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Monday Jan. 5, 2009

Overnights
Solid debut for 'Superstars of Dance'
NBC reality show averages a 3.1 in 18-49s over two-hour opener, network's best non-sports rating in that slot since last February

Media economy
The big 2008 story: The ad slowdown
Say media planners and buyers in a Media Life poll. Year's biggest debacle: The strike: Big 2009 story: Whither the U.S. economy.

Remembering
So long, Tim Russert, we will miss you
Saluting the media notables who died in 2008, from the 'Meet the Press' host to Clay Felker, Bill Buckley and Bernie Mac

Pop-cult
At the tenplex, the year for 3D movies
More than a dozen major feature films are due out this year relying on the eye-popping visual effects. But will consumers buy in?

Overnights
Big kick for NBC Wild Card NFL game
Chargers' OT victory over the Colts boosts network to best first-round Saturday numbers since 1999, averaging an 18.3 rating

Here & there
Two more papers heading online only
Other shorts: JPG publisher 8020 Media folds; PPM commercialized in four more markets; Facebook sets traffic record

TV This Week
When beauty is more than skin deep
ABC's new 'True Beauty' is a pageant with a twist: Contestants don't know they're being judged on the person within.

Year-end note
Enter 2009, a year of change and hope
The coming year looks to be a tough one for media but the industry will emerge smarter and better for it. A message from the publisher.

This week in out of home

Out of home
Your client at the health club

How to buy this healthy lifestyle ad venue as Americans flock back to the gym to sweat off pounds they added over the holidays

Alternative media
A brighter outlook for out of home
Here's winking at you (yes, it's an ad)
Tree of life: Sandals of many colors
'Hey, buddy, care to trust your luck?'

People
And the winner is: Al Franken?
It looks as though the former 'Saturday Night Live' cut-up has won his bid for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota.
Jimmy W. Hayes rises to CEO at Cox Enterprises
Emily Weiss becomes marketing director at the New York Observer
Chris Cotter becomes anchor at Fox Business Network
Tamara Rappa becomes senior editor at O, The Oprah Magazine
Village Voice columnist Nat Hentoff laid off after 50 years
Nick Stuart becomes president and CEO at Odyssey Networks
Joan Lunden hosting Lifetime's 'Health Corner'
Matt Smith starring in the BBC's 'Doctor Who'
Michael Pitt starring in HBO's 'Boardwalk Empire'
Editor Abbott Combes dies at age 64

Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009

Overnights
Processing errors delay overnights
Nielsen says Monday night ratings have been delayed by an LPM market snafu, following similar problems the previous day

Sports TV
Baseball hits homer with MLB Network
New cable network launches with 50 million subscribers by cutting smart deals with carriers and avoiding NFL Network mistakes

Cable
Cable news surges with the election
CNN was up 69 percent in total primetime viewers for the year, while MSNBC shot up 82 percent and Fox News rose 41 percent

Newspapers
What this year holds for newspapers
Nothing encouraging as the recession cuts deeper, but it's an opportunity for media buyers. Talking with Kubas Consultants' Ed Strapagiel.

New media
Fact is, the web's taken over our lives
We may see the internet as source of entertainment but it's really a utility that's crept into every nook of our existence

Newspapers
Post's No. 2 editor Bennett leaving
The managing editor's departure after four years will give new top pencil Marcus Brauchli a chance to choose his own deputy

Here & there
Jobs: I'm sick, but it is not cancer
Other shorts: Hacker targets celebrity Tweeters; Coulter banned from NBC?; rumors swirl over WPP job cuts; 'SNL' surges

TV This Week
For 'Scrubs,' a chance to heal what ails
NBC doctor sitcom moves to a more hospitable environment at ABC, where it should deliver a shot of adrenalin at 9 p.m.

People
Matt Millen joins Super Bowl coverage
Recently fired Detroit Lions president will provide commentary for NBC's Feb. 1 game.
Kathy Humen becomes senior account manager at FaceTime Strategy
Ashley Reker becomes digital strategist at Empower MediaMarketing
Jay Mariotti becomes columnist at AOL Sports
Shanel Odum becomes editor in chief at Honey
Eleanor Banco becomes director of public relations at Teen Vogue
Ben Margherita becomes creative director at Health
Michael Roston becomes senior producer at TrueSlant.com
Christine Lahti joins the cast of USA's 'Operating Instructions'
Neil Patrick Harris hosting NBC's 'SNL'
Charity Wakefield joins NBC's 'Legally Mad'

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009

Overnights
Big Three jump start the midseason
NBC wins night with strong debut for 'Biggest Loser' at a 4.4 in 18-49s. Also strong: ABC's 'Scrubs' debut and CBS's dramas.

Overnights
Fiesta Bowl gives Fox big Monday win
Averages a 5.5 in 18-49s as Texas pulls off last-minute victory over Ohio State. ABC's new reality lineup averages a 3.1.

Broadcast recap
A record kickoff for NFL postseason
Colts-Chargers is highest-rated Saturday game since 1999, and Sunday's Eagles-Vikings contest pulls even higher ratings

Cable recap
On New Year's Day, kids, kids and kids
Marathons were all over the dial but kid networks did best, and Disney Channel's 'Wizards of Waverly Place' lead the day

Magazines
What this year holds for magazines
More shrinkage and more titles folding outright or going online only as ad woes deepen. Talking with consultant Marty Walker.

Media economy
With new year, new layoffs in media
WPP's Ogilvy cuts 10 percent of staff while McGraw-Hill axes 375 in 4Q and Tulsa World dumps 28 more employees

Here & there
Entertainment Weekly gets new editor
Other shorts: Forbes merges print and online staff; 'Rules' swaps in for 'Week;' Apple slashing some iTunes prices

TV This Week
For 'Damages,' turning glitter to gold
The legal drama returns to FX draped in awards, including an Emmy for Glenn Close, and that ought to translate into big ratings

People
CNN's Dr. Gupta to surgeon general?
That's the rumor, anyway, that the frequent correspondent will be joining Barack Obama's team.
Brian McHale resigns as president of Empower MediaMarketing
John Rowley becomes VP of business development at Alloy
Stephen Leps becomes creative director at zig Chicago
Adi Ignatius becomes editor in chief of Harvard Business Review
Anna Last becomes editor of Everyday Food
Lee Jones becomes SVP of advertising at Newsday Media Group
Liz Mair becomes strategic manager at New Media Strategies
Chuck DeFeo becomes interactive GM at The Washington Times
Diana Kelly becomes Prevention.com's Weight Loss editor
Neil Flynn joins the cast of ABC's 'The Middle'

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009

Overnights
Walters' Swayze chat delivers for ABC
Interview with cancer-stricken actor averages 12.6 million total viewers as the night's most-watched show. Does a 3.0 in 18-49s.

Radio
Arbitron cuts PPM deal with NY and NJ
Settles lawsuits over rollout of new electronic system for radio ratings, agreeing to beef up minority representation

Radio
What the coming year holds for radio
Talk will remain big but the tenor of the dialogue will move away from left versus right. Talking with Talkers' Michael Harrison.

Dayparts update
Sunday morning wakeup: Chats soar
Ratings swell for 'Meet the Press,' 'This Week' and 'Face the Nation,' and they're sure to stay up as pols haggle over economy

Here & there
Teen queen: 'Teenager' tops 'Gossip'
Other shorts: Mail scammer targets 'American Idol' - Globe eyes front-page ads - PBS batting for more Burns 'Baseball' - ABC News turns to BBC as it pulls back from Iraq - Millennials: Never mind MTV, we want our internet

TV This Week
For this BCS champ, a clouded victory
Florida faces Oklahoma, and both are great teams, but this year a number of other college teams are contenders for No. 1

People
Chris Matthews won't run for Senate
The MSNBC host decides to stay on television, passing up the Democratic spot in the 2010 Pennsylvania race.
Matt Dufner and Erica DiPilato rise at Razorfish
Kevin Conroy becomes president of interactive media at Univision
Chris McLoughlin becomes associate publisher at Redbook
Tamra Knepfer becomes SVP of licensing at Rodale
Will Tacy becomes editorial director at Newsweek.com
Glen Freyer becomes VP of development at Atlas Media Corp.
Peter Ramos becomes ad development manager at MTA Metro-North
Carly Jansen and Rebecca Stein rise at Goodman Media International
Jeremy Greenfield becomes content manager at Dow Jones Ventures
Bob Golfen becomes automotive editor at SPEEDtv.com

Friday, Jan. 9, 2009

Overnights
Fox rules on Thursday with BCS game
Averages an 8.4 in 18-49s, more than double No. 2 ABC, according to early numbers, as Gators top Sooners for college football title

Sports TV
A right decent Super Bowl, even so
NBC has been asking $3 million a spot, up from $2.7 million last year, though the sell is harder in these harder times

Magazines
Meredith shuts door on Country Home
The March issue will be its last, joining a slew of other shelter publications that have shut down during the recession.

Alternative media
Sweet stories told at the point of puff
Anti-smoking campaign mounts posters on outdoor ashtrays of imagined dialogue, as if from a novel. The message: Life's good.

Media economy
What this year holds for out of home
The big force will be the further growth of digital, which is transforming the medium. Talking with Wilkins Media's Daniel Wilkins.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I fear I'm missing out on online
The writer is a buyer at an inhouse media shop that doesn't buy internet ad space, a worrisome resume minus. Any advice?

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Howie' premieres and 'Stargate' ends; Saturday: NFL playoffs on CBS and Fox; Sunday: 'Golden Globes' and '24'

Here & there
Obama team: Delay the digital switch
Other shorts: Seattle may lose paper - Wage freeze at Dow Jones and job cuts at Katz - NAACP pushes for ad industry diversity - Paper ad revenue will fall

People
The Donald picks 'Celebrity Apprentices'
It's an eclectic bunch, including Joan and Melissa Rivers, Dennis Rodman, Andrew 'Dice' Clay and one Kardashian sister. Sam Feist rises to VP of D.C. programming at CNN
Marc Einsele becomes managing editor at OK! Weekly
Jessica Grose becomes managing editor at Double X
Jeffrey Mahl becomes SVP of online advertising at National CineMedia
Craig Gugel becomes SVP of media at Ad Research Foundation
Paula Zahn signs on at Investigation Discovery
Rose Fiorentino becomes photo director at TV Guide
Monica Neal becomes VP of emerging markets at Turner
John Morris and Jim Kott become co-presidents at Abacast
Lauren Gellert becomes SVP at RDF USA

Monday Jan. 12, 2009

Overnights
A solid return for '24' after two years
Fox spooker averages a 4.2 in 18-49s, up 5 percent over November movie. NBC's 'Golden Globes' pull a 4.8, more than double last year.

Television
HBO tops Golden Globe wins with seven
'John Adams' miniseries picks up four awards from foreign press group and '30 Rock' wins three. Night of laughs but no surprises.

Television
Can Fox's 'American Idol' do it again?
Hit reality show's eighth season opens tomorrow night, and it's looking to face a tough time. Here's a primer on the show.

Pop-cult
Despite it all, book sales are holding
Credit goes to baby boomers, who still buy them, even if they go online for everything else. Blame the economy for a soft 2008.

Overnights
Cards' upset dominates Saturday night
Arizona's surprising win over Carolina boosts Fox to No. 1 on the night with an 8.0 in 18-49s, according to early numbers

TV This Week
Back, Jack Bauer, rested and refreshed
That's certainly the hope for the Fox spooker '24,' off the air for two years because of the strike. Or has its time passed?

Overnights
Fox rules on Thursday with BCS game
Averages an 8.4 in 18-49s, more than double No. 2 ABC, according to early numbers, as Gators top Sooners for college football title

Here & there
Fox sees big gains for BCS title game
Other shorts: Hearst: It's true, P-I is for sale and could be folded - MRC awards accreditation to California PPM market - LA Times: Online revenue can support

Out of home
Your client on resort golf courses

How to buy this upscale venue and reach snowbirds escaping to the warmth and sun for a chance to polish up their strokes

Alternative media
Mangia! Mangia! Cure for gate anxiety.
Got a tight budget? Put up a statue.
'Fill 'er up. Make that a gallon or so.'
Here's winking at you (yes, it's an ad

People
Bono becomes New York Times columnist
The multi-tasking U2 frontman and humanitarian wrote his first op-ed piece for the Times yesterday.
Michael P. Skarzynski becomes president and CEO at Arbitron
Cameron Bedford becomes SVP and GM at Critical Mass
Jason Kelly becomes VP of strategy at Time Inc. Digital
Ted Cahall rises to EVP of products and technologies at AOL
Patrick Gavin becomes video host and reporter at Politico
Cynthia Gordy becomes Washington correspondent at Essence
Tyler Graham moves to environmental editor at BestLife
Kirk A. Davis rises to president and COO at GateHouse Media
Maureen Linder becomes VP of advertising at Campbell Soup Company
Hilary Duff joins Fox pilot 'Barely Legal'

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009

Overnights
CBS holds onto its Monday night lead
Averages a 4.3 in 18-49s against returning '24' on Fox, which pulls a 4.1, boosted by series highs for 'Mother' and 'Big Bang'

Television
Court case that could topple Univision
Hispanic broadcasting giant is in a bitter dispute with Televisa, the source of much of its hit shows. It cannot afford to lose.

Television
Top SAG negotiator may be booted
Moderate faction calls for Doug Allen's removal after months of contentious negotiations and looming strike authorization vote

Television
What the year holds for broadcast TV
The big immediate issue is the threat of an actors' strike, but other deeper issues loom. Talking with MPG's Steve Lanzano.

TV This Week
Handicapping the debut of Fox's 'Idol'
The hit Fox reality show is bound to see fewer viewers for its season opener, likely below 30 million. The question is how many.

Here & there
MNTV wrestles up record ratings
Other shorts: It's not easy being green: Plenty magazine folds - TNT orders up new drama from 'Raymond's' Romano - Showtime plastering 'Tara' premiere across the web - Financial Times cutting 80 jobs as it integrates web and print

Alternative media
Words of C.S. Lewis at the DVD store
Kids rushing in to rent 'The Chronicles of Narnia' open the case to find two chapters from the book. Client: A book council.

People
Howie Mandel hospitalized in Toronto
'Deal' host suffers an irregular heartbeat while shooting his new series, NBC's 'Do It.'
Thomas Santen becomes growth director at Empower MediaMarketing
Mike Wehrs becomes president of the Mobile Marketing Association
William Wackermann becomes SVP and publishing director at Domino
Anthony Viceroy becomes president and CFO at Porter Novelli
Diane Tryneski becomes SVP of broadcast operations at HBO
Robin Garfield becomes SVP of CNN Research
Doug Franklin becomes publisher of Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Keith Bowen rises to CRO at TV One
Javier Maynulet becomes CFO at Telemundo Communications
Breanne L. Heldman becomes senior news writer at E! Online

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009

Overnights
'American Idol' debut pulls 30.1 million
Fox reality show falls 9 percent from last year's opener but still the most-watched show of the season. Does an 11.6 in 18-49s.

Magazines
Grim end to a bad year for magazines
Ad pages decline by 17 percent in the fourth quarter as economy worsens. Titles finish 2008 off 11.7 percent in pages (charts).

Cable recap
Cable's catching up in DVR playback
Original scripted shows are seeing impressive gains, and in fact more than half the top DVR'd shows last year were on cable

Broadcast recap
Lots less luster for the Golden Globes
Ratings are up over last year's strike-hobbled event but well off from prior years, and that bodes ill for the Academy Awards

Newspapers
Chicago Trib goes tab at newsstands
Troubled Tribune Co. says paper will remain a broadsheet for subscribers while aiming to attract more on-the-go readers

TV This Week
No joke, Mickey Rourke on 'Kimmel'
As an actor he all but defined the term has-been, but with 'Wrestler' he's back and selling himself on the Oscar chat circuit

Here & there
SAG surprise: Allen actually stays put
Other shorts: Obama swapping Genachowski for Martin at the FCC - Post haste: Papers scramble for big inauguration demand and more

Alternative media
That old file-in-a-cake escape stunt
Agency sends cakes to media folks promoting 'Prison Break.' Baked into each is a file. Written across it is the debut date.

People
Carol Bartz becomes CEO at Yahoo
The former Autodesk CEO replaces founder Jerry Yang after his tumultuous tenure.
Elizabeth Spayd and Raju Narisetti become Washington Post MEs
Mike Windsor becomes EVP at McCann Worldgroup
Matthew Snodgrass becomes SVP of digital marketing at Lippe Taylor
Justin Oborne rises to East Coast sales manager at Time.com
Ana Marie Cox becomes correspondent at Air America
John Ruvolo rises to VP of sales at ContextWeb
Emre Celik rises to VP of technology at NBC Digital Entertainment
Matthew Koncz becomes network development manager at Clash-Media
Daniel Meehan becomes president and CEO at Haven Home Media
Jill Bokor becomes publisher of Art & Antiques magazine

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009

A strong second night for Fox's 'Idol'
Averages 29.9 million total viewers, even to debut. Holds steady in 18-49s with 11.6, bettering other four networks combined.

Television
Media buyers: 'Idol' still has the goods
See the hit reality show holding the No. 1 spot and foresee only modest viewer declines. Believe it will push Fox to No. 1 again.

Dayparts update
Palin payout: Couric picks up viewers
No. 3 CBS 'Evening News' anchor sees a ratings bump kick in after winning over critics with performance during the elections

Newspapers
Gannett puts thousands on furlough
Country's largest newspaper company orders a week of unpaid vacation for employees to avoid yet more job cuts this quarter

New media
Next internet hot spot: Latin America
Number of users across the region is expected to double to 160 million by 2013, with ad spending and online shopping surging

TV This Week
Now, 'The Beast,' with Patrick Swayze
Much-anticipated A&E cop drama ought to get a solid tune-in because of the actor and his ongoing battle with cancer

Here & there
Jobs: I'm taking time off for my health
Other shorts: Evening Standard may be sold; CW eyes 'Gossip' spinoff; PPM panelists profiled; Pittsburgh mayor changes name

Alternative media
Another kind of mobile ads: Car wraps
Advertisers can hire out fleets of privately owned cars tricked out with flashy ad messages for a big splash on the road

People
Actor Ricardo Montalban dies
The 88-year-old, perhaps best known for his role on 'Fantasy Island,' got his start in MGM musicals.
Jennifer Hudson singing at the Super Bowl
Adam Shlachter rises to digital practice lead at MEC Interaction
Linda Yaccarino rises at Turner Entertainment Ad Sales/Marketing
Caitlin Kiernan rises to beauty director at Life & Style
Francine Segan becomes Food + Home editor at BettyConfidential.com
Declan Moore rises to SVP of publishing at National Geographic
Wil Merritt becomes CEO at Zooppa.com
Craig Knight becomes publisher and executive editor at Fit Parent
Bob Keefe becomes Washington correspondent at AJC
Major Garrett becomes correspondent at Fox News Channel

Friday, Jan. 16, 2009

Overnights
'CSI' soars for Petersen's last episode
Averages a 6.2 in 18-49s, according to early numbers, though pushed back by Bush exit speech. Some 23 million viewers tune in.

Television
Come Tuesday, one mega media fest
Broadcast and cable networks will disrupt schedules to cover Barack Obama's swearing-in. Here's a look at who's doing what.

Television
NBC sets four new shows for spring
Network renews 'Office,' 'Rock' and 'Loser' as well, insisting that it is dedicated to quality scripted programming despite Leno move

Media economy
What 2009 holds for the ad economy
These harsh times call for creativity and innovation to better serve clients. Speaking with MAGNA's Elizabeth Herbst-Brady.

Here & there
The Star Tribune files for bankruptcy
Other shorts: Deadline arrives for Rocky Mountain News; Boston Globe cuts staff; RAB fuming over layoff memo hoax

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I fear I'm being made a sucker
The writer, a junior planner, stepped into a bigger role and thinks a raise is in order. The boss says to wait. Rachel opines.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Battlestar' and 'Lights' return; Saturday: 'Juno' on HBO; Sunday: AFC and NFC championship games on CBS and Fox

Alternative media
Bang up job: A new twist on kids' hair
Poster for kids salon shows children's faces obscured by bangs that are strips of paper with the salon's name and number

People
FCC's Kevin Martin leaving Jan. 20
Republican will leave the same day President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in, leaving for the Aspen Institute.
Gabriel Saenz de Buruaga and Anthony Rhind rise at Havas Digital
Rick Schmitz becomes digital group director at David&Goliath
Jeff Howard, Alan Korowitz and Mary Pultorak rise at Katz Media Group
Duncan Edwards becomes president and CEO at Hearst Magazines
Brent Willman becomes CFO at OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network
Thomas Bonk becomes writer at large at Golf Digest Digital
John Thornhill and Robert Shrimsley rise at the Financial Times
Randall W. Forsyth becomes editor in chief at Barrons.com
Julia Ramey becomes deputy editor at Next American City
Molly Thompson rises to VP at A&E IndieFilms

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009

Overnights
Fox steals away Monday from CBS
Averages a 4.8 in 18-49s, 0.7 ahead with the return of 'House,' which ties with 'Two and a Half Men' as top show with a 5.4

Overnights
AFC title game surpasses even 'Idol'
Steelers' Sunday win on CBS will likely become the season's top show, averaging a 13.3 in 18-49s, according to early numbers

Television
Two that could: ION and MyNetworkTV
Both networks are still small but they're growing smartly, finding their groove at last, and media buyers are taking note

Pop-cult
Fresh hope in fight over music piracy
Governments worldwide are increasingly looking to ISPs to block illegal downloads, which account for 95 percent of the total

TV This Week
Obama swearing-in could set a record
Topping even the 41.8 million who tuned in when Reagan took the oath of office in 1981. Just 15.5 million caught Bush in 2005.

Here & there
Congress eyes digital TV date change
Other shorts: RAB: We're publishing quarterly-only revenue - Clear Channel chops 7 percent of its workforce - Stop the presses: USA Today ends int'l edition - Gannett putting The Tucson Citizen on the block

Overnights
'CSI' soars for Petersen's last episode
Averages a 6.2 in 18-49s, according to early numbers, though pushed back by Bush exit speech. Some 23 million viewers tune in.

Out of home
Your client's ad in public schools

How to place advertising in school buildings across the U.S. with the aim of reaching some 50 million K-12 graders

Alternative media

Another kind of mobile ads: Car wraps
That old file-in-a-cake escape stunt
Words of C.S. Lewis at the DVD store
Sweet stories told at the point of puff

People
Matthew Weiner staying with 'Mad Men'
The creator and executive producer signs an extension with Lionsgate TV, keeping him with the show. Lee Westerfield joins media investment team at BMO Capital Markets
Lyndsay Menzies rises to COO at bigmouthmedia
Mike Windsor heading integrated operations at McCann Worldgroup
Ellen Glassberg rises to VP of classifieds at Tribune Interactive
John Zogby writing a weekly column on Forbes.com
Robert W. Hernandez becomes SVP and GM at Disney Publishing
Michael Dalfonzo becomes VP of sales at Spacial Audio
Andrew Yeager becomes online ad director at Budget Travel
Adam K. Raymond becomes associate editor at Hemispheres
Chastity Dotson joins the cast of TBS's 'House of Payne'

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009

Overnights
Big inauguration dip for Fox's 'Idol'
Reality show slides 26 percent from last week's debut, to 22.4 million total viewers, as ABC and cable spike covering DC ado

Sports TV
NFL playoffs dip with lesser-name teams
Ratings are off 9 percent for first 10 games, averaging 29.9 million total viewers, versus last year when New England was in

TV Preview
'Lie to Me,' Fox's big bet, truth be told
It's being compared to 'House' in some regards. The question is whether the gimmick-based cop procedural has the right stuff.

Newspapers
Google getting out of newspapers
Search giant will shut down its Print Ads program as of Feb. 28, blaming a lack of substantial revenue after two years

New media
This may be the year for internet radio
One force driving it will be stand-alone radio sets that snag signals via WiFi. Another: Smart phones that double as sets.

TV This Week
Alas, finding its way back, ABC's 'Lost'
Returning to shore up network's wilting Wednesday, the show will deliver its rabid fan base to similarly themed 'Life on Mars'

Here & there
Warner Bros. will slash 800 jobs
Other shorts: Study: Country still not ready for digital changeover - RIP, Rosie's blog: odonnell pulls the plug - Russian billionaire buys London's Evening Standard - Media pioneer Robert Palmer dies at age 74

People
Emeril Lagasse guesting on 'Top Chef'
Bam! The celebrity chef will appear on the Bravo reality show on Feb. 18 during a New Orleans challenge. Amy Ballis becomes SVP and connections director at MediaVest USA
Steve Mykolyn rises to chief creative officer at Taxi
Hank Hundemer becomes SVP of engineering at Tribune Broadcasting
Stephen Moore becomes EVP at Disney-ABC-ESPN TV
Shane Steele becomes VP of marketing at Tremor Media
Joshua Perkiel rises to Northeast sales manager at ContextWeb
Cynthia Parsons McDaniel becomes columnist at BettyConfidential.com
Cheminne Taylor-Smith becomes PR director at Elle Decor
Genevieve Lill rises to associate editor at YourTango.com
Samantha Fennell becomes publisher at Interview

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

Overnights
Solid season debut for ABC's 'Lost'
Averages a 5.0 in 18-49s over two-hour opener, off 25 percent from last year. Fox's 'Lie to Me' pulls a 5.2 but falls sharply.

Broadcast recap
Obama inauguration draws 37.8 million
Pulls the best audience since Ronald Reagan in 1981, with nearly a third of all TV households tuning in across 17 networks

Research
The strike really hurt ratings. Not true.
Study finds declines are the result of migration from broadcast to other media and are in line with declines over past years

Alternative media
'Here, here. Beer here. Make it a Shiner.'
Texas beer makes a smash at a music festival handing out can coolers that look like cans of their beer, not the sponsoring beer

Television
'Button' leads Academy Award nods
Brad Pitt movie scores 13 nominations, including best picture. 'Dark Knight' gets a nod for Heath Ledger but not for top movie.

Cable recap
Sweet princess, even sweeter ratings
'Another Cinderella Story' movie pulls big numbers for ABC Family, 5.3 million total viewers, its third-best performance ever

TV This Week
Dynamic duo: 'Grey's' and 'Practice'
ABC's medical spinoff finds its place at last, airing at 10 p.m. right after the original. And early ratings are promising.

Here & there
Mysterious powder sent to WSJ office
Other shorts: Supreme Court strikes down controversial COPA - Newspapers keep up with demand on inauguration day - New launch The Printed Blog takes online content off - Regulator clears way for UK broadcast merger

People
The word: George Clooney scrubs in to 'ER'
Paging Dr. Ross: The one-time NBC drama star reportedly will appear in the show's final season.
John Seifert rises to North American chairman at Ogilvy & Mather
Steve Connor becomes group creative director at Draftfcb Chicago
Ezra Cooperstein becomes director of innovations at Initiative
Richard D. Parson becomes chairman at Citigroup
Jeff DeBalko rises to president of business media at RBI
Cory Sher becomes director of business development at Rentrak
Lorri Leighton rises to VP of programming at Atlas Media
Daniel Heimpel becomes feature writer at LA Weekly
Joe Light rises to staff writer at Money magazine
Emilia Nuccio becomes VP of sales at Echo Bridge Entertainment

Friday,, Jan. 23, 2009

Overnights
ABC reclaims lead on Thursday night
Averages a 3.9 in adults 18-49, led by 'Grey's' 5.6 as CBS's 'CSI' tumbles 26 percent with the first episode without Grissom

Television
Done deal: Univision settles legal spat
Cuts big-dollar pact with chief novela supplier Televisa, heading off verdict that could have ended its hold on Spanish-language TV

Television
Hollywood quagmire: The actors' talks
A strike against the Hollywood studios seems unlikely as the guild squabbles over direction. Talking with blogger Jonathan Handel.

Dayparts update
For men it's laughs, for women it's chat
That's how the sexes break out in the syndicated shows they prefer to watch. What women also watch more of: Court shows.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, should I try to get fired?
A junior planner doesn't like his job and wants out so he can lay back on unemployment. Is this a smart idea? Rachel: No.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: ESPN's Winter X Games; Saturday: 'Miss America' pageant on TLC; Sunday: NBC's 'Templar' miniseries

Alternative media
Medium for these hard times: Takeout
Ads on everything from pizza boxes to coffee cups are in as more Americans cut back on elegant dining for baggie cuisine

Here & there
Disney shutters Wondertime magazine
Other shorts: WLS-AM to Blagojevich: Come work for us instead - ABC Entertainment merging with ABC Studios - Could Murdoch be the winner in Russian invasion? - Nielsen: CNN leads web coverage of inauguration

People
Tony Dungy joins Super Bowl team
He and fellow former coach Mike Holmgren will provide commentary for NBC's pregame show.
Michael Copps becomes acting chairman at the FCC
Jimmy Jellinek rises to editorial director at Playboy
Noel Haan becomes SVP and group creative director at Energy BBDO
Ron D'Amico becomes senior media relations manager at Connelly
Barbara Zaneri becomes EVP of programming at BET
Greg Zorthian rises to president of the Americas at Financial Times
Florentino Reyes, Kim Carlson and Ron Russ rise at Christal Radio
Rob Hendricks becomes VP of sales at Condo.com
Emily Nussbaum rises to TV critic at New York magazine
Steve Martin hosting NBC's 'Saturday Night Live'

Monday, Jan. 26, 2009

Overnights
ABC glides to an easy win on Sunday
Averages 3.3 in 18-49s with two-hour 'Home Edition,' besting movies on CBS and NBC, whose 'Last Templar' averages a 2.3

Media economy
Buyers see no quick fix for ad economy
Most media folks think Obama was the better choice but doubt he can do much to revive media. See ad recovery in first-half 2010.

Sports TV
This Super Bowl, the game's the thing
Researchers find recall of commercials is lower in years like this one when viewers are struggling with a weak economy

Popcult
And of course what's to munch on
Americans will spend hundreds of millions of dollars on junk food for the game, with chips way out ahead, bad economy or no

Overnights
CBS hangs onto its Friday night lead
All three of network's shows up from last week as it averages a 2.6 adults 18-49 rating, 53 percent ahead of No. 2 Univision

Here & there
'Rock' solid: NBC show sweeps SAGs
Other shorts: U.S. News starts digital edition - French toast? Sarkozy outlines newspaper bailout. - Ex-radio host accused of bilking clients out of $4M - Nielsen suspends PRISM marketing program

TV This Week
Long story and late, 'The Last Templar'
NBC two-parter has history going against it, the made-for era now past, and critics too. But then again, how much can it hurt?

Overnights
ABC reclaims lead on Thursday night
Averages a 3.9 in adults 18-49, led by 'Grey's' 5.6 as CBS's 'CSI' tumbles 26 percent with the first episode without Grissom

Out of home
Your client on resort beaches

How to place advertising where it's seen by vacationers as they relax and catch the rays on the sands far from winter's chill

Alternative media
Another kind of mobile ads: Car wraps
Medium for these hard times: Takeout
'Here, here. Beer here. Make it a Shiner.'
Bang up job: A new twist on kids' hair

People
Flavor Flav hosting BET's 'Nite Tales'
The rapper and reality star's latest series, a bit of a spooker, will premiere later this year.
Andrew Finlayson becomes director of online content at Fox
Beth Pom becomes director of creative development at Moroch Partners
Dirk Van Slyke becomes VP and group account director at TTD
Kate Elazegui becomes design director at Money
Leslie Brenner becomes restaurant critic at the Dallas Morning News
NBC News specials executive producer Phil Alongi retiring
Jeffrey Wolf re-signs as EVP of syndication sales at Sony Pictures TV
Melanie Adelberg becomes head of acquisitions at Entertainment Studios
Amy Chiaro becomes co-executive producer of 'Dr. Oz'
Ace Young hosting Fox Reality's 'American Idol Extra'

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009

Overnights
Fox slays Monday with '24' and 'House'
Averages a 5.1 in 18-49s, well ahead of No. 2 ABC's 3.6, with 'House' leading with a 5.9. In repeats, usual leader CBS pulls a 3.0.

Sports TV
Your primer on Sunday's Super Bowl
With days to go, NBC is chopping the price for a spot. GoDaddy's not squawking. Big ad thing: 3D. And there's the game. (chart)

Sports TV
What makes for a good Super Bowl ad
The message must work to truly enhance the brand, which is easier said than done. Talking with CoreBrand's Jonathan Paisner.

Research
'Internet TV's bigger than DVRs.' Not.
New research cites the rapid growth of online TV viewing to argue its impact is greater. But one top researcher says hogwash.

Remembering
Media veteran Gene DeWitt dies at 65
Over a 40-year-career, he worked for BBDO, McCann Erickson, Optimedia and SNTA, along with founding his own agency

Here & there
SAG board ousts top negotiator Allen
Other shorts: Senate passes bill delaying digital transition - Missbehave becomes latest online-only magazine - Landmark furloughs employees - Programming notes: 'Betty' benched for comedies

TV This Week
In late night, worries worsen for NBC
CBS's Craig Ferguson is gaining just as Jimmy Fallon is set to take over from Conan O'Brien, foreboding a big scrap for No. 1

Alternative media
The sandwich board of old, jazzed up
Brightly lit signage and screens rise above crowds, which makes them well-suited for conventions and other big gatherings

People
Oprah could have replaced Obama
Impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he considered the queen of talk for the empty Senate seat.
Sarah Chubb becomes president of Conde Nast Digital
Don Meek becomes president of media sales at Tribune Co.
Logan Wilmot becomes partner at People Ideas & Culture
Tim Lebens becomes VP of strategy at Partners & Hunt Creative Group
Bryan Kinkade and Jeff Nicholson rise at National Geographic
Steve Paul becomes Southwest sales director at Creative Diagnostics
Amy Chernoff rises to group publisher at Publishing Group of America
Kate Rodler becomes partner at Mercury Group
Ivan Watson returns to CNN as international correspondent
Columnist William Kristol exits NY Times

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009

Overnights
'Idol' rebounds after inaugural tumble
Fox reality hit averages a 9.6 in 18-49s, up 8 percent from last week and twice the average of the night's No. 2 show, 'Fringe'

Broadcast recap
With 'Idol,' Fox eases into first place
Ties with CBS with a 3.2 in 18-49s season to date and headed to clear lead, though it's down notably from last year at this time

Cable recap
For NBCU, Super Bowl's a family outing
Game-related programming spans its networks, even into the storyline of 'Monk' on USA. Lessons from the Olympics.

Sports TV
NBC: We have four commercials left
Network has sold several of its remaining Super Bowl ads for a 94 percent clearance, though latecomers are getting discounts

Here & there
Veteran journalist Brady dies at 80
Other shorts: Newspaper web traffic jumps 16 percent - Survey: Some brands won't benefit from Super Bowl spots - Forbes.com: Investors favor internet for investing info - ABC and NBC order drama pilots

TV This Week
Les Moonves' vision: Katie in primetime
CBS is airing a special edition of 'Evening News' at 8 p.m. Think of it as the network chief delivering on an old promise.

Alternative media
'Danger. Watch your step. Hot lava.'
Artist paints dangers of the wild on sidewalks, all real looking, to warn pedestrians of the dangers of crossing at intersect

People
Writer John Updike dies at age 76
The prolific author started at The New Yorker and later won two Pulitzers. Marie-Claire Barker rises to chief talent officer at Ogilvy & Mather
David Hernandez becomes managing director at Tribal DDB Chicago
Jay Farrell becomes president of G2 Promotional Marketing
Kelly Flower rises to partner at Fusion Advertising
Bryan Kennedy rises to president and CEO at Epsilon
Ron Suter rises to GM for Canada at NBCU TV Distribution
Bettina Cisneros becomes VP of marketing at Time Inc. Digital
Michael Scherer rises to White House correspondent at Time
Five rise at American Latino Syndication
David Graupner retires as president of TM Studios

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009

Overnights
ABC's 'Life on Mars' tumbles to earth
Returning first-year show averages a season-low 2.3 in 18-49s, holding just 48 percent of lead-in 'Lost's' audience. So-so Katie.

New media
Buzz-wise, which Bowl ads really score
And, no, it's not those Budweiser commercials. Think celebrities (Justin Timberlake), think half-naked dames, think babies.

Remembering
Gene DeWitt, man of his time and more
In the week since his death friends are recalling what they remember most about him. Here are some of their thoughts.

Television
House defeats digital transition delay
Bill fails to draw a two-thirds majority days after being passed unanimously in the Senate. But it will likely come up again.

Here & there
NBC: We have two spots left to sell
Other shorts: Reader's Digest slashing 280 jobs - Post turns page on Book World - ABC: Actually, 'Nightline' isn't going anywhere - Programming notes: E! moves 'Lately' a bit earlier

TV This Week
Stoking the fires with Gordon Ramsay
'Hell's Kitchen' returns, beefing up Fox's Thursday lineup with a boost from a one-shot 'Idol' lead-in, as network heads to No. 1

Alternative media
White snow, big sky, bigger message
Billboard for a ski resort features a snowboarder suspended above, turning the entire skyline into a backdrop for the message

Overnights
'Idol' rebounds after inaugural tumble
Fox reality hit averages a 9.6 in 18-49s, up 8 percent from last week and twice the average of the night's No. 2 show, 'Fringe'

People
Susan Sarandon appearing on NBC's 'ER'
The Oscar winner will join original cast member George Clooney in the show's final season. Charlie Horsey rises to COO at 'mktg'
Alicia Driskill becomes Midwest sales director at Buddy Media
Laura Crawford becomes vice president at Jim Dyke & Associates
Andrew Seibert rises to president at SmartMoney
Tim Cronin and Julie Preis join Mojiva
David Decker rises to EVP of business and legal affairs at Telepictures
Samantha Schoengold Beranbom becomes fashion director at First
Timothy P. Carney becomes columnist at the Washington Examiner
Ben Widdicombe becomes contributing editor at AOL StyleList.com
Atia Abawi, Stan Grant and Emily Chang become CNN correspondents

Friday, Jan. 30, 2009

Overnights
Fox pulls off a rare win on Thursday
Special edition of 'American Idol' scorches the competition with a 9.2 in 18-49s and boosting lead-out 'Hell's Kitchen' to a 4.9

Sports TV
Buyers: Sunday's game ought to score
Media folks see a still-decent tune-in for Super Bowl, though likely less than last year's 97.5 million. See a Steelers win.

Newspapers
Baltimore's free Examiner calls it quits
Home-delivered daily is folding with tanking economy after mounting a promising head-to-head challenge to the entrenched Sun

Sports TV
What to watch for in Sunday's spots
'Mean Joe Greene' is back, and 3D will make a splash. But Go Daddy won't. Talking with Sullivan Higdon & Sink's John January.

Here & there
Overnights delayed for digital TV tests
Other shorts: ABC eliminating 400 jobs - Senate passes digital transition delay again - Actors and producers restart talks - Brownridge out at OK! magazine - NBC orders more 'Howie Do It' - Correction: E!'s 'Lately' not on at 11:30 p.m.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I'm thinking of graduate school
The writer, a junior planner, thinks he's getting the sack and wonders whether going back for an MBA would be a smart move

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Monk' goes to the Super Bowl; Saturday: 'Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials' on CBS; Sunday: the game on NBC

Alternative media
Putting your trust in a public fountain
Agency places coins at the bottom that spell out a message: Don't just wish for a better life, save your money. Client: A bank.

People
'The View's' Elisabeth Hasselbeck pregnant
The ABC chatter and husband Tim Hasselbeck are expecting baby No. 3 this August.
Christina Norman becomes CEO at OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network
Roger Baldacci and Wade Devers rise at Arnold Worldwide
Cameron Bedford becomes GM at Critical Mass
Colin Glaum becomes ECD for North America at OgilvyAction
Meredith Ball becomes director of print services at David&Goliath
Mike Krejci, Bill Klotz and Bob Ruhland rise to managers at Katz
Tom Kemp becomes CEO at Northstar Travel Media
Russell Simmons becomes editor in chief at Global Grind
Jimmy Connors joins Tennis Channel for the U.S. Open
Michael Strahan and Jay Glazer hosting Spike TV's 'Pros vs. Joes'

Monday, Feb. 2, 2009

Overnights
Super Bowl rating dips from last year
Averages a 42.1 overnight household rating, according to early numbers, down 6 percent from the record-breaking 2008 game

Sports TV
For ad buyers, one great Super Bowl
Last-minute win for the Steelers ensured a huge audience right through fourth quarter. Too bad the commercials didn't score.

Dayparts update
A bout of the grippe for 'Dr. Phil'
Afternoon talker sees ratings sink in fourth quarter, as do other syndicated shows, as the nation turns to news of the economy

Pop-cult
Alas, the unkindest cut: Diet programs
Searches for 'diet' and diets' are off, suggesting that in these hard times folks are treating weight loss schemes as a luxury

Here & there
LA Times slashing another 300 jobs
Other shorts: Meanwhile, Dallas owner Belo eliminates 500 positions - Saturday overnights: Fox leads among adults 18-49 - From pigskin to p*@#: Tucson's Super Bowl blunder

Overnights
Even with repeats CBS remains on top
Usually dominant network ties ABC for No. 1 Friday among adults 18-49, both averaging a 1.8 adults 18-49 rating for the night

TV This Week
Seeing NBC's Monday hopes, 'Medium'
It could turn out to be the real power in the night's midseason lineup, as one of the few shows that gained last year

Overnights
Fox pulls off a rare win on Thursday
Special edition of 'American Idol' scorches the competition with a 9.2 in 18-49s and boosting lead-out 'Hell's Kitchen' to a 4.9

Out of home
Your client's message on a Segway

How to buy what's the big thing in street team campaigns, allowing advertisers to work crowds with eye-catching displays

Alternative media

White snow, big sky, bigger message
Putting your trust in a public fountain
'Danger. Watch your step. Hot lava.'
The sandwich board of old, jazzed up

People
Michael Phelps apologizes for pipe photo
A newspaper publishes a picture of last summer's eight-time Olympic gold medal winner smoking pot.
Martha Stewart Living editor Michael Boodro steps down
Jeffrey Mitchell becomes digital manager at Connelly Partners
Philippe Sloan becomes director of digital marketing at TargetCast tcm
Martin Cedergren becomes ECD at Akestam Holst
Eddie Snyder becomes SVP and creative director at Partners+Napier
Elizabeth Spear rises to account executive at Third Wave Advertising
Marilyn Thompson rises to deputy AME at the Washington Post
Elisabeth Vincentelli becomes chief drama critic at NY Post
Gary Levine re-signs as EVP of programming at Showtime
Leslie Ryan rises to VP of communications at CBS TV Distribution

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009

Overnights
Fox wins a more competitive Monday
Averages a 4.6 in 18-49s, a nose ahead of CBS, with NBC and ABC both up from last week. 'Chuck' 3D episode hits season high.

Sports TV
Game draws all time-biggest audience
NBC's Super Bowl averages 98.7 million total viewers, topping last year's record, thanks to Steelers' last-minute victory

Sports TV
Super Bowl's big upset: 'Free Doritos'
Frito-Lay ad beats usual winner Anheuser-Busch for game's top spot in post-game voting. And it was the work of amateurs yet.

Sports TV
Behind this year's ho-hum commercials
Blame a conservative, risk-averse mindset on the part of Super Bowl advertisers. Speaking with Adbowl's Bart Cleveland.

New media
A new urgency for social networking
The hurting economy could push some sites under as ad and investment dollars dry up. Challenge is to find how to make money.

Here & there
Go Daddy spot draws largest tune-in
Other shorts: Study: Cinema + TV ads top TV ad conversion - Programming notes: TNT renews 'Leverage' - Job search and coupon sites soar online - Wall Street-focused publisher Doubledown closes

TV This Week
Newest 'Idol' challenge: 'Biggest Loser'
Posts best numbers against the hit Fox show for a regular episode in four years, and it's gaining. Weight loss over warbles.

Alternative media
Stoned to the eyeballs, and driving
How clever: Loopy eyeballs as oversized hubcaps on cars to convey the not-so-comic effect of a drunk behind the wheel

People
Santonio Holmes guesting on 'Tonight'
The Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl MVP will chat it up with Leno Thursday.
Matthew Lipson becomes VP of creative solutions at Visionaire Group
Warren Zenna and Michelle Evangelista join Adroit Interactive
Shawn Portmann becomes EVP at Gen2Media Corp.
Lara Bashkoff rises to president at Global RDA Interactive
Kevin Joyce becomes CMO at Market2Lead
Ian Hogg becomes Asia-Pacific managing director at MGM Worldwide TV
Andrew Meyer becomes VP of programming at Versus
Jason Adelman rises to VP of branded entertainment at Madison Road
Megan Rock rises to VP of domestic distribution at Discovery
Lauren Brockman rises to managing editor at Pregnancy & Newborn

Wednesday, Feb 4, 2009

Overnights
Fox clobbers, for an easy Tuesday win
Averages a 7.5 rating in 18-49s for the night, nearly doubling No. 2 NBC. 'Idol' way out ahead with a 9.9. NBC's 'Loser' holds.

Media economy
Buyers expect upfront to be down a tad
Forecast dip of several percentage points in total ad sales for the broadcast and cable networks in the spring television market

Broadcast recap
A big post-game letdown, 'The Office'
Offbeat NBC comedy averages just 22 million viewers, among the lowest in years and well down from 'House's' 29 million last year

Cable recap
The other big Super Bowl story: Cable
A third of all TV sets were tuned to something else during the big game, and cable's cumulative household rating was up

Here & there
Court denies SAG president's motion
Other shorts: The word: CNBC head Wald is walking
- Study: Actually, ads enhance viewing experience - Celeb titles absent from Wal-Mart? - More 'Kendra' coming to E! - Publisher: Jersey Journal may be gone by April

TV This Week
Celebrating George &*^@8#$ Carlin
The late comic and his shtick on the seven dirty words you can't say on television are toasted at the Kennedy Center, on PBS

Sports TV
Game draws all time-biggest audience
NBC's Super Bowl averages 98.7 million total viewers, topping last year's record, thanks to Steelers' last-minute victory

Alternative media
The roar of a Harley in your grip, almost
Agency outfits buses and trams with handlebar grips, giving

People
Bob Costas joins MLB Network
He'll host specials and do play-by-play in jumping from HBO to the newly launched network.
Greg Coleman becomes president of Platform-A at AOL
Erik Hauser becomes ECD at Euro RSCG 4D
Robert Lambrechts and Jason Apaliski rise at Pereira & O'Dell
Sean Flanagan becomes SVP and CRO at LevelVision
Les Francis becomes principal at Washington Media Group
Erica Thornton becomes SVP and CFO at Tribune Interactive
Nicole De Fusco becomes VP of programming at Sundance Channel
WashingtonPost.com managing editor Tom Kennedy resigns
Greg Sunkel rises to director of national sales at ESPN Radio
Henry S. Ford becomes GM of Fox Sports Ohio

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009

Overnights
'Lie to Me' and 'Lost' duking it out at 9
Both shows average 4.7 in 18-49s in the slot, with the Fox show holding 50 percent of 'Idol's' lead-in. Fox wins night with a 7.3.

Television
House okays digital transition delay
President Obama is expected to sign the bill, which pushes the analog TV changeover date back from Feb. 17 to June 12

New media
Most buzzed-about game ads: Movies
Trailers that aired during Sunday's Super Bowl are generating the bulk of online chatter, and that's good news for Hollywood

New media
For older folks, web's a different place
They stick to more practical uses of the internet, such as emailing and research, over social networking and watching videos

Here & there
NFL draws third-biggest female crowd
Other shorts: Emmys expand pool of nominees from five to six - Latest layoffs come at Bloomberg and Time Warner Cable - IFJ: 109 journalists died on the job in 2008 - Saget's 'Suburbia' switches to ABC

Survey
Talk to us about alternative media
What sorts of coverage would you like to see in Media Life? Where does it fit in media planning? How do clients respond to it?

TV This Week
Game to watch: Celtics and Lakers
Rematch of NBA finals on TNT should see hefty ratings, though LA is looking a bit weaker with Andrew Bynum out with a torn ligament

Alternative media
Getting the message across on a swing
The message is to kids: Don't let yourself get obese. Agency

People
Vivica A. Fox hosting TV Land's 'The Cougar'
The title says it all: Young men competing for the affections of an older lady. Chris Laughlin rises to president at LM&O Advertising
Jeff Balagna rises to president and CEO at Carlson Marketing
Timothy Bruns becomes ECD at Cheil USA
Barbara Tejada becomes creative manager at EVB
Jonathan Lister becomes managing director of Google Canada
Michael O'Brien becomes VP of TV sales at E.W. Scripps
Michael A. Doyle joins the board of directors at RCH Cable
Ninan Chacko becomes CEO at PR Newswire
Frank J. Radice becomes president and CMP at the NATAS
Mary Connelly becomes account director at Vanity Fair

Friday, Feb .6, 2009

Overnights
'Private Practice' hits high for season
ABC drama averages a 5.3 in 18-49s with crossover episode with 'Grey's Anatomy,' boosting network to a win for the night

Dayparts update
Nightly news soars on all the bad news
Three networks see their best audiences in years as Americans tune in for the latest on the nation's wounded economy

Here & there
New publisher takes over New Yorker
Other shorts: Smoked out: Kellogg drops Phelps over pot pics - News Corp. reports $6.4B quarterly loss - Judge rebuffs Rosenberg claims in SAG dispute - Poor ad economy claims JuicyCampus.com - Springer sprung from 'Talent'

Sports TV
Women and men liked different ads
During the Super Bowl, gals favored those with emotion while guys embraced ones with slapstick. Tops overall: Bud fetch spot.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, should I stay or move on?
An assistant planner has gotten strong reviews and raises but no bump in title. She wonders whether it's time to look elsewhere.

Survey
Talk to us about alternative media
What sorts of coverage would you like to see in Media Life? Where does it fit in media planning? How do clients respond to it?

Alternative media
Snow job: Making the right impression
As snow falls on London an agency team dashes about the city stamping the logo of a client, a cable sports network, in the snow

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Jockeys' premieres on Animal Planet; Saturday: 'Gifted Hands' on TNT; Sunday: rematch of the Stanley Cup on NBC

People
David Letterman unveils SI swimsuit issue
The mystery cover model also will make an appearance on CBS's 'Late Show' next week. Sun-Times CEO Cyrus Freidheim resigns
Alain Sylvain becomes managing director at Redscout
Lisa Deatherage rises to CMO at Integer Denver
Erin Alvo becomes SVP and creative director at Publicis & Hal Riney
John Gallant becomes VP and creative director at Quarry
Richard Rushfield and Joseph Kapsch leading Tribune online bureau
Scott Elberg becomes CRO at Air America
Manish Bhatia rises to president of advanced digital services at Nielsen
Cathy Christino becomes associate publisher at Traditional Home
Duff McKagan becomes financial columnist at Playboy

Monday, Feb. 9, 2009

Overnights
Big bounce back for Grammys on CBS
Music awards special averages a 7.6 in 18-49s, up 10 percent over last year's strike-hobbled ceremony. Draws 19.7 total viewers.

Media economy
For media folks, job cuts may be easing
Recruiters say media departments are now leaned out to survive the ad downturn. Or that's the hope. But don't expect big raises.

Cable
Lakers win over Celtics tops the charts
Rematch of NBA finalists draws best regular-season audience since 2004, averaging 4.31 million total viewers, as bball rebounds

Overnights
'Whisperer' boosts CBS to first Friday
Averages a 2.4 adults 18-49 rating for the night, led by ghostly drama's 2.8, tops on the night and bettering its season average

Here & there
Anderson News suspends operations
Other shorts: Arbitron makes PPM deal in Maryland - Newsweek readying May makeover - Saturday overnights: Fox zooms to victory - WBIX clarifies relationship with accused bilker Rennie

Point of view
How not to save your newspaper
Time's Walter Isaacson proposes that papers charge for content. He's got it exactly wrong. They need to deliver better content.

TV This Week
'Trust Me,' but then again, maybe not
The ad biz can be fascinating if you're in it but it's less so for viewers of TNT's new series. A lot don't return after debut.

Alternative media
Newest street team thing: Cup of Joe
Backpacks carrying beverages that can be poured on the spot, warming the hearts and minds of passersby to a campaign

Out of home
Your client at the gas pump

Pump island advertising reaches a uniquely captive audience, and the options are more than one might expect. Here's how to buy it.

Alternative media

Stoned to the eyeballs, and driving
Getting a message across on a swing
The roar of a Harley in your grip, almost
Snow job: Making the right impression

People
'Dancing with the Stars' cast introduced
The hit ABC reality show's latest hoofers include Apple's Steve Wozniak, Jewel and Lil' Kim.
Eric Silver resigns as ECD at BBDO New York
Publisher Samantha Fennell leaves Interview magazine abruptly
Jerry Bruckheimer bringing 'Miami Trauma' to CBS
Katherine Pope becomes consulting producer on Fox's 'Lie to Me'
Julia Ormond starring in LMN's 'The Wronged Man'
Jennifer Lopez producing Fox's 'The Rebels'
Paige Davis hosting syndicated 'Life for Dummies'
Danica McKellar joins Science Channel's 'Brink'
Ed O'Neill starring in ABC's 'An American Family'
Cristina Perez's 'Cristina's Court' coming to an end

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009

Overnights
Obama chat draws nearly 37 million
Across four networks, with ABC tops at 11.5 million total viewers and CBS at 9.8 million. But special knocks rest of night for a loop.

Television
MNTV: Broadcast model 'not working'
News Corp. channel will ditch traditional format for new hybrid, combining syndicated content with 'WWE Smackdown'

Magazines
Magazines take big hit at the newsstand
Single-copy sales fall 11 percent over six months as Americans cut nonessentials. Hit hard: Celebrity and women's service. (charts)

Magazines
Fee spat rocks magazine distribution
A number of issues won't make it to newsstands as publishers and distributors square off. One closes shop, another files lawsuit.

Magazines
What's to learn from the folding of 8020
Print-web hybrid had all the elements of the new media model--except for ad buyer support. Talking with 8020's Rob A. Kligman.

Here & there
Study: 525 mags shut down in 2008
Other shorts: Amazon's Kindle 2, a smaller, talkier device - Skimpier swimsuit: SI ad pages fall by a third - Programming notes: Cartoon orders more 'Clone' - WSJ.com expands European and Asian sites

TV This Week
Westminster, in a year for the dogs
USA's telecast of the annual Kennel Club Dog Show could well be up, as a diversion from all the news we'd rather not hear

Alternative media
Newest street team thing: Cup of Joe
Backpacks carrying beverages that can be poured on the spot, warming the hearts and minds of passersby to a campaign

People
Nick Cannon hosting 'America's Got Talent'
The actor will replace the exiting Jerry Springer on NBC's top summer show.
Jamie Gallo rises to president at TBWA\Chiat\Day New York
Russell Rice rises to SVP and media planning director at Fletcher Martin
Peter Sedlarcik becomes TargetCast tcm SVP and director of insights
Holly Pavlika becomes ECD at Big Fuel
Michelle D. Wilson becomes EVP of marketing at WWE
Sam Weinman becomes senior web editor at Golf Digest Digital
Chandrakanth B. N. becomes president of global services at Theorem
Citadel major market radio president Mitch Dolan steps down
Josh Friedman becomes investing editor at Bloomberg News
Greg Tantum becomes executive producer of 'Fred Thompson Show'

Wednesday, Feb 11, 2009

Overnights
NBC delivers with mom of octuplets
'Dateline' special averages a 4.0 in 18-49s, winning the 10 p.m. hour
and boosting the network to a tie for second for the night

Broadcast recap
In our pain, reality stages a comeback
Ratings rebound for unscripted network fare, with six of the
top 22 shows last week as America seeks to escape that other reality

Cable recap
On TBS, laughing through the Payne
'Meet the Browns' is now the top comedy on cable, securing
the franchise Tyler Perry first staked out in 'House of Payne'

Media economy
Media folks are up on alternative media
Many will strive to work it into a media plan, and two thirds
in a survey think clients will increase their spending this year

Television
Final tally: 49.5 million watch Obama
His first White House press conference outdraws inauguration
coverage across eight networks but well behind Clinton's first

Here & there
The word: Sirius XM mulls bankruptcy
Other shorts: More than a third of stations make digital switch early - Study: Americans prefer TV
for economic news - Marketers say ad budgets take a hit with recession - Programming notes: Showtime orders more 'Tara'

TV This Week
Now, all eyes look to the Carolinas
The Tar Heels and the Blue Devils meet up at Durham, and UNC
would seem to have the edge. But don't bet on it. On ESPN.

Alternative media
Smashing campaign for Friday the 13th
Busted flower pots are placed on a sidewalk as if they'd fallen
out a window. Message: You insured? Client: Insurance company.

Overnights
Obama chat draws nearly 37 million
Across four networks, with ABC tops at 11.5 million total
viewers and CBS at 9.8 million. But special knocks rest of night for a loop.

Television
MNTV: Broadcast model 'not working'
News Corp. channel will ditch traditional format for new hybrid,
combining syndicated content with 'WWE Smackdown'

Magazines
Magazines take big hit at the newsstand
Single-copy sales fall 11 percent over six months as Americans cut nonessentials.
Hit hard: Celebrity and women's service. (charts)

Magazines
Fee spat rocks magazine distribution
A number of issues won't make it to newsstands as publishers and distributors
square off. One closes shop, another files lawsuit.

Magazines
What's to learn from the folding of 8020
Print-web hybrid had all the elements of the new media model--except for
ad buyer support. Talking with 8020's Rob A. Kligman.

Here & there
Study: 525 mags shut down in 2008
Other shorts: Amazon's Kindle 2, a smaller, talkier device - Skimpier swimsuit:
SI ad pages fall by a third - Programming notes: Cartoon orders more 'Clone' - WSJ.com expands
European and Asian sites

TV This Week
Westminster, in a year for the dogs
USA's telecast of the annual Kennel Club Dog Show could well be up,
as a diversion from all the news we'd rather not hear

Alternative media
Newest street team thing: Cup of Joe
Backpacks carrying beverages that can be poured on the spot, warming
the hearts and minds of passersby to a campaign

People
Michelle Obama makes Vogue cover
The first lady cements her fashion icon status with an Annie Leibovitz shoot for
the March issue. Cindi Thomas and Mark Fairbanks rise at Fullhouse
Laurie Webster and John Buckman join Shore Communications
Steve Dolcemaschio rises to COO at Comcast Entertainment Group
Laura Black Dawson and Shelly Tremain rise at NBCU TV Group
Doug Seybert becomes VP of marketing at Discovery Emerging
BBC head of acquisitions George McGhee stepping down
David Auerbach becomes president at Rive Gauche Television
William J. Beaumont becomes president of Centris
Tony Robbins starring in NBC reality series
Actor Wilmer Valderrama producing 'Earth to Pablo'

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009

Overnights
Supersized 'Idol' wins the night for Fox
Averages a 9.4 in 18-49s, tripling No. 2 CBS's 2.9, as judges pick over 36 semi-finalists. 'Lost' feels the hit, averaging a 4.4.

Television
Obama okays June digital TV delay
Legislation pushes the transition date back from February, citing millions of households unprepared for the switch from analog

Television
Ad-wise, the Oscars in this digital age
The price of a spot is down for the Academy Awards, but the event has grown beyond the night. Talking with TNS's Jon Swallen.

Dayparts update
'Neath the suds: Real power of soaps
Study: Viewers are the most loyal of daytime, even as their numbers dwindle, and that loyalty endears them to advertisers

Here & there
Hip-hop snip-snap: Big cuts at Vibe
Other shorts: Source Interlink gains temporary restraining order - Sun-Times' Cooke heads north to Toronto - Programming notes: Golf Channel tees up LPGA - Transit TV ad network shuts down

Survey
Tell us: What's the fate of newspapers?
Is there a viable strategy for surviving? What is it? What do you expect to see in the coming year for America's dailies?

TV This Week
And off we go to the jungle once more
Season 18 opens for CBS's 'Survivor' reality series, which may be the ultimate survivor on broadcast, its grip still quite firm

Alternative media
'Mirror, mirror, what's that pink spot?'
Positioned breast high, it grows larger each day. Then comes the message: Attend a luncheon discussion on breast cancer.

People
Nicollette Sheridan leaving 'Housewives'
ABC confirms that the actress is exiting the hit series, though no word on when or how.
NielsenConnect president Jon Mandel exits
Jeremy Halbreich becomes interim CEO at Sun-Times Media Group
Mark Willes becomes president and CEO of Deseret Management Corp.
A-B chief creative officer Bob Lachky leaving the company
Anne-Marie Cook rises to contributing editor at Spa magazine
Michelle Jaconi executive producing CNN's 'State of the Union'
Jeff Glor rises to Saturday anchor on 'CBS Evening News'
Snoop Dogg hosting MTV's 'Dogg After Dark'
Drew Carey and Jeff Foxworthy roasting Larry the Cable Guy
Kelly Choi hosting Bravo's 'Top Chef Masters'

Friday, Feb .13, 2009

Overnights
ABC scores big with second crossover
Averages 4.6 in 18-49s for the night, with 'Private Practice' tying last week's series high of 5.8. 'Grey's' averages a 5.9.

New media
Google dumping radio ad project
Web giant exits the business three years after acquiring dMarc Broadcasting and weeks after ending similar newspaper program

TV Preview
'Dollhouse,' headscratcher but for a few
Fox series will appeal to the 'Buffy' and 'Angel' set but its complicated sci-fi storyline will likely befuddle most viewers

New media
'Gossip' effect: Real value of web buzz
More and more, networks are looking at how well shows do online as an indicator of their ratings potential, and whether to renew

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, my boss talks dirty to women
The writer, a young planner, wants to know her best course. Should she confront him? Rachel counsels a wiser strategy.

Here & there
'Idol' boots controversial contestant
Other shorts: U.S.-Mexico soccer match scores for Univision - Getting their Diggs: Crooks target news sharing site - Programming notes: FX renews 'Rescue Me' - This V-Day, station invites you to 'Trash Your Ex'

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Fox's 'Terminator' returns; Saturday: TNT's All-Star festivities; Sunday: 'The Amazing Race' premiere on CBS

Alternative media
'There's a naked man here, with a sign'
Stunt to promote an upcoming reality show to media buyers drops a few jaws. Name of show: 'I'd Do Anything for Money.'

People
Parade president Walter Anderson retiring
He joined the Sunday publication 31 years ago and rose to editor in chief and later CEO. Randi Servetnick becomes senior partner at Moroch Philadelphia
Louis Marino becomes ECD at 'mktg'
Patrick Reynolds becomes SVP at Ando Media
Tatiana Rodriguez rises to SVP of programming at Nick Latin America
Lara Richardson becomes VP of creative at TLC
Kristin Cohen rises to associate publisher at Saveur
Jen A. Miller rises to South Jersey bureau chief at New Jersey Monthly
Ex South Florida broadcaster Kelley Mitchell in critical condition
Grand Rapids Press columnist David Mayo charged with growing pot
Lennie James joins CBS's upcoming U.S. Attorney pilot

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009

Overnights
Hooked up: Bump for ABC's 'Bachelor'
Two-hour reality show averages a 4.4 in 18-49s, best non-finale rating since 2004, boosting network to No. 2 for night behind Fox

Overnights
Fox's Friday 'Dollhouse' debut fizzles
Much-hyped Joss Whedon drama places third in its timeslot in total viewers, drawing just 4.7 million, behind CBS and ABC shows

Media economy
New, more dire forecast for ad spending
UBS chops 2009 outlook to minus 11.6 percent growth and 2008 to minus 4.8 percent, blaming downturn and shift to cheaper media

Pop-cult
Things are popping down at the Bijou
Along with popcorn, ticket sales and box office revenues are jumping as Americans look for escape from these harsh times

Newspapers
Buyers: Newspapers have years to go
For all their troubles, media people see a future for print editions, and also see hope for combating their decline

Here & there
Fox moves 'Idol' opposite ABC's 'Lost'
Other shorts: Give me Liberty: Sirius' Uncle Mel pays off debt - Muslim TV founder arrested for wife's decapitation - Atlantic looks to shore up sales with four covers - Gay old time: Talese wins Polk lifetime achievement

TV This Week
Just how we got into this terrible mess
'Frontline' special 'Inside the Meltdown' on PBS examines the root causes leading up to the nation's economic crisis

Alternative media
A window into what we throw away
Garbage trucks are outfitted with what look like windows through which one sees all the things that could have been recycled

This week in out of home
Your client all lit up on buildings

Reaching the urban nightlife set as they do the town, as well as convention-goers, with ads projected onto buildings at night

Alternative media

'There's a naked man here, with a sign'
'Mirror, mirror, what's that pink spot?'
Newest street team thing: Cup of Joe
Smashing campaign for Friday the 13th

People
ABC's Sam Donaldson retiring
The newsman, known as a hard-charging White House correspondent, will cut back to occasional appearances.
Theresa LaMontagne becomes SVP of data analytics at Carat
Melissa Brewer becomes media director at Golden Media
Aaron Adams becomes marketing copywriter at Martopia
Anthony Katsur becomes CTO at Travel Ad Network
Angela Zucconi rises to CFO at Vibe
Newsday managing editor Debbie Henley stepping down
Doug Fruehling rises to editor at Washington Business Journal
Beth Eslinger rises to editor in chief at Do It Yourself
Michael Grass becomes news editor at Center for Independent Media
Chicago Tribune's Jill Zuckman joining the Obama administration

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009

Overnights
'Idol' double dose kills off competition
Fox reality show averages a 9.5 in 18-49s, more than double No. 2 CBS at a 3.6, as 25 million tune in for warbler semi-finals

Media economy
On a brighter note, the kids upfront
Buyers expect solid sales at the spring upfront market, and that's because kids advertisers are faring better in the downturn

Sports TV
Fox's rain-shortened Daytona sputters
Year's first NASCAR event averages 16 million viewers, off 10 percent from last year, as officials call the race with 48 laps to go

Magazines
On the crisis in magazine circulation
The latest ABC numbers show huge declines, and media buyers are plenty worried. Talking with TargetCast's Roberta Garfinkle.

Here & there
Hundreds of stations move to digital
Other shorts: Behind Liberty's last-minute Sirius-XM deal - House beautiful? RDA launching shelter title. - Beauty mark: Longtime sponsor L'Oreal leaves Oscars - Say hey, give a big honk for Bob and Wendy

Survey
Help us handicap the Academy Awards
Some think ABC will see a bump in viewership. What do you think? Is a spot really worth $1.4 million? Who will win Oscars?

TV This Week
Building buzz for 'High School Reunion'
Season two of the TV Land reality series debuts with a hefty boost from online, including an airing of the premiere episode

Alternative media
A window into what we throw away
Garbage trucks are outfitted with what look like windows through which one sees all the things that could have been recycled

People
M.C. Hammer starring in reality series
In what seems like an inevitable development, the cash-strapped rapper joins A&E for the series 'Hammertime. '
Greg Besner becomes COO at House Party
Scott Springer rises to director of sales at CBS Radio Los Angeles
Chris Gwiazda and Tim Stephen join Generate
Kat Isaacson becomes marketing account director at Your Wedding Day
Ben Hindman becomes events manager at Thrillist.com
Citadel programmer Tom Cuddy retiring
Cricket commentator Richie Benaud retiring
A.D. Miles becomes head writer on 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon'
Charles Barkley returning to 'NBA on TNT' this week
McG executive producing CBS's 'Thunder Road'

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009

Overnights
'Lost' rises again without 'Idol' to face
ABC spooker averages a 5.1 in adults 18-49, up 16 percent after a week when it faced a two-hour episode of the Fox reality hit

Broadcast recap
At last, broadcast may be recovering
All this time after the writers' strike socked ratings, there are signs that viewers are coming back, with some shows well up

Cable recap
Swish: NBA's rebound shows its legs
Sunday's All-Star Game, up 17 percent, is another sign that the league's got its mojo back after a few down years (charts)

New media
Stunner: Social networks may sicken us
Could lead to cancer, strokes and dementia, argues a researcher, as people spend less time in healthy face-to-face socializing

New media
About Face-book: Site rescinds policy
Nixes controversial new licensing guidelines that prompted protests on the social network and from many privacy advocates

Here & there
Press gang-up: Papers sharing stories
Other shorts: Nielsen: 4.4 percent unprepared for DTV switch - Monkey business? Post defends chimp cartoon. - Union mulls employee buyout of Seattle P-I - Hef of a dilemma: Ailing Playboy eyes sale

TV This Week
For 'Ugly Betty,' a not so lovely fall
Comedy's ratings well down through January, though it still wins women 18-34, and ABC is looking elsewhere to prop up the hour

Alternative media
'Hey, split the cost of this billboard'
In a nod to the times, brewery offers to share space, aiming to save a few bucks, then puts up the best of the entries

Overnights
'Idol' double dose kills off competition
Fox reality show averages a 9.5 in 18-49s, more than double No. 2 CBS at a 3.6, as 25 million tune in for warbler semi-finals

Media economy
On a brighter note, the kids upfront
Buyers expect solid sales at the spring upfront market, and that's because kids advertisers are faring better in the downturn

Sports TV
Fox's rain-shortened Daytona sputters
Year's first NASCAR event averages 16 million viewers, off 10 percent from last year, as officials call the race with 48 laps to go

Magazines
On the crisis in magazine circulation
The latest ABC numbers show huge declines, and media buyers are plenty worried. Talking with TargetCast's Roberta Garfinkle.

TV This Week
Building buzz for 'High School Reunion'
Season two of the TV Land reality series debuts with a hefty boost from online, including an airing of the premiere episode

Alternative media
Taking the hot air out of new car sales
Agency hangs balloons from cars in the showroom, filled with plain air, not helium. Message on the balloons: 'Less hot air.'

People
Fallon's first guest: Robert De Niro
When the ex-'SNLer's' show launches next month, the acclaimed actor will be on the couch.
Marc Ruxin rises to EVP and chief innovations officer at McCann
Tanya LeSieur becomes director of integrated production at Saatchi
Don Hayner rises to editor at the Chicago Sun-Times
Rob Marlow rises to SVP and CIO at Titan Worldwide
Ken Citron rises to EVP and CIO at Rodale
Leslie Glenn Chesloff becomes EVP of programming at Ion
Jeff Wilson becomes EVP of sales and marketing at Whoop
ESPN's Neil Everett, Stan Verrett and Stuart Scott moving to LA
Arthur G. Sulzberger joining NY Times blog
Kevin Klose becomes dean at Maryland journalism school

Friday, Feb .20, 2009

Overnights
ABC wins its third Thursday in a row
Squeaks ahead with a 4.2 in 18-49s to CBS's 3.9, led by 'Grey's' and a reviving 'Private Practice,' which averages a 4.4.

Television
Memo to ABC: Expect Oscars to be up
Media buyers and planners expect viewership to rebound from last year's all-time low as cash-strapped America nestles in

Television
Who's going to win Oscars on Sunday
Which stars and movies are most likely to take away Academy Awards. Talking with Entertainment Weekly's Dave Karger.

Newspapers
NY Post: Sorry about the chimp thing
Rupe's tab addresses controversy over Wednesday's cartoon, which led to protests of racism. But it lashes out at some critics.

Here & there
SAG contract talks break down again
Other shorts: About Time: Source settles with SI publisher - NY Times settles lobbyist's suit - Study: Given choice, viewers would stick with ABC - Cable operators eye greater online video offerings

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, my boss is a pain in the neck
She goofs off and whines, leaving it to him to get the job done. The writer wonders what's his best strategy. Rachel counsels.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Conan O'Brien signs off from 'Late Night;' Saturday: Oklahoma-Texas on ESPN; Sunday: Jackman hosts Oscars on ABC

Alternative media
Taking the hot air out of new car sales
Agency hangs balloons from cars in the showroom, filled with plain air, not helium. Message on the balloons: 'Less hot air.'

People
Jenna Elfman starring in CBS pilot
The ex-'Dharma and Greg' star will play a pregnant movie critic in 'Accidentally on Purpose.' Russ Haderer rises to SVP and chief quality officer at BPA
Jackie Mayer becomes social media analyst at Karma Media Labs
Jeff Ballabon becomes SVP of communications at CBS News
Peter Senseney and Jean Crowley become sales managers at Meredith
Alison Gwinn becomes executive editor at O, The Oprah Magazine
Chris Mitchell becomes VP and publisher at Conde Nast Traveler
Bill Brand rises to EVP of marketing and business development at HSN
Tom Braithwaite rises to business correspondent at Financial Times
David Alan Grier hosting VH1's 'Black to the Future'
Isaac Mizrahi hosting Bravo's 'The Fashion Show'

Monday, Feb. 23, 2009

Overnights
Update: Hefty bump for Oscars special
ABC averages 36.3 million viewers, up 13 percent over last year's record low. Most-watched nonsports TV show in two years.

Media economy
Cable upfront outlook: Not all that bad
Spending levels and prices are expected to be flat compared to last year, even with this bum ad economy, come the spring

Television
Oscars rap: Different but not any better
Critics laud some of the changes in the annual ritual but the show dragged on late, as in past years, inducing protracted yawns

Pop-cult
For Jade Goody, the final reality show
A nobody until appearing on the UK's 'Big Brother,' she became a somebody. Now's she's dying and plans to sell the rights.

Overnights
Conan O'Brien exits with season high
'Late Night' host scores his best rating since December 2006, averaging a 2.6 metered-market rating for his final show

Here & there
SAG board nixes producers' final deal
Other shorts: Philly papers join Journal Register in Chapter 11 - RAB: Radio revenue slips 9 percent in 2008 - MPA cites economy in canceling annual conference

TV This Week
Where love conquers all, once again
'Manana Es Para Siempre' is Univision's newest telenovela but the themes are as old as time: young lovers kept apart by class

Alternative media
'Whoopee, what a gas, those PBS guys'
Movie-goers are handed whoopee cushions to promote the network's six-parter on the history of comedy, 'Make 'Em Laugh'

Out of home
our client's message on sidewalks

How to buy this engaging form of guerrilla advertising, from chalk creations sketched by artists to high-tech projections

Alternative media

Taking the hot air out of new car sales
'Hey, split the cost of this billboard'
A window into what we throw away
Media folks are up on alternative media

People
Clay Aiken guesting on 'Top Model'
The 'American Idol' runner-up will appear on the CW reality show in April. Gill Brown becomes VP of ad sales at LookSmart
Connie Anne Phillips becomes publisher at In Style
Cameron Joseph becomes researcher at Almanac of American Politics
Idaho Falls Post Register editor Dean Miller booted
Gary Williams joins Sirius XM's Mad Dog Radio
Adam Carolla starring in CBS comedy pilot
John Sayles writing 'Scar Tissue' for HBO
Joel McHale starring in NBC pilot 'Community'
Jaime Ray Newman starring in ABC drama pilot 'Eastwick'
Nicole Richie and Joel Madden having baby No. 2

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009

Overnights
Full 'House': Fox nabs Monday night
Doc drama jumps 6 percent from last week, to a 5.4 in 18-49s, easily the night's top show and giving the network a 4.6

Television
Chernin is checking out at News Corp.
Rupe's longtime No. 2 will exit this summer after failing to reach a new deal. Stumbling point: No. 2 wanted to be No. 1.

Media economy
For hurting radio, a glimmer of light
It's been a rough decade, and 2008 was a bummer. Forecasters see recovery in time but it will come to a very different industry.

Television
Summing up: Year in TV at midseason
There are some surprises and one certainly is CBS, the only network to see gains. Talking with MediaCom's Jordan Breslow.

New media
No surprise, job sites are just booming
But it's not just the economy driving the traffic surge. The other factor: An increasing acceptance of online job searching.

Here & there
Forecast: Spending will fall 0.4 percent
Other shorts: Average screen time soars with new technology - Oxford American stays afloat on surprise donation - Programming notes: CW orders 'Melrose' pilot - FT to employees: How about a few days off?

TV This Week
For Obama, an evening for jaw-boning
The president speaks before a joint session of Congress, but he'll be looking to the public for support of his stimulus plan

Alternative media
'Whoopee, what a gas, those PBS guys'
Movie-goers are handed whoopee cushions to promote the network's six-parter on the history of comedy, 'Make 'Em Laugh'

People
Mickey Rourke appearing at Wrestlemania
'The Wrestler' star may not get in the ring but he will be on hand at the April event in Houston.
Neeraj Khemlani becoming VP of digital media at Hearst
Lori Dicker becomes EVP of digital marketing at Karma Media Labs
Jake Willitts becomes GM at Kingstar Media
Sheena M. Harrison joins Bassett & Bassett
Victor Germain becomes SVP of business development at GSTV
Dean Hadaegh rises to CTO at the Tennis Channel
Michelle Stacey rises to deputy editor at Cosmopolitan
Andree C. de la Garza rises to marketing director at National Geographic
Sebastian Raatz rises to VP of new media at Bauer Publishing
Jackie Bueno Sousa and Glenn Garvin join the Miami Herald

Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009

Overnights
Obama chat draws 33.6 million viewers
Up 37 percent from Bush's State of the Union last year, according to early numbers, with CBS leading the way with 10.5 million

Newspapers
Hearst: We may close SF Chronicle
Owner threatens to shut down or sell the paper unless significant cuts can be made in the 1,500-employee workforce

Broadcast recap
For many young, it's a sofa recession
Adults 18-34 have become big watchers of awards shows, most recently the Oscars, no doubt as they cut back (charts)

Cable recap
Power players: MSNBC and Fox News
The two cable news networks are seeing ratings gains taking opposite sides in the stimulus debate, while CNN sinks (charts)

Magazines
Brit magazines are also feeling pinched
Circulation's sliding and there are fewer launches. A shakeout seems likely. But so far they're faring better than U.S. titles.

Here & there
The struggling CW renews six series
Other shorts: Trump card: Bad economy claims Hallmark Magazine - Professors: Actually, Big Three favor Republicans - Programming notes: Lifetime married to more 'Wives'

TV This Week
What's cooking up a storm: 'Top Chef'
Bravo series is up 20 percent in the ratings this season, and its finale should pull a season high as the last three go at it

Alternative media
Rare but possible: Ads on postal boxes
Looking at two campaigns that got the okay in recent years, one for Niagara Falls, the other a commemorative for 'Star Wars'

People
Reunited: Andy Richter and Conan O'Brien
Richter will rejoin his old pal, taking the announcing gig on O'Brien's 'Tonight Show.'
New York Post cuts gossip columnist Liz Smith
Howard Mittman rises to publisher at Wired
Richard Monturo becomes ED of strategy at La Comunidad
Charles Nowaczek and Young Kim rise at Epic Advertising
Essie Chambers becomes VP of original programming at BET
Andrew L. Blacker becomes executive director at CAC
Tim O'Connor and Lottie Oakley rise to associate publishers at Vogue
Tamara Feldman joins the cast of CW's 'Gossip Girl'
Katelyn Pippy joins the cast of Lifetime's 'Army Wives'
Lou Diamond Phillips joins Sci Fi's 'Stargate Universe'

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009

Overnights
Fox dominates with a two-hour 'Idol'
Averages an 8.9 in 18-49s, tripling No. 2 ABC and CBS, tied at 2.7. Bopped by 'Idol,' Lost' tumbles from last week's season high.

Television
Update: Obama speech draws 53.4M
President's first Congressional address tops Bush's inaugural 2001 chat by 12.6 million as he talks about the ailing economy

New media
The coming explosion in mobile media
Ad spending is forecast to soar to $3.1 billion by 2013, driven by smart phones. Talking with Kelsey Group's Michael Boland.

Dayparts update
All the talk, and all day long: Octomom
She likes being pregnant, and America loves her story, which is driving up ratings for the morning shows and afternoon chatters

Newspapers
For free papers, a question of survival
The Metro chain is feeling the pinch of the economy, as are all the others. But analysts still believe the model can succeed.

Here & there
Seinfeld back on NBC with reality show
Other shorts: Paper cuts: Three papers laying off 335 - Matthews fesses up to 'Oh God' comment - NYT: Oops, that blog was really a put-on - Survey says more people look online for news

TV This Week
To be black, beautiful and have it all
CNBC's 'NEWBOs: The Rise of America's New Black Overclass' looks at African Americans who have risen to the top in their fields

Alternative media
'Hey, Michael Phelps, you're our guy'
Head shop jumps on the swimmer's bong flap, putting up posters making light of it all at the peak of public indignation

People
Lauren Conrad: Over 'The Hills'
MTV reality star tells Seventeen magazine that the upcoming fifth season of the series will be her last. Erin Johnson rises to chief communications officer at JWT
Arbitron president of technology Owen Charlebois leaving
Andrew Mansinne becomes CEO at DOmedia
Jonathan Kopp becomes global director at Ketchum Digital
Alberto Vourvoulias-Bush becomes executive editor at ImpreMedia
Steve Wilhite becomes CEO at Jumpstart Automotive Media
Maryam Banikarim becomes SVP of integrated sales at NBCU
Michael Clemente becomes SVP of news at Fox News Channel
Mike Gillespie becomes national sales manager at ZGS Communications
Eddie Alterman becomes VP and editor in chief at Car and Driver

Friday, Feb .27, 2009

Overnights
Bumped 'Idol' bumps all on Thursday
Fox averages a 5.7 in 18-49s, well ahead of No. 2 CBS at 3.7. Hit reality show, moved back a night by Obama chat, pulls a 7.0.

Cable
Woods' return drives Golf Channel
First-round coverage of Match Play sets a record with 1.7 million total viewers as Tiger comes back from eight-month layoff

Newspapers
Rocky Mountain News is shutting down
Today's edition will be the last for the Denver daily after Scripps fails to find a buyer, leaving the market to the Post

Younger viewers
Disney XD's Aaron Stone, boy wonder
Revamped network gets an early jump with the signature series, which has boosted the timeslot nearly 300 percent

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, how do I learn if I'm to be axed?
A young planner writes to say her agency has been cutting and is looking for signs that she might be next. Rachel holds forth.

Here & there
GM: We're slashing our ad spend again
Other shorts: Senate passes ban on Fairness Doctrine - Publishers fretting over Google News' new ads - Programming notes: Fox orders more 'Simpsons' - Newsday eyes charging for online content

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Dollhouse' on Fox; Saturday: Rosie O'Donnell movie on Lifetime; Sunday: 'Jesse Stone' on CBS and Style's 'Heels'

Alternative media
Drink coasters: The latest hookup thing
Designed to fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, blue for men, red for women, inviting an evening of mix and match

People
Brittany Snow starring in 'Gossip' spinoff
She'll play Lily van der Woosen during her teen party queen years in the CW's pilot. Sacha Reeb and Anna Banks join Organic
Kim Klepfer Schenck becomes planning director at Horizon Media
Adryanna Sutherland becomes president at HSR Business to Business
Laura Michalchyshyn becomes president and GM at Planet Green
Alan Saxe becomes SVP of business and legal affairs at OWN
Bill Sammon and Bryan Boughton rise at Fox News Channel
Diego Scotti becomes executive director of marketing at Vogue
Rusty Dornin becomes SVP at NewsCertified Exchange
Erin Giunta becomes photo editor at Hemispheres
Justin Timberlake guesting on NBC's 'Late Night'

Monday, Marc h 2, 2009

Overnights
Trump pump: 'Apprentice' lifts NBC
Show's eighth-season premiere averages a 3.8 in 18-49s, 65 percent above timeslot average, though down from last year

Media economy
Harsh times for Spanish-language TV
Chilly early outlook for sales at the upfront market, and it's not just because of the slowdown gripping the ad economy

Overnights
'Whisperer' lifts CBS to Friday victory
Averages an above-average 2.7 in adults 18-49, pushing CBS to a 2.2 for the night, well ahead of No. 2 ABC with a 1.7 rating

Here & there
Facebook letting its users have a say
Other shorts: Adios: Univision laying off 300 employees - Hearst also mulling premium newspaper content - Free speech advocates hail web anonymity ruling - Saturday overnights: Fox tops among 18-49s

Pop-cult
The true, early story of social networking
The phenomenon goes back to the first personals, or lonely hearts ads. A big step forward: W.T. Stead's Wedding Ring Circle.

Remembering
The last page turns for Paul Harvey
For decades he was the voice of Middle America on radio, reading the news and opining. His ideas helped shape those of millions.

TV This Week
For Jimmy Fallon, finding a new groove
His much-anticipated move into Conan O'Brien seat on NBC's
'Late' comes at 12:35 a.m. Expect a slow build in ratings.

Alternative media
A doghouse for those left-behind pets
Across the front is a sign that says 'Foreclosure,' as one might see in front of a house, along with listings of available pets

Out of home
Your client's message in elevators
How to buy a medium that speaks to a very captive audience, and it's not just posters. There's video and very creative wraps.

Alternative media
Drink coasters: The latest hookup thing
'Hey, Michael Phelps, you're our guy'
Rare but possible: Ads on postal boxes
'Whoopee, what a gas, those PBS guys'

People
Boris Becker gets engaged on TV
Ex-tennis star proposes to on-again girlfriend Lilly Kerssenberg on a German game show. Sallie Hofmeister rises to assistant managing editor at the LA Times
George Nguyen becomes managing director at TBWA Vietnam
Antoine Sanfuentes rises to deputy Washington bureau chief at NBC
Jane Rice becomes SVP of affiliate sales at Lifetime
Russell Labosky and Alexandra Mack join Interview magazine
Mike Oreskes and John Daniszewski sharing AP managing editor duties
Peggy White becomes publisher at Double X magazine
Larry Klein becomes showrunner for 'The Brian McKnight Show'
Adam 'Pacman' Jones appearing on Spike's 'Pros vs. Joes'
Kim Kardashian hosting the MTV Cribs Awards

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Overnights
Huge finale for ABC's 'The Bachelor'
Network averages a 5.8 in 18-49s for three-hour special as Jason dumps his fiance and runs off with the runner-up. Peaks at a 6.7.

New media
Local media outlook: Declining dollars
Forecast sees a drop in ad spending even with recovery as advertisers accelerate their shift to less-expensive digital media

Research
DVR users also watch more TV online
And that means they're more likely to see the ads they might have skipped through watching time-shifted shows, reports a study

Television
Fallon's first night: Room to improve
NBC's new 'Late Night' host gets middling reviews for his debut episode, despite Conan's cameo and a rocking new band

New media
On papers' efforts to charge for content
It's the hot idea as they face declining print revenue, but don't expect it to work. Talking with ContentNext's Lauren Rich Fine.

Here & there
Philly News becomes edition of Inky
Other shorts: Layoff flu lays out health publisher Rodale - Bucks naked? Penthouse denies shutdown rumor. - Thomson Reuters launching on-demand video news - Programming shorts: ABC grounds 'Mars'

TV This Week
For FX's 'Nip/Tuck,' death with dignity
Season five is finishing up with numbers well down but its vital signs are still strong as it looks ahead to its final season

Alternative media
A doghouse for those left-behind pets
Across the front is a sign that says 'Foreclosure,' as one might see in front of a house, along with listings of available pets

People
Kim Raver joins ABC pilot
'Lipstick Jungle's' future looks even less certain after the star joins 'Inside the Box.'
J.P. Clement becomes EVP of strategy at Karma Media Labs
Hachette Filipacchi Media promotes three to SVP
Scott Collins rises to EVP of national ad sales at WE tv
Robin Lake rises to VP of research at Sony Pictures TV
Alan Brittain becomes VP of sales at Screenvision
Scott Schiller becomes SVP of ad sales at Comcast Interactive Media
Eric Jackson and Jeffrey Mirman join NBA Digital
Courtney Menzel becomes SVP of content distribution at Epix
John Sheehy and Claude Girard join Afar magazine
Jeremy Greenspan, Lo Norona and Fletch Tison join Appssavvy

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Overnights
Honeymoon bounce for 'The Bachelor'
Two-hour post-finale special averages a 4.0 in 18-49s, night's No.2 show behind 'Idol,' night after 'Rose' sees record ratings

Television
'Bachelor' backlash explodes on web
Angry women berate Jason for dumping Melissa for Molly, on television no less. But finale draws best numbers since 2004.

Broadcast recap
For a revived NBC, looking for a break
Lifted by Super Bowl, the network's now in third place, and it has promising new shows debuting. It needs one to click (charts).

Cable recap
Struggling MTV looks to reinvent itself
Ratings are well down as fickle young viewers drift off, and now it aims to lure them back with a slew of new shows (charts)

Here & there
Moonves: Upfront pricing will be up
Other shorts: Cablevision begins targeting ads by household - Reports: Video site ManiaTV signing off - Programming shorts: Back in session for 'HSM4' - Better sport: WSJ expands athletics coverage

TV This Week
CW snaps awake, led by strutting Tyra
'America's Top Model' returns amid a fresh lineup of original shows. If it sags a bit, it still delivers Banks for the buck.

Alternative media
A sure sign it's snowing on the slopes
Clear panels at bus shelters fill up with snow flakes to alert skiers that it's snowing on the slopes above the city

People
Silverman back on Comedy Central
Her show was in doubt after deep budget cuts, but Logo steps in to save it. Julius Genachowski confirmed as FCC chairman nominee
Leo Burnett CCO John Condon leaves the agency
Five rise to managing director at Media Storm
Joe Hodas becomes SVP of brand communications at Vladimir Jones
Marko Hurst becomes director of user experience at Colangelo
MySpace COO Amit Kapur among three leaving the company
Theano Apostolou rises to SVP of publicity at AMC
Julie Gardner becomes executive producer at BBC Worldwide America
Marc Gunther becomes senior writer at Greener World Media
Kaitlyn Dreyling becomes beauty editor at BeautyBlitz.com

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Overnights
Tyra on fira: Hot debut for 'Top Model'
CW's top show averages a 3.4 in target women 18-34, up 13 percent from last fall's premiere and ranking No. 2 for the night

Dayparts update
For Jimmy Fallon, the jokes are working
First two nights improve on Conan O'Brien's numbers as he takes over as the new host of NBC's 'Late Night' (charts)

Cable
Upfront update: NGC eyes new series
The 8-year-old network has 10 on tap for the coming season, with its biggest original programming lineup since its launch

New media
Revealed: The dirty truth about Utah
Study finds state has highest level of subscribers to major paid porn site. Talking with Harvard B School's Benjamin Edelman.

Here & there
Rush to Obama: Debate on my show
Other shorts: Time Warner CEO says AOL spinoff is possible - Programming notes: 'Osbournes' debuting after 'Idol' - ZillionTV, the latest broadband television venture - This just in (if a few days late): JPG lives

Newspapers
In the FT, a most unlikely kind of story
Parent Pearson is weathering the downturn better than expected, and it reflects a major shift away from advertising to data

TV This Week
Scent of March Madness: Illini vs. Lions
Illinois and host Penn State face off on ESPN, a sure bet and an outside shot at making it to the NCAA tournament

Alternative media
Seeing double, on a double-decker
London bus campaign takes unique advantage of an oddly sized panel with the image of a second driver. Tagline: See Double.

People
Mike Fleiss: 'Bachelor' wasn't fixed
Reality show's executive producer insists Jason's caddish move
wasn't a ratings stunt.
Steven Feuling becomes chief client development officer at Carat
Beth Smith rises to VP of public relations at The Simon Group
Christopher Barnes becomes president at New York Observer Media
Inna Kern becomes VP of sales marketing at iVillage Networks
Monika Madrid becomes VP of business development at Double Fusion
Julie Bain and Marisa Fox join Ladies' Home Journal
Noah Oppenheim rises to head of unscripted development at Reveille
Mike Kessler becomes deputy editor at Entrepreneur magazine
Super Dave Osborne starring in four-part Spike TV series
Charlie Murphy starring in Crackle.com online series

Friday, March 6, 2009

Overnights
Fox wins its second straight Thursday
Special 'Idol' episode averages a 7.5 in 18-49s, the night's top-rated show and lifting the network to a 6.1 for the night

Newspapers
Soon, Seattle's PI as online-only paper
With no buyers, Hearst gears up to fold the print edition of the Post-Intelligencer. Big puzzle: Does it stand a better chance?

Television
NBC: 'Heroes' will be back next year
Bromstad reassures worried viewers after a misleading Twitter post over the weekend. Still, ratings dips are worrisome.

Younger viewers
Two profs beat up on kids TV ratings
Study finds more physical aggression in TV-Y and TV-Y7 shows than G and PG programs. Worst offenders: Shows for 7-and-unders.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, help me, I'm in a dead-end job
The writer took a position as an administrative assistant three years ago and is getting nowhere. They're just not into him.

Here & there
Nearly 4 percent unprepared for digital
Other shorts: Star-Telegram and Emmis chop more than 200 - Reason for 'Enthusiasm:' A 'Seinfeld' reunion - Programming notes: 'Glee' gets 'Idol' boost - Twitter experimenting with text-based ads

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Siegfried and Roy on ABC's '20/20;' Saturday: 'Ashes to Ashes' on BBC America; Sunday: Duke-UNC II on CBS

Alternative media
In Times Square, a 20-foot-long colon
Inflated organ, quite pink and red, appears to alert folks to the risk of cancer, and passersby are invited for a walk-through

People
Al Michaels hosting Olympic coverage
The 'MNF' announcer will anchor daytime coverage
for NBC in 2010.
Amita Sehgal becomes resident art producer at Mother New York
Christine Andrews becomes creative director at Cannon Advertising
Brian Philips rises to president at CMT
Geoffrey Darby becomes EVP of programming at Weather Channel
Karen Glass rises to VP of development at Sony Pictures TV
Jeff Meza rises to director of ad sales marketing at WE tv
Amanda Michel becomes editor of distributed reporting at ProPublica
Michael Preston becomes sales account manager at Smithsonian Media
Three rise at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Sanjay Gupta withdraws from surgeon general race

Monday, Marc h 9, 2009

Overnights
Trump slump: 'Celebrity Apprentice' dips
NBC reality show falls 18 percent from last week's premiere, to a 3.1, facing ABC's dominant 'Housewives' for first time

Media economy
Hefty ad bucks flow for March Madness
Bum economy or not, advertisers are spending on the NCAA basketball tournament, with CBS fetching CPMs up over last year

Overnights
'20/20' special roars for ABC on Friday
Siegfried and Roy sendoff averages a 2.8 rating in 25-54s, the network's best showing in the 9 p.m. slot in more than a year

TV Preview
'Castle,' looking to hook onto a star
ABC procedural debuts right after 'Dancing with the Stars' but whether the two are a good fit or not is something else

Pop-cult
In vogue again, John Kenneth Galbraith
Written in 1954, 'The Great Crash, 1929' is seeing sales jump as America puzzles over this downturn and plans to boost spending

Here & there
LA offers PYOP: Print your own paper
Other shorts: Fast 'Burn:' USA show's finale sets series high - McClatchy cutting 1,600 jobs in latest layoffs - Time's up for Boston Globe's OT sports extra - Saturday overnights: Fox leads among 18-49s

TV This Week
On Mondays, the dance floor crowds up
It's already the most competitive night of the week, and now ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars' returns. Can it still disco?

Overnights
Fox wins its second straight Thursday
Special 'Idol' episode averages a 7.5 in 18-49s, the night's top-rated show and lifting the network to a 6.1 for the night

Out of home
Your client on the sides of trucks

Huge ads can be towed behind on beds of large trailers, and advertisers can also stage their products in three dimensions

Alternative media

Seeing double, on a double-decker
In Times Square, a 20-foot-long colon
A sure sign it's snowing on the slopes
A doghouse for those left-behind pets

People
'Bachelor' ex Melissa going 'Dancing'
One week after getting dumped on TV, she's stepping in
for one of the injured celeb hoofers. Ex-newspaper editor Jim Bellows dies at age 86
Mary Carpenter becomes president at Starcom
Kevin Flatt becomes digital EVP and ECD at Leo Burnett/Arc USA
Wendy Manwarren becomes home and lifestyle editor at Redbook
Richard Miniter becomes editorial pages editor at the Washington Times
Ken Godshall becomes EVP of consumer marketing at the MPA
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz joins CW's 'Melrose Place'
Nate Corddry and Molly Parker join HBO's 'The Wonderful Maladys'
Kanye West and Kelly Clarkson performing on 'American Idol'
Tony Hale starring in Fox's 'Cop House'

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Overnights
Best-ever premiere for ABC's 'Dancing'
Averages 22.5 million viewers and a 5.9 in 18-49s, giving network an easy win for the night. Less-impressive 'Castle' debut.

Media economy
The word: Upfront woes for syndication
Ad spending could be down several percentage points at this year's upfront, coming after broadcast and cable take their bite

Alternative media
Of the woman in the stall and her undies
Draped around her ankles no less, and she talking on the phone. Dare you guess? It's a campaign for designer underwear.

Sports TV
Ad-wise, the spin on March Madness
Spending's up but the roster of advertisers is different. Here's what else to expect. Talking with Seton Hall's Walter Guarino.

New media
A love connection with a lovely payout
British newspapers are seeing handsome returns from their online dating features, but the idea hasn't caught in the U.S.--yet

Here & there
Nielsen: Social networking tops email
Other shorts: Sign of the Times: Paper sells its offices - Burns' General Motors sponsorship stalls out - Programming shorts: Disney readies 'Jonas' preview

Newspapers
Chronicle union reaches tentative deal
If approved, the new collective bargaining agreement could help save Hearst's money-losing San Francisco newspaper

TV This Week
On Fox's 'Idol,' down to a baker's dozen
With the 13 finalists in place, America now votes as the hit reality show extends to two hours (and other networks duck)

People
Martha Stewart's puppy killed in blast
Chow Genghis Kahn was one of 17 dogs who died in the
explosion at a Pennsylvania kennel. Kern Egan rises to principal at Richards Sports + Entertainment
Bob Marold becomes VP of sales at StoreBoard Media
Monika Belur becomes marketing director at quadrantONE
Alison Kane becomes SVP of interactive at Denver Newspaper Agency
Diane Rinaldo becomes VP of sales at TPM Media
Jennifer Liberto becomes senior writer at CNNMoney.com
Caroline Christopher rises to development director at Peacock
Two become account managers at Parade magazine
Richard Gustafson becomes account manager at NG Adventure
Kandi Burruss joins Bravo's 'Real Housewives of Atlanta'

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Overnights
'Idol' voting special sweeps the night
Two-hour Fox reality show averages a 9.2 in 18-49s, bettering the other Big Five combined and more than doubling No. 2 NBC

Broadcast recap
As spring arrives, Big Five perk up a bit
Still hurting, and still down from last year, but not as bad as in the fall. Credit strong performances by some shows (charts).

Cable recap
Breaking out: AMC's 'Breaking Bad'
Original series about a teacher turned dope dealer sees a jump in viewers in season two after its star wins an Emmy (charts)

Magazines
Sand trap: Travel + Leisure Golf folds
American Express Publishing title becomes the latest casualty of the recession, after ad pages fell 54 percent in fourth quarter

TV Preview
'The Chopping Block,' mostly leftovers
NBC has little to lose with its new cooking challenge, and the genre is hot. The worry is that viewers will agree with reviewers.

Here & there
Fear and loathing: Still no word on PI
Other shorts: 'Big Love's' big controversy: Mormons protest HBO show - New job chops at AOL: 700 and perhaps more to come - Google experiments with behavioral targeting - Programming short: NBC goes on the 'Road'

TV This Week
On 'South Park,' the kindest cut of all
Returning Comedy Central hit satirizes the Jonas Brothers, in a nod to their status as the top tweenybopper group of these times

Alternative media
Nifty cigarette lighter: Human lungs
Anti-smoking campaign creates lighters in the shape of lungs that blacken over time as smoke and tar from cigarettes build up

People
Rebecca Romijn joins 'Eastwick'
The ex-'Ugly Betty' actress stays with ABC as one of
the witches in upcoming pilot. Ruth E. Winig becomes SVP of PR and social marketing at Mullen
Brandon Sutton becomes management supervisor at Fletcher Martin
Joe Daley rises to U.S. president at GSW Worldwide
Whitlock Dunbar becomes senior digital producer at BBDO
Alex Baxter becomes GM at Parade Digital
Matt Dunie becomes GM at Atlantic Media
Mike Navarre becomes Americas GM at Mobile Entertainment Forum
Noam Korin rises to VP of European ad sales at Double Fusion
Thomas O'Brien becomes corporate sales director at SmartBrief
Greg Jaffe becomes military reporter at The Washington Post

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Overnights
Viewers whack NBC's 'Chopping Block'
Premiere of new reality show averages a 1.5 in 18-49s, drawing fewer than 4 million and finishing fifth in its timeslot

Magazines
Rodale: We're closing down Best Life
Men's Health spinoff, launched in 2004, saw a gain in ad pages last year but was not meeting 'internal benchmarks'

Television
On the fence: CBS's 'Case' and 'Trace'
The veteran dramas could be victims of cost-cutting this upfront, with their casts commanding big salaries in a bad economy

Television
The new necessities: Things electronic
When it comes to cutting frills in these hard times, cable, web and cell phones are safe. Talking with In-Stat's Gerry Kaufhold.

Dayparts update
In 'Dr. Oz,' more of the Oprah touch
Queen of daytime is off in the ratings but the new talker from her production house is the most anticipated new syndicated show

Here & there
TiVo: Shows may sit on DVR for days
Other shorts: Billionaire bust: Media moguls plummet on Forbes' list - 'Street' woes: Sesame Workshop laying off 67 - Programming notes: Brokaw takes 'Road' trip - Hulu joins social networking craze

TV This Week
On 'Grey's,' resolving Izzie's odd plight
She's hallucinating, and it could be a fatal disease. Bad for her, of course, but good for the show, which fans say must move on.

Alternative media
The great computer screen crayon caper
Folks come to work to see their monitors defaced by scribbling. They're just clings to promote Bring Your Kids to Work Day.

People
Showdown time: Cramer vs. Stewart
CNBC's Jim Cramer guests on Jon Stewart's 'Daily Show,' after
last week's rant against the stock picker's network. Bryan Hale becomes VP of original programming at Oxygen
Susan West becomes editor in chief of Afar magazine
FIPP president Donald D. Kummerfeld retiring
Ion Media distribution president Steve Friedman stepping down
Chris Cotter becomes reporter and anchor at Fox Business Network
Lucy Kriz becomes associate publisher at Details
Lisa-Renee Ramirez becomes executive producer at Pets.tv
Hiram Enriquez becomes consulting partner at Webbmedia Group
Robby Incmikoski moves to sideline reporter at Fox Sports North
Ray Isle rises to wine editor at Food & Wine

Friday, March 13, 2009

Overnights
'ER' bumps up with Clooney's return
Veteran NBC hospital drama averages a 3.9 in 18-49s, its best in five months, from cameo by one of show's original stars

Media economy
Ad spending falls 2.6 percent in 2008
Nielsen: Advertisers spent $136.8 billion for the year. Only cable and Hispanic cable see gains. Local papers off 10.2 percent.

Television
Rupert gives the boot to Fox's Liguori
Puts Fox Searchlight's Tim Rice in charge of the network, working with Kevin Reilly to maintain its No. 1 spot among 18-49s

TV Preview
'Kings,' odd duck in a herd of geese
New NBC Sunday series is decent enough as a drama but doesn't particularly fit in with the network's crazy quilt of a lineup

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, help, I have a new job I hate
The writer, a media supervisor, wants to know how long to stay before it's okay to leave. Rachel opines: Don't dally. Scoot.

Here & there
NBC sets extensive summer schedule
Other shorts: AOL ousts Falco for Google's Armstrong - Time Inc. managing editor Jim Kelly steps down - Upfront update: Nick rebranding The N and Noggin

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Jockeys' finale on Animal Planet; Saturday: Hallmark's 'Relative Stranger;' Sunday: NCAA selection show on CBS

Alternative media
The great computer screen crayon caper
Folks come to work to see their monitors defaced by scribbling. They're just clings to promote Bring Your Kids to Work Day.

People
Phelps sits down with Lauer
Gold medal-winning swimmer has his first post-bong
sit-down on NBC's 'Today.' Montel Williams joins Air America
Matt Klein rises at and Ross Park joins Battery Interactive
Ken Gelb becomes director of sales at Collective Media
Katie Caperton rises to editor in chief at OK!
Rosie Amodio rises to editor at InStyle.com
Alison Kane becomes SVP of interactive media at the Denver Post
Kevin Sullivan rises to foreign editor at the Washington Post
Dane Cook starring in Comedy Central special
Sara Foster joins the cast of CW's '90210'
Mischa Barton starring in CW's 'A Beautiful Life'

Monday, Marc h 16, 2009

Overnights
Royal pain: NBC's new 'Kings' topples
Series premiere averages a 1.6 in 18-49s, fourth in its timeslot and the network's second disappointing debut this week

Media economy
Broadcast's new big worry: Internet TV
New study warns the networks must move to adapt or risk losing a great portion of their ad revenue as viewers switch over

Media economy
Mood darkens over media's recovery
Media planners and buyers are now far less optimistic over White House efforts to revive the U.S. economy than back in November

Cable
Stewart smackdown delivers ratings
'Daily Show' host's filleting of CNBC 'Mad' man Jim Cramer draws 2.3 million total viewers, his second-best show of the year

Pop-cult
On the washing machine as liberator
What one thing is most responsible for liberating women of the last century? A Vatican newspaper sets off a debate.

Here & there
'Top Model' audition ends in a melee
Other shorts: Wash. Post: No more business as usual - WSJ deputy editor faces contempt in Singapore - Friday overnights: CBS remains dominant - Saturday overnights: Easy win for Fox

TV This Week
The culture of sports around the world
Linebacker Dhani Jones hops country to country for the Travel Channel, learning their games and how they reflect their identity

Alternative media
The man with the mouth that's on fire
Rear window of minivan taxis is tricked out with a face whose mouth lights up when the brakes go on. It's an ad for hot wings.

This week in out of home

Your client in a popup store

Temporary stores can be an effective way to introduce new products by actively engaging the target consumer face to face

Alternative media

The great computer screen crayon caper
Put a face to the dress in the window
The woman in the stall and her undies
Nifty cigarette lighter: Human lungs

People
Actor Ron Silver dies at age 62
He played a political strategist on 'West Wing' and won
a Tony for his stage work. Thomas Kram and David Martin rise at Sun-Times Media Group
Robert Goyette becomes editor in chief at Reader's Digest Canada
Lucy Kriz and Eric Villency join Details magazine
Julie Scelfo writing NY Times' The Green Home
TheStreet.com CEO Thomas Clarke steps down
John DeAugustine becomes publisher of the Connecticut Post
Craig Engler rises to SVP and GM of digital at Sci Fi Channel
Michael Kohn becomes SVP at Dick Clark Productions
George Stephanopoulos interviewing John McCain on Twitter
Chevy Chase joins NBC's 'Community'

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Overnights
Hot cha-cha: 'Dancing' lifts ABC to first
Network wins its third straight Monday, averaging a 4.6 in 18-49s, ahead of No. 2 Fox by 0.4. Dance reality show pulls a 5.3.

Newspapers
Done deal: Seattle's PI goes online only
Hearst ends Post-Intelligencer print editions, as expected, for a web version, and lots more closings are in the offing

Cable
A new name, Syfy, and wider ambitions
Sci Fi is moving beyond its original focus, adding shows that have little to do with science fiction, to draw younger viewers

Sports TV
Where the ad bucks are: March Madness
Spending is up an impressive 34 percent in five years even as ratings slide. The big lure: The elusive young male viewer.

New media
The next online wave: African Americans
They're now the least wired but that will change with the rise of sites targeting them. Speaking with eMarketer's Lisa E. Phillips.

Here & there
'Sopranos'' Chase returning to HBO
Other shorts: Pew: State of the news media gets bleaker - Citizen's arrest: Gannett closing Tucson paper - Coleman: Spoken-word stations get a PPM boost - Martha's dog days: MSLO launching a pet site

TV This Week
'L&O: SVU': Looking for a sweeps bump
And it's one of the few stunts in this rating period, moved from February. Carol Burnett guests as a strip club owner.

Alternative media
Draping a city in scarves for a new team
Great long soccer scarves are hung about Seattle to celebrate that city's new soccer team, the Sounders, in the opening game

People
Don Imus: I have prostate cancer
Controversial radio host tells listeners his prognosis
for recovery is good. George Kliavkoff becomes EVP at Hearst Entertainment & Syndication
Chris Carroll joins and Scott Thaler rises at Zimmerman
George DiGuido rises to VP of email marketing at Zeta Interactive
Dino De Leon becomes EVP and creative director at Catapult Marketing
Michael Laxineta becomes VP of sales at The Magazine Group
Lou Tosto becomes SVP of sales and operations at Linkstorm
Arianna Huffington guest editing for Metro U.S.
Len Tepper becomes investigative producer at CBS News
Marcia Davis rises to deputy politics editor at The Washington Post
Andy Samberg hosting the 'MTV Movie Awards'

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Overnights
'Idol' mows down ABC's hoofing stars
Reality dance show sinks to a 2.7 in 18-49s, fourth in the 9 p.m. timeslot, against an extended edition of the hit Fox talent show

Broadcast recap
On ABC's 'Dancing,' one smart step
Reality series draws a huge audience for its season debut, and bet a lot tuned in to see 'Bachelor' reject Melissa Rycroft (charts)

Cable recap
Slapped down, Cramer still gets a bump
Call it a consolation prize for the CNBC chatter. Ratings are up since he began with Comedy Central's Jon Stewart (charts).

TV Preview
'Better Off Ted,' which rhymes with dead
The new quirky ABC comedy is earning solid reviews but it faces a few challenges, one being its weak lead-in, 'Scrubs'

Here & there
Stop the presses: Citizen survives
Other shorts: From Time Inc., a magazine customized to readers' interests - Google and WPP teaming for R&D project - Discovery sues Amazon over Kindle patent - BIGresearch: Consumers are pinching pennies

Television
NBC slates May infront presentation
The network will once again get a jump on its competitors, introducing its schedule in a series of meetings with advertisers

TV This Week
For Fox's 'Lie to Me,' in a sweet spot
New drama's ratings slipped without 'Idol' as its lead-in but it still pulls well in the 8 p.m. hour, amid far less competition

Alternative media
Draping a city in scarves for a new team
Great long soccer scarves are hung about Seattle to celebrate that city's new soccer team, the Sounders, in the opening game

People
Is 'Hills' alive without Patridge?
The MTV reality show is losing its second major character,
Audrina, throwing future in doubt. Dennis Woodside rises to VP of Americas at Google
Mike Caguin rises to ECD at Colle+McVoy
Kurt Greves becomes partner at Faction Media
Danielle Carrig and Amanda Crumley join Lifetime
Angela Matusik becomes chief content executive at iVillage Networks
Anne Welch and Brent Allen rise at Elle
Alan English becomes executive editor at the Augusta Chronicle
Sharon Lawrence guesting on ABC's 'Grey's Anatomy'
Henry Rollins guesting on FX's 'Sons of Anarchy'
Alex O'Loughlin starring in CBS's 'Three Rivers'

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Overnights
So-so debut for ABC's 'Better Off Ted'
New sitcom averages a 2.2 in 18-49s, third in a weak timeslot, but holds 100 percent of similarly themed 'Scrubs' lead-in

Magazines
New Yorker tops Ellie noms once again
Up for 10 awards for excellence in journalism, followed by GQ with eight. Other contenders: Time, W and Vanity Fair.

Cable
Zucker: Stewart was 'unfair' to CNBC
NBC Universal chief berates 'Daily Show' host for his complaints about 'Mad Money's' Cramer and the financial news network

New media
Huge bump in surfing the web by phone
In the past year it's gone from novelty to utility as the number of daily users more than doubles. What's big: News and info.

Dayparts update
Meanwhile, nightly news turns grayer
Viewers of the Big Three networks aged 1.3 years over four years, to 61.3, even as their web sites saw big gains among the young

Here & there
San Diego's Union-Trib finds a buyer
Other shorts: Upfront update: DIY targets recession renovators and WE embraces a new tagline - Under the gun, Gun & Garden finds new life - A new launch for these times, Eat In magazine - Programming notes: CBS reups 'Men' and 'Bang'

TV This Week
On CBS, let March Madness begin
NCAA basketball tourney opens with major teams on the court, and viewing could well be up. A glance at who watches.

Alternative media
An idea even the tide can't wash away
Two messages appear on the beach, one in the sand, the other

People
Natasha Richardson dies at age 45
'Patty Hearst ' actress passes away after suffering head
injuries in a skiing accident. Revolucion founder Alberto Rodriguez dies at age 40
TVB president Chris Rohrs stepping down
Kim Papworth and Tony Davidson rise to partners at Wieden & Kennedy
Ken Hagan becomes ECD at Nelson Schmidt
Jennifer Mathissen becomes SVP at Ryan iDirect
Jeff Wachtel rises to president of original programming at USA
Playboy EVP Bob Meyers leaving the magazine
Jane Nussbaum becomes senior editor at Parents
Juliana Bunim becomes local news editor at SF Examiner
Juliette Frette becomes women's issues columnist at Examiner.com

Friday, March 20, 2009

Overnights
Obama socks 'em on the 'Tonight Show'
Jawing with Jay: NBC show averages an 11.2 metered market household rating, matching the late-night show's fourth-highest ever

Television
Coming, a new force in Hispanic TV
Estrella TV is about to challenge Univision and Telemundo for viewers and ad dollars, and analysts see it as a real threat

Television
Call it March sweeps, but not really
If you've noticed lots of reruns and little stunting, there's a good reason. This rating period is largely written off.

Newspapers
The tragedy that's not: Newspapers
The folding of big dailies is a big news story but many Americans say they won't miss them. Talking with Pew's Carroll Doherty.

Radio
Gunning for trouble: Imus mouths off
A Boston talk show host claims the shock jock threatened to shoot him on St. Patrick's Day. Imus claims it was just a big joke.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I think I'm in love with my boss
The writer is not long out of college and new to the agency. She doesn't want to make the wrong move. Rachel offers sage advice.

Here & there
Social networks' ad promise dimming
Other shorts: Nielsen: Ads lift confidence in financial institutions - Programming notes: 'In Treatment' returns in April - Suit accuses 'Idol' producer of overworking employees - Obama's 'Tonight Show' gaffe: Nothing 'Special'

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: series finale of Sci Fi's 'Battlestar;' Saturday: women's NCAAs on ESPN2; Sunday: the big 'Desperate' death on ABC

People
Elle Macpherson joins CW's 'Beautiful Life'
The real-life model will play the owner of a modeling
agency in the drama pilot. '60 Minutes' creator Don Hewitt diagnosed with cancer
Lewis Henderson becomes CEO at Davie Brown Entertainment
Henry Klein becomes director of business development at Sensis Agency
Mark Krajan and D.J. Neff join Fancy
Charles Kennedy becomes SVP of research at ABC
Manny Garcia becomes executive editor of El Nuevo Herald
Jan Koeppen becomes COO for Europe and Asia at News Corp.
Eliot Goldberg becomes SVP of development at TV Land
Suzanne D'Amato becomes executive editor at People StyleWatch
Eric Nalder rises to senior enterprise reporter for Hearst Newspapers

Monday, March 23, 2009

Overnights
CBS wins with basketball and Obama
Network averages a 3.5 in 18-49s, 0.1 ahead of ABC, boosted by president's one-on-one on '60 Minutes.' But 'Housewives' is tops.

Sports TV
Solid early bounce for March Madness
Opening round of games is up 9 percent over last year, according to early numbers, to a 4.7 household rating and a 10 share

Overnights
Shooting star: 'Galactica' goes out big
Series finale of the Sci Fi show draws 2.4 million total viewers, its best audience since 2006, including 1.5 million 18-49s

New media
New web challenge: Smaller advertisers
With big advertisers cutting spending with the recession, local media sellers are targeting them. But it's a different business.

Here & there
Longtime forecaster Coen steps down
Other shorts: Time publisher Fries exits after brief stint - F-bomb squad: Iowa station sees profusion of profanity - Saturday overnights: CBS hoopsters dominate - Programming notes: Fox wants recurring 'Nightmares'

Pop-cult
America's story, by its great storytellers
During the Great Depression, FDR created a writers project to capture the country its writers found in their travels

TV This Week
Heating up: The World Baseball Classic
Korea and Japan play in the final game on ESPN, and ratings are sure to top those of three years ago when the series debuted

Alternative media
Being digital on the convention floor
There are more and more devices for engaging convention-goers, from interactive vests to video on poles to screens on backpacks

This week in out of home
Your client chilling on spring break

How to reach college students staying at resort hotels with ad messages and product samples as they party way way hearty

Alternative media

Drape a city in scarves for a new team
An idea even the tide can't wash away
The man with the mouth that's on fire
The great computer crayon caper

People
British reality star Jade Goody dies
The 27-year-old 'Big Brother' star waged a public
battle with cervical cancer.Ellen DeGeneres appearing on O cover
Jorie Waterman becomes director of search at MRM Worldwide
Derek Bond rises to SVP of broadcast operations at Telemundo
Philip Stromeyer becomes client services manager at Theorem
Frank Sesno becomes host and managing editor at Planet Forward
Robin Givhan covering Michelle Obama for The Washington Post
Brett Ratner directing Fox's 'Cop House'
'Hardball' host Chris Matthews re-signs at MSNBC
'Grey's' actor T.R. Knight involved in car crash
Former 'Bachelor' Andrew Firestone becomes a father

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Overnights
ABC's 'Dancing' slides to an easy win
Network averages a 4.2 in 18-49s, 24 percent ahead of No. 2 CBS, on a night loaded down with reruns. 'Dance' pulls a 4.9.

Media economy
A slightly rosier outlook for the upfront
Prices are up in the scatter market, which bodes well for the annual May auction of TV ad time. But things could easily change.

Newspapers
Ann Arbor News going online-only
The Advance publication joins Seattle's P-I in heading to the web, as the chain institutes furloughs at most of its other newspapers

New media
The scoop on Hispanics on the web
They've been slower to go online but they're catching up, and they're big downloaders. Talking with Scarborough's Gary A. Meo.

New media
The real Twitter generation: Over-30s
Truth be told, it's not kids, even twenty-somethings, who are driving its growth, but 35-49s. And where do they tweet? Work.

Here & there
DirecTV and NFL entering $4B deal
Other shorts: Gannett: Actually, our furloughs aren't over yet - NPR: Our audience grew 9 percent last year - Telemundo expands to Mexico and Latin America - Programming notes: Roseanne eyes comedy comeback

TV This Week
Clear the decks: Obama speaks again
Third primetime chat will address his recovery plan, knocking out the 8 p.m. hour across broadcast, and likely to big ratings

Alternative media
Being digital on the convention floor
There are more and more devices for engaging convention-goers, from interactive vests to video on poles to screens on backpacks

People
Letterman weds longtime girlfriend
CBS 'Late Show' host marries Regina Lasko in
Montana over the weekend.
Elisa Steele becomes CMO at Yahoo
Russell Zingale becomes managing director at Media Storm
John Trimble becomes CRO at Pandora Media
Former Time Warner CEO Richard Parsons stepping down from board
Marsha Cooke rises to Asia bureau chief at CBS News
Scott Smith becomes senior editor at Playboy.com
'Today's' Matt Lauer injured in bicycle accident
Ben Stiller guest editing National Geographic Kids
Jeff Dunham signs new Comedy Central deal
Amanda Bynes joins ABC pilot 'Canned'

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Overnights
With 'Idol' off, NBC takes Tuesday
'Biggest Loser' averages a 4.1 in 18-49s, its best numbers since January. Early numbers on Obama speech: 31.1 million viewers.

Broadcast recap
March Madness rises on fan-fave teams
CBS's ratings are up 6 percent in the first two rounds, and without a Cinderella team for the sports talk shows to gab about (charts)

Cable recap
From 'Northern Lights,' rising steam
Lifetime movie soars in the ratings, amid reports of a fling between Eddie Cibrian and sweet-as-pie LeAnn Rimes. Do tell. (charts)

Cable
Upfront: Hallmark sticks to what works
The movie-focused network has 35 films on tap for the coming year and no big changes to speak of with ratings rising

Magazines
Words and ideas of New York magazine
Excerpts of pieces up for National Magazine Awards: On the rise of see-through glass buildings and on the birth of the modern city

Here & there
TiVo makes a Blockbuster movie deal
Other shorts: Paper cuts: Chronicle chops 12 percent of workforce - Chinese cut off access to Google's YouTube - What a blast: The Colbert space station module - Obama invites Americans to question him online

TV This Week
Dishing 'bout 'ER' with John and Jimmy
Talk has it that Stamos will star in a spinoff of the NBC drama as it heads into final episode. Expect Kimmel to poke and probe.

Alternative media
Down and out in Beverly Hills, for real
Agency creates life-size cutouts of homeless people, complete except for their faces. Message: 'Put yourself in my place.'

People
George Lopez joins late-night fray
The comedian is getting his own TBS talk show,
launching in November. Jamie King and Joy Schwartz become co-presidents at Euro RSCG
Michael Konin becomes VP of client services at TMX Interactive
Dana C. Hayes Jr. becomes CRO at Travel Ad Network
Carlos Williams becomes SVP of business affairs at Warner Horizon TV
Michelle Meyercord rises to SVP at Rodale International
Chris Carter becomes VP of ad sales at Imaginova Corp.
Bob Ziltz becomes VP and Eastern region ad director at Parade
Jonathan Dorn rises to editorial director at Active Interest Media
Bitty Schram guesting on USA's 'Monk'
Scott Caan joins the cast of Fox's 'Cop House'

Thursday, March 26, 2009