Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005

Overnights
'WWho's Your Daddy?' Who cares?
Not viewers, apparently. Fox reality special sinks. Also, lackluster ratings for Sugar Bowl matchup between Auburn and Va. Tech.

TV week 1.3.05
For 'Alias,' on the high wire w/o a net
IIt could soar in its new post- 'Lost' slot. If not . . . Highly praised but ratings-challenged ABC spook series must finally show its stuff.

Feature
A long good-bye to Jerry and others
Saluting the many media people who died in 2004, from Orbach
to Captain Kangaroo to Julia Child and Christopher Reeve, from Orbach
to Captain Kangaroo to Julia Child and Christopher Reeve
t

New media
Online holiday shopping was jollier
Sales up 25 percent over 2003 at $23.2 billion, up slightly over
projections. Top sellers: Clothing, toys and games, electronics.

Out of home
Your client on TV in the checkout line
Be seen by shoppers buying the week's groceries as they line
up at the cash register. Ads spliced into buyer-friendly content.

TV this week
'Committed,' plain crazy for a laugh 
NBC sure could use a few. It may get some but not all that many with this nuts-in-love sitcom. Will it better 'Father of the Pride?'

News Shorts
Networks scramble to help tsunami victims
NY Times buys stake in Boston Metro
SF Examiner owner launching daily DC tab
'House' call: Fox ups order for doc drama
Fox freshens 'Idol' rules for fourth season
Stern seethes over charges for Sirius plugs

Web Shorts
New techno refrain: Have TiVo, will travel
Blog flog: Survey finds 8M American bloggers
AOL anoints Vioxx King of Spam 2004
Study: Older adults are pacing internet tours

People
Sande Bovis named managing partner and director of national broadcast at Mediaedge:cia
Sara Nelson joins Publishers Weekly as editor in chief
Joshua Rahn named VP of integrated marketing solutions with Univision Radio National Sales
Rick Sands joins DreamWorks SKG as president and COO
Christopher Raleigh named SVP of advertising sales for GSN
Eric Wilson joins the NY Times as a fashion reporter
Keira Alexandra rises to VP and creative director at Sundance Channel
Mike Wallace subpoenaed in HealthSouth fraud trial
FCC gets early start on 2005 after Vince Neil drops F-bomb on NBC
Bob Barker signs for another season as host of 'Price Is Right'
Donald Trump selected America's most popular manager

Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005

Overnights
Big fumble in Orange Bowl faceoff 
Household rating of 14 is second lowest after '02, despite the
controversy over who would play. Strong debut for 'Committed.'

Television
Feds sue Azteca chief for stock deals 
SEC charges Salinas Pliego with scamming $110M at the expense of investors. Mexican billionaire: It's a pack of lies.

Midseason outlook
Don't count out NBC just quite yet
It's only January, way too early to call the season. The network may surprise us. Key in rankings will be how Fox's 'Idol' does.

Yearend cable recap
Sometimes reality does bite. Ask TLC.
Once hot 'Trading Spaces' ends the year way off, in large part
a victim of its many imitators. And the network takes a big hit.

Broadcast recap
Pretty lush New Year's with Regis
ABC special pulls best audience in three years, even without Dick Clark, easily beating NBC's special with Carson Daly

TV this week
Hot bodies, cooler expectations
Babes in boyland: Search for SI's swimsuit model on NBC.
The six-parter will certainly draw oglers. Will it draw ratings?  

News Shorts
Reports: Ailing CNBC may show CEO the door 
Time Inc. buys remainder of Essence stake
The 'Con' is on at red-hot Comedy Central 
Imus in hot water over 'thieving Jew' comment
Oprah recruits army to search for tsunami missing

Web Shorts
Court: ISPs can protect identities of downloaders
Spam King promises a ceasefire pending trial
Court part II: It's okay to call Knievel a p*imp
Forget spring water, Elvis water is all the rage

People
Meridith Jamin named director of consumer insights at Mediaedge:cia
Pamela Kaufman rises to EVP of marketing and worldwide promotions at Nickelodeon
Joseph Kensil and Rebecca McKinnon named directors of marketing innovation at Meredith
Giuliana DePandi assumes 'E! News Live' hosting duties
Mary Corigliano named SVP of marketing for Court TV
Jay Adams named advertising director of FHM
Michael Brown named editor in chief of Maximum PC magazine
Jeff Gralnick joins NBC News as internet and technology consultant
Minnesota Public Radio names five to its development department
Mike Stern rises to VP of programming at Emmis Communications
'E! News Live' drops co-host John Burke
R. Clayton Funk named VP at Media Venture Partners
Milena Alberti-Perez appointed director of Spanish language publishing at Vintage Espaol
Rosemary Danon joins Pappas as VP of online and new media
Pierre Bouvard adds U.S. Portable People Meter duties at Arbitron
Former FX publicist Randolph S. Webster sentenced to probation
President Barry Landis leaves Word Entertainment
Alyson Hannigan joins cast of ABC sitcom 'In the Game'
D.C. traffic reporter Walt Starling dies at age 52


Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005

Overnights
Soaring season debut for ABC's 'Alias'
16 million tune in, double last year's average, in new berth leading out from 'Lost.' Nets 6.8 18-49 rating. So-so swimsuit premiere.

Magazines
James Truman scoots Cond Nast
Off to Spain with his girlfriend to relax and ponder. Tom Wallace
of Cond Nast Traveler is appointed the new editorial director.

Dayparts update
It's NBC's Brian Williams by a length
Holding nightly news audience from Tom Brokaw. ABC's Peter
Jennings, expected to rise to No. 1, remains in the No. 2 slot.

Cable recap
TV commercials worth laughing about
TBS's funniest ads special pulls strong numbers, ranking No.20 for the week on ad-supported cable among adult viewers 18-49

London
Brits see less robust '05 ad spending
Down from '04 but a still brisk 2.4 percent less inflation, following year boosted by recovering corporate fortunes and Euro soccer.

TV this week
Something 'Wicked' comes CBS's way
'Wickedly Perfect,' a goody basket of Martha wannabes on CBS. Reality placeholder until 'Survivor' returns. Making the perfect pie.

News Shorts
Herald protests NY Times' Metro Boston buy
The latest celebrity magazine player? TV Guide
Staples yanks Sinclair news programming ads
'Real World' reprieve, but will 'Rules' wither?
'Crossfired:' CNN passes on new Carlson show

Web Shorts
Howard Stern, meet Barney: Sirius does kids' TV
E-scammers try to profit off tsunami tragedy 
New web scheme: Auctioning shoplifted booty
Mapquest Mobile offers directions on the go
Man claims iTunes forced him to buy iPod

People
Eleo Hensleigh rises to CMO and EVP for Disney ABC Television Group
Don Podesta named assistant ME at The Washington Post
Kevin Magee rises to SVP of Fox News Radio
Reid Thompson rises to creative director/designer at Troika Design 
Julian Davis appointed director of urban media services at Arbitron
John Ajamie, Mike Donovan and Tim Harty rise at Scripps Networks 
Evan Shapiro rises to EVP and GM of IFC Network
Jorge De La Rosa named research manager for the National Geographic Channel
Tony Kornheiser and Kevin Kennedy sign with XM Satellite Radio


Friday, Jan. 7, 2005

Overnights
Roar of snores for 'Wickedly Perfect'
CBS's next-Martha reality show nets a 3.0 in 18-49s its first night
out. 'Survivor' placeholder boosts ratings for 'O.C.' and 'Joey.' 

Newspapers
Hands-on editor for Mort's Daily News
Zuckerman steals away top pencil from Sun-Times. Michael Cooke will lead newsroom in snoot-to-snoot battle with NY Post.

Midseason update
This year, Fox needs more than 'Idol'
It needs a real hit to pull it out of the basement, which means a
lot more is riding on the three new shows debuting midseason

Younger viewers
For wee ones, Noggin's the hot place
Ad-free network sees 55 percent growth in 2-5 set, though it's
available in only half the homes as its competitors. Meet 'Miffy.'

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, is it time to look for a new job?
Yes indeed. Demand for media folks is way up. And with that,
 job seekers are gaining the leverage when it comes to salaries. 

TV this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: NBA on ESPN; Saturday: 'MI-5' on A&E; Sunday: '24' on Fox. Also, NFL playoffs kick off on Saturday. Who will win?


News Shorts
Rumor: Rathergate report could be out today
Sulzberger ponders taking NYTimes.com paid
Disney formally splits chair and CEO positions
MTV to Osbournes: Nice $#^& knowing you
Man sues NBC over 'Fear Factor' rat feast
ABC nixes beer ads amidst Bud-Miller battle

Web Shorts
Coming soon, watching TV on your cell phone
Wee web users are seeing a lot more pages
Now, better ways to get rid of old computers
Oops. Gates speech marred by glitches.

People
Eric Thorkilsen named SVP for business development at Scripps Networks
Peter Medwid named People associate publisher for sales
Karen Kovacs rises to People co-Eastern advertising director 
Ellie Duque rises to People Western advertising director
Michael Bair becomes president of MSG Networks
Jason Alexander and Malcolm-Jamal Warner co-hosting People's Choice Awards


'Kudlow & Cramer's' Jim Cramer gets his own CNBC show
New York managing editor Sarah Jewler dies at 56
Marilyn Oliveri, Active International VP and director of spot radio, dies at 49

Monday, Jan. 31, 2005

Television
Hecht gets the boot from helm of Spike
Cable network targeting young men missed 'em, actually gaining  women with 'CSI' reruns. Herzog adding network to his portfolio. 

Magazines
Buyers bet on a comeback for Martha
Expect to see ads returning to her flagship magazine Martha
Stewart Living. 'Americans love comebacks. They love redemption.' 

Sports TV
Terrell Owens, Fox is rooting for you
Will you or won't you play come Sunday's game? May your achy leg mend, giving the Eagles better odds for a close Super Bowl match.

Popcult
Big box office magic from Oscar nods
Ticket boost for 'Million Dollar Baby' and 'Aviator.'  'Sideways' finally breaks into top 10. No. 1 movie: De Niro's 'Hide and Seek.

Out of home
Your client on the street with guerillas
Shock and amaze. Grab consumers unawares. Performers hand
out samples at events or among crowds of workers heading home. 

TV this week
'Night Detective,' a BBC America cop
Nicky Cole blew the whistle, then he blew town. Watch him battle racism, raise his nephew and work the late shift in a new town.

News Shorts
Even in repeats, ABC dominates Sunday night
CBS boasts nice 'Numb3rs' for Friday debut
Bush: It's up to parents, not us, to fight indecency
Tell-all Eisner book has Mouse's ears ringing
NBC extends 'Medium' through next season
'Fear Factor' shocker worries electric companies
Just call him SpongeBob SquareProtestant 

Web Shorts
New Amazon tool's pictures can and do lie 
'24' makes mobile debut in 60-second shorts
Teen Blaster master gets 18-month sentence
Spike your old ringtone for a po#rn star's moan

People
Dennis Spencer becomes Clear Channel Entertainment TV SVP of international distribution and programming
Daniel Laiken named National Lampoon Network CEO
Douglas Bennett named National Lampoon Network president
Comic Eddie Izzard set for FX comedy
Comedian Lewis Black signs a deal with Sony Pictures Television
ABC picks up Jim Tarses and Karey Burke comedy pilot
Jury selection underway in Michael Jackson case
Watch that nipple ring! Janet Jackson hosting Super Bowl event

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005

Television
Mobbed up: A&E gets 'The Sopranos'
Knocks off TNT for rights, paying a record $2.55M per episode. 
Begins airing in fall 2006, likely with two versions: Plain and dirty. 

Television
For Spike TV, a bit less testosterone
Media folks see Herzog widening network's appeal beyond young men Hecht sought. What it most lacked: Identity and a signature hit. 

Magazines
Hot Brit thing: Weekly lad magazines
Nuts and Zoo now sell 500,000 copies each week, though they're
only a year old. Big appeal: More luscious babes and more often.

Interview
Creating a cozy Super Bowl for ads
Obviously, Janet hurt. Paul will do lots better. A marketing expert
talks about what hurts and what helps viewer recall of commercials.

New media
BK's double-whopper web bonanza
Nifty traffic surge following 'The Apprentice' tie-in in which the
Donald appears in an ad for its new Western Angus Steak Burger 

TV this week
'Moesha' makes her TV return
Singer Brandy pops up on Fox's 'House,' having been out of the spotlight since that whole 'I never married my husband' thing|

News Shorts
'Medium' boosts NBC past CBS Monday
Even in repeats ABC dominates Sunday night
Networks appeal media dereg to Supremes
No place for Bush ad before State of the Union
Viacom CFO & Karmazin bud Bressler scoots
PTC targets MTV on Super Bowl anniversary

Web Shorts
Surprise: Parents search better than kids
Time Warner Cable begins free AOL offer
Advice for the lovelorn, now on Lifetimetv.com
NPR staffer puts Edwards jacket on eBay

People
Fred Dubin named Mediaedge:cia director of entertainment marketing 
Samantha Youngman Meiler named Life & Style Weekly editor
BET CEO Robert Johnson expected to step down at year's end
Philadelphia Daily News editor Zack Stalberg retires 
Media General CEO J. Stewart Bryan III is stepping down
Matthew Gaven named VP of television development at Merv Griffin
Kathryn Koegel named marketing VP for TV Guide Television Group
Keno V. Thomas becomes Starz SVP of affiliate sales
Tim Sullivan rises to SVP of daytime programming at Court TV 
Wendy Whitman rises to senior executive producer of daytime programming at Court TV
ABC News Radio names Robert Garcia Washington bureau chief
Nickelodeon signs Lil' JJ and Shelbie Bruce to development deals
'Raymond's' Patricia Heaton gets ABC development deal
Matt LeBlanc and Greg Berlanti producing WB pilot
NBC orders sitcom from Eric Weinberg
Barbara Hall signs development deal with Paramount Network TV
Letterman pays tribute to Carson with Johnny-written monologue 
ESPN's 'Dream Job' returns with former NBA players as contestants

Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005

Overnights
'Idol' whuppin' for NBC's 'Committed'
Wacky sitcom was Jeff Zucker's Tuesday hope. Ratings tumble
with return of Fox hit reality show, which is holding. Nuts landing. 

Broadcast recap
'Idol' goose for that gruff Dr. Gregory 
Ratings jump for Fox's 'House' from reality warbler. Adults 18-49
nearly double in its first week with hit talent show as its lead-in.

Magazines
Siempre Mujer!, for the homemaker
Service title targeting the Hispanic community, from Meredith 
and debuting in the fall. A big launch and the first of its kind. 

TV review
'Happy Days Anniversary,' clean fun 
Yet still watchable. See how they've all held up over these 30
years. ABC sweeps special can only help on Thursday night. 

Cable recap
Spike might look to Sci Fi for its men
Three new shows clock gains over their premieres, notably with
males: 'Stargate SG-1,' 'Stargate: Atlantis,' 'Battlestar Galactica' 

TV this week
President Bush talks to the nation
Tonight's State of the Union address, preempting just about everything else on TV. Perhaps a respite from partisan yapping.

News Shorts
'Medium' boosts NBC past CBS Monday
Eisner successor name due by June
Carson goodbye sparks 'Late Show' boost 
PTC exclusive: The sleaze & skank of MTV  
NBC slashes order for 'American Dreams'
Super Bowl ad headliners: Burt, Brad, Gladys

Web Shorts
Big ad $ helps Google to even bigger profit 
Microsoft enters new arena with MSN Search
Rowling warns Potter fans of dishonest muggles
Mmm, fake beer: Simpsons auction is a fraud

People
Victoria Chew rises to ABC director of marketing
Darren Schillace rises to ABC VP for advertising and marketing
V. Scott Henry is named chief executive officer of Arbitron 
TiVo president Marty Yudkovitz in a hasty scoot
Eric Feil named editor in chief at Inspire Your World
George Blue named VP of interactive sales for new Fox sales group
Dennis Spencer named Clear Channel Entertainment Television SVP of international distribution and programming
Tiffany Smith rises to director of publicity at CBS Entertainment
Katherine Benson named Scholastic Entertainment director of national TV sponsorship sales
'SNL's' Tina Fey gets NBC pilot
Oxygen orders Illeana Douglas sitcom
Jason Lee starring in a pilot for NBC
Sarah Bernhard appearing on NBC's 'Crossing Jordan'
Kevin Hart and Jennifer Westfeldt starring in NBC's 'Dante'
Taylor Hackford directing Jerry Bruckheimer NBC project
Mick Jackson directing ABC pilot 'In Justice'
Taran Killam and Paul Campbell starring in The WB's 'Nobody's Watching'

Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005

Television
Martha Stewart becoming The Donald
Will host an 'Apprentice' spinoff in primetime after she's sprung.
Show could air this fall. New catchphrase: 'You're Flambed!'

Television
CBS: Schieffer will sit in for Rather
Temp job until an 'Evening News' anchor is named. Suggests
Roberts is no longer a contender. What the devil is going on? 

Magazines
Off to a brisk start for new magazines
More titles launching as ad economy rebounds, some biggies too. Radar, Domino, Inside TV, Siempre Mujer! and Vibe Vixen. 

Dayparts update
Forget Jane. It's Tony who's the talker.
'Pauley's' ahead but sinking, while 'Danza' rises. Gift of daytime
gab. Big question for her: What happens when Martha returns?

Sports TV
All the Super Bowl factoids you'll need
Pretty much. Past ratings. Top munchies. Top TV markets. Cost of an average spot over years. Frozen unbreaded shrimp sales.

TV this week
A little Friendly advice for 'Joey'
The first-year sitcom is at a crossroads: Bring on some guest stars or stay mediocre. Check if Chandler can drop by.

News Shorts
'Idol' & Bush help Fox win Wednesday
Steady 'Idol' lifts Fox to No. 1 Tuesday
Rupe: I changed my mind about sports net
It's official, Herzog takes on Spike oversight
UPN's 'Enterprise' reaches its final frontier
Lincoln yanks lustful priest Super Bowl ad 

Web Shorts
Senate anti-piracy legislation ups penalties
Carson guest books go up for bid on eBay
For temperance fans, a new beer bash site
Paris the heiress avoids s#ex tape suit 

People
Carlos A. San Jose named director of Hispanic sales at ABC Radio Networks
Nancy Dubuc rises to A&E SVP of nonfiction and alternative programming
Dan Yukelson rises to Premiere Radio Networks executive VP and CFO
Carol Hanley becomes Arbitron senior VP of sales for U.S. media services
Stephen Macias named VP of publicity for here!
Vogue Hommes International editor Richard Buckley exits
ABC casts Jason O'Mara in 'In Justice'
Fox gets 'Stacked' with Pamela Anderson and Tom Everett Scott
Jay Baruchel cast in the WB's Jerry Bruckheimer project
It's official: CNN's Tucker Carlson defecting to MSNBC
News Corp.'s Peter Chernin pledges allegiance to Rupe
Yogi Berra sues TBS over 'S*ex' reference
Toyota's Steven Sturm named keynote speaker at Television Bureau of Advertising's 2005 Annual Marketing Conference
Say it ain't so! 'Bachelorette' Meredith calls it quits 

Friday, Feb. 3, 2005

Overnights
ABC kicks big butt with 'Happy Days'
Who would have thought? Twenty million tune in to reunion show,
giving the network a rare Thursday bump. NBC wins the night. 

Television
Let us repeat: NBC will hurt even more
Aired originals in January while CBS ran reruns, which means its ratings will suffer even more later in the season when it repeats

Younger viewers
Ashlee Simpson, queen of teens. Not. 
Hot girl. Hot new season, except among 12-17s. Her big sister Jessica stands out. What gives? Do the kids know something?

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, tell me, money or happiness?
The answer: It depends on you and your needs. That 40 percent
jump in salary and title boost may not be worth it if your life is hell. 

TV this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: WB's 'Reba' with a special guest; Saturday: TNT's SAG Awards; Sunday: Super Bowl on Fox. Could be a very big deal.

News Shorts
'Idol' & Bush help Fox win Wednesday
Bush speech: Viewers vote with their remotes
Indecency foes: Congress has votes to up fines
Koppel-Stephanopoulos swap? Rumor is ...
'Full House' fans rejoice, Stamos is back on ABC
Sportswriter eats cleats for lifting from SI column
Oops! Burn victim balks over tab's ugliest issue 

Web Shorts
Coming soon, Sony's portable PlayStation
Napster's mounting ad $s challenge to iTunes
From HP, a smart phone that knows its business
Web-use tracker comScore acquires Surveysite 

People
Mike Tunnicliffe named chief strategic officer for Initiative NA 
Jeff Shell named president of Comcast programming
Heather Moran becomes National Geographic Channel VP of programming and development
Craig Kurland rises to NBC Universal TV Studio VP in charge of business affair Jeff Shell named president of Comcast programming
Heather Moran becomes National Geographic Channel VP of programming and development
Craig Kurland rises to NBC Universal TV Studio VP in charge of business affair Jeff Shell named president of Comcast programming
Heather Moran becomes National Geographic Channel VP of programming and development
Craig Kurland rises to NBC Universal TV Studio VP in charge of business affair Jeff Shell named president of Comcast programming
Heather Moran becomes National Geographic Channel VP of programming and development
Craig Kurland rises to NBC Universal TV Studio VP in charge of business affairs 
Philip Matthys rises to NBC Universal TV Studio director of business affairs
NAB chair Phil Lombardo calls out FCC on indecenc Philip Matthys rises to NBC Universal TV Studio director of business affairs
NAB chair Phil Lombardo calls out FCC on indecenc Philip Matthys rises to NBC Universal TV Studio director of business affairs
NAB chair Phil Lombardo calls out FCC on indecenc Philip Matthys rises to NBC Universal TV Studio director of business affairs
NAB chair Phil Lombardo calls out FCC on indecency
'JAG's' away! David James Elliott signs development deal with ABC/Touchstone TV
Chris O'Donnell signs on for Fox drama pilot
Buena Vista Television VP Steven Cohen dies at 33

Monday, Feb. 7, 2005

Overnights
Slight dip in viewers for Super Bowl
Averaging 43.4 household rating versus 44.2 last year, despite all the hype over the game and worries of a repeat of tasteless doings 

Sports TV
Readers nailed it: A dull Super Bowl
Poll foresaw effect of last year's Jackson boober on ad creativity.
Majority picked New England. Most guessed that T.O. would play. 

New media
A cautionary note on blog advertising
It's all the talk but there are lots of drawbacks. It makes great sense
for some but less for traditional large advertisers. Data deficits. 

Popcult
Understanding America's true wealth 
We are so much richer than we were 50 years ago. The numbers are stunning. We must ponder how our affluence has changed us.

Out of home
Put your client at the head of the class
Achoo!  Branded tissue boxes on teachers' desks. In front of kids
all day long with messages. Reach for one if you've got the sniffles. 

TV this week
Let's talk about 'S*ex' and babies
Lesson as taught by Lifetime: Sleeping with a 'Point Pleasant' hottie has consequences, one a sweet little baby. Diaper drama.

News Shorts
Snoozy TV weekend until Sunday's big game
Bud wiser? Survey says beer ads were tops
Beer brawl: Fox yanks Bud-bashing Miller ads
Cable TV rates rise as satellite delivery gains
Miraculous medicine, ABC's new reality gambit 
Golden redux: SAG gives statues to Globe faves 

Web Shorts
Survey: Here's who's listening to online radio 
Former AOL engineer pleads guilty in spam case
Weeks of whining prompt eBay's small-biz bonus
GPS, the latest target for innovative virus writers

People
Henry Lescaille named Time Inc. strategic sourcing director
Steve Roth rises to VP of new business development for Ethnic Marketing Group
Allison Kopcha named licensing director at Latina Media Ventures
Gord McLean rises to CEO of WPP Group's Young & Rubicam
Samantha Corbin-Miller becomes new showrunner for UPN's 'Kevin Hill'
Aidan Quinn joins NBC's drama pilot 'Book of Daniel'
ABC signs KaDee Strickland for 'Laws of Chance' pilot
Fox signs Amanda Righetti and Dave Annable for 'Reunion' cast
Actor and civil rights activist Ossie Davis dies at age 87

Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005

Sports TV
For Fox, a nifty hike for the season
Super Bowl push to second-place tie in 18-49s with ABC and
a hair behind CBS. With 'Idol' boost it could well finish at No. 1 

Sports TV
Game viewers: Yes, you go, GoDaddy
This year's most buzzed-about Super Bowl ad took some chances,
daring to spoof the Janet indecency flap. It's paying off quite smartly. 

Television
Getting the upstairs boot at CNBC
Thomas-Graham to chairman, and out of  the way.. Mark Hoffman
takes over as president of ratings-troubled financial news network.

Sports TV
An afterthought: Sunday's Pro Bowl
Yet this year's post-season romp may do better, airing on ESPN again. It's up against the Grammys, but without the Janet factor.

Television
G4, for the games young men play
Video gaming network targeting males 18 to 34, launching next
week. Buyers: Strong prospects but hardly a slam dunk.  Boy toys. 

TV this week
How the 'Girls' got their groove back
A new season, a new vigor for this WB show, celebrating 100 episodes tonight. Luke and Lorelai are a salve for last season's ailments.

News Shorts
CBS's 'CSI: Miami' edges 'Medium' Monday
ABC cozies up to Oscar for another six years
Bad 'Dreams?' NBC ships show to Wednesday
Financial commentator nabbed in $130M scam
Coming soon, it's the Emmys in Espaol
Survey: For satellite radio, it's all about the ads 

Web Shorts
Primedia puts About.com on the sale block
Paris court says Google wronged Louis Vuitton
Search + opinions? Ask Jeeves buys Bloglines
Spam switches from inbox to incoming call 

People
John Muszynski rises to CEO of Starcom USA
Eric Pooley replaces exiting Fortune managing editor Rik Kirkland
Pax TV boots president Bill Scott, SVP of programming Barry Schulman and more in layoffs
Paul Karpowicz rises to president of Meredith broadcasting group
Jana Winograde rises to EVP of business affairs for ABC Entertainment
Richard Loomis rises to Comedy Central SVP of marketing/brand strategy
Mitchel Fried rises to Comedy Central SVP of promotion marketing
Kristien Brada-Thompson rises to Pryor & Associates VP/publicist
Theo Dumont rises to Pryor & Associates account manager
Kristin Davis becomes a 'Soccer Mom' on ABC
Nick Chinlund lands recurring role on ABC's 'Desperate Housewives'
Fox's '24' adds James Morrison to the cast
Brennan Elliot joins cast of ABC's 'Blind Justice'
ABC dumps Jennifer Love Hewitt project
Beau Bridges and Lou Gossett Jr. join SciFi's 'Stargate SG-1'
Comedian Carlos Mencia starring in new Comedy Central sitcom
Fox orders Jennifer Konner and Alexandra Rushfield comedy pilot

Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005

Overnights
Strong 'Amazing Race' finish, even so
Weathers well the effects of Fox's 'American Idol,' averaging a
 5.1 in adults 18-49, above its season average, against 'House' 

Magazines
Return of SaVoy, by way of Chicago 
Targeting America's black elite, once again, with a new publisher
and fresh capital. Lofty aspirations for a second shot at making it.

New media
Game's best ad plays sat on the bench
Biggest traffic bumps for spots rejected by Fox. Call it Janet's
Super Bowl legacy. Indecency spoofs were worth some laughs. 

Broadcast recap
Friday setback for CBS's 'Numb3rs'
Big dropoff for promising show its second outing after a strong
start. Well-reviewed crime-solver. Will network stand behind it? 

Cable recap
From 'Tilt' to tumble for ESPN drama
Poker series has all the elements, less viewers. Viewers fold,
perhaps more enchanted by card sharpies of games airing live. 

TV this week
A bleak time in 'America's' history
PBS examines how slavery shaped our country. Morgan Freeman narrates this intelligent Black History Month special.

News Shorts
'CBS's 'CSI: Miami' edges 'Medium' Monday
It's official: Pooley succeeds Kirkland at Fortune
Testy twosome dis Disney over CEO search  
Tony's talker will return after decent first season
Fake hair and all: ABC lands Trump story rights 
Brits go Guantanamo with new reality show

Web Shorts
Got Windows? Then get the latest flaw patches 
Cheat on 'Housewives' with AOL's new recaps
Study: Online gambling is lucrative, if still illegal
Look out, Mapquest, here comes Google Maps

People
Michael Yudin leading new Carat Entertainment unit
Jesus Diaz Jr. named Miami Herald publisher
Corinne Baldassano named SVP of programming and marketing for Take On the Day
Heather Curatolo rises to VP/director of paid programming ad sales for Court TV
Brenda Freeman joins VH1 as VP of consumer marketing
Kristen Dean becomes Oxygen Media VP of national accounts and affiliate sales
Nancy Fowler rises to president of worldwide consumer products at DIC Entertainment
Google blogger Mark Jen gets the boot
Chris Noth returns to 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' full time
Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner pitch 'Pooch Cafe'
Ben Silverman mulling new Menudo reality show
That's hot: 'Simple Life's' Nicole Richie getting hitched
Engaged models win 'The Amazing Race'
Ben Stiller hosting Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards
Sarah Jessica Parker launching new fragrance
Pioneering CBS reporter George Herman dies at 85

Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005

Magazines
A flat start for consumer magazines
Ad pages off a tad in January after a healthy '04, dipping 0.4
percent. Forecasters see a strong year overall in advertising.

Overnights
'Alias' gets a spooking by Fox's 'Idol'
ABC show dips to a season-low 4.7 rating in 18-49s in its first Wednesday night faceoff, losing much of lead-in 'Lost's' audience

Sweeps update
Gail to Paul: Thanks, you sweetheart
Fox's Super Bowl win pushes it way out ahead, and network chief Berman has the NFL to thank for moving the game into February 

Technology
With 3G, a call to digital marketers
New broadband cell phones will spur advertising, with download
speeds that are 10 times faster. Hefty ad spending forecasts. 

Dayparts update
When sweeps are on, soaps suds up 
The book, out Feb. 16, is called 'The Killing Club.' Its author is
Marcie Walsh, a character on 'One Life to Live.' Or that's the story. 

TV this week
A very different finals rematch
Shaq's gone, so are Phil, Gary and Karl in tonight's NBA Finals redux between the Lakers and Pistons on TNT. But Kobe's there.

News Shorts
Strong finish for 'Amazing Race' Tuesday
House committee passes indecency crackdown
Super Bowl ad-endum: Now Nielsen weighs in
Three weeks till Oscars and all the ads are sold
The Donald, suing ABC and being sued himself?
Ron Reagan Jr. boogies onto MSNBC show 

Web Shorts
Bush baiter quits after liberals expose s*ex links
Karmazin: We're trying to swing an iPod deal
Kuwait battles terrorists' e-plans for U.S. attack
Impetuous youth? Teens click from sites quickly
Study: 44 percent of Americans banking online 

People
Ray Rodriguez named president and COO of Univision 
Dan Smith rises to production VP for Playboy Entertainment Group
Elizabeth Biley Andrion joins Fox TV Stations as legal affairs VP
Yvonne Lacey becomes Revolution Media broadcast supervisor
Jennifer Graham named VP of business planning for TV Guide Publishing Group
Todd Green becomes Rainbow SVP of affiliate marketing
Judi Lopez becomes Rainbow SVP for Eastern region sales
Rob Sharenow and Neil A. Cohen become A&E VPs of non-fiction and alternative programming
Scott Musgrave named Arbitron senior VP of marketing for U.S. media client software
Michelle Moorehead named VP of global strategic planning for Nike
Laura Z. Dorward named Local Marketing SVP and general manager
Harold S. Lewis rises to VP and general manager of Weather Channel radio and newspaper syndication
Marc Summers hosting Food Network's 'Next Food Network Star'
Edward Moss playing Michael Jackson in E! trial reenactments
Former 'Boston Legal' star Lake Bell cast in NBC's 'Fathom'
Peri Gilpin joins cast of NBC's 'Uncommon Sense'
Sean Faris and Alexa Davalos join Fox's 'Reunion'
Fox casts Josh Brolin in 'Murder Book'
Matthew Davis and Ashley Scott join ABC pilots

Friday, Feb.11, 2005

Overnights
Alone now, 'Joey's' suffering deepens
Not to mention NBC's and its Thursday lineup. Audience is off a
third since its premiere, dragging down the network's entire night. 

Sports TV
Hockey showdown: Who will show up?
Weekend deadline over the destiny of the NHL. The out-to-lunch bunch: Owners and players spit and hiss as season evaporates.

Radio
To be young, single, urban and affluent
Profiling those who listen to the urban formats and what they buy. Fact: 43 percent more likely to spend over $20 for a bottle of wine. 

Younger viewers
Ever-so-hot 'Idol' is chilling with teens 
Early weeks are off from last year with 12-17s, though the Fox
show's still their fave. Is it because of the old-geezer guest judges? 

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I'm moving to a larger town
How do I learn what's a good salary in media? Tips from our
career columnist on how to sniff out the going rate far from home. 

TV this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Showtime's 'Trekkies 2;' Saturday: Fox's Bud Shootout; Sunday: Grammys on CBS. Who will win? Who will whine?

News Shorts
'Alias' spooked by Fox's 'Idol' Wednesday
Ad page mis-Fortune: Has Forbes inflated?
FTC nixes product placement ID requirement
CNN's Jordan: Er, troops aren't targeting scribes
Lifetime folds 'Wild Card' after two seasons 
Will Jacko get justice? Here's betting he will

Web Shorts
Billboard adding digital downloads to its charts
Study: 18M Xmas e-shoppers = record sales
Digital cable viewers' VOD use jumps 50 percent
Up for auction, a chance to rename FleetCenter

People
Angelique Vega named Mediasmith media director
Ward Flock named Mediasmith VP of business development
Carol Fullam named Mediasmith general manager
Clair Henvey named Mediasmith media strategist
Jay Schaefer named Mediasmith interactive media buyer
Derek Leedy and Jinenne Sutherland rise to Mediasmith media directors
Lynn Taniguchi rises to Mediasmith operations manager
Lettie Teague rises to Food & Wine executive wine editor
Ray Isle becomes Food & Wine senior editor
Fox orders pilot based on executive chef Anthony Bourdain's life
Thomas Cavanagh becomes CBS's 'Love Monkey'
CBS signs Lisa Gay Hamilton for 'Conviction'
Reiko Aylesworth playing a brain surgeon on CBS's '3 Lbs.'
NBC casts Kyle Chandler for 'Lies and the Wives We Tell Them To'
ABC's 'What About Brian?' adds Amanda Detmar
Kat Foster joins new NBC cop project
Juliet Blake named SVP/TV programming and development at Scholastic Entertainment
Kay Burcher rises to sales services manager at Cox Media
Daniel Taylor named president of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Quentin Tarantino directing an episode of 'CSI?'
Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey deny breakup rumors, again
Julia Roberts shows off her twins in People
Liberals lament: Al Franken won't run for senate in 2006

Monday, Feb. 14, 2005

Overnights
Booby prize: Ratings tank for Grammys
Lacking Jackson hubbub, music awards off 27 percent in total
viewers. Trashed by 'Desperate Housewives,' night's top show.

Interview
Me to thee on Valentine's, a divorce
A radio station offers to pick up the legal costs for couple very
deserving of not being together. Syracuse grins. Clergy fumes.

TV review
UPN's 'Cuts,' a beehive of split ends
Smart, witty, but lead characters lack chemistry. Missing that right
mix of loathing and lust that powered 'Cheers.' Good one-liners. 

Pop cult
'Juiced,' doping, swat sweat & scandal
Jose Canseco's book about MLB steroid use, out today, has
already caused a huge ruckus. But will it hurt baseball any further?

Out of home
Your client on the stairs of success
Get a rise: Folks will look up to see the message. Advertising on the stairways of malls and other public places. Flights of fancy. 

TV this week
USA Network goes to the dogs
It's time once again for the Westminster Kennel Club show. On Valentine's Day, profess your love for poodles, full-size and toy.

News Shorts
NASCAR's return drives Fox to No. 1 Saturday
Jordan exits CNN but comments still a mystery
Still no progress as feds enter NHL labor dispute
Divine intervention: WB renews '7th Heaven'
Study finds politics is not the hot local news item
'Survivor: School bus,' an ill-advised audition tape

Web Shorts
Valentine's Day sparks mad rush to gift sites
Poisoned passion: Beware heartfelt viruses
MPAA files second batch of movie swap suits
China admits to shutting down 12K e-cafes

People
Charlie Rutman joins MPG as North American CEO
David Abraham named EVP and GM of TLC
Robyn Lattaker-Johnson joins BET as VP of programming development
Ernest Waddell and Penn Badgely join WB pilots
CBS casts Charles Dutton in 'Threshold'
Martin Landau and Orlando Jones starring in ABCs 'Evidence'
On tap at Lifetime: 'Debi Guiterrez Project,' a Carol Leifer sitcom and a show based on Susan Shapiro Barash's book
Barry Levinson directing CBS pilot '3 Lbs.'
'girls club's' Chyler Leigh has a 'Reunion' with Fox
Dr. Laura Schlesinger and G. Gordon Liddy join XM Satellite Radio
'Friends' star Matthew Perry spends a day in the hospital
ABC/ESPN account executive Tim Nesvig dies at age 30
Actor Stan Richards dies at 74

Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005

Sports TV
Hockey ice-breaker: Players okay caps
Salary concession could lead to strike settlement and the start
of the NHL season after six-month standoff. The puck starts here. 

Television
'Contender' contestant kills himself
Philadelphia boxer's death is a setback for NBC and for reality
producer Mark Burnett, with the show set to debut on March 7

Magazines
Big circ gains for celebrity magazines
So-hot: In Touch up 79 percent for second-half '04, following a
torrid first half. Us also gains, along with the Star. G+J hurting.   

Sports TV
Vroom!!! Hot Fox, hotter Daytona 500
Expect a jump in viewership for Sunday's race, NASCAR's No. 1  event. Rising fan fever fanned by network's aggressive promotion.

New media
Weak web omens for All-Star game
Traffic to NBA site is off from this time last year. And that game was down from 2003. Will scandals come to roost Sunday night?

TV this week
'Gastineau Girls,' a bit of indigestion
E! premiere follows an ex-jock's extortionary ex-wife and their kid. See mommy try to land the next big daddy.

News Shorts
CBS and NBC finish in a tie for No. 1 on Monday
Booby prize: Ratings tank for CBS's Grammys
Oops! Ignore that report about TLC cash back 
Swimsuit issue's vital stats: 107 ad pages for $35M
Judge's Boston Herald libel case goes to the jury
Eisner still editing as 'DisneyWar' went to print
'Practice's' Bobby morphs from lawyer to surgeon 

Web Shorts
MLB aims for sales boost with Tickets.com buy
New on the web, it's Reuters interactive TV
Sony & Nokia tune into cell phone music options 
Big online names join in fight against phishing

People
Rob Barnett named programming president for Infinity Broadcasting
Fortune's Joe Nocera becoming NY Times business writer
Joan Gerberding rises to VP of Arbitron Outdoor
John Litner named president of New York Mets' new network
Former HBO executive John Penney jumps to SBC Communications
Lynda Dorman named BET Foundation executive director
Ola Kudu named BET VP of creative services
Kevin Newell named BET VP of Midwest advertising
Dan Gelfand named VP of promotional marketing for here!
Former NY Times film critic Elvis Mitchell joins Columbia Pictures
NBA analyst Charles Barkley re-signs with TNT
Tim Vincent joins 'Access Hollywood'
Robert Blake breaks down as prosecution rests case
New Yorker prose editor Eleanor Gould Packard dies at age 87

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005

Sports TV
Forget NHL hockey for this season
Sides bicker through deadline, forcing cancellation. The real question now is whether league will survive in its present form. 

Broadcast recap
For NBC, it's also the little blunders 
Network has blown some tactical opportunities, and that has hurt its standing this season, along with bad shows. Zucker punched.

Research
Don't dismiss sweeps just quite yet
Stunting still rules, even with LPMs in top markets. Buyers still take note. One effect of local people meters: Less predictability. 

TV review
'West Wing,' finding a place of its own
At last. Writers have created a new drama from the old, showing the will to depart from Sorkin's legacy. Great TV? No, but better. 

Cable recap
'Monk' shrinks, down an itty Bitty bit
Viewers have yet to take to new sidekick Natalie, who slides in
for Sharona, a month into USA show's midseason. Will they? 

TV this week
To tell the Truth, we missed Eliza
'Tru Calling' star guests on 'That '70s Show' tonight on Fox, the same network that dumped her show before its second season.

News Shorts
'Another 'Idol'-fueled Tuesday night win for Fox
CBS & NBC finish in a tie for No. 1 Monday
Judge orders reporters to testify in Plame probe
CBS News trio still deaf to resignation request 
NBC won't edit 'Contender' despite boxer's death
Rated X: Notorious reporter's naughty nudies
Brits' brilliant 'CSI' campaign? Make like a stalker

Web Shorts
A big AOL cross-promotion for 'Fat Actress'
Study: Three-quarters of e-shoppers use search
'Berry sweet: WSJ makes its free PDA debut
Why online auction buyers want to tar-tar Zarzar

People
Under fire, PBS president Pat Mitchell is stepping down next year
Victor Mazzeo named J. Brown Agency chief creative officer
Jeff Morritt joins UPN as VP of advertising and promotion
Carlos Olea appointed ImpreMedia corporate accounts manager
Bill Wareham named news director at Minnesota Public Radio
Michael Skoler expands role as managing director of news at MPR
Dave Karger hosting 'The Suite' on AMC
Say what? NBC orders comedy pilot from drama king Dick Wolf.
Fox orders comedy pilot from Josh Weinstein and Bill Oakley
Ed Begley Jr. joins the cast of WB pilot 'True'
Ashley Williams becomes Fox's 'Amy Coyne'
Fox News' Tony Snow diagnosed with colon cancer
Wil Surratt becomes executive producer of CNN's 'Aaron Brown'
NBC's Jeff Zucker: No viewer gain, lots of personal pain
Graphic designer Henry Wolf dies at age 80

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005

Washington
Pricier price for TV and radio dirty talk
House approves bill raising fines to $500,000, with Senate about to okay a similar measure. But will FCC sock offenders the max?

Sports TV
What must be done to fix pro hockey
The NHL must morph, kicking its TV addiction. It must think first of putting fans in stands. It must downsize. And can the violence.

Radio
Talk radio, already big, gets bigger
Format's share of audience rises to 18 percent in the fall, but
elections were only part of it. Also up: Spanish, the No. 2 format. 

London
New hot Brit thing: Women's weeklies
Two new titles, following year of lad weeklies. Out this week is Grazia, fashion magazine for upscalers. Pick Me Up heads down.

Dayparts update
'Evening News' viewers would Rather 
CBS anchor's audience holds after Memogate, averaging 7.5 million viewers, about last year's levels, as he prepares to retire. 

TV this week
And away we go to Palau
CBS's 'Survivor' returns tonight with a new cast in a new hard-to-pronounce location. Jeff Probst puts the smackdown to
  'Joey.'

News Shorts
Fox edges ABC for top honors Wednesday
Another 'Idol'-fueled Tuesday night win for Fox
Puck stopped, networks must fill hockey holes
Nat'l Enquirer movin' on up to NYC from Florida
Upfront season begins with E!, Golf, OLN & more
WB Kids and Cartoon set skeds for wee watchers
She's back! Omarosa rips reality's race relations 

Web Shorts
Irony alert: People nabbing Napster tunes for free
Study: Well-to-do webbies lead online usage
Court says using spyware on spouse is illegal
Odd out of home: Your name on a pregnant belly

People
Patrick Younge named executive VP and GM for Travel Channel
Karen Wishart named SVP and general counsel of TV One
Ruth Davis Konigsberg joins Glamour as deputy editor of features f
Dennis Patrick out as president of National Geographic Ventures
National Association of Broadcasters president Edward Fritts exiting
Brad Jamison named VP/corporate communications for ABC
Initiative hires Michael Hayes as VP of interactive marketing
David Goodman named president of marketing for Infinity 
Claire Marin named Eastern ad director for More magazine
Debra Cannava McDonough named national fashion and retail director of advertising for More magazine
Todd Watson appointed COO for ITN Networks
Swoozie Kurtz tells no lies in the WB pilot project 'True'
Rade Serbedzija and Leighton Meester join cast of NBC's 'Fathom'
Jeri Ryan joins CBS drama pilot 'The Commuters'
UPN fills out the cast of 'Bad Girls Guide'

Friday, Feb.18, 2005

Overnights
CBS's 'Survivor' returns with a roar
'Palau' premiere averages 23.6 million viewers, chewing up NBC's fading duo 'Joey' and 'Will & Grace.' Best 18-49 showing in years. 

New media
Gobble: NY Times buys About.com
From an ever-shrinking Primedia for $410 million. Big deal, vastly
expanding its online footprint. From bust to lust: web's glam again.  

Radio
Pray tell, the rise of Christian radio 
Though tiny, format is among the fastest-growing. Fundamental
alternative to mainstream media trash talk. Who listens and why. 

Younger viewers
'Gilmore Girls,' once more with feeling 
Back from the brink, with a s#@xed-up story to tell, WB show
sees a huge ratings boost among the young for its 100th episode

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I worry I'm at a dead end here
It's a big-name agency but I have a no-name job, and the pay is from hunger. Should I jump to a smaller shop lacking the prestige? 

TV this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: NBC 'Third Watch' crossover; Saturday: ABC Family's 'School of Life;' Sunday: All-Star game on TNT. Shaq & more.

News Shorts
Fox edges ABC for top honors Wednesday
Rumor: Two sides may resume hockey talks
CBS plans Rather tribute for anchor's last days
News needling: Post pokes at new editor Cooke
Wenner restraining order sinks U.S. launch of OK!
Trekkies try to save 'Enterprise' from final frontier
Frasier returns on Fox, but behind the camera

Web Shorts
Study: Brits take lead in illegal TV downloads
Cookie crumble? House considers spyware
New MyDoom variant floats merrily around web
iPods reign supreme over other music playerss

People
Anni Rodgers named web director for Doubledown Media
Judith Brooks named ad director for Fitness magazine
John Toohey named Rainbow Media VP of finance and strategic planning
Lynn G. Dolnick nominated as director of New York Times Company
Kathy Connors becomes Octagon director of strategic communications
Janel Moloney cast in CBS's 'Amber Frey Story'
Jerry Bruckheimer has fifth pilot picked up
Actor Eric Schaeffer writing and directing FX's 'Starved'
Thomas Carter directing wedding chapel comedy for Fox
ABC casts Mandy Patinkin for drama pilot 'Quantico'
Bill Cosby won't face charges in fondling case
Blonde ambition: Anna Nicole still not entitled to $88.5 million

Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005

Research
Nielsen's new grief over local meters
Knuckle-rap by ratings council over compliance and new talk
of a better measuring system. Rating service: We'll try harder. 

Sports TV
Squeaker Daytona's runaway ratings
Fox trot: High drama as Gordon beats Earnhardt, beloved by
fans, for best household rating and second-best total viewers 

Sports TV
Maxed: Kellerman's flameout on FSN
Lots of big talk but nada ratings for ex-ESPNer. Show is axed 
on Friday as his former network touts gains for 'Around the Horn.' 

Pop cult
Mourning Hunter S., way gone gonzo
Radical writing cat in a radical time in America is remembered for his excesses, his books, his passion and bouts of incoherence 

Out of home
Ah, spring, your client at the ballpark
Hang 'em high. Signage at minor league stadiums, suspended in the concourse for baseball fans to see on their way to their seats  

TV this week
Reunited and it feels so stunted
It's another February sweeps reunion on CBS. Tonight, see
 the cast of 'One Day at a Time' reminisce about early '80s.

News Shorts
Fox flies high with addition of Monday 'Idol'
Another Sunday, another No. 1 for ABC's lineup
PBS flushes dirty words from Iraq documentary
Pepsi: No. 2 in sales, No. 1 in product placement
Judge wins $2M decision in Herald libel case
CBS juggles its schedule to counter 'Contender'
HBO & Fox get top nods at Writers Guild Awards

Web Shorts
Divine DVRs: TiVo subscriptions hit the 3M mark
Speedier spam sent out via IM rather than inbox 
Army says video game simulation isn't realistic
For those with a Jaws jones, it's the Shark Shield

People
Eric Simon named publisher of Razor magazine
Jennifer Grisanti becomes VP of programming at Paramount TV
Jocelyn Freid joins Paramount TV as executive director of current programming
Joseph A Cantwell named VP of marketing at Starz
Kwame Jackson hosting new CNN news show
Anita Barone joins Fox comedy pilot 'The War at Home'
Jaime Pressly playing the ex-wife on 'My Name is Earl'
Vinessa Shaw joins cast of NBC drama 'World of Trouble'
Kristin Bauer and David Julian Hirsh go 'Crazy' in UPN pilot
John Carroll Lynch lands lead in CBS drama pilot 'American Crime'
Kevin Sarna acquitted of Fox Cable Networks pirating charges
Program director Sandra Robinson booted from Chicago's WGBR
Sweeps stunt: Fraidy cat Oprah Winfrey gets her ears pierced on-air
Former National Geo editor Frederick G. 'Ted' Vosburgh dies at 100
Former Newsweek writer Colleen A. O'Connor dies at age 55

Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005

New media
Internet ad wise, a most robust 2004 
Up 32 percent, to $9.6B, with fourth quarter rising 24 percent, according to IAB estimates. Tracking ahead of 2005 forecasts. 

Research
Media folks: Nielsen plan works for us
Big thumbs up on more involvement in research for advertisers. Yet some question rating service's motives. Feeling the heat?

Magazines
For the haves, raft of new magazines
The haves being those who've got it and spend it. Conspicuous
consuming is back, with more titles for those who can afford to. 

New media
Come fly with me: Surging travel sites 
Vacation planners flocking to airlines and hotels. Traffic is way
up from a year ago January, reflecting the improved economy. 

TV this week
'Project Runway' struts its stuff
Tonight the contestants attend Fashion Week in the finale of the Bravo show. Weirdo designers hanging with models and starlets.

News Shorts
''Idol' audience of 28M boosts Fox Tuesday
Fox flies high with addition of Monday 'Idol'
Could Rathergate's Deep Throat be Karl Rove?
'Primetime' and New Yorker lead Polk winners
Court: FCC overstepped bounds on digital TV
Poll: Teens' rooms are a virtual media haven
Quite a pickle for Ivanabitch vodka outdoor ads

Web Shorts
Satellite sports wars: Sirius snatches NASCAR
Hackers' latest is sending faux FBI messages
Phone virus makes its first infection in the U.S.
New computer materials taste like chicken 

People
Ogilvy's Early and Seifert found guilty of fraud and conspiracy
Alina Falcn rises to executive VP and ops manager at Univision
Joe Matessa becomes general sales manager at La Raza
Kirk Krajewski appointed to board of directors at Limelight Media
Edward Hoh becomes Road & Track Speed's managing editor
Gil de Ferran, Scott Goodyear and Todd Harris covering racing on ESPN and ABC
Daniel Barnes joins Road & Track Speed as technical editor
Sandy Alouete rises to VP of music and talent relations at VH1
John McLaughlin joins new CNN security bureau
Jennifer Love Hewitt cast as a psychic in CBS pilot
James Van Der Beek stars as newlywed husband in CBS's 'Three'
Barry Watson and Rosanna Arquette join 'What About Brian?' cast
Denise Richards joins UPN's pilot 'Wildlife' 

Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005

Overnights
'Idol' delivers a triple ratings whammy
Wednesday holds strong even with third night, averaging 26.4 million total viewers, a tad above season average. Hurt abounds.

Broadcast recap
Sweeps: It's nip and tuck for No. 2
ABC still has a shot if just the right things happen. Otherwise, it's Fox winning and CBS second. Big nights: Sunday and Monday.

TV review
How to rescue the Academy Awards
Bring back the streakers. Let loose. Pour drinks. The evening
suffers from entirely too much dignity. Let all the actors act out. 

Research
Meet the Influentials. You may be one.
They are the folks we listen to when they speak. They're about 10 percent of us. They make 600 million recommendations a year. 

Cable recap
A bit less glitter for the NBA All-Stars
Off 4 percent in households, a new low for game in its third year
on cable. Big consolation for TNT: It was week's top cable show. 

TV this week
Blunder on the beach: 'O.C.'s' slump
Dear writers: Send Rebecca packing. She's this year's Oliver. Show is suffering with Sandy & Kirsten's unraveling relationship.

News Shorts
'Idol' audience of 28M boosts Fox Tuesday
Martha's lawyers wheeling a deal with the SEC
Stern & Clear Channel drop dueling lawsuits
Stained Suede: Essence kills fashion magazine
Cable operators say ESPN is tops in value again
Could Quentin deliver the bloodiest 'CSI' ever? 

Web Shorts
Apple's new iPods: Lower prices, bigger memory
Ever-expanding Google adds movie time listings 
Looking for love? Lycos wants to play cupid
E-customer satisfaction shows big 4Q dropoff 

People
Bert Medina rises to SVP and operating manager at Telefutura
Alan Sledge rises to senior VP of programming at Clear Channel
Brooke Bowman rises to VP of programming and development at ABC Family
Sean Ryan rises to New York divisional sales manager at People
David Mevorah joins launch of Wondertime magazine as publisher
Lisa Stiepock is named Wondertime editor
At here!, Maria Caulfield-Dwyer named VP of affiliate marketing, Bob Dillon becomes VP of brand marketing, and Carol Hinnant named VP of affiliate sales
Iris Cumberbatch becomes senior financial services analyst at Nielsen//NetRatings
Andrew Snyder joins Discovery Networks. as VP of iMedia ad sales
At Bravo Communications, Kathy Whitlock named VP and managing director; Nilda Velez and Jos E. Arandia rise to VP and managing directors

Friday, Feb. 25, 2005

Overnights
'Survivor's' Thursday damage deepens
Second airing knocks NBC's 'Joey' for a loop while losing just 11
percent of last week's premiere audience of 18-49s. 22M tune in. 

Television
In sweeps squeaker, ABC edges up
Hot breath on CBS's shoulder in race for No. 2, now just 0.1 rating point behind in 18-49s with several contested nights still to go.

Dayparts update
That's a hold on talker 'Suze Orman'
Martha effect: Stations opting for sprung doyen, whose show is
set to launch in September. Twentieth TV: We'll sit this one out. 

Television
The accidental 1953 Academy Awards
It was the last thing the big studio bosses wanted. They didn't like
TV. But the academy needed money, quick. So they made a deal.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, should I go to a small agency?
There are advantages, but for the right person. You'll get hands-on experience. Will it be the right experience? That depends on you. 

TV this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Shakespeare in Love' on Bravo; Saturday: Lacrosse on NBC; Sunday: Oscars on ABC. Tune in early for the red carpet.

News Shorts
'Idol' holds strong on Wednesday for Fox
Court: Reporters can keep phone records private
Air America welcomes third CEO in 11 months
New billboards blow smoke at Academy Awards
HBO switcheroo: 'Six Feet' moving to Monday
Bravo's 'Project Runway' finale catwalks to big #s

Web Shorts
'Idol' boards abuzz over rude Seacrest dismissal
AOL's latest search upgrade has local flavor
Broadband over power lines closer to a reality
FYI, you can't sell dinosaur bones on eBay

People
Sam Benrubi named Sirius Satellite Radio SVP of ad sales
Stephen Smith named Sirius Satellite Radio VP of ad sales
Joel Schwartzberg becomes online editorial director of Audible.com
Jennifer Roberts rises to New York ad manager for Country Home
Andi Sporkin named VP of communications for NPR
Louis A. Borrelli, Jr. named CEO of NEP Broadcasting
James Curtis hosting Michael Jackson trial reenactments for E!
Eric Balfour, Tamara Taylor and Omar Benson Miller added to UPN's 'Wildlife' pilot
Aunjanue Ellis joins NBC's 'E-Ring'
Ming-Na and Jonathan Cake added to cast of NBC's 'Inconceivable'
Charlotte Ross moving to ABC's 'Westside'
Tiffani Thiessen starring in CBS comedy pilot 'Stroller Wars'
Sofia Vergara added to cast of ABC's 'Hot Properties'
Caitlin Wachs playing daughter of ABC's 'Commander in Chief'

Monday, Feb. 28, 2005

Overnights
A strong night for Oscars after all
Audience up over last year, despite lack of lead-up buzz, with
a 30.1 household rating, based on initial metered market data 

Research
Media people give Nielsen a big F
Reader poll: Need an alternative to monopoly hold on TV data.
Support local people meter but deeply cynical about organization.

Sports TV
Still early to the game for ESPNU
Even if college jock network is the third to launch when it debuts
Friday, after CSTV and Fox College Sports. Lacrosse, anyone? 

Pop cult
One last moment for Ray Charles
Oscar bump: 'Genius Loves Company' is the No. 1 album after the Grammys. Headline grabbers: 'Juiced' leads over 'DisneyWar.'

Out of home
Your client out at the race track
Messages on betting slips: Win, place or show with the beloved
quadrupeds. Four-color ads at the nation's horse racing venues. 

TV this week
In 'Summerland,' a winter wedding
'Everwood' yields to the return of the WB's mild summer hit. Will Lori Loughlin tie the knot? Or is that white dress just a tease?

News Shorts
ABC takes Friday and Saturday in slow weekend
Two of Rathergate trio finally submit resignations
New treat for upscale parents: Cookie magazine
FCC clears 'Angel' vamps of indecency charge
Money softens up its image with new rede$ign
Three-year-old 'Good Day Live' gets chopped

Web Shorts
Political passing: Gannon site Talon shuts down
Tax preparation services target young workers
Gas power gives mobile phone lines a charge
Se habla espaol? Most Fortune 100 sites don't

People
Michael Provus named Giant magazine publisher
Myron Kandel retires from CNN after 25 years
Jeff Bailey resigns as editor of Crain's Chicago Business
Marney Hochman Nash rises to SVP of scripted programming at Fox Television Studios
Keith Campbell becomes art director at Inside TV magazine
Brown Johnson rises to executive creative director of preschool television for Nickelodeon
E! fills out cast for the Michael Jackson trial re-enactments
Dennis Haysbert and Michael Irby added to CBS pilot 'The Unit'
Christopher Lloyd and Brian Scolaro join Fox comedy 'Stacked'
Tom Berenger playing mentor in Fox pilot 'Amy Coyne'
Luke Perry and Jason Gedrick join Fox's 'Ticket to Ride' pilot
Kristen Johnston added to Fox's 'Don't Ask'
Legendary Time editor Henry A. Grunwald dies at 82

Tuesday, March 1, 2005

Television
Oops. Oscars take a tumble after all.
Final numbers show audience fell by 3.2 percent, with show drawing 42.1 million viewers. Early metered market data was off. 

Research
Cable: We're up in viewers and nights
CAB study claims broadcast slid in key demos, including 18-49s, 25-54s and 18-34s, Thursday's hurting. TVB: Oh, horse feathers.

TV review
'Ramsay's Boiling Point,' salt, please
BBC's famously outrageous chef comes off flat. The cursing is
there but lacks real $#% zest. Sure can cook up a storm, though. 

London
IHT's ambition: Paper of the global elite
Big growth plans for reaching folks who matter. And who are its
rivals? The FT? The WSJ? Its Paris boss would rather not say.

New media
For teens it's about whoopie cushions
Their truly favorite web sites are, well, teen-centric, especially their humor. You probably haven't heard of many. Try FunnyJunk.com. 

TV this week
A final and sweet salute to 'NYPD Blue'
Here's to a happy ending for ABC's Andy Sipowicz, who has endured so much in 12 years, baring his butt and losing a wife.

News Shorts
Weak 'Bachelorette' still puts ABC ahead of CBS
FCC: 'Ryan' isn't indecent. Let's all move on. 
A Rather bleak portrait in this week's New Yorker
Cablevision quiets Voom after Dolan bid fails
XM Radio price jumping 30 percent in April
Fox slims down its 'Idol' offerings on Wednesday
Correction: Michael Provus is new Giant publisher

Web Shorts
RIAA files more download suits for a total of 9K 
Jupiter: Local search will jump by $300M by '09
Yahoo turns 10 and we all get free ice cream
Soon-to-be mom auctions off junior's birth rights

People
Christopher Cormier rises to advertising director at Shop Etc.
Brett Wilson named associate publisher for advertising at Money
Dr. Libby Haight O'Connell rises to chief historian and SVP of corporate outreach at A&E Television Networks
Richard Reeves rises to VP for ad and marketing at St. Pete Times
Moya Neville becomes director of advertising at St. Pete Times
James Borth rises to general manager at Sporting News
Nicole Berg and Rachel Lomasz rise to senior copywriters at Abelson-Taylor
Angie Bauerle rises to senior art director at Abelson-Taylor
Lauren German cast in UPN's 'Wildlife'
'Taxi's' Marilu Henner joins ABC comedy pilot 'Joint Custody'
Laura San Giacomo starring in untitled WB drama
Bill Bellamy joins cast of Fox's 'Amy Coyne'

Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Television
Sweeps: Fox by a mile, ABC at No. 2
Pulls ahead of CBS on strength of Oscar night, affirming its new- found strength. NBC lands in fourth place versus first a year ago. 

Magazines
Boot for longtime Martha publisher 
Sobel sacked on eve of doyenne's prison release, after seven 
years in the job, as Stewart's company prepares to rebuild itself.

Interview
A magazine lover on why they matter
Publisher: The challenge is to matter to readers and to be able to appreciate their passion. Understanding the idea of community. 

Broadcast recap
New 'Idol's' biggest hurt: 'Fear Factor'
NBC show's ratings tumble against Fox warbler on Mondays, at
a time when the show was already suffering. Bug-eater burnout? 

Cable recap
Comedy Central gets the last laugh
The biggest, too, with Jeff Foxworthy special, whose 'Blue Collar' buddies delivered record audiences for the network in February.  

TV this week
Finally, the story on 'Lost's' Hurley
ABC show's comic relief (and fan favorite) gets the spotlight tonight. Who is he? Why was he in Sydney? What's with the hair?

News Shorts
'16M tune in to usher off ABC's 'NYPD Blue'
Weak 'Bachelorette' still puts ABC ahead of CBS 
Congress wants to explore cable indecency rules
Serious shrinkage saves LA Times nat'l edition
Disney Channel upfront: Mickey Mouse mornings
TBS woos Whoopi while TNT captures King
PTC: Uh, we'll agree 'Private Ryan's' not indecent 

Web Shorts
Court tosses alleged AOL spammer's conviction
CBS shows go interactive, starting with 'Survivor' 
When WiFi won't do, it's WiMax to the rescue
For free publicity, Hilton's hacked Sidekick rules

People
Les Moonves to Playboy: Sans scandal, Rather may have lasted another year
Bloomberg Media publisher David Wachtel leaves
Noreen O'Loughlin named SVP of marketing, media and entertainment at Sullivan & Co.
John Tierney named op-ed page columnist for The New York Times
Brent Hardesty rises to VP/account director at Carat Americas
Elizabeth Amstutz named VP/managing director at Carat Americas
Leo Hindery launching private investment firm InterMedia
Mark Goldstein joins Omnicom Group's BBDO as EVP and managing director
Thomas Arrix named SVP of advertising sales at Univision Online
Michel James Bryant, Harris Faulkner and Tina Malave named 'Current Affair' correspondents
Jennifer Lopez executive producing UPN drama pilot 'South Beach'


Thursday, March 3, 2005

Overnights
Clipped 'American Idol's' sizzle fizzles
Half-hour show falters, and Fox slips 23 percent in adults18-49. NBC and CBS show strong gains. ABC pulls off a close second.

Magazines
A softer cushion in personal finance
For big three titles, it's money as a lifestyle. Shift away from 
investing as a blood sport to gain readers and new advertisers.

TV review
'L&O: Trial by Jury,' a woman's thing
A good thing too. But otherwise familiar ground. Wolf delivers
what NBC needs most now. An ably crafted franchise extender.

Dayparts update
In syndication, here come the judges
Ratings are up for court shows, as others decline. Coming next season: 'Judge Alex.' Satisfying our deep need for resolution.

Television
'Ellen' and 'The View' top Emmy noms
Each talk show receives 11 in daytime competition. Martha, soon to be sprung, is up for three, including best service show host. 

TV this week
'Making the Band,' but not well
P. Diddy rocks. His 'Band' picks less so. Perhaps that will 
change with tonight's season premiere of the MTV reality show.

News Shorts
16M tune in to usher off ABC's 'NYPD Blue'
Report: Ad $ for Big Three up 12.1 percent in '04
BBC gets a new charter with a call for overhaul
To reach women, try the Super Bowl not Oscars
Skunked: NBC News runs bogus Iraq story
Newsweek riddle: Martha's head but whose body 

Web Shorts
Infinity stations will stream online to fight e-rivals
Poor internet service drives man to death threats
High times: Report says web drug trafficking is up
Ubiquitous Craigslist adds outer space to domain

People
Tom Kuhn joins MediaCom as SVP/group planning director
Billy Strynkowski named executive chef at Cooking Light magazine
Louisa Rudeen Beckett rises to editor of ShowBoats International
Lynn Jacobson named deputy managing editor for arts and culture at Seattle Weekly
Jennifer Mattson named a producer for NPR's 'The Connection'
Disgraced columnist Armstrong Williams will co-host an NYC radio show
Rick Schroeder joins Lifetime's 'Strong Medicine'
Geena Davis becomes president in 'Commander in Chief' on ABC
Rebecca Romijn stars as 'Pepper Dennis' on the WB
Dave Atell and Dana Daurey added to cast of 'New Car Smell' on Fox
Pregnant Denise Richards divorcing husband Charlie Sheen

Friday, March 4, 2005

Magazines
Sprung: Martha's out of the slammer
Returns to Bedford home, chastened and wiser, after five months in stir. Road to redemption. Click here to dress her for freedom. 

Sports TV
Daring buyout scheme to save NHL
Investment group bids on entire hockey league for $3.5 billion to operate as a corporation. Boston Bruins boss: Nix-nix, dumb idea. 

Television
Envelope please: Shows on the bubble 
The killing season approacheth: What gets axed, which will survive,
even with low ratings. Ta-ta to 'Committed' and 'Wickedly Perfect.' 

Younger viewers
Oscar night sinks like Rock with teens
Lots of yuk: Tumbles 14 percent among 12-17s from last year and
fave 'Lord of the Rings.' Cold shoulder to wise-cracking quipster. 

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, help me switch into media
Making a career change from news reporting can be tough, and humbling. You'll need to recast your resume, and likely move too. 

TV this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: USA's 'Monk' finale; Saturday: Usher on Showtime; Sunday: ABC's Oprah original 'Their Eyes Were Watching God.'

News Shorts
NBC's 'L&O: Trial by Jury' premiere detains 17M
Shorter 'Idol' allows others to creep up on Fox 
Final sweeps numbers: It's Fox by a large margin
Martha, out of jail and onto more stations this fall
Rumor has NBC buying Microsoft's MSNBC stake
BBC, original 'Office' home, buys NBC remake 
Rather: Fired four are 'never far from my mind'

Web Shorts
You hawking to me? De Niro's online film contest
Appeals court tosses Microsoft's $521M fine
Study: Fleas may hold key to an e-virus upside
FCC says phone companies can't block VoIP

People
Melissa Pordy named Cheil Communications America director of media investment solutions 
Eva Dillon becomes VP and publisher of new Cookie magazine
Jennifer Balderama named national desk staff editor at NY Times
Brian Peterson named FSN North director of media relations 
Kate Wood rises to assistant editor of The Knot
Allison Micarelli rises to managing editor of The Knot
Amy Shey Jacobs named director of PR of The Knot
Alissa Pinck, Karen Pineman and Bridget McQueen named assistant VPs at G.S. Schwartz & Co.
Nielsen's Jack Oken, Scott Brown and Paul Donato addressing TVB conference
Exiting FCCer Kenneth Ferree: Leave media regulation to Congress
Dan Rather drops daily radio commentary 'Dan Rather Reporting'
Don Johnson joins the cast of 'Dog Town Lawyers'
Julie Louis-Dreyfus becomes 'Old Christine' in CBS comedy pilot

Monday, March 7, 2005

Magazines
What Martha can do to fix her magazine
Stewart must rebuild the title as her first priority, now that she's
out of prison. She must sell a fresh vision of Martha Stewart Living. 

Television
At last, creative sparks again at NBC
'Trial by Jury' is season's second hit after 'Medium,' or rather hit-
to-be, after a strong premiere for the 'L&O' franchise extension

TV review
'The Contender,' good sport. Too bad.
Reality show has all the moves but lacks the grit of boxing as it 
really is. Clean-cut pugilists. Breathless voiceovers. Rocky redux. 

Popcult
Being cool with John, Uma and Dutch
He dances, she kisses, he writes. Name's Elmore Leonard, the
writer of 'Be Cool' and scads of other noir books and movies. 

Out of home
Put your client's message in golf carts
Ads in course books telling how to play each hole, as well as on
tip cards at the greens. Reaching duffers in the swing of things. 

TV this week
Showtime wrings laughs from lard
Kirstie Alley's big-buzz 'Fat Actress' premieres. You've seen her largesse in the tabloids. Now see her seduce an NBC suit.

News Shorts
'Housewives'-like #s for ABC's Sunday movie
Ho-hum: Another Saturday win for Fox in 18-49s
Quick & Simple, Hearst's new weekly for women
Sony looks to a Welshman to shake things up
Investment firms may up offer for NHL buyout
Gagged by trial, Leno enlists Jacko joke backup
Stewart solidarity: Norville hosts with ankle brace

Web Shorts
Send a welcome home to Martha at her web site
Overzealous applicant hacks biz school records
Aussie court freezes Kazaa parent group's assets
Child p*rn online offenses skyrocket in Britain

People
John Barron rises to editor of the Chicago Sun-Times
Don Hayner rises to managing editor of the Chicago Sun-Times
City magazine managing editor Michael Cohen leaves
Field & Stream articles editor Tim Bogardus exits
Lara Flynn Boyle lands lead in UPN's 'Crazy'
Broadway chanteuse Audra McDonald joins WB pilot 
Emily Deschanel digs up 'Bones' in Fox pilot
Jessica Capshaw goes through 'Thick and Thin' on NBC
Lindsay Price joins WB pilot 'Pepper Dennis'
Jason Priestley becomes latest addition to CBS's 'Love Monkey'
Henry Winkler playing the dad on untitled CBS pilot
Patricia Wettig and Vondie Curtis-Hall join ABC's 'Introducing Lennie Rose'
Orioles broadcaster Chuck Thompson dies of stroke at 83

Tuesday, March 8, 2005

Overnights
'Contender' stumbles in round one
Just 8.4 million viewers for much-hyped premiere, at $2 million
an episode, pulling 4.1 rating in 18-49s, below timeslot averages  

Magazines
Renaissance of sorts for black titles
Ad pages are up, thanks to the big advertisers, but selling into
traditional media departments is still a challenge. Why this is so.

TV review
'Blind Justice,' we kid you not. No joke.
See him pull his gun. Meet seeing-eye dog Hank. Bochco's police drama is so so wacky in concept. Watch the door on the way out.   

Upfront preview
Weather Channel: Aiming to be more
More long-form programming to build viewership when Mother
Nature's not acting up. Beyond hot and dusty, wet and rainy.

New media
In politics, the internet beats out radio
During the elections more folks relied on the web as a primary
source of news about campaigns. TV's still tops, even more so. 

TV this week
Did Paula Jones tell the truth?
Get the answer to this not-so-burning question on the debut of Pax's 'Lie Detector,' when Paula straps herself to a polygraph.

News Shorts
'Housewives'-like #s for ABC's Sunday movie
Nielsen answers congressional appeal to FTC 
NY Times revamps biz section & shorts Circuits 
Martha's softer side: Tears as she returns to work
Cronkite's parting shot: Rather hung on too long
Tiger's victory pumps NBC Sunday golf ratings

Web Shorts
White House welcomes first blogger to briefing
Brits wonder how new 'Dr. Who' got on the web
Yahoo goes mobile with hand-held game tools
Online ingenuity: Self-diagnosing at home

People
David McKillop and Judy Plavnick rise to senior executive producers at Discovery Channel
Jeff Hasler joins Discovery Channel as VP of development
Martha Gale, Deborah Cohen and Melissa Victorio become Country Living account managers
Margery Gladstone rises to publishing director of DNR and Menswear
Juli Alvarez named fashion editor of Modern Bride
Darren Larson becomes VP of the Southern region for Newspapers First
Shareholder sues Cablevision chairman Charles Dolan
Al Sharpton's plea: No violence on the airwaves for 90 days
Sarah Jessica Parker signs on to produce for HBO
Ed McMahon's fall results in concussion and stitches
Soap star Jason Cook caught with marijuana pipe in airport
Clear Channel's KSTE-AM in Sacramento suspends DJs over biker joke

Wednesday, March 9, 2005

Overnights
Peek of promise for 'Blind Justice'
Better than decent debut for new ABC cop show, even though
critics trashed its premise of officer returning to work sightless. 

Magazines
Coming shakeout in men's magazines 
Too many titles to survive. Guessing who will go. Will it be the
newest titles feeling the squeeze? Much speculation and dishing.

Cable recap
Cable was the real winner of sweeps
Tops broadcast for the first time in February primetime viewing, averaging 34 million households a night, up 5 percent in a year 

TV review
Dumbed down: An 'Alias' fan's lament 
J.J., you are a heartbreaker. I'm outta Spyland. You've gutted the show for ratings, recycling old ideas. Season four is dj vu lite. 

Broadcast recap
Super whammy effect for 'Top Model'
Debut sets records in total audience and 18-34s, boosting UPN on the last night of sweeps. Bigger impact will be seen in May. 

TV this week
A tip of the hat to Mr. Rather
Media has not been kind as he exits CBS News, with jabs from Cronkite and even Trump. But good or bad, he'll leave a legacy.

News Shorts
'NBC's 'Contender' stumbles in its first round
Cablevision sports channels yanked from TWC 
Dolan gets extension on bid to take over Voom 
Hefty #s for Showtime's 'Fat Actress' premiere
House encouraging NCAA to zap alcohol ads
Sked switcheroos: 'Jonny' zeroed & 'Starlet' shifts 

Web Shorts
Kijiji, eBay's new internat'l home for classified ads
Limp Bizkit lead singer sues over web s#x tape
Gov't cracks global piracy ring of do-gooders
Hold the phone: AOL plans new VoIP services
Shoo, hackers! DSW customers' info stolen

People
Mark Burnett sues over alleged 'Apprentice' advertising scam
Gina Bedsole rises to VP and director of media services at Wilkins 
Lloyd 'Skip' Pollard joins Starmark International as VP and director of media strategy
Sandy Smallens becomes Infinity VP of interactive marketing and sales
Robyn Ulrich rises to SVP of marketing and public relations at DIY Network
Mary S. Butler appointed editor of ForbesAutos.com
Judy L. Harris named president and CEO of Channel One
Amanda Aronczyk becomes 'Weekend America' arts reporter and editor
Mary Clarke named beauty director of Elegant Bride
'The View' lines up guest hosts for Elisabeth Hasselbeck's maternity leave
'Best Damn Sports Show' sends Tom Arnold on the road
Eve starring in and executive producing Showtime biopic

Thursday, March 10, 2005

Magazines
February thaw in magazine ad pages
Up 4.2 percent after a flat January, a good sign that last year's
momentum is carrying forward. Charts of gainers and losers.

Television
Bitter-sweet so-long for Dan Rather
Brief, clipped signoff for controversial anchor, his last days eerily
evocative of Nixon's exit, with old foes rising up with final words

Upfront preview
HGTV: Sprucing up the old house a bit
Fixer-upper lifestyle: Targeting younger viewers, men too, with
new, hipper shows about real-life how-to stuff for homeowners.  

Dayparts update
Indeed, everyone does love Raymond 
Certainly syndie-wise. 'Ellen' rises on tributes to the show over a
week, giving second-year show its best episode and week ever.

London
Brits in bunches over school lunches
Roiling expose by a foul-mouthed celeb chef has parents glued
to their sets, sending ratings up for Channel 4. Menu for change. 

TV this week
Here's the story of a PR lady
Hard-partying publicist Lizzie Grubman shows four minions the ropes in MTV's new 'PoweR Girls.' (Driving lessons not included.)

News Shorts
CBS nets 9M viewers for Rather sendoff special
A peek of promise for ABC's new 'Blind Justice'
New '60 Minutes' woe: Producer's defamation suit
At Nickelodeon, fresh focus on middle schoolers 
Reality continues to rule at VH1 for next season
Olympics vaults atop Sports Emmy nominations
Study: Kids spend 6+ hours per day with media
EW spins off movie-centric test magazine, Look 

Web Shorts
Record industry shakes ISPs for piracy evidence  
TVB: ADS are draining wired cable subscribers
Jacko accuser says singer was web p*rn pusher
New Xbox will offer easy shopping for gamers

People
Scott W. Lehmann rises to marketing services director at Esquire
Mark Oltarsh named Jane magazine's new publisher
Ed Ventimiglia rises to Departures VP and publisher
Brooke Laffan rises to Departures advertising director
Erica S. Kasel rises to Departures VP of marketing
Steve Freeman rises to executive producer of 'Motor Trend Auto Shows'
The Nation editor Katrina vanden Heuvel adds editorial director
Bob Jenkins co-anchoring 'Speed News'
RuPaul leaves NYC's WNEW morning show
San Jose Mercury News editor David Yarnold exits
Harry Smith takes Dan Rather's place on CBS News Radio Network
Mark Burnett Productions gets countersued for $20 million

Friday, March 4, 2005

Television
Viewers to Rather: Courage to you too
Sweet sendoff on the CBS anchor's final night, giving the 'Evening News' its best ratings in five years. Yet well below Brokaw signoff. 

Magazines
A sudden surge of Russian editions 
What gives? How about Gucci, Prada, Hermes. Nation's rising affluence and urge to spend big are making Moscow a hot place.

Upfront preview
National Geographic: Up from nowhere
Credit goes to programming chief John Ford for a surge in ratings, giving it a stronger argument with buyers. It's still small, though. 

Younger viewers
Sob! He's so fine, that Jesse McCartney!
Returning 'Summerland' swells among teen girls. Debut up nearly
20 percent over last season's average. Blond warbler with hit song.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I want to become a supervisor 
But I get rejected because they say I'm too junior. Advising a media planner on how to rise up the ladder. And whether she wants to. 

TV this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Lorraine Bracco on NBC's 'L&O: Trial by Jury;' Saturday: Oxygen movie; Sunday: NCAA selection show on CBS

News Shorts
Another disappointing finish for 'The Contender'
CBS nets 9M viewers for Rather sendoff special 
Mouse grouse: Disney disses new CEO search 
Spike delivers the smackdown to WWE extension
NBC extends its 'ER' stay through at least 2008
Memo says Meredith b'cast chief was a racist
Don't look for Fox News cameo on ABC's 'Legal'

Web Shorts
OPA: Spending on online entertainment hit $1.8B
British court orders ISPs to identify music uploaders
How safe is your power? Less than you'd expect
Latest cell phone innovations target wee ones

People
So long, Michael Powell: A standing ovation from FCC staff
Annette Lindstrom rises to VP of marketing at HGTV
Bob Scarpelli named worldwide chief creative officer of DDB
Michael Vinales starts new product division at Al Dia 
Frank Rich rejoins op-ed page at The New York Times
Mark Nathanson joins MediaCom as VP and new business director
Lou Romano named SVP and group director at Sony Pictures
Matthew Frankel rises to VP of corporate communications at Rainbow Media
Telluride Ski Resort pays tribute to Teddy Ebersol
Tara Reid sues condo owner over ad poking fun at her red carpet reveal
Sally Field joins CBS pilot 'Conviction'
BBC begins first round of massive layoffs 

Monday, March 14, 2005

Conglomerates
At Disney, it's Bob Iger after all
Longtime Eisner No. 2 rises over weekend vote, taking over in September. Big challenge is to overcome legions of doubters. 

Television
'Jane' yanked: Her surprise cancellation
Sinking ratings do in much-touted Pauley's syndie show. Next big hope: Martha's new chatter this fall. Slow start and going nowhere.

TV sports
Winning college ball with old favorites
Rising basketball ratings going into March playoffs as big-name teams head toward the Final Four: Duke, Carolina and Kentucky. 

Popcult
Lest we forget: Death of Laci Peterson
Four months after verdict, book shoots to No. 1 in first week. 'Blood Brother: 33 Reasons My Brother Scott Peterson Is Guilty.'

Out of home
Your client on TV on commuter trains
New Atlanta system has TV screens mounted in passenger cars. Ad messages amid news, weather, sports and traffic reports. 

TV this week
Who wants to be a himbo?
Oxygen's new show features Fabio wannabes. Yes, there is such a thing, and they're competing for a Harlequin cover. 'Mr. Romance.'

News Shorts
Fair debut for ABC's 'Jake in Progress' Sunday
In its second Friday outing, 'Trial by Jury' slumps
Study: No bias in media coverage of Iraqi war 
Judge rules Leno's Jacko jokes don't violate gag
Hitting a false note? 'Idol' contestant drops out
Senator wants kid-friendly, indecency-free zones

Web Shorts
Poll: Blogging's big mostly among young liberals
FTC cracks down on false spyware-slaying scans
Latest e-scam permutation targets Craigslisters
Too busy/lazy to hunt in real life? Do it on the web

People
Michael Powell's post-FCC plans: Becoming Aspen Institute senior fellow
TV Guide Television Group president Ian Aaron resigns
Nancy Carr named VP of corporate communications for Hallmark Channel
Lisa Sherman named SVP and GM of MTV Networks' LOGO
Attorney Todd Calvin joins Walt Disney Television Animation
Phil Boyce rises to VP of programming for ABC news and talk stations
Chris Rock gets an autobiographical UPN pilot
Brady Smith joins CBS pilot 'Everything I Know About Men'
Timm Sharp added to cast of NBC's 'Early Bird' pilot
Camille Guaty appearing in ABC pilot 'Westside'
Nathalie Kelly and Geoff Stultz added to WB pilot 'Mermaid' 

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Overnights
NBC is tops on an 'Idol'-less Monday
Leading with 'Medium,' but Fox is not far behind, with a strong
showing from '24,' the night's No. 2 show. CBS, in reruns, tails. 

Newspapers
Newsday facing more circulation woes
ABC flunks paper on reports for 1999 through 2001, citing poor
records. Boost for critics saying book-cooking went back years. 

TV review
'Jake in Progress,' actually quite funny
Fresh ABC sitcom but airing on a killer of a night, Thursday. A
departure from in-your-face gags and bumbling husband antics. 

Upfront preview
Food Network: Setting a bigger table
Moving beyond the kitchen to draw younger viewers with more lifestyle and reality shows. Challenge: Not alienating core viewers.

New media
Web-wise, people are banking on it
And more and more so as comfort levels rise, with convenience the big draw. Nearly two thirds of broadband users have tried it.

TV this week
Is Glenn slumming? Not even Close.
She's a new regular on FX's 'The Shield,' whose fourth season begins tonight. From big screen to one of cable's best dramas.

News Shorts
Fair debut for ABC's 'Jake in Progress' Sunday
FCC: 'MNF's' towel-less Housewife not indecent
'Primetime' producer booted after ratings slump
Championship Weekend viewership bounces up
Senate bill would monitor indecency on pay TV
Fox sets 'Idol' finale for May 25 at Kodak Theatre

Web Shorts
Microsoft launching pilot paid search program
Martha's chat with fans: Bracelet's a pain in the ...
Once-wobbly AOL predicts bigger, better ad year
Crunched cookies hurt sites' ability to track users

People
Universal McCann CEO Robin Kent exiting
Howard Shimmel joins Nielsen as SVP of client insights
Ken Ferree named COO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Christina Grdovic rises to VP and associate publisher of marketing at Food & Wine
Michael Harbolt named online marketing manager for BusinessWeek Online
Wendy Riches rises to EVP for Meredith Integrated Marketing
Jasmine Rezai rises to VP/affiliate marketing for Univision
Victoria Lowell and Patrick Lafferty named Discovery Networks U.S. SVPs of marketing
'Cheers' star George Wendt joins 'Evolution of Man'
Gina Gershon cast on UPN's 'The Lot'
Alfre Woodard lands recurring role on 'Inconceivable' on NBC
Donald Sutherland playing the House speaker 'Commander'
Chris Madden's new magazine is debuting on May 3

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Overnights
'Idol' rich: Fox's grumpy 'House' soars
Last night the quirky drama sees its best numbers yet, since it
became the lead-out for reality warbler. Pass the smelling salts. 

New media
MSN: We're becoming a search biggie 
Today it's revealing a sophisticated program that will make it a
direct challenger to Yahoo and Google for advertisers' dollars

London
Well, yes, OK!: P*^rn to be king
Richard Desmond helped reinvent the UK celeb field, shaking it from its past. Due in the U.S. this fall, he's already mixing it up. 

Broadcast recap
New worry for 'Arrested Development' 
Scratched for May sweeps, not a very good sign for Fox fave of ink-stained scribes. Ratings still lag, despite post-'Simpsons' slot. 

Cable recap
Major ratings slaying with 'Gladiator'
TNT's multiple weekend airings dominate the charts, with four in the top 10 for 18-49s. Network tops UPN and WB for the week. 

TV this week
TV Land Awards, awash in nostalgia
Burnett & Newhart get big honors, along with Aaron Spelling. Where else could you find Don Cornelius and Betty White?

News Shorts
'NBC is tops in 18-49s on first 'Idol'-less Monday
No inflation here: Newsday circ off after scandal
Nielsen adds away-from-home measurement
Recording deal: TiVo signs pact with Comcast
Poll: Out of pinstripes, Martha's a bit more loved
NBC elects 'West Wing' for a seventh season 

Web Shorts
NBC offers early 'Office' preview on MySpace
EC lets Microsoft and Time Warner off the hook
Man gets jail sentence for MSN TV virus crusade
Coming soon in England, paid content via cell

People
Abbe Raven succeeds retiring A&E CEO Nickolas Davatzes
Jane Greenstein named NBC VP of comedy development
Terence Carter named NBC director of comedy development
Michael Thorn named NBC director of drama development
Chris Castallo named NBC VP of drama development
Justin Levy named manager of NBC drama development unit
Laetitia Laurent-Ottomane becomes account manager at Starmark International
Melissa Joan Hart joins Fox's 'Dirtbags' pilot
Chi McBride demonstrates 'Deviant Behavior' on Fox
Tina Majorino joins cast of ABC pilot about gifted kids
Larry King will talk it up on CNN until 2009
Father of former 'Drew Carey' actor Keith Diamond not responsible for shooting

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Conglomerates
Sumner: If one is good, two is better
Viacom's Redstone talks up splitting his empire, reversing trend
of bulking up. Moonves for broadcast, Freston for everything else. 

Washington
Bush confederate rises to head FCC
Martin's aims: Curb indecency and push dereg. Gives new hope
to the clean-TV advocates, such as the PTC. Hardly pro-Bono.

Upfront preview
Headline News: Straight poop and more
Primetime revamp of longer, more indepth reports, shedding the plain-vanilla legacy of Ted's era. Aim: Longer tune-ins, and more. 

Interview
Ad dollars & sense of March Madness
A top sports marketer on the value of the games and how they
differ from other events. Hoopsters draw a most desirable crowd.

Dayparts update
The real sweeps winner: King World
Behind six of February's top 10 syndicated shows, including top
four. Oprah at her hottest. Other winners and losers of the month. 

TV this week
Murrow flashback: 'Harvest of Shame'
Cronkite hosts 1960 documentary on Discovery Times on migrant workers. Early piece of investigative journalism that still holds up.

News Shorts
Wednesday 'Idol' pumps Fox past CBS in 18-49s
'Idol' and 'House' push Fox to No. 1 on Tuesday
ESPN Deportes, the read for Hispanic sports fans
Martha begins appeal: Prosecution did me wrong
And in further Martha news, CBS plans a biopic
Nielsen's Whiting addresses FTC & LPM woes
Close resuscitates 'Shield' viewership by 1.1M 

Web Shorts
In satellite sports skirmish, XM snags golf rights
Disney offers movies for PlayStation Portable 
Sour 'Berry: PDA makers pay $450M to settle suit 
Integrate your Yahoo! tools for one mega-blog

People
Herb Scannell rises to vice chairman of MTV Networks and president of Nickelodeon Networks
Bill Roedy rises to vice chairman of MTV Networks and president of MTV Networks International
Jack Westerkamp rises to Primedia's product development director
Ron Lamprecht rises to VP of new media at NBC Universal Cable
Megumi Ikeda rises to VP of strategic initiatives and new media at NBC Universal Cable
At Golf Channel, a slew of new executive positions
Several promotions at AmericanLife TV Network
At Ryan Partnership, Kevin Weisberg rises to managing director and Maura Priem rises to VP of Chicago office
Fired again: 'Apprentice's' Kwame Jackson's CNN talk show cut
Mary Elizabeth 'Betsy' Cronkite, wife of Walter, dies of cancer at 89

Friday, March 18, 2005

Magazines
New Yorker again leads award noms
Up for 10 Ellies, including general excellence. In a comeback, Vanity Fair is up for seven. And Martha Stewart is up for three. 

Overnights
Thursday fizzler for 'Jake in Progress' 
Loses half the audience from Sunday's premiere, going against
basketball and NBC's weakened lineup. Not a good sign at all.

Research
The over-50s: Where the bucks are
They want both: A good life and financial security. They're easy to
reach as big media consumers. But the message has to relate. 

Younger viewers
Among teens, 'O.C.' shows its true grit
Behind Fox's strong Thursday growth in the demo, even as CBS's
'Survivor' bulldozes the night among older viewers. Hearts throb. 

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, my staff needs help with reps 
How do I get them to get beyond no, can't do? Helpful hints on the
art of managing negotiations when you can't be there at the table. 

TV this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Men's hoops on CBS; Saturday: 'Ten Commandments' on ABC; Sunday: Women's hoops tourney tips off on ESPN

News Shorts
Wednesday 'Idol' pumps Fox past CBS in 18-49s
Congressmen urge no Nielsen federal oversight 
Cheery Stewart begins campaign to clear name
NBC renews five shows, including slumped 'Joey'
A bit of grit: Gourevitch new Paris Review editor
Academy may swap some Emmys out of telecast

Web Shorts
Study: Parents are keeping tabs on kids' e-habits
Young likelier than elders to get satellite radio 
Spending on portable p*rn will hit $5B by 2010
Get your job done cheap via new German site

People
Edward J. Menicheschi rises to Fairchild Publications EVP
Nina Lawrence rises to W and W Jewelry VP and publisher
Daniel Lagani joins Fairchild Bridal Group as VP and publisher
Susan Arditi named J. Brown Agency SVP and director of client development
Anthony White joins Hallmark as VP of marketing
Anastasia Dellas and Marius Isidore named Gemstone Communications account executives
Neil Chase hired as NYTimes.com deputy editor for news
Fox Sports chairman and CEO David Hill exits to work for DirecTV
Kathryn Kercher named VP of Infinity Solutions and Beyond
Jerry Springer will host British talk show sans the daily brawls
Arthel Neville becomes correspondent for 'A Current Affair'
Bill Clinton and others offer commentary on new NPR segment
Cops foil painter's plot to kidnap David Letterman's son

Monday, March 21, 2005

Overnights
Voyeur's bump for sinking 'Contender'
Sunday segment on boxer who committed suicide up 30 percent
in 18-49s, fueled by press rehashes of his death over weekend 

Magazines
Why fashion's all the rage these days
Ad pages are up smartly, reflecting broad change in the category.
Credit the democratization of style and a rise in luxury branding.

Television
Ultimate cliffhanger: Who shot J.R.?
It was 25 years ago tonight, on the season finale of 'Dallas,' that Ewing got plugged and TV history was made. How it happened. 

Popcult
'Ring Two' and our season of horror
So in vogue, remakes of Japanese horror films. Latest pulls in
 $36 million over the weekend, putting it at No. 1 at the box office.

Out of home
Your client as a big roller in Las Vegas
Placing ads on the resort city's monorail system. Be seen by
25,000 visitors a day. Be heard as well. Go paint the town red. 

TV this week
An 'Affair' to remember? Maybe.
Schlocky syndie series 'A Current Affair' returns nine years after its demise. The show that made Maury, though he won't be back.

News Shorts
Hoops helps CBS to No. 1 Friday & Saturday
NCAA scores best opening-weekend #s since '93
FCC dismisses CNN complaint over DNC f-word 
Poll: Gov't could be harder on obscene b'casters
Kitty accuser drops copyright infringement suit
Bravo's 'Runway' sashays to a second season

Web Shorts
Christian radio station DJ found with child p#rn 
At HSN, new iTV feature lets remotes click to buy
Scammers find new avenue with VoIP technology
Gawker a big winner at the fifth annual Bloggies

People
Gloria Borger rejoins CBS News as chief political correspondent
Erin McNamara rises to director of sales at Infinity   
Matt Pinfield hosting alternative music program at Sirius
Robert F.X. Sillerman gains control of 'American Idol' franchise
Michelle Trachtenberg starring in Lifetime's 'The Dive From Clausen's Pier'
Charles and Camilla's church ceremony will be televised
'The Insider' anchor Pat O'Brien enters rehab
'American Idol' winner Ruben Studdard sued for $500K'

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Overnights
Fox's suddenly very hot 'Nanny 911'
Renegade ripoff now rules over 8 p.m. timeslot on Mondays. 
British discipline reality show is beating up on the competition.

TV review
'Life on a Stick,' dumb, dumb, dumb
Meatheads at the mall doing meathead things. New Fox show, which follows 'Idol,' may be the ultimate test of its clout. (IQ test.)

Upfront preview
Discovery Channel: Back to its roots
Rolling out new series focusing on man and nature that aim to
recapture success of 'Walking with Dinosaurs.' Fewer choppers. 

Radio
For Hispanics, the radio is always on
It's not just growing. It's the medium of choice for so many, with
formats now dominant in some top markets. Beyond Ricky Martin.

New media
This is the year for online tax filing
More than half of all federal tax payers will do so, up from 36 percent in 2002 as comfort levels grow. Big growth for TurboTax. 

TV this week
The doctor is very in these days
An 'Idol'-infused renaissance for Fox's 'House,' which welcomes Chi McBride as the doc's new nemesis. Don't bet against House.

News Shorts
Voyeur's bump for sinking 'Contender' on Sunday
NCAA opening weekend bounces to 11-year high 
Court confirms 'American Idol' idea wasn't stolen
Post: Daily News messed up. News: Nyah, nyah.
Survey: Marriage debate pushes 2004 gay ad $s
Rumor: Air America eyes Springer for a.m. slot
Correction: MRC is not asking for government role  

Web Shorts
Time Warner will pay $300M to end SEC probe
New search player: InterActive buys Ask Jeeves 
New for Miss USA, viewers help pick the winner
FEC ponders blog restrictions after '04 confusion

People
Robert Voltaggio to Discovery VP of ad sales revenue and planning
Janice Moore is named SVP of marketing at WE
Stephen Perrine is appointed editor in chief of Best Life
James Glassock named TBS director of business development
Michael C. McNamara rises to executive technology editor of Popular Photography and Imaging
Brad Gerber rises to publisher of Primedia's Automobile Magazine
Charles A. Borgognoni and Rebecca S. Hoppy join Rabin Strategic Partners
Leonid Yurgelas named general director of MTV Russia
John Weber rises to Premiere Radio Networks VP of network programs and services
Cole's songbird: Cabaret singer Bobby Short, 80, dies of leukemia
New York radio DJ and talk show host Ted Brown dies
And in imaginary people news, Nick's Dora becomes a big sister

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Television
Deeper Fox swamp with Berman gone
Yes, it's No. 1, but the weeds underneath are thick. Person who takes over must create momentum anew against a ticking 'Idol.'   

Interview
Inside the mind of NBC's 'The Office' 
Talking with executive producer Greg Daniels on why this Brit
import, which debuts tomorrow night, works as funny television 

Broadcast recap
Alley of death for 'American Dreams' 
Tonight's killer 8 p.m. slot claiming its latest victim. NBC show in
a fast fade after move from Sunday. RIP: 'Ed,' 'Hawaii,' SI babes. 

Cable recap
In 'Dragons,' a boost for Animal Planet
Indeed. CGI special pulls its best ratings ever. Smart move away from viewer-sapping reality trend. Imagining an unreal existence. 

Magazines
Words and ideas from the New Yorker
Snippets of pieces up for the Magazine Awards, covering fiction, essays, profiles, commentary and reviews. Writers at their best. 

TV this week
On A&E, married to the midfielder
Special 'Sports Wives' looks at jocks' off-field life. Strawberry  Mrs. on how to turn your hubby's negative (drugs) into a positive.

News Shorts
'Idol' boosts 'House' to another record Tuesday
Fox's suddenly very hot 'Nanny 911' Mondays
Final CBS staffer resigns over Memogate mess
Tally whoa: 'Idol' revisits Tuesday vote after error
LA Times publisher Puerner exits after five years
Fun in the sun, and fistfighting: Fox renews 'O.C.'
Syndie radio host offers $5M to divorce Schiavo 

Web Shorts
Newspapers invest in online news monitor Topix
Study: Spam filters still diverting lotsa legit emails
IAB members target Hispanic online population
Judge: E-harassment is annoying but not illegal

People
Fremantle Media North America CEO Tom Gutteridge resigns
Sabrina Sanchez-Ayala rises to CABLEready sales and marketing VP 
Vince Messina named entertainment sales category development officer at Yahoo
Liz Jasper to program marketing director of National Geo Channel 
Christos DeVaris to National Geo Channel creative design director
Gerry Liss, Cynthia Scott-Johnson and Robert Nielubowski join 3 Roads Communications
Corey Silverman named SVP of advertising sales at INdTV
Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs signs first-look production deal with MTV
Brian Austin Green cast in untitled ABC Freddie Prinze Jr. project
Don Rickles and Kym Whitley join the cast of 'The Catch'
'Desperate' plumber James Denton welcomes new baby


Thursday, March 24, 2005

Television
Liguori will succeed Berman at Fox
Top FX executive and edgy programming whiz, credited with 'The Shield.' 'Nip/Tuck.' Challenge: Working magic in broadcast arena.

Research
Nielsen: We're upping our ethnic mix 
Vows higher minority role among sample viewers in local markets,
responding to outside panel report on local people meter rollout

TV review
'The Office,' smart remake of Brit hit
Maybe too smart. Very funny, at times painfully so for American
audiences used to laughter from a can. Most politically incorrect.

TV review
Let's just call the show 'Bitchlorette'
Folks tuned in for true love. They got suckered. Which is why  ratings are down. ABC could learn a few lessons from its goofs.  

Sports TV
Tiger's long shadow over women's play
Comeback will hurt LPGA's Kraft Nabisco Championship over the
weekend, when it airs against PGA Tour's Players Championship

Dayparts update
NBC's consolation: Sunday mornings 
Tim Russert's 'Meet the Press' is widening its lead, carried by
strong election showing. No love lost for returning 'Current Affair.' 

TV this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Thursday: hoops on CBS; Friday: Fox's NAACP awards; Saturday: ABC's 'Little House;' Sunday: Fox's 'Simpsons' with Kim Cattrall

News Shorts
Redux of 'Idol' performances pushes Fox to No. 1
'Idol' boosts 'House' to another record Tuesday
Ligouri rumored to be succeeding Fox's Berman 
New NFL plan might split 'SNF' with CBS & Fox 
NBC drops drama 'Third Watch' after six seasons
Mickey Mouse club: Eisner moves to 'junior' job
CBS News makeover may be later than expected 

Web Shorts
Botched vote boils Fox's 'Idol' message boards 
Big $ woes could close down AOL Latin America
Poll: People keep clicking, so spam keeps ticking
Military tests virtual reality cure for PTSD sufferers

People
Jerry, Jerry! Trash-talker Springer airing on Air America
Steven Cotten named VP of consumer markets at Starmark International
Jess Aguirre rises to SVP of research at Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel
Scott Anderson rises to SVP of programming and acquisitions at Hallmark Channel
Joanne Burns named Twentieth Television EVP of sales marketing, research and new media
Stephen Anspach rises to SVP of operations at E-Poll
Mary Ann Farrell named E-Poll SVP of research
Laura Galieote rises to VP of finance and accounting at Buena Vista TV
Jonathan Silverman joins Jerry Bruckheimer project for CBS
John Leguizamo added to CBS sitcom pilot
Martin Mull fattens the cast of NBC's 'Thick and Thin'
Jenna 'Dharma' Elfman returns in CBS's 'Everything I Know About Men'

Monday, March 28, 2005

Overnights
Lusty debut for ABC's 'Grey's Anatomy'
Leading out of Sunday hit 'Desperate Housewives,' pulls 16M
viewers, half again as many as 'Boston Legal' in 10 p.m. timeslot 

Technology
Not everyone owns an iPod. Hardly.
Forget the hype. Study finds slower adoption pace for many on-demand media technologies. Long slow sell on why it's better.

Upfront preview
MTV: Network of the forever young
Art of seamless reinvention around kid culture puts the network
in an enviable position as it prepares to meet with media buyers. 

Popcult
Enduring 'Hitch' in a dull movie month
You gotta like Will Smith. Columbia sure does. So-so romantic
comedy hangs in at No. 6 after seven weeks. Mega total gross.

Out of home
Put your client in flight on a paraglider
Looking down on earth for all the crowds to see. Huge soaring wing with a message running tip to tip. Impress the beach-goers. 

TV this week
Ladies, meet ABC's latest 'Bachelor'
He's so dreamy, that Charlie O'Connell! Hoping to fix drooping franchise with the brother of 'Stand by Me's' fat boy. Will it work?

News Shorts
Decent debut for NBC's 'The Office' on Thursday
Martha begs judge: Release me from my chain
MTV teams with Seventeen in sweetheart search
Hoopsters net highest Madness #s in 11 years
Imus calls inquiries about his charity 'hatchet job'
Sharpton wants FCC hearings on radio violence 

Web Shorts
Court upholds $82M gaming verdict against Sony
Study: Microsoft's IE was unsafe majority of 2004
IRS considers crackdown on casual eBay sellers
China accuses cyberdissident of subverting gov't

People
Gary Krantz becomes Air America president
Peter Murphy steps down as Disney's chief strategic officer
David Wade named Jane associate publisher for advertising
Jeff Sagansky joins the board of directors of American Media
Anne Thompson named NBC News chief financial correspondent
Gene DeWitt opens DeWitt Media Options in New York
David Zagin rises to executive VP of distribution at A&E
Cybill Shepherd will play Martha again, for CBS this time
Oprah developing vacation rental properties in Hawaii?
Jennifer Aniston makes it official: She's filing for divorce
Rush Limbaugh loses Palm Beach mansion to his wife
'Seinfeld' actor Barney Martin dies of cancer at 82
'Beverly Hillbillies' creator Paul Henning dies at 93

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Overnights
Slow fade for NBC's hopeful 'Medium'
Perhaps the talking-to-the-dead bit has lost its zip. Well down
last night from its season average against a 'CSI: Miami' rerun. 

Sports TV
Doping scandal will hurt ratings. (Not.)
Actually they'll likely be up this baseball season, which opens this weekend, judging by last year's numbers. You go, Boston, you go.

Upfront preview
TLC: Life unscripted, feelings and all
Looking beyond 'Trading Spaces' for its next act, it plans series
that engage viewers' emotions. Faces a tough sell with ratings off. 

Magazines
Hush. The M word, as in metrosexual.
Yes, but the notion has still had a huge impact on the men's titles,
notably GQ and Details, two magazines so hurt by the lads craze

New media
Long slow win over illegal downloads
Visits climb to legal sites while slumping to P2Ps, off 37 percent from a year ago. Top 10 retail music sites see an 8 percent rise.

TV this week
Captain Kirk beams up to Iowa
Shatner's new 'Invasion' on Spike is reality retread. Fooling a town instead of just one person. Funny, mean or just plain stupid?

News Shorts
Lusty debut for ABC's 'Grey's Anatomy' Sunday
OT games give b-ball tournament a lift on CBS
Daily News takes aim at Post's circ-pumping plan
Syndie rookies 'Life' and 'Moving' may be toast
Regulators nix Black bid to take Hollinger private
Study: Local radio news dep'ts taking a big hit 

Web Shorts
Supreme Court hearing landmark copyright case
And in that case, Cuban will foot Grokster's bill
Study: Online local radio ads so very hot, hot, hot
Should web date sites reveal Romeo's rap sheet?

People
Michael Maher joins Ryan Partnership as EVP and director of client services
Rob Hill named Giant magazine executive editor
Paul Crawford fills new creative director post at Golf magazine
Gary DeSanctis now steering ShowBoats International as new publisher
Ty Wenger tapped as editor of Trader Monthly
Adriana Gardella joins Justice Magazine as associate editor
Tim Holzer named Xtend Networks' director of national accounts
Hulk Hogan and Danny Bonaduce join VH1's celebreality buffet
Elon Gold replaces Tom Everett Scott in Fox's 'Stacked'
Newcomers round out cast of ABC Family's 'Beautiful People'
Claire Forlani playing house with John Leguizamo in CBS comedy
Colin Ferguson becomes a U.S. marshall in Sci Fi's 'Eureka'

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Overnights
Stunning tumble for NBC's 'The Office'
Loses half its audience moving from Thursday, after decent debut for quirky Brit import. Deep puzzlement over network's thinking. 

Newspapers
At last, a real San Francisco news war 
Or coming shortly as a revived Examiner cranks up against the
Chronicle. Circulation has doubled, advertising's up. Folks read it.

Broadcast recap
ABC's Tuesday is nothing to laugh at
Which is the problem. Sitcoms are in a heap of hurt, with timeslot ratings off from a year ago. Two of four may survive the big axe. 

Cable recap
Say so-@%$-long  to the 'Osbournes' 
Finale audience was a fifth of what it once was, yet the rock star and family leave a huge mark on reality TV as invented by MTV 

TV this week
On ABC, these 'Eyes' are spyin'
'Wings' Tim Daly stars in new PI drama debuting tonight. Will it soar like 'Lost' or get grounded like 'LAX?' Early reviews are good.

News Shorts
Slow fade for NBC hopeful 'Medium' on Monday
Nielsen: We're chugging right along on initiatives
Edwards-less 'Morning Edition' still first in the a.m.
TV product placement up 84 percent year to year 
Study: Women still lag in radio management jobs
Court TV develops a day & night split personality 
May sweeps' final-night showdown: 'Idol' vs. 'Lost' 

Web Shorts
Study: Growing menace is phishing & not spam
Publishers settle with freelancers over web work
InfoSpace enters the world of cell search engines
Mac accessory maker nixes virus-design contest
Forget texting, pint-sized novels are next big thing

People
NBC Sports' Dick Ebersol returns to work after crash
Kenny Solomon named chairman and CEO of the Tennis Channel
Aaron Meyerson named SVP of development and production at Oxygen
Cynthia Ashworth joins Oxygen as SVP of marketing
Amanda Civitello rises to event director at Stuff
Peter Schlossmacher rises to sales director at NCC's American division
Chris Linn named MTV VP and executive in charge of production, development and animation
Charles Dolan asks FCC to block EchoStar deal
Top shareholder Conrad Black sued by Hollinger Inc.
Tom Everett Scott bounces back with new gig at ABC
Danny Glover guest starring as estranged dad on 'ER'
Omarosa leads new set of 'Surreal Life' stars
Miramax's Weinsteins officially divorcing Disney


Thursday, March 31, 2005

Overnights
ABC's 'Eyes' debut gets the brushoff 
Suave PI drama gets little help from weak 'Lost,' averaging a 3.2 among 18-49s, even with encouraging reviews. 'Idol' tops night.

TV season poll
Readers: Call ABC the comeback kid
Media folks rank it as this TV season's big story, more noteworthy
even than NBC's collapse or Fox's sudden rise to No. 1 in 18-49s.

Cable
CNN Headline News topples MSNBC
Surges 37 percent in total viewers after makeover, becoming the
No.3 cable news network. Even stronger growth during primetime. 

Dayparts update
ABC's Jennings is fast closing the gap
Nightly news anchor may soon overtake Williams on NBC, earlier than many expected. And his growth is coming from new viewers.

Magazines
Words and ideas from the Atlantic
Snippets of pieces up for the Magazine Awards, a feature article,
'A Sea Story,' an essay on nannies, and three works of fiction  

TV this week
A network nearly 'Left' off the air
HBO documents last year's launch of Air America, the liberal radio network. From bounced checks to checkered distribution.\

News Shorts
Stunning tumble for NBC's 'The Office' Tuesday
News flash: Koppel will leave ABC in December
New for the 2006 Olympics, local athlete profiles
HBO lassos a third season of drama 'Deadwood'
CSTV survey: Louisville fans have most passion 
Babes 'n basketball? The Lingerie Bowl expands
Board: BBC's 'blasphemous' Springer opera okay
Correction: ABC's 'Lost' airs Wednesdays. Duh. 

Web Shorts
Brits: Little interest in great view for Prince's to do 
'Dear Diary, Today I started a new blog on AOL'
In China, virtual game results in a real-life murder
Tech companies: We're hiring again after layoff

People
Suzanne Boyd of now-defunct Suede exits Time Inc.
Amy Lynne Dickinson rises to senior media planner/buyer at Right Place Media
Ric Peralta is named CEO of ATTIK 
Jim Bennett rises to VP for technical operations at Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel
Jodi Falkenthal named VP of southeast region advertising sales at Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel
John Patterson tapped as Meredith director of marketing innovation
Sue Johnson rises to VP of talent development and East Coast programming for ABC Daytime
Tom O'Sullivan upped to VP of local radio sales at Arbitron
MarketWatch.com creator Larry Kramer named CBS Digital Media president
Former soccer star Brandi Chastain joins ABC and ESPN2
'Six Feet Under' producer Rick Cleveland enters deal for drama projects for NBC
Joseph 'Reverend Run' Simmons gets real on MTV 

Friday, April 1, 2005

Overnights
Payback: 'CSI' trumping 'Apprentice' 
CBS drama returns with a vengeance, taking night and leaving
a bigger hole in NBC's fast-fading reality show. Donald's undoing. 

Television
After Ted, perhaps a laugh or two
Or jabbering jocks: ABC's options post-'Nightline' would seem
wide-ranging.  How about Ellen? Jerry? Hey, maybe Bill Clinton.

Magazines
A Martha makeover for Body + Soul
Finding the good life beyond the domestic arts.  Crystal free: Stewart title undergoes a redesign and move to the mainstream. 

Younger viewers
Thrill of siblings for 'Dora the Explorer'
And soaring ratings for Nick among the wee ones. Best timeslot audience in three years as we meet her twin brother and sister. 

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, Help. I've got the five-year itch.
Options for moving on when the time rolls around.  Career tips for a media planner at a small agency looking to advance herself.

TV this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: NBC's 'Dateline;' Saturday: CBS's Final Four; Sunday: Showtime's 'The L Word' and women's hoops Final Four.

News Shorts
ABC's Wednesday 'Eyes' debut gets the brushoff
Cartoon Network founder Cohen will run Lifetime
Daily News fires latest salvo in tabs' circ skirmish 
The doctor is out: Wyle leaving 'ER' after this year
Fox business channel launch in doubt, says Ailes
'Malcolm' returning for a seventh and final season 

Web Shorts
Microsoft files suits against alleged phishermen
Britney's rant: Tabs suck. Us stinks. People rules.
Never miss a Bonds at-bat with baseball via cell 
Taiwanese man commits suicide over e-infidelity
Continuing Neo's adventures with Matrix Online 

People
Nils Peyron joins McCann San Francisco as EVP and Microsoft global brand director
Jeff Fryling named VP of corporate development at Xtend Networks
Mike Quaid appointed Chicago national sales manager at Viamedia
Have ya heard? Gossip Liz Smith's unhappy break-up with Newsday
April Fools: See Star Jones Reynolds as fur-loving cross-dresser
Renee Taylor joins the cast of NBC's 'Early Bird'
Seth Green cast in 'Four Kings' at NBC
Three more join Bow Wow in WB comedy 'Bow'
Poet and American artist Robert Creely dies at 78
The Wine Spectator creator Robert Morrisey dies of heart failure at 78
Bay area radio personality Dr. Don Rose dies in his sleep at 70
Las Vegas TV anchor Polly Gonzales killed in car crash 

Monday, April 4, 2005

Overnights
ABC has a new hit in 'Grey's Anatomy'
Even stronger second outing following 'Housewives,' up by 61 percent over 'Boston Legal' average. Hot doctors, good reviews. 

Upfront preview
E!: Moving beyond its celebrity niche
Broader entertainment focus to reverse ratings dip, spinning off new shows from 'True Hollywood Stories.' Less tattletale chatter.

Sports TV
Lower hopes for women hoopsters
Expect ratings to be way off for tomorrow's finals, with Taurasi now graduated and UConn not in contention. Baylor vs. Michigan St. 

Popcult
Hardly a steamy weekend for 'Sin City'
Darkest noir flick does just okay at the box office, surprising with
all the critical buzz it's gotten. America's thoughts were elsewhere.

Out of home
Wrap your client around four wheels
And deliver the message to choice neighborhoods, handing out
samples, with the vehicle's driver serving as brand ambassador.   

TV this week
NCAA final: Talent vs. consistency
The nation's top two teams, UNC & Illinois, are a study in opposites. They tip off at 9 tonight with the title on the line.

News Shorts
CBS's NCAA semis highest-rated in seven years
ABC offers longest coverage of Pope's passing 
Gore's gamble: The lowdown on his new network
Don't meet the Mets? Dispute will block out b-ball
New BET sked includes an 'Apprentice'-like show
Oops! South Pacific Time prematurely kills prince

Web Shorts
Reporters notified via email of pontiff's death
XM Radio gains 540K new subscribers during Q1
Study: Podcasters becoming, like, the new blogs
New program has kids sweating to video games

People
Prosecutors scoff at Martha's sentencing reduction plea
Congress to cable industry: Regulate indecency or else
Michelle Rice rises to SVP of national accounts and affiliate marketing for TV One
Jeffrey Kramer launches Juniper Place Productions
Christopher Swan rises to managing director of affiliate relations at Golf Channel
Sandy Rubinstein named VP of marketing for Fuse
NBC signs Christine Dunford for comedy pilot 'The Dennis'
Donn Carper appointed VP of new business development for KCBS and KCAL
Writer Kari Lizer signs two-year deal with WB
Jim Brown named director of operations for WWE
Scott Moore named VP of content operations at Yahoo!
TV director Greg Garrison dies at 81
Radio sales veteran Pat McRight passes away

Tuesday, April 5, 2005

Television
ABC's Peter Jennings has lung cancer
Will continue anchoring as he undergoes chemotherapy. Memo
to 'World News Tonight' staff: 'As you all know, this is a challenge.' 

Overnights
Viewer surge for NCAA championship
Household ratings up 45 percent for Tar Heel win over Illinois in final game of college bball. Highest rated since 1999 Duke game. 

Newspapers
LA Times and WSJ win two Pulitzers 
NY Times leads pack winning one award each. Investigative prize
to  Willamette Week for reporting ex-governor's teen X-capades.

Feature
Full media press for first media pope
Plans for covering the pontiff's funeral on Friday, who's doing
 what and when. (Catch Prince Charles as he pops over to Rome) 

New media
Yes, folks really do open V#@g*a spam
Visits to online pharmaceutical sites are way up, and they're rising
even faster to those internet shops that don't require prescriptions 

TV this week
What Evel lurks in Robbie's head?
Star of A&E's new series seems to have pop's problems. Watch as he tries to jump 25 cop cars in debut of 'Knievel's Wild Ride.'

News Shorts
ABC has a new hit in Sunday's 'Grey's Anatomy'
Nielsen: We're getting coaches to help with LPMs
USA Network puts a headlock on new WWE deal
Radio revenue flat in February but up year to date
Spears, fresh off tab rant, gets UPN reality show
CBS cans 'JAG' after 10 years of crime solving 

Web Shorts
ABC brings back digital news with internet tie-ins
Uprising-wary Chinese ban e-tributes to pope
Florida AG files suit against alleged spammers
E-bid for the 'Christmas Story' house (sans lamp) 

People
Al Gore's Current network set to launch Aug. 1
James McDonald steps down as publisher of Washington Examiner
Herbert Maloney III tapped as Washington Examiner's new publisher
Margot Bradley named VP and general manager of La Agencia de Orc & Asociados
Nicole Bernard named Fox's SVP of broadcast standards and practices
Greg Germann joins the cast of 'Eureka' at the Sci Fi Channel
Steve Case's Revolution buys Wisdom Media
Annie Potts joins the cast of ABC pilot 'Red & Blue'
Erin Hershey Presley added to cast of untitled ABC pilot
Renee Taylor joins the cast of NBC's 'Early Bird'
Barbara Brogliatti retires as Warner Bros. EVP and chief corporate communication officer
BBC chief Mark Thompson meeting with union to prevent strike

Wednesday, April 6, 2005

Overnights
Stealth 'American Idol' still's a killer
Less flapdoodle but stronger than a year ago, topping combined
ratings of all five competitors last night. Just nine warblers to go. 

Broadcast recap
Helpful boost for CBS from hoopsters
Likely securing No. 2 behind Fox for the season, with the NCAA
bball tourney the highest-rated in 12 years. Can it fend off ABC? 

Upfront preview
ESPN: Reaching out to the casual fan
More original programs for those lulls in the game, as it seeks to
widen its audience. ESPN2's challenge: Defining its differences.

Cable recap
With WWE, USA's back in the ring
Wrestling's return should push it to No. 1 in cable, ahead of TNT and TBS, adding to growth led by 'Monk' and other original series. 

Magazines
Yet another flush of new magazines 
Two named Red, and at least three for car nuts. And coming soon from David Pecker's American Media: Celebrity Living Weekly.  

TV this week
'The West Wing' heads to the DNC
Who will emerge as the Democrats' nominee? Early season finale for creatively reenergized show. Saintly Santos versus Bingo Bob.

News Shorts
Viewer surge for Monday's NCAA championship
Jennings: 'We are survivors from the diagnosis'
FCC's Martin urges cablers to regulate raciness
Here!, expanding its programming & its presence
ABC gives dramas early pickups, including 'Alias'
Disparate 'Housewives' at Vanity Fair cover shoot  

Web Shorts
Rising gas prices send bargain-seekers to web
Amazon entering on-demand publishing world
Cheerio! In U.K., internet ad sales overtake radio 
Zoom in: Google maps out new satellite images
Ethiopia wants to significantly up online presence

People
Veteran magazine editor Elizabeth Crow dies of cancer at 56
Byron Calame succeeding Daniel Okrent as New York Times public editor
Telemundo president and CEO Jim McNamara exiting
COO Don Browne stepping in as top guy at Telemundo
Eric Solomon rises to managing editor at Boston's Weekly Dig
Alana Russo becomes NBC Sports communications manager
Ken Bode and William Schulz tapped for new ombudsman post at PBS
Mark W. Herlyn rises to VP for advertising at The New York Times
Geoff Wells joins Fox as VP and chief information officer
Juan Carlos Balarezo joins Ethnic Print Media Group as account executive
Disney boss Bob Iger promises more control to top execs
News Corp. COO Peter Chernin: We won't follow Viacom's lead
Donald Trump gets federal thumbs-up for reorganization

Thursday, April 7, 2005

Research
FTC: We'll let Nielsen do its own thing
Refuses to intervene in local people meter dispute, in a direct
rebuff to News Corp.'s Rupert Murdoch. Backs role of the MRC.

TV review
'Living with Fran,' well, we'd rather not
Yikes, older dame takes up with boy toy. Boring. Never mind that
it's on the WB yet, where it's all about the young and the pretty.

Upfront preview
TBS: Building up from its comedy base
Slew of reality shows to enhance 'very funny' brand. It will pitch buyers on its strength as the No. 1 cable network among 18-34s. 

Dayparts update
Rise in wee-hour yuks for Ferguson
'Late Late Show' is up in ratings with its new hostLate Late Show' is up in ratings with its new hostLate Late Show' is up in ratings with its new host, even though
it still lags NBC's 'Conan O'Brien.' Quirky wit and a bit of Scotland.

Magazines
Remembering Elizabeth Crow, editor
And that she was. Her passion was her readers, whether of 
Parents or Mademoiselle or Consumers Reports, her last title.  

TV this week
'Red Shoe Diaries' director does Bravo
Zalman King's latest risqu offering is 'Forty Deuce,' four-parter on a Hollywood burlesque club debuting tonight. 42nd St. flashback.

News Shorts
Slight bump up for season finale of NBC's 'Wing'
Stealth 'American Idol' still's a killer on Tuesday
Organic Style publisher hops to Martha magazine
Emmy acceptance speeches get a close shear
Nielsen study: TV sparks more buys than stores
RI reporter freed early in leaked FBI tape case
MTV Overdrive, or how to put 'Punk'd' on your PC 

Web Shorts
Dial tone: AOL leaps aboard the VoIP bandwagon 
Cookie uncutter? New program restores profiles
MSN tweaks Messenger & starts a blog service
Duke scratches free iPods for incoming freshmen

People
Sarah Gray Miller steps down as editor of Budget Living magazine
Melinda Kendall joins BPA Worldwide as acting VP for events audit
Deborah Frank named managing editor of Departures magazine
Judith E. Murphy named VP and associate publisher of Departures magazine
Charles and Camilla's royal wedding comes to WE
Aimee Osbourne under treatment after breast cancer scare
'The View's' Elisabeth Hasselbeck welcomes new baby girl
Byron Allen eyes take-over of PAX TV network 

Friday, April 8, 2005

Sports TV
Ads are back for this year's Masters
Returning two years after fizzled protest by Burk over Augusta ban
on women members. Look for ExxonMobil, IBM and SBC spots. 

Overnights
CBS's suddenly struggling 'Survivor'
Reality show tumbles after basketball interlude. What gives?
Might it be that one team is always losing? Too much grousing?

Television
Big tip of the hat to much-dissed Dan
Rather wins a Peabody for Abu Ghraib report on '60 Minutes II,'
in a slap to critics who piled on after famous Memogate boner  

Younger viewers
An Incredible night for kiddie awards 
Nick's celeb fandango ranks tops among young'uns across all of cable and broadcast, beating out even Fox's hit 'American Idol.'   

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I want to work in Washington
Good luck. It's a tough town for jobs in media. Our career advice columnist instructs a reader in how best to go about finding one. 

TV this week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Babs talks up Rosie and her partner on ABC's '20/20;' Saturday: CBS's Masters; Sunday: MTV's 'Punk'd' and Masters 

News Shorts
Slight bump up for season finale of NBC's 'Wing'
Big year for cable predicted at Discovery upfront
GM yanks LA Times ads (bad review a catalyst?)
Albom's fictional Free Press Final Four feature 
Where the boys are? Out buying video games
Ailes: Then again, Fox biz news may launch soon 

Web Shorts
eMarketer: The internet's no longer a boys' club
More women webtivities: Meredith's gaming site
Add to Yahoo's coffers the powering of Wikipedia
Gift shop claims online bigs overcharge for clicks 

People
Beth Feldman rises to VP of CBS Communications Group
Roy Laughlin splits with Clear Channel and LA's KIIS-FM
James Doucette joins Meridian Consulting as executive consultant
Jerry Daniello named VP of integrated marketing and promotion at ABC
Peter Tarshis rises to VP of programming for The Biography Channel
Howard Stern pulls show off the air in Fort Myers
Rob Dibble brings his opinions to FSN's 'BDSSP'
Kiss veteran Gene Simmons will teach VH1's 'Rock School'
Joe and Anthony Russo tapped for a second series at HBO
Caryn Mandabach signs development deal with BBC
Kimberly Elise joins the cast of 'American Crime'
Lauren Holly joins Camryn Manheim's project at WB
Brenda Starr creator Dale Messick dies at 98

Monday, April 11, 2005

Sports TV
All bow to Tiger and TV golf's return
Expect ratings to surge this season with Woods' win yesterday at Augusta. His slump of two years now over. Hope for all the majors. 

Radio
Ahem, Rush, you step aside for Sean
Hannity is the new king of conservative talk radio, and his rise speaks to a dramatic change in the genre. The chatter as zealot.

Sports TV
Oh, sweet nostalgia, bowling's revival
Where on ESPN celebs shoe up. Very very 50s. 'Bowling Night,'
debuting tomorrow, hopes to follow the lead of the poker craze. 

Popcult
Spring book for a 'Star Wars' summer
Good sign: 'Revenge of the Sith' debuts at No.2 on The New York
Times bestseller list its first week, ahead of May movie release

Out of home
Your client playing a game of street ball
Signage on telephone booths next to public courts, reaching those
young males into basketball. Venue for urban fashion statements. 

TV this week
Live from Charm City, it's 'Miss USA'
Or is that Miss NBC? Annual pageant follows Miss USA 'Fear Factor' and has loads of network talent judging. Trump owns it.

News Shorts
Another strong Sunday for ABC and 'Housewives'
Not a bad debut for WB's 'Living With Fran' Friday
Grey area: 'Anatomy' bumps 'Boston' to next year
'Veronica'-files can rest easy, 'Mars' is returning
Cablevision killing Voom (it's final this time, really) 
Time's top 100: Martha, Murdoch, Stewart & more
Coming this summer to AOL, XM Radio stations

Web Shorts
Sp*am, still annoying but more people accept it
Watch out for 'Windows machine' subject lines
College kid gives Sony's PSP online capability
Nation's first sp^am felon gets nine years in prison

People
Kathleen Cox steps down as president and CEO of CPB
Former AOLers Ruben Moreno, Jr. and Gregory Horton plead guilty to fraud
Shari Cohen and Jason Maltby named presidents and co-executive directors at MindShare
Jo-Ann Armao steps down as Washington Post's assistant Metro managing editor
Martha Stewart takes a pay cut in 2004, to $1.2 million
Roger Ebert gets honors in Hollywood and Chicago
Sydney Schanberg named new media critic at the Village Voice
Matt Arkin joins Tacoda as SVP of advertising sales
Tom Fontana signs two-script development deal with Sony Pictures TV
Mike Royko's son arrested for attempted bank heist 
Washington Post journalist Chalmers M. Roberts dies at 94

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Magazines
Ad page fizzle for consumer magazines
Detroit and big drug companies cut their spending. First quarter
ends with a whimper, up just 1.2 percent in pages. Recovery belch. 

Sports TV
Near record viewers for Tiger comeback
Up 41 percent over final day of last year's Masters and the best showing since his '01 win. Just in time, with PGA in renewal talks.  

Upfront preview
TNT: Looking for  a drama all its own 
Its next big push is to develop an original series, having grown
its audience into cable's largest. Coming: A summer of originals. 

Interview
Maer Roshan on the rebirth of Radar
An editor talks about how his magazine will be unique, a new voice
reaching America's hip urban readers. Redux with Mort's bucks. 

New media
The dope on baseball? Play's the thing.
Steroids, schmeroids. Traffic's way up to MLB.com, and so are site's ticket sales. If anything scandal is hyping the interest of fans. 

TV this week
Another hosting job for ESPN's Scott
Network's jack-of-all-trades leads 'Teammates,' a 'Newlyweds' for athletes minus the whoopee jokes. Yo Stu, ask for OT.

News Shorts
Miss 'USA?' NBC pageant's small draw Monday
Another strong Sunday for ABC and 'Housewives'
Nielsen foe Don't Count Us Out back on the attack
Judge: Nope, Martha can't ankle that anklet early
Woods' slo-mo putt the perfect Nike golf ball ad
With big tax refund comes very little imagination
Comparative couch potatoing: Japan bests U.S. 

Web Shorts
Phone moan: 'Honey, I really must take this call'
Phishing scams on the rise, but growth is slowing
News organizations show support for e-journalists
Microsoft Television? New Xbox unveiling on MTV

People
Richard Alcott named executive VP and managing director of Initiative North America
Liz Yamamoto rises to VP of ABC news sales proposals
Michael Beckner named VP of online operations at Razor magazine
Robert P. Sherry joins Primedia as online properties group publisher
Shari Gunn rises to VP of marketing at Primedia
James Bell rises to publisher of IntelliChoice
Junny Ann Hibbert tapped as advertising director at Blender magazine
Phil Reynolds tapped as Midwest manager at Life
Kelsey Kirsch and Mark Hartnett join Self magazine
Several new hires and promotions at Discovery
Charles D. Chieppo fired from Boston Herald for non-disclosure
Charles-Camilla union draws 9.7M British viewers
Possible Oprah-Martha heart-to-heart?
CBS newsman Andy Rooney scolded by judge
Alfre Woodard joining ABC's ladies of Wisteria Lane

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Overnights
'Blind Justice' in a headlong tumble 
As curiosity wears off over sightless cop saga. Ratings sink by
a third since its debut. Fox sweeps the night with 'American Idol.' 

Broadcast recap
Late vote of confidence for 'West Wing' 
Season finale sees a boost over last year's ender, despite lower
average. Credit revamped storylines, raising hopes for next year. 

TV review
'Revelations,' pray for a speedy end
Because it's a hard slog through this NBC series that attempts to
explore the biblical tale of earth's last days. Give us a sign, please.

TV review
'Chasing Farrah,' a parody out of time
She went on to become a capable actress, too late. Case study
of a TV star whose career was ruined by a string of bad decisions. 

Cable recap
Pope's funeral was a broadcast event
Cable networks pull less than a fourth of viewers. When it comes
to those big historic events, viewers seek out voices of authority. 

TV this week
Fox's 'Stacked' (it refers to the books)
Pam Anderson's new bibliocomedy debuts tonight with an assist from 'American Idol.' Good sign: Christopher Lloyd co-stars.

News Shorts
Miss 'USA?' NBC pageant's small draw Monday
Beta study: Disney & Comedy Central most fun
Tracks magazine, one year old, takes hiatus
At Turner upfront, a slew of original programming
BET nixes night newscast for short daily briefings
Study: Minorities increase in newsrooms, barely 
Mississippi's Rick James for city council, *#$%^! 

Web Shorts
LexisNexis identity glitch worse than first thought
Britney: Those horrid tabloids were right, I'm PG
Microsoft: New MSN services & new security flaw
Localized mobile search may be the next big thing
City of Wireless Love? Philadelphia goes Wi-Fi 

People
McCann's Jim Kite joins MediaVest USA as EVP, director of insights, research and accountability
Michelle Balaz joins Popstar! magazine as advertising director
Denise Anderman named publisher of MPH magazine
Brian Blanchard named VP of business development at Target+Response
John Griffin joins Spike as VP of programming
Nancy Leidersdorff named director of media planning at Spike
Erin McQuade rises to Spike senior director of programming
Irena Briganti rises to VP of media relations at Fox News
Laura J. Lee rises to senior director at Hallmark Channel
Lance Ford tapped as new president of advertising and publishing at American Media
Erin Underhill rises to VP of drama development at NBC
Melanie Griffith signs on for mom role on WB's 'Good Eggs'
Family of slain soldier gets a new home from 'Extreme Makeover' 

Thursday, April 14, 2005

Overnights
Awe-inspiring debut for 'Revelations'
Strong ratings, despite reviews trashing series and competition from Fox's 'Idol.' NBC Bible-based show pulls in 15 million viewers 

Magazines
Yet more sweet vindication for Martha
Two National Magazine Awards for her titles and loud applause from her peers, never mind her legal tangles and sinking ad pages 

Television