|
|
|
CNET Inc. has struck a deal with AMFM Inc. to produce tech-oriented radio programming, according to published reports. CNET, which owns a cluster of technology news and information websites, is expected to announce the arrangement today. The company has already hired a staff to begin work on the new format, say sources. AMFM is currently in the process of being acquired by Clear Channel Communications Inc. for nearly $23 billion. Once the deal goes through, the merged company will have more than 800 radio stations to its name. The first CNET/AMFM collaborative programming will air on KNEW 910 AM, a San Francisco station. CNET turned heads last year by partnering with NBC to form NBC Internet Inc., better known as NBCi, in which it holds a 13 percent stake.
'Ally' oops: Fox kills half-hour rehash of hit
Fox has yanked "Ally," the weekly
half-hour highlights-and-greatest-hits rehash of the popular "Ally McBeal." The
network knew when it created "Ally" that it was taking a gamble on an
unprecedented programming strategy. However, the overhead was minimal as the format
required very little new footage, and the potential payoff, in syndication opportunities
alone, was enormous. And, as Media Life’s Andrew Wallenstein noted, Fox had nothing
to lose by sticking "Ally" in a timeslot that was already spoken for with
CBS’s "JAG," ABC’s "Spin City," and NBC’s "Just
Shoot Me." Despite the stiff competition, "Ally" was practically guaranteed
solid, if not stellar, ratings with its built-in audience of devoted "cultists."
Wallenstein predicted the show could subsist on a modest 4 or 5 household rating. It
actually pulled a 4.5, with a 3.1 rating with adults 18 to 49. Nevertheless, it fell short
of Fox’s expectations and got the ax. Reruns of the new "Malcolm in the
Middle" will fill the gap.