Hitwise: ABC is top web destination, with CBS No. 2
With ABC’s top dramas back from hiatus, the network moved into first place among the broadcast networks last week, at least on the web. ABC had the highest market share of network TV web site visits for the week ended April 26, according to web monitor Hitwise, at 24.8 percent. That was just barely ahead of second-place CBS at 24.7 percent and third-place Fox at 24.4 percent. NBC, which led just a few weeks ago, dropped to fourth at 17.9 percent, followed by the CW at 7.6 percent and MyNetworkTV at 0.6 percent. Fox’s “American Idol” was far ahead of the competition among network shows with a 26.1 percent share, followed by NBC’s “Deal or No Deal” at 7.8 percent, CBS’s “Big Brother 9” at 7.7 percent, and CBS’s “Survivor” and ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” at 7.2 percent.
Online hoax? Studio claims to sell Hendrix *^# tape.
Apparently nothing is sacred when you are dead rock star. Late guitarist Jimi Hendrix is the latest celebrity to appear in a sex tape sale on the internet. At least Los Angeles adult-film studio Vivid Entertainment is claiming that the man seen for 11 minutes engaging in sexual activities with two unidentified brunettes is Hendrix. The poorly lit hotel bedroom scene is part of a 45-minute DVD being distributed by Vivid, which is known for releasing the now-famous sex tape featuring another rocker, Tommy Lee, and actress Pamela Anderson. Vivid, in a press release, says the Hendrix footage was discovered by a memorabilia collector. But you may want to hold on to your money. Hendrix’ longtime girlfriend tells The New York Times that the man in the footage is not Hendrix, who is known for such hits as “Purple Haze” and “Foxy Lady.” A Hendrix biographer also disputes the footage is of Hendrix, who died at age 27 in London in 1970.
Coldplay warms to web with free single downloads
In a move that’s become almost commonplace for bands, Coldplay is taking to the internet before brick and mortar stores. The British rock band’s song “Violet Hill” from its upcoming album is available for free download on www.coldplay.com. Fans who want to hear the song have to provide their email address and zip code, then they are sent an email with a link to a free MP3 file. The band is taking the free thing to new levels – it plans free shows in London on June 16 and Madison Square Garden in New York on June 23, as well as one in Barcelona. There will be a paid digital release of the new tune from the album “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” on May 6. The whole album is set for release June 12. “Violet Hill” first aired Tuesday on BBC Radio 1 during an interview with lead singer Chris Martin.
Wii Fit becomes one of top-selling U.K. games ever
Wii is breaking all sorts of records in the U.K. Just weeks after Mario Kart Wii became the eighth-fastest selling title in U.K. history, Wii Fit has surpassed it to become the No. 6 title in terms of unit sales. In revenue, it is the third-biggest video game launch, generating $32.4 million in sales, behind “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” and “Halo 3.” But unlike those more violent games, Wii Fit seems to have a redeeming quality for parents worried about their kids spending too much time in front of the screen. Wii Fit comes with a pad that users jump and spin and lunge on in order to play games that include yoga and aerobic elements. It’s not cheap, at $138, more than double the cost of the latest “Grand” game.