Another week, another "Idol" victory
The rest of network television can just wait for "American Idol" to run its course. Even if its performance this year isn't breaking its...
Watchdogs protest ABC debate
While not being universally panned, the Democratic debate held by ABC Television Network last week (4/16/08) was widely criticized. The result is a click-and-send...
He can dance, but can he spell?
Actually, it doesn't matter, since Tom Bergeron will have cards with the answers as he hosts the final championship rounds of "The 2008 Scripps...
Soft ad market gets softer
That bad news comes from Gannett CEO Craig Dubow, who told Wall Street analysts that it appears the already soft US economy slowed even...
Only 6 out of 10
That may be an impressive showing, but CBS Television Distribution has been even more dominant in syndicated television in the past. Of course, its...
Many households still unready for DTV
As you know at midnight on 2/17/09 all full-power U.S. television stations will stop broadcasting their signals in analog and will switch to 100% digital broadcasting.
New pay TV service to launch
Viacom, MGM and Lionsgate yesterday announced a joint venture to create a new video on demand service, set to launch in the fall of...
ESPN lands Wimbledon for next six years
ESPN Friday announced an extension of its contract to carry parts of the Wimbledon tennis tournament through 2013, including enhanced digital and international rights....
NBC greenlights new Howie Mandel comedy
NBC has made a deal with Howie Mandel (host of "Deal or No Deal") for a new unscripted comedy series "Howie Do It" (working...
Centris hits back at MSTV
Broadcasters and, particularly, members of the broadcast engineering community, including the David Donovan of the Association of Maximum Service Television, have been arguing that...
Post-WGA strike primetime performance update
Looks as if The Secret Talents of Stars will remain a secret forever. The April 8 premiere of the reality series posted a disappointing...
NBC Local Media taps Comerford, Wert
NBC Local Media announced WNBC-TV President/GM Frank Comerford will take over all sales efforts for the division--all NBC Local Media, including the 10 NBC...
Rembrandt suits threaten DTV transition?
Suits filed in 2005 and 2006 are getting the attention of mainstream media as the DTV transition nears. A small Pennsylvania company—Rembrandt—filed 14 patent...
Lots of "low-hanging fruit" to pick at Tribune
Sam Zell and Randy Michaels hit the conference call wires yesterday afternoon in what they said was the first of many such sessions to keep interested
Week 29: Cable nets claim six of top 100
Broadcast networks put 94 programs in the top 100 for the key 18-49 demo for the most recent ratings week, with cable/satellite networks surging...