Archives 2004

Monday, January 5, 2004

Overnights
Snoozer Sugar Bowl,  even with flapdoodle
Early #s hint at record low viewing for ABC. Must ease past 2002's 14.3 household rating, lowest in BCS title history.

New media
A new year and lots less downloading
Music industry suits chop figures more than half. Pew study finds especially dramatic declines among 18-29 year-olds and students.

Television
That Jacko, no Christmas Grinch he
Gifts CBS with huge #s for two holiday shows, '60 Minutes' and Jackson special. Plus other catch-up tidbits you may have missed.

Television
The big TV stories of 2003, and the busts
Readers vote: John Ritter dies, Rush fumbles. Best new show: 'Queer Eye.' Worst: 'Are You Hot?' 'Angels' is top miniseries. Really dumb idea of 2004: 'Joey.'  

Feature
A nod to those no longer among us
Saying good-bye again to Mr. Rogers and others, including Michael Kelly, David Bloom, David Brinkley, Donna Salvatore . . .

Out of home
Your client hosting a Super tailgate party
As in Bowl. Hand out samples during the game at an event just miles from Houston's Reliant Center. Hey, and watch the play while you're at it.

This week in television
A camera's eye in not so friendly skies
Yo, stewardess! From the cockpit at Southwest. Tonight, A&E's new series shows us what pilots and attendants put up with daily.

News Shorts
Wildcard playoffs dominate Saturday for ABC
Out at In Touch: Editors LeGrice and Bender
Clark disses shoot-'em-up games
Judge orders gagging of Martha jury
NPR hosts debate for Democratic hopefuls
It's official: TNT is top cable net of 2003
Correction: 'Twas the Globe, not Star

Web Shorts
Holiday e-spending hits new high of $11.72B
Rotten Apples? Mac users threatening lawsuit
Beware holiday worm sent via MSN Messenger 
Queen knights net creator (that's Sir Berners-Lee) 

People
Kenneth Novack exits as vice chairman of Time Warner
Rob Walker debuts new New York Times Magazine column
Greg Norman joins Travel + Leisure Golf magazine as a contributing writer
Vince Van Pattern developing new poker-based reality series
Dick Kurlander named television program development executive of AARP
Michael Cascio resigns as EVP/GM of Animal Planet
Allyson Taylor becomes manager of public relations for Starz Corporate Communications
Jacko tops Amiannoying.com's most annoying personalities of 2003
Brendan Fraser and Tara Reid return to 'Scrubs'
Paul Sorvino plays daddy on CBS' 'Still Standing'
Actress Erin Cottrell joins ABC's updated 'Little House on the Prairie'
Whoopi Goldberg starts pitching Slim-Fast
Crocodile hunter Steve Irwin's baby dangle freaks out fans
'Home Improvement' actor Earl Hindman dies at 61

Tuesday, January 6, 2004

Television
At Fox, risen star who's Gail Berman 
Sandy Grushow departs, leaving behind a very different network. Tough dame. Her challenge: Building muscle on those bones.

Magazines
Savoy and Honey to resume publishing
Resurrecting urban titles from Vanguarde collapse for later sale.
Heart & Soul will not be revived. Vital titles tumbled by high costs.

Magazines
A better year for magazines, but dicier
Rising tide in ad dollars will swamp as it lifts. Many titles will founder and fail. Also an issue: Tougher times at newsstands.

New media
The browser, its rise and rapid fall
Factoid: Majority access web by different means. Three-fourths of internet users now  rely on instant messaging and media players. 

Sports TV
Growing chill for pro ice skating
Steady ratings decline going into contract talks. Will ABC renew? Guess is not. Ratings for weekend's championship may say loads.

This week in television
Everybody loves Martha (right?) Not.
As jury selection starts, two looks at Stewart's past. (A good time to sequester jurors?)

News Shorts
'Joe' bows low as NBC and CBS share Monday
Snoozer Sugar Bowl, even with flapdoodle
Judge: Hands off Rush's records, for now 
Canadian networks leave Martha out in the cold 
Report: Budget Living looking for a buyer already
Time Inc. sells Time-Life to Zelnick's group
Saudi Arabia: A nation of young TV junkies

Web Shorts
Mars' big red rocks really popular online
Europeans file anti-piracy suit vs. RIAA ...
While MPAA drops theirs against DVD Jon
Psst! Load up on ephedra before it's illegal

People
Samantha Treston joins Einson Freeman, Inc. as senior account executive
John Lansing appointed EVP of Scripps Networks
Conrad Black puts his London townhouse on the market
'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin on the defensive
Martha MacCallum and Janice Dean join Fox News
Jane's Eric Nicholson judging 'America's Next Top Model'
Vincent Pastore, formerly of 'Sopranos,' is back on the airwaves
Michael J. Fox guest starring on 'Scrubs'
Executive producer Bruce McKay cut from 'Living It Up'


Wednesday, January 7, 2004

Television
WB's Petrick: I guess I'll just mosey on
Goosed aside with Ancier's return. Third wheel on a careening bike. Little network that could isn't this season. Ratings freefall.

Magazines
Next big thing: Men's weeklies. Or not.
Two launching in UK, but U.S. prospects dim for newsstand titles featuring sports and jokes. We lack Britain's newsstand networks.

Television
Out on a limb with Fox's 'Obnoxious Fianc'
Risky ploy: If it cracks, network's going to tumble.  Less accessible show than hit 'Joe Millionaire.'

Broadcast recap
A colder January for ABC, post-football
Great games--and a schedule needing much repair. Great hope:  'Stephen King's Kingdom Hospital' bowing sometime in March.

Cable recap
For 2003 cable, ESPN's lopsided win
Forget makeover madness. Takes seven of top 10 shows in  total viewers, adults 18-49 and 25-54. No. 1: Cowboys versus Patriots.

This week in television
So bad it's still bad, 'Celebrity Mole'
ABC's cheesefest returns with Bernsen & Baldwin, has-been never-wases. Never mind finding the mole, where are their careers?

News Shorts
Anemic 'Fire' puts ABC behind NBC Tuesday
'Joe' bows low as NBC and CBS share Monday
Rumor: Observer editor eying New York job 
'S*e*x's' appeal falters in season premiere
Ogilvy & Mather suits may have bilked gov't 
Report: Radio ad $s down 4% in November 
TNT rolling out hi-def channel for NBA finals
Correction: Gatorade's a no-go for Super Bowl

Web Shorts
New from Microsoft, watch mini movies
Hey, EchoStar, you stole our ideas, says TiVo  
Selling on eBay just got more expensive
Second opinion: Report says holiday sales hit $18.5B
Republicans bent about Bush-is-Hitler ad

People
Rolling Stone publisher Rob Gregory hops to Maxim
With Sandy Grushow gone, Gail Berman reups at Fox Entertainment
Ben Bradlee Jr. exits Boston Globe after 24 years
Cyma Zarghami named president of Nickelodeon Television
Dan Rather undergoes precautionary surgery for basal cells on face
Timothy A. Franklin replacing William K. Marimow as editor of Baltimore Sun
Fired reporter Henry Norr reaches settlement with San Francisco Chronicle
Mike DeBartolo rises to Fairchild EVP of B2B division
Cara Ferragamo Murray becomes Ivy League Magazine Network marketing director
Noah Levine joins Draft New York as VP and the Bank of America team as account director
Jeff DeRome named communications consultant for NBC Entertainment
George Steinbrenner loses title of Sporting News' most powerful person in sports
Britney Spears marriage photo snapper gets $100,000 from Star
John Staffen becoming top creative officer at Arnold Worldwide, New York
Mel Gibson and Aaron Spelling send 'Clubhouse' pilot to CBS
Radio DJs Russ Parr and Alfredas join TV One as dating show hosts
Brad Garrett hosting second annual TV Land Awards
Universal cancels 'Crossing Over with John Edward' after three seasons
Crooner Beyonce Knowles belting the national anthem before Super Bowl
Marv Albert, Boomer Esiason, Bonnie Bernstein, Jim Gray, John Riggins, John Dockery and Beasley Reese calling Super Bowl on Westwood One
Former New Republic publisher and editor Michael Straight dies at 87

Thursday, January 8, 2004

Television
For ailing 'Friends,' NBC turns to fans
Staging vote for fave reruns to flesh out lineup leading to finale. Will splice in top vote-getters from AOL poll. Steep ratings slide.

Magazines
The new Star, the old Bonnie
Redesign is so, well, Us-like. Are we surprised? We shouldn't be, since she invented the formula. Celebmania with a tawdry edge.

Television
'The Apprentice,' in the spirit of capitalism
But will it work as TV? Dueling lemonade stands and The Donald. Thinking person's reality show. No bumps, grinds, swinging vines.

Research
'To be young, rich and watching O.C.'
Ranking the shows that draw America's wealthy. Fox soaper ranks No. 1 among  adults 18-34 with household incomes over $100K.

Feature
Media folks speak: Show me the money
Top concern in media departments is getting that overdue raise, readers tell us. 

This week in television
The Rose knows: Hey, bettor, bettor!
Ex-baller spills the truth on ABC, finally admitting to gambling.

News Shorts
It's a wonderful Wednesday 'Life' for Fox
Anemic 'Fire' puts ABC behind NBC Tuesday
As scandal widens, O&M suit steps down
Kutcher punk'ing targets with faux cancellation?
It's official: Lowe's 'Lyon's Den' is history
NFL Network finally expands beyond DirecTV
A visit to netherland for Us & 'Top Model'

Web Shorts
Harder try vs. spy: AOL adds spyware slayer
Women cut ahead of men at online stores
RealNetworks, pro choice for music fans
Dust flies as Microsoft kicks at Linux (again)
RIAA settles 10 more uploading suits

People
Jack Kelley leaves USA Today after fabrication charges
Report: Canadian Suzanne Boyd will edit Essence's new That
Stephen Bromberg rises to FoxNews.com executive editor 
Courtney Cox of 'Friends' pregnant with her first child
Hef thinks Britney is great gal pal material
WB funny guy Steve Harvey lends his style to a new line of suits
Film and TV director Brian Gibson dies at 59
'Jeopardy' writer Steven Dorfman dies at 48

Friday, January 9, 2004

Television
Final death kiss for 'The Sopranos'
This is it. No more fooling around, says Tony. The hit is in. After season five and a mini-season six, no more. Done. Over.

New media
Dramatic rise in high-speed access
Ten million homes sign up from May to November of 2003. That's a 27 percent increase. Broadband in two-fifths of all wired homes.

Younger viewers 2003
Cable news's hot new viewers: Kids
Fox News sees a 100 percent growth in 6-11s over the year. Plopping down next to mom and pop for the day's big stories.

Younger viewers
The WB's sway with Saturday's kids
The potion: 'Yu-Gi-Oh!: Enter the Shadow Realm.' 'Pokemon' too.Well ahead of ABC, its nearest competitor, in 2-11s and 6-11s.

Interview
Five questions with Jim Spanfeller
Forbes.com's CEO on the internet in year 2004. Trend to watch: Increasing role of video. Less spam to worry about.

In television this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Sci Fi's 'SG-1;' Saturday: Titans at Patriots on CBS; Sunday: 'The Division' on Lifetime 

News Shorts
NBC's 'Apprentice' debuts strong on Thursday
It's a wonderful Wednesday 'Life' for Fox
CBS chops order for Joey Pants' 'Handler'
Proper Martha rally gear: Aprons & spatulas 
Trump whines: Moonves is a big meanie
Coming soon, take a gay cruise with Rosie

Web Shorts
AOL marketing head out after six months
New: See Yahoo Personals hook-ups in real time
Or give Match.com $ for other singles' phone #s
Dirt-cheap dial-up from AOL and Netscape
Sweep your mailbox clean with new germinator 

People
Bob Pittman and Strauss Zelnick buy OTX
Sarah Bailey named Harper's Bazaar deputy editor in chief
Joy Taylor rises to editor in chief of Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications' Family Food Collection
Ruth Gaviria named director of Hispanic ventures for Meredith Magazine Group
GQ adds creative services and advertising staff
Chuck Shaw named ID Media VP and account director
Corey Weiss appointed VP of integrated marketing and promotions for Palisades Media Group
Michael Weisman becomes executive producer of NBC Enterprises' 'The Jane Pauley Show'
Michael Hart, Chris Lange and Jim Scott open branding and advertising agency
Court TV's Diane Dimond becomes special 'Today' Jacko correspondent
'Simple Life' stars Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie return to Arkansas for reunion
Memorial service for ABC Family's Linda Mancuso set for LA

Monday, January 12, 2004

Television
Alas, NBC saying good-bye to 'Frasier'
Kibosh to talk of extending long-toothed sitcom. Too many $s. Will leave Tuesday lineup in near shambles. Grief counselor, please.

Sports TV
This Super Bowl, with the $s back
Big issue for CBS: What it gets for those last eight spots.  Average price up almost 10 percent, to $2.25 million apiece.

Newspapers
Big mystery behind USA Today stink
Reporter quits over story. What's really going on? Anonymous letter leads to probe over cooked reporting. Paper vows to fill in blanks.

Sports TV
Good for Eagles, even better for Fox
Expect ratings jump with return to NFC championship. Repeating teams average more than 11 percent increases in viewership.

Out of home
Get wild & clingy with your client
Guerrilla signage that comes down without a trace. No glue or messy run-ins with the litter cops. Let static work for you.

This week in television
Couples counseling through 'Fear Factor'
Tonight on NBC, twosomes square off for $1M. Moral  of story: Those who eat worms together stay together.

News Shorts
Overtime playoff game lifts Fox Sunday
Playoffs score Saturday touchdown for CBS
Oprah & 'Raymond' top People's Choices
NBC Trumping up Thursdays once again
Linguistic lessons learned from our 'Friends'
'Daily Show' & 'SNL,' only news that's fit for young
Former NYTer: Oops, I didn't graduate after all
Correction: Wrong chart for young $ied viewers

Web Shorts
Spam slam? Not quite, it may actually be up
XM traffic updates spark radio debate
Nearly half of moneyed households have high-speed 
Study: Brit workers avoid Big Brother with IM

People
Report: WSJ's Larry Ingrassia offered business editor slot at New York Times
Adam Ritt named acting editor of Better Investing magazine
Steven Cojocaru leaves People to pursue a TV career
Michelle Trachtenberg moves from 'Buffy' to HBO's 'Six Feet Under'
Ashton Kutcher stays on at MTV with 'My New Best Friend'
Jay McInerney may replace William Grimes as New York Times restaurant critic
New York Observer's Peter Kaplan and New York's Lisa Chase expecting a baby
'Sopranos' star James Gandolfini engaged to Lora Somoza
Actress Heather Graham guest starring on 'Arrested Development'
NASCAR drivers Casey Atwood, Kasey Kahne, Tim Fedewa and Randy LaJoie featured in a new reality series
Ryan Sutter returns to fighting fires after six-month 'Bachelorette' break
WETA founder Elizabeth Pfohl Campbell dies at 101
Former 'Rambling With Gambling' host John A. Gambling dies at 73
Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Philip L. Geyelin dies at 80

Tuesday, January 13, 2004

Magazines
Florio scoots in Cond Nast power shift
Wants to chill. Moving up to vice chairman.  COO Charles Townsend takes over as CEO of Si's house of magazines.

Magazines
As her trial looms, a sweeter Martha
Freshens web site with new appeals to fans as part of PR push to win public support. Vows to update site with trial transcripts.

Television
Study: Syndication's deep downside
New episodes of hit shows often see ratings dip in first year, rather than gain viewers because of increased exposure from reruns

Newspapers
Fallen star: How they got Jack Kelley
USA Today probe into reporter's suspect stories. Lengthy story today reveals writer's elaborate efforts to thwart investigation.

New media
The very hot web thing: Mars of course
Great traffic surge as NASA hunts for signs of life so far away from earth. Hundreds of millions of hits to web site each day.

This week in television
'Model' behavior: Thin and catty 
UPN summer hit 'America's Next Top Model' returns with new gorgeous gals. See Tyra teach them to strut on the runway. Meow!

News Shorts
CBS and NBC share Monday leadership again
Overtime playoff game lifts Fox Sunday
'Friends' reunion already being filmed? Maybe.
Martha's lawyers weeding out the jury pool
Letterman: I think I'll stick around for a bit
NBC & E! off to court over 'SNL' clips show
CNBC tells staffers, dump stock or we'll dump you 

Web Shorts

A dot.com rescue for sponsorless Lingerie Bowl
Beware faux Citibank email asking for info
New technology = British kiddie porn boom
That a potato in your computer or are you just lying?

People
MGM Television president Jim Griffiths leaves for Playboy
Amy Elkins named account director for Attick
Andy Cowles becomes IPC Media group creative director
Steve Crane named midwestern manager of the James G. Elliott Company in Chicago
John Harper named executive vice president of sales and client service for Ocean Bridge International Advertising Group
Peter Chrisanthopoulos resigns as president/ COO of Pappas Telecasting
Judy Girard named president of Shop At Home Network
Julie Ottmar named McKee Wallwork Henderson media coordinator
Adrienne Byrd joins Comcast Cable as senior counsel in the cable law department
Bret Perkins rises to Comcast Cable VP of government affairs
Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
NAPTE announces 2004 co-chairmen and board nominations
Donald Trump hires a contestant with a softcore past
Ted Nugent gets VH1 reality show
Rebecca Budig de-bachelorizing 'Bachelor' Bob?
Former Bill Communications president Morgan T. Browne dies at 84
Belo Corp.'s Marty Haag dies at 69


Wednesday, January 14, 2004

Television
ABC and HBO tops in director noms
'8 Simple Rules' is up for high-rated death episode. Other Directors Guild picks: 'Six Feet Under,' 'Sex and the City,' '24.'

Newspapers
Doo deepens for USA Today's Kelley
Newspaper reveals new allegation: Plagiarism. Story in 1998 appears to have lifted language from Washington Post report. 

Television
WB: Here's how we'll revive primetime
In a nutshell: Reality shows and made-for-TV flicks. Network's consolation: With fewer programming hours, less work to repair. 

Broadcast recap
Actually, fewer and fewer love 'Raymond'
Big ratings slide could dampen renewal talks. Fear factor: How at risk is Monday night?

Cable recap
Yikes! Big #s from croc-pot baby stunt
Animal Planet show's viewers rise nearly 20 percent after crocodile tamer dangles newborn. Global stink, great press.

This week in television
Rejected by Bob, Meredith tries again
'Bachelor' castoff makes the choices in ABC's 'The Bachelorette,' premiering tonight. True love or truly revolting?

News Shorts
'Life' reunion boosts Fox to No. 1 Tuesday
NBC and CBS share Monday leadership again
Unholy union: ACLU files brief supporting Rush
Cond Nast slides Bellando to replace Townsend
F*$@ the former rules, FCC wants swear ban
Rosie's $10M miss, 'Taboo,' closing early
CNBC firms 'Miller' slot but unsure on 'News'

Web Shorts
Bush bashers want to buy Super Bowl spot
Forget music, who's monitoring copyrighted porn? 
'Something' screener hits net, angers MPAA
Phew! Microsoft won't end Windows support

People
Bill Katz stepping down as president and CEO of BBDO Worldwide
Sean Murphy named editorial director at Hearst Custom Publishing
Nathalie Lubensky named VP of affiliate marketing at ABC Cable Networks Group
Newtype USA appoints Gary Steinman editor in chief
Laura Santos named VP of news for Telemundo Stations group
Maureen FitzPatrick and Cordelia Bowe named executive producer and supervising producer of 'Living it Up! With Ali & Jack'
Andy Cohn joins The Fader as associate publisher
Actress Laura Linney guest-starring on 'Frasier'
Paris Hilton tops Mr. Blackwell's worst dressed list
Tom Walsh nabs seventh 'Jeopardy!' win, setting record
Christopher Reeve returning to 'Smallville' in April

Thursday, January 15, 2004

Television
NBC: Our season will begin in August
Early rollout of new shows tied to the Olympics. Another blow to notion of fall through spring TV year. 

Television
Earlier finales for 'Friends' and 'Frasier'
Avoiding the glut of hoopla at end of season. A May 6 end set for 'Friends,' with 'Frasier' finishing up the following Thursday. 

Research
A further graying of network television
Study: Median ages up, even with younger shows. ABC viewer ages two years, at 45.3, while CBS is up 1.6. Only NBC is flat.

New media
Hot and hotter: Paid search advertising
Study: Driving surge in web $s. Rose 300 percent in first-half 2003. Growth will slow, but it now accounts for third of internet spending.

Reader survey
Tell us what Berman must do to fix Fox
Network has a slew of problems going into midseason. Give us your ideas on what must be done to get the network back on track.

This week in television
Tonight, Kobe on a different Court
Court TV, that is. 'Hollywood Justice' spotlights Laker's rape case. Did he do it? Is she lying? All questions a nation ponders.

News Shorts
Wednesday reality gives Fox & ABC a tie
'Life' reunion boosts Fox to No. 1 Tuesday
Jann & Adobe help dig out Salon with $800K
Papers bag USA Weekend with accidental n-word
Osama the Grouch? Al-Jazeera targets kids
WSJ's Ingrassia jumps to Times business editor

Web Shorts
Report: Spam spikes to 62% of mail last month
Internet geek? Nah, a well-read TV disdainer
Angry Brits threaten RIAA-like swapper suits
Rings lord over more than $3.5 billion in sales
New Japanese device guarantees sweet dreams 

People
Michael J. Kelly rises to head of AOL networks
John McEnroe gets CNBC talk show
Meredith Corp. names Scott A. Rundall VP of human resources
Evan Shapiro joins Independent Film Channel as senior VP of network marketing
Microsoft veteran Ed Fries exits after 18 years
Former USA Today comptroller Wade Beck gets a 12-year prison sentence
Paris Hilton returns to TV on 'Las Vegas'

Friday, January 16, 2004

Newspapers
Big merger in Span-lang newspapers
Allowing one-stop buying for national advertisers. LA's La Opinin weds NYC's El Diario/La Prensa. Plan to add papers.

Television
Fox's worry: Not such an 'Idol' threat
Reality warbler will likely do well. But well enough? With network's ratings swimming in the basement, it needs a real screamer hit. 

Television
'Gail, hey, tighten up or beat it'
Reader poll: Fox's Berman needs to get cracking to fix schedule. Weighing in with what she needs to do, what works and doesn't.

Younger viewers
How fleeting is (was) 'The Simple Life'
Teen-wise, it was fast headed for a tumble in ratings. That may explain why talks between Fox and Paris for a redo have cooled.

Rachel speaks!
'Rachel, help me get that raise I need'
Sound advice on how to prepare for the big moment when you approach your boss for an increase in salary. How not to blow it.

In television this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: USA's 'Monk;' Saturday: 'Star Search' on CBS; Sunday: NFL on CBS & Fox

News Shorts
Reality Wednesday gives Fox & ABC a tie
ABC tries new limited-run drama strategy
'Apprentice' crosses over to CNBC
Are Fairchild staffers stealing designer stuff?
'Early Show' nabs best ratings since 1999
Bushwhacked! CBS won't run MoveOn ad
'Angels' & NBC lead SAG nominations

Web Shorts
Study says online political burnout is possible
Court says Hef can keep playmates to himself
Yo, RIAA, target Hong Kong (lotsa swapping)
Zooming Yahoo boasts big $ boost over 2002
Gender bender: Italian men go online more

People
Jonathan Dahl becomes executive editor of Smart Money
Toni Nevitt rises to VNU Business Media president of eMedia and information marketing
Vahan Janjigian named Forbes VP and executive director
John Landgraf named president of entertainment at FX Networks
Steven Males becomes vice president for affiliate marketing at Univision Networks
ABC orders wedding planner pilot from David E. Kelley
NBC eyes pilot for Rob Reiner comedy improv show
Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey will host ABC variety special
David Spade turns guest spot into regular character on '8 Simple Rules'
Savannah Guthrie becomes daytime trial correspondent for Court TV
Bloomberg News plans to transfer 160 journalists to new Manhattan headquarters
MTV producing spate of new celebrity-based projects

Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Magazines
Brewster getting boot as G+J U.S. chief
Report: Done in by Rosie flap and other woes. German bosses expected to give walking papers this week. Move long expected.

TV review
'Obnoxious Fianc,' deft manipulation
Fox spoof goofs on reality TV and human greed. Well-handled if squirmy to watch. Will audiences appreciate bigger messages?

New feature
What's popcult  hot: Pete's confessions
New episodes of hit shows often see ratings dip in first year, rather than gain viewers because of increased exposure from reruns

Sports TV
With Serena out, a sinking Aussie Open
Expect ratings dip with no Williams faceoff in cards. Best hope: Agassi and Roddick in semis after making opposite sides of draw.

Out of home
Your client's face on dollar bills
Stickers with an ad message on your change. Get consumers to notice your message when they are counting their money.

This week in television
'Eddie,' booted by Fox, gets Bravo encore
Likable limited-run summer series 'Keen Eddie' returns with six unseen episodes. Watch it instead of doze-worthy State of the Union.

News Shorts
Eagles-Panthers game lifts Fox Sunday
Survey: Most Americans wouldn't let Martha free
'Friends' finale spots selling for record $2M
Buggy down with UPN's new Amish reality show
CBS re-ups 'Survivor' and four new shows
Ex-Times ME Boyd surfacing at Columbia
Booted from La Opinion, Tribune starts LA Hoy
'Simpsons' and 'L&O' still among WGA favorites

Web Shorts

Doggone virus: Rabid Beagle foams at inboxes
Survey says music swapping zooming up again
U.S. big offender in swell of online kiddie porn 
Seneca Nation wants NY to lift internet tobacco ban

People
Barri Stern named Lucky Magazine account director
Bob Woodward writing another book on the Bush White House
McDonald's the latest in cutting ties with Kobe Bryant
Former Sex Pistol Johnny Rotten appearing on British 'I'm a Celebrity'

Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Magazines
For magazines, a much stronger 2003
Overall ad pages ended flat but many titles saw big gains. Most categories up, with totals dragged down by one or two names.

Television
Fox's 'Fianc' stumbles at the altar
Premiere sees deep audience loss from 'Idol.' A third of lead-in's viewers tune out prank-within-a-prank wedding show.

Television
It's a  $#%* good-bye to 'Sharon Osbourne'
One of many syndicated shows facing cancellation. Trend: Potty talk is out.

Television
Better day for 'Good Morning America'
Gibson/Sawyer taking chomp out of 'Today's' lead. Show's total viewers have risen 37 percent over the past five years.

Interview
Five quick questions for Jack Myers
Of the Myers Report: On ad spending, new media technologies, the near-term future of television, and his run-in with Fox News 

This week in television
Todd turns his life over to America
New FX show lets viewers vote on Todd's dinner or his love life. Yikes, if no one watches, Todd will have to make own decisions.

News Shorts
Great debut for Fox's 'Idol,' but so-so for 'Fiance'
Martha: Pleads not guilty but fashionable
American Media pecks into shelter category
Partisan debate stalls FCC cap bill in Senate
MSNBC editor Nachman dies of cancer at 57
HBO's little-watched 'Carnivale' cops ASC nods 

Web Shorts
Europeans download 3M songs (legally) in '03
Where to get political poop? Online, of course. 
Sensitive Microsoft doesn't get Mike Rowe's joke
Next generation of NASCAR: Nextel web treats

People
Anthony White named SVP/futures director at Initiative
Tony Romando moves from Men's Fitness to Sync
Bill O'Reilly's 'Radio Factor' will continue on Westwood One
TV Guide Channel announces new staff appointments
Former Screw publisher Al Goldstein weds much-younger bride
Beyonc and Janet Jackson fight for center stage on Essence cover 

Thursday, January 22, 2004

Ratings recap
Comely 'Apprentice' shows it's got legs
Despite high dork factor, viewers return for second airing in higher numbers. The Donald and warring lemonade stands. 'Idol' fodder?

Research
Television and the web, better together
Study: Internet component boosts ad awareness. Sponsorship and message association grew markedly when online element added.

Cable recap
The darling of cable that's 'Monk'
Returning detective series is week's top show. USA airing of original pulls in bigger audience than rerun on ABC. Coming in No. 2:  'Gracie's Choice.'

New media
And away we go, using the internet
Great growth in traffic to travel sites looking for deals. But a threesome of Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz pulling the crowds.

This week in television
No 'Idol' tonight, but there's still Simon
Bitter Brit Simon Cowell receives the 'Biography' treatment. See Paula and Randy and Ryan dish on their nasty castmate. 

News Shorts
Another night of 'Idol' gives Fox Tuesday boost
'Fianc' star booted from Catholic school job
Permanent recess for Fox's 'Boston Public'?
NBC: We never offered Jacko $ for interview
New face of NASCAR is on a magazine

Web Shorts
RIAA courts uploaders with 532 more lawsuits
Bagle name game confuses virus watchers
Two screens better than one for new Nintendo
New phone uses your bones to make calls
Saying a prayer for Jewish porn enthusiasts

People
Stuart Zakin appointed SVP of corporate communications at American Media, Inc.
Mark Marshall named VP of Turner Sports Sales' Western Region
Betsy Swanson tapped as EVP/CFO of Fox Television Stations
Steve Davidson rejoins HBO as EVP of affiliate sales
Sara Gill rises to CFM Direct VP and strategic team leader
Elaine Garza named PR director for Vibe and Spin
Carey Witmer named Country Home associate publisher
Victoria Gotti named editor in chief of Red Carpet
Cosmopolitan names Matthew Perry and Alicia Silverstone Fun, Fearless People of the Year
Picabo Street hosting winter sports show on Outdoor Life Network
ABC orders pilot for J.J. Abrams drama 'Lost'
NBC developing Mark Burnett desert island project
USA orders pilot for Dean Koontz 'Frankenstein' project
NY Giants quarterback Jesse Palmer will be next 'Bachelor' on ABC
'Saturday Night Live' clay character Mr. Bill returns for education spots
'Walker, Texas Ranger's' Noble Willingham dies at 72

Friday, January 23, 2004

Television
Oops! NBC shifts Trump to Thursdays
Promising 'Apprentice' smashed by Fox's 'Idol' on Wednesday. Network also shuffles its Tuesday lineup, moving 'Scrubs' there.

Magazines
Axel axes: Brewster booted from G+J
German chieftain taking over troubled U.S. unit while leading hunt for replacement. Rosie's revenge? Hubris hath its own fury.

Interview
On why the ACLU is siding with Rush
Five questions for Howard Simon on why the group's Florida chapter is fighting to keep the talker's medical records private.

Younger viewers
For UPN, bevy of long-stemmed roses
Great returning #s for 'America's Next Top Model,' especially among teens, as summer hit goes against 'Frasier' and 'Jim'

Rachel speaks!
'Rachel, how do I ask for that raise?'
You're in the boss's office: What to say--and not. Savvy advice from our career girl on selling yourself. Hint: Don't lose your cool.

In television this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Hot Rod' on Discovery; Saturday: ABC Family movie; Sunday: Golden Globes on E! and NBC

News Shorts
NBC an easy No. 1 on repeat-heavy Thursday
Make it three nights straight for Fox & 'Idol'
TV ownership cap finally passes Senate
Martha primer: It's cover-up, not trading, charge
Move over, Babs, Stern's shaking up ABC News
'Newlyweds' stays hot in second-season bow
Look out! Magazine pushes readers off a cliff

Web Shorts
Report: Illegal music files dip by 20 percent 
Online votes could equal stuffed ballot boxes
AOL experiments with email ID-ing device
Colorado conservatives claim bias via new blog

People
Isobel McKenzie-Price and Sara Pates will edit Time Inc.'s new women's magazine
Thom Calandra resigns as chief commentator for CBS MarketWatch
Christina Norman appointed president of VH1
Suman Dubey named editor of new Indian version of The Wall Street Journal
Joe Iuliano joins Interep Interactive as senior advertising sales account executive
Mary Clare Baquet rises to VP of marketing for Discovery Channel
Michela Giorelli named director of production and development for Discovery Networks Latin America/Iberia
Janice Arouh named SVP of network distribution and service for Hallmark Channel
Warren Sapp returns to the Super Bowl as NFL reporter
Paris Hilton penning a book: 'Tongue in Chic: Confessions of an Heiress'
No child endangerment charges against 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin
Ivan Sergei and Sharif Atkins to star in NBC pilot for 'Pearl City'
Fox orders pilot for teenage quintuplet comedy 'Quints'
FX places order for 13 episodes of Denis Leary firefighter drama 'Rescue Me'
California woman sues CBS and '48 Hours' over Andrew Luster videotape scandal
Former WGN children's show host Ray Rayner dies at 84

Monday, January 26, 2004

Television
Barbara Walters is quitting ABC's '20/20'
Will cut back workload to specials and 'The View.' Why now? At 74, she says she wants more time for friends and her family.

Television
HBO again wins big at Golden Globes
Takes seven of 11 awards. Surprise winner: BBC's 'The Office,' netting two. 'Angels in  America' dominates the night, winning five. 

Popcult
What's hot: Ashton Kutcher's 'Butterfly'
Debuts as No.1 movie over the weekend, clocking $17.1 million at the box office. Also, top-selling albums and books and movie rentals.

Sports TV
Don't bet against the Panthers & Patriots
Just yet. The game's the thing, not who's playing. A good close Super Bowl will pull viewers, regardless of the teams.

Out of home
Your client on Times Square trash kiosks
Make a splash with the hordes of visiting tourists. Eye-catching posters on state-of-the-art receptacles 

This week in television
Paris is returning in a bonus 'Life'
Fox scrapes through the archives to come up with one final 'Simple Life.' Ding! Just when you thought Hilton's 15 minutes were over.

News Shorts
Fox tops with 'Cops' and 'Wanted' on Saturday
Stewart opening arguments could start tomorrow
ABC sprinkles 'Millionaire' pixie dust on sweeps
Cops pass on Limbaugh's plea bargain attempt
More bad news for reporter Kelley: Witness balks

Web Shorts
Purchase political pundits on Amazon.com
eBay punishes users posting false positives
European legit download sites snared in red tape 
Great screener mystery solved: Electrician did it

People
Lori Powell joins Ladies' Home Journal as food/entertaining director
CNN replaces Washington bureau chief Kathryn Kross with David Bohrman
Joe Johns tapped as Capitol Hill reporter for CNN
Lauren Holly and Kim Delaney starring in Lifetime original movies
Pang-ni Landrum pens pilots for ABC and Sony Pictures TV
Ruben Studdard croons tagline for TV Guide Channel's 'What's On'
Jane Krakowski will make guest appearance on CBS's 'Hack'
Bob Keeshan of 'Captain Kangaroo' fame dies at 76

Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Magazines
Readers: Martha's guilty but she'll walk
Believe feds won't make it stick. If she does go to prison, what will she do? Write a book revealing the side of Martha we never knew. 

Sports TV
As game nears, a greener Super Bowl
Cost of a spot now figured at $2.3 million, up from $2.25 million. Credit a better economy, less exciting alternatives--and the game.

Research
Of networks' lost youth? Off to cable.
Study: Share of 18-34 adult viewers crossed over. One cause may be increasing number of younger-skewing programs.

Interview
Five fast questions for Lloyd Grove
Daily News gossip columnist on covering New York after years as The Washington Post's "Reliable Source" dishing dirt from the Hill

New media
On the web, White House race heats up
December traffic showed Dean the more clickable, at least compared to Bush, with twice the traffic. And then there was Iowa...

This week in television
Long day's journey on '24'
Witchy woman Sherry Palmer returns tonight to Fox drama. Never a dull moment for Kiefer & Co. See them battle evil in real time.

News Shorts
Globes lift NBC to No. 1 on Sunday night
Martha jury: It's eight women and four men
For survival's sake, a scrubbed-up Penthouse 
Primedia's Rogers lands at American Media
Fox mulls 5-minute delay to squash dirty words
New on Fox, searching for the little woman

Web Shorts

MyDoom zooms to fastest-growing worm ever
Study: Half of current music download sites will fold 
French come to America's side against pirates 
AOL asks, what's your favorite Super Bowl ad?
An e-newspaper that's foldable and portable

People
Paul Fichtenbaum named managing editor of SI.com
Kim Paulsen rises to group publisher of Penton IT Media's Windows Group
Joe Kanellitsas becomes VH1 VP of on-air promotion
Greg Efird named VH1 VP of programming and production
Steve Mulderrig named Tribune EVP of domestic and cable sales
Edd Hall leaving 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno'
Microsoft's Bill Gates receives honorary knighting

Wednesday, January 28, 2004

Magazines
What feds must prove against Martha
It's a lot. They must explain this: If contending Stewart committed insider trading, why has she not been charged with doing so?

Television
Say so long to Jack Paar, funny guy
He did late-night talk only a few years but he forever changed it. (We kid you not.) Television has lost a legend with his death. 

Ratings recap
Globe award #s bode well for Oscars
Are we all movie-crazy? Best viewer numbers ever. Draws 27 million viewers, 6 million more than last year. Tops even 'Idol.'

Cable recap
True love, cable-wise, Nick and Jessica
Returning 'Newlyweds' is the top show of the week. Leads in 18-34s and 18-49s, with 4.7 million viewers tuning in. Hot stuff.

Reader survey
Come here, place your Super Bowl bets
Tell us who will win the game. Close or a blow out? What ads do you think will be a hit with viewers. Do you intend to watch?

This week in television
Stuck in 'Traffic?' You should be.
Long (six hours) USA miniseries is worth the investment. It ends tonight. If you missed it, catch up with reruns beforehand.

News Shorts
Fox rides monster 'Idol' to first on Tuesday
NBC tops on Monday with couples 'Fear Factor'
FCC indecency crackdown whaps Clear Channel
Miller and his monkey excite CNBC viewers
Cringe! UPN's sheared 'Mullets' returning in March
Wal-Mart: Fox News reports, shoppers watch
Disney's embattled Eisner got big, big raise

Web Shorts
Virus nears 10 percent of all emails sent
Twice-acquitted DVD Jon wants damages
ABC Sports sues over alleged 'MNF' piracy
What Clinton wasn't doing in Oval Office: Emailing

People
Andy Schuon resigns as president of programming at Infinity Broadcasting
Doug Herzog stepping down as president of USA Network
Kathleen Cox named president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Michael Kunhenn joins Starmark International as senior art director
Lisa Chang named SVP of human resources for the Weather Channel
Ryan Partnership ups four senior executives to Partner: Shirley Bergin, Matthew Jonas, Alicia Bender and Lester Preston
Howard Bolter named senior vice president of network and production operations for E! Networks
Former 'American Idol' contestants get record deals
CNN driver and translator-producer killed outside Baghdad
Matt Lauer will trot the globe again for 'Where in the World is Matt Lauer'
MSNBC correspondent Ashleigh Banfield engaged to Howard Gould

Thursday, January 29, 2004

Television
CBS: MoveOn ought to get over it
Network defends decision to block Super Bowl ad on U.S. deficit. Reacting to stinkeroo raised by liberal groups over ad's rejection.

Television
USA's Herzog back to Comedy Central 
Taking over job of retiring Divney. Move tied to executive musical chairs as NBC closes on Vivendi deal. Programming whiz guy. 

Television
CBS's bigger Super Bowl play: post-game 'Survivor'
Spring assault against NBC's weakened Thursday. Building on popularity of reality show.

Interview
Five short questions for Trump's firee
'Apprentice's' Sam Solovey on his brief fame on the reality show. What it felt like when The Donald canned him. Why he napped.

Daypart report
'NBC Nightly News' up in election year
Leads 8 percent over ABC and 32 percent over CBS. But the
question looms: What happens after Brokaw retires--if he retires?

This week in television
Tonight, guilty until proven 'Innocent'
Court TV's 'Stories of the Innocent' showcases the exonerated after wrongful convictions. Many years wasted before DNA saved them. 

News Shorts
Fox rides monster 'Idol' to first on Tuesday
Martha prosecution sharpens its claws for Faneuil
House wants FCC indecency fines inflated  
Limbaugh attorneys say Rush is being smeared
NBC super-sizes Tuesday with special 'Friends'
Germany's extreme 'Big Brother' lasts a year

Web Shorts
On heels of MyDoom, gov't steps in with tracker
Amazon zooms on strong holiday sales season
Site clears up those odd Super Bowl legends
Beware napping next to exploding cell phones
Nurse not hookered by online job offer

People
Tom Gutteridge appointed FremantleMedia CEO
Tom Ascheim named executive VP and general manager of Nickelodeon Digital Television
CNN Chicago bureau chief Jeff Flock resigns
Jacob Bernstein leaves Women's Wear Daily
Jim Agius becomes AMC/WE director of sales
Razor Magazine hires three advertising executives for NY office
NBC and Thesmokinggun.com's William Bastone and Daniel Green team up
Aimee Golden named Hallmark Entertainment manager of new media
Amy Stevens rises to WSJ's Weekend Journal editor
Donald Trump writing book on 'The Apprentice'

Friday, January 30, 2004

Sports TV
Yo, CBS, chill. The game will be close.
Readers see 4Q white-knuckler, with a Patriots win. Majority see viewing up from last year. And 'Survivor?' Way cool numbers.

Sports TV
Actually, fewer will watch for the ads
Slide in viewers tuning in just for the commercials. Also, rise in folks watching out of habit. But, hey, still a great ad event.

Sports TV
Your cornucopia of Super Bowl facts
What you need to know going into Sunday's game. Be advised that sales of cocktail wieners double. Ditto for canned chili beans.

Younger viewers
Spongie, meet 'Dave the Barbarian'
He hopes to eat you. Disney Channel hopes he will. Premiere pulls very good numbers, especially among girls ages 6 to 11.

Rachel speaks!
'Rachel, what if I'm denied my raise?'
How to handle rejection and make it work for you. It hurts to hear 'no' but life is not over. Tips on how to prepare for the next time.

In television this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Aussie Open on ESPN; Saturday: 'High Rollers' on History; Sunday: Super Bowl on CBS (of course)

News Shorts
On Wednesday of reruns, Fox's 'Idol' rules
Star witness temporarily bumped in Martha trial
ABC zaps 'Karen;' NBC renews 'Vegas' & 'Dreams'
'Sharon Osbourne' definitely on the way out
Where do we get local news? The newspaper.
Star's Lopez quotes scoop was a hoax

Web Shorts
Microsoft pledges big bucks for virus author's head
Academy member sued by Sony & Warner Bros.
Bada bling: Organized crime sacks online bettors
Lament of a pornster: My copyrights are toast

People
Greg Dyke steps down as BBC director general amid controversy
Suzanne Samour named marketing director of National Geographic magazine
Bob Reid stepping down as SVP/GM of Discovery Health Channel
Edward Leon tapped as vice president of production for S TV
Maurico Islas enmeshed in legal dispute between Telemundo and Televista
'Sopranos' co-stars settle lawsuit with Best Buy for $1.5 million
ABC orders sitcom pilot starring Caroline Rhea
The WB eyes comedy pilot from executive producer Mark Burnett
Dennis Rodman begins stint as spokesman for herbal virility elixir

Monday, February 2, 2004

Television
Socko Super Bowl: Viewing tops 2003 
Overnight  figures: 44.2 rating with 89 million watching game. Will be best since 1998's Green Bay-Denver matchup if #s hold.

Popcult
And not a bad movie weekend either
Ticket sales off but not by as much as you'd think. Top-grossing flick: Teen-targeted "You Got Served.' Also, hot books, DVDs. etc.

Magazines
What's needed to revive Martha Stewart 
Even if she beats the rap, the title needs work. What to do? Cut back her presence, kick up the sales effort, buff up her persona.

Sports TV
Thin ice indeed for NHL all-star game
Pro hockey too. Low ratings may send it to cable. Expect ABC's Sunday game to pull a household rating near last year's 1.7.

Out of home
Your client on traffic barricades
Got a new store? Guide customers to the door. Attach eye-catching signage that directs pedestrians.

This week in television
High rollers hit 'Las Vegas'
An unlikely guest combo: 'Simple' Paris Hilton, former 'SNLer' Lovitz & '90210's' Brian A. Green. See them get chippy at slots.

News Shorts
Huge Sunday Super Bowl numbers lift CBS
Fox edges barely ahead of ABC & CBS Saturday
America meets Janet's breast during halftime 
Top Super Bowl ad? It's Budweiser, as usual.
Star prosecution witness still out in Martha case
UPN's 'Top Model' struts to two more seasons
Culinary creativity best revenge for Bonnie's staff

Web Shorts
MyDoom paralyzes SCO site, as promised
Microsoft: Actually, we won't change Explorer 
Google doesn't find Booble quite so funny 
Lecter-like online killer gets reduced sentence

People
Lorenzo Lamas joins the cast of 'The Bold and the Beautiful'
Jack Keane becomes consultant for ABC News
CBS orders sitcom pilot starring John Goodman
'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek narrowly escapes injury at the wheel
Michael Jackson's camp fuming over Vanity Fair expose
MTV's 'Real World' creator Mary-Ellis Bunim dies at 57

Tuesday, February 3, 2004

News Shorts
Fox sings happy tune with Monday 'Idol'
Huge Sunday Super Bowl numbers lift CBS
Janet's titillation becomes Tivo's greatest hit 
David Gest: Enquirer broke up me & Liza 
Beyer replaces Time national editor Stengel
Study: Preschoolers diss TV when bribed

Web Shorts