Wedneday, Jan. 2, 2008

Overnights
So sweet: Fox is tops with Sugar Bowl
Averages a 4.7 rating in adults 18-49, by early numbers, beating out NBC's lineup of original shows, as Georgia blows out Hawaii

Sports TV
Patriots' Giants win pulls huge ratings
Last regular-season game draws 34.5 million viewers, best in 12 years and boding well for the 16-0 team and the NFL postseason

Commentary
So long, Steve Florio, you'll be missed
Saluting the media notables who died in 2007, from the former Condé Nast executive to prize-winning writer David Halberstam

Popcult
Tall tales: The rise of the urban legend
Credit the internet with the explosion of whoppers that fly about with no basis in fact. Did you know Barack Obama is a Muslim?

Out of Home
Your client creating a scene in Vegas
Super-size ads that invite visitors to interact with the wave of a hand are a big thing these days in the resort and convention city

TV This Week
Mostly off the cuff, late night goes live
All eyes will be on 'Letterman' and 'Ferguson,' the only shows returning with guild writers, with a big bump a win for the strikers

News shorts
In the writers' strike, lots of sniping signifying nothing
Out with the old: Northeast NY Times nixes TV listings
Study: Germans' time in front of the tube waned in '07
Cincinnati's afternoon Post folds after 126 years
Looking for Generation Y? Find them at the library.

Web shorts
ComScore: Holiday etail spending jumps 19 percent
Click! Vonage no longer hung up on patent disputes.
FCC: Stations may end analog service before 2009
AOL poll: Tabloid girl Lohan was year's worst actress

People
Kris Magel joins Initiative USA as SVP and director of national broadcast
KerryAnn Brennan becomes advertising services director at Wenner Media
Longtime Essence editor Susan L. Taylor leaving the magazine
Good Health Advertising hires four new employees
Vincent Framularo becomes account executive at Power Marketing Partners
Bobby Lawrence becomes CEO at Local TV
Horizon Media hires eight new L.A. and New York employees
Chris Sanagustin joins, Erik Storey and Tony Optican rise at Sci Fi
NBC Agency East Coast announces new hires and promotions
As Iowa looms, Mike Huckabee drops by NBC's 'Tonight Show'
Michael Jackson Pepsi ad mastermind Philip B. Dusenberry dies at age 71
'Without a Trace's' Roselyn Sanchez engaged to Eric Winter
Chicago Tribune columnist Terry Armour dies unexpectedly at age 46

Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008

Overnights
Old is gold: Stronger debut for 'L&O'
NBC cops and court drama averages a 3.8 in 18-49s, up by 6 percent over last year's fall debut. Eighteen years and counting.

Television
The really big story: The writers' strike
Media buyers see it as the No. 1 issue of 2007, and they worry it will dominate 2008 as well. It's by far the single looming concern.

Television
With the new year, a cold snap is due
The networks are about to take a slide in ratings, their stockpiles of fresh episodes now all but depleted. The one exception: Fox.

Cable
On TBS, a 'Christmas Story' to top all
The annual 24-hour loop of the 1983 movie peaked on Christmas eve, outdrawing everything on broadcast and cable in 18-34s

New media
Right decent holidays for online retail
Pace of growth has slowed this season, to 19 percent from 26 percent, reflecting the larger base, but dollars spent is well up

TV This Week
Trump card: One more for 'Apprentice'
The strike may be the best thing to happen to the fading NBC reality show, easing the competition for this celebrity edition

News shorts
Strike update: Talkers return amidst WGA picketing
New from Netflix, movies that zip from PC to television
The word: Web spending will pass TV in Britain in '09 
Great outdoors? Special NHL game draws big rating.
Programming notes: 'Idol' pumping new Fox shows

Web shorts
There she is: TLC viewers help choose Miss America
Saudi blogger imprisoned for criticizing government
Study: Cell phone chatters are clogging the freeways
Wikia Search, a more democratic way to find things

People
Will Funk rises to SVP of sports sponsorships at Turner Sports
Ron Wessels, Jedd Davis and Don Bruns join Avenue A | Razorfish
Joe Kahn and Ian Fisher become foreign deputies at NY Times
Joe Koufman becomes VP of business development at Spunlogic
Sonia Borris rises to SVP of marketing at Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Marketing
Overstock.com COO Jason Lindsey resigning
Clear Channel Television CEO Donald D. Perry stepping down
Curtis Pace and Shelby Mason rise at Disney-ABC Domestic Television
Holly Miller rises at Comcast Network Advertising Sales to VP of advertising sales
Gary Bembridge becomes VP of national advertising sales at CBS Television Stations
Terry O'Reilly becomes EVP and GM at ReelzChannel
Insight Communications CTO and SVP Charlie Dietz retiring
Jake Whitman, Greig Todd and Josh Eure join 'World News Now'

Friday, Jan. 4, 2008

Overnights
Trump trumps as 'Apprentice' jumps
Returning NBC reality show pulls a 4.5 in 18-49s, up 9 percent over last season's premiere, lifted by 'Deal or No Deal' special

Dayparts update
Late night TV returns with a hefty roar
But writer-less Leno sees the biggest gains, the NBC show up 66 percent over its season average, besting fully staffed Letterman

Research
Revealed: The way hot trends of 2008
Trend-weary? This new list will revive you, as compiled by JWT. Try these: Eco-fatigue, mobulimia, Facebook suicide, de-teching.

TV Preview
'The Wire,' painting a face on the pain
This new season is a must-watch for media people, revealing the real costs of cutbacks at newspaper newsrooms across America

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, what belongs on my resume?
The writer is a media newbie looking to move on. Rachel advises: Keep it real simple, leaving out all but the essential information.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: TLC's 'Miss America Reality Check;' Saturday: NBC's AFC wild card game; Sunday: ABC's 'Cashmere Mafia' debut

News shorts
Pull out the gloves: Leno and WGA battle over rules
Fox sees slight ratings dip after BCS game blowouts
In 2007, ABC had the most-watched evening news
Chinese government cracks down on video sharing
Radical artists' nuclear TV prank mushrooms into trial

Web shorts
Hitwise: Obama is a winner in Iowa and on the web
J.P. Morgan: Could be a banner year for display ads
CD sales tumble again as digital music also slows
S#% doesn't excel in China's most-searched-for terms

People
BusinessWeek assistant managing editor Paul Barrett leaving for WSJ
San Jose Mercury News executive editor Carole Leigh Hutton stepping down
Mark Hollinger becomes COO at Discovery Communications
RJ Palmer promotes seven to associate media director
Richard Fisher joins PRN Worldwide as president
Nick Purdy rejoins and Jay Sweet rises at Paste magazine
Chris McCumber rises to EVP of marketing at USA
Bob D'Addario rises to head sales division at SOLO
Molly Hop becomes group media director at Critical Mass
Steven Vincent rises to VP of music and soundtracks at Disney Channel
Elisabeth Hasselbeck returning to 'The View' Monday
Dan Patrick signing with XM Satellite Radio
Mark Schroeder joins CBS Outernet as VP of Western region sales

Monday, Jan. 7, 2008

Overnights
Huge debut for 'American Gladiators'
NBC reality show averages a 5.9 rating in 18-49s for two-hour special, despite facing ABC's last original 'Housewives' episode

Television
Zucker punch: Golden Globes dangler
NBC chief scrambles to save next Sunday's airing of the awards show in what could be the nastiest showdown in the writers' strike

Magazines
For magazines, new year of challenges
Last year was a tough one, and 2008 will be too as publishers experiment with new ways to appeal to advertisers and readers

Popcult
Hallelujah, the hot January diet crazes
Turn to Genesis 1:29 for the secret to good health, and then of course you'll want to detox with a cocktail of algae and seaweed

Out of Home
Your client pumping at the health club
The opportunity to sponsor health-related events as Americans return to their workouts to burn off those extra holiday party inches

TV This Week
Uncertain crown: LSU and Ohio State
They play to determine the best college football team but the champion title could go elsewhere if they don't do a bangup job

News shorts
Weekend overnights: Huge turnout for NBC's game
Comcast's upcoming innovation: The portable DVR
After a frustrating fall, CW tinkers with its schedule
CBS 'Early Show' introduces yet another makeover
Finally, some first-months numbers for Fox Business

Web shorts
CES TV intel: ABC and Disney shows coming to Xbox
Microsoft lets viewers pick the schedule for Olympics
New from Napster, downloadable, sharable MP3 files 
LA Times' tech show coverage goes high-tech itself

People
Chicago Sun-Times cutting 35 union newsroom positions
David Butler becomes editor at the San Jose Mercury News
Patricia Yakesch, Ashley Peden, Jason Richoux and Greg Spratley join Moroch Partners
With actor guests scarce, Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel swap shows
HBO's Bill Maher returning to the air without writers
Tabitha Coffey working with Bravo on pilot 'Tabitha's Takeover'
Dr. Phil: Britney Spears released from hospital but needs my help
Austin Nichols pleads guilty to impaired driving
Simone Smalls founds Simone Smalls PR
Alton Brown extends contract with Food Network
'Without a Trace's' Poppy Montgomery welcomes first child
Johnny Fairplay heading up new 'Survivor: Fans vs. Favorites'
Fine Living Network picks up Brad Lamb's 'Big City Broker'

Tuesday, Jan.8, 2008

Overnights
NBC's 'Gladiators' comes back strong
New strongman reality series pulls a 4.8 in 18-49s its second outing, down 18 percent but still grows against Fox's BCS finale

Television
Strike puts dimmer on Golden Globes
NBC settles for a news conference naming winners, in a victory for WGA. Big issue: What's this mean for the Academy Awards?

Television
In syndication, it looks like a full boat
Unlike in past years, few shows face cancellation heading into NATPE. Ratings are holding for older shows and some new ones.

New media
For the web, a year to crank it way up
The internet will transform in the coming year, becoming much more sophisticated in terms of advertising and range of content

New media
More and more, the web is for giving
More charities are doing good by doing well online, often with clever fund-raising devices where advertisers do the real giving

TV This Week
On 'One Tree Hill,' a look back in time
In an original twist, teen angst series leaps ahead four years, relating the characters' college years in a series of flashbacks

News shorts
Clinton and Romney lead New Hampshire (in TV ads)
Stewart and Colbert return to laughs and WGA arrows
Coming from Comcast, a wider range of on-demand
Ooh-la-London: A&F relaunching its racy catalogue
Programming notes: 'Dexter' cuts into CBS schedule

Web shorts
Actually, game time doesn't limit TV or movie watching
United against News Corp.? NYT & CNBC's big deal.
Study: Young people prefer MySpace to television
Final numbers: Etailers take in $29.2B over holidays

People
David Etherington rises to SVP and worldwide marketing director at Titan Worldwide
Peter J. Lazarus becomes EVP of network sales at Univision Communications
Janet Abbazia becomes VP of event marketing at Turner Sports
Karen Elyse rises to executive director of events and sports marketing at Golf Digest
Matt Ginella and Christian Iooss rise at Golf Digest
Shant Tutunjian becomes integrated marketing manager at Stardoll
Joe LaSala becomes SEVP and general counsel at Discovery Communications
Roddy Boyd joins Fortune as a writer
Heath Rudduck joins Digitas as executive creative director
Condé Nast names three new senior vice presidents
Saatchi & Saatchi X hires and promotes seven employees
Deborah Heisz named editor in chief at Success magazine
CBS 'Late Show' host David Letterman loses the beard on the air

Wedneday, Jan. 9, 2008

Overnights
Teen steam: Solid debut for 'One Tree'
Earns the CW its best Tuesday so far this season, pulling a 2.1 in target 18-34 viewers, second behind NBC in the demographic

Television
January surprise: NBC shoots to No. 1
Lagging network pulls its best ratings in years with its new reality-heavy schedule, defying slew of predictions that it would tumble

Cable
The top cable network in 2007: Disney
Ad-free kid-friendly network beats out the big boys like USA in primetime viewership, thanks largely to 'High School Musical'

Cable
On Lifetime, reasons to feel real good
'How to Look Good Naked' is about self-esteem for women, and it's about huge ratings for the network, its best reality debut ever

Newspapers
Big 2008 newspaper story: Integration
Papers may be hurting, but they still make money, lots of it. Their major push will be the internet. Talking with analyst John Morton.

TV This Week
Unto the breach: NBC debut 'L&O: CI'
Airing reruns of top copper from sister network USA, where they ran last fall, leading move of shows from cable as strike drags on

News shorts
Business Week parent McGraw Hill laying off 611
Mitchell's steroid report shows muscle on NY radio
Globes fallout: NBC offering advertisers money back 
Hot and bothered: OK! sues Heat over Spears tidbits
PDF, RIP: Telegraph nixes weekday afternoon edition

Web shorts
Comcast investigating Comcast web use complaints
Bush in the blogosphere: Chronicling the president
Violinist follows Radiohead e-model for latest release
Digital divide: Sony BMG removes copy protections

People
Thomas Beusse becomes president and CEO at Westwood One
Joe Levy joins Blender as editor in chief
Adam Poulter becomes executive commercial director at Red Bee Media
Matt Turner joins Gospel Music Channel as VP of Eastern region ad sales
Eugene M. Kuerner and Cheryl Scott join Medio Systems
Gary Krakow becomes senior technology correspondent at TheStreet.com
Naamua Delaney joins CNN.com's online anchor team
Janet Tipton becomes corporate sales director at Time
Lisa Ocker and Sandra Bienkowski join Success
Brenda Freeman becomes CMO for Turner
RPA Media promotes four in media communications group
Samantha Maltin rises to SVP of integrated marketing for Nickelodeon
Former New Republic publisher Gilbert A. Harrison dies at age 92


Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008

Overnights
Sweetest deal: NBC takes Wednesday
Network averages a 3.1 in 18-49s, nose ahead of ABC and CBS at 3.0 each, led by 'Deal or No Deal.' 'L&O' slips from last week.

Television
On the endangered list: ABC's Oscars
The WGA has every reason to kibosh the telecast as a means of raising the price of the strike, now in its third month. Expect it to.

TV Preview
'Sarah Connor Chronicles,' butt-kicker
New Fox series has a lot working for it beyond the 'Terminator' franchise, including positive reviews and not much competition

Television
In TV, a year of disruption and change
How the writers' strike plays out will be a major story in 2008 but one among many. Talking with John Rash and Steve Sternberg.

Dayparts update
These days, it's Sundays with George
Stephanopoulos's 'This Week' on ABC skips past CBS's 'Face the Nation,' and it narrows the gap with NBC's 'Meet the Press'

TV This Week
For 'Grey's Anatomy,' time to sew it up
Last remaining original episode airs at 9 p.m., and some plotlines will likely be resolved as the hit ABC doc show goes into reruns

News shorts
Write on: CBS and WGA make news writers deal
Study: Americans don't find media all that believable
Golf Channel suspends announcer for lynching joke
In France, perhaps a farewell to public TV advertising
2007: The year magazines really embraced the web?

Web shorts
Pew: Number of online video viewers is shooting up
LA prosecutors hope to make MySpace fraud = crime
Apple takes bite out of British iTunes download prices
P*^% through your PC: The new HD movie service

People
Cynthia Chu becomes VP and CFO at Oxygen Media
Sean M. Giancola rises at and Ron Mulliken joins American Express Publishing
Jay Meyer becomes associate publisher at Food & Wine
Erik Moeller named deputy director at the Wikimedia Foundation
Ann Lewis Roberts becomes SVP at Buena Vista and SOAPnet
John Buchanan and Sarah Handley join EA Casual Entertainment
Norris Scott becomes managing director of partnership marketing for NASCAR
Lee Kamlet rejoins ABC's 'World News' as head writer
Lisa S. Parker rises to regional sales manager at Cox Media Hampton Roads
Carrie Welch rises at Food Network to VP of public relations
Jonathan M. Bernard rises to director of automotive advertising sales at Comcast Spotlight
Brian Owens joins Fox Broadcasting as VP of marketing strategy and analytics
Tony Rock launching TV One standup series 'The Funny Spot'

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2008

Overnights
'Apprentice' wilts on a tougher night
The NBC reality show averages a 3.5 in 18-49s for its second outing, off 22 percent from debut against fresh 'Grey's' and 'CSI'

Research
Nearly all ads are seen in DVR homes
Study finds three fourths are seen in live broadcasts, and viewers actually watch the great bulk of the ads in shows they've recorded

Radio
For radio, expect a year of unknowns
Though a struggling medium, change is all about, and the forces of change promise to have a huge impact over the coming year

Younger viewers
'Zoey 101' soars with star's pregnancy
Finale special doubles Nick show's season average, drawing hordes over reports 16-year-old tab temptress has baby coming

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I want to know how I'm doing
The writer has been on the job for seven months and wonders why she's not been given her six-month review. Is this a bad sign?

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Monk' returns on USA; Saturday: more NFL playoffs on CBS and Fox; Sunday: PBS's 'Masterpiece Classic' debut

News shorts
Strike update: Big names urge sides back to table
At Martha Stewart, a bit of post-holiday redecorating
CNN tops primetime on New Hampshire primary night
OSU-LSU punts one-fifth of last year's BCS viewers
Move afoot in Russia to smoke out tobacco advertising

Web shorts
Coors offers Super Bowl tickets to best video upload
MySpace Celebrity, for getting closer to the stars
Company accused of ransoming web domain names
Women baring breasts for a good cause at Rethink

People
Teen Vogue drops 'Hills' stars Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port
Gannett newspaper division president Sue Clark-Johnson retiring
Christos J. P. Moschovitis becomes CIO at Summit Business Media
Craig Carman becomes SVP of national sales at Private Label Radio
Brent Diggins, Mike James and Aaron Froehlich join Mindspace
Marcien Jenckes becomes CEO at Voxant
Chris Richards joins The Fader as executive editor
Natalie Allen joins The Weather Channel as an anchor
Randy Abramson rises to senior product development manager at Discovery Communications
Richard Beeston, Roland Watson, Keith Blackmore and Ben Preston rise at London Times
Jim Safka succeeds Jim Lanzone as CEO of Ask.com
'Sopranos' star James Gandolfini engaged to Deborah Lin
Photography journalist Herbert Keppler dies at age 82

Monday, Jan. 14, 2008

Overnights
Socko debut for Fox's 'Sarah Connor'
Nifty bump from Giants-Cowboys playoff game pushes new sci-fi Terminator drama to best premiere of the season, a 7.6 in 18-49s

Television
Globes: Cable 10, NBC 1. Critics: Ugh.
What finally aired was a faux news conference, with nary an actor or drink in sight, and open to all news organizations, not just NBC

Television
Media buyer primer on 'American Idol'
A few fundamentals on the hit Fox reality series, which returns tomorrow. Looks like another killer season, despite sag lines.

Popcult
Return of the family doctor, for a price
New services offering very personal medical care are arising, in part in a revolt against HMO medicine. Got an ache? Come on in.

Out of Home
Your client's special night at the Bijou
Sponsoring major events telecast to local theaters, such as concerts. Build some positive buzz with the arts and culture set.

TV This Week
Big East dukeout: Hoyas and Panthers
Georgetown would seem to have the advantage when it meets Pitt on ESPN in a rematch of last year's big game. Don't bet on it.

News shorts
Weekend overnights: Patriots push CBS to No. 1
A gust of Raines: Axed Times editor takes up column
Strike update: ABC Studios terminates writers' deals
Steamy debut for Univision's 'Housewives' adaptation
Victoria's Secret: She's advertising on Super Bowl

Web shorts
Netflix dropping time restrictions on movie streaming
China Mobile hangs up on deal for Apple's iPhone
Online holiday spending soars in France and the UK
Study: 78 million see advertising on their cell phones

People
Gene George joins Starz Media as EVP of worldwide distribution
Holly Carter joins People Stylewatch as beauty director
Jeff Burnton becomes acting GM of AZ-TV
Patrick Mahoney joins Entertainment Studios as VP of digital media
Alex Baskin rises to VP of development at Evolution Media
Hellin Kay becomes West Coast fashion editor at WWD
Alexis Collado rises to publicity manager at Parade
O.J. Simpson jailed for alleged bail violation in robbery case
Nicole Richie welcomes daughter Harlow Winter Kate Madden
'Jim's' Courtney Thorne-Smith gives birth to baby boy
Jason Kennedy hosting ABC's 'Dance Machine'
Magazine Antiques editor Allison Eckardt Ledes dies at age 53
East Village Other founder and publisher Walter Bowart dies at age 68

Alternative media
Geico's gecko, serving a worthy cause
Wolves' return, told on phone poles
Riding the be-kind-to-your-behind bus
Bras in the air, and a message to tell

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008

Overnights
Fox's 'Sarah Connor' returns to earth
Second airing of sci fi series averages a 4.2 in 18-49s, down 45 percent from post-Giants-Cowboys debut but still No. 2 in timeslot

Television
Strike-outs: Awards shows bomb big
NBC's Golden Globes telecast off by 71 percent, and People's Choice down nearly as much. Next up: Grammys and the Oscars.

Research
The midseason may not be all that bad
Study predicts ratings will be off 5 percent this month and next because of the writers' strike, falling far less than many predicted

New media
For the young, this is a web campaign
The internet is now the top source for news of the candidates among 18- to 29-year-olds, far more so than for the over-30 set

Television
What makes 'American Idol' such a hit
A big part of it is that it's a show that families can watch, offering something for everyone. Talking with Shari Anne Brill of Carat.

TV This Week
With the new 'Idol,' a few new wrinkles
For the very first time, contestants can play instruments, and this season viewers will get a deeper look into their personal lives

News shorts
Directors and producers inching toward a new deal
Strike update: Major writer cuts continue at studios
Harris: Ellen bumps Oprah as the top TV personality
Career shrinker: Tribune chops job classified section
Programming notes: NBC orders more 'Gladiators'

Web shorts
MySpace: We promise to improve age verifications
It's TV a la cart: Microsoft's new in-store ad network
This year's MacWorld innovation: Itty bitty notebook
J. Timberlake returning to Super Bowl with Amazon

People
Vinnie O'Toole becomes EVP and CFO at Horizon Media
John F. Solomon becomes executive editor at The Washington Times
Lesley Jane Seymour becomes editor in chief at More
Lisa McCarthy joins Univision as EVP of client development
California Newspapers Partnership chief executive George Riggs resigns
Rino Ferrari becomes president of ICOM Global Network of Independent Agencies
Chris Saridakis becomes CDO at Gannett
Wendy Mazzoni joins Glam Media as VP of ad operations
Richard Klosa becomes CTO at Yangaroo
Michelle Meyercord becomes VP and director of Rodale International
Florian Bachleda, George Pitts and Letisha Marrero join Latina Media Ventures
Karen Roberts joins Entertainment Studios as SVP of acquisitions
Keija Minor becomes editor in chief at Uptow

Wedneday, Jan. 16, 2008

Overnights
A huge return for Fox's 'American Idol'
Hit reality show averages 33.2 million total viewers, off 11 percent from last year's record debut but still the No. 1 show of the season

Cable
Soon, Oprah, Oprah all over the place
Life values chatter gets her own network in deal with Discovery, with the aim of creating programming appealing to entire families 

Television
'Moon' glow: CBS's big movie score
'Lonesome Dove' prequel debut becomes the most-watched TV film in two years, averaging 16 million total viewers. Strike relief.

Cable
High as a kite: VH1's 'Celebrity Rehab'
Thursday debut hits No. 1 in 18-49s on basic cable, becoming network's latest smart twist on the lives of once and nearly famous

TV Preview
'Breaking Bad,' all the right chemistry
New AMC original series has the requisite quirkiness and the best credentials. But it could take a while for viewers to hook in.

TV This Week
Bad people doing stupid things, truly
'Most Shocking' most reflects the new identity of TruTV, formerly known as Court TV, in its hunt for the elusive young male viewer

News shorts
Strike update: WGA would deny Oscar waiver request
Will Diane Keaton's dirty mouth get ABC in trouble?
Uproar erupts after Ms. refuses to run an Israel ad
At Conde Nast, the high-level shakeups continue
Politician kicks off his term by booting photographer

Web shorts
Apple's iTunes adding new movie rental capabilities
Nielsen: Patriots are tops on the field and on the web
Sweet music: Yamaha's new online-enabled piano
Hitwise: NBC's 'Deal or No Deal' is top television show

People
Rachael Ray editors Maile Carpenter and Tracy Saelinger exit
Dan Colarusso becomes Portfolio.com editor
Robert A. Sauerberg Jr. becomes group president at Condé Nast
Tim G. Smith becomes director of events for Future US
Donna Foti and Keith Grossman join Wired
Kelly Edwards joins Radio Disney as director of music
Bart Feder and Scott Matthews join CNN U.S.
Turner Entertainment Group president Mark Lazarus stepping down
Bob Bel Bruno becomes VP of advertising sales at AMC
Sue Kroll becomes president of worldwide marketing at Warner Bros.
Jennifer Nicholas Salke overseeing drama and comedy at 20th Century Fox TV
Vince Cellini rejoins the Golf Channel as anchor
'High School Musical' star Zac Efron recovering from surgery

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008

Overnights
'Idol' scores big its second night back
Draws 30.3 million total viewers and a 12.6 rating in 18-49s, off from last year but still easily beats Big Four networks combined

Magazines
Consumer magazines finish 2007 flat
Ad pages dip by nearly 1 percent in what was a tough year, marked by closings of titles and further incursions by the internet

Research
For media buyers, perception matters
Client dollars flow to networks with clear identities they can relate to, a study finds. Talking with Andrew Klein of Beta Research.

Dayparts update
Media mogul: Oprah by the numbers
Winfrey is already the richest woman in America, if not the most influential. Here's a look at the expanse of her media holdings.

New media
The web's all ears for super advocates
On social networking sites, they are listened to. The challenge for marketers is to win them over as advocates, without offending.

TV This Week
Boys with pricey toys that go va-room
'American Chopper' returns for its fifth season as TV's No. 1 show for product placement, though no longer Discovery's top show

News shorts
Sun editor: Rupe keeps his nose out of my decisions
New year, same story: Paper cuts continue to climb
Dobbs for president? Group trying to draft CNN host.
Strike update: Oscar alternatives and a DGA deal
Guys tell Spike: We'd vote for Obama for wingman

Web shorts
Not so Scrabulous? Mattel goes after Facebook game. 
Study: Actually, online safety concerns back on rise
Wizzard sees huge growth in podcast downloading 
Nielsen: More than 46 million use mobile searches

People
Tamara Crawford joins Olson's new San Francisco office
David Howe becomes president at Sci Fi Channel
Marc Mondry joins MSG Media as senior coordinating producer
Steven J. Schupak rises to SVP of content enterprises at Maryland Public Television
Luca Bentivoglio joins LATV as VP of programming
Theresa Chillianis joins Fuse as SVP of strategy
Kirk Acevedo and Tomas Arana cast in Fox's 'Fringe'
Stephen Colbert portrait hung in presidential hall at Smithsonian
Rachel Zoe stepping up in Bravo's 'The Rachel Zoe Project'
Rebecca Budig, Darnell Williams and Debbi Morgan return to 'All My Children'
Survey says: Britney should get to see her kids
Marion Jones to Oprah: I haven't told my son I'm going to jail
Syndication veteran Leland A. Jackoway dies at age 78

Friday, Jan. 18, 2008

Overnights
'Apprentice' rebounds against reruns
Trump celebrity edition rises 11 percent from last week, to a 3.9 in 18-49s, with 'Grey's' and 'CSI' back in reruns. Fox wins night.

Television
Fox jumps to No. 1 with 'Idol' premiere
Takes season lead on the power show's two airings this week, earlier than in past years, even though show's ratings were down

Television
Strike deal: Now comes the tricky part
The studios have come to terms with the directors. Will the writers fall in line? Will the WGA reject it? Or will it split apart over it?

Younger viewers
By George, that jungle swinger of yore
Cartoon brings back 'George of the Jungle' from the '60s, made over for the times, and with a certain parent appeal beyond kid

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, geez, this woman needs help
The writer works with someone who is a slob in the grooming department. Should she talk to her directly or go to her bosses?

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: CBS's last fresh 'Moonlight;' Saturday: North Carolina vs. Maryland on ABC; Sunday: the NFC Championship on Fox

News shorts
Report: BBC will reveal yet more viewer fraud cases
Study: Switch to digital still won't eliminate rabbit ears
Even without writers, 'Tonight Show' maintains lead
Matter of taste: Golfweek's controversial noose cover
Programming notes: USA's 'Star' is reborn on NBC

Web shorts
NPD Group: It was a record year for video games
Turner scores oversight of NBA's digital properties
Time Warner tries out pay-as-you-download service
Hallelujah! Digital hymnbook for at-home worshippers.

People
Carrie Frolich, Patrick Cartmel and Jeanne Clark rise at MEC Interaction
VH1 programming EVP Michael Hirschorn resigning
Jeff Olde rises to EVP of original programming and production at VH1
Pappas Telecasting EVP Peter C. Pappas resigning
David Hillman rises to VP of reality programming at Lifetime Networks
Sandra Endo joins CNN Newsource as correspondent for D.C. bureau
Men's Enthusiast Network's Nick Matarazzo adds marketing oversight to duties
Todd Anderman joins Hachette Filipacchi as SVP of digital media
Thomas S. Warner joins Litton Entertainment as VP of regional sales
ABC central division sales SVP and GM Edward Wollock retiring
Elli Hakami becomes VP of program development at Discovery
Charlie Rose returning to '60 Minutes' as contributor
David Milch producing HBO pilot project 'Last of the Ninth'

Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008

Overnights
NBC sweeps with new Monday lineup
Averages a 4.0 in adults 18-49, well ahead of No. 2 Fox at a 3.3 with 'Gladiators,' Deal' and 'Medium' all winning their timeslots

Television
Oscar noms are in. Will the show air?
There's new hope as writers and studios resume talks. Nods go to Cate Blanchett, Johnny Depp, 'Michael Clayton' and 'Juno.'

Newspapers
At the L.A. Times, another messy exit
Editor James O'Shea gets the boot for refusing deeper staff cuts, amid a growing belief many papers have already cut too deeply

Popcult
Exposed: Welfare for the working rich
'Free Lunch' reveals how many millions of taxpayer dollars are funneled to wealthy, connected folks adept at working the system

Out of Home
Your client scoring at the golf course
Putting ads on leaderboards that tally rankings of players in golf matches, as snowbirds head south and west for warmer weather

TV This Week
Secret lives: The worry of teens online
PBS's 'Frontline' confirms parents are in the dark about what their kids are doing online and looks at how concerned they should be

News shorts
Giants' OT victory boots Fox to best game since 1996
Strike update: Talks could resume as soon as today
Weekend overnights: CBS and Fox split in 18-49s
Golfweek editor axed over inflammatory noose cover
Fit to be Thai: Flight attendants protest racy hit soap

Web shorts
Reports: Yahoo joins newspapers in making job cuts
HBO putting shows and movies online for subscribers
Now Democrats living abroad can e-vote in primaries
Lucky 'Rat:' Pixar film rates tops with Rotten Tomatoes

People
Peggy Green becomes vice chairman at Zenith Media USA
David Margolick becomes contributing editor at Conde Nast Portfolio
Julien McNab becomes executive editor and producer at Blender.com
Ed O'Callaghan and April Langus join KM&A
Adam Lowenberg joins Primary Wave Music Publishing as CMO
Joe Noonan joins Viamedia as chief operating officer
Lacy O'Toole becomes L.A. bureau chief at CNBC
Luke Perry and JoAnna Garcia starring in Lifetime movie 'Bride'
Selma Blair joins 'Kath & Kim' cast for NBC
'24' star Kiefer Sutherland released from jail after 48 days
Mr. Big's delivery: 'Sex and the City's' Chris Noth welcomes first child
'Bob Newhart Show's' Suzanne Pleshette dies at age 70
'Brady Bunch' actor Allan Melvin dies at age 84

Alternative media
Men at work, flying way up in the sky
Elevator doors that tell a moving story
Shrink rap: Get-thin message in a dryer
Now, ads in security baskets at airports

Wedneday, Jan. 23, 2008

Overnights
'Idol' returns strong its second week
Pulls an 11.7 in 18-49s, off 7 percent from last year's third airing, but still whacking other four networks combined by 67 percent

Sports TV
Stunner: NFC game attracts 54 million
Largest non-Super Bowl TV audience in a decade as Giants top Packers. Most-watched conference championship since 1995.

Sports TV
A media buyer's primer on Super Bowl
Media Life separates the hype from the truth about the annual blowout sports event, which airs in less than two weeks on Fox

TV Preview
'Moment of Truth,' hour of poor taste
The new Fox reality show is a romp in titillation, and it's got a great timeslot, but it's hardly a sure bet that it will excite viewers

New media
With so much free, is cable in danger?
Will users drop their service for free downloads from the web? Analysts see no big trend in that direction, and not anytime soon.

TV This Week
For 'Cashmere Mafia,' a rubout's likely
Disappointing ratings and reviews spell trouble for the new ABC show, and in the wings is NBC's better-reviewed 'Lipstick Jungle'

News shorts
Strike update: Writers and producers agree to meet
NBCU: We're getting out of pilot production business
CNN's Democratic debate breaks primary records
Study: As multitasking grows, TV's influence shrinks
Upstart, Mansueto's new venture for entrepreneurs

Web shorts
MPAA: Actually, college piracy wasn't all that costly
Kiss and yell: Couple sues subway over YouTube post
Now available online, DNA testing for the sum of $999
Gawker sacked her: Yet more turnover at Wonkette

People
Actor Heath Ledger found dead in his NYC apartment
Jim Price joins Empower MediaMarketing board of directors
Denny Wilkinson becomes CEO at etc.tv
Danielle Yuen becomes marketing director at The Week
Monica Talan joins Univision as vice president of corporate communications
Tim Gillingham joins Olson as creative director
Tom Prince joins Reader's Digest as executive editor
Randi Subarsky becomes VP of development at CNN Worldwide
Erica Hill joins CNN's 'Anderson Cooper 360' as correspondent
Zachary Hooper rises to SVP at The Rosen Group
Kevin O'Grady and John Bethune rise at Canon Communications
Dawn Abel rises to EVP of research at CBS Television Distribution
Former Viacom president Terrence Elkes dies at age 73

Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008

Overnights
'Idol' threat: Hot night for Fox's 'Truth'
New reality show debuts after top talent show with huge numbers, averaging a10.2 in 18-49s and retaining 94 percent of audience

Research
A rising unrest over the writers' strike
Viewers say they're watching less television, even though ratings are holding, and researchers read it as a sign of trouble to come

Television
At last, NBC breaks the curse of 'Idol'
'Loser' and 'Deal' reality series hold up against the Fox hit, pulling some of the network's best ratings for those timeslots in years

Cable
On the hustings, a cable news circus
News personalities are as much a part of the story as the actual races, and the ratings are up smartly. Chris Matthews neutered?

Dayparts update
At this point, it's still a cable election
Networks will hold off on stepping up coverage for some months. CBS stands to benefit when they do. Talking with Andrew Tyndall.

TV This Week
Night of pom-poms: Fox's '5th Grader'
Two-hour special featuring the Dallas cheerleaders aims to build on last week's first Thursday night win for the network since 1992

News shorts
Strike update: NBC says this year's pilots still a go
Study: Viewers plan to up spending for Super Bowl
Best week ever: Football boosts Fox to record levels
Afghan court sentences 23-year-old reporter to death
ESPN anchor strikes out with off-color Irish diatribe

Web shorts
At Last, free songs from the major labels on your PC
MySpaceTV folds BBC into growing video offerings
Broader band: AT&T adds free wi-fi hotspot access 
Bustier bust: Chinese police shut down live p*^% site 

People
Report: Metro U.S. boots editor in chief Jon Auerbach amid cutbacks
San Francisco Chronicle editor Phil Bronstein stepping down
Joanna Lisanti becomes VP of marketing at qubo
Renee Ifill becomes associate publisher for marketing at Woman's Day
Charlie Echeverry joins Univision Online as SVP of digital sales
Adina Pitt becomes VP of content acquisitions for Cartoon Network and Boomerang
Steve Rosenberg moves to CEO of Prime Visibility Media Group
Patty Gillette and Michelle Spinale rise at Turner Entertainment Promotions
Brad Grant becomes director of VOD at Turner Network Sales
Geoff Keighley makes talent and development deal with MTV Networks
Movie critic Roger Ebert returns to the hospital for surgery
Stephen Colbert raises more than $170,000 for 'wrist awareness'
Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gloria Ruben and Jane Kaczmarek starring in TNT drama

Friday, Jan. 25, 2008

Overnights
'5th Grader' leads Fox to Thursday win
Slips ahead of NBC with a 3.2 in 18-49s for its second straight Thursday win since 1992 but NBC has top show in 'Apprentice'

Dayparts update
'Price is Right' falls off with new host
Longtime hit game show declines 9 percent in total viewers, after an initial sampling, following an overall trend affecting daytime TV

Dayparts update
Death in the afternoon? A likely story.
An exaggeration, perhaps, but it doesn't look good for network soap operas, with scripts by longtime writers about to run out

Magazines
In men's magazines, a question of size
Britain's FHM will introduce a smaller travel edition this spring, borrowing a page from women's titles. Target: Readers on the go.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, does online media pay better?
Generally, yes, but lots depends on one's experience. For more senior types, likely not. The real question: Is it what you want?

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: CMT's 'Gone Country;' Saturday: 'Miss America' on TLC; Sunday: Screen Actors Guild Awards air on both TNT and TBS

News shorts
Actually, Rupe won't tear down that wall at WSJ.com
Study: Moms worry Super Bowl ads aren't kid-friendly
Mindshare: More people going online as strike lingers
Imus' latest woe: He's being sued by a book publisher
Strike update: ABC becomes latest to cut script order

Web shorts
Nielsen begins measuring video-on-demand patterns
NAA: Web newspaper visitors rose 6 percent in 2007
Charter accidentally zaps 14,000 customer emails
'Moment,' a provocative online soap with a message

People
Glenn O'Brien and Fabien Baron become joint editorial directors at Interview
'Martha Stewart' renewed for fourth season in syndication
National Public Radio SVP of programming Jay Kernis exiting
Scott Landsman rises at Comedy Central to VP of original programming and development
Bruce Haymes joins Nielsen Digital Media Manager as SVP and product leader
Jason Zegel becomes VP of special projects and operations at Rainbow Media
Chris Wong becomes president and CEO at PathConnect
Marc Fein rises to EVP of programming at Versus
Chris Jansing becomes correspondent for NBC News
Jerry Passaro rises at MSG Media to SVP of network operations and distribution
Scott Garner joins Lifetime Networks as SVP of planning
Golf Channel's Kelly Tilghman returns after suspension
Dan Renaldo becomes EVP for television production at NBC Universal

Monday, Jan. 28, 2008

Overnights
ABC wins Sunday on night of specials
Averages a 3.7 in 18-49s, led by 'Home Edition,' ahead of No. 2 Fox by 32 percent as CBS's movie and NBC's 'Guinness' fall flat

Sports TV
The odds favor a Super Bowl to top all
Giants-Patriots game ought to better the 94.1 million total viewers for the 1996 Cowboys-Steelers game, in a major victory for Fox

Sports TV
And Super Bowl's top advertiser: Fox
The network will set aside roughly a fifth or more of the game's ads to tout its own shows, and it stands to get an invaluable boost

Popcult
John Wayne: His most puzzling legacy
He could ride a horse okay, and he rode quite a few, but by no means was he a great actor. Yet he ranks in the top 10 each year.

Out of Home
Your client with seats at the big game
Cup-holder ads will get exposure during Super Bowl, and at far less cost than those much-touted million-dollar spots on television

TV This Week
From Bush, a timely talk to the nation
Viewership should be up for his State of the Union, topping last year's 45.5 million, as Americans confront new economic worries

News shorts
Weekend overnights: All-original shows boost NBC
Bummer: FCC fines ABC $1.4M for buttocks scene
SAG boost: A red carpet respite from writers' strike
Spot-on: Fox approves Go Daddy's Super Bowl ad
Programming notes: NBC shuffles 'Quarterlife' debut

Web shorts
Woman arrested for seeking a hit man on Craigslist
Introducing Qtrax, home of the totally free download
Borrell: Political spending won't really flow to the web
Playing the odds: Hubdub bets on real-life events

People
Publisher Judith Regan settles defamation lawsuit against News Corp.
Ward Bushee becomes editor of The San Francisco Chronicle
Editor Pat Yack and managing editor Michael Richey leaving Times-Union
EVP and GM Darryl Brown leaving ABC Radio Networks
Twenty-seven people getting the boot at Metro publications
Kerry Tucker becomes VP of strategic sales at CBS Radio
Jay Kernis joins CNN as managing editor
Christina Wayne rises to SVP for scripted series at AMC
Moroch Partners hires seven new employees
Bill Trotter joins Connection III Entertainment Corp. as NSM
Meggan Kimberly rises at and Adam Wright joins Regent Worldwide Sales
Ami Cadugan joins Davis Advertising as media buyer
Amy Prenner joins Crocmedia America as VP of communications for the West Coast


Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008

Overnights
Modest tune-in for State of the Union
President's speech draws 24.6 million viewers, off from last year, with ABC and NBC leading on broadcast with 7.1 million each

New media
Cheery outlook for world ad spending
New forecast has it rising nearly 7 percent, and that's so even as financial markets dip and sway, in good part because of the web

Cable
Hefty bounces for Stewart and Colbert
Ratings are up for their two Comedy Central shows, even as they work without writers, relying on their wits in this political season

Sports TV
Hot Super Bowl trend: Interactive ads
User-generated commercials of last year give way to messages that invite viewers to interact with the advertiser in some fashion

Sports TV
Why Super Bowl ads rely so on humor
It's a festive day. That's a big part of it. But they're also insurance against a boring game. Talking with Walter Guarino of Seton Hall.

TV This Week
On the couch, in search of its next hit
Might HBO find it in the new drama 'In Treatment?' Pay channel is airing episodes on the web first with the aim of building buzz.

News shorts
Strike update: WGA grants Grammys script waiver
Pediatricians protest vaccine idea in ABC's 'Stone'
News Corp. envisions a WSJ far from Wall Street
Programming notes: A new 'Crash' lands on Starz 
NATPE mashup: 'Baywatch' floats onto Ion this March

Web shorts
Free ride stalls: New download site didn't have deals
Study: Smart eBay shoppers save themselves billions
Washington Post slates a new black web magazine 
Nielsen: 875 million people have bought things online

People
Mark Stewart and Scott Hagedorn rise at OMD
Jill Nickerson joins Horizon Media as VP and director of out of home group
Tina Gaudoin joins WSJ as editor of lifestyle quarterly
Luis Alfredo De Varona becomes director of business development at Billups Worldwide
Jennifer Dobbeck and Kate Stoodley join Entrepreneur as sales managers
Mark Zieman becomes interim publisher at Kansas City Star
Janine Picchione and Eric Coronado rise at Jones MediaAmerica
Kate Dimmock becomes fashion director at Town & Country magazine
Sharyn Alfonsi joins ABC News as a correspondent
Frances Berwick rises to GM at Bravo Media
John Wood and Jennifer Danska rise at Comcast Entertainment Group
Syndicated hit 'Judge Judy' re-ups through 2012
Missy Elliot making 3-D music video with Disney


Wedneday, Jan. 30, 2008

Overnights
'House' and 'Idol' sweep night for Fox
Network earns a 9.8 in 18-49s, 31 percent over other networks' combined 7.5 rating, boding well for Sunday's post-game 'House'

Cable
Cable's play: Escape from Super Bowl
The networks are reaching out to non-football fans with a slew of specials airing on Sunday night against the Giants-Patriots game

Television
And after Super Bowl, a piece of cake
Fox is airing an episode of 'House' following the game, but how well it does in that cushiest of slots will depend on how soon after

Research
A downside to funny Super Bowl ads
Consumers often forget the advertiser behind them, or credit a competitor. Talking to University of Tampa's Stephen Blessing.

Magazines
Worldwide, magazines are holding up
Forecast of 3.4 percent ad spending growth to 2010, with newer markets leading as the middle class gains in size and affluence

TV This Week
Hot as Hades: Univision's newest soap
'Al Diablo con los Guapos' debut has the largest audience ever for a telenovela in the 8 p.m. timeslot. It even challenges 'Idol.'

News shorts
Nielsen: Advertisers target blacks through local radio
With a little bit of TLC, Miss America tune-in climbs
Zucker: NBCU will change its program development
Bush's SOTU viewership falls 18 percent from 2007
Radio gaga: Volunteer accused of torching station

Web shorts
NY bill cracks down on sex offenders' online activities
Yahoo cutting jobs after disappointing fourth quarter
Man accused of selling stolen documents on eBay
European court: Downloaders can keep anonymity

People
'Face the Nation' anchor Bob Schieffer retiring next year
'PTI' host Mike Wilbon in hospital after minor heart attack
'60 Minutes' correspondent Mike Wallace undergoes triple bypass surgery
Donald Trump returning for more 'Celebrity Apprentice'
Stephanie Mehta becomes global editor at Fortune magazine
David Schmidt rises to VP of product at Ecast
Regan Murphy rejoins Parenting Group as digital and custom content sales director
Skip Fredricks joins Wizzard Media as SVP of content programming
David Walton and Kimberly Norris join Dogmatic as VPs
Rose Helen Perez joins TVN Entertainment as general counsel
Nora O'Brien joins Universal Media Studios as VP of drama programming
Neal Bangerter becomes VP of production management at Reactrix Systems

Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008

Overnights
'Lost' finale recap pulls solid numbers
Two-hour special averages a 3.3 in 18-49s, knocking out an original 'L&O' its final hour and setting up tonight's season debut

Sports TV
What Super Bowl ads are getting buzz
The hype is intense. Will Michael Jackson do a Pepsi cameo? Where's smart money? Talking with SpotBowl's David Shoffner.

TV Preview
'Eli Stone,' quirky lite but decent odds
ABC drama about a lawyer who thinks he's a prophet stands a better chance because of the strike and the lighter competition

Dayparts update
Big syndie thing, 'Wizard's First Rule'
The new weekend series will premiere this fall on Tribune stations, and it could well revive fantasy as staple of syndication

TV This Week
For ABC's 'Lost,' finding its way again
It returns on a new night and with renewed energy, hoping to bring back the fans who fell away when the fantasy series lost direction

News shorts
February sweeps: Fox will win but ratings will be down
Academy president: Show will go on even with strike
Programming notes: 'Montel' signs off after 17 years
Oops! Couple in happy marriage story actually died.
Nipping at Nielsen? TNS and DirecTV's data deal.

Web shorts
Report says broadband access goals have been met
'Hannah Montana' movie sets web ticket sales record
Study: Tweens frequent illegal music download site
In Miami, a meeting of minds to pump up mobile p#$%

People
Ron Bernstein becomes SVP of online sales and marketing at U.S. News & World Report
Scott Collins becomes SVP of national advertising sales for WE tv
Scott Zamost joins CNN investigative team
Heather Dougherty joins Hitwise as director of research
Kevin Flanagan joins Golf World as account manager
Laura Lipson rises to VP of marketing and promotion at TV One
Veronique Kessler, Kul Takanao Wadhwa and Jay Walsh join Wikimedia
Kathleen Berzon becomes eDiets.com director of public relations
Kirk McDonald becomes chief revenue officer at Fortune|Money Group
Chris Raleigh becomes SVP and general sales manager for Weather Channel Media
Brian Surowitz rises at Katz Radio Group's Eastman Radio
Eric Coleman joins Walt Disney Television Animation as SVP of development
Radio and television rep Harlan G. Oakes dies at age 97

Friday, Feb. 1, 2008

Overnights
ABC hit 'Lost' returns with a big bang
Fourth-season debut averages a 6.7 in 18-49s, its best numbers in more than a year, giving network a win for first night of sweep 

Sports TV
Buyers: We expect a super Super Bowl
See a record audience and an easy win for the Patriots over the
Giants. Budweiser leads for the most anticipated commercials.

Research
With sweeps, ratings are about to fall
Forecast: 20 percent drop in viewership as the networks run out of original episodes and load up on reality shows and repeats

Younger viewers
Kids group: End Super Bowl beer ads
Budweiser spots are hugely popular with fans, but an advocacy group complains they'll also be seen by 17 million young people

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, tell me about clientside work
The writer wonders if it's time to jump over. Rachel responds: Yes, it can be a better life, but there are a few downsides to consider.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: IFC's 'Dinner for Five;' Saturday: Super Bowls past on ESPN2; Sunday: the big game is on Fox, followed by 'House'

News shorts
Microsoft offers to buy Yahoo in $44.6 billion deal
Forty-eight hours to kickoff and the game's sold out
On a wing and a player: KFC's guerilla game tactic
IMMI: There's a wide divide in 13-24s' media habits
Programming notes: A 'Star' is shorn on new truTV

Web shorts
ComScore: This will be one very wired Super Bowl
Sea unworthy: Snapped cables slow internet in India
Hitwise: 'Lost' surges to No. 2 TV site on eve of debut
Airline passengers can take gripes to new TSA blog

People
Garen van de Beek rises to SVP of on-air promotion at CBS
Traci Wallack becomes account manager for Golf for Women
Erwin-Penland appoints four new group creative directors
Rob Silvershein becomes regional VP for Western sales at Linkstorm
Scott Taylor rises to SVP of operations for Katz Radio Group
Curt Northrup joins GRB Entertainment as SVP of development
Tom Grasty becomes head of development for Blaze TV
Mark Bracco rises at ABC to VP of alternative series and specials
Eric Shain rises to VP of production finance at Disney ABC Cable
Robert T. Reed Jr. joins TrafficLand as president and COO
New Jersey Monthly editor David Chmiel leaves for Time Content Solutions
Rafer Weigel joins Headline News' 'Morning Express' as sports anchor
DeAnna Pappas selected as next season's 'Bachelorette'

 

Monday, Feb. 4, 2008

Overnights
Super Bowl draws 97.5 million viewers
Sets new record, topping '96 game by 3.4 million, as Giants snap last minute victory from the Patriots. Second only to 'Mash' finale.

Sports TV
A killer Super Bowl for a killer season
Giants' stunning last-minute victory over the Patriots defied the odds-makers and is likely the most-watched game in NFL history

TV Preview
'Welcome to The Captain,' adrift at sea
New CBS comedy is airing in a solid timeslot, and it's got a name cast, but there just may not be enough substance to keep it afloat

Popcult
The insufferables: They pay the piper
They write out checks for their credit card bills as soon as they come in, and they're inclined to brag loudly about being superior

Out of Home
Your message on a network of screens
Digital displays in coffee shops and bookstores and other local venues allow advertisers to reach consumers through their day

TV This Week
For 'Old Christine,' a new life, perhaps
The fading CBS sitcom returns with fresh episodes, which could give it a hefty boost as it competes amid the current sea of reruns

News shorts
Strike update: A deal may be done in a matter of days
Super Bowl's big ad winners: Clydesdales and Coke
Friday overnights: Originals lift NBC to a tie for first
Saturday overnights: Fox's reality lineup rules 18-49s
Not up for debate: Clinton-Obama draws 8.3 million

Web shorts
Super Bowl web traffic spikes during second quarter
Canadians ordered to kick the Crackberry addiction
Study: Cells don't cause cancer. We're pretty sure.
Yahoo disconnecting its subscription music service

People
Jen Collins joins tbd advertising as account supervisor
Patrick Murray and Matt Couture join Marketing Management Analytics
Patrick Moorhead rises to central region director of marketing solutions at Avenue A | Razorfish
Ed Wilson becomes president and CEO of Tribune broadcast group
Eddie Brannan and Julie Ragolia join CITY Magazine
Former NBC CEO Bob Wright becomes senior advisor to Lee Equity Partners
Joanne Molina becomes editor at The Curated Object
Robb Riedel becomes assistant managing editor at Family Circle
Janice Dickinson and Abbey Clancy coming to Oxygen
Constance Zimmer and more join NBC's 'Man of Your Dreams'
Meredith Goldblatt becomes director of PR at Details
Dorothea Herrey and Ellen Desmarais rise at Dow Jones Ventures
Walt Disney president and CEO Robert A. Iger renews contract

Alternative media
Achoo! to you: A poster that sneezes
Glass cage: A drunk's cautionary tale
Mobile messenger: Taxicab from hell 
A sun visor that relates the full story


Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008

Television
A perfect time to end the writers' strike
Ratings will suffer until fresh episodes return, likely in April. But a deal, expected any day now, would prevent serious damage.

Sports TV
This year, fourth-quarter spots scored
Viewing peaked in the final minutes of Super Bowl, delivering huge payouts for advertisers who bet on the cheaper ad time

Sports TV
Which ads worked, which ones didn't
Tide and Coke get viewers' votes, as does CareerBuilder. Pepsi and Victoria's Secret fall flat. Talking to AdBowl's Steve McKee.

Magazines
Dare, a women's title daring to be free
British title switches to free circulation, a first for a women's magazine, and it could set off a trend. Provided it can pull it off.

TV This Week
On cable news,