The meeting covered the long-term viability of the network-affiliate relationship, as both parties work toward a business model to allow affiliation agreements to go for up to 10 years. ESPN Beats Fox Sports for Game Rights Sports Business Journal ESPN won the television rights to Atlantic Coast Conference football and basketball in a bidding competition with Fox Sports that was said to be surprisingly close. The back-and-forth bidding drove up ESPN's rights fee from $120 million a year to $155 million. ESPN3.com Unveils 'Absolute A' Ad Offering Mediaweek The newly rechristened ESPN3.com is set to unveil its version of a digital advertising grand slam. ESPN's new "Absolute A position" ad offering combines a pre-roll video ad with a high-impact, homepage-takeover-styled display ad, dynamically served into live video content. Cablevision 'Must Carry' Local TV Stations Reuters The Supreme Court says it won't hear an appeal by Cablevision to a federal must-carry requirement that forces cable systems to carry programming of broadcast television stations. Broadcasters hail the decision as a "great day" for Americans who rely free broadcasters. NBC Bans Hollywood Reporter After Scoop Deadline NBC is said to have banned the Hollywood Reporter from covering its upfront presentation after a reporter from the showbiz trade publication snuck into a rehearsal and revealed the network's fall lineup and other inside information. NBC will tout a pure comedy lineup on Thursdays. ABC: Walters 'Recovering' After Surgery NY Daily News Barbara Walters, 80, is "recovering as expected" after undergoing surgery to replace a defective heart valve, doctors say. A rep for "The View" co-host says that the surgery "went well and the doctors are very pleased with the outcome." Recovery may take up to three months. Oprah Seeks Network's 'Next Star' Online AP The Oprah Winfrey Network plans to air a reality series that searches for the "Next TV Star" who will eventually get his or her own talk show on the network. Auditions start online at Oprah.com. The show, in partnership with Kohl's department store, will be co-produced with Mark Burnett. CNN's Cooper Won't Become 'New Oprah' Mediaite The CNN "Anderson Cooper 360º" live studio experiment made its debut Friday night, a talk show-breaking news mixture featuring a variety of personalities and topics. The show is not, as Anderson Cooper says, the "new Oprah," but more of a hard news/talk hybrid. Hulu: Will Video Site Be the Death of TV? SmartMoney The growing popularity of the Hulu video site is adding fuel to the debate over whether the Internet could undermine the business model of television's content creators and distributors. Hulu, critics say, is "retraining" consumers that premium content is supposed to be free. CBS Buys Fundraising Specialist EcoMedia AP CBS is acquiring EcoMedia, a firm that connects public institutions and local governments with advertisers and local media outlets to raise money for environmental projects. CEO Les Moonves says he wants CBS to be a "catalyst for getting actual 'greening' projects done." NBC Cancels 'Law & Order' After 20 Years Deadline NBC is said to be canceling the long-running series "Law & Order," which will end its run at 20 seasons, tied with "Gunsmoke." With soft ratings, NBC apparently opted not to keep the aging series, which spawned several spinoffs. "Law & Order: Los Angeles," is due next season. NBC Taps Microsoft to Promote Fall Season ClickZ After a series of prime-time flops and the meltdown of its "Tonight Show" franchise, NBC needs a few hits. One way it aims to juice its fall TV lineup is through an online and mobile ad buy with Microsoft. The campaign will span multiple platforms, from the Xbox to Bing. CBS: Hulu Business Model Doesn't Work Mediaweek CEO Les Moovnes says CBS is willing to experiment with new distribution platforms "if the economic model fits what we do." But if too many people shift to online, "I'm not going to be able to produce 'CSI.' That's why we're not on Hulu. And until the model works, we won't be." NBC to 'Fan' Promotion with Social Media AP NBC is launching "Fan It," an initiative aimed at turning social-media users into an ad hoc network promotional team. After signing up on NBC.com and logging in to their Facebook, Twitter or MySpace accounts, participants earn points that can be redeemed for network prizes. Comcast to Make iPad Into Giant Remote Macworld Comcast is demonstrating a prototype of its new Xfinity Remote, an iPad app that can be used to access and control the company's on-demand and TV-recording services. Xfinity allows users to share favorite shows with friends and invite them to watch them in real time. ESPN 3D Channel to Kick Off on Comcast World Screen Comcast will be the first pay-television platform on board for ESPN's new 3D channel, which will launch in time for the kick-off of the World Cup. ESPN 3D will be available to Comcast's digital cable customers. Customers also will have access to select ESPN 3D events on VOD. Time Warner: Verizon Joins 'TV Everywhere' B&C Time Warner, which has been driving cable operators and programmers to make cable network programming online through its "TV Everywhere" initiative, has struck a major deal with telco Verizon to make such content available to FiOS TV subscribers on their PCs or laptops. Univision Streams World Cup Games for Free RBR Univision is launching a soccer site, UnivisionFutbol.com, kicking off with nonstop coverage of this summer's World Cup, including live online streaming of all 64 games. Soccer fans in the United States and Puerto Rico will be able to watch all games live online for free. Comcast 'Won't Comcast-ize' NBC Universal Dow Jones NBC will receive "more love" if Comcast wins regulatory approval to take over NBC Universal, says Comcast CEO Brian Roberts in an industry interview session with former News Corp. COO Peter Chernin. "At the end of the day, broadcast is going to have another revenue stream." 'TV Everywhere' Faces Industry Resistance LA Times A year after Time Warner's Jeff Bewkes introduced "TV Everywhere," allowing paying consumers to view shows on any device, his plan is facing resistance. Disney, NBC and News Corp. champion an alternative, Hulu. Critics see the plan as an effort to wipe out free online TV. Emmis Mulls Station Sale as Revenue Dips Radio Inc Emmis Communications says there is a possibility that some of the company's big-market radio stations may be put up for sale. Emmis has one station in New York and two in Chicago "where we believe the sale value could exceed the prospects for cash flow generation." ESPN Seeks $300K from Reporter's Stalker TMZ ESPN believes the man who peeped at reporter Erin Andrews isn't done paying for his crimes -- the sports cable network is now seeking more than $300,000 from Michael David Barrett. ESPN claims it incurred losses "from assisting the government in its investigation." NBC, P&G Target Boomers with Websites Business Courier NBC Digital and Procter & Gamble are launching a network of websites aimed at baby boomers. The network, called Life Goes Strong, includes sites on family life, style and technology. The sites help users find senior care, housekeeping and other localized services. NBC Universal Exec Baker Emerges as Star LA Times NBC Universal's Bridget Baker, who negotiates to secure distribution deals for NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, USA and Bravo, is moving to the forefront amid Comcast's proposed takeover. Now that cable has become a crown jewel, Baker is "one of NBC Universal's biggest stars." ABC News Employees to See Pay Increases AP ABC News employees represented by the Writers Guild of America, East are ratifying a new contract. The three-year contract, affecting news employees at stations in New York and Washington, D.C., will guarantee wage increases of at least 2% in each of the three years. Fox, CBS Rejoin TV Industry Organization LA Times Fox and CBS are rejoining the National Association of Broadcasters, the television industry's key Washington lobbying organization. The moves will mean more than $1 million in membership fees. CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox had left the NAB years ago but now all have returned. ABC: Barbara Walters Faces Heart Surgery AP Barbara Walters says she will have surgery to replace a faulty heart valve later this week and take the summer off from "The View" to recuperate. Walters, 80, is one of the best-known personalities in television news. She invented "The View" in 1997, now a staple on daytime TV. NBC Puts Extra Betty White Skits on Hulu Popeater Betty White says she has never heard of Facebook. Hopefully, she's familiar with Hulu. NBC is posting sketches on the video site of Betty White's ratings-hit appearance on "Saturday Night Live" that never made it onto the live broadcast due to time constraints. MTV Ramps Up Internet Concert Streams Wired MTV is quietly ramping up live Internet streams with its "Live From NYC" concert series. The move into live streaming performances via MTV.com aims to underscore the Viacom network's music legacy and "provides fans a new medium for musical discovery." CBS Showtime Tests Online Video Service Bloomberg CBS's Showtime is said to be developing an online video service for subscribers, similar to the Web project being tested by Time Warner's HBO. Showtime, with 18 million pay-TV subscribers and original shows including "Nurse Jackie" and "Weeds," hasn't set a starting date. Dish Network Vows DVR Shutdown in Dispute AP Dish Network warns it may shut down millions of digital video recorders if a court sides with TiVo in a patent-infringement case. The move "obviously will have a negative effect on our business," says CEO Charlie Ergen. The alternative is to pay TiVo licensing fees. Scripps: TV Is Up as Newspapers Drag RBR Scripps is reporting revenue gains at its television stations while its newspapers continue to see declines. However, "in both television and newspapers, exclusive revenue from Internet and other digital platforms is growing rapidly," says CEO Rich Boehne. CBS to Bring Full Video Offerings to iPad NewTeeVee By the fall season, CBS plans to offer the same video on the Apple iPad that is available on CBS.com. The network so far has made only a limited number of promotional clips available for viewing on the device. CBS intends to deploy more and more iPad-ready video. NBC Hints of New Fall TV Shows on Twitter theTVaddict NBC appears to have already registered accounts on Twitter for new television series for the coming fall season, although the network has yet to officially announce any of them. Some of the Twitter accounts include: @NBCTheStrip and @NBCRockford. FoxSports.com Tackles TV-Web Integration TheWrap FoxSports.com is making a run at ESPN.com's online dominance by turning into a virtual cable channel, with hourly streaming of a new live daily sports news report. The new "Fox Sports Flash" will be co-anchored by Jill Arrington, named "sexiest sportscaster" by Playboy. CBS: Sheen Seeking Big Bucks for 'Men' E! Charlie Sheen is said to be asking as much as $2 million an episode to return to "Two and a Half Men," the No. 1 sitcom on U.S. television. The show's star "thinks he'll probably get $1.2 or $1.3 million in the end." Sheen is still in negotiations to return to the CBS series. NBC's 'SNL' Scores Big Ratings for White EW Betty White's appearance on "Saturday Night Live" was truly golden: Saturday's edition posted the highest overnight ratings in 18 months for the late-night comedy show. "SNL" was No. 1 for the night, topping all prime time programs on all of the major networks. 'American Idol' Owner Set for Bidding War WaPo Robert F.X. Sillerman, CEO of "American Idol" owner CKX, is resigning, saying he is weighing a bid for the entertainment and licensing firm. His exit could trigger a bidding war for the company. TV Guide Network head Allen Shapiro is said to be working on a potential bid. Sirius XM Radio Shares Drop Below $1 Again Barron's Sirius XM shares have once again dropped below the $1 level, potentially setting the stage for a new round of hand-wringing over the satellite radio company's listing status and whether it ought to do a reverse stock split. CEO Mel Karmazin says there are no plans for such a move. Comcast Eyes Sale of NBC Station in LA Wall St Journal Comcast plans to sell one of NBC Universal's three Los Angeles television stations to win regulatory approval for its proposed acquisition of the media broadcaster. The NBC station that Comcast proposes selling is likely to be KWHY, an independent Spanish-language station. Cablevision Yanks Ads from Village Voice NY Post Cablevision pulled some $1 million in advertising from the Village Voice after the alternative weekly newspaper published an "inappropriate" quip about the cable giant's chairman, James Dolan. Cablevision says: "Who the hell wouldn't pull their ads after they read that?" MTV President Wooed Facebook CEO in 2005 Fortune Michael Wolf, former president of Viacom's MTV Networks, courted Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in 2005, aiming to nab the youngster's social network for his parent company, according to the new book "The Facebook Effect." Zuck rejected Wolf's $1.5 billion offer. Comedy Central Mulls TV Series about Jesus AP Having already caused a fuss with the depiction of the prophet Muhammad on "South Park," Comedy Central is developing a cartoon series about Jesus Christ. "JC" depicts Christ as a "regular guy" who moves to New York to "escape his father's enormous shadow." HBO: 'Sopranos' Star Gandolfini May Return AP James Gandolfini may find himself at the wheel of his first TV series since "The Sopranos." HBO says Gandolfini is an executive producer of "Taxi 22," a project in development that could serve as a starring vehicle for the actor, best known as mob boss Tony Soprano. ESPN Seen Unlikely to Profit from World Cup H'wood Reporter ESPN and Univision say advertising revenue around this summer's World Cup has been brisk. But rights fees also are up. ESPN is investing more money on promoting the World Cup than it has for any other sporting event in the 30-year history of the sports channel. Comcast, Cablevision Hit as FCC Goes 'Nuclear' Bloomberg Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision shares all fell after the Federal Communications Commission moved to gain authority over Internet services, the cable giants' fastest-growing business. The move "could essentially make the Internet business a public utility." WaPo, ABC News to Reboot Internet Series Mediaweek ABC News is turning to the Washington Post to help revamp its daily, politically themed Web series "Top Line." The midday webcast, which launched in 2009, will relaunch as a co-branded series. A new Post Politics segment will feature Washington Post staffers. CBS Said to Overpay Moonves $28 Million Bloomberg If CEOs were paid according to shareholder return, CBS' Les Moonves would take a $28 million pay cut under a model developed by pay expert Graef Crystal. Google's Eric Schmidt would get more than a $17 million raise. Schmidt is described as a "bargain" CEO. Time Warner CEO Sees Possible CBS Deal NY Times Time Warner's CNN could partner with CBS News or another broadcast network in the next 12 months, says CEO Jeff Bewkes. "It's no secret we've talked to other news organizations." He adds that Time Warner does not "have any desire to own a broadcast network." Comcast-NBC 'Won't Hurt' Internet Video Bloomberg A merged Comcast and NBC Universal will have numerous public benefits and won't harm Internet video distribution, the companies claim in a report submitted to U.S. regulators. Comcast-NBC "lacks an incentive to block Web services from accessing programming." NBC Universal CEO Mulls Future in Politics Daily Beast NBC Universal boss Jeff Zucker says he is interested in running for political office after he eventually steps down from atop the Peacock network. "Being a senator would interest me." Zucker may laying the groundwork for his exit from NBCU after the Comcast-NBC deal closes. Sirius XM: Howard Stern to Reveal His Fate TheStreet Sirius XM chief Mel Karmazin says there is nothing new to report on the status of Howard Stern, as the satellite radio firm's top talent has seven months remaining on his five-year contract. People interested in Stern's future should tune in to his radio show, he advises. Fox's 'Idol' TV's Biggest Revenue Generator Forbes Fox's "American Idol" rakes in $8.1 million in ad sales each half-hour it is on the air, making it television's biggest revenue generator, says Forbes magazine and data from Kantar Media. However, the impact of judge Simon Cowell's imminent departure "remains to be seen." DirecTV, Yes to Air Baseball Games in 3D AP DirecTV and the Yes Network plan to televise what they say will be the first Major League Baseball games in 3D. The New York Yankees vs. Seattle Mariners games on July 10 and 11 will air in New York, Connecticut, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and parts of other states. CBS News, CNN Return to Partnership Talks New York CBS News and CNN are said to be in advanced negotiations about a news-gathering partnership. The talks revolve around how the two news divisions can combine operations in a bid to cut costs. The current news-business climate makes a deal "more logical" now. CBS Ex-Producer Faces Jail for Letterman Plot AP A former CBS producer who admitted trying to extort $2 million from David Letterman over the late-night host's affairs is bracing for time behind bars. Robert "Joe" Halderman is to be sentenced Tuesday to a six-month jail term, as planned when he pleaded guilty in March. Fox Delays Revealing New 'American Idol' Judge Reuters Fox says there will be no announcement on "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell's successor until after both the upfront ad-buying season and the show's finale on May 26. Viewership has slipped, and the show's hold on the No. 1 position in U.S. television is being challenged. Sirius XM Radio Reaches New Subscriber High H'wood Reporter Sirius XM satellite radio last week hit its highest subscriber mark ever, CEO Mel Karmazin says as his company posts its second quarterly profit in a row on continued subscriber gains and cost controls. "There is clearly an economic turn" as of late, he adds. Tribune Names TV Boss for News 'Shake Up' Chicago Tribune Jerry Kersting, after five months as COO of Tribune's broadcasting division, is formally being named to succeed Ed Wilson as president of Tribune Broadcasting. "Every night, people turn on their local news and see the same thing," he says. "We intend to change that." TiVo Doesn't Hurt TV Advertising, Study Says Triangle Business TiVo hasn't hurt television advertising or changed consumers' buying behavior, reports Duke University researcher Carl Mela. Not as many people fast-forward through commercials as originally feared, he says. Also: "We find no change in people's shopping patterns." CNN 'More Trustworthy' Than Top Newspapers Yahoo News CNN and Fox News are "more trustworthy" than the broadcast networks' news divisions -- and even the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, according to a poll by "60 Minutes" and Vanity Fair. CNN is most trusted by 32% of respondents; the New York Times won 8%. Viacom TV Series Eyed in NYC Bomb Scare NY Daily News An Islamic group that warned Comedy Central's "South Park" of retaliation for lampooning the Prophet Muhammed is denying involvement in the Times Square bomb plot. The SUV containing the explosives was parked next to the headquarters of Comedy Central owner Viacom. Comcast, DirecTV Viewers Poised to Flee CNNMoney One in eight U.S. consumers will eliminate or scale back their cable, satellite or other pay-television service this year, says a study by Yankee Group. Soaring Internet video viewing is cited as one reason. "It's going to become hard to sell pay TV to anyone under 30." MSNBC Boss Seeks 'Passion' of Fox News Chicago Tribune MSNBC boss Phil Griffin says he is in awe of how Fox News Channel has "changed media." The No. 1 cable news channel has "passionate support" from its viewers. "That's what we want to get." Griffin adds: CNN "built a great brand in the '80s, but it's a different world." NBC Opens Wallet in Effort to Rebuild Brand NY Times NBC has been trying to rewrite the financial rules of television by contracting, but after failed experiments -- like the Jay Leno debacle -- that strategy is over. NBC is doubling the number of pilots it ordered last year. "We have to look like we know what we're doing." Sirius XM Resists FCC's Airwave Proposal Wall St Journal A Federal Communications Commission plan to expand wireless Internet access is raising the ire of Sirius XM Radio, which is concerned the effort may lead to an interference with satellite-radio programming. Sirius star Howard Stern is rallying his fans for support. China to Start English TV News Channel AP China's biggest national news agency plans to launch a global, English-language television news network, part of efforts to expand the communist government's media influence abroad. Starting Saturday, China Xinhua News Network (CNC) will begin trial broadcasts. NBC 'Chuck' Fans to Stage Flash Mobs H'wood Reporter Fans of NBC's "Chuck" on Monday will stage themed flash mobs in at least four cities, as the action-comedy faces possible cancellation. In Chicago, Seattle, San Diego and Philadelphia, "Chuck" fans plan to gather while dressed in the show's Buy More-style clothing. Oprah's Network Eyes Eating Disorders H'wood Reporter Oprah Winfrey's cable network OWN has announced another show for its lineup, "Inside Rehab," which will take viewers into the world of eating disorders "in a raw and transformative way." The series will follow patients as they undergo a 42-day recovery program. TBS Star Conan Describes NBC as 'Toxic' CBS News Conan O'Brien says he would have left NBC rather than do what Jay Leno did to him, in his first interview since being forced off the "Tonight Show." He also describes his former relationship with NBC as "toxic." O'Brien's interview with "60 Minutes" airs Sunday. ABC News Cuts Fewer Jobs Than Expected LA Times A brutal round of cuts at ABC News came to a close this week when execs laid off 22 employees, a smaller number than they had expected. The final tally was less than anticipated because more than 300 staff and contract employees agreed to take a voluntary buyout. News Corp, CBS Split on Future of 3-D TV Reuters CBS boss Les Moonves says he is skeptical about converting television shows to 3-D. The visual quality of experiments did not "knock him out." However, News Corp. top exec Chase Carey says that 3-D will be a big part of future broadcasts of sports, movies and major events. NBC 'Biggest Loser' Debuts Clothing Line WWD NBC's weight-loss reality show "The Biggest Loser" is launching its own line of activewear. The 27-piece collection, from designer Bruno Schiavi, is designed with a plus-size consumer in mind and will hit stores in September, just in time for the show's 10th season. Scripps: Cooking Channel on Front Burner Business Courier The Cooking Channel will enjoy a faster growth curve than the Food Network, says Scripps Networks Interactive CEO Ken Lowe. Scripps is changing the name of its Fine Living Network to the Cooking Channel. The new network is set to debut Memorial Day weekend. Comcast-NBC May See Web-TV Concessions Bloomberg U.S. regulators may use their veto power over the Comcast-NBC Universal merger to demand concessions to help Web startups, analysts say. The Federal Communications Commission extended its deal review, in part to assess the effect on online video services. Broadcast TV Upfront Ad Sales to Hike 20% H'wood Reporter Broadcast TV upfront advertising sales will rise 20% over last year to $8.26 billion and outperform the cable TV upfront market's gain of 15% to 20%, estimates Barclays Capital analyst Anthony DiClemente. CBS and Fox are likely to see the biggest upfront dollar gains. HBO to Offer Free 'True Blood' Webisodes Mediaweek Web users will have the opportunity to sample premium HBO content for free over the next several weeks. The pay cable network is rolling out minisodes of "True Blood" on Yahoo TV. The minisode will then become available on HBO.com and Facebook, and then on HBO itself. NBC, Daily Racing Forum to Partner Online RBR The 115-year-old Daily Racing Form newspaper will provide digital content in an online venture to support NBC Sports' thoroughbred racing coverage, including this weekend's Kentucky Derby. The Daily Racing Form will host a horseracing section on NBCSports.com. CBS: Conan Breaks Silence on "60 Minutes' AP Conan O'Brien will be on television this weekend with his first post-NBC "Tonight Show" interview. O'Brien talks with Steve Kroft on CBS' "60 Minutes." O'Brien's exit deal with NBC barred him from TV appearances until May 1; the "60 Minutes" piece will air the day after. MSNBC: Deutsch Says No Hard Feelings AP A week after being tossed off the air by MSNBC over a fracas with network star Keith Olbermann, Donny Deutsch returned to NBC headquarters to moderate a luncheon panel with advertisers. "It's good to be back in the building," Deutsch jokes. "It's just TV." NBC: Piers Near Deal to 'Replace' Barbara NY Post NBC is said to be near a deal to make "America's Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan the "next" Barbara Walters, as host of periodic interview specials with top newsmakers. Walters recently dropped her annual ABC Oscar special. Morgan is a former British tabloid editor. Lifetime Looks to History for Future Boss Deadline Nancy Dubuc, president of the History Channel, will take on the same role at A&E Television Networks "flailing" sibling Lifetime. Dubuc will run both Lifetime's and History's "strategic planning, programming, consumer marketing, publicity and brand development." Sirius XM: Threat of Nasdaq Delist Eases Reuters Sirius XM Radio has shaken off the threat of a Nasdaq delisting, vindicating the scores of investors who had bet on the satellite radio service when it was shunted by big institutional funds. "I'm feeling more confident and still in it for the long haul," says one individual investor. CBS Films Stumbling at the Box Office LA Times CBS Films is seen as a troubled movie company, with its latest release, this past weekend's Jennifer Lopez-starring "The Back-Up Plan," floundering at the box office amid poor reviews. "It's become clear that what is really killing CBS Films is its business plan." Comcast-NBC Opposed by Ex-FCC Chief LA Times Kevin Martin, the Republican former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, is at the forefront of efforts to derail the Comcast-NBC Universal merger. Martin, now practicing law, has clients -- including Bloomberg and the CWA -- that oppose the merger. Emmis CEO Aims to Take Firm Private Indy Star Emmis CEO Jeffrey Smulyan is taking another crack at converting the Indianapolis-based radio broadcaster he founded and runs from a publicly traded corporation to a private business. Emmis has seen its share price decline amid the sagging fortunes of the radio industry. Viacom Offices Boosts Security After Threat Post / Fox Police have tightened security at Comedy Central's offices in response to the "South Park" episode featuring the Prophet Mohammed in a bear suit. Also: The 20-year-old student who suggested a threat against "South Park's" creators says: "If you kill us, then we kill you." Time Warner Near Deal with Conan O'Brien Deadline Conan O'Brien is becoming a Time Warner man all the way. His company, Conaco Productions, is said to be finalizing a major production deal with Warner Bros. Television, now that it is producing his new late-night talk show for TBS. Conaco had been based at NBC. Murdoch's Saudi Pal Mulls News Channel Bloomberg Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal plans to sell a stake in Middle East media company Rotana to the public within two years. Rotana in February agreed to sell a stake to News Corp. for $70 million. Alwaleed also may start a regional news channel to compete with Al-Jazeera. Viacom/CBS: 'Redstone Scholars' at Harvard Boston Business Media mogul Sumner Redstone has donated $1 million to Harvard University and $500,000 to the Boston Latin School. A Boston native, Redstone attended both Harvard and Boston Latin. Redstone's Harvard gift will establish scholarships for 20 "Redstone Scholars." CBS' 'Men' to End Without Charlie Sheen Radar "Two and a Half Men," the No. 1 sitcom on U.S. television, will come to an end without star Charlie Sheen, says a source at producer Warner Brothers. Sheen, who is battling marital, legal and substance-abuse issues, has not committed to returning to the CBS show. ABC Plans Live Event for Finale of 'Lost' UPI ABC has announced plans for an event called "Lost Live: The Final Celebration" at UCLA's Royce Hall in Los Angeles. The May 13 show will feature appearances by "Lost" cast members. A special preview of the final episode will be screened after the concert. Scripps to Launch Another Food Channel WaPo The Cooking Channel will debut next month and, like Scripps Networks Interactive sibling channel Food Network, it will offer 24-7 food programming. Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay and other Food Network stars will pull double duty on the "younger, grittier" new channel. Nielsen to Begin Hiring Bankers for IPO Financial Times Nielsen, the world's largest TV and consumer measurement company, will begin auditioning bankers next month for one of the largest U.S. initial public offerings in recent years. Nielsen's private equity owners hope the offering will value the company at up to $21 billion. Oprah Goes Mobile Releasing Multiple Apps Appolicious Oprah Winfrey is now officially mobile. The new release of her mobile apps span the gamut of major platforms, including titles for the iPhone, BlackBerry, Palm and Android. The widespread release has ambitions of reaching every consumer on every smart phone. CNN Enters Content Deal with TheWrap TheWrap TheWrap, the Hollywood industry news site run by Sharon Waxman, will become an ongoing contributor to CNN's "Reliable Sources" and partner with Southern California public radio station KPCC. Also, TheWrap and CNN will share content between their two news sites. CBS Showtime Picks Up Kudrow Web Series H'wood Reporter CBS' Showtime has picked up Lisa Kudrow's online series "Web Therapy." The project's 45 episodes, which run about 10 minutes each, will be patched together to make half-hour episodes. In "Web Therapy," Kudrow plays a therapist who dispenses advice via webcam. Fox to Rebroadcast 'Glee' After DVR Mishap World Screen DVR users who missed the last few minutes of the Madonna episode of "Glee" will have a second opportunity to watch the show, which Fox is rebroadcasting Friday night. DVR users missed the last few minutes because the "American Idol" lead-in ran late. NY1 Reporter Sex Harassment Suit Rejected NY Daily News A federal jury has rejected claims by former NY1 reporter Adele Sammarco that she was a victim of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment at the Time Warner cable news station. "I am one woman up against a corporate entity," she says, adding, "I'm not bitter." Viacom Censors 'South Park' After Threat LA Times Comedy Central bleeped out all references to the prophet Muhammad in "South Park" after a threat from a radical Muslim group. The incident provides the latest example that media giants still struggle to balance free speech with safety concerns and religious sensitivities. Time Warner, CBS in March Madness Deal Fox Business Time Warner's Turner Broadcasting and CBS have inked a $10.8 billion, 14-year deal to televise NCAA's March Madness basketball tournament beginning in 2011. The deal means that for the first time, all games will be televised live across four national networks. Media Outlets Integrate Facebook Features B&C ESPN, CNN and USA Network are among the media companies planning to integrate Facebook's newly announced social media services. Also: The Washington Post will integrate Facebook to let readers share articles and photos directly from the newspaper's Web site. Oprah Network to Integrate P&G Products Wall St Journal Procter & Gamble is said to be entering an advertising pact valued at $100 million with the Oprah Winfrey Network. The deal will span three years, following the network's planned debut next January, and includes integrating P&G's products into some programming. Fox, ABC 'Censored' Plus-Sized Model Ad Adweek Lane Bryant is up in arms that Fox and ABC have resisted airing a "sexy" lingerie commercial from the company in time periods where the networks have broadcast other racy fare. Lane Bryant suggests that the networks were put off by the ad's plus-sized models. HBO: Will Network Be Sued by Nikki Finke? H'wood Reporter The script for the proposed HBO series "Tilda" portrays a title character so similar to Deadline.com journalist Nikki Finke that the network may be treading on shaky legal ground. Also, depicting her as a pothead and boozer could bolster claims for "libel-in-fiction." Viacom: South Park 'Threatened' by Group Reuters U.S. Muslim group Revolution Muslim issued an Internet "warning" to creators of the satirical animated Comedy Central show "South Park" over a depiction of the Prophet Mohammad in a bear outfit: "They will probably wind up like Theo Van Gogh for airing this show." MSNBC Yanks Deutsch Over Olbermann Gripe NY Post MSNBC is said to have ended Donny Deutsch's weeklong stint hosting a 3 p.m. show called "America the Angry" after network star Keith Olbermann "went ballistic" when a guest on the program referred to him as one of the "biggest hatemongers on television." Sony to Air Baseball Games on PlayStation 3 Bloomberg Sony, maker of the PlayStation 3 video game console, plans to stream live Major League Baseball games over the Internet to its machines to expand its online offerings. The company is preparing an update for the console software to enable streaming on existing machines. CBS' Couric Interviews Twitter Founder CBS News CBS news anchor Katie Couric interviewed Twitter co-founder Biz Stone on her webcast. "We're growing faster internationally than we are in the United States," Stone tells her. He adds: "Sharing links and pointing people to interesting content builds a reputation for you." ABC Preps Daytime Show for Spelling LA Times ABC is developing a daytime talk show for Tori Spelling, the daughter of late legendary television producer Aaron Spelling, and a co-host to be determined. Many ABC stations will likely have a hole in their schedules to fill next fall when Oprah Winfrey departs to cable. CBS Eyes CEO's Wife for 'View' Rival NY Post CBS president Les Moonves' wife, Julie Chen, could soon be the face of a new daytime panel chat show for mothers. Chen -- who has a son, Charlie, with Moonves -- and "Roseanne" star Sara Gilbert are preparing a pilot for CBS for a show to rival ABC's "The View." Nielsen: TV Viewership Sees Unusual Drop NY Post Television network and advertising execs are scratching their heads at an unusual dip in the amount of time people spend watching TV, which has the industry wondering if it's the start of a bigger shift in habits. The biggest declines are among younger viewers in prime time. Comcast Unit Exec Invests in RightNetwork Philly Business Comcast-Spectacor chief Ed Snider in investing in RightNetwork, a media company that is launching a conservative television, Web and mobile network this summer. Comcast, which owns a controlling stake in Comcast-Spectacor, has no involvement with RightNetwork. TV Stations Surpass Newspapers Online RBR Web sales growth at broadcast television stations outpaced newspapers in 2009, as broadcasters gained ground against their principal in-market rivals and posted an 8.7% share of all local online advertising, according to a report by the Television Bureau of Advertising. Comedy Central Re-Ups Stewart, Colbert NY Times Comedy Central has signed Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert -- who attract more young viewers than the late-night shows on the broadcast networks -- to new contracts that will keep them in the 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. weeknight slots through the next presidential election. VH1 to Produce Record 44 Original Shows B&C VH1 is producing a record 44 original series in 2010 with a focus on music, celebrity and real life stories. The push comes following a study of young adults. "They want to connect even more with our characters, our artists and our celebrities -- but in a more genuine way." Oprah Responds to 'So-Called Biography' People Oprah Winfrey made her first public remarks about Kitty Kelly's new book about her, deriding it as a "so-called biography." Winfrey spoke at the New York Women in Communications Matrix Awards, where she presented an award to pal Gayle King. "This, too, shall pass." NBC Loses $223 Million on Winter Olympics NY Post NBC lost $223 million on its broadcast of the Winter Olympics, despite ringing up an additional $800 million in advertising sales. NBC, which paid $820 million in 2003 for the U.S. media rights to the Vancouver games, lost money after paying for production and related costs. Comcast, NBCU Yet to Provide Data to FCC Reuters The Federal Communications Commission has extended the public comment period for the joint venture between Comcast and NBC Universal because it has not received information requested from the companies supporting the claimed benefits of the deal. Dish Network to Offer Epix Movie Channel LA Times Fledging movie channel Epix continues to slowly gain traction, landing its first national distribution contract with Dish Network. The deal, which is expected to be announced today, doubles the availability of the movie channel, which launched in October. CNBC Mulls New 'Strategy' Show for Faber NY Post CNBC is said to be planning to cut its two-hour "Power Lunch" show in half and will devote the leftover hour to a new show, "Strategy Session," hosted by David Faber. Also, CNBC has reportedly approached "Mad Money" host Jim Cramer about helming a second show. ESPN Makes Big Plans for World Cup Online H'wood Reporter ESPN is pulling out all the stops for this summer's soccer World Cup in South Africa, making it the network's largest promotional effort ever for a single event. Among other plans, 54 matches will be streamed live at ESPN3.com along with other mobile and online offerings. Comedy Central to Air 'Onion Sports Network' H'wood Reporter Comedy Central has given a series order to its "Onion Sports Network" pilot, bringing the popular satiric newspaper and Web site to the Viacom channel. Ten episodes have been ordered of the scripted series, which will debut in first quarter next year. CNN Sues Citizen 'iReporter' Over Claims H'wood Reporter CNN has embraced the user-generated culture of the Internet, encouraging viewers to send in news reports. But it is now suing a man named Robert Paisola who identifies himself as a senior iReporter for CNN, claiming to be a regular contributor to the cable news giant. NBC, Fox Team Up for Mobile Content Service LA Times NBC, Fox, Hearst, Cox and other leading U.S. broadcasters are forming a joint venture to develop programming for mobile devices. The as-yet-unnamed venture could reach 150 million people using unused broadcast spectrum to transmit content to mobile phones. FCC Chairman Seeks Support of Broadcasters CNET U.S. Federal Communications chief Julius Genachowski tried to convince broadcasters to support his plans to reauction TV wireless spectrum during a speech at an industry trade show. "Our nation's ability to lead the world in innovation and technology is threatened." CNN to Build Blogs, Hire Craigslist Founder Mediaweek CNN's Web site plans to roll out a spate of new blogs covering food, health and other issues, as it looks to dive deeper into select content verticals. CNN.com is also looking to beef up its tech channel with regular columns from the likes of Craigslist founder Craig Newmark. ABC Sees Success in TV-Watching iPad App Wall St Journal ABC, the only television network so far to offer an ad-supported app for watching its shows free on Apple's iPad, says its business model is proving fruitful. So far, users have watched 650,000 TV episodes using the app, generating "several million" ad impressions. Fox Affiliates Relieved Conan Is Not Coming B&C Managers at Fox affiliates largely treated the news that Conan O'Brien is moving to TBS, and not their own late-night air, with a sigh of relief: "We would've hated to give up" late local news. Both news and syndicated shows offer a more lucrative revenue model than a network show. Electus, MTV to Create Interactive Telenovela Reuters Television exec Ben Silverman, who left NBC in July, has unveiled a slate of programs for his new TV and digital media company, Electus, including a telenovela for MTV. "Pedro & Maria" will allow audience members to guide the storyline via sites such as Facebook. Study: Younger Viewers Watch More TV Online Multichannel News Nearly a quarter of all young adults are viewing more television content online, according to a new study by electronics shopping and research firm Retrevo. Some 23% of people under age 25 watch most of their television online compared with just 8% of people over age 25. Oprah's Image Tarnished in Unauthorized Bio NY Post Oprah Winfrey, who built a billion-dollar empire persuading others to reveal the truth about themselves, is a "big phony" about her own past, claims a new unauthorized biography by Kitty Kelley. Among other assertions, Winfrey once described herself as a teen "prostitute." Time Warner Nabs Conan Ahead of Murdoch Bloomberg Conan O'Brien, the ousted host of NBC's "Tonight Show," will join Time Warner's TBS, shunning News Corp.'s Fox network as pay television challenges the broadcast networks' late-night dominance. "Conan is a great talent and we wish him every success," Fox says. Clear Channel Creditors Aim to Take Over NY Post If Clear Channel can't restructure its debt in the next few years, it will likely collapse, sources say. And that is exactly what some of its large creditors want. Creditors reportedly want to take over the largest U.S. radio station company after the owners default. Fox, Netflix Expand Content Streaming Deal San Jose Business Netflix and 20th Century Fox have expanded their agreement for physical and digital distribution of Fox movies and television programs. The expansion includes a first-time streaming license for Fox TV shows that includes complete prior seasons of some television series. CBSSports.com Traffic Soars for Tiger NewTeeVee CBSSports.com is seeing record numbers for its live stream of the 2010 Masters tournament. The broadcaster clocked 56,090 unique visitors Thursday to see Tiger Woods play live online. The site is offering live tournament coverage before it can be seen on TV. ESPN: Tiger Draws Record Golf Audience Reuters Tiger Woods's comeback at the Masters golf tournament gave ESPN the highest audience ever for a golf event on cable TV, as 4.9 million tuned in to watch on Thursday. The audience was a 47% increase from 2009 when 3.4 million viewers watched the first day of the Masters. CNN's Anderson Cooper Eyes Talk Show H'wood Reporter Ratings-challenged CNN anchor Anderson Cooper is about to experiment with a live studio audience. The network is recruiting a crowd for two shows that will serve as a testing ground for a potential new primetime talk format. CNN is calling the format "conversational." CBS: Sheen Says 'So Be It' If Show Ends Reuters Charlie Sheen says that if his role on "Two and a Half Men" ends after the program's current season, "so be it." "Two and a Half Men" has been among the most-watched sitcoms on U.S. television, and losing the show would be a blow to CBS's advertising revenue. Fox Affiliates Still Reluctant to OK Conan AP Conan O'Brien's sold-out nationwide tour, kicking off Monday, "demonstrates to Fox and anybody else his viability as a draw," observers say. Fox affiliates have been reluctant to give up profitable sitcom reruns to make room for O'Brien. The tour "could change minds." ABC, Writers Guild Reach Tentative Deal UPI ABC and the Writers Guild of America East, AFL-CIO and ABC say they have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract covering WGAE-ABC news employees. About 250 newswriters, editors, production assistants, graphic artists and researchers are affected. Disney: Is a Sale of ABC on the Horizon? Daily Beast With Disney CEO Bob Iger garnering praise for his stewardship of the company, sources say he will now focus directly on ABC. Despite Iger's insistence that he doesn't feel a need to sell the network, such a move remains a possibility. "There's no growth at ABC." Oprah Leads Search for the Next Oprah DC Business Oprah Winfrey is unveiling the programming for the new OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, scheduled to launch on Jan. 1. Among the shows planned is "Your Own Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star," to be produced with reality TV heavy hitter Mark Burnett. Fox News' Beck: A Cross-Platform Success Forbes Glenn Beck Inc., the company that oversees the Fox News Channel commentator's brand, pulled in $32 million in revenue in the past year. "We're an entertainment company," Beck says. His digital operations, including Glennbeck.com, rake in $4 million a year. NBC Enlists 'The Filter' for Online Viewing LA Times NBC.com is turning to The Filter, a tech company partly funded by British rocker Peter Gabriel, to divine what individual visitors to the site want to watch. The Filter tries to figure out the individual tastes of people based on the digital footprints they leave as they surf online. ESPN Gives Tiger's Tee Shot Live Coverage AP Tiger Woods' first tee shot from the Masters was considered important enough by ESPN to use an onscreen countdown clock to mark the seconds before his first swing. But the network's announcers referred only obliquely to the scandal that made it such an event. Oprah to Announce New Evening TV Show Wall St Journal Oprah Winfrey plans to announce that she will host an evening show on her new cable network. The new "Oprah's Next Chapter," an hourlong show, will probably debut late next year. The show will take Winfrey out of the studio setting and follow her around the globe. Fox Struggles to Sell Stations on Conan BusinessWeek Former "Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien is in play, but prospective television networks are struggling to find him the right time slot. Fox hasn't yet convinced its affiliates they should carry his show. O'Brien has also held talks with Starz, Showtime and CBS's syndication arm. CNBC Eyes New Show with David Faber Business Insider CNBC is said to be developing a new lunchtime show starring market news analyst David Faber. The new show could further reduce the time allotted to the existing "Power Lunch" program, which stars Sue Herrera, Dennis Kneale, Michelle Caruso Cabrera and Tyler Mathisen. MSNBC Makes Return to Satellite Radio NY Times MSNBC is back on satellite radio. Almost four years after XM dropped MSNBC, Sirius XM Radio said on Wednesday that the cable news channel would be restored to the line-up April 12. Sirius XM already carries Fox News Channel and several flavors of CNN. ABC Reality Star Sues Time Warner, TMZ TheWrap ABC "Bachelor" contestant Rozlyn Papa is taking Time Warner and its gossip site TMZ, among other sites, to court over a sex tape that they claim features the reality star. Papa, who says the woman in the video is actually an adult film star, is seeking $6 million. Comcast Wins in Case on FCC Net Neutrality Bloomberg Federal regulators lacked authority to censure Comcast for interfering with subscribers' Internet traffic, a U.S. court says. The ruling is a setback for the likes of Google and Amazon.com, which want "net neutrality" rules to keep Internet providers from limiting Web traffic. CBS Unveils Multiplatform Original Web Series World Screen "TV Briefly," a new CBS Interactive Web original series, highlights behind-the-scenes stories from some of CBS's most popular shows. "TV Briefly" is available on multiple platforms, including the Web, mobile, streaming radio and on the CBS billboard in Times Square. NBC Tries 'Behavior Placement' to Lure Ads Wall St Journal NBC Universal is trying "behavior placement" with some of its shows. Characters from programs such as "30 Rock" and "The Office" are acting out eco-friendly behaviors, as advertisers aim to associate their brands with feel-good, socially aware programming. Fox's 'Idol' Surpassed by ABC's 'Dancing' USA Today ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" drew 23 million viewers on Monday, holding on to 95% of the previous week's premiere audience and beating Tuesday's "American Idol" on Fox, at 21.8 million, outright for the first time. "Idol" still holds a lead among young-adult viewers. ESPN, CBS to Benefit from Tiger's Return Reuters Tiger Woods is slated to tee off at the Masters this week. If Woods plays well, ESPN and CBS could exceed the biggest single day television audience ever, more than 20 million viewers, for a golf tournament. The event starts on Thursday and runs through Sunday. MSNBC Pulls Anchor Shuster After CNN Test Popeater MSNBC news anchor David Shuster has been suspended by the network before, but this time he may be out of a job. After getting caught filming a pilot for rival CNN, his bosses pulled him from the rotation for the foreseeable future. "David has been suspended indefinitely." MTV to Cast New 'Jersey Shore' on the Web Asbury Park Press MTV has launched jerseyshorecasting.com, a Web site devoted to finding the next cast for the Viacom network's surprise reality TV hit, "Jersey Shore." Prospective cast members must fill out an online questionnaire, which asks questions like "What are your best assets?" NBC Ex-Host O'Brien Rejects Internet Show NY Times Former NBC late-night host Conan O'Brien is promoting his 30-city comedy tour via a new site, TeamCoco.com. O'Brien once considered producing a Web-only show, but decided that the Internet's low-revenue model would not support the kind of show he wanted to produce. CBS: We Will Focus on Tiger Woods' Golf Bloomberg CBS plans to steer Masters Tournament coverage away from Tiger Woods' marital troubles, and refer to the scandal only as it relates to how he plays. "Certainly it's part of the story," says CBS Sports head Sean McManus. "We'll discuss it as it pertains to the tournament." NBC Sports Shuffles Exec Deck for Digital MediaPost Kevin Monaghan, SVP of business development for NBC Sports, is adding the role of managing director of NBC Sports Digital Media, and will now oversee all digital media for NBC Sports, including NBCSports.com, ProFootballTalk.com and Rotoworld.com. ABC Sued by Former 'Desperate Housewife' H'wood Reporter Former "Desperate Housewives" co-star Nicollette Sheridan has filed a lawsuit against ABC, Touchstone Television and series creator Marc Cherry for $20 million, claiming that she was assaulted by Cherry on the set of the series and fired when she complained about it. ESPN's NY Web Site Makes Strong Ad Debut ClickZ The launch of local sports site ESPN New York is among the sports media giant's strongest to date, in terms of advertising sales. Local advertisers include Brooklyn Brewery and Anheuser-Busch. ESPN has also introduced the rebranding of its ESPN 360 site as ESPN3.com. MSNBC May Punish Anchor for CNN Test NY Times MSNBC execs were highly displeased when the read a report of anchor David Shuster's test of a new show on rival CNN, They are now contemplating their response. "If true, this is unacceptable and David will be punished appropriately," says an MSNBC spokesman. Fox News Loses Young Viewers from Palin LA Times Sarah Palin's new Fox News series debuted Thursday evening amid substantial chatter, but in the end "Real American Stories" delivered about the same number of viewers that usually tune in at that hour. There was a significant drop among younger viewers, however. ESPN Journo Under Protection After Threats LA Times Erin Andrews, the ESPN reporter who last month was at the center of a Los Angeles court case involving a man who secretly videotaped her, has now been the subject of death threats. Andrews, who is appearing on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," is now under protection. Comcast-NBC Deal Eyed by Five States Bloomberg At least five states are involved in the U.S. antitrust review of Comcast's plan to acquire NBC Universal. The involvement of New York, California, Florida, Oregon and Washington shows a level of interest and unease with the transaction, according to antitrust observers. NBC Gets a Boost from Late-Night Leno Bloomberg Jay Leno has led David Letterman in total viewers and in the demo group advertisers target since returning to late-night television last month. The ratings provide a boost to NBC, which was forced to rebuild its schedule after the failure of Leno's 10 p.m. talk show. CBS: Sheen May Exit 'Two and a Half Men' People After seven seasons, CBS's No. 1 sitcom "Two and a Half Men" may soon be down by one man. Charlie Sheen is telling friends "he's not coming back." Sources say the network hoped the star would sign a new contract for an eighth season, but Sheen turned down the offer. ABC, CBS Evening News Hit Record Lows NY Times Ratings for ABC's and CBS' evening newscasts sank to the lowest numbers they have had in a first quarter since the Nielsen People Meter was introduced in 1987. Still, the number of viewers watching network evening news continues to dwarf any news program on cable. Univision Teams Up With CBS' GameSpot Adweek Univision and CBS' GameSpot are teaming up on a new videogaming site. GameSpot, which covers the market and also houses an online community, will provide content for a new Spanish-language gaming site that can be accessed via Univision's mobile site as well. CBS, ABC Make TV Shows Free on iPad Wall St Journal CBS and ABC are adapting episodes of their TV shows to be viewable free of charge on the new Apple iPad. The two networks plan to stream their TV shows with commercial breaks, similar to on their existing Web sites. "Over time, it'll be the same as online." ABC, CBS, Fox Affiliates Eye Comcast CNBC As Comcast awaits approval of its acquisition of NBC, the affiliates of rival networks are anxious to ensure that this mega-deal doesn't put them at a disadvantage. Earlier this week ABC, CBS and Fox affiliates sent a letter to Comcast, asking to set a meeting. NBC's Leno: Conan and I Got 'Screwed' CNN Jay Leno expects Conan O'Brien will return to late-night television as a rival to NBC's "The Tonight Show." "Conan got screwed, and I got screwed," Leno says. "This is TV. The reason how business pays a lot of money is, when you get screwed you have something left over." Comcast Debuts 3D Broadcast Footage Variety Comcast is showing off test footage of its upcoming live 3D broadcast of the Masters. The golf tournament -- the first-ever linear broadcast of a live 3D event -- will be delivered by Comcast to subscribers and other cable providers. The games will be simulcast online. MTV Developing Web Site for Young Men Mediaweek Viacom's MTV.com is developing a new blog aimed at the coveted young male demographic, though the name of the site and its launch date have yet to be locked in. The site will cover sports, pop culture, gadgets, entertainment and sex for the "forward-thinking dude." Bloomberg Hires ESPN Exec for Mobile TalkingBizNews Bloomberg LP has hired an ESPN exec Oke Okaro to oversee its entry into the consumer mobile news business. Okaro, VP of mobile at ESPN, will become global head of mobile for the Bloomberg Multimedia group. He will report to Bloomberg Multimedia CEO Andy Lack. IPhone-Weary Broadcasters Mull Fight Bloomberg TV broadcasters are mulling a fight over a U.S. government attempt to redistribute airwaves and help wireless carriers cope with traffic from bandwidth-guzzling devices like the iPhone. Ion Media and other local TV station owners are resisting plans to take back spectrum. CBS Affiliates Eye Comcast-NBCU Deal TheWrap CBS' TV stations are questioning Comcast's $30 billion deal for NBC Universal, suggesting they could carry their doubts to U.S. regulators. The proposed merger could "competitively disadvantage CBS affiliates," says Tim Busch, the head of the network's affiliates group. NBC News, Advocate to Share News MediaPost The Advocate, one of the best-known news magazines for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, has entered a deal with NBC News, giving the title access to the network's global resources. Advocate.com will carry daily video news using footage from NBC News. Fox Uses MySpace for 'Glee' Auditions LA Times Fox's new hit "Glee" will hold open auditions for roles to be "featured" in Season 2. Performers age 16 through 26 can upload an audition video through a special "Glee" page on corporate sibling MySpace to get in the running. Videos will be accepted through April 26. Martha, Hallmark Mull New Cable Channel B&C Hallmark and Martha Stewart may be joining forces behind a new lifestyle cable channel. Hallmark parent Crown Media Holdings is in early talks with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia about forming a new venture. If Oprah is getting her own channel, why not Martha? DirecTV Expands in 3D Starting with ESPN CNET DirecTV will have four channels with 3D content starting in June. They include ESPN 3D, which is arriving just in time for 2010 World Cup soccer. ESPN 3D will be a free upgrade for customers who subscribe to ESPN. DirecTV says it will announce more 3D partners this year. MTV Lets Fans Choose Movie Award Nods AP Film fans will choose the nominees and winners of the 2010 MTV Movie Awards this year. Viewers of the irreverent awards show can log on to MTV's Web site and submit their choice nominees in 13 categories. The 19th annual MTV Movie Awards will be presented June 6. CNN Fails to Stop Decline in Prime Time NY Times CNN continued a precipitous decline in ratings for its prime-time programs in the first quarter of 2010. The audience for long-running 9 p.m. host Larry King dropped 43%. CNN's talk-show specials with Anderson Cooper have been seen as a trial run for a new 9 p.m. show. Clear Channel to Offer Starbucks Videos SA Business Clear Channel has landed a lucrative advertising contract with Starbucks that will require the company's on-air radio personalities in major markets to record video tutorials with the coffee outlet's baristas. The videos will air on Clear Channel radio station Web sites. Study: Internet More Essential Than TV RBR More people would give up television than the Internet if they had to choose, according to a new survey by Arbitron and Edison Research. The Internet has become the "most essential" medium. For persons under age 45, "the gap towards eliminating TV is much greater." ABC: Sinclair Pays to Retain TV Affiliates AP Sinclair has reached an agreement in which nine of its TV stations will remain ABC affiliates into 2015. The deal marks the first time Sinclair will pay a license fee to ABC in its affiliate agreements. Traditionally the relationship works the other way around. CBS Eyes Conan for Tony Awards Hosting Deadline CBS reportedly tried to hire Conan O'Brien to host this year's Tony Awards on June 13. But he had to turn down the offer because of the restrictions NBC put on his activities until Sept. 1 in exchange for the $40 million payout for himself and his "Tonight Show" staff. CNBC: Bartiromo No Longer Sweet on 'Honey' NY Post CNBC star personality Maria Bartiromo is over her "Money Honey" moniker. The host of the business cable station's "Closing Bell" show, who made off-the-air headlines three years ago when she moved to trademark the "Money Honey" name, has quietly given up the marks. Fox: 'American Idol' Owner Near Buyout Deal Wall St Journal CKX, the company that owns the "American Idol" franchise, is said to be in the late stages of a buyout transaction led by One Equity Partners, J.P. Morgan's private-equity arm. CEO Robert F.X. Sillerman is expected to retain his 20.6% stake in the company. MTV Developing 'Co-Viewing' Apps for iPad AdAge MTV Networks is developing a co-browsing app meant to be used while watching live television. MTV is focusing on two approaches: co-viewing apps that capture the social-media chatter around TV and apps for video on the go. Apps for several MTV shows are due in April. NBC Gets Financing for Merger with Comcast Philly Business NBC Universal says it has reached agreements to receive $9.1 billion of financing and a $750 million credit facility to provide the financing needed to form the company's planned joint venture with Comcast. The deal still must win the approval of U.S. regulators. CBS Experiments with Video for Apple iPad iPadmodo CBS is believed to be the first major television network working on a video solution for the new Apple iPad. The network is said to be testing HTML5 and other technologies, since the iPad will not support the commonly used Flash format for displaying video. CW to Double Ads in TV Shows on the Web Wall St Journal The CW Network plans to double the commercials in Web versions of its TV shows, seeking to mine a growing audience for viewing online. Web viewers of shows such as "Vampire Diaries" could end up seeing 20 30-second spots an hour. That higher level represents a risk. ESPN Preps Roll Out of Local New York Site Mediaweek ESPN plans to launch a local Web site in New York on April 2. Leon Carter, most recently the sports editor of the New York Daily News, will serve as executive editor. ESPNNewYork.com is the fifth local site launched by ESPN since the debut of a Chicago site last year. MTV's Spike TV Opens UltimateFighter.com B&C MTV Networks' Spike TV is teaming with the Ultimate Fighting Championship to launch UltimateFighter.com. The new site will feature every episode from seasons 1 through 10 of Spike's "Ultimate Fighter" TV show. The site and its video archive will be free to access. PBS, NPR Stations Get $10M for Local News Reuters The U.S. Corporation for Public Broadcasting has launched a $10.5 million project to increase regional reporting, filling a gap from news cutbacks. Seven "Local Journalism Centers" in different regions will band broadcast stations together to report on area issues. ESPN's First President Simmons Dies at 81 Atlanta J-C Chester Simmons, a pioneer of sports broadcasting who helped create ESPN, died Thursday in Atlanta of natural causes at age 81. Simmons joined ESPN in summer 1979, just months before the cable network's launch on Sept 7. He began his career in 1957 with ABC Sports. ABC: Amanpour to Make $2M at 'This Week' NY Post The hiring of Christiane Amanpour as the new host of ABC's "This Week" is said to be hitting staff morale, as the network news division reduces its payroll by 400 jobs. Amanpour, who had been at CNN for 26 years, will make a rumored $2 million a year in her new post. Discovery: Palin to Host Reality-TV Series People Saran Palin, the former Alaska governor, has a deal with the Discovery Channel to host a reality TV series, produced with Mark Burnett, centering on "interesting characters and attractions in the 49th state." The series was picked up for a reported $1-million-plus per episode. Lifetime's Audience is Getting Younger LA Times Lifetime saw its prime-time audience drop 6% in the first quarter of 2010, according to a ratings report from Turner Broadcasting. While the drop is not good news, most of the decline appeared to be among adults over age 60. Among adults 18 to 49, Lifetime was up 5%. MTV 'Jersey Shore' Stars Land Book Deal PW "Jersey Shore" cast members Jenni "Jwoww" Farley and Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, along with writer Marc Shaprio, have written a book, "Never Fall in Love at the Jersey Shore," due from St. Martin's Press in time for the MTV show's season debut during the July 4 weekend. Cablevision Sees Home 3D as Next Frontier H'wood Reporter Cablevision is betting that 3D in the home will be the next business opportunity. The cable operator has unveiled a licensing deal with 3D techn provider RealD. Cablevision will use the technology for a New York Rangers vs. Islanders NHL game on the MSG network. Time Warner Cable to Launch WiFi Hotspots GigaOm Time Warner Cable is expected to launch WiFi hotspots in New York City, in heavily trafficked areas such as train stations, bus terminals and other popular public spaces. The WiFi access is likely to be a free service for the cable company's ISP customers. Disney-ABC Cancels Siskel-Ebert's 'Movies' Chicago Tribune Disney-ABC's "At the Movies" has been cancelled after 24 years, ending the syndicated TV showcase for dueling film critics that originated in the 1970s with the Chicago Sun-Times' Roger Ebert and the Chicago Tribune's Gene Siskel. The series "was no longer sustainable." News Corp Unveils Pay Mobile Video Service GigaOm News Corp.'s Fox Mobile is launching a mobile video service called Bitbop, which will deliver on-demand television shows and movies to consumers' smartphones for $10 per month. At launch, the "Hulu-like" service will include content from Fox, NBC Universal and Discovery. Viacom's MTV, VH1 Team with Foursquare ME Foursquare has entered its biggest partnership yet, with Viacom's MTV and VH1. The social location service will be plugged across shows including "Jersey Shore." The channels also will be the first to use a new Celebrity Mode feature, which lets users see venue tips left by celebs. NBC Universal Accused of Stealing Hulu H'wood Reporter NBC Universal and video site Hulu are being hit with a lawsuit by a Canadian company called Hulavision, which claims NBCU execs stole its trademark and trade secrets after meeting with its founder. Hulavision says it developed technology to deliver television shows online. ABC 'Scrubs' Breaks News on Facebook Zap2it Zach Braff, the former star and current executive producer of ABC's "Scrubs," wrote on his Facebook page that the show "didn't work" after the departure of two lead characters and is "no more." ABC, however, is yet to make a final decision on the fate of the struggling sitcom. Google Founder Urges Action Over China Guardian Google co-founder Sergey Brin has called on Washington to take a stand against China's censorship of the Internet, urging the United States to make the issue a "high priority." Says Brin: "Human rights issues deserve equal time to the trade issues that are high priority now." YouTube Founder Quoted Out of Context CNET In court documents from the Viacom-YouTube copyright lawsuit, Viacom quoted emails by YouTube co-founder Steve Chen. One omitted parts of Chen's original message, when he said the young video site should build up its numbers by tactics "however evil, i.e., scraping MySpace." Oprah Settles School Defamation Lawsuit AP Oprah Winfrey has settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Nomvuyo Mzamane, a headmistress she had accused of performing poorly at her South African girls school, where some students claimed they were abused. The parties do not plan to discuss terms of the settlement. Clear Channel: Billboards to Take On TV FT Billboards make a small contribution to Clear Channel, compared with the company's radio business, but analysts see outdoor as the fastest-growing division. Clear Channel hopes to expand its 500-strong portfolio of digital billboards in 2010, aiming to take on television. ESPN Preps Launch of New York Web Site Observer As the Wall Street Journal staffs up to add a sports section to its forthcoming New York edition, ESPN is making plans to start its own New York vertical on the Web, after launching a local site in Chicago. ESPN is hiring sports reporters from the New York Daily News. ESPN to Study Audiences Across Platforms AP ESPN has announced a new audience measurement initiative designed to take into account television, radio, Internet, print and mobile. ESPN XP will start to study audience behavior in July during coverage of the World Cup on its TV networks and other media platforms. Nielsen: Simultaneous TV, Web Use Rises Nielsen In the last quarter of 2009, simultaneous use of the Internet while watching television increased to three and a half hours a month, up 35% from the previous quarter, according to Nielsen. Nearly 60% of TV viewers now use the Internet once a month while also watching TV. Viacom Sees MTV's 'Jersey' as Franchise NY Times MTV plans to export its hit reality series "Jersey Shore," about a boozy, spray-tanned summer in Seaside Heights, N.J., to more than 30 countries. MTV execs say they believe the "Jersey" narrative is universally appealing: "Muscles + gel + tanning bed = sex." Disney, ABC 'Wife Swap' Kid Files Lawsuit NY Post Alicia Guastafarro, a teen ex-beauty queen, is suing Disney and the ABC show "Wife Swap" for $100 million, charging that they exposed her to "ridicule and derision for their own profit." She claims she was forced to say lines on the show that made her "look like a brat." Cablevision Eyes Buy of Gothamist Blogs PaidContent Gothamist, the local city blog network best known for its New York City edition, is said to be in acquisition talks with Cablevision's Rainbow Media. The deal, for about $5 million, is focused on strengthening the indie-local franchise for Rainbow's Sundance and IFC channels. Scripps Networks to Open Hub in India Wall St Journal Scripps Networks Interactive is looking at India as a television production hub for its global operations. This is the first time a U.S. company is looking to move production into India, Asia's third-largest economy, which is home to a growing domestic market. Eisner Mulls TV Show for Sports Game Wall St Journal Attax, a fantasy sports-card game created by Topps, the trading card company bought three years ago by former Disney chief Michael Eisner's investment outfit Tornante, is a surprise hit. Eisner is pushing to extend the Attax line into candy, gum and maybe even a television show. Sirius XM Stock Pressured by Howard Stern TheStreet Sirius XM stock slipped 3.1% Monday morning, driven by multiple factors that essentially boiled down to Howard Stern and auto-sales outlooks, analysts say. "Speculation on whether Howard Stern will stay with Sirius or leave" could be driving Sirius XM's stock lower. Comcast: We Won't Impede Internet Rivals B&C Comcast chief Brian Roberts, in response to questions from U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee members about his company's proposed merger with NBC Universal, says he won't discriminate against other companies' online programming. "Our commitment is unwavering." CBS Rejects Offer to Interview Tiger Woods USA Today CBS is said to have been offered the same kind of five-minute chat Sunday afternoon that ESPN and the Golf Channel snapped up and aired Sunday night. The broadcaster, however, passed because of the time limit: "We are interested in an interview without any restrictions." ABC News Spends $200,000 on Murder Case LA Times Attorneys in the trial of Casey Anthony, a Florida woman accused of murdering her daughter, say ABC News had paid her family $200,000, which was used for her case. ABC News insists that the payment was for licensing rights to photos and home video, not interviews. Fox-Conan Talks Resume Amid 'Idol' Offer H'wood Reporter After a two-week stall, Fox and Conan O'Brien have resumed talks about a potential late-night talk show fronted by the former "Tonight Show" host. But a wrinkle in the courtship has emerged: O'Brien has been approached to take part in a Fox "American Idol" special. Rosie O'Donnell Aims to Fill In for Oprah H'wood Reporter Rosie O'Donnell, who hosted the syndicated "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," has teamed with syndication veterans Dick Robertson and Scott Carlin for another syndicated talk show. The show is eyed for fall 2011 launch, which would coincide with the exit of "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Fox 'Idol' Ratings May Feel Twitter Impact NY Daily News "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest tweeted news of the elimination of contestant Lacey Brown to his 3 million followers just hours before the results show aired. Seacrest's sticky fingers may have affected the show's ratings, as "Idol" saw its lowest numbers of viewers in history. CNN, John King Give 'USA' a Test Online WaPo The dress rehearsal for CNN's "John King, USA" was broadcast live on CNN.com, where users were invited to offer their own show-improving suggestions via social networks before the program's debut Monday night. "Facebook as focus group, Twitter as test audience." NBC Embeds Video Viewers on Show Sites Ad Age NBC is unveiling an online-video viewer placed in the midst of other interactive content related to the program a fan chooses. For example, video content will be embedded in the Web page for "30 Rock," instead of sending visitors to another page to view video. CBS: NCAA March Madness Sees Web Boost Wall St Journal More people are watching sports events on streaming video, according to CBSSports.com. On the first day of the 2010 NCAA basketball tournament, the games drew 3 million unique visitors to on-demand video, about 11% more than on the first day in 2009, CBS says. Sirius XM Stock Slides on NASDAQ Warning TheStreet Sirius XM stock slid 1.6% to 88 cents a share after the satellite radio company received another cautionary statement about complying with listing requirements for the NASDAQ. Sirius XM chief Mel Karmazin says: "We are committed to remaining listed on the NASDAQ." Clear Channel to Air Music Online from SXSW San Antonio Business Clear Channel will release iheartradio.com's SXSW Music Festival edition of its New! program, which will feature songs from 30 signed and unsigned artists that performed in Austin. The music will be made available on hundreds of Clear Channel radio Web sites. ABC Names Amanpour as 'This Week' Anchor ABC News CNN foreign correspondent Christiane Amanpour is being named the new host of ABC's Sunday political talk show "This Week." Amanpour is expected to "bring the international and the domestic together." Amanpour says: "I leave CNN with the utmost respect." Discovery, A&E Eye Sarah Palin Reality Show H'wood Reporter Sarah Palin is getting closer to having her own reality show. Sources say A&E Networks and Discovery Communications want to acquire Palin's project, which focuses on the ex-governor giving a guided tour of her native Alaska. Mark Burnett will be executive producer. Oprah: Defamation Trial May Impact TV Show Philly Inquirer Oprah Winfrey is due to travel to Philadelphia to fend off defamation charges in a lawsuit filed by the former headmaster of her South African school, who is accused of sexual assault. The monetary cost from the disruption of her television show could be "severe." Martha Set to Take Over Hallmark Channel AP The Hallmark Channel is acquiring an exclusive license for Martha Stewart television programming. A seven-hour block of shows will include "From Martha's Home" and "From Martha's Garden," among others. Hallmark will become the home of "The Martha Stewart Show" this fall. ABC, Amanpour Near Deal for 'This Week' NY Times ABC News is close to a deal to name CNN foreign correspondent Christiane Amanpour as the new host of its Sunday political talk show "This Week." ABC News execs say Amanpour is convinced she could make the switch from international to political reporting. Scripps Networks to Take Shows Global Cincinnati Business Scripps Networks Interactive is entering a deal with London-based Passion Distribution to license shows from its Food Network, HGTV and DIY Network to entertainment channels worldwide. The shows include HGTV's "Design Star" and Food Network's "Ace of Cakes." Fox Discusses Deal with Conan O'Brien LA Times Fox Broadcasting is said to be inching closer to bringing Conan O'Brien back to late night. Fox execs, including Rupert Murdoch, are believed to be on board with the plan. People close to O'Brien are cautiously optimistic about a deal. "We'll get there," one of them says. NBC Prime Time Improves Without Jay Leno AP Two weeks into non-Jay Leno programming, NBC's audience for the final hour of prime time has increased 45%. While NBC doesn't necessarily have any hits in that hour, the instant viewer response suggests they are more comfortable with the traditional programming. Time Warner Airs Playboy Video to Kids Triangle Business A technical glitch at Time Warner Cable in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., caused a video for the Playboy Channel to air on two channels devoted to children. A service call from a parent alerted the company to the problem. "We apologize to our customers that this happened." CBS Stock Rises on Tiger Woods News TheStreet CBS stock jumped after Tiger Woods announced plans to play at the Masters Tournament next month, while shares of corporate sponsors that have stood by him when his personal life erupted in scandal are little changed. Both CBS and ESPN have rights to televise the event. Comcast Buys Blog for Local Sports Effort Philly Inquirer Comcast SportNet is acquiring The700Level, a Philadelphia-centric sports blog, and hiring founder Enrico Campitelli Jr. and most of the site's contributors. Much of the blog's content will be featured on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, the company's localized sports site. CNN Names Political Blogger as Contributor H'wood Reporter Erick Erickson, editor of the conservative political blog RedState, is joining CNN as a contributor. Erickson will appear weeknights on the new "John King, USA" and other CNN programs. "He will add an important voice to CNN's ideologically diverse group of political contributors." MTV Aims to Help Kids Avoid Digital Abuse Wall St Journal MTV is introducing an online tool called Over the Line that allows teens to share their problem with their peers. The effort aims to get kids to support each other in standing up to "digital abuse" -- use of texting and social networking to bully, harass and intimidate people. Facebook, Google Surfed During TV Events Nielsen Americans are getting into the habit of going online while watching major television events, according to Nielsen. Viewers of this year's broadcast of the Academy Awards who were also surfing the Web visited Facebook, Google or Yahoo, a trend also seen during the Super Bowl. E! News, Online Hires Fox Business Exec H'wood Reporter Former Fox Business Network exec Bruce Perlmutter is being named senior VP news and online for E!. He will run E!'s news division across all platforms, including E! News and E! Online. Perlmutter also has worked as a senior executive producer for MSNBC and CNN. Comcast to Telecast Masters on 3D Channel Philly Business Comcast and Augusta National Golf Club are teaming up to make next month's Masters Tournament available in 3D on the 3D-enabled television sets and computer monitors that are just being rolled out. 3D glasses are needed to watch 3D programs on both TVs and PCs. HBO Puts First Hour of 'The Pacific' Online H'wood Reporter HBO is putting Sunday's first hour of its WWII mega-budget production "The Pacific" on its Web site. The other nine hours, however, will only air on HBO. In the past, the Time Warner pay channel has tended to be shy about putting content on the Internet for free. C-Span Puts Full Archives on the Internet NY Times C-Span, the public affairs cable network that airs non-stop coverage of U.S. government proceedings, is uploaded virtually every minute of its video archives to the Internet. The archives cover 23 years of telecasts. "That's where the history will be," says founder Brian Lamb. ABC Tinkers With the Idea of Midday News Observer ABC News execs are tossing around the idea of creating a midday news and lifestyle program that would be one part "Good Morning America," one part "The View," according to multiple sources. Informally, people in the industry are nicknaming the project "Midday America." U.S. Broadcasters Set to Fight FCC Plan FT The National Association of Broadcasters says it is "unclear" whether the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has the authority to call for broadcasters to give up some of their airwaves voluntarily. Wireless companies want the airwaves for additional spectrum. Sirius Likely to Appeal Nasdaq De-Listing Reuters Sirius XM Radio is likely to seek more time from Nasdaq to address its stock price, after failing to meet a Monday deadline to prop up its shares. The satellite radio company has not met a Nasdaq requirement that its stock close above $1 a share for 10 days in a row. Fox Business Hires Willis Away From CNN AP Fox Business Network is hiring Gerri Willis away from CNN. Willis, formerly CNN's personal finance editor, will serve as host of weekend program "The Willis Report" and provide analysis across Fox Business programming on how the news of the day affects American taxpayers. CNBC to Create Editorial Hub in Bahrain World Screen CNBC plans to create a regional editorial hub in Bahrain to focus on coverage of the Middle East. The hub, which is expected to be operational in the second quarter of the year, will coordinate and produce business and financial newsgathering from across the region. U.S. to Propose Major Broadband Policy NY Times The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is submitting a 10-year plan to establish high-speed Internet as the nation's dominant means of communication. The move is likely to upset television broadcasters, who already oppose turning over spectrum for mobile service use. MTV Loses Lady Gaga's New Video to E! LA Times MTV, once the network to see all hot new music videos, was bypassed by Lady Gaga for the premiere of her new, much-buzzed-about music video, "Telephone." The clip made its debut on Comcast's E! network. Viacom's MTV still airs videos, usually between 3 and 9 a.m. NBC Sees 'Massive' Rise in Mobile TV Use ClickZ NBC saw a "massive" lift in mobile usage for its Winter Olympics online coverage last month when compared to the Summer Games of only two years ago, says NBC Universal research exec Alan Wurtzel. "Most mobile use is in the home, which is completely counterintuitive." Fox News: Beck Significant to Bottom Line WaPo An internal spit is said to be growing at Fox News Channel between those who are supportive of Glenn Beck and journalists who worry that the commentator is becoming the network's public face. Beyond the debate, analysts say Beck is "significant" to Fox's bottom line. ABC to Staff Up With Digital Journalists B&C ABC News, which recently announced major staff reductions, is already looking to staff up again with a new brand of digital journalists. ABC has "multiple openings" for journalists who must be able to shoot their own video, produce, write and deliver stories on-air and online. FCC Mulls Action on Cable Fee Disputes NY Times The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is considering changes to ensure that cable television customers do not lose access to broadcast stations because of fee disputes. On Sunday, ABC removed its signal from Cablevision shortly before the Academy Awards. Comcast-NBC to Get Tough U.S. Review AP U.S. regulators are pledging rigorous reviews of Comcast's proposed purchase of NBC Universal to ensure that it will not stifle competition. Analysts expect the deal to be OK'd with conditions to prevent the combined company from abusing its power. NBC 'SNL' Responds to Facebook Effort AP The Internet is getting its way: NBC says Betty White will host "Saturday Night Live" on May 8. The announcement follows a campaign on Facebook urging the sketch show to make the 88-year-old actress a host. The group attracted nearly half-a-million supporters. MSNBC Brings BreakingNews to Facebook TechCrunch Last November, MSNBC acquired the Twitter account @breakingnews, which was started as a basic newswire. A month later, the cable news network acquired BreakingNews.com. Now, MSNBC is launching a Facebook page for updates on major breaking stories. CBS to Benefit from Tiger Woods' Return MarketWatch Tiger Woods is said to be planning to return to golf later this month, which may be encouraging news for CBS. In April, CBS is presenting the Masters, golf's leading tournament. With Woods in tow, the Masters could be one of the year's most-watched sports events. Cable Guys Seek 'Revenge' on Web TV BusinessWeek Silicon Valley upstarts like Boxee and Roku, which aim to offer television viewing online, are facing formidable foes in Time Warner and Comcast. The cable giants' TV Everywhere strategy plans to let viewers watch shows on any device, but only if they're cable subscribers. Hulu: Comcast CEO Says Little About Site InternetNews Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, addressing Capitol Hill to defend the proposed takeover of NBC Universal, is saying little about the prospects for Hulu. Roberts says he hasn't yet met with the video site's execs, and Hulu's business model "remains a work in progress." YouTube: Conan O'Brien's New TV Home? TheWrap Former NBC "Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien plans to go on a 30-city U.S. theater tour, known as the "Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour." While he is contractually barred from TV until Sept. 1, his stage show is likely to be filmed and uploaded to the Web. Local TV: Digital Ad Revenue to Skyrocket Mediaweek The growth of digital advertising revenue for local television and radio will outpace overall ad spending for those media between 2009 and 2014, according to a forecast by BIA/Kelsey. "Broadcasters must evolve to participate in more areas of the media ecosystem." CNN President Sees Facebook as a Rival Bloomberg CNN U.S. president Jonathan Klein says he worries more about competition from social media than from other cable news networks. "The people you're friends with on Facebook or follow on Twitter are trusted sources. Well, we want to be the most trusted name in news." CBS: Charlie Sheen Returning to Sitcom AP Charlie Sheen's publicist says the actor will soon be back at "Two and a Half Men" after undergoing rehab that halted production of CBS' top-rated sitcom. According to a Forbes report, "Two and a Half Men" generates more advertising revenue than any other series on CBS. Disney CEO May Consider Spin-Off of ABC Reuters Disney is keeping its options open for dealing with ABC and its struggling news division, including a spin-off, according to CEO Bob Iger. "There are no guarantees in terms of what will remain part of our company and what will not," he said at Disney's shareholders meeting. CNN, Fox News Declining in Web Searches ClickZ Online searches for major U.S. broadcast news brands, including CNN and Fox News, fell across the board in February, according to Experian Hitwise. Each of the top 10 brands in the broadcast media category experienced loss of share compared with the previous month. Fox's 'Idol' Leads Top TV Moneymakers Forbes Fox's "American Idol," CBS' "Two and a Half Men," and Fox's "24" lead the list of the broadcast television series that generated the most advertising revenue in 2009, according to Kantar Media. No. 1-ranked "Idol" rakes in more than $16 million for every hour it is on the air. CBS: Letterman Eyes Leno After Scandal Associated Press David Letterman can heave a huge sigh of relief after the guilty plea Tuesday of television producer Robert "Joe" Halderman, who faces six months' jail time for trying to extort him. Now, Letterman must focus on his faceoff with reinstated late-night rival Jay Leno. MTV 'Rock Band' to Get Cheaper Songs Bloomberg "Rock Band 3," the next edition of the MTV Networks music-based video game, will be released in time for the Christmas holiday season, says Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman. The money-losing franchise is trying to reduce costs by selecting cheaper songs, he adds. AMC's 'Mad Men' to Enter Barbie World New York Times Mattel plans to release versions of its Barbie and Ken dolls styled after four characters on "Mad Men," as part of a premium-price collectors' series for adults, priced at $74.95 each. Both the "Mad Men" dolls and the fourth season of the AMC series will debut in July. Hulu to Add Hundreds of Clips from NFL SportsBusiness Journal The NFL is expanding its operations online by adding the football league's content to Hulu, the video portal owned by NBC, Fox, ABC and others. The content from NFL Network and NFL Films, encompassing some 600 clips, ranges from team highlights to Super Bowl classics. YouTube a 'Legal Liability,' Googler Says CNET Google, in its $1 billion copyright lawsuit filed by Viacom, has asked a federal court to keep documents in the case under seal. Documents reportedly show that former Google exec David Eun advised management in 2006 to not acquire YouTube, believing it to be "a legal liability." ABC Family Acquires 'Alice' from Disney Hollywood Reporter ABC Family is acquiring the rights to Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" in a deal with corporate sibling Disney Pictures. "Alice," which opened last weekend, will debut on ABC Family in 2012. The cable network has not decided whether it will telecast the movie in 3D. CBS to Offer Two March Madness Apps Macworld CBS is again providing a lifeline to iPhone-equipped fans of basketball's March Madness -- two lifelines, in fact. A free "lite" version offers scores, news and video highlights. A $10 "premium" version will support live video and audio streaming of every March Madness game. NBC's 'SNL' Responds to Facebook Push People Betty White will appear on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in the near future, the 88-year-old actress confirms, following a campaign on Facebook that attracted half a million fans. White inspired the effort after her popular comic turn in a Snickers commercial during the Super Bowl. Disney May Pull ABC from Time Warner Next Bloomberg Disney, which blocked some viewers from the first 13 minutes of the Oscars amid a dispute with Cablevision, may repeat the maneuver if it can't reach a deal with Time Warner Cable once their agreement ends in August. Disney "may have used Cablevision as a test case." Cablevision Seen as Winner in ABC Dispute Reuters Cablevision was the likely winner in its stalemate with ABC owner Disney, but broadcasters may ultimately win the industry's running debate over fees, according to Moody's Investors Service. "We award this Oscar to Cablevision as the likely victor, this time." ABC: Oscarcast Most-Watched Since 2005 Associated Press Some 41.3 million people saw the Academy Awards, making it the most-watched Oscar show since 2005. Viewership was up 14% over last year, keeping with a trend of bigger broadcast audiences for major events after the Super Bowl became the most-watched telecast ever. News Corp to Import Nat Geo Wild Channel New York Times News Corp. will import a channel from Hong Kong to the United States later this month. Nat Geo Wild, focusing on natural history, will replace the Fox Reality Channel on some cable lineups. The new offering is a News Corp.-National Geographic Ventures joint venture. NBCU Chief Has Family Ties to Analyst New York Post Sanford Bernstein analyst Michael Nathanson is bullish about NBC Universal's competitive position, but he doesn't often disclose that his brother-in-law is NBCU boss Jeff Zucker. While Sanford Bernstein "abides by the rules," legal observers question the ethics. NBC Sees Gains After Canceling Jay Leno Wall Street Journal NBC's prime-time lineup is seeing a ratings boost in the aftermath of the Winter Olympics. The biggest gains are in the 10 p.m. time slot, which NBC scrambled to fill after canceling Jay Leno's poorly performing comedy show. Also: Conan O'Brien's live national tour is "confirmed." ABC News Eyes Amanpour for 'This Week' Politico ABC News, still searching for a permanent host for "This Week," is said to be in talks with CNN foreign correspondent Christiane Amanpour. She is among the candidates ABC is eyeing to replace George Stephanopoulos, who left for "Good Morning America" in December. CNN Preps Premiere of 'John King, USA' CNN CNN is announcing that chief national correspondent John King's new weeknight political show will be called "John King, USA," a nod to the journalist's plan to expand his focus beyond Washington, D.C. King is taking over the time slot once occupied by Lou Dobbs. ESPN Web Streams to Go Major League New York Times Major League Baseball is entering a deal to take over the job of streaming the nearly 3,500 live events that ESPN streams each year. ESPN will begin using MLB's tech services in April, when it will also change the name of its Web video hub from ESPN360 to ESPN3. Yahoo Bests NBC, ESPN in Web Olympics San Francisco Business Yahoo Sports was the No. 1 U.S. online destination for Olympics coverage, beating out NBC and ESPN, according to comScore. Yahoo's site dedicated to Olympics coverage attracted 32 million visitors, making it the largest online audience for the Winter Olympics. Disney, Cablevision Reach Deal Over ABC WABC Disney reached an "agreement in principle" with Cablevision over re-transmission fees Sunday night, restoring ABC to 3 million New York area cable customers just as the network's Academy Awards telecast began. Disney had pulled ABC off Cablevision the night before. ABC: Oscar Battles Ad, Ratings Declines MarketWatch A drop in ad spending and a steady decline in ratings are forcing Academy Awards producers to think big this year, like doubling the number of Best Picture nominees. Also: Oscar advertisers say embracing Twitter and Facebook is a must, "so that people talk about you." Cablevision-ABC Fight Attracts Congress Crain's New York Sen. John Kerry and Rep. Joe Barton are taking opposite sides in a dispute over retransmission consent fees that could result in WABC being pulled off Cablevision. The standoff could pull the plug on this year's Academy Awards telecast in much of New York. NBC 'Dateline' to Help Fill Jay Leno Gap Los Angeles Times As NBC patches together a new lineup for the 10 p.m. hour to fill the hole left by the former "Jay Leno Show," the network is calling on "Dateline" to fill in the gap on Fridays by stretching the newsmagazine to two hours. "Dateline" will face a familiar foe: ABC's "20/20." CBS Dilemma: Renaming Twitter Sitcom Entertainment Weekly The pilot for "S— My Dad Says," based on the popular, foul-mouthed Twitter feed, has rounded out its cast: William Shatner as the dad and Ryan Devlin as the tweet-happy son. A big question remains: How will the network retitle the show? "Stuff My Dad Says"? MTV: No Plans to Buy a Social Network Billboard MTV uses online social networking tools, but that doesn't mean the network should buy any of them, says president Van Toffler. When social networking technologies are available for free, "it doesn't make that much sense to spend a lot of money to acquire them." Martha Eyes New TV Show, Digital Magazine Home Accents Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia is announcing several new initiatives. Among them: "Help Me, Martha!," a new unscripted television series starring Stewart. Later this year, the company will launch Boundless Beauty, a digital magazine designed for tablet devices. Fox's 'Idol' Puts Limits on Social Media Los Angeles Times The individual Twitter and Facebook pages of the "American Idol" contestants are being consolidated into one central page. "Idol" producers are believed to be concerned that the discrepancies between the number of contestants' followers could affect audience voting. TiVo Wins Ruling in Dish Network Fight Denver Business TiVo has won a federal appeals court ruling expected to force Dish Network and EchoStar to pay at least $300 million in damages for a patent violation. The decision upholds an earlier ruling, which ordered the DVR patent-violating software to be shut off. ABC, Media Web Sites Target Oscars Fans Wall Street Journal ABC, the broadcaster of this Sunday's Academy Awards, is stepping up its coverage at Oscar.com. New features this year include tie-ins with Twitter and a live video stream from the red carpet. Through a partnership with Facebook, viewers will be able to submit questions live. CBS Offers Free Air Time After Ad Snafu Ad Age CBS plans to give Dockers additional commercial time after it ran the apparel brand's ad in the Super Bowl immediately after a spot for CareerBuilder that used the same creative theme -- people walking about without any pants. The similar ads could "blur" in viewers' minds. ABC, Fox Mull Sarah Palin Reality TV Series Entertainment Weekly Sarah Palin and reality show producer Mark Burnett are making the rounds in Hollywood to pitch a television docudrama about Alaska. The former candidate for the U.S. vice presidency has been seen at ABC, and an insider confirms that she had a meeting at Fox. Fox: Obama Honors 'America's Most Wanted' Associated Press President Obama will help Fox's "America's Most Wanted" celebrate its 1,000th episode Saturday by agreeing to be interviewed by host John Walsh. Obama will discuss the show's impact in its 22 years as well as his administration's anti-crime initiatives. Epix Makes Movies Available on TV, Online Los Angeles Times The fledgling Epix movie channel, recognizing how technology is reshaping television, is designed to also offer films on demand and over the Internet -- as long as viewers are pay-TV customers. Epix "can deliver movies the way you want," says CEO Mark Greenberg. Paley Center May Create Emmy Awards Rival Los Angeles Times The Paley Center for Media, the television industry think tank, is exploring the possibility of creating its own awards show that could end up competing with Emmy Awards. An awards show could create a much-needed new revenue stream for the nonprofit Paley Center. Viacom Yanks Stewart, Colbert from Hulu New York Times In the first major fracture between television show owners and the wildly popular Hulu, Viacom will remove "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," "The Colbert Report" and other Comedy Central programs from the video site. Viacom and Hulu "could not agree on a price." Comcast: NBC Won't Become Cable Network Ad Age Steve Burke, Comcast COO and soon-to-be CEO of NBC Universal, is quashing rumors that NBC will be transformed from a broadcaster into a cable outlet. "That's an idea that sounds good, but it's almost unthinkable. We are committed to the broadcast model." Cablevision Accuses ABC of 'Brinkmanship' Bloomberg Cablevision is accusing Disney's ABC of "playing brinkmanship" by threatening to pull its programming off the cable provider's systems on the eve of the Oscars telecast. "They're doing a dangerous thing by threatening viewers," says Cablevision COO Tom Rutledge. NBC to Replace Martha with Celebrity News Entertainment Weekly NBC is rolling out a new, hour-long live daily version of "Access Hollywood" on six affiliate stations this fall. "Celebrity news is one thing that is working." The new show will likely air in time slots previously occupied by "The Martha Stewart Show," which is moving to cable. CNN's Prime-Time Ratings Hit New Lows Los Angeles Times The evening lineup of Campbell Brown, Larry King and Anderson Cooper on CNN continues to struggle. The Time Warner cable network's prime-time audience fell 54% to 534,000 viewers in February. CNN finished well behind Fox News and also trailed MSNBC. FX 'Nip/Tuck' Unlikely to Debut Nowadays Los Angeles Times FX's "Nip/Tuck," which airs its last episode tonight after seven seasons, would likely not be bought as a new series in today's climate, says creator Ryan Murphy. "There's too much of a crackdown. The content for the first four seasons was brazen and boundary-pushing." Discovery Plans to Export TLC Worldwide Financial Times Discovery is planning an international roll-out for TLC, the female-focused television channel best known for the "Jon & Kate Plus 8" reality series. The plan, which begins with a launch in Norway, will take TLC to about 100 million new subscribers in 75 markets within 18 months. CBS Has New Revenue Stream, CEO Says RBR CBS is now receiving cuts of retransmission consent fees from its affiliate stations, says boss Les Moonves. Network television companies are no longer dependent just one revenue stream: advertising. "We should get paid as much as a cable network showing repeats." Disney May Yank ABC from Cablevision New York Post Disney is warning Cablevision subscribers in New York that local ABC television station WABC's signal may go dark in a dispute over how much it is paid by the cable operator. But Cablevision insists that ABC Disney is holding its customers "hostage" with a "new TV tax." Time Warner Cable: TV No Longer Anchor Dow Jones Broadband Internet service has replaced cable television service as the "anchor product" at Time Warner Cable, says CFO Landel Hobbes. "Consumers like it so much that we have the ability to increase pricing," even if the cable TV business continues to slow. Oprah's TV Network to Get 'Precious' New York Times Oprah Winfrey, an executive producer of the Oscar-nominated film "Precious," has acquired the television rights to the movie for OWN, her forthcoming cable channel. "Precious" will be a "perfect film" for OWN, says the channel's CEO, Christina Norman. CBS-Anderson Cooper Report is Untrue Entertainment Weekly Reports that newsman Anderson Cooper met with CBS execs to discuss an anchor job are false, says CNN. Cooper "is not engaged in any additional conversations with them beyond those necessary for his continuing role on '60 Minutes.' " CBS says: "We're not talking to him." Social Media Eyed for Event TV Ratings Boost Associated Press After years of dwindling ratings and increasingly fractured audiences, big televised events like the Grammy Awards are making a comeback. One theory is that social media networks are galvanizing audiences: "The live experience now includes this sort of interaction." ABC: Oscar Sells Out as Event TV Resonates Mediaweek ABC's Academy Awards broadcast is all but sold out of advertising time less than a week before the big event. After this year's Super Bowl set a ratings record and the Grammy Awards posted gains, this year's Oscarcast is expected to attract big audiences as well. NBC Online Olympics Limits Draws Senate Heat Bloomberg Herbert Kohl, chairman of a U.S. Senate antitrust panel, is questioning NBC's limiting of its online Olympics coverage to fans who subscribe to paid television. "This practice may be a preview of what is to come." Also: NBC's Winter Olympics coverage won 185 million viewers. CBS Eyes CNN's Anderson Cooper for Anchor New York Times CBS execs, mindful that evening news anchor Katie Couric's contract expires in a little over a year, have talked to Anderson Cooper of CNN about an anchor job. Also, as network news divisions weaken, ABC News and Bloomberg may be preparing for a news-gathering pact. NBC: Leno Returns 'Tonight' to Older Viewers Reuters Jay Leno returns to the "Tonight Show" on Monday, and so does his desk -- a sign that struggling NBC wants its flagship late-night program to return to normal after Conan O'Brien failed as its host. Leno's average viewer age is 54, which is a "very loyal" audience. ABC News Sees Digital Future, Fewer Bureaus Los Angeles Times ABC News plans to cut 25% of its 1,400-person staff and eliminate about half of its bureau correspondents, replacing them with just two dozen digital journalists. Also: The network plans to close all of its physical bureaus around the country except Washington, D.C. Internet Bests Newspapers, Radio for News BBC News The Internet has surpassed newspapers and radio in popularity as a news platform among Americans, says a new survey by the Pew Research Center. The Internet now ranks just behind television. News aggregators such as Google News are "most commonly used." Fox's 'Family Guy' is TV's Most Indecent Los Angeles Times Fox's "Family Guy" receives the most complaints about broadcast indecency at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. The high volume around the animated sitcom could become a big headache for Fox if the commission were to go after the show. NBC Still Faces Problems with Jay Leno Los Angeles Times Jay Leno returns to "The Tonight Show" on Monday night. But the network still must address the issue of who will one day replace him as host of the important late-night franchise. NBC "would be wise to start test-piloting guest hosts" to fill in for Leno, who turns 60 in April. ABC, CBS Signal Leaner News Approach Wall Street Journal ABC and CBS are making staff cuts as their news divisions face shrinking profits and increasing competition from cable and the Internet. CBS and ABC are in a dicey position: Neither owns a cable-news network that brings in revenue from cable and satellite-TV bills. Fox's 'Idol': Howard Stern Won't Be Judge Deadline Howard Stern "definitely" won't be joining "American Idol" as the judge replacing Simon Cowell, according to sources close to the hit Fox show. 19 Entertainment, the London-based creator of the franchise, is expended to spend $38 million on Cowell's replacement. Sirius XM Chief Sweet-Talks Howard Stern TheStreet As Howard Stern ponders his next move, Sirius XM chief Mel Karmazin reiterates that he wants the shock jock to stay: "He has been a great partner." Stern is a big draw for the satellite radio firm and key to improving its slumping subscriber numbers and ad revenue. BBC to Slash Web Site, American Programs Times of London The BBC will close two radio stations, shut half its Web site and cut spending on imported American programs in an overhaul to be announced next month. Britain's state-owned broadcaster "has become too large and must shrink to give commercial rivals room to operate." ESPN Sets Up Hub for 3D TV Development Multichannel News ESPN, citing the need for "a real-world testing ground" for the development of its forthcoming 3D television service, is designating the ESPN Innovation Lab at the Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando as a hub for 3D technology. MTV Ex President Starts Consulting Firm AllThingsD Michael Wolf, the former president and COO of MTV Networks, is opening up his own shop: Activate, a boutique media and tech consulting firm. Wolf made his reputation as a media consultant at Booz Allen and McKinsey. His colleague is Anil Dash of Six Apart fame. TiVo May Combine Web Fare, TV Listings Bloomberg TiVo may introduce a set-top box next week that provides Web search results alongside television listings. The product may let subscribers locate programs at sites including YouTube and Netflix. TiVo plans to announce "significant news" at an event on March 2. ESPN: 'Most Valuable' Basic Cable Channel Multichannel News ESPN is perceived as the most valuable basic cable network, according to a survey of cable operators by Beta Research. ESPN is followed by Disney siblings ESPN2 and Disney Channel. Fox News Channel comes in fourth place, followed by Discovery Channel and TNT. NBC's Leno Bested by Conan on Twitter CNET Former NBC "Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien has joined Twitter. With just one tweet, he quickly amassed more than 180,000 followers. Within hours of opening his account he blasted past incoming "Tonight" host Jay Leno's following of around 30,000. MTV Pushing Out 'Cynical' Generation X Hollywood Reporter MTV is aimed at millennials -- not Generation X, says MTV Networks president Van Toffler. "We're pushing Generation X out." Millennials are "definitely less cynical -- they're more civic minded." They also enjoy the "family" elements of shows like "Jersey Shore." U.S. Eyes Paying Broadcasters for Airwaves Reuters The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is considering paying television broadcasters to give up their rights to some airwaves as it looks to overcome a scarcity of spectrum for mobile phone services. But broadcasters are likely to be "reluctant." TV's Future: Mobile, Interactive -- Not Free CNNMoney In the near future, television is going to be available anywhere, on any device, at any time. Just don't expect it to be free, analysts say. The business model for free Internet television doesn't work, so subscription services will be "the likely replacement." CBS' TV.com Enters UK Market Before Hulu Guardian CBS is entering a deal with the U.K.'s Channel Five to make programs available on its video site TV.com. The partnership is a coup for CBS, allowing it to steal an advance on ABC, Fox and NBC, whose video portal Hulu is yet to break into the U.K. market. Clear Channel Restructuring is 'Inevitable' Reuters A restructuring of Clear Channel is inevitable, though its private-equity owners Bain Capital and Thomas H. Lee Partners may try to delay it, says Moody's Investors Service. The radio giant will face a critical hurdle in 2016, when about $13.8 billion of debt comes due. ABC Restructuring to Cut 300-400 Jobs CNBC ABC is looking to eliminate up to 400 positions by offering buyouts across the news division. The move is in response to the "revolution in the ways that people get their news." The digital age makes the news business "more competitive" and demands a "re-think" of operations. CBS: New Woes from Sheen, Jackson Bloomberg CBS is halting production of "Two and a Half Men," its most-watched comedy, as star Charlie Sheen enters rehab. Also: CBS wants a federal appeals court to uphold its decision throwing out a $550,000 indecency fine for Janet Jackson's 2004 "wardrobe malfunction." NBC's Leno May Face Tough Comeback Wall Street Journal Jay Leno returns as host of NBC's "The Tonight Show" Monday night facing a competitive landscape. While about a third more people watch late-night television than a decade ago, those viewers are spread across dozens more TV channels. "They scattered all over the place." ESPN Suspends Host for On-Air Remarks USA Today ESPN is suspending Tony Kornheiser, co-host of its weekday "Pardon the Interruption" show, for two weeks for comments he made about Hannah Storm, another network personality. Kornheiser had said that Storm was wearing a skirt "way too short for somebody her age." Olympic TV Migrating to Mobile Phones Reuters Cellphones and the Internet are muscling in on broadcasting as a way to see the Olympic Games, says Timo Lumme, an exec with the International Olympic Committee. But NBC top researcher Alan Wurtzel insists that television will remain the "mothership" for a long time. Cablevision to Test Web-to-TV Service Bloomberg Cablevision plans to test a service allowing subscribers to send content to their television screens instantly from personal computers. The feature, called PC to TV Media Relay, will let cable customers transmit anything shown on their computers by pushing a button. CBS Ex Digital Exec Opens Own Firm NewTeeVee Quincy Smith, the former CEO of CBS Interactive, is opening an investment and advisory firm, Code Advisors. Smith, who had served at CBS since 2006, oversaw the broadcaster's digital strategy, which included the acquisition of CNET and the launch of TV.com. NBC: No Leno Boycott as Celebs Line Up Washington Post Sarah Palin, Olympic gold-medal snowboarder Shaun White and Jamie Foxx are among the big names who will be among the first guests when Jay Leno returns to NBC's "The Tonight Show" starting March 1. On March 3, Leno will host the cast of MTV's "Jersey Shore." MTV 'Jersey' Man Seeks to Block DVD Asbury Park Press A man assaulted during an episode of MTV's "Jersey Shore" is suing to prevent the release of the first season of the show on DVD as well as future airings of two episodes. MTV says that blocking the DVD release would cost the network $1.5 million in lost sales. Lifetime Flounders Under Joint Owners Los Angeles Times Lifetime, the women's cable network, has struggled for years. Execs say they have been hamstrung because major decisions frequently have to be OK'd by the network's joint owners, Disney and Hearst. "Lifetime is the girl that goes from boyfriend to boyfriend too much." E!'s 'Kardashians' Finale Breaks Record Hollywood Reporter Sunday night's season finale of E!'s "Keeping up with the Kardashians" was the network's most-watched telecast ever. "Kardashians" drew 4.8 million viewers, about six times E!'s prime time average. The finale was also the network's top-rated telecast in several key demos. Fox's 'Glee' to Perform at White House EW The cast of "Glee," the Fox musical comedy-drama series, is being invited to perform at the White House Easter Egg Roll in April. First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters are said to be big fans of the show. Glee's producers are shuffling schedules to honor the request. Fox Probed by FCC Over 'Genius' Show New York Times The FCC is looking into whether producers of the planned Fox game show "Our Little Genius" gave contestants the answers to questions in advance. The show, featuring children answering questions, was yanked from the Fox schedule six days before its debut. CBS Develops Twitter Show with Shatner Los Angeles Times CBS is developing a sitcom based on the Twitter feed "Sh-t My Dad Says," with William Shatner set to play the dad in the production. The show is based on 29-year-old comedy writer Justin Halpern's Twitter account, which has passed 1 million followers. NBC Mulls White for 'SNL' After Facebook EW NBC's "Saturday Night Live" is said to be considering signing Betty White to host the show, following a campaign on Facebook that emerged after the 88-year-old actress appeared in a popular Super Bowl spot. "SNL" is mulling teaming White with other comediennes. ABC: Twitter, Facebook to Boost Oscars New York Post Twitter, Facebook and other sites that cover the Academy Awards are expected to build support for the broadcast, creating a water-cooler effect on the Web, say marketing experts. Social media allow younger fans to "have a group experience and keep a dialogue going." Clear Channel Plans to Ride Google Wave WebProNews Clear Channel appears to be taking a liking to Google's new communication tool, Google Wave. A Web manager at the U.S. radio-station conglomerate reports that the company is "loving the wave" and plans on "expanding it to everyone as soon as possible." CNBC to Become a Free Channel in UK Media Week CNBC plans to launch on the subscription-free U.K. satellite platform Freesat next week as part of a free-to-air strategy to widen its distribution. Advertising execs say that becoming free will add "incremental revenue in terms of increasing CNBC's ad potential." Univision Readies Telenovela Web Site Wall Street Journal Univision is creating a video Web site for the popular telenovela soap-opera genre, hoping to fill a void as Internet use grows among Hispanics. The new service will offer full episodes of telenovelas from Univision and outside suppliers free online and through mobile phones. Fox's 'Idol' Dethroned by NBC Olympics Reuters NBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics beat "American Idol" on Wednesday, ending a six-year unbeaten streak for the Fox ratings juggernaut. Some 30 million Americans watched NBC's Vancouver coverage, while about 18 million watched Fox's "Idol" at the same time. NBC Even With ABC Thanks to Olympics Bloomberg NBC, the least-watched major U.S. network for the past four years, has caught up to ABC in the 18-to-49 age viewership targeted by advertisers, thanks to a boost in ratings from the Winter Olympics. "It's possible NBC could finish the season ahead of ABC." CBS Eyes Sale of TV Shows for 99 Cents AllThingsD Apple CEO Steve Jobs's effort to cut prices on TV shows sold on iTunes may have support from CBS. CEO Les Moonves says the broadcaster will mark down the price on some of its shows from $1.99 to 99 cents. Plans to change pricing aren't believed to be imminent. NBC, Blogger Develop Local Web 'Feast' B&C NBC is launching a food-oriented franchise called "Feast" for the Web sites of its local affiliate stations. Described as "a clearinghouse of restaurant and dining coverage for locals," Feast is edited by NBC Local Media's Ben Leventhal, who founded the foodie blog Eater. Fox: Conan O'Brien Mulls Stage Strategy New York Post Conan O'Brien can't appear on television until September, per his exit deal with NBC. But the late-night host is said to be planning to build buzz for himself as he negotiates his next TV deal by making live theatrical appearances. O'Brien is "keen" to move to Fox. Sirius XM: Is Howard Stern Still Needed? WSJ / Post Howard Stern's contract is up with Sirius XM Radio in January 2011. Analysts and radio experts expect the shock jock to re-up, but to take a pay cut in exchange for less time on the air, freeing him up for other projects. Also: "Sirius XM wouldn't disintegrate without Stern." Fox's 'Idol' Ratings Top NBC's Olympics Bloomberg Fox's "American Idol," the most-watched show on U.S. prime-time television, attracted a bigger audience than NBC's Winter Olympics Tuesday night as the two went head to head for the first time. "Idol" won 23.6 million viewers, 16% more than the Olympics. NBC's Olympics May Lure Lost Viewers Reuters NBC's costly gamble on the Winter Olympics is leaving a hole in its finances but strong ratings offer a welcome showcase for the struggling network's revamped prime time, analysts say. The payoff could come if Americans get back into the habit of simply tuning in to NBC. MTV: 'Jersey Shore' May Attract Lawsuit Radar The National American-Italian Service Organization says it is considering legal action against MTV over the channel's hit show "Jersey Shore." "The use of words like 'Guidos' is racial stereotyping and they are portraying Italian Americans in the worst possible light." Yahoo Beating NBC in Online Olympics Mediaweek While NBC is cleaning up in the ratings for the Winter Olympics, the network is losing out on the Web to Yahoo. From Feb. 8 through Feb. 14, Yahoo's dedicated Olympics site drew 9.3 million unique users -- nearly 3 million more unique users than NBCOlympics.com. HBO Bringing FunnyOrDie.com to TV Associated Press HBO on Friday will premiere "Funny or Die Presents," a new half-hour series that compiles clips from the comedy video Web site co-created by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay in 2007. HBO reportedly purchased a piece of FunnyOrDie.com for about $10 million. NBC's Leno Prepares a Low-Key Return USA Today NBC is opting for low-key promotions for the return of Jay Leno as host of the "Tonight" show. The approach is in marked contrast to the hype that greeted his move to prime time last fall. "Jay is perceived as doing something that was kind of hurtful to Conan O'Brien." CBS, NBC May Feel Loss of Tiger Woods Bloomberg Through October 2009, marketers spent $576 million to advertise on weekend golf broadcasts, according to TNS Media Intelligence. CBS and NBC "had the largest exposure." Ad losses may be at least $192 million if Tiger Woods stays out of the game all year. Sirius XM Radio Shares Rally to Top $1 Reuters Sirius XM Radio shares topped $1 on Wednesday, vaulting that threshold for the first time in 17 months, amid improved sentiment about the company's future. The comeback is attributed in part to an improved outlook for auto sales, the source of most new subscribers. DirecTV Rumors of Takeover Resurface Barron's DirecTV shares are trading higher ahead of the company's quarterly earnings report. Some observers contend that the rise reflects renewed talk of a takeover. DirecTV is often the subject of takeover rumors, typically focused on the potential of a sale to AT&T. Salem Buys Conservative 'Hot Air' Site Mediaite Salem Communications, the conservative talk radio company, is acquiring the Web site Hot Air for an undisclosed sum. Owner Michelle Malkin, the conservative pundit, launched the site in April 2006. Hot Air describes itself as "one of the largest right-of-center blogs." Comcast Invests in TidalTV Video Ads Baltimore Business TidalTV is raising $16 million in a second round of funding led by Comcast, New Enterprise Associates and Valhalla Partners. The company plans to use the new capital to invest additional resources in online video advertising and validate its proprietary video ad technology. HBO Prepares Site Offering TV, Movies New York Times HBO looks to be on the verge of unveiling its Internet streaming service in a wider way. A Web site called HBO GO, subtitled "It's HBO on your computer," promises access to scores of television shows and films. Viewers must be HBO subscribers to access the site. MTV Aims to Laser-Target Web Video Ads Mediaweek MTV Networks will offer advertisers the ability to purchase specific demographic and lifestyle target audiences within its online video inventory as part of its partnership with Quantcast. The sales tactic will encompass video inventory on sites reaching 84 million users. CBS May Suffer Financially Due to Sheen Los Angeles Times CBS "Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen could face three years behind bars for allegedly assaulting his wife. Sheen's potential absence could affect CBS financially during this spring's "upfront" advertising sales market where most commercial time is sold. NBC in Talks to Partner with SF Station B&C NBC is in advanced negotiations to partner with Young Broadcasting's KRON in San Francisco. KRON would presumably operate out of the headquarters of NBC-owned KNTV in San Jose should the deal be worked out. Young filed for bankruptcy in February 2009. Fox Business Lures Gasparino from CNBC Washington Post Fox Business Network has stolen a big name from CNBC. Charlie Gasparino, who has a knack for breaking financial stories, used a window in his unexpired contract with the much bigger business network to join the upstart operation. "I always wanted to work for Fox," he says. Grupo Televisa Buys Stake in Wireless Firm Bloomberg Grupo Televisa, the world's largest Spanish-language broadcaster, is buying a 30% stake in the Mexican unit of mobile carrier NII Holdings. Televisa is seeking a mobile-phone and wireless Internet service to add to the services it offers via Mexican cable-TV carriers NBC: Olympic Games Win Gold for Ratings Bloomberg The first two days of the Winter Olympics was watched by 97 million people in the United States, the most since 1994. The audience on Saturday night surpassed all 17 nights of the 2006 games in Turin, Italy. Still, NBC will lose $250 million airing the Vancouver games. ABC: Barbara Walters Ends Oscar Specials Los Angeles Times Barbara Walters says that her 29th special pre-Academy Awards interview special will be her last. "I'm sick of them," she says. "I feel I've been there, done that. 29 years is enough." Walters will continue to co-host "The View" and go on special assignment for ABC News. CBS' Katie Couric to Emcee Media Awards Post-Standard CBS News anchor Katie Couric will emcee the fourth annual Mirror Awards luncheon, established by Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, in June in New York City. The Mirror Awards honor excellence in media industry reporting. CNBC: Charlie Gasparino Eyes Fox Business New York Post Fox Business Network is near a deal to steal Charlie Gasparino away from rival CNBC. The famously feisty Wall Street reporter has officially departed from CNBC after being largely absent for several weeks. A CNBC rep says: "We thank Charlie and wish him the best." BBC Boss Richard Sambrook Goes Into PR PR Week Edelman is appointing the BBC's director of global news Richard Sambrook as global vice-chairman and chief content officer. Sambrook will be based in the public-relations giant's London office and will work with clients to produce written, video and audio content. MTV: No Interest in Online Acquisitions Ad Age MTV is the "forever-young brand," asserts CEO Judy McGrath. "Sometimes that means music at the forefront, sometimes it means the cast of 'Jersey Shore.' ... We've done a great job with our portfolio of brands in an organic way. So I don't see any major acquisitions in 2010." ABC in Affiliate Branding Deal with Hulu NewTeeVee ABC's deal to carry its programming on Hulu, the video site, includes affiliate branding. Hulu tracks users' IP addresses for the purpose of plugging local stations: A user watching "Lost" in Portland, Ore., will see a logo for Portland's ABC affiliate in the corner of the screen. NBC: Web Olympic Viewers Must Register AP NBC is requiring people who want to view online video streams of certain Olympics events to first prove that they subscribe to a cable or satellite television system. While the registration is one-time only, "some people will think it's an intrusion they don't need." CBS Insists Advertisers Aren't Fleeing TV Ad Age CBS research exec David Poltrack insists that advertisers aren't pulling money out of television, disagreeing with a Forrester Research report that says marketers consider TV ads less effective. The report is "contradictory and inconsistent with what we know." TBS Eyes Digital, TV Expansion in Atlanta Atlanta Business Turner Broadcasting System could invest about $600 million to potentially expand its campus in Atlanta and relocate some production work there from New York. TBS will also invest the money in growing its sports digital properties, such as nba.com and pga.com CanWest TV Business Rescued by Shaw Toronto Sun Shaw Communications plans to take control of the broadcasting business of CanWest Global Communications, helping to rescue the debt-laden Canadian media giant. Shaw is a Canadian telecommunications firm that provides TV, Internet and phone services. MTV Struggling to Regain Its Relevance MarketWatch The rise of Facebook and Twitter suddenly makes MTV seem "old and in the way" -- just as MTV itself made FM radio seem like a relic in the early 1980s. Although it has regained some buzz with the hit "Jersey Shore," MTV "may never enjoy the same stature" it once had. NBC's Leno-O'Brien Debacle Set for Book Gawker Bill Carter, the New York Times's television industry reporter, is working on a new book focusing on the recent drama between NBC, Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno. Carter's 1994 book "The Late Shift" explored the late-night television wars of the post-Johnny Carson era. Ellen: Oprah's Daytime TV Heir Apparent New York Times Ellen DeGeneres is well-positioned to lead the talk-show pack when Oprah Winfrey exits the stage in 2011, suggest various viewer studies. Her hourlong show is "upbeat and inspirational," and Ellen is seen as "relaxed and relatable." Already, she is "more likable" than Oprah. FCC May Pay Broadcasters for Airwaves BusinessWeek The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is mulling a plan to pay broadcasters to vacate airwaves it could use to alleviate network strain caused by the surging use of smartphones. But broadcasters, seeking to exploit mobile digital TV, may have "no interest in cashing out." NBC: Wal-Mart, P&G to Create TV Movie Wall Street Journal Wal-Mart Stores and Procter & Gamble will jointly create a "family-friendly" television movie to be broadcast in April on NBC. The movie, "Secrets of the Mountain," will feature product placements from both companies and run ads from both firms during commercial breaks. NBC Eyes New Media to Save Olympics Los Angeles Times NBC, weighed down by overpaying for rights fees for the Winter Olympics, expects to lose at least $250 million on its coverage. Researchers find that the Games are "not relevant to people under 40," so NBC is turning to iPhones and Internet buzz to lure younger viewers. Sirius XM: Howard Stern Will Ruin 'Idol' UPI The Parents Television Council is demanding Fox address the rumors claiming radio shock jock Howard Stern may become a judge on "American Idol." Adding Stern to the show "would spell immediate death for one of the best franchises in American family entertainment." ESPN Sees Web Site as Critical to Future Wall Street Journal ESPN, in a high-profile push to make money from online video, is planning a new marketing campaign and new interactive features for its subscription site ESPN360.com, which it plans to rename ESPN3.com. Increasing ESPN360's popularity is "critical to our future." TV Guide Network Ex-Chief to Join Eisner Reuters Topps, the trading card and chewing gum company chaired by onetime Disney chief Michael Eisner, is naming former TV Guide Network president Ryan O'Hara as its new CEO. Last week, O'Hara stepped down from TV Guide, where he had also overseen TVGuide.com. Discovery Preps Launch of TV Networks Washington Business Discovery is moving forward with several new projects, including The Hub, a joint venture cable channel with toy maker Hasbro. It will also debut the new Oprah Winfrey Network, and has announced a partnership with Sony and IMAX to launch a 3D TV network next year. Scripps Networks Touts Strong Ad Sales Business Courier Advertising revenue growth in its lifestyle segment helped Scripps Networks Interactive reverse a year-ago loss and beat expectations for its fourth quarter. "Strong advertising sales and double-digit growth in affiliate fee revenue carried the day," says CEO Ken Lowe. NBC: Jay Leno Ends Prime-Time Experiment Associated Press Jay Leno ushered out one of television's biggest flops without sentiment on Tuesday, the final night of a prime-time experiment doomed by bad ratings and bad vibes. Leno told a few barbed jokes about "The Jay Leno Show," and Donald Trump told him "you're fired." CBS: Super Bowl Most Watched U.S. Show Bloomberg CBS says the Super Bowl was seen by an estimated 106.5 million people, becoming the most-watched program in U.S. television history. The broadcast of the New Orleans Saints' victory over the Indianapolis Colts surpassed the 1983 season finale of "M*A*S*H." ABC: Toyota Yanks Ads from Local Stations ABC News Toyota dealers in five southeast states are pulling their commercials off local ABC affiliates, complaining about the coverage of the automaker's safety problems by ABC News and its investigative reporter Brian Ross. The shift is due to "excessive stories on the Toyota issues." MTV Dropping 'Music Television' from Logo New York Daily News MTV is unveiling a new logo, with photos of network talent, including the cast of "Jersey Shore," seen through it. For the first time in almost 30 years, the logo drops the "music television" tagline. The Viacom network says it is "definitely going in a new direction." TV Ads Growing Less Effective, Study Says Boston Business Marketers' lack of confidence in the effectiveness of television spots is being reflected in smaller TV budgets, according to a joint survey from the Association of National Advertisers and Forrester Research. TV ads "have grown less effective in the past two years." Sirius XM: Howard Stern Confirms 'Idol' Talks New York Post Shock jock Howard Stern admits that he is considering leaving radio to become a judge on Fox's "American Idol" next season. "There's not a better job on the planet than judging that f----ing karaoke contest,” he says to listeners during his Sirius XM radio show. CBS Super Bowl Ad Biz to Punt Other Media New York Post Media execs are hopeful that the brisk pace of CBS' Super Bowl advertising sales will carry over to the rest of the year. However, while television and online appear poised to reap new ad business, newspapers and magazines still face "significant secular declines." Letterman Promo Upstages Super Bowl Ads Washington Post CBS may have stolen the thunder from all of the costly commercials it runs during the Super Bowl with its own "Late Show" promo featuring David Letterman, Jay Leno and Oprah Winfrey. CBS chief Les Moonves gave the OK for NBC star Leno to appear in the 15-second spot. NBC Mulls Live Emmys in Social Media Age Broadcasting & Cable NBC is considering a plan to air the Emmy Awards live coast-to-coast when it broadcasts the ceremony Aug. 29. The move comes as the use of Twitter, Facebook and mobile news makes winners widely public by the time tape-delayed telecasts air in the West. TV Guide Network Chief Exits for New Post World Screen Ryan O'Hara is stepping down as president of TV Guide Network and TVGuide.com to take up a New York-based post that will be announced this week. His departure comes just nine months after TV Guide Network was bought by Lionsgate and One Equity Partners. Lifetime CEO Exits Following A&E Merger Deadline Andrea Wong is stepping down as president and CEO of the Lifetime cable network following its consolidation last year into the A&E Television Networks group, a joint venture of Disney, Hearst and NBC. The consolidation had stripped Wong of some of her authority. Fox, Conan Slated to Begin Formal Talks TheWrap Fox and Conan O'Brien are said to be doing their respective due diligence as they try to figure out how a deal might be hammered out to bring the former "Tonight Show" host to the News Corp. network. Industry insiders believe formal talks will begin within weeks. NBC, Hulu Delete Conan's 'Tonight Show' AllThingsD Remember the Conan O'Brien imbroglio with NBC? Perhaps the network wishes you didn't. The company is removing every episode of the late-night show's seven-month run from NBC.com, as well as Hulu, the video site the network owns with Fox and ABC. CBS Expects Big Ratings for Super Bowl SI.com Sunday's game on CBS could be the most-viewed Super Bowl ever, according to chatter among broadcasters. Pregame features include news anchor Katie Couric interviewing President Obama live. Top CBS exec Sean McManus says that "extraordinary" ratings are possible. CBS Edits Super Bowl Anti-Abortion Ad USA Today Focus on the Family, the group behind the controversial pro-life Super Bowl ad, reveals that its original spot was rejected by CBS. In it, quarterback Tim Tebow's mother says she was advised to have an abortion: "Both of our lives were at risk." CBS had the quote cut out. Comcast-NBC Venture Could Test Free TV Bloomberg Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker are testifying in Washington, D.C., seeking to convince lawmakers that their companies' proposed union is in the public interest. Some contend that the takeover could test the future of free television. Fox: Howard Stern Eyed for 'American Idol' New York Post "American Idol" producers are said to have approached Howard Stern to replace Simon Cowell as the hit Fox show's tough-talking judge. They approached the shock jock after he discussed on-air that his exclusive Sirius XM Radio deal is set to expire. HBO Develops Series About ... Nikki Finke? Hollywood Reporter HBO is developing a half-hour comedy series about a "powerful female online showbiz journalist" with a "no-holds-barred style." The project comes as several Hollywood print reporters, including Nikki Finke, Sharon Waxman and Anne Thompson, have migrated online. Broadcasters to Lose Ads to Internet Video Bloomberg Online video ads are seen as the fastest-growing area in advertising, aided by their ability to show off products in a feature-rich medium and zero in on a target audience. Traditional television is already feeling the pain; 2009 was "the worst ad year since 2001" for broadcasters. Epix to Be Carried on Charter Cable System Associated Press Epix, the pay-television channel owned by Paramount Pictures, MGM and Lions Gate, says it will be offered to Charter cable customers beginning in May. Following deals to be carried by Verizon FiOS, Mediacom and Cox, Epix will reach 16 million homes in the next three months. CBS Boss: Expect Couric to Say 'Long Time' AP / NYT CBS News chief Sean McManus says that criticizing Katie Couric's salary is unfair at a time news division jobs are being cut and that he expects the news anchor to stay at the network "for a long time." Also: Dozens of CBS News employees are being laid off. Sirius XM CEO 'Optimistic' Stern Will Stay AllThingsD / TheWrap Howard Stern, whose contract with Sirius XM Radio expires this year, is "great content," says boss Mel Karmazin. "Howard would be sought after by anyone. Having said that, we would like him to stay with us." Also: Stern says he has been offered a job in television. Comcast-NBC Raises Concerns Among Affils Bloomberg Comcast's proposed takeover of NBC Universal is raising concern among independent NBC stations that network programming may appear first on cable. Independent stations affiliated with NBC also want to prevent a "migration" of the network's programming to cable. CBS, Couric in Standoff Over Anchor's Future New York Post With a little more than a year to go on her contract, Katie Couric is dressing up her resumé. The CBS "Evening News" anchor is facing a cut in her $15 million-a-year salary. More importantly, her bosses at CBS have not yet said whether they want to keep her at any price. Fox Weighs Late-Night Show With O'Brien Bloomberg Fox is weighing whether to start a late-night show with Conan O'Brien, a move that would put the network into competition with NBC and CBS. Before making a decision, parent News Corp. would need to be "fairly confident" the show could make a profit. NBC Sees Olympic Viewers as 'Ad Lab Rats' Forbes NBC hopes to learn a lot about some of the sports fans who tune in to the Winter Olympics. The event, which will air on seven NBC networks and on the Internet, will give the media outlet and its advertisers an opportunity to track viewers across multiple platforms. Fox, ESPN Plan to Bid on Olympics Rights Bloomberg Fox and ESPN plan to bid for U.S. rights to televise the 2014 and 2016 Olympics, challenging NBC, which says it will lose money on this month's Winter Games. CBS and Time Warner also are said to be considering a joint bid for the 2014 and 2016 Olympic Games. Twitter: Super Bowl Unveils Official Hashtag CNET Twitter is really breaking into the mainstream: The NFL is launching a "Tag The Super Bowl" page of aggregated tweets pertaining to Sunday's Super Bowl XLIV, and even designates an official hash tag (#SB44) for users to categorize their tweets as Super Bowl-related. YouTube Movie Rentals Not a Big Success New York Times By the measures of the movie rental market, YouTube's foray into the business of charging users to stream movies from the Sundance Film Festival is hardly a runaway success. At $3.99 per rental, YouTube netted $10,709.16. But YouTube says it is happy with the test. Oprah Channel to Air Show About Her Show New York Times OWN, the Oprah Winfrey cable network, is creating a show about the end of "The Oprah Winfrey Show." A weekly reality show about Winfrey's final syndicated season will debut in January 2011, the same month that the Discovery Health Channel becomes OWN. ABC 'Lost' Fans Refuse to Watch Online Hollywood Reporter The first hour of the final season of ABC's "Lost" is leaked online, and the reaction is not what industry insiders expected. Users of one social network site voted to "bury" the video: "Why spoil it now? I'd rather watch it in hi-def than watch some low-quality video." CBS Sells Out Super Bowl, Ads Top $3M Bloomberg CBS says it sold all of its Super Bowl advertisements, with prices for the most-expensive spots exceeding $3 million. The network's highest-priced Super Bowl ads could exceed the highest rates from last year, when the NFL championship aired on NBC. CBS Rejects Yet Another Super Bowl Ad Wall Street Journal CBS is rejecting a potential Super Bowl commercial from KGB, a company that answers consumer questions via text message. The nixed spot features two wives calling in KGB agents because their golfer husbands "get their heads stuck where the sun doesn't shine." CBS-Turner Bid Possible for NCAA Tourney Sports Business Journal CBS and Turner Sports are in talks to create a joint bid for the NCAA tournament rights if the association decides to opt out of its current CBS deal. The broadcaster and cable network could share rights. Other networks, including ESPN and Fox, also are mulling bids. Viacom to Air Another Haiti Relief Telethon UPI Viacom's BET is organizing a benefit concert to support relief efforts in Haiti. "SOS Saving OurSelves: Help for Haiti," airing this Friday, will feature Queen Latifah, Sean Combs and Pharrell Williams. Viacom sibling MTV organized a Haiti relief telethon on Jan. 22. CBS Braces for News Layoffs This Week Los Angeles Times CBS News is said to be preparing to cut up to 100 jobs, seeking to hold down costs as its evening and morning news programs continue to trail in the ratings. The belt tightening is expected to affect every CBS News program, including crown jewel "60 Minutes." CBS Rejects Gay Dating Ad for Super Bowl CNNMoney Super Bowl network CBS is rejecting an ad from ManCrunch.com, a gay dating Web site, saying the submitted spot "is not within the network's broadcast standards for Super Bowl Sunday." A ManCrunch spokesperson says: "It's straight-up discrimination." Bravo, Foursquare Eye TV Fans on Phones New York Times Bravo and the social media platform Foursquare are teaming up to engage television viewers on cellphones. Bravo will offer prizes when viewers "check in" to over 500 U.S. locations on Foursquare that correspond with locations from the NBC Universal channel's shows. MTV: 'Jersey Shore' to Leave New Jersey Star-Ledger MTV is ordering a second season of its hit reality show "Jersey Shore," with all of the original cast members. The series is set to return in mid-summer, which means that shooting will need to get underway soon in a new location away from the cold Northeast. Sirius XM Should Drop Howard Stern: Poll TheStreet About 55.2% of respondents to a poll by TheStreet say a company as versatile as Sirius XM Radio can continue successfully without shock jock Howard Stern, whose contract is due to expire later this year. However, 44.8% see Stern as "the face of Sirius XM." Oprah to Present Award for Women in Media New York Post Oprah Winfrey will present an award to her best friend, Gayle King, at the New York Women in Communications' Matrix Awards in April. King will be recognized for her work as editor-at-large of Hearst's O, the Oprah magazine, and on her talk show on Sirius XM. Comcast, NBC Vow to Keep News, Free TV Reuters Comcast and NBC Universal are promising U.S. regulators that they will continue reporting news and keep broadcast television free if the cable giant is OK'd to take control of the TV and movie company. Comcast says the deal shouldn't be conditioned on online distribution. Time Warner Cable Preps Interactive Ads MediaPost Time Warner Cable plans to have 7 million homes that could deliver interactive ads served by Canoe Ventures by the end of the year. Advanced advertising is "a focus" at TWC, says COO Landel Hobbs. TWC is part-owner of Canoe with five other cable operators. Viacom's MTV, 'Jersey' Cast Reach a Deal OK! MTV is said to have reached a deal with the cast members of "Jersey Shore" to return for a second season for a salary of $10,000 per episode. Papers "have not been signed as of yet." The MTV hit reality show has been in limbo over salary negotiations. MTV's Spike Looking to Enter Late-Night Associated Press MTV Networks' Spike cable channel is looking to get into late-night television, but Conan O'Brien need not apply. The network geared to young men says it is developing a new late-night talk show with Thom Beers, who helps make Spike's "1000 Ways to Die" series. NBC 'Could Not Have Handled It Worse' Chicago Tribune NBC handled the "Tonight Show" hosting situation terribly, says host Jay Leno. "Anything they did would have been better than this. If they had come in and shot everybody. It would have been 'Oh, people were murdered,' but at least it would have been a two-day story." CBS Bans Go Daddy Ad from Super Bowl Phoenix Business Go Daddy, the Internet domain registrar, says it has received a rejection for one of its Super Bowl commercials. The spot features an effeminate former football star named Lola who designs lingerie. The ad, CBS says, "had the potential to offend a significant number of people." CBS Mulls Gay Dating Ad for Super Bowl FoxNews CBS is said to be deliberating on whether to run a controversial commercial for the gay dating site ManCrunch.com during the Super Bowl. Reps for the site say they believe CBS has no intention of airing their spot, but do not want to officially reject it fearing a backlash. Viacom Benefits from MTV's 'Jersey Shore' Associated Press Viacom has struggled with poor ratings and a flagging stock price since 2006. "That has now changed," analysts say, due to the popularity of its MTV reality shows like "Jersey Shore." MTV will be able to leverage the series in June's cable upfront ad-buying season. Comcast CEO 'Frustrated' by Leno Flap Philadelphia Inquirer Comcast CEO Brian Roberts says he was frustrated over the flap at NBC between talk-show hosts Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien, "because we are not allowed to be legally involved." He reiterates his support for NBC boss Jeff Zucker. "We've said Jeff Zucker will be the CEO." CNBC: A Star Asset for NBC Universal Financial Times Business news channel CNBC is delivering its fourth year of double-digit growth in operating profits. NBC used to lead the pack of broadcast networks, but it now languishes in last place. By contrast, NBC Universal's cable properties are profitable and growing. Murdoch Daughter Touts Social Networks Los Angeles Times Elisabeth Murdoch, CEO of British television program producer Shine Group, urges TV execs to embrace social networking. Fans "remain the best salesmen for our content. We are at the start of something exciting -- a model that can lead to a new kind of commerce." Fox News: No 1 in Basic Cable Rankings LAT / Boston Herald Fox News last week logged the most viewers in prime time: 3.21 million. The win came when the majority of coverage on cable news was devoted to the Massachusetts Senate race and the earthquake in Haiti. Also: Fox News is the "most trusted" TV news outlet. ABC Offers Paula Abdul $1 Million Deal TMZ Paula Abdul has a million reasons to appear on "Dancing with the Stars." ABC is said to have offered Abdul a $1 million development deal, with one catch -- she has to appear on the network's celebrity dance show. The deal would allow Abdul to do Simon Cowell's "The X Factor." CBS Willing to Air More Advocacy Ads Associated Press CBS is responding to complaints over Christian group Focus on the Family's planned Super Bowl ad featuring football star Tim Tebow by saying that it has eased restrictions on advocacy ads and would consider "responsibly produced" ones for remaining open spots. Martha Stewart Exits Broadcast for Cable Associated Press Martha Stewart doesn't have her own television network like Oprah Winfrey, but the Hallmark Channel is giving the household style maven control over a chunk of its daytime lineup. Stewart's syndicated "Martha Stewart Show" will move to the Hallmark Channel in September. Sirius XM, NY Times 'Riskiest' in Media Seeking Alpha Sirius XM Radio and the New York Times Co. are the most risky investments in media, according to an analysis by Audit Integrity. Bottom-ranked companies have "consistently opaque financial reporting." Scripps Network Interactive has the best risk ranking. CBS Films May Face 'Extraordinary' Cuts New York Post CBS Films insists it is going full steam ahead with its slate of movies despite Harrison Ford's "Extraordinary Measures," which earned just $6 million its opening weekend. The unit, described as a "vanity project for Les Moonves" is said to be mulling slashing budgets by 50%. Sony Sues TV Guide Channel Over Jacko Reuters Michael Jackson tributes that aired on the TV Guide channel following the singer's death last year featured the artist's works without authorization, Sony Music charges in a lawsuit. Sony wants TV Guide to stop airing the documentaries and pay damages. Fox Eyes Conan O'Brien for Late Night New York Post News Corp.'s Fox television network is set to make a move to pick up Conan O'Brien for a rival late-night show. Talks between O'Brien and Fox could start as early as this week. Fox has long wanted to create a late-night show to compete with NBC, ABC and CBS. CBS Struggling as a Movie Producer Wall Street Journal CBS, primarily a broadcaster, started a film studio and released its first feature, "Extraordinary Measures," last weekend. The film generated weekend box office of merely $6 million. With a production cost of about $30 million, the film will struggle to make money. NBC Will Lose $250 Million on Olympics Mediaweek Despite increasing demand from advertisers, NBC expects to lose a quarter of a billion dollars with its presentation of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Sponsor commitments will not be enough to offset the event's $820 million rights fee and production costs. CBS Urged to Drop Pro-Life Super Bowl Ad Associated Press A coalition of women's groups is calling on CBS to scrap its plan to air an ad during the Super Bowl featuring football star Tim Tebow and his mother, which is expected to convey an anti-abortion message. Such an ad "has no place in the biggest sports event of the year." MTV: 'Jersey Shore' Cast All Replaceable New York Post MTV bosses are calling the bluff of the money-hungry "Jersey Shore" cast by looking for new talent. Sources say network reps are touring Jersey bars for new stars for the next season. The current cast is demanding $10,000 per episode to sign for another year. Discovery: OWN Is Not 'Oprah Network' Broadcasting & Cable Discovery chief David Zaslav says that OWN, the new cable network Discovery is creating with Oprah Winfrey, "is not called Oprah, it's called OWN -- it's about moving forward in a positive way." OWN's Oprah-inspired tagline: "It's your life ... own it." Oprah, Beck Lead TV Personality Poll Reuters Oprah Winfrey is regaining her throne as America's favorite television personality in 2009, as conservative talk show host Glenn Beck makes his debut on the annual Harris Poll, coming in second place. NBC's Jay Leno is dropping from first place to third in 2009. NBC Universal Sees Profit Plunge 30% MarketWatch NBC Universal is reporting a 30% drop in fourth-quarter profit on a sharp decline in DVD sales at Universal Studios, along with costs related to developing programming for NBC. The network is developing one-hour dramas to fill Jay Leno's former 10 p.m. time slot. CBS, Hearst Expect Political Ad Boost Advertising Age Last week's U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn campaign finance laws is expected to open the floodgates for more political advertising. Much of the new money is likely to flow to local television stations, benefitting station group owners like Hearst and CBS. Viacom: Next TV Season 'More Pleasant' Bloomberg Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman says advertising prices improved last quarter and the trend may help advanced sales for the next television season. "If it continues this way, the upfront season for the next broadcast season will be much more pleasant for the sellers of advertising." MTV: 'Hope for Haiti' Breaks Records MTV MTV Networks' multichannel "Hope for Haiti Now" says it has raised $58 million to date -- a new record for a disaster-relief telethon. The figure includes donations made via phone, online and mobile. The telethon album is the biggest one-day album pre-order in iTunes history. NBC, Local Affiliate to Compete on Web Boston Globe NBC plans to launch a Boston news Web site that will compete with the Web site of the network's local Boston affiliate, WHDH, for content and advertisers. NBC's forthcoming nbcboston.com could create brand confusion among viewers in the market, analysts say. Nielsen Ratings to Combine TV, Online Advertising Age Nielsen intends to start making data available that takes online viewing of a television program and merges it with standard TV-audience data, resulting in a "single combined national TV rating." The move spotlights the massive changes taking place in the TV business. Comcast Hires Charter CEO for Cable Philadelphia Business Comcast is naming Charter Communications CEO Neil Smit as president of its cable-television unit, Comcast Cable Communications. Smit will report to Comcast COO Steve Burke, who had been president of the unit. The move will free up Burke to oversee NBC Universal. Clear Channel: We Want Howard Stern BusinessWeek Clear Channel says it may be interested in signing shock jock Howard Stern, whose five-year contract at Sirius XM Radio expires at the end of 2010. The U.S. radio giant's interest hinges on whether Stern would be willing to work "within the limitations" of broadcast radio. Fox Confident Stations Would Carry Conan Bloomberg Fox television execs considering a late-night talk show with Conan O'Brien are said to be confident 60% to 70% of their local stations would be free to carry it. O'Brien reportedly prefers to stay on broadcast TV and is interested in News Corp.'s Fox network. NBC: Affiliates Positive About Leno Move Broadcasting & Cable NBC and its affiliates board are speaking positively of their annual meeting, saying both parties are happy to move ahead after the Jay Leno-Conan O'Brien drama. "Everybody's pretty happy" about Leno's return to his former time slot. "We're appreciative." Conan Unable to Bad-Mouth NBC, Execs Wall Street Journal Conan O'Brien and his team are leaving NBC with a $45 million settlement -- but there is a condition: "The Tonight Show" host can't bad-mouth the network or its top brass. "We wanted to give him a graceful exit," says NBC boss Jeff Gaspin. "Hopefully he will be graceful." Leno Set for W.H. Correspondents Dinner CNN Jay Leno will headline the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in May, the group says. The comedian will share the stage with President Obama at the Washington Hilton. By tradition, presidents fire jokes at the news corps and political opponents at the event. Viacom's MTV Haiti Telethon Airs Tonight Los Angeles Times More than 100 performers will participate in the George Clooney-led "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief," which airs tonight commercial-free on more than 60 networks and online. According to MTV, it will be the most widely distributed telethon ever. Discovery CEO Makes Fortune on Options New York Post Discovery Communications CEO David Zaslav is due to haul in $34 million in stock options. The massive one-day payout is more than the CEOs of Disney, Time Warner, Viacom, CBS and News Corp. -- not to mention the bosses of Discovery owner Liberty Media -- earned in 2008. Oprah: Unauthorized Bio Coming in April CNN Kitty Kelley, biographer of the rich and famous, is getting ready to release an unauthorized biography on talk show queen Oprah Winfrey. The 544-page "Oprah: A Biography," will be released on April 13, with a first printing of 500,000 copies, from Crown. Air America Goes Off Air, Citing Economy Washington Business Air America, the left-leaning talk radio network that featured hosts like Al Franken and Rachel Maddow, is pulling the plug, citing the poor economy. "This very difficult environment has had a significant impact on Air America’s business," says chief Charlie Kireker. Sirius XM: Howard Stern Mulls Departure TheWrap Howard Stern says he has been approached by terrestrial radio stations about a possible return to his original turf following the completion of his current five-year $500 million contract with Sirius XM. "I actually have an offer," Stern says. "Well, not a bona fide offer ..." MTV Creates Twitter Tracker for 'Jersey' ClickZ MTV is developing a "Twitter Tracker" to help promote its new hit reality show "Jersey Shore." The Twitter Tracker allows fans to follow each other as well as show characters in "visual way." "Jersey Shore" cast mate Snooki boasts some 70,000 Twitter followers. Cablevision, Scripps End Channel Dispute Dow Jones Cablevision is resolving its dispute with Scripps Networks, bringing the Food Network and HGTV back to the cable provider. The spate began on the last day of 2009, which affected about 3.1 million Cablevision customers. Terms of the deal aren't being disclosed. CNN Turns to Vice Magazine for Youth New Media Age Time Warner's CNN is entering content deals with Vice magazine's video service VBS.TV in an effort to attract a younger audience. CNN.com says the VBS.TV documentary deal "promises to bring the CNN.com audience smart, alternative documentary-style videos." ABC: Koppel Not Headed to 'This Week' Broadcasting & Cable Ted Koppel will not be making a return to ABC News -- at least not as George Stephanopoulos' successor on "This Week." Talks to bring the former "Nightline" anchor back to the network as the host of the Sunday program are said to have ended without an offer. NBC: Conan O'Brien Signs Deal to Leave Bloomberg Conan O'Brien, the host of "The Tonight Show," is said to have signed a deal worth some $44 million to exit NBC. Also: NBC told Comcast in November that Jay Leno's ratings had hurt local stations, which weighed on the value of the entertainment company. Comcast-NBC Deal Eyed by Senate Panel Reuters The U.S. Senate antitrust panel is scheduling a Feb. 4 hearing on Comcast's joint venture with NBC Universal, in particular to discuss whether the cable giant's rivals will lose access to programming. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and NBC head Jeff Zucker are scheduled to testify. Cablevision, Comcast Must Share Sports Bloomberg Cablevision, Comcast and other cable-television operators may have to share more sports programming with satellite and phone companies under changes by U.S. regulators. AT&T and Verizon are "harmed" if they are unable to buy access to cable-owned sports shows. Apple Tablet to Reshape TV, Print Media Wall Street Journal With a new tablet device, Apple is said to be aiming to reshape the newspaper and television businesses much the way the iPod revamped the music industry. Apple reportedly has talked with the New York Times, Conde Nast, CBS and ABC over content for the tablet. NBC: O'Brien Exit Talks Stall on Staff Pay Los Angeles Times Negotiations over Conan O'Brien's departure from NBC are stalled over the "Tonight Show" host's demands that the network compensate staff members who will lose their jobs when the show goes off the air. About 70 staffers followed O'Brien to Los Angeles last year. Fox Questions Conan's Profit Potential Wall Street Journal Conan O'Brien's exit from NBC may allow the Fox network to jump back into late-night television. But first Fox has to sell the idea to its corporate brass and to the managers of the 205 Fox stations, some of whom have reservations about his lackluster "Tonight Show" ratings. CBS: Letterman Case Will Go to Trial Reuters A New York judge refuses to toss out a case against "48 Hours" producer Robert Joel Halderman, who is accused of a $2 million extortion attempt against David Letterman over his affairs with co-workers. "This is a classic example of an issue that is best left for a trial jury to decide." Sirius XM Sees Milestone Free Cash Flow TheStreet Sirius XM Radio expects to report more than $100 million of free cash flow for 2009, as it benefits from improvements in car sales. "This is the first year in our history that we have generated positive free cash flow for the entire year," says Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin. MTV Opens Store to Help Garage Bands Wall Street Journal MTV hopes to goose sales of its flagging "Rock Band" game series with a new service that lets users upload and sell videogame versions of their own music. The service, known as the Rock Band Network Store, may offer a few minutes of fame to rudimentary garage bands. NBC to Pay O'Brien $40 Million to Exit Wall Street Journal Conan O'Brien is close to signing a nearly $40 million deal to walk away from hosting NBC's "The Tonight Show." The exit agreement reportedly bars O'Brien from bad-mouthing his former NBC bosses, but paves the way for him to land another television gig within a year. Zucker Says Leno Move Was 'a Mistake' Reuters NBC chief Jeff Zucker, who has overseen the network's decline in recent years, says he showed "guts" and "leadership" by shaking up late-night programming. He admits: "Obviously, in hindsight, you know, perfect information leads you to that conclusion -- that it was a mistake." NBC Readjusts Sales Goals for Olympics SportsBusiness Journal Despite claims that it will lose $200 million on the Vancouver Games, NBC is seeing advertising sales pick up just enough to increase its revenue goals for the event. The network says it has sold 92% of its newly revised sales goal. "We're in very good shape." CBS to Air Pro-Life Ad During Super Bowl Associated Press Former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and his mother will appear in a 30-second spot by the Christian group Focus on the Family during the Super Bowl next month. The ad is expected to be an anti-abortion message chronicling Pam Tebow's 1987 pregnancy. TV, E-Readers Face Different Forecasts Reuters Television will dominate home entertainment for another year, showing more staying power than newspapers and even their digital reincarnation the e-reader, predicts a new report from Deloitte. E-readers could struggle as more gadgets come to market. Microsoft Eyes Disney's ESPN for Xbox New York Times Microsoft is said to be holding talks with Disney about a programming deal with ESPN for the subscription gaming service, Xbox Live. For a per-subscriber fee, ESPN could provide live streams of sporting events. Microsoft could also create ESPN interactive games. NBC to Pay Conan O'Brien $30M to Exit TheWrap, HR NBC will pay Conan O'Brien $30 million to vacate the "Tonight Show," sources say. Network execs Jeff Zucker, Jeff Gaspin and Marc Graboff are believed to be in the final negotiations. Also: NBC will maintain the "intellectual property" rights to O'Brien's characters. Comcast Sending $1M to Support Haiti Philadelphia Business Comcast says it is providing more than $1 million in cash and support for disaster relief to victims of the Haitian earthquake. The future owner of NBC Universal says its donations include cash contributions to the American Red Cross and Telecom Without Borders. MTV Networks Organizes Haiti Telethon Los Angeles Business Viacom's MTV Networks is organizing "Hope for Haiti," a commercial-free telethon that will be air Jan. 22 on major television networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, and HBO. The telethon will also feature reports from Haiti from CNN's Anderson Cooper. Scripps to Run Telethons for Haiti Aid Associated Press Scripps plans to hold live telethons at all nine of its ABC and NBC television stations to raise aid for victims of the Haiti earthquake. The telethons will be held Tuesday evening. Depending on the market, they will begin in late afternoon and air for about three hours. Clear Channel to Post 'Most Wanted' Pics San Antonio Business Clear Channel Outdoor is teaming up with the FBI's New York office on a new digital billboard in Times Square that will display images of wanted fugitives and other high-security messages. The billboard is part of a nationwide Clear Channel-FBI public service partnership. Leno, NBC Reach 'Tonight Show' Deal Daily News, Beast Jay Leno is on track to retake the helm of "The Tonight Show," and Conan O'Brien could be gone by next week, reports say. The moves would solve the network's late-night woes. Also: O'Brien will leave NBC and the network will make an as-yet unspecified payment. NBC to Fill Leno Gap With New Shows Bloomberg NBC says it will fill the 10 p.m. holes in its prime-time television lineup left by Jay Leno with crime dramas, new shows and the news magazine "Dateline." The new lineup will kick off March 1 after the Vancouver Olympics. NBC is yet to announce its schedule for late night. MTV Networks to Air Telethon for Haiti Hollywood Reporter George Clooney will appear in a bi-coastal fund-raising telethon on MTV Networks channels, including MTV and VH1, on Jan. 22 to raise funds for victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Other actors and musicians who will also take part in the benefit will be announced shortly. Clear Channel Debuts Google-Like Ads San Antonio Business Clear Channel Radio is rolling out a contextual advertising service that automatically inserts an audio spot after specific programming or a commercial spot. Previously available only on the Internet, the service "shows that not all ad innovation is happening online." NBC Plans HD Web Olympic Coverage Associated Press NBC will spread 835 hours of coverage of the Vancouver Olympics over five networks and its Olympic Web site, all of it in high definition. The network says it will be the most total hours ever for a Winter Olympics, and more than the last two Winter Games combined. CBS Launches iPhone Local News App Broadcasting & Cable CBS is now providing free news apps for CBS-owned television stations in 13 markets through Apple's app store. The apps deliver breaking news, full length on-demand video, slide shows and Twitter updates from news anchors and reporters at local stations. News Corp: Roger Ailes Isn't Leaving Los Angeles Times Reports of Fox News boss Roger Ailes' demise may be greatly exaggerated. "News Corp. is 100% behind Roger Ailes," says News Corp. president Chase Carey, in response to Internet speculation about Ailes being a short-timer at the media giant. Viacom's Epix Finds Another Distributor Associated Press Epix, the pay television channel owned by Viacom, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Lions Gate, is announcing its second carriage deal in two days, this time with Mediacom, the nation's seventh largest cable TV provider. The fledgling channel earlier signed up with Cox. News Corp Reorganizes Top TV Execs Dow Jones News Corp. is restructuring its entertainment and sports television operations to "better align" leadership, as advertising revenue slides. Rich Battista, head of Fox National Cable Networks, is in talks about a possible new role. "We hope to find a new opportunity for him." NBC's O'Brien Debacle to Cost Millions Bloomberg Conan O'Brien's refusal to host a later "Tonight Show" forces NBC to negotiate a settlement or risk a legal fight. O'Brien reportedly stands to get up to $50 million if the network replaces him. Also, fixing NBC's prime-time schedule will cost at least $200 million, analysts say. Fox Still Best Fit for Conan, Analyst Says MarketWatch Conan O'Brien is probably best suited for the youngest of the four major broadcast networks, says SNL Kagan analyst Deana Myers, even though some Fox television affiliates balk at the idea of a late-night show hosted by the comedian. "His sense of humor fits" Fox. MTV to Reinvent With 'Raunchier' Fare Los Angeles Times MTV is no longer a must-buy for advertisers seeking young audiences, ad buyers say. "Now there are countless other ways to reach young people, particularly with the Web." In an effort to combat audience erosion, MTV is adding "raunchier," controversial programming. CBS: Top Court Rejects Dan Rather Appeal Reuters New York State's highest court is declining to hear former "CBS Evening News" anchor Dan Rather's appeal of a decision dismissing his $70 million lawsuit against CBS. Rather, 78, had accused the network of breaching his contract following his 2005 removal as anchor. Sirius XM Radio: The Beginning of the End? TheStreet Pioneer is unveiling a new car stereo that can detect Pandora Internet radio settings from iPhones or iPods, which could then be translated into user access while driving. The new product is seen tech-sector observers as a threat the very survival of Sirius XM Radio. Arbitron CEO Resigns After Misstatement Dow Jones Arbitron CEO Michael Skarzynski is resigning after admitting a misstatement in his testimony before a U.S. congressional committee. His actions are "inconsistent with our corporate values," the company says, "which state that 'Honesty and Integrity Come First.'" Cablevision OK's Madison Square Spinoff Reuters Cablevision's board of directors is approving the spinoff of its Madison Square Garden unit. MSG is home to sports teams, entertainment venues like Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall, as well as cable networks like MSG and MSG Plus. 'Sesame Street' Preps Video Game Series Associated Press Warner Bros. is entering a deal with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind "Sesame Street," to create a series of educational games aimed at preschool-age children for various platforms. "There's a big open hole in the market." NBC: Conan Says No to 'Tonight' Delay New York Times Conan O'Brien says he will quit NBC's "Tonight Show" if it gets moved to 12:05 a.m., as the network wishes to do. "I cannot participate in ... its destruction," he says in a statement. "I currently have no other offer. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly." TV Watching May Shorten Life, Study Says Bloomberg Every hour spent sitting idle in front of the television raises the risk of premature death from heart disease by 18%, an Australian study finds. Researchers tracked the TV-viewing habits of 8,800 adults. Prolonged inactivity is to blame for the health effects. Murdoch's Fox News Signs Up Sarah Palin New York Times Sarah Palin, the onetime U.S. Republican vice-presidential candidate, is signing on as a contributor to Fox News Channel. Palin will appear on the network on a regular basis as part of a multi-year deal. Palin is expected to host an occasional series from time to time. News Corp Shaking Up TV Division Execs Broadcasting & Cable News Corp. is considering a restructuring of its television division that is expected to a see a re-shuffling of duties among top execs. Peter Rice is expected to assume greater control over entertainment assets, while David Hill will gain greater power in sports. Fox: Simon Cowell to Leave 'American Idol' Associated Press Simon Cowell says that this will be his last season on "American Idol." The cantankerous judge's "The X Factor," a show he created and is a hit in Britain, will join Fox's schedule next year. Cowell's decision is the biggest threat yet to TV's most popular program. Viacom's Epix in Distribution Deal with Cox Business Insider Epix, a new movie channel owned by Viacom's Paramount Pictures, Lions Gate and MGM, is entering a distribution deal with Cox Communications, the third-largest U.S. cable television company. Epix was launched Oct. 30 with just one distribution partner, Verizon's FiOS. NBC Starts Fixing Damage from Jay Leno Bloomberg NBC's next step, having decided to yank Jay Leno's 10 p.m. talk show, is to fix the damage done to the network's prime-time viewership by the four-month experiment. "There will probably be two scripted hours, another reality show, 'Dateline' or some re-runs." Fox Confirms Interest in Conan O'Brien Los Angeles Times Conan O'Brien, caught in NBC's late-night shuffle, is finding encouragement from rival network Fox. Network entertainment head Kevin Reilly says Fox is interested in O'Brien, but it is too early to say whether anything will happen. Reilly confirms "informal conversations." Comcast Blamed for Leno-O'Brien Switch Atlantic NBC's looming merger with Comcast is cited by industry observers as the reason for the surprise decision to swap Conan O'Brien for Jay Leno. NBC Universal chief Jeff Gaspin has "every incentive to show improvement" before his new bosses at Comcast take over. CBS Sees Ad Prices Drop for Super Bowl Associated Press The economic slump is causing prices for Super Bowl commercial time to fall for only the second time in its history. Thirty-second spots on next month's CBS telecast are said to be going for under $2.8 million -- a drop from last year, when ads averaged $3 million on NBC. TV: 'Consumer Can't Win' as Costs Rise USA Today Television network owners want more cash from cable, satellite and phone companies. That could pressure distributors such as Comcast, DirecTV and Verizon to raise monthly fees. "The consumer can't win," says Leo Hindery of investment firm InterMedia Partners. Disney Ready to Kill Off 'Hanna Montana' New York Post The upcoming fourth season of "Hannah Montana" will be its last, Disney officials say. Miley Cyrus, who portrays Hannah Montana, has been making noises for more than a year that she is ready to move on. The news marks the end of one of the most successful kids' shows ever. Oprah Protégé Dr. Oz May Succeed Her Crain's New York Dr. Mehmet Oz's new show is posting the best ratings numbers for a freshman syndicated show in nearly a decade. A protégé of Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Oz is seen as a possible successor when her talk show goes off the air next year. Coming soon: A Web site to rival WebMD. NBC to End Jay Leno's Prime-Time Show Associated Press NBC says it will end its Jay Leno prime-time experiment with the beginning of the Winter Olympics on Feb 12. The change comes after affiliates started talking about dropping the show. "The drumbeat started getting louder." NBC wants Leno to return to his former late-night time slot. Fox Eyes Conan O'Brien for Late Night New York Post "Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien is said to be ready to bolt from NBC after the network's abrupt decision to move Jay Leno to O'Brien's 11:35 p.m. slot. O'Brien has "many options," including a move to News Corp.'s Fox, which is looking to create its own late-night show. CBS Sidesteps Scrutiny of Charlie Sheen Los Angeles Times "Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen, arrested in a domestic-violence incident last month, threatens to bring tabloid shame to CBS. But the network has so far escaped much public censure, partly because Sheen still hasn't been charged. NBC Expects to Lose Money on Olympics Associated Press NBC Sports chief Dick Ebersol says advertising sales for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver are picking up. Still, NBC expects to lose money due to the heavy rights fees. NBC won the rights to air the Vancouver Olympics and the 2012 London Summer Games for $2.2 billion. ABC: Obama Won't Preempt 'Lost' Premiere Washington Post President Obama apparently feels he needs the "Lost" voting bloc and therefore will not schedule his State of the Union address the same night that ABC planned to air the two-hour season debut of the drama series. Fans feared the Feb. 2 show would be preempted. MTV Gets Big Boost from 'Jersey Shore' Multichannel News MTV's controversial reality series "Jersey Shore" continues to build. The Jan. 7 telecast scored a 3.2 rating among the network's demo of viewers age 12 to 34. The episode trailed only ABC's coverage of the BCS championship game with that group in all of television. NBC Mulls Big Shake-Up for Jay Leno MSNBC NBC is said to be considering moving Jay Leno back to his former job as host of "The Tonight Show" in the face of complaints from network affiliates about the funnyman's low-rated prime-time show. Industry analysts say: "The unsolved mystery is what happens at 10 p.m." ABC Eyes Ted Koppel for 'This Week' Washington Post Ted Koppel might replace George Stephanopoulos as anchor of ABC News's Sunday morning show "This Week." ABC news boss David Westin says: "We are in the middle of the process, and I will not comment on the specifics of whom we are and whom we are not talking to." FX Near TV Deal for News Corp 'Avatar' Los Angeles Times News Corp.'s 20th Century Fox is said to be near a deal to sell the commercial television rights to the hit movie "Avatar" to sister cable network FX. Although negotiations are still being finalized, the price tag on the movie could be north of $25 million over several years. MTV Makes Mobile Play to Attract Ads GoMo News Not wanting to be outdone by Apple or Google, MTV Networks is entering a partnership with mobile advertising firm Crisp Media. Crisp will be the mobile ad provider for any brands that run campaigns through MTV and will create campaigns aimed at smartphone owners. NBC Won't Become a Subscription Biz Dow Jones Comcast CEO Brian Roberts says he doesn't see NBC's broadcast network becoming a subscription business, despite the industry push for more affiliate fees from pay-TV distributors. "We believe in the broadcast model. We will continue to grow the affiliate fee model." TVs With 3-D Will 'Fall Short of Hype' Bloomberg Television makers are introducing 3-D enabled TVs at the Consumer Electronics Show, yet a lack of 3-D programming combined with high prices may prevent mass adoption for several years, says Goldman Sachs. Large adoption of 3-D TVs "is at least a few years away." Cablevision Denies Hiding Tiger Woods Us Weekly Cablevision CEO Jim Dolan is rumored to be hiding Tiger Woods at his $13.5 million fortress-like estate in Long Island. Cablevision's assets include Madison Square Garden and Newsday. MSG denies the scandal-plagued golfer is at Dolan's home: "It is categorically false." CBS: Charlie Sheen Dropped by Hanes Zap2It Tiger Woods is not the only celebrity with sponsor problems. Hanes is dropping CBS "Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen as a spokesman for its T-shirts. Sheen was arrested Christmas Day for allegedly trying to choke his wife. Sheen's commercials "will not run again." ABC 'Lost' Fans Angered by White House Washington Post Fans of "Lost" are upset over news that the White House might reschedule President Obama's State of the Union address for Feb. 2, the date that the ABC drama series returns for Season 6. One "Lost" obsessive had already launched a Twitter hashtag #NoStateofUnionFeb2. Sirius: Howard Stern Pal in Suicide Try New York Post Troubled comic Artie Lange, a sidekick to Sirius XM star Howard Stern, landed in the hospital after stabbing himself nine times in an apparent suicide attempt. Surgeons managed to save Lange despite heavy bleeding. "We all have our demons," Stern says. DirecTV, Discovery Plan to Launch 3D TV Wall Street Journal At least four new 3D television networks are in the works, as entertainment and electronics companies look to push 3D movies, TV programs and sporting events into U.S. homes. DirecTV is set to launch a 3D TV effort, as are ESPN and a joint venture of Discovery, Sony and Imax. Scripps to Offer Free Food Network Show Wall Street Journal Scripps Networks Interactive is using an unusual weapon in its fight with Cablevision over how much it should be paid for its two cable channels, Food Network and HGTV. Scripps plans to broadcast some of the disputed programming free, over the air. CBS, ABC, Fox Block Mobile TV Service Bloomberg CBS, ABC and Fox are dropping a lawsuit against Hang 10 Technologies, which is agreeing to stop retransmitting New York broadcast television shows to mobile devices for paying subscribers. The networks claim Hang 10 had no license for its retransmission service. NBC's Andrea Mitchell Gets Most TV Time Associated Press NBC's Andrea Mitchell logged more television face time than any other evening news reporter during the past decade. Consultant Andrew Tyndall calculates that Mitchell was on NBC's "Nightly News" for 2,416 minutes from 2000 to 2009. NBC had the most heavily used reporters. CBS: Court to Eye Janet Jackson's Breast Broadcasting & Cable Oral argument is being set for Feb. 23 in an appeals court re-hearing of the $550,000 indecency fine against CBS-owned stations for the 2004 Janet Jackson-Justin Timberlake Super Bowl reveal. CBS says that to allow the case to drag out any further would chill speech. ESPN to Launch 3D Network in June USA Today ESPN is going 3D. The sports network will launch ESPN 3D on June 11 with a World Cup soccer match, creating what it says will be the first all three-dimensional television network to the home. ESPN 3D expects to showcase at least 85 live sporting events in its first year. MSNBC Extends 'Breaking News' Brand MSNBC MSNBC.com is acquiring the BreakingNews.com Web address, with the aim of creating a Web site to complement its @BreakingNews alert service on Twitter. The latest addition to the MSNBC Digital Network will focus on up-to-the-second news coverage from multiple sources. CBS Dumps Cronkite News Voiceover Associated Press Six months after Walter Cronkite's death, his voice is leaving the "CBS Evening News." His introduction of anchor Katie Couric is being replaced by a voiceover by actor Morgan Freeman. The CBS News legend recorded the introduction when Couric started at CBS in 2006. FCC Told U.S. Needs to Open Airwaves Bloomberg The United States should free "underutilized" airwaves for use by wireless companies for high-speed Internet services, the Justice Department says in comments to the Federal Communications Commission. Broadcasters may have to relinquish some airwaves. TV Everywhere May Face Antitrust Probe Washington Post Public interest groups are calling on U.S. regulators to probe the industry-wide TV Everywhere plan to bring television shows and movies to computers and devices. They claim the plan will strap users to unnecessarily high subscription fees and stifle competition. Local Broadcasters Eye Mobile TV Future Wall Street Journal The Open Mobile Video Coalition, a group of 800 local broadcasters, plans to use this week's Consumer Electronics Show to promote their plans to deliver live news and other content to mobile devices. "We're looking five, 10 years down the road -- how do we stay viable?" NBC to 'Rebuild' Schedule After Leno Flop Bloomberg NBC, last among U.S. television networks in prime time, plans to increase production of new shows to the most since 2003 to reverse seven straight seasons of declining ratings. NBC prime time is headed for an eighth-season decline after it moved comedian Jay Leno to 10 p.m. CBS: Super Bowl Ad Slots Nearly Sold Out USA Today CBS says it has sold 95% of its 62 advertising slots for this year's Super Bowl, despite the fact that two of the event's longest-running advertisers -- Pepsi-Cola and General Motors -- plan to pass on the Feb. 7 game. One key to brisk sales: "There's not one price for ads." Sirius XM CEO Speaks Out on Media, Stern Seeking Alpha Sirius XM Radio CEO Mel Karmazin says he sees little growth potential in traditional media. Sirius XM, he adds, will seek to continue its partnership with Howard Stern, who is "funny and entertaining, compared to comedians who are barely able to put together a single one-hour piece." Time Warner Cable Plans to Rename Itself Dow Jones Time Warner Cable, the second-largest U.S. cable company, is said to have launched an effort -- known internally as "Project Mercury" -- to find a new name. The company is looking to further differentiate itself from former parent Time Warner. (Maybe "AOL Cable"?) Fox, Time Warner Make Up to Avoid Blackout Reuters Time Warner Cable and News Corp.'s Fox Networks Group are agreeing to an extension of their current carriage contract to avoid a blackout that would have prevented 13 million U.S. homes from seeing TV shows like "The Simpsons" as well as college and NFL football games. Scripps Yanks Channels from Cablevision UPI Scripps Networks Interactive yanked its Food Network and HGTV off Cablevision's cable systems Friday after the two companies were unable to reach an agreement in year-end talks over carriage fees. Cablevision maintains Scripps did not offer "reasonable" terms for renewing. Citadel Broadcasting Files Chapter 11 CNNMoney Citadel Broadcasting, the third-largest radio group in the United States, is filing for bankruptcy. The debt-laden company, which has stations in 25 states and liabilities of $2.5 billion, says sales "will continue to decline." Citadel syndicates Don Imus's talk show. Clear Channel Eyes Apps for New Life USA Today Radio stations are racing to create apps to help them reach the growing number of consumers who see their iPhones and BlackBerrys as portable entertainment devices. CBS says its streaming audience has doubled in recent months. "It's a rocket ship in listenership." Discovery Channel Boss Out in Shuffle Washington Business An executive shuffle at Discovery Communications includes the exit of Discovery Channel president John Ford. Terms of his resignation are unclear; Discovery says it does not comment on departures. Discovery veteran Clark Bunting will take over as acting president. NBC to Replace O'Brien on 'Tonight'? PopEater NBC execs are rumored to holding informal talks about replacing Conan O'Brien, whose transition into the "Tonight Show" has been disappointing. The ideal replacement: former NBC star Jerry Seinfeld. A spokesperson for NBC says: "Completely false." Hulu Pulls Brittany Murphy 'SNL' Video Examiner Hulu, NBC.com and other video sites are said to have yanked a clip from "Saturday Night Live" poking fun at Brittany Murphy, in wake of the sudden death of the actress. The parody clip featured "SNL" cast member Abby Elliott portraying Murphy as incoherent. ABC: No 'Hoopla' as Sawyer Ascends USA Today Diane Sawyer steps into ABC's "World News" anchor chair Monday. The anointment of the second woman to anchor the evening news solo will be a more low-key affair than Katie Couric's arrival at CBS three years ago. "It is better to build steadily." CBS Boss Moonves Gets New Advisor Los Angeles Times Nancy Tellem, one of Hollywood's top female execs, is stepping down as president of the CBS network's entertainment group to take on a new role as a senior advisor to CBS CEO Les Moonves. She will concentrate on new business initiatives and emerging technologies. Comcast Could Own NBCU by 2014 Multichannel News Comcast could buy out General Electric's 49% interest in the NBC Universal joint venture for $17 billion in the next four years, according to Citigroup analyst Jason Bazinet. The scenario would not only make sense, but would be affordable. Comcast has "ample capacity." CBS to Take 'Financial Hit' from Tiger Bloomberg Tiger Woods's indiscretions will cost the PGA Tour, CBS, Nike and other businesses some $220 million or more in lost revenue, analysts say. TV audiences may shrink by half, with ads dropping by as much as 40%. "It's not so much a ripple effect as it is a tsunami." CW Canceled Series Revived on YouTube Reuters "The Beautiful Life," producer Ashton Kutcher's quickly canceled CW drama about fashion models, could gain a second chance to find an audience on the Web. Kutcher is posting episodes of the series on YouTube, in a move he describes as an "industry first." Broadcasters Defend Use of Airwaves Bloomberg Broadcasters are defending their use of U.S. airwaves before lawmakers considering whether some spectrum should be reallocated to meet growing demand from wireless Internet services. "Broadcasting and broadband are not 'either/or' propositions as some suggest." CNN to Fall Behind MSNBC in Ratings New York Times CNN will finish 2009 behind MSNBC in prime-time ratings, the first time CNN has ever trailed a competitor other than the Fox News Channel over a full calendar year. In recent months, CNN has also trailed its own sister network, HLN, where hosts do offer opinions. Comcast Launches Service for Web TV Reuters Comcast is rolling out an on-demand, Web-based service, called Fancast XFINITY TV, for subscribers to both its video programing and Internet access. The service is a bid to keep customers from dropping their cable subscriptions in search of free shows online. TV Watching Rising as Recession Hits Reuters More U.S. consumers are turning to the great American pastime of watching television as the recession strains household budgets, according to Deloitte's 2009 State of the Media Democracy survey. TV watching is surging, with Internet-savvy millenials leading the increase. CBS Ex-Producer: Letterman 'Might Kill' New York Post Robert "Joe" Halderman, the former CBS producer accused in a $2 million shakedown of David Letterman, thought the late-night host might try to kill him, according to revelations in the alleged extortion scheme. "I'm not sure how crazy this guy is," he says of Letterman. A&E Becomes Google TV Ads Partner WebProNews The Official Google TV Ads blog says: "We're happy to welcome A&E Television Networks, one of the largest cable programmers in the US, as our newest inventory partner. Through our partnership with AETN, advertisers will be able to reach over 55M homes nationwide." Clear Channel Taps WaMu Exec for CFO San Antonio Business Clear Channel is naming Tom Casey as the company's new CFO and executive VP. Casey will oversee all of Clear Channel's financial activities and will report directly to CEO Mark Mays. Casey is taking the position held by Randall Mays, who will become vice chairman. Tribune Names New COO for Broadcasting Chicago Tribune Jerry Kersting, an executive VP at Tribune since April 2008, is being appointed Tribune Broadcasting's COO. Kersting, former CFO for the radio division of Clear Channel, will work with Tribune Broadcasting President Ed Wilson overseeing 23 television stations. NBC Launches Game in Social Media WebProNews NBC is introducing a social media game to promote the series "Chuck" by getting fans to spread the word about the program on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. The fan with the most points at the end of the game will have their photo appear in an episode of "Chuck." CBS Interactive Dumps Ad Networks Advertising Age CBS is expected to announce that it will no longer do business with third-party advertising networks, and will instead sell its own online inventory. In doing so, CBS re-opens a debate that raged mostly before the economy declined: Are ad networks good or bad for online media? ABC, CBS Battle TV Stations for Fees Wall Street Journal CBS, ABC and Fox are asking indie television stations that carry their programming for a cut of the payments they get from cable, satellite and telecommunications companies. A battle looms as broadcast TV struggles to turn itself into a more subscription business. Fox, ABC TV Stations to Share News Cincinnati Business Cincinnati ABC affiliate WCPO and Fox affiliate WXIX plan to start sharing news coverage of certain events, such as court hearings and news conferences. The move will give viewers "a better editorial product," say execs with the stations, owned by Scripps and Raycom. NBC, CBS to Face Life Without Tiger Associated Press The television networks know what life without Tiger Woods looks like, and they will take that knowledge into their upcoming negotiations for the next contract with the PGA Tour. The tour's deals with CBS and NBC expire in 2012; talks are expected to begin late next year. Viacom's Epix Near Cox Carriage Deal Bloomberg Cox Communications, the third-biggest U.S. cable system, is near a deal with Viacom to carry Epix, the new movie channel vying for subscribers with HBO and Showtime. Viacom is packaging Epix in a renewal pact for networks including MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central. NBC: Jeff Zucker Signs a New Contract Hollywood Reporter General Electric is signing a new three-year contract with NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker to keep him at the company through 2013. Securing Zucker could provide stability during the Comcast-NBC transition period and the first key months of getting the new venture off the ground. Bravo Boss Zalaznick in Talks with MTV Deadline Lauren Zalaznick, who oversees Bravo and Oxygen at NBC Universal, is said to be in advanced talks to take Brian Graden's former job as MTV president of entertainment, running MTV and VH1. "Word is that post-merger there'll be no upward mobility for her" at NBCU. Citadel Broadcasting Eyes Bankruptcy Wall Street Journal Citadel Broadcasting, the third-largest U.S. radio broadcaster, is said to be planning to file for bankruptcy by the end of the year. Overall advertising revenue for radio is expected to drop 19% in 2009. Current shareholders, as in most bankruptcies, will be wiped out. Microsoft in Local Deal with NBC, Hearst AllThingsD MSN is entering a deal with NBC Universal and Hearst to provide local news and information to the Microsoft consumer portal. The deal encompasses 36 U.S. markets and will provide 3,000 video clips per week, which will be integrated into MSN's Local Edition. Internet Users Want Local TV on Gadgets Wall Street Journal Nearly half of Internet users are interested in watching television on their cellphones, according to a new study from the Open Mobile Video Coalition, a group of broadcasters. Younger consumers and early adopters are particularly interested in local TV. Oprah TV Channel to Feature Film Club Hollywood Reporter In the tradition of Oprah Winfrey's famous book club, the talk show host's cable channel, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, will launch a documentary film club. OWN is partnering with Ro*co Prods. to do a monthly documentary film series on the cable channel. CBS: Moonves Thanks Leno for TV Boost RBR CBS chief Les Moonves didn't mention Jay Leno by name, but he clearly had "The Jay Leno Show" in mind when talking about how business is improving at his network's local television stations. "Our 11 o'clock newses, because we win 10 o'clock across the board, are doing much better." Sirius XM: Howard Stern Rethinks His Gig Wall Street Journal Howard Stern's contract with Sirius XM Radio expires at the end of next year, and pre-negotiating posturing is well under way. "I don't think I'm going to be re-signing," Stern says. The shock jock could return to traditional broadcasting, where the indecency backlash has calmed. ABC: Shake-Up at 'Good Morning America' New York Times ABC News is on the verge of announcing a new cast for "Good Morning America." George Stephanopoulos is expected to be named the new co-host, succeeding Diane Sawyer. JuJu Chang, an ABC News correspondent, will become the program's news reader, replacing Chris Cuomo. CBS Axes Soap Opera 'As the World Turns' Reuters CBS is canceling "As the World Turns" after 54 years. The show, the last remaining daytime drama made by a Procter & Gamble unit that coined the term "soap opera," is seeing a large ratings decline. It follows the recent CBS cancellation of "Guiding Light" after 72 years. CNN Invests in Local News Feed Outside.In Wall Street Journal Time Warner's CNN.com is investing in Outside.In, a startup that feeds neighborhood blogs and other local news and information to the Web sites of newspapers, television stations and other media. Many news outlets see an untapped market in local information. Vevo: Will New Site Be Next-Gen MTV? CNET Video startup Vevo is scheduled to launch Tuesday evening, supported by three of the largest record companies and the tech know-how from YouTube. Vevo, which will present videos from many of the world's biggest recording stars, "is like MTV on steroids." Disney Channel, ABC Join Portable TV Hollywood Reporter Disney Channel and ABC are embracing FLO TV, the primary U.S. provider of hand-held, portable television. With ABC on board, the Qualcomm service can boast of offering the four major broadcast networks. FLO TV launched in 2007 on Verizon and last year on AT&T. Comcast: No Plans to Sell Fourth-Place NBC Associated Press Comcast exes say they have no plans to sell NBC Universal's broadcast television business when they take control of the company. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts acknowledges that the cable channels are the driving force behind the deal to buy a control of NBC Universal. Amazon Kindle Eyes Audible, Font Features Associated Press Amazon.com will add two features to the Kindle e-book reader to make the gadget more accessible to blind and vision-impaired users. Audible menus will let the Kindle speak menu options out loud, while an extra-large font will benefit people with impaired vision. NBC's Zucker: We Haven't Done a Good Job MarketWatch NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker says the company hasn't "done a good enough job" at the NBC television network. Pointing out that NBC had topped the Nielsen ratings for many years, he notes: "When you're on top, you stay with things too long. We made all of those cyclical mistakes." News Corp Seeks to Grow in Cable Networks Dow Jones News Corp. COO Chase Carey says the company is not looking to add any U.S. distribution businesses to the house of Rupert Murdoch. U.S. media distribution is a relatively mature business, he says, adding that News Corp. aims to expand in cable networks, especially overseas. TiVo CEO Predicts Broadcast, Cable 'Wreck' USA Today TiVo CEO Tom Rogers says he sees "a train wreck coming for the broadcast and cable industry on the advertising front." The reason: paying attention to 30-second ads that interrupt shows "is not the way people elect to watch television" when they have a DVR. DVR Use, Online Viewing Continue to Rise World Screen Nielsen's latest Three Screen Report reveals that while 99% of U.S. video content is viewed on traditional television, DVR usage is up by 21.1% since Q3 2008, while online video usage is up by nearly 35%. "Americans today have an insatiable appetite for choice." Oprah: Harpo Productions Stays in Chicago Chicago Tribune Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions says it will stay in Chicago, despite the media queen's plan to end her top-rated, Chicago-based syndicated daytime talk show. Harpo, which employs more than 400 people, is behind such shows as "Dr. Phil" and "The Dr. Oz Show." GE Agrees to Buy $345M in Ads from NBC Associated Press General Electric will buy $345 million in advertising from NBC Universal over five years after selling its controlling stake in the company to Comcast. In addition, GE will buy $50 million worth of ads in connection with the 2012 Olympic Games, whose rights NBC holds. NBC CEO Zucker Must 'Prove Himself' Bloomberg Jeff Zucker, NBC Universal's CEO, may have as few as nine months to prove himself to his new bosses at Comcast while the U.S. cable operator seeks regulatory approvals. "Wall Street will go insane if Zucker keeps his job," analysts say. Zucker is "value destructive." Brokaw Unhurt in Fatal Highway Wreck Associated Press Former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw and his wife escaped injury in a three-car accident on a New York City highway that killed a 30-year-old woman and injured a mail driver Friday. The accident happened as Brokaw was driving on the Bruckner Expressway in the Bronx. ABC, 'Idol' Singer Lambert to Make Up People ABC and Adam Lambert appear to be ready to make up. The singer will join the ladies of "The View" on Thursday, after his sexually-charged performance on the American Music Awards led ABC to cancel his appearances on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and "Good Morning America." Sirius XM Far Behind Broadcast Radio Radio Ink American adults spend an average of 94 minutes a day in the car, and broadcast radio fills up 74% of the time they spend listening as they drive, according to a new study by Nielsen. CDs and tapes are a distant second, at 16%, with satellite radio at 6% and iPods at 4%. CBS to Put Content on Vevo Music Site Bloomberg CBS is agreeing to supply music and videos for Vevo, the new Web site created by Universal Music, including performances from "The Late Show with David Letterman." Vevo, slated to launch on Tuesday, aims to become an advertiser-backed site for music videos. ABC: Stephanopoulos Mulls 'GMA' Offer Washington Post ABC is said to have offered George Stephanopoulos the job of co-hosting "Good Morning America" and intensive negotiations are still underway. Stephanopoulos is pushing for the co-host role to be reshaped to spotlight his interest in politics and hard news. Sony Signs 3-D Video Deal for World Cup Associated Press Sony will record up to 25 2010 World Cup games in 3-D. However, the videos won't be available on television broadcasts. They will be shown at Sony booths at events held by FIFA, the soccer governing body, in major cities worldwide to showcase 3-D to consumers. Epix, Dish Network in Distribution Talks Reuters Epix, a new movie channel owned by three Hollywood studios, is talking with Dish Network and other carriers, and expects to secure another distribution deal by early 2010. Epix chief Mark Greenberg says he is "pretty confident" that another deal will soon be in place. Comcast-NBC Has Many Possibilities Philadelphia Inquirer Comcast-NBC will give Comcast a powerful role in the world of Internet-television "convergence." The venture could move the NBC broadcast network toward the cable model -- or phase NBC out completely. Comcast is said to be working to sell off NBC-owned TV stations. Hulu Future Eyed in Comcast-NBC Deal New York Times Comcast, which will become a parent of the popular free video site Hulu in the deal to take over NBC Universal, is already using its considerable muscle to limit how many shows are available online. Hulu is widely expected to add a subscription arm next year. Comcast, NBC Announce $30B Merger Washington Post Comcast and NBC Universal are announcing their much-anticipated $30 billion merger, giving the biggest U.S. cable television provider control of NBC and about two dozen cable channels. Jeff Zucker, currently CEO of NBC Universal, will lead the new joint venture. Oprah Won't Reprise Her Show on OWN Reuters Oprah Winfrey's forthcoming cable network will feature the media queen, but viewers should not expect her to reprise the talk show that made her famous over the past 25 years, says Discovery CEO David Zaslav. "She'll be on in a meaningful way, with different types of shows." Charter's Allen No Longer Chairman? Multichannel News Charter Communications may have emerged from bankruptcy protection a few days ago, but it appears as if it will have to weather the future without Paul Allen at the helm. The news comes shortly after it was revealed that Allen was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. ABC Shuts Adam Lambert Out of 'Kimmel' Los Angeles Times ABC continues to feel uncomfortable around Adam Lambert. The singer's Dec. 17 "Jimmy Kimmel Live" appearance is being canceled -- news Lambert himself delivered on his Twitter page. In one of his tweets about the matter, Lambert tells his fans: "It's the FCC heat." ESPN Preps Launch of Local Site for LA Reuters ESPN will roll out a local Web site for Los Angeles on Dec. 21, with sites for New York and other cities to follow, as it eyes regional advertising sales. ESPN envisions bringing online 20 or more local sites that target fans with sports news specific to area teams and athletes. Time Warner Cable Aims to Take On Hulu Reuters Time Warner Cable is working with content partners and device makers to give subscribers television shows wherever and whenever they want. The move is aimed at pre-empting a breakdown of the cable business model, which is threatened by the likes of Hulu. Nielsen Preps Measurement for Online, TV RBR Nielsen is formally announcing its decision to create within its National People Meter panel a "single source" measurement for both television and online consumption of video content. The plan is to roll out Internet measurement to households starting Dec. 23. ABC News: Charles Gibson Ready to Sign Off ABC News Charles Gibsons's last day as anchor of ABC "World News" will be Dec. 18. The network says it plans to spend a good deal of time during his final week on the air looking back at the stories he covered. Gibson will be replaced in the evening news chair by Diane Sawyer. NBC Rockefeller Center Xmas Special Targetd Deadline The union that represents NBC producers, writers and technicians vows to pull the plug on the "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" telecast because management has "failed to bargain fairly." A protest site, NBCStoleChristmas.com, highlights the "Grinch" within NBC. Time Warner Cable Cuts Local News Staff Times Herald-Record Time Warner Cable is consolidating regional news operations, resulting in the dismissal of 10 people, including two longtime news anchors and other on-air journalists, at its Cable 6 outlet in Middletown, N.Y. This follows similar moves made in other markets. MSNBC Takes Over Twitter News Service Guardian Fledgling newswire service BNO will hand over control of its popular @breakingnews Twitter account, which has nearly 1.5 million followers, to MSNBC today. BNO plans to move away from focusing on Twitter and instead look to services that can deliver profits. YouTube Seeks to Stream TV Shows for a Fee AllThingsD YouTube is said to be in preliminary talks with the networks and studios to stream individual television shows online for a fee. Google's video site envisions something similar to what Apple and Amazon already offer: First-run shows, without commercials, for $1.99 an episode. ABC Reviews Live Performances After Lambert Reuters Singer Adam Lambert's sexually charged performance at the American Music Awards on Nov. 22 is leading ABC to review future live broadcasts of performers, says Anne Sweeney, head of television for ABC parent Disney. "We have to be very cognizant of who our audience is." Sirius XM Preps New Deal for Howard Stern Reuters Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin is preparing for negotiations with Howard Stern, whose five-year, $500 million contract expires next year. Karmazin praises Stern as "a talent like no other," but declines to say whether or not such a talent is still worth a half billion dollars. Univision Offers Spanish-Language Ad Network ClickZ Univision is launching an advertising network comprised of non-owned Spanish-language sites. The new unit, the company says, targets U.S. Hispanics and "provides a far-reaching digital ad network comprised of high-quality Spanish-language online and mobile sites." NBC's Leno Losing His Audience to DVRs Associated Press Much of the prime-time audience NBC lost when Jay Leno moved to 10 p.m. has gone not to its rivals but the digital video recorder. The 10 p.m. hour is emerging as a popular time for people to catch up on what they missed earlier in the evening, or earlier in the week. Fox CEO Seeks Web Piracy Crackdown Associated Press Fox Filmed Entertainment chief Jim Gianopulos says the U.S. should join France in cutting off the Internet connection of users who repeatedly download pirated films. "If we can do that, it would be a big victory against piracy. The bad news is that the Internet is big." Disney's ESPN vs Univision in World Cup Wall Street Journal ESPN plans to broadcast soccer games from the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Portuguese on its Spanish-language channel, in a shot across the bow of Univision. By airing the games in Portuguese, the Disney network aims to chip away at Univision's dominant foreign-language ratings. CNN: Dobbs' Staff Must Re-Apply for Jobs New York Post The axe is starting to fall on the staff of 20 producers and reporters that Lou Dobbs left behind when he left CNN two weeks ago. CNNers are being told that they can start applying for new jobs at the news network, with the implication that their old jobs will soon end. ABC Relaunches TV Station Web Sites Broadcasting & Cable The ABC-owned station group is relaunching its 10 station Web sites in an effort to make content easier for users to find. The sites also feature headlines provided by corporate sibling ESPN, which is in the process of rolling out a network of local sports sites. Oprah Pal Gayle King, CBS in TV Show Talks New York Post Oprah Winfrey's announcement that she will leave her television show appears to have opened the door for her best friend, Gayle King. CBS is said to be in talks with King, currently editor-at-large at O, The Oprah Magazine, to get her own show after Winfrey goes off the air. CNN Looks Past U.S. for Digital, Global Growth Crain's New York Advertising on CNN U.S. prime time accounts for only 10% of the news channel's total revenue. CNN's global operations and a top news Web site now drive profits. The network's global strategy depends on an impartial news voice to appeal to audiences from Dallas to Tokyo. DirecTV Not For Sale; Merger Seen 'Doable' Reuters Media mogul John Malone said the U.S. No.1 satellite television operator DirecTV is not up for sale. But Malone, who is chairman of DirecTV, says a combination of the satellite company with either AT&T or Verizon would be "doable" from a regulatory perspective. Lou Dobbs Mulls Run for White House, Senate Reuters A week after abruptly quitting his longtime job as a CNN television news host and commentator, Lou Dobbs says he is considering career options including runs for U.S. Senate or even the White House as a third-party candidate. President Dobbs? "I am ruling nothing out." ESPN: Two More Employees Axed in Scandal New York Post It's game over for two ESPN execs whose intra-office affair embarrassed the network during the Steve Phillips scandal. VP of marketing Katie Lacey is being shown the door while once-influential programming VP David Berson is being stripped of responsibility. CBS to Lose Millions from Oprah Departure New York Post In addition to bringing CBS hundreds of millions in revenue, Oprah Winfrey has provided a powerful boost to CBS' television syndication arm. Her "halo effect" served as leverage for CBS to use as a bargaining chip to get advertisers to buy time on its other syndicated shows. Comcast NBC Deal Hit by Stake Valuations Financial Times General Electric and Vivendi are said to be at least $1 billion apart on their valuation of the French group's stake in NBC Universal. The situation is dampening hopes of a quick resolution to a stand-off that is holding up Comcast's planned bid for a majority stake in NBCU. NBC: More to Leno's Move Than Finances Dow Jones NBC Universal chief Jeff Zucker is expressing "regret" about the perception that NBC is airing five nights a week of Jay Leno's show as a financial decision over a creative one. The "idea that it's all about cutting costs ... that hasn't been the case at any of our other assets." Murdoch Jr: TV is News Corp's Future Telegraph Broadcasting and entertainment are the future for News Corp., with newspapers playing a much smaller role, says James Murdoch, the company's head of Europe and Asia. "Journalism plays a role" in our business. But, "television is vastly more profitable." Oprah May Host Show on Her Network Deadline Oprah Winfrey, who plans to end her iconic syndicated television talk show in 2011, says she won't bring "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to cable. "I'll do something else." Winfrey is said to be mulling hosting a show on the Oprah Winfrey Network "that's smaller and different." MTV, Real Networks to Rework Rhapsody Reuters MTV Networks is in talks with partner RealNetworks to restructure the ownership of their two-year old joint venture in the Rhapsody America digital music service. Rhapsody's impact, even with the backing of MTV, has been relatively minimal on the music space. Liberty Sets DirecTV Loose for a Sale Reuters The appointment of PepsiCo veteran Michael White -- who has no experience in television -- as the new CEO of DirecTV is a sign that owner Liberty Media just wants a "baby-sitter" before a sale, observers say. Verizon and AT&T have already expressed interest. Disney Sees 'Possibility' in Web Show Advertising Age Disney is launching its first branded-entertainment program, "The Possibility Shop," a Web video series at Disney.com/PossibilityShop produced with the Jim Henson Co. and sponsored by Clorox. The series is customized in part to promote Clorox brands. BBC America's President Ancier Exits Mediaweek Garth Ancier is stepping down as president of BBC Worldwide America after three years. Ancier will continue to be associated with the company as a consultant. There is no word on Ancier's replacement. Leaving the post is said to be Ancier's decision. Oprah Will End Her TV Show in 2011 Chicago Sun-Times Oprah Winfrey plans to end her iconic syndicated television talk show in 2011 after 25 seasons on the air. Winfrey is expected to host a new show on her new Discovery-backed Oprah Winfrey Network, which is scheduled to launch on cable in late 2010 to early 2011. DirecTV Hires CEO With No TV Experience Los Angeles Times DirecTV is naming Michael White, head of PepsiCo's international operations, as its new CEO. He replaces Chase Carey, who left in June for News Corp. The hiring of White, who has no television experience, signals that international growth will be key to DirecTV's future. TV Execs See Urgent Need for Online Model Broadcasting & Cable Execs at a B&C/Multichannel News panel discussion agree that the television business is in flux and that the trick is to distribute content in a way that serves consumers and allows content providers to extract value. "None of us is getting compensated for DVRs." Oprah Develops TV Show for Nate Berkus Broadcasting & Cable Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions is finalizing plans for a new daytime show featuring interior designer and "Oprah" show regular Nate Berkus. The project could roll out in fall 2010. The new show follows "Dr. Oz," another show built around an Oprah personality. CBS Nearly Sold Out on Super Bowl XLIV Advertising Age CBS is approaching a 90% sell-out for its Feb. 7 broadcast of Super Bowl XLIV, according to the network's head of sports sales, meaning the network likely has only between six and 12 30-second ad spots left to sell. Sales have been "surprisingly good." Dobbs Says CNN Aims to Please Obama New York Post Lou Dobbs says CNN was eager to show him the door because its top execs didn't want to offend President Obama. Dobbs made the claim on Fox News Channel's "The O'Reilly Factor." CNN bosses told Dobbs that the network wants to market itself as "neutral" in its news coverage. Karmazin: 'No Chance' I'll Leave Sirius XM Radio Ink Speaking to Neil Cavuto on Fox Business Network, Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin says he has no intention of leaving the satellite radio company, even though he is being discussed as a possible exec to run Comcast-NBC. Says Karmazin: "I'm not good" at being a No. 2 exec. Comcast to Take On ESPN in Local Markets SportsBusiness Journal Comcast is responding to ESPN's move to launch local Web sites by beefing up its news operations at five of the company's regional sports networks. Comcast plans to hire big-name writers to appear on both TV and online as it rolls out new Web sites with original reporting and video. MTV 'Remote Control' Host Ken Ober Dies MTV Longtime MTV "Remote Control" host Ken Ober has died at the age of 52. The cause of his death is not immediately known. Ober's body was discovered in his home on Sunday. No foul play is suspected. Starting in 1987, Ober hosted five seasons of "Remote Control." NBC to Launch Social Media Voice App Broadcasting & Cable NBC.com is launching a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) tool it is billing as a way to for fans of its programming to communicate via computer with unlimited calls and texting. The app is called Communicator, a "social media and computer-to-computer voice calling" app. CNN Web Site Siphoning Viewers From TV New York Post CNN.com is one of the most-visited news sites. Ironically, it may be siphoning viewers from television. "Their digital strategy is dead-on," says one media buyer. "The problem is it's so good it hurts the network. You spend a few minutes on their site and you're done." ABC: Reshape 'GMA' for Stephanopoulos Washington Post George Stephanopoulos, the leading candidate for co-host of "Good Morning America," has communicated to ABC that he is not willing to join the program unless it is significantly changed to suit him. Stephanopoulos does not want to spend time doing "fluffy features." Oprah Likely to Take Pay Cut for TV Show Variety Oprah Winfrey's decision on whether or not to continue her daytime talk show will have a big effect on TV stations. And if she decides to stay, she is likely to do her show for a lot less money. Cash-strapped local stations aren't willing to pay the same rates they once did. NBC's Foray into Repurposed Local News New York Observer NBC is producing a new "local" news show, "Daily Connection," which is largely created in New York City and airs in a local news market several hundred miles away. Producers comb through NBC news stories and pick out a handful of breezy bits to repeat to female viewers. Hulu, Broadcast Networks Spar Over Ads Mediaweek The advertising sales staffs of Hulu's broadcast partners are complaining that the video site's sales execs deliberately sell against their network brethren. ABC, NBC and Fox claim that Hulu promises lower CPMs, which could end up diluting the value of the entire category. DirecTV CEO Replacement Coming Soon Dow Jones Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei says that an announcement about a new hire to run DirecTV will be coming in the next few weeks. "I have a job I like, and I'm probably going to stick with it," he says. DirecTV needs a new CEO after Chase Carey recently left to join News Corp. Sirius XM Turns to LA Times Publisher Los Angeles Times Sirius XM Radio is naming Los Angeles Times publisher Eddy Hartenstein as chairman, replacing founder Gary Parsons. Hartenstein, a Sirius XM director and a former head of DirecTV, will continue as publisher of the Times. Sirius XM faces "a tough slog," observers say. CNN Cuts Back on a Web Video Project New York Times CNN is laying off its four Web anchors and a number of production assistants as it stops producing live video for CNN.com, curtailing one of the Internet's biggest news experiments. CNN officials concluded recently that the live-anchored Webcasts are not cost-effective. King Replaces CNN's Outspoken Dobbs Washington Post Lou Dobbs and CNN agreed to part ways after the TV host grew frustrated by the network's efforts to tone down his outspoken style. The explanation emerges as CNN names John King, a journalist known for his straightforward reporting, to fill Dobbs's weeknight slot. TV Affiliates Cool to Networks' Fee Plan New York Post ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox are putting the squeeze on local television stations, trying to wring out some of the fees affiliates get from cable and satellite companies. Broadcasters are eyeing a 50-50 split with their affiliates, but admit that may be too much of a hardship for some. CNN's Lou Dobbs to Leave Immediately New York Times Lou Dobbs, the longtime CNN anchor whose anti-immigration views have made him a lightning rod, is leaving the Time Warner cable news channel, effective immediately. CNN chief Jon Klein says: "Lou has decided to carry the banner of advocacy journalism elsewhere." Current TV Cuts 80, Shifts Programming San Francisco Chronicle Current TV, the cable and Internet video channel co-founded by Al Gore, is cutting 80 workers and announcing a big shift in programming strategy. The company will move Current TV away from short-form programs and toward industry-standard 30- and 60-minute formats. Americans Spend More Time With TV, Online Reuters Americans are spending more time watching television, as well as playing on computers and chatting on social networking sites, according to Nielsen. U.S. TV viewing reached an all-time high in the 2008-09 season, due in part to an increase in channels and content choices. Zucker Eyed for New NBCU-Comcast Venture Reuters Comcast and General Electric are said to have agreed to make NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker the CEO of their proposed joint venture, but the new board's structure is still being negotiated. No decisions have been made on a possible role for Comcast advisor Peter Chernin. Vivendi May Become 'Greedy' Over NBCU Stake Bloomberg Vivendi may hold out to get a higher price for its 20% stake in NBC Universal because it faces less pressure to raise money for acquisitions, analysts say. The Paris-based media company "can be a bit more greedy" about the NBC stake, "because they are not desperate." CBS Revamps Local Media for 'New Paradigm' Broadcasting & Cable CBS is restructuring its local broadcasting operations, which will lead CBS Radio boss Anton Guitano to be named COO of CBS Local Media. CBS chief Les Moonves says the move will help "build a new paradigm for the future growth of our local businesses." Citadel Broadcasting Preps for Chapter 11 RBR-TVBR Citadel Broadcasting says it may have to file for bankruptcy protection from creditors as soon as January 2010. The company's Q3 revenues fell more than 14%. Citadel's radio stations took a big hit by the loss of shows by Paul Harvey and Sean Hannity. Fox News' Critic in White House to Step Down Fox News White House interim communications director Anita Dunn is stepping down and will be replaced by her deputy, Dan Pfeiffer. The move comes about a month after Dunn attacked Fox News Channel as "a wing of the Republican Party." She will continue as an outside consultant. Letterman 'Blackmailer' Seeks to Dismiss Case Los Angeles Times An attorney for Robert Halderman, who allegedly sought to extort $2 million from David Letterman, is filing court papers seeking to have the indictment dismissed, saying that the CBS "48 Hours" producer had merely been seeking to sell the late-night host a screenplay treatment. NBC's 'Jay Leno' Unloved in Poll of TV Fans New York Daily News Nearly three-quarters of respondents to an AOL Television poll say they never watch Jay Leno's new NBC show. By contrast, the vast majority of those questioned say revelations of David Letterman's affair with a junior staffer have not affected their love of his show. Disney to Plug Weinstein's 'Nine' on TV, Web Variety Disney is entering a deal with the Weinstein Co. to embed content about the holiday movie "Nine" in several television shows, including ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." Plus, ABC.com will host a "Nine" microsite. "The audience is not just watching TV; they're also online." CBS Names TV Station Head as Ads Fall Bloomberg CBS is appointing Peter Dunn as president of its 29 television stations, where advertising sales are tumbling in the recession. Dunn, most recently general manager of WCBS-TV Channel 2 in New York, replaces Tom Kane, who is leaving. Industrywide, local TV sales are declining. NBC's Loss With 'Leno' is Nobody's Gain Bloomberg NBC's exit from scripted series to air "The Jay Leno Show" weeknights at 10 p.m. is leaving 1.82 million young viewers up for grabs, and CBS and ABC is letting most of them slip away. Most of the young adults NBC lost are fleeing to cable channels and the Web. Hearst: Some TV Ad Dollars Won't Return Broadcast Engineering David Barrett, president of Hearst Television, is telling U.S. media regulators that new competition in news sources is having a "profound effect" on where advertising dollars and television viewers are moving. "The audience has gone to different and scattered places." ESPN May Face New Rivals in Sports Media SportsBusiness Journal ESPN may come to see lots of competition from various entities, including broadcasters, national cable networks, regional sports networks and league-owned networks. Sports leagues already own their own rights; it may make sense for them to grow their own channels. AMC 'Mad Men' Season Finale Sets Record Mediaweek Sunday night's third-season finale of "Mad Men" drew 2.32 million viewers, making it the most watched closing episode in the history of the AMC dramatic series. The episode averaged 1.24 million adults aged 25 to 54, up 56% from the series' season finale last year. Clear Channel Impacted by Weak Ad Market San Antonio Business CC Media Holdings, the parent company of Clear Channel Communications, is reporting another loss in the third quarter as the company continues to struggle to survive a weak advertising environment. CC Media is posting an $89.9 million net loss on revenues of $1.4 billion. Dish Files to Trademark 'TV Everywhere' Multichannel News Dish Network is filing to trademark "TV Everywhere," which the satellite operator may seek to use for its forthcoming set-top box. Dish does not say whether it is developing a service that mirrors the "TV Everywhere" concept outlined by Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes. Discovery Launches Science News Web Site Washington Post Discovery Communications is launching a Web site dedicated to reporting science and technology news, similar to the subjects of the Discovery channel's television shows. The site's reporting will be the central attraction of a new iPhone app, priced at 99 cents. CBS Cuts Off Pay for Letterman 'Blackmailer' New York Post Accused David Letterman extortionist Joe Halderman is expected to try to wiggle out of his indictment with pretrial motions when he comes to court Tuesday. CBS is said to have cut off the "48 Hours" producer's paychecks for violating the morals clause of his contract. Twitter Feed 'S&*%' Eyed for CBS Sitcom Hollywood Reporter CBS plans to develop a sitcom based on the Twitter feed "S&*% My Dad Says." The feed, with over 700,000 followers, is updated by Justin Halpern, who moved back home with his dad and started tweeting his father's cynical comments. The title is expected to be changed. A&E, Lifetime to Cut 100 Jobs After Merger Multichannel News Expected layoffs as a result of Lifetime's integration into A&E Television Networks began last week and are expected to reduce about 100 jobs out of a combined 1,100 employees. Disney-ABC TV, Hearst and NBC Universal last month completed merging the programming entities. Fox News: Glenn Beck Tweets of His Return New York Post Glenn Beck, the Fox News commentator, says he will be back on the air Tuesday, nearly a week after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. "I'm feeling better & will B back Tuesday," he writes in a shorthand message posted on his Twitter page, adding "A TON 2 SAY." TV Writers: Impossible to Write for YouTube Hollywood Reporter The Internet is a great promotional tool for television shows, but writers say they haven't adjusted their style to fit Web sensibilities. "Saturday Night Live" writer Jim Downey says: "I don't think it's possible" to write TV comedy with a YouTube clip pick-up in mind. Murdoch Faces TV Piracy Fight Over Soccer Bloomberg Thousands of soccer fans worldwide will watch Manchester United play Chelsea in London this weekend illegally on the Web, threatening revenue at broadcasters such as Rupert Murdoch's U.K. BSkyB. The problem of television piracy "is getting very, very serious." Disney to Rebrand Sports Complex as ESPN Reuters Disney's sports complex in central Florida will be renamed after its ESPN unit, in a move to strengthen the well-known sports brand's ties with young athletes. The shift targets the 1.5 million spectators who annually visit the multisport complex near Disney's theme park in Orlando. CBS Boss Moonves Bullish on TV Ad Future Los Angeles Times CBS CEO Les Moonves is bullish, saying he expects television advertising to grow this quarter and into 2010. That's because the company's marquee asset, the CBS TV network, has gotten off to a solid start for the new season, sparking demand for the network's commercial time. Oprah Studio Denies Report of Show's Exit Dow Jones Oprah Winfrey is yet to decide whether she will continue her syndicated daytime talk show on broadcast television, says her production company, in response to an online report by Nikki Finke saying the show would move to Winfrey's new cable network in less than two years. Comcast Rumor: NBC Local Newscasts at 10 Sun-Sentinel If Comcast wins control of NBC Universal, the company is rumored to be considering giving the 10 p.m. hour back to the local affiliates, move Jay Leno to 11 p.m. and have Conan O'Brien's show follow at midnight. Leno would get a 35-minute jump on CBS' "David Letterman." Fox: World Series Most Watched Since 2004 Mediaweek With an average delivery of 19.4 million viewers, this year's six-game World Series outdrew last year's set by 38%, per Nielsen ratings data. The 2009 World Series ranks as the sixth most-watched of the 12 Major League Baseball championships covered by Fox. Comedy Central Orders The Onion TV Pilot Hollywood Reporter Viacom's Comedy Central is teaming with satirical newspaper the Onion for a half-hour scripted comedy. The as-yet-untitled pilot will be based on the Onion Sports Network online video series and take on teams, fans, sports products and sports coverage. MTV Accused of Building New Berlin Wall UPI Viacom's MTV Networks International says it built a temporary fence around its U2 concert in Berlin, marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall. A 6-foot-high barrier was built to keep out non-ticketholders. "Under no circumstances did MTV build a wall," MTV insists. Sirius XM: Howard Stern's Contract to End New York Post Sirius XM satellite radio says in its third-quarter results that the company added new subscribers for the first time in almost a year -- 102,000, for a total of 18.5 million. Sirius still faces the end of star jockey Howard Stern's contract a year from next month. CNN.com Launches Sponsored News Quiz WebProNews CNN.com is introducing an interactive online news trivia quiz called the CNN Challenge, testing users' knowledge of current and historical events. Users can share the quiz on Facebook and Twitter. In-car communications system Ford Sync is sponsoring the quiz. Hollywood Eyes First-Run Movies for TV Bloomberg U.S. regulators are working on a request from Hollywood to use anti-piracy technology so studios can offer first-run movies over cable and satellite television. Home viewing of recently released movies could provide new revenue for studios, which have seen DVD sales drop. Comcast: Online Video No Threat to Cable New York Post Comcast CEO Brian Roberts doesn't see his pursuit of NBC Universal as a commentary on his cable business, says Sanford Bernstein analyst Craig Moffett. "He's not going after it because he thinks that if video goes over the Internet, he's toast." Roberts simply "has cash." Oprah to Announce End Date for TV Show Los Angeles Times Oprah Winfrey is expected this year to announce an end date for her talk show on ABC. She is expected to stay with the show through May 2011. The show's co-executive producer, Lisa Erspamer, is making plans to move to the forthcoming OWN: the Oprah Winfrey Network. ABC Lets Viewers Comment on Web Shows Mediaweek ABC is introducing a feature to encourage viewers who stream television shows online to make the experience more social. The new ABC Social: Episode Commentary on ABC.com allows Web viewers to comment on the show in an adjacent window to the video viewer. Fox Brand 'Undamaged' by Obama Battle AFP Hernan Lopez, COO for Fox International Channels, rejects suggestions that the broadcaster's international brand has been dented by a high-profile battle with the White House over its news coverage. "It's not affecting the perception of the Fox entertainment brands." Study: Radio Bests Internet in Media Use Nielsen Wire A Nielsen analysis of media use finds that 77% of adults are reached by radio on a daily basis, second only to television at 95%. The Web reaches 64%, newspaper 35%, and magazines 27%. The study "proves that radio is still a popular medium," says the Radio Advertising Bureau. NBC Upgrades Site for Winter Olympics TechCrunch NBC is gearing up for the 2010 Winter Olympics with some changes to its mainstay site, NBCOlympics.com, going live today. Among other features, the site's video player will have DVR-like functionality, with the ability to rewind video, highlight clips and save them. Turner to Launch TruTV Network in Asia Variety Turner Broadcasting is poised to expand its portfolio with the launch of its TruTV cable network across Asia starting in early 2010. Turner exec Ian Carroll hails the launch as an opportunity for viewers in Asia to watch "moments of real drama with real consequences." CNN Launches News Facility in Abu Dhabi World Screen CNN is opening a news-gathering and production hub in the Middle East, which will host the network's first daily live news show from the region. The facility will coordinate newsgathering for CNN operations in Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Dubai, Jerusalem, Kabul and Islamabad. Fox Scores Home Run from World Series Associated Press The World Series gave News Corp.'s Fox network world-class ratings last week as the New York Yankees squared off against the Philadelphia Phillies in four much-watched games. Fox can thank baseball for a huge average audience of 14.69 million viewers. Viacom: Epix Close to Carriage Deals Multichannel News About a week into its launch, the Epix movie channel is closer to additional distribution deals, says Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman. Epix, the joint venture movie channel between Viacom, MGM and Lionsgate, launched on Oct. 30 with one distributor, Verizon's FiOS TV. Comcast to Export E! News Show to Asia Associated Press E! Entertainment Television will launch "E! News Asia," a weekly half-hour edition in Asia that combines both Hollywood and regional entertainment news, says parent Comcast. "The Asia-Pacific region is one of the global media industry's most exciting areas of growth." NBC's Jay Leno Reaches Out to Affiliates Broadcasting & Cable NBC talk-show star Jay Leno says he has contacted a "bunch" of the network's affilates. "They seem to be hanging in there and say they are in it for the long haul. They seemed pleased that someone on at 10 o'clock is concerned about their lead-in." News Corp's Fox is Big Story of TV Season Reuters Media-watchers say the big story of the 2009-10 television season is the rise of the Fox network, up 3% in viewers thanks largely to its new musical comedy "Glee" and the strength of medical drama "House." Fox is the only broadcaster that is "up in all demos." Fox Finds Fill-In Sponsor for 'Family Guy' Associated Press The Warner Bros. film "Sherlock Holmes" will be the sole sponsor of next Sunday's "Family Guy" special. Last week, Microsoft abruptly backed out as sponsor of the half-hour comedy-variety program, saying that the often racy "Family Guy" style might clash with its Windows brand. CBS: Letterman Ratings Boosted by Scandal Hollywood Reporter CBS' "Late Show With David Letterman" is showing little sign of weakening audience support after host David Letterman was shaken by an image-rocking scandal. The sex-and-extortion headlines possibly even helped grow viewership. "It doesn't appear to have hurt him." DVR, Once TV's Mortal Foe, Boosts Ratings New York Times Against almost every expectation, nearly half of all people watching delayed shows on digital video recorders watch the commercials. The reason: The behavior that has underpinned television since its invention still persists. TV-watching is "a passive activity." Writers Guild Issues Dire Outlook for News Biz Variety The Writers Guild of America East is issuing a gloomy outlook for the news business and urging the U.S. government to provide more support. Workable revenue models are more difficult to identify, it says, as "writers have less and less time to think, ask questions and write." Oprah Network Hires Comcaster for Strategy Multichannel News OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, the joint venture of Discovery and Oprah Winfrey launching next fall, is hiring Allan Singer as executive VP of distribution and strategy, reporting to OWN CEO Christina Norman. He previously served in a similar capacity at Comcast. CNN: Shot Fired at NJ Home of Lou Dobbs Fox News CNN news man Lou Dobbs says a gunshot was fired at his home after a series of threatening phone calls earlier this month. Dobbs, a proponent of U.S. border enforcement, says that the incident is part of an "assault against anyone who opposes leniency toward illegal immigrants." NY1 Anchor Taken Off Air After Accusation New York Daily News Dominic Carter, the political anchor for Time Warner regional cable news channel NY1, is being yanked off the air after he was accused of beating his wife. The newsman is being placed on an indefinite leave of absence. Carter's employment contract is said to expire next month. Chrysler In-Car TVs to Offer MTV, Fox News Detroit Free Press Chrysler will offer live television with up to 20 channels in its vehicles by the end of this year. The service, called FLO TV, will be delivered through a seven-inch DVD screen. Available channels include CBS, CNBC, Comedy Central, Fox News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC 2Go and Nickelodeon. NBA Bringing Live Games to Mobile Devices Reuters The National Basketball Association will give its digital offering the full court press, introducing complete live games on mobile phones, including Apple's iPhone, for $40 a year. Fans will be allowed to watch more than 40 games per week, as well as pause and rewind action. Fall TV: Broadcast Winners, Losers Emerge Associated Press Five weeks into the new television season, CBS, NBC and Fox have bigger prime-time audiences than they had in 2008. ABC is the only network down from last year, due primarily to audiences slipping away from established favorites like "Dancing With the Stars." NBC Sale to Comcast is Likely, Wright Says Fox Business The sale of NBC Universal to Comcast will take some time to accomplish but will likely go through, says the media company's former CEO, Bob Wright. "This is a very depressed time for media and NBC Universal's value is certainly lower today than it was a few years ago." CBS Interactive Chief Smith to Exit Company AllThingsD Quincy Smith, the high-profile CEO of CBS Interactive, plans to leave his job in January to start an advisory firm in Silicon Valley. Smith will remain an adviser to CBS under a multiyear contract. Smith will focus on video monetization and other digital issues. Epix Channel to Launch Light on Distribution Reuters Movie channel Epix, owned by Paramount, Lions Gate and MGM, debuts Friday boasting exclusive content like a Madonna concert special, but it has fallen short of achieving wide distribution. The new channel has just one distribution pact with Verizon's FiOS TV service. Fox News in Talks with Obama Administration Associated Press Fox News Channel exec Michael Clemente met at the White House on Wednesday with President Obama's press secretary Robert Gibbs. There are no details available about the meeting. The administration has accused Fox of operating like "a wing of the Republican Party." Hulu: We're No Threat to Traditional TV Broadcasting & Cable Television industry execs who complain that Hulu is undermining current models haven't seen the business plan, says CEO Jason Kilar. Some 50% of Hulu's content has never been available in the living room in the past year, and therefore no threat to the TV, he says. Comcast Brings Yellow-Pages Ads to TV Forbes Comcast in Philadelphia is unveiling "Yellow Pages on TV," an interactive television app that features contact information for local businesses. With the help of a remote, Comcast cable users can search for florists and plumbers in their areas and even watch commercials. ABC Scraps 'V' Skywriting Promo Campaign Hollywood Reporter ABC is dropping its plan to hire skywriters to cover the skies of major cities with giant red "V"s to promote the Nov. 3 debut of its alien invasion drama. Giant red "V"s in the sky "might have freaked a few people out." ABC says it simply decided to spend its money in other ways. FCC Mulls Taking Back Some TV Airwaves Wall Street Journal U.S. federal regulators are considering taking back some airwaves from television broadcasters and auctioning them off to wireless companies to increase the availability of wireless broadband services. "The record is very clear that we're facing a looming spectrum gap." News Corp Expects $$$ from World Series Reuters With the storied New York Yankees facing off against the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies, News Corp.'s Fox has a potentially compelling matchup in the World Series that should drive strong television ratings. Ads could rake in $28 million or more per game. Vivendi Chief Says NBC IPO is Possible Reuters NBC Universal may hold an initial public offering of its stock if Vivendi decides to sell its 20% stake in the group majority-owned by General Electric, says Vivendi CEO Jean-Bernard Levy. He declines to say whether Vivendi is leaning toward a sale of the stake this year. Clear Channel Pres Mays Stepping Down Bloomberg Randall Mays, president and CFO of Clear Channel Communications, plans to step down from his role at the radio broadcaster. CEO Mark Mays will assume the title of president. New owners Bain Capital and Thomas H. Lee "have assumed a more direct role in the operations." Nielsen: Kids' TV Usage at Eight-Year High Los Angeles Times Children watch television for more than 32 hours a week on average, according to Nielsen. Youngsters aren't "giving up any media -- they're just picking up more." The notion that children spend more than an entire day per week watching TV is alarming kids' health advocates. Time Warner Cable Routers 'Open to Attack' CNET Time Warner Cable's Internet customers could be vulnerable to an attack due to a "serious security hole" in the provider's cable modem and Wi-Fi router, according to blogger Brian Chen. Days after Time Warner promised a fix, Chen says the devices are still vulnerable. CNN Drops to Last Place Among Cable News New York Times CNN, which invented the cable news network more than two decades ago, is finishing last among the cable news networks in prime-time audience ratings in October, according to Nielsen. The results demonstrate the apparent preference of viewers for opinion-oriented shows. CBS: 'Star Trek' to Boldly Go Live on Stage World Screen CBS' consumer products unit is developing a live interactive stage show based on the company's "Star Trek" franchise that will roll out to U.S. theme parks and performing arts centers. The show promises to deliver "special effects and an exploration of space-age technology." Sirius XM to Premiere 'Rosie Radio' Monday UPI Sirius XM Radio is set to debut "Rosie Radio," Rosie O'Donnell's live daily morning show, on Monday. "Rosie Radio" will mark the radio debut of the outspoken comedienne. Sirius XM says: "Rosie is the perfect fit for the unbound creativity and possibilities of satellite radio." Viacom's Colbert Rolls Out $1 iPhone App Wired A new "Colbert Report" app means iPhone users never have to be without "The WØrd." The $1, advertising-supported app, released by Viacom's Comedy Central, includes every "WØrd" video done by hyper-real talking head Stephen Colbert so far and will be updated weekly. NBC Universal Set to Begin Olympic Push Associated Press NBC, Universal Sports and UniversalSports.com plan 1,250 hours of coverage of Olympic sports leading to the Winter Games in Vancouver. "For the first time ever, this all happens and is accessible to the American public," says NBC Olympics president Gary Zenkel. ABC: Stephanopoulos, Cuomo Vie for 'GMA' Washington Post George Stephanopoulos is said to have the edge in the contest to succeed Diane Sawyer at "Good Morning America" when she leaves to become ABC's evening news anchor. However, fellow contender Chris Cuomo is seen as more adept at morning television's lighter fare. ESPN Fires Analyst Phillips After Sex Scandal New York Post ESPN baseball analyst Steve Phillips is being fired after it was revealed that he had a relationship with a production assistant. "His ability to be an effective representative for ESPN has been significantly and irreparably damaged," the network says. Home Shopping Network Joins Sky-High Wi-Fi Chicago Tribune Tech firms Row 44 and JiWire are launching the first free, advertising-supported, in-flight wireless network, dubbed SkyTown Center. The service will allow airline passengers to shop, watch live television and play games. Content providers include the Home Shopping Network. NBC's New Strategy: No More Cheap Shows Washington Post Jeff Gaspin, NBC Universal's top television exec, claims that NBC will no longer program to profit margins -- meaning no more "Jay Leno"-like programming that is profitable merely because it is cheaply produced. The announcement is said to be "stunning" Hollywood. CBS Finding Gold Among Graying Viewers BusinessWeek While CBS attracts older viewers (average age 55) than the other networks, its ability to lure large audiences is prompting advertisers -- long obsessed with viewers aged 18 to 49 --to give the broadcaster a second look. Older audiences "make the household buying decisions." CNN.com Relaunches with Video, User Media CNN CNN will relaunch its Web site Monday with a new emphasis on video and a full integration of its user-generated iReport. The "reimagined" site will also feature new content partnerships with Oprah.com as well as Time Warner siblings People and Entertainment Weekly. Liberty Media Sets Vote for DirecTV Spinoff Denver Business John Malone's Liberty Media will hold a special stockholder meeting Nov. 19 on its spinoff of satellite broadcaster DirecTV. After the spinoff, the remainder of the current Liberty entertainment group's businesses will likely be housed in the renamed Liberty Starz group. ESPN Analyst Phillips in Work Sex Scandal New York Post ESPN baseball analyst Steve Phillips is taking a leave of absence after admitting he had a relationship with a 22-year-old production assistant who allegedly stalked his family. Phillips says: "I am deeply sorry that I have put my family and colleagues through this." Sirius XM: One of 'Worst-Run Companies' TheStreet.com Sirius XM Radio is one of the "Worst-Run Companies of 2009," says TheStreet.com. The satellite radio firm is "a classic case of a great product coupled with a bad business model." Paying big bucks for Howard Stern hasn't "paid off." Sirius XM's fate "will be in bankruptcy court." NBC's Graboff Says TV Windows Collapsing Reuters Traditional television viewing patterns are collapsing and the industry needs to quickly figure out how to profit in a world where people can watch TV shows anytime, anywhere, says NBC Universal TV chief Marc Graboff. "The audience is so fragmented at the expense of TV shows." Comcast to Debut Cable TV Shows Online Associated Press Comcast will become the first cable television operator to unlock online access to cable shows and movies. Subscribers can initially watch programs only on their home computers after verification. Time Warner Cable and other cable providers plan to follow with similar programs. Radio Stations to Fight Against Royalties USA Today Radio stations and record companies are battling over a legislative proposal that would require broadcasters to pay royalties to air recorded music. If the bill passes, it could force stations to pay about $500 million a year -- some estimates go as high as $1 billion. ABC in Hunt to Replace Sawyer on 'GMA' Los Angeles Times Some ABC staffers wonder why there seems to be no plan in place to replace "Good Morning America" anchor Diane Sawyer, who is taking over for Charles Gibson on the evening news broadcast. ABC is said to be intent on finding a male anchor to pair with co-host Robin Roberts. Oprah Hopes Palin Helps Win Back Viewers Washington Post Oprah Winfrey, aiming to climb back from last season's ratings slump, will attempt to make up with conservative viewers on Nov. 16 when she has Sarah Palin on her syndicated talk show. Palin's new book, "Going Rogue," is scheduled to hit bookstores the next day. Fox News Host Beck Hires Armed Guard New York Post Glenn Beck, the controversial Fox News Channel host, is reported to be traveling with an armed bodyguard. Beck, who famously accused President Obama of being "a racist," is being seen in public accompanied by a bodyguard with a gun partially concealed under his jacket. Sirius XM: No Plans for Reverse Stock Split FMQB Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin says there are "no plans" for the satcaster to attempt a reverse stock split. Such a move, which would increase the share price, has been rumored for some time. Karmazin adds that Sirius XM is considering offering a traffic information service. NBC Would Be 'Better Off' Without Jay Leno Dow Jones Gannett CEO Craig Dubow says that his company's NBC affiliates would likely be better off if the network had not departed from scripted programming in the 10 p.m. hour in prime-time with a comedy show hosted by Jay Leno. "It's awfully early to tell at this point." ABC to Use Skywriting to Promote New 'V' Washington Post ABC plans to dispatch a fleet of skywriting planes in 15 U.S. cities over 12 days beginning Friday to write large ominous red V's over landmarks to promote its new science-fiction series, "V." Washington, D.C., is exempt from the stunt due to airspace restrictions after Sept. 11. MTV's 'The Beatles: Rock Band' Not So Fab USA Today "The Beatles: Rock Band," released Sept. 9, sold about 595,000 copies last month. Analysts expected the MTV game to sell at least 1 million copies. Instead of a bona fide hit, "The Beatles performed at a respectable level," analysts say. Higher sales are expected during the holidays. Fox Digital Studios to Put Focus on Brands Advertising Age The Microsoft-sponsored "Family Guy" special won't be the only branded entertainment to come from News Corp. Fox Atomic, News Corp.'s recently shuttered genre studio, is being rebranded to become Fox Digital Studios, a new unit focusing on branded programming. NBC News Anchor Williams to Help 'Leno' B&C / LAT NBC's Brian Williams, anchor of the most-watched evening newscast, will become a special "contributor" to low-rated "The Jay Leno Show." Also: "Jay Leno" is undermining the viewership of local late-night newscasts, which are a crucial source of revenue for affiliates. Discovery's TLC Sues Reality Star Gosselin Los Angeles Times Discovery's TLC is filing a lawsuit against Jon Gosselin, the co-star of its smash reality show "Jon & Kate Plus 8." The suit charges that Gosselin violated his contract by taking paying gigs from other television shows, including CBS' "Entertainment Tonight" and "The Insider." 'Media Outlet' Involved in Balloon Boy Hoax Associated Press Officials say Colorado parents concocted the story that their young son was trapped in high-flying balloon to market themselves for a reality television deal. A yet-to-be-named "media outlet" that blurs "the line between entertainment and news" may be a conspirator. TV Industry Seeks a Game Plan for Twitter Los Angeles Times The entertainment business is struggling with the best way to use Twitter as celebrities and industry execs use the microblogging service to pitch themselves and their projects. However, some are discovering dangers from having their half-formed thoughts being seen instantly. Radio Stations Face Royalty Fees for Music Bloomberg CBS and other radio station owners will have to pay royalty fees to artists and labels in order to play music on the air under legislation approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Broadcasters oppose the new fees, saying they could force some out of business. Jay Leno May Get Boot in Comcast Deal Washington Post If Comcast succeeds in taking a stake in NBC Universal, the cable giant is expected to put money into NBC to develop programming, "not just ask for more cost-cutting" like current owner General Electric. The deal also could undo the deal NBC made with "ratings weakling" Jay Leno. ABC News Boss Blasts Cable News, Bloggers Broadcasting & Cable ABC News president David Westin says he does not want his news operation injecting opinions into its reporting. Westin is also critical of aggregators that "patrol the Internet, looking for bits and pieces of our reporting to post in short form on their sites." NBC Names Bon Jovi First 'Artist in Residence' MSNBC NBC is appointing Jon Bon Jovi as its "Artist in Residence," a new project in which the rocker will appear on multiple programs on the network and its affiliated cable channels in the month of November. Bon Jovi will become a regular on "Today" for the next several weeks. Vivendi Postpones Decision on NBC Stake Sale Bloomberg Vivendi's board met Wednesday but held off on a decision on whether to sell its 20% stake in NBC Universal. Instead, the board focused on a possible purchase of Brazilian telecommunications firm GVT. The board is said to still favor a sale of its "non-core" NBC stake. CBS, Viacom: Redstone to Sell $1B in Shares Los Angeles Times Sumner Redstone's National Amusements, which controls Viacom and CBS, plans to sell nearly $1 billion in stock in those companies to help retire $1.46 billion in debt. The move, which capitalizes on the companies' recent stock gains "relieves the pressure for now." Limbaugh Booted as Bidder for St Louis Rams St. Louis Business Dave Checketts, chairman of the St. Louis Blues, is droppping Rush Limbaugh from a group bidding to buy the St. Louis Rams, calling his involvement a "distraction." The sometimes controversial radio host "has become a complication" and is "endangering our bid." CBS News Investigates Letterman Sex Scandal New York Observer CBS news correspondent Armen Keteyian and his team of producers are investigating the network's David Letterman love triangle. Whether the story ever makes it to the airwaves remains to be seen. "Anything they dig up" could end up hurting Letterman -- a "big consideration.” Fox Business Boosted by Debut of Don Imus Broadcasting & Cable Don Imus' return to the cable news airwaves immediately boosted the ratings of his new home Fox Business Network, according to ratings data. Imus premiered on Fox Business Oct. 5 to 177,000 total viewers -- up 1,000% from the time slot's previous occupant. TV: Legislation to Turn Down Loud Commercials Ars Technica A bill making its way through Congress aims to force the U.S. government to turn down the volume on television commercials to bring them to same level as the programs they accompany. "What annoys all of us is the sudden increase of volume when commercials air." Al Jazeera English Launches Blog Network Journalism.co.uk Al Jazeera English is rolling out a blog network featuring its correspondents from around the world. "This project is part of our commitment to field journalism," says AJE exec Mohamed Nanabhay, "while allowing our correspondents to be part of the blogosphere." Clear Channel to Expand Into Music Video San Antonio Business Clear Channel Radio's popular Apple iPhone application, iheartradio, is expanding into on-demand video content. The company is bringing together live video content from its stripped music series and making it available on the iheartradio mobile application. TBS: Baseball Playoff Sweeps Cut Ad Sales Associated Press Baseball fans in Los Angeles and New York may be thrilled their teams swept into the league championship series -- but for Time Warner's TBS, the fun may be over all too soon. The number of playoff games that TBS could sell to advertisers has been trimmed. Comcast-NBC Universal Seen as Done Deal The Wrap The Comcast deal to buy 51% of NBC Universal is said to be done in principle, but it will be several more weeks before anything official is announced. "They've all agreed to agree." Talk of a possible bid for NBCU by News Corp. or Liberty Media is seen as "speculation." GE Could Exit Ownership of NBC Universal Associated Press A proposed deal to acquire NBC Universal would give owner General Electric the ability to unwind its stake over several years, and could see Comcast commit billions more to the joint venture. A deal is being discussed in which Comcast would gain majority control of NBCU. Viacom's Epix to Debut Facing 'Challenges' Bloomberg Epix, the new movie channel from Viacom, Lions Gate and MGM, plans to begin service on Oct. 30, vying for viewers with HBO, Showtime and Starz. Verizon's FiOS service is the only identified carrier, which "could potentially spell some early distribution challenges." CBS, Viacom to Benefit from Retail Ad Boost Bloomberg U.S. retailers may increase advertising spending after retail sales rose in September for the first time in 13 months, says UBS AG analyst Michael Morris. If ads return, CBS and MTV owner Viacom are poised to "outperform within the media industry." NBC Bumps Fox Show from Macy's Parade E! Online The cast of Fox's new hit series "Glee" will not take part in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will air on NBC. Macy's reportedly invited "Glee" to participate without first consulting with NBC, which "never promotes cast members from competing programming." TiVo Use Jumps With Letterman Confession Hollywood Reporter TiVo says time-shifted ratings among its users spiked 75% during the 10 minutes David Letterman confessed his sexual dalliances during his CBS late-night show Oct. 1. Users took to their TiVo's in big numbers again last Monday, when Letterman apologized to his staff. Oprah in Private-Jet Sex Allegation Lawsuit Chicago Sun-Times Corrine Gehrls, a former flight attendant on Oprah Winfrey's private jet, is filing a lawsuit against Winfrey's Harpo Inc. claiming she was wrongfully fired because of false allegations that she had sex with the plane's married pilot as the talk-show host snoozed. Liberty Media May Bid for NBCU, Analyst Says Bloomberg Liberty Media, cable billionaire John Malone's media company, may bid for General Electric's NBC Universal, according to Dave Novosel, an analyst at Gimme Credit. "Liberty has maintained for years that it would like to acquire more operating assets that generate cash flow." Vivendi Holds Veto Power in NBCU Control Los Angeles Times Vivendi may own a mere 20% of NBC Universal, but the French media giant is calling the shots when it comes any possible sale of the company. Vivendi has veto power on any change in control, according to a little-known clause in its contract with 80% owner General Electric. Comcast Said to Favor Keeping NBC's Zucker Bloomberg Comcast is said to be leaning toward keeping NBC Universal chief Jeff Zucker and his team if it gains control of the General Electric entertainment unit. Comcast declines to comment Zucker has spent his entire career at NBCU, starting with the Olympics division in 1986. Cablevision to Pay for CBS Network Shows New York Post Cablevision will pay to carry CBS, marking a step forward in CEO Les Moonves' goal to get cable operators to recognize the value of his broadcast network. The deal includes CBS cable channels Showtime, College Sports Network and the Smithsonian Channel. Fox News is Not Legit, White House Says New York Times Fox News Channel is in "a war" against President Obama, says White House communications director Anita Dunn. "We don't need to pretend that this is the way that legitimate news organizations behave." Fox says that when the White House criticizes the network, "ratings go up." CNN's Lou Dobbs Eyed by Fox Business New York Times Fox Business Channel, the nascent spinoff network of Fox News, is said to be keen to hire Lou Dobbs, anchor and managing editor of CNN's "Lou Dobbs Tonight" and a critic of the Obama administration. Dobbs met for dinner with Fox News czar Roger Ailes last month. Comcast-NBCU May Create Rival to ESPN BusinessWeek A possible union of Comcast with NBC's sports assets would "effectively create a potent competitor to ESPN," observers say. Comcast could use NBC Sports' national platform to complement its 11 regional sports networks. The new entity "would give agita" to ESPN. CBS Inches Closer to Selling Out Super Bowl Advertising Age CBS is said to be close to selling out about 80% of its ad inventory for Super Bowl XLIV, a sign that the sports-advertising marketplace may be recovering faster than other television venues. CBS is seeking between $2.5 million and $3 million for a 30-second spot. Scripps to Replace Fine Living with 'Cooking' Business Courier Scripps Networks Interactive is replacing its Fine Living Network with a new brand: the Cooking Channel. "Food, as a television programming category, has grown," says CEO Kenneth Lowe. The network will be based in New York, using the Chelsea Market as a backdrop. CBS Interactive Sued Over Content Filters Bloomberg CBS' Internet unit is being sued by Solid Oak Software over claims the media company's ZDNet China site helped Chinese government-backed firms dispense a stolen program used to censor political content. CBS aimed to "gain access to the vast Chinese market." Clear Channel Denies Default Risk Report New York Times Clear Channel is denying a report that says the radio and billboard giant's private equity owners, Bain Capital and THL Partners, have approached big banks to help them keep the company from defaulting on loans. Still, Clear Channel has explored refinancing some of its debt. CBS: Second Dan Rather Lawsuit Dismissed Los Angeles Times A New York court is dismissing a second lawsuit that former anchor Dan Rather filed against CBS boss Les Moonves and former CBS News head Andrew Heyward. The judge is dismissing Rather's renewed claim that he was fired to appease former President Bush. Fisher Rolls Out Hyper-Local News Sites Associated Press Fisher Communications is setting up nearly 40 neighborhood news Web sites in the Portland and Eugene, Ore., areas where the company operates radio and television stations. The new hyper-local sites will offer "neighborhood information at a grassroots level." CBS Exec Tellem May Take a Smaller Role Los Angeles Times Top CBS entertainment exec Nancy Tellem is said to be close to stepping down. Network insiders say she has been in talks with her boss, CBS chief Les Moonves, to assume a less hands-on role. Tellem's possible exit points up the ongoing absence of a designated No. 2 at CBS. NBC's Leno Numbers Take Precipitous Slide USA Today Three weeks into NBC's prime-time "Jay Leno Show," the comedian isn't leaving much of a mark. So far, he has finished in last place every night, and Monday he claimed a lowest-yet 4.5 million viewers. NBC stations in big cities have seen ratings drop for late newscasts. CBS' Letterman: Many 'Less Likely' to Watch New York Post Nearly one-third of Americans say they are less likely to watch "Late Show" following host David Letterman's admission that he had affairs with women who work on his show, says a new Rasmussen Reports poll. Nonetheless: Letterman's on-air "apology" won big ratings. Limbaugh to Bid for St Louis Football Team St. Louis Business Talk-radio personality Rush Limbaugh and St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts are teaming up on a bid for the St. Louis Rams. "I have a lot of friends in ownership in the NFL," says Limbaugh. The Rams, however, are described as "among the worst teams in the NFL." Tribune to Rebrand WGN America for Comedy Variety Tribune has big plans in store for its sleepy cable superstation WGN America. This fall, the channel intends to rebrand itself as a home for contemporary comedy series, with off-network reruns like "Entourage." WGN aims to become "a much more targeted" channel. Google, Verizon Partner to Take On iPhone Wall Street Journal Google and Verizon Wireless say that the first two phones in their just-announced Android partnership will be available this year. Also the phones will include Google Voice -- a calling application that generated controversy when it was rejected for Apple's device. AT&T Lifts Its Ban on Internet Phone Apps San Jose Business AT&T is opening up its 3G network to Internet phone apps on Apple's iPhone. The move reverses a ban by AT&T on iPhone users making phone calls using Skype and other Internet services on its high-speed 3G network. The ban came under scrutiny by U.S. regulators. NBC: Leno's Ratings Decline Hits Affiliates Washington Post Jay Leno's sinking ratings are causing pain for many NBC affiliates, as audience losses impact the local newscasts that follow his new prime-time show. Falling news ratings could lead to the loss of millions of advertising dollars. Affiliates are "likely to become restless." CBS: Letterman Apologizes to Wife on Show CBS News Late-night host David Letterman apologized to his wife on Monday's "Late Show," saying she had been "horribly hurt by my behavior." Monday's show was the first taped since Thursday, when Letterman revealed sexual relationships that led to a $2 million blackmail plot. Scripps to Team Up With How-To Video Site WebProNews Scripps Networks is partnering with how-to-video site 5min on a content and advertising agreement. Scripps properties, including HGTV and the Food Network, will syndicate video to the site, while 5min will provide videos from its library to Scripps online properties. Comcast-NBCU May Bring Ouster of Zucker New York Post Comcast's possible deal to take control of NBC Universal is stirring talk that NBC boss Jeff Zucker won't have a role in the new entity. "No one at Comcast is too enamored with Jeff." Peter Chernin, Mel Karmazin and Les Moonves are seen as "qualified" to run NBCU. NBC Universal to Drop 'NBC' from Channels Financial Times NBC Universal plans to spend up to $9 million to rebrand its network of foreign channels, using the Universal name rather than NBC. Universal is "a very familiar brand and much-loved," while NBC "is not so well known globally." And today, "brand is everything." Comcast-NBCU May Lead Hulu to Add Fees Reuters Free television shows on the Web could be harder to find if Comcast hooks up with NBC Universal. Comcast would become a partner in the free video site Hulu -- which could be worth billions of dollars if it added fees. Comcast "may decide to change Hulu to some degree." Hulu Makes Inroads on TV with Big Ad Deal Adweek Hulu is drawing nearer to its goal of getting a big chunk of broadcast television dollars, thanks to an upfront commitment worth in the millions from MediaVest. For Hulu, the deal represents "an important step in building its ad business to match its buzz factor." CBS Yanks Letterman Video from YouTube Associated Press Videos of David Letterman's on-air confession of sexual relationships with female employees are hard to find on the Web. CBS, which has a deal with YouTube, isn't posting any clips of the segment. When videos of his revelation are posted on YouTube, CBS has them removed. Fox Business to Bow Don Imus Simulcast Washington Post Fox Business Network, which begins simulcasting Don Imus's radio show Monday, will intersperse financial news throughout the program. Word of his debut is creating excitement for the low-rated channel, says Fox News exec Kevin Magee. "Imus will bring an audience to us." Olympic TV Rights 'Worth Less' After Rio Associated Press Olympic television rights in the United States are worth less now that the 2016 Summer Games have been awarded to Rio de Janeiro, says the International Olympic Committee. A victory for Chicago "would have been more valuable." NBC, ABC-ESPN and Fox were to bid. Internet TV Could Boom in Coming Years PC World Internet-enabled television sets could see wider adoption in the next few years as viewers get comfortable with the idea of running widgets on TV screens, according to a study by Ernst & Young. Many consumers consider it an "appealing" idea to mesh TV with the Internet. ESPN Zone Eatery Shuts Down in Atlanta Atlanta Business ESPN Zone, a nationwide chain of sports-themed bar and interactive game centers, is shuttering its facility in Atlanta. "Unfortunately, the current economic environment gave us no other choice," says ESPN exec Rick Alessandri. The ESPN Zone in Denver closed in June. CBS Staffer Arrested in Letterman Blackmail CBS News David Letterman acknowledged on his late-night show Thursday that he had sexual relationships with female employees and that someone tried to extort $2 million from him over the affairs. An employee at CBS News' "48 Hours," producer Joe Halderman, has been arrested. NBC Universal Sale Talk is Good for Media Dow Jones Analysts say the value given to NBC Universal in General Electric and Comcast's talks over a potential deal could be positive for other media assets. "It reaffirms the private market values in the media area." Shares of Time Warner jumped Thursday following news of the talks. Comcast's Move Seen as Fear of Internet Wall Street Journal Comcast CEO Brian Roberts' strategies indicate he is worried that the Internet could one day become one of the leading forms of television distribution, observers say. The availability of free TV shows on the Internet may start "chipping away" at the cable giant's subscriber base. GE, Comcast Talk NBC Universal Stake Sale Bloomberg Comcast, the largest U.S. cable operator, is said to be in talks with General Electric to buy about 50% of NBC Universal. Negotiations are believed to be ongoing and no agreement is certain. A deal would depend in part on Vivendi making a decision to sell its 20% holding. Comcast 'Looking for Content' Amid Job Cuts Inquirer / Variety Comcast is denying a report by The Wrap that it has reached a deal to acquire NBC Universal for $35 billion. However, Comcast senior VP D'Arcy Rudnay admits: "We are looking for content." Also: Comcast is cutting 39 positions in its entertainment group, which includes E! Time Warner Cable Service to Leapfrog DVRs Bloomberg Time Warner Cable plans to let digital-television customers watch shows whenever they want without paying more for a video recorder. The project, called Enhanced TV, will allow customers to watch hit shows without planning ahead. "The competition's not doing this." NBC's 'Jay Leno' is TiVo-Proof -- For 1 Hour Los Angeles Times More people are watching NBC live at 10 p.m. -- now that Jay Leno is in the time slot -- as opposed to recording the hour, says TiVo. However, about 20% of the people who record "Leno" watch it within an hour, which means it may be slicing into the 11 p.m. local news. ABC, CBS Tell Stars to Boycott 'Jay Leno' Los Angeles Times ABC and CBS are discouraging their stars from appearing on Jay Leno's NBC prime-time talk show, determined not to let the new program undercut viewership of their costly dramas. "In prime time, the stakes are higher and you have to protect your flank." Fox News 'Lies' Slammed by White House Blog Politico In an unusual move, the official White House blog is posting a "reality check" following Fox News Channel's coverage of the 2016 Olympic bid on host Glenn Beck's show: "Last night Fox News continued its disregard for the facts in an attempt to smear the Administration." Sirius XM Passes Royalty Fees to Subscribers Associated Press Listeners of Sirius XM Radio are getting $2 fees added to their monthly satellite radio bills, in what is effectively a price increase for consumers. The company is now passing along performance royalty fees paid to singers, musicians and recording companies. CBS Triumphs in First Week of Fall TV Season Associated Press CBS is beginning the fall season with a bang, winning the first week overall, scoring the top-rated program ("NCIS") and premiering the most-watched new show ("NCIS: Los Angeles"), according to Nielsen ratings. Also, NBC's "Nightly News" held its customary lead. NBC's O'Brien Bested by Rival Letterman Bloomberg CBS' David Letterman "Late Show" won more young viewers than NBC's "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" for the first time last week with guests including President Obama. The weekly win for Letterman is also the first among younger viewers in almost four years. CBS: Dan Rather Loses $70 Million Lawsuit Reuters An appeals court is dismissing former news anchor Dan Rather's $70 million lawsuit against CBS in which he claimed he was made a scapegoat in a scandal over a 2004 report on President Bush's military record. Rather failed to sufficiently support his claim, the court says. Don Imus to Take On MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' New York Observer Fox Business Network next week will begin simulcasting Don Imus' WABC morning radio show. His arrival is expected to provide a big boost for the upstart channel. Imus also is expected to become a strong new rival to MSNBC's "Morning Joe." Imus "will pose problems for them." Oprah Signals She's Still TV's 'Gatekeeper' Chicago Tribune Coming off a season in which Oprah Winfrey's syndicated television talk show suffered a 7% decline in ratings, Winfrey is back to using big-name stars and location shoots to boost ratings. Oprah aims to remain "the gatekeeper" as a lead-in to prime-time programming. Glenn Beck Satire Web Site Fights Back Adweek Isaac Eiland-Hall, the creator of a Web site satirizing Glenn Beck, is firing back a response to the Fox News Channel host's legal attempts to take control of the site's Internet domain: "The Web site is a legitimate criticism site. Beck's attempt to censor criticism is improper." Internet Ad Spending Overtakes TV in Britain Reuters Spending on Internet advertising in Britain grew more than 4% in the first half of 2009, moving it ahead of television for the first time, according to the Internet Advertising Bureau. "This is a significant milestone." Video ads are seen as a popular new format. Viacom Launches African-American Channel Multichannel News Viacom's MTV Networks and BET are quietly soft-launching Centric, a new basic-cable network aimed at African-American adults. BET is rebranding its nearly 32 million subscriber BET J network under the Centric moniker, which will air music and lifestyle programming. CNN to Charge $2 for New iPhone News App Wired CNN is rolling out an application for Apple's iPhone, which not only delivers the news in a variety of formats, but makes it easier for citizen journalists to file their own video news reports from the field. The app, for a one-time fee of $2, includes a live stream from CNN Live. Network TV Still Viable Business, Execs Say Los Angeles Times Surprisingly strong numbers for new fall television shows like ABC's "Modern Family" and CBS' "NCIS: Los Angeles" have execs hoping that their long-beleaguered schedules are finally on the rebound. "Despite all the naysayers, it seems like we still have a viable business." ABC 'Desperate' for Ads, Seeks Integration Advertising Age Sunday's season opener of "Desperate Housewives" featured an advertising "vignette," a sort of mini-soap opera, during the first ad break. Characters featured in "Another Desperate Housewife," sponsored by Sprint, may turn up in the actual "Desperate Housewives" show itself. CBS, Web Site Team Up for Foreign News New York Times CBS News is forming a partnership with GlobalPost, a foreign news Web site, that will provide the network with reporting from its 70 affiliated correspondents in 50 countries. As many news outlets struggle to find ways to cover foreign news, the alliance may suggest a blueprint. NBC Affiliates OK on 'Jay Leno' So Far Broadcasting & Cable Most NBC affiliates say they are pleased by the new "Jay Leno Show," acknowledging that the 10 p.m. program is very much a work in progress. "The focus of this show is that it's a marathon, not a sprint," says one general manager, echoing the network's company line. CNN Lines Up Successors to Larry King New York Post CNN is said to be considering Ryan Seacrest, Katie Couric, John King and Joy Behar as possible successors to talk-show host Larry King, whose contract expires in 18 months. A rep for King, 75, says: "Larry has the full intention of continuing in the job he loves." NBC: Conan O'Brien Injured on 'Tonight' Associated Press Conan O'Brien is expected to be back on the job Monday after hitting his head during a "Tonight Show" stunt. The accident Friday halted production of "Tonight," NBC says. O'Brien released his own statement: "Last thing I remember I was enjoying the play with Mrs. Lincoln ..." Playboy TV Channel is Surfing the Web Multichannel News Playboy TV wants to take its adult-targeted original content to the Web. The service says it is talking to operators about launching a linear and online option tied into the network's monthly premium channel. "We definitely are exploring the 'TV Everywhere' model." NBC 'SNL' F-Word Flub Lives on YouTube Washington Post NBC's "Saturday Night Live" kicked off its 35th season with new cast member Jenny Slate accidentally uttering a four-letter word on the air. The NBC switchboard did not "light up" with angry viewer phone calls. Still, the moment is preserved online, thanks to YouTube. CBS: Moonves, Chen Announce Son's Birth Los Angeles Times CBS is announcing that Charlie Moonves, the son of CBS chief Les Moonves and CBS "The Early Show" anchor Julie Chen, was born at 9:40 a.m. Thursday morning in Los Angeles. The two-sentence corporate statement says: "Mother and child are doing well." NBC Seen as Under Assault from All Sides MarketWatch Viewership for NBC's ballyhooed new "Jay Leno" show is falling, NBC News is "is looking over its shoulder" at rivals and even NBC Sports is taking a hit for its "giddy" coverage. "The key question is when -- not if anymore -- General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt will sell NBC." Hulu Streams Are 'Reckless,' CBS Exec Says Los Angeles Times Don't look for CBS to join Disney, News Corp. and NBC in Hulu anytime soon. CBS Interactive CEO Quincy Smith is very critical of the video site, according to an internal e-mail leaked to TechCrunch. Smith writes that some ratings declines may be due to "reckless Hulu streams." NBC's 'Leno' Move Seen as Gutsy, Lucrative Hollywood Reporter With just a 1.5 rating, "The Jay Leno Show" could make $300 million a year for NBC -- and probably spark other networks to follow suit, according to television execs speaking at a Producers Caucus panel. Broadcasters are likely to further reduce their reliance on scripted dramas. Oprah Heading to Denmark for Olympics Bid Crain's Chicago Oprah Winfrey plans to travel to Denmark next week when the International Olympic Committee announces the host city for the 2016 games. She will be part of the official delegation for Chicago's bid committee, which is hoping to lure the event to the city for 2016. Radio: Not Dead Yet Among iPod Generation Crain's New York Nielsen has good news for the radio industry: Young people still listen to the old fashioned medium. According to a new study, 18-to-34-year-olds listen to radio an average of 21.5 hours per week, debunking the assumption that young people are glued to their iPods. TV Shapes Up as Internet Battleground Wall Street Journal Convergence between the television and the home PC has largely eluded the industry, but the living-room screen is now emerging as a key battleground for software and Internet companies. The TV "is going through the same transition" as mobile phones did five years ago. CBS Launches Residential Real Estate Site Crain's New York CBS is backing a new residential real estate site, CBS Real Estate Market, which boasts more than 25,000 apartment listings. The site is a joint venture between CBS and LMG digitalMedia. However, industry experts say it will be hard for CBS to tap into a saturated market. ABC to Cut Ads in Effort to Retain Viewers Los Angeles Times ABC is reducing the number of commercials in the premiere episodes of its new shows, hoping that fewer ads will prevent people from switching the channel. The storylines of dramas will be about five minutes longer, with the first ad not appearing until 15 minutes into the show. CBS Loses Bid to Dismiss Dan Rather Lawsuit Reuters A New York judge is rejecting the bid by CBS to dismiss ex-news anchor Dan Rather's $70 million lawsuit claiming he was fired because of an election-year report on former President Bush's military service. Testimony is to be taken from Viacom chief Sumner Redstone. NBC's NFL Football Dwarfs Emmy Audience Reuters More than 13 million Americans watched Sunday's CBS Emmy Awards telecast -- the best audience in three years for the television industry's biggest night. Nonetheless, millions more chose to watch NFL football on rival NBC. Emmy award audiences have fallen steadily in recent years. Broadcasting Group Taps New-Media Pro B&C Former Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith is being named the new president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, the leading advocacy association for U.S. broadcasters. Smith is tuned into new-media issues as former chair of the Senate's high-tech task force. CNBC Cancels Show by Blog Agitator New York Observer CNBC is canceling its 8 p.m.-hour experiment anchored by Dennis Kneale. The former managing editor of Forbes is perhaps best known for his a lively on-air campaign against anonymous bloggers last summer. The show's quality "was high," says Kneale. "The ratings were low." Emmys Acknowledge Tough Times for TV Associated Press This year's Emmy Awards, presented Sunday, acknowledged television's changing role in the Internet age. The revamped show, which included jokes about the decline of the networks, opened with host Neil Patrick Harris performing a song urging viewers to resist going online. Viacom-Led 'Pay TV 2.0' Nearing Launch Variety Viacom's Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM are billing their new pay-TV channel, Epix, as "Pay TV 2.0" -- a venture that also will offer online, video-on-demand and mobile distribtion. But Epix, set to launch in October, is fighting an uphill battle to land cable carriage deals. Oprah's Book Club Pick Boosts Hachette Crain's New York Oprah Winfrey is announcing that her next book club choice will be a collection of short stories, "Say You're One of Them," by Uwem Akpan. The book came out in paperback from Hachette Book Group in July. This is the first Oprah book club pick since last September. Sirius XM Gets Nasdaq 'Minimum Bid' Warning Barron's Sirius XM says it has received a notice that it is out of compliance with Nasdaq listing rules, since its stock price has closed below $1 for 30 business days. If shares do not trade at a level likely to result in compliance, the satellite radio company could do a reverse stock split. CBS: 70% Sold Out on Super Bowl Ad Inventory Ad Age Advertising sales for the Super Bowl appear to be moving more briskly than anticipated given the current economy, with CBS now selling 70% of its inventory. At this time last year, NBC had sold more than 80% of its inventory. In 2007, Fox was nearly sold out by late October. Fox TV Anchor's Flub Turns Into Catch Phrase Associated Press News anchor Ernie Anastos of Fox's WNYW in New York accidently uttered the F-word on the air while bantering with the weatherman. He had meant to say, "Keep plucking that chicken." His flub quickly became an obscene catch phrase as the video clip went viral online. NBC 'Leno Show' Ratings Dip on Second Night New York Times As expected, the audience for Jay Leno's second night in prime time fell off sharply from his opening night, but it was still a big, dominant win with an average of 10.7 million viewers. The numbers were also good among the viewers NBC most cares about, younger adults. Comcast to Bring TV Shows to Mobile Phones Reuters Comcast plans to offer subscribers the option to watch their favorite television shows on mobile devices through its new wireless Internet service. It is also exploring adding a voice option to the wireless package that would put it in competition with mobile phone providers like AT&T. Time Warner CEO: TV Ad Model Will 'Thrive' MarketWatch The early industry reaction to Time Warner's "TV Everywhere" initiative has been positive, says CEO Jeff Bewkes. "People love it." Television shows that are viewed online will be counted by Nielsen, he notes. "You don't have to build a new model. You've already got it." News Corp: Ailes Paid $2M More Than Murdoch BusinessWeek According to News Corp.'s recent proxy statement. Fox News Channel boss Roger Ailes collected almost $24 million last year in salary, bonuses and other benefits -- nearly $2 million more than chief Rupert Murdoch. Ailes has made Fox News a "money-generating machine." Cox's Travel Channel Wins Private-Equity Bids Reuters Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., Thomas H. Lee Partners, and Providence Equity are said to be submitting bids for Cox Enterprises' Travel Channel. The private equity firms are bidding separately for the channel in an auction expected to fetch up to $700 million. Vivendi: IPO Possible for NBC Universal Stake Dow Jones Vivendi CEO Jean-Bernard Levy is leaving open the possibility that the company will exercise its option to unload its 20% stake in NBC Universal. If Vivendi exercises the option this year, he says, it may end up offering the shares in the public stock market. CBS, Sirius XM Risk Bankruptcy, Study Says Reuters U.S. media companies are among the industries that are about four times more likely to file for bankruptcy in the next year than firms in other sectors, according to a study by Audit Integrity. The study's bankruptcy risk list includes Sirius XM Radio, CBS and Liberty Media. Arianna Huffington to Develop Sitcom for ABC Variety Huffington Post maven Arianna Huffington is teaming up with former "Friends" writer Greg Malins to develop a sitcom for ABC set in politics. "Freshmen" revolves around three new members of Congress -- two men and one woman -- who wind up sharing an apartment. CNN Opens Online Store to Sell News Stories Journalism.co.uk CNN is opening CNNWireStore.com, which it describes as the "premier source for empowering your Web site, newspaper or blog" with individual news stories. A single-use license will cost $199 per story. Users can "pick and choose the specific stories that are right for them." Hulu May Add Subscriptions, Pay-Per-View MarketWatch News Corp. chief Rupert Murdoch says that the company is "looking into" the possibility of adding subscription products and pay-per-view offerings to the popular online TV show site Hulu. Against the Time Warner-led "TV Everywhere" initiative, Hulu is mulling its own paid model. CBS to Face Another FCC Nipplegate Probe Wall Street Journal The U.S. Federal Communications Commission wants to take another look at Janet Jackson's "wardr