Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Overnights
ABC takes a slow Monday with 'Bachelor'
Averages a 2.6 in 18-49s, 23 percent ahead of No. 2 CBS, which averages a 2.0, with 'Bachelor' the night's top show with a 2.

Magazines
Stronger fourth quarter lifts magazines
Consumer titles end 2010 flat to 2009 in ad pages, with the last three months rising 3.5 percent as the ad recovery takes hold

Here & there
ABC renews six but not 'Housewives'
Other shorts: The Daily launching Jan. 19 - The word: 'Parker Spitzer' may ditch Parker - Dick Clark still rocks New Year's Eve - 'Liars' earns renewal

Magazines
Hugh Hefner wins bid to buy back Playboy
Will pay $177 million to take the company private and attempt to revive the ailing men's title he founded a half century ago

TV Preview
'The Game,' one smart play for BET
Network needs a signature show, and this raunchy, often funny comedy, which first aired on the CW two years ago, could be it

TV Reviews
'Let's Stay Together,' likely not for long
Characters on this BET comedy about couples are but ciphers, without personality, and they're not helped by the weak script

Magazines
In defense of the American magazine
MPA president Nina Link disputes the notion that magazines are in decline, arguing rather they're entering an era of reinvention

TV This Week
'Onion SportsDome,' riffing you know who
Debuting Comedy Central series makes great fun of ESPN's 'SportsCenter.' How will the ESPN folks respond? Good question.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Overnights
Season high for 'NCIS' without 'Glee'
CBS drama averages a 4.5 in 18-49s, easily the night's top show with Fox's hit musical comedy in reruns. CBS wins the night.

Radio
Limbaugh on Loughner: He has Dems' support
Conservative talker's claims about Arizona gunman further inflame debate over whether media rhetoric has become too vitriolic

Cable recap
BCS final sets a cable viewership record
ESPN pulls 27.3 million viewers for Auburn's win over Oregon, besting the previous record holder, a 2009 'MNF' game (charts)

Here & there
Survey: Media buyers plan to pump cable $
Other shorts: MySpace axes nearly half its workforce - DVR ratings: CBS leads total viewers gainers - With car sales up, GM makes big Olympic deal

Newspapers
For papers, a better 2011 but still tough
Ideally, ad and circulation woes will be easing, but the longer-term outlook remains grim. Talking with analyst John Morton.

Broadcast recap
On a quiet Saturday, one bang-up night
Jets-Colts wild card game becomes the most-watched show of the season with 33.4 million total viewers tuning into NBC (charts)

TV Reviews
'Off the Map,' but familiar territory
ABC drama is 'Grey's Anatomy' in the tropics but the steamy themes come off as trivial against a backdrop of real suffering

TV This Week
For 'Special Victims Unit,' an intervention
NBC shifts the 'L&O' franchise to the ailing 10 p.m. slot, and the solid performer could command the hour. Jeremy Irons guests.

People
David Nelson dies at 74
Jon Bond becomes CEO at Big Fuel
Donna Pickett becomes VP at Cannella Response Television
Karin Gilford becomes SVP of digital media at ABC
Theano Apostolou becomes communications SVP at Starz
Erik Carlson rises to VP and West Coast manager at Katz 360
Lori Powell becomes food director at Prevention
Brandon Shainfeld, James DiGirolamo and Brian Shepherd join TidalTV
Mary Jo Romeo becomes EVP of relationship marketing at Our365
Burt Dubrow becomes EP of HLN's Dr. Drew show
Justin Bieber returning to 'CSI'
Eva Longoria sued by former nightclub partner
'The Game's' Tia Mowry expecting first child

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Overnights
Obama speech disrupts primetime
Tucson talk airs across 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. hours, disrupting start times. ABC wins by a wide margin, 61 percent, with a 2.9 in 18-49s.

Cable
O'Brien: I'm over the whole Leno mess
Former 'Tonight Show' host says he's moving on a year after NBC debacle, now that he's No. 1 in young viewers with his TBS show

Cable
'Game' premiere sets a record for BET
Becomes the most-watched show in the network's history, averaging 7.7 million total viewers, well over what it did on the CW

Here & there
TLC's O'Neill rises in Discovery shakeup
Other shorts: Pew says economy was the big story of 2010 - Now from Yahoo Sports, an online magazine - Fox renews 'Raising Hope'

Magazines
On the challenges magazines face in 2011
Will digital editions really take hold? Will titles be able to carve out a place in social media? Talking with analyst Marty Walker.

Alternative media
The ultimate flash mob: 'I thee wed'
Not all flash mobs are staged for advertisers. A recent one at a Boston shopping mall ended with a couple saying their vows.

TV Reviews
'Being Human,' and entertaining to boot
Syfy series about the living dead is lively indeed, drawing viewers into its story with deft pacing of a nighttime soap

TV This Week
Up close and personal with the Grammers
Viewers peek in on early scenes in the famous couple's breakup on an episode of Bravo's 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills'

People
Skeet Ulrich leaving 'Law & Order: Los Angeles'
Matt Seiler becomes CEO at Mediabrands
Terry J. Spilde becomes VP of innovation at Gigunda Group
Erik Resnick and Pete Yoder rise at Cartoon Network
Andrea Epstein and Kristin Schulman rise at USA
Jason Reid rises to sports columnist at the Washington Post
Paul Krasinski becomes SVP of digital media at Arbitron
Alison Rosenthal leaving Facebook
Deena Schacter rises to style sales director at O
Mary Margaret becomes associate entertainment editor at Parade
Stephen Bromberg becomes executive editor at AOL.com
Mark Goodrich becomes SVP of digital media at PCWorld | Macworld
Kiefer Sutherland starring in web series 'The Confession'

Friday, January 14, 2011

Overnights
ABC wins another Thursday with 'Wipeout'
Network averages a 3.3 in 18-49s for the night, 43 percent ahead of No. 2 CBS as 'Wipeout' finishes as the No. 2 show with a 3.6

Television
Obama speech draws 31 million viewers
Memorial for Tucson shooting victims averages 22.5 million households airing on seven networks on Wednesday evening

Here & there
Shootings spike Sunday news show ratings
Other shorts: Most influential celebrity: Not Oprah! - Next Issue Media nears launch - Dog sends Martha to ER - Conde Nast's January surprise: Promotions

What to look for in 2011
For out of home, it's all about integration
More and more, there are opportunities to add in mobile and social media elements to campaigns. Talking with Wilkins Media's Daniel Wilkins.

TV Preview
'Piers Morgan Tonight,' not Larry King
New primetime host is a very different personality, and CNN is a different network. He'll need time--and the network's full support.

TV Reviews
'Harry's Law,' Kathy Bates, just for fun
This gifted actress carries the new NBC dramedy, and it's no light load, weighted down by David E. Kelley's tics and whimsies

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, my boss so wants out of here
The trouble is, she just can't stop talking about it, complains the writer, and it's really hurting department morale

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Michael Douglas on 'Tonight Show;' Saturday: Miss America on ABC; Sunday: 'Big Love' returns on HBO

People
Conrad Black resentencing date slated
Michael Hayes rises to president at Initiative Digital
Pete Regan rises to COO at RJ Palmer
Dene Callas becomes managing director at Media Storm
Jorge Consuegra becomes CMO at Forbes Media
Michele Promaulayko rises to VP at Women's Health
Jordan Wertlieb rises to EVP at Hearst Television
Joe D'Ambrosia becomes VP of programming at Disney Junior
Melinda McLaughlin becomes CMO at Tremor Media
Marla Newman becomes SVP of sales at Fox Sports Interactive Media
Jack Smith becomes chief product officer at Simulmedia
Kara DioGuardi skips 'Idol' questions at TCA Q&A
Kathy Bates returning to NBC's 'The Office'

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Overnights
So-so debut for NBC's 'Harry's Law'
Averages a 2.1 in 18-49s, second in the timeslot, but wins in total viewers with the network's biggest audience in more than a year

Cable
Mixed reviews for 'Piers Morgan Tonight'
New CNN host asks tougher questions than King did, but some critics say he was too fawning with his first guest, Oprah Winfrey

Here & there
Regis Philbin retiring from 'Live'
Other shorts: Study: Paywalls have little effect on traffic - The word: Comcast-NBC nears FCC okay - Weekend overnights: Fox scores with NFL

Television
Golden Globes off slightly from 2010
NBC awards show averages a 5.2 adults 18-49 rating, down 5 percent, but draws 17 million total viewers, best in four years

Television
The big Golden Globes winner: 'Glee'
Wins three awards, most of any broadcast or cable show, which speaks to its growing strength. Here's a list of other winners.

TV Reviews
'Retired at 35,' but telling the same jokes
New TV Land comedy stars likable and able older actors, but the writing is from an even earlier era, and it falls pretty flat

TV This Week
The looming behemoth: CBS's 'NCIS'
The procedural drama could well take on 'American Idol' in total viewers this season, as ratings continue to rise, despite its age

Overnights
ABC wins another Thursday with 'Wipeout'
Network averages a 3.3 in 18-49s for the night, 43 percent ahead of No. 2 CBS as 'Wipeout' finishes as the No. 2 show with a 3.6

Television
Obama speech draws 31 million viewers
Memorial for Tucson shooting victims averages 22.5 million households airing on seven networks on Wednesday evening

This week in out of home
Your client at college hockey games
Here's a way to reach a largely affluent, educated audience at far less cost than advertising at major sports games like basketball

What's new in alternative media
The ultimate flash mob: 'I thee wed'
For out of home, it's about integration
Real first in sports: 'Fantastic Finishes'
For BMW, a message that shines through

People
Liam McIntyre is Starz' new 'Spartacus'
Adam Ivers rises to president and CEO at Highway Entertainment
Rick Straface becomes associate publisher at Meredith Corp.
Mark Stern rises to president of original programming at Syfy
Indira R. Venkat becomes SVP of research at Weather Channel
Katrina Southon rises to Australia managing director at MTV
Erin Kaplan becomes senior director of public relations at Teen Vogue
Wright Ferguson Jr. becomes president at AdForum.com
Isha Sesay becomes anchor on CNN's 'Anderson Cooper 360'
Anne Hathaway guesting on Fox's 'Glee'
Marissa Jaret Winokur leaving CBS's 'The Talk'
Beau Turner starring in Sportsman Channel's 'Beau Knows Outdoors'
Diane Sawyer interviews Gabrielle Giffords' husband, Mark Kelly

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Overnights
CW's 'Life Unexpected' hits season high
Averages 1.75 million total viewers for two-hour season finale amid flurry of rumors the show has been axed over poor ratings

Television
Doubters abound over Comcast-NBC deal
Media people are generally opposed to consolidation, and critics worry this new media behemoth will stifle competition and creativity

Cable
Solid debut for CNN's Piers Morgan
Averages 2.1 million total viewers, triple the 9 p.m. timeslot average in fourth quarter, as he chats it up with Oprah

Here & there
Jets-Patriots game sets new ratings record
Other shorts: NBC delays 'LOLA' return - Esquire on Roger Ailes: Paranoid but powerful - Stern to Morgan: I almost retired - New DIY Network lineup

Television
Media buyer's primer to 'American Idol'
What you need to know about the No. 1 show on TV: Where it's been, as told in the numbers, along with assorted bits of trivia

TV Reviews
'Perfect Couples,' well, not really
Characters in this NBC sitcom come off as artificial and not the least bit relatable and the jokes and storylines fall flat

TV This Week
Night of nights: 'American Idol's' return
All eyes will be on the new judges to see whether they've got the chemistry that made the singing competition a hit a decade ago


People
Randy Falco becomes COO at Univision
Adam Cohen and Jaclyn Klein join KSL Media
Martin Smith becomes head of planning at Arnold KLP
CBS daytime SVP Barbara Bloom exiting
Deirdre O'Hearn becomes VP of development at WE tv
Marco Bresaz becomes VP of original programming at Sundance
Thomas J. Fladung becomes managing editor at the Plain Dealer
Alan Taylor joins TheAtlantic.com
Robin Radin becomes EP of TV Guide Network's 'Hollywood 411'
Jason Cochran becomes executive editor at AOL Travel
'Xena' co-creator Dan Filie dies at 56
Jenni Rivera starring in mun2 reality series
Liam McIntyre is Starz' new 'Spartacus'

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Overnights
'American Idol' debut pulls 26.1 million
Fox show off 13 percent in total viewers from last year and averages a 9.7 in 18-49s, off 18 percent and lowest since season 1

Cable
'Piers' plunges in second night on CNN
New show dips 40 percent in total viewers, to 1.27 million, but rises in adults 25-54, even beating Fox News with guest Howard Stern

Here & there
Critics disagree on the revamped 'Idol'
Other shorts: Shootings push newscasts to season highs - Hispanic magazine ad pages dip 6.5 percent - Programming notes: MTV adds digital awards

Broadcast recap
For 'Miss America,' a rewarding absence
Pageant, airing on ABC, averages 6.67 million total viewers on Saturday night, airing against Fox's NFC playoff game (charts)

Cable recap
And so it ends, Disney's 'Hannah Montana'
The fourth season, as it turns out its last, set records for the network. The question now: What awaits Miley Cyrus? (charts)

TV Reviews
'Fairly Legal,' and fairly lightweight
The lead character in this USA drama struggles to come to terms with setbacks in her life, and viewers will struggle to care

Radio
Radio on the cheap: The remnant biz
Firms often pay a fraction of what most buyers pay for spots, buying up inventory at the last minute for direct response clients

TV This Week
Sunnier outlook for 'Parks and Recreation'
The NBC comedy returns after an eight-month layoff, and this time it airs behind 'The Office,' which should give it a ratings boost

People
Sheila Johnson joins Huffington Post
Gabriel Miller becomes partner and GM at Ammirati
Two rise and three join at GRP Media
Kathy Hassett becomes national accounts executive director at Adspace
Carolyn Ryan rises to metro editor at the NY Times
John Bode rises to EVP and CFO at Source Interlink
Enrique Acevedo and Nayeli Chavez-Geller join Telemundo
Hugh McGoran becomes SVP of agency sales at comScore
Jay Fielden becomes editor at Town&Country
MediaNews CEO William Dean Singleton stepping down
Ricky Gervais guesting on 'The Office'
Suzanne Malveaux becomes an anchor on 'CNN Newsroom'
Ron Franklin sues ESPN

Friday, January 21, 2011

Overnights
'American Idol' falls 21 percent from debut
Averages a 7.7 in 18-49s in new Thursday 8 p.m. timeslot, with 22.6 million total viewers, boosting Fox to a dominant win

Television
Angela Bromstad exits NBC on eve of merger
Head of network's struggling primetime resigns a week before Comcast deal is finalized, bringing Zucker era to an end

Television
Buyers: 'Idol' will again boost Fox to No. 1
Most media folks think the show will fall in the ratings with Simon Cowell gone but not enough to cost the network a season win

Here & there
Verizon challenges FCC net neutrality order
Other shorts: Taco Bell yanks ads from MTV's 'Skins' - ABC moves 'Kimmel' up and cuts 'Nightline' back - Bud: We'll be in the Super Bowl through '14

Alternative media
Stripping down to the real message
A woman tosses one article after another, and all eyes are upon her. As men pick them up to hand back, they get the message.

TV Reviews
'Spartacus: Gods of the Arena,' bloody
Short-run Showtime series revels in violence, rough sex and dirty talk but falls short on much else, such as character development

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, any thoughts on hiring interns?
The writer is with a small agency that's never had interns and is looking for guidelines on how to set up a program

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Starz' 'Spartacus' prequel; Saturday: Hallmark's 'Backyard Wedding;' Sunday: NFC and AFC championships

People
Annie Ilonzeh joins ABC's 'Charlie's Angels'
Google CEO Eric Schmidt steps down
Jeanne Crockett rises to director of client service at GSD&M Idea City
Alisa James becomes account supervisor at Big Picture
Kirsten Danis becomes NY deputy editor at the Wall Street Journal
Jeanne Meyer becomes EVP of communications at Current Media
Brian Gottlieb rises to senior White House producer at BBC News
Daniel McMahon, Matt Allyn and Mark Remy join Bicycling.com
Elizabeth Tighe becomes VP of marketing at Reader's Digest Association
Charles Douglass becomes director of sales at Simulmedia
Writer-producer Jeff Kline joins Hasbro Studios
J.P. Shields becomes director of communications at The Hub
Sarah Kunst becomes director of special events at Abrams Media

Monday, January 24, 2011

Overnights
CBS tops Sunday with AFC championship
Averages a 17.3 in 18-49s, likely the highest-rated show this season and boosting lead-out 'Hawaii Five-0' to a series high

Overnights
Fox's new Friday draws stronger ratings
Averages a 1.9 in 18-49s, its best Friday since 2008 and easily winning the night, overshadowing CBS's 'Medium' series finale

Cable
Olbermann's exit is hardly a shocker
MSNBC's highest-rated talker had been at odds with network bosses for some time, and his departure was months in the making

Here & there
The word: NYT paywall dropping next month
Other shorts: Oprah revealing big secret today - If Super Bowl hits OT, the pizza's on Papa's - Corrections on NBC and 'Spartacus'

Cable
Snockered Snooki lifts 'Shore' to record
Aftermath of her arrest for public intoxication boosts 'Shore' to 8.9 million total viewers, the most ever for an MTV series

TV Reviews
'Skins,' most banal sort of teen titillation
New MTV series rips off every cliche of this sad genre. It's rife with sex and drugs, as well bad acting and writing to boot.

TV This Week
For MTV's 'Skins,' another 'Jersey Shore?'
Controversy can be a boon for a new show, and the new teen soap has plenty. But sometimes controversy can kill a series.

Overnights
'American Idol' falls 21 percent from debut
Averages a 7.7 in 18-49s in new Thursday 8 p.m. timeslot, with 22.6 million total viewers, boosting Fox to a dominant win

This week in out of home
Your client's ad in the food court
Catch shoppers when they're sitting down for a bite, grabbing their attention with table wraps and tents and hanging banners

What's new in alternative media
Stripping down to the real message
The ultimate flash mob: 'I thee wed'
For out of home, it's about integration
Real first in sports: 'Fantastic Finishes'

People
Jack LaLanne dies at 96
Chris Mitton becomes CD at Wieden + Kennedy
Rob Moore and Trish Hall rise at the New York Daily News
Steve Coz becomes editorial director at Newsmax Media
Larry Menkes rises to publisher at Men's Fitness
Tania Yuki becomes VP of advertiser solutions at Visible World
Nick Summers becomes senior writer at Newsweek
George Leon becomes SVP of media at Hawthorne Direct
'Big Brother' winner Adam Jasinski sentenced to four years
Ivanka Trump expecting a baby
Hollywood Foreign Press member Max Miller dies at 73
Ron Binkowski becomes VP of post-production at TBS and TNT
Annie Ilonzeh joins ABC's 'Charlie's Angels'

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Overnights
Fox snags a rare Monday win with 'House'
Averages a 3.1 in 18-49s for the night with the cranky doc drama the night's top show with a 3.7 as usual winner CBS runs repeats

Television
The year's buzziest films lead Oscar nods
'Toy Story 3,' 'Inception' and 'The Social Network' earn best picture nominations, along with some pretty, talented young actors

Cable
Whither Olbermann? Anyone's guess.
Former MSNBC host tells fans his career is not over, but where he goes next is the more vital question. Speculation is rife.

Here & there
More advertisers pull out of MTV's 'Skins'
Other shorts: Zucker on Olbermann: An 'incredible talent' - Forecast: Twitter ad revenue will soar 233 percent - Programming notes: 'Sharks' circle at ABC

Sports TV
Best Super Bowl ever? Look at Sunday.
Conference games averaged 53.4 million viewers between them, best since 1982, sending two hot teams to the big game

New media
The hot issues in new media in 2011
And they are many, from e-readers to social media to growing privacy concerns. Talking with the analysts at eMarketer.

TV Reviews
'Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best?' (no)
The comedian throws her all into this We series, her wit and charisma, but it's not enough to lift this middling show

TV This Week
Expect a lower tune-in for Obama speech
President's State of the Union is not likely to top last year's 48 million viewers, and one factor will be the weaker lead-ins

People
John Miller leading new NBC Sports Agency
Oprah's big secret: She has a half-sister
Stephanie Ouyoumjian becomes director of strategy at Signal to Noise
Andras Vigh becomes managing director at Performics
Jaclyn Rann Cohen rises to EVP of program strategy at TV Land
Brett Wilson rises to group publisher at Parade Publications
Jill Esterman rises to luxury goods director at Traditional Home
Emily Christner rises to VP of marketing at TV Guide Digital
Michael Heitner becomes SVP at the Advertising Research Foundation
Dan Abrams joins ABC's weekend 'Good Morning America'
Stephen Colbert speaking at Northwestern commencement
Bret Michaels has heart surgery
Jack LaLanne dies at 96

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Overnights
NBC slides to an easy win on Tuesday
Averages a 2.4 in 18-49s, 41 percent ahead of No. 2 CBS, on a night in which schedules were interrupted by president's State of the Union

Cable
MTV's 'Skins' sinks, but to what depths?
Controversial teen drama loses half its premiere audience after advertisers flee the show, raising questions about its survival

Cable recap
An iffy first week for CNN's Piers Morgan
Ratings slide after stellar debut, which was aided by A-list guests, but he seems to grow in his role as King's replacement. (charts)

Here & there
Oprah's secret sparks best ratings in five years
Other shorts: Disney slices 200 jobs in gaming division - Study: People really do interact with interactive ads - Spending on Super Bowl Sunday will be up

Broadcast recap
A most chilly January for new shows
Only two of six, 'Bob's Burgers' and 'Harry's Law,' show any hope of surviving. Poorest performer: 'Live to Dance.' (charts)

TV Reviews
'Face Off,' a not so inviting challenge
Syfy series pits special-effects artists against one another, but the competition comes off as contrived and at points silly

Radio
Bubba the Love Sponge's big adventure
His jump from satellite to internet is being watched closely, and if his deal succeeds it could have a huge impact on radio

TV This Week
For 'Blue Bloods,' a welcome window
CBS cop show is working to build audience in its new Wednesday timeslot, and it could catch a break against an 'L&O: SVU' rerun

People
Take cover, Italy, Snooki is coming
Simone Oppenheimer and Jason Suterfield join Campfire
Tim Searcy becomes CEO at ACCENT Marketing Services
Craig Geller becomes SVP of ad sales at Si TV
Lisa Barroso rises to VP of distribution at Hallmark Channels
Ashley Klopfer rises to integrated sales director at Woman's Day
Chelle Lewis, Matt Schulde and Shaia Ash rise at REVShare
Scott Peyton becomes CFO at MUSL TV
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell joins NBC News
Gloria Allred gets her own syndicated court show
Aaron Sorkin working on HBO series
Former priest Alberto Cutie gets talk show
Soccer analyst Andy Gray fired from Sky Sports

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Overnights
'Idol' bounces back after post-debut dip
Averages a 9.2 in 18-49s, up 18 percent from second episode and down only 5 percent from last week's premiere, giving Fox the night

Cable
Without Olbermann, MSNBC soars
New host Lawrence O'Donnell betters 'Countdown' by 50 percent, drawing 1.5 million in Monday debut, as rumors of replacement swirl

Television
Fewer tune in for the State of the Union
Obama speech draws 42.7 million total viewers across 11 networks, off 11 percent from last year, averaging a 26.6 household rating

Here & there
MTV: We're sticking with sinking 'Skins'
Other shorts: Rabbis to Beck: Cut out the Nazi riffs - Programming notes: CBS re-ups 'The Talk' - Study: Big smartphone plays for Super Bowl - Cuts at BBC

Research
The big downside to ads with celebrities
Fact is, consumers don't care for them that much, giving non-celeb ads higher marks. Talking with Ace Metrix's Peter Daboll.

Alternative media
So what does VD stand for, anyway?
Would you believe the CW's 'Vampire Diaries?' The network claims it does in a clever new billboard campaign for its top show.

TV Reviews
'Working Class,' not working very well
The new CMT sitcom seems a bit confused as to what it is, changing direction as it does in each of the first three episodes

TV This Week
What sports to watch in the X Games
The ski halfpipe and the snowboard and ski slopestyle will most likely be picked up by the Olympics for the 2014 Winter Games

People
Will Ferrell coming to 'The Office'
Michael Vick signs first post-jail endorsement deal
Diego Yurkievich becomes ECD at Alma DDB
Lee Garfinkel becomes CCO at EuroRSCG
Josh Frosmon rises to publisher at The Village Voice
Allison Falkenberry rises to VP of brand communications at Rodale
Caroline Marks becomes GM of parents and lifestyle digital at Meredith
John Travolta to 'Glee:' No thanks
Sean 'Diddy' Combs guesting on 'Hawaii Five-0'
Chelsea Handler working on NBC pilot
Former C-SPAN EVP Mike Michaelson dies at 86
Hannah Storm signs new deal with ESPN
Lawsuit against actress Suzanne Somers dismissed

Friday, January 28, 2011

 Overnights
Fox's 'Idol' dominates against repeats
Averages a 7.6 in 18-49s, down just 3 percent from last Thursday and boosting 'Bones' to a four-year high. Network pulls a 5.8.

Television
Now the work begins: Rebuilding NBC
This is new owner Comcast's first day on the job. It has the resources to invest in primetime. Does it have the patience?

Here & there
NBC News' Mark Whitaker jumps to CNN
Other shorts: News Corp.'s Daily launching on Wednesday - Tiger's no longer most powerful athlete - Report: Half will have DVRs by 2016

Sports TV
Ad-wise, all the buzz over Super Bowl
What commercials people are talking about heading into the big game, along with which ads won't be running for whatever reasons

Alternative media
Too tweet: Talking up tacos across Texas
Convenience store chain streams customers' positive tweets on digital billboards, in a marriage of technology and social media

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, should I give a recommendation?
The writer is uncomfortable with an acquaintance's request that she back her for a job. Rachel advises: Go with your gut.

TV Reviews
'Kidnap & Rescue,' captivating
Teams swoop in to recover victims of abductions in this Discovery documentary series. It puts a human face to a horrible crime.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Celtics and Suns on ESPN;' Saturday: boxing on HBO; Sunday: Pro Bowl on Fox

People
Charlie Sheen hospitalized
Frank Striefler becomes head of strategy at 180 Los Angeles
Hugo Bierschenk and Dean Woodhouse move to BBH New York
Richard Chavez and John Iozzia join PM Digital
Lou Flores becomes CD at Olson
Bill Keller writing NYT Magazine column
Bill McCandless becomes GM of video at The Huffington Post
Michael Endelman becomes features editor at Food & Wine
Amy Cox becomes world editor at CNN.com
Laurie Goldberg and Elizabeth Hillman rise at Discovery
Vera Naughton becomes art director at Time Inc. custom publishing
Jamia Bigalow rises to SVP of affiliate marketing at Fox Networks
Chicago Reader interim editor Geoff Dougherty exits

Monday, January 31, 2011

Overnights
Pro Bowl scores a big win for Fox
NFL all-star game averages a 4.4 in 18-49s, more than double No. 2 ABC, which averages a 2.1. CBS places third with a movie.

Television
At stake: CBS's 'Two and A Half Men'
Lead actor and star Charlie Sheen is back in rehab, closing down production for the hit show. The question is, for how long?

TV Reviews
'Two and a Half Men,' despite it all
Charlie Sheen may be a troubled man but he makes it work as an actor, and the show continues to thrive on its skilled writing

Television
At the SAG Awards, a night of upsets
'Boardwalk Empire' tops 'Mad Men' for best drama ensemble in its second major win in two weeks over the longtime critics' fave

Here & there
Egypt cracks down on Al-Jazeera
Other shorts: Fox wins second straight Friday - Saturday overnights: Another win for Fox - Elle of a deal: Hearst gets Lagardere mags

Radio
Here's news: All-news radio is thriving
The format has gotten a big boost from the Portable People Meter, and that's led to more and more stations switching over

TV This Week
As Super Bowl looms, promising rookies
ESPN2 profiles Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford on 'Hey Rookie, Welcome to the NFL' as America looks ahead to Sunday's game

Overnights
Fox's 'Idol' dominates against repeats
Averages a 7.6 in 18-49s, down just 3 percent from last Thursday and boosting 'Bones' to a four-year high. Network pulls a 5.8.

This week in out of home
Your client at a Broadway play
How to reach an affluent crowd out for a night on the town in an uncluttered environment through ads and sponsorships

What's new in alternative media
So what does VD stand for, anyway?
Too tweet: Talking up tacos across Texas
Stripping down to the real message
The ultimate flash mob: 'I thee wed'

People
Lea Michele singing at Super Bowl
Alex R. Ignon becomes SVP of brand strategy at Horizon Media
Marla Aaron becomes SVP of communications at MRM Worldwide
Cynthia Rogers and Lori Dicker become SVPs at Moxie Interactive
Gabriel Snyder becomes editor at TheAtlanticWire
Anthony Losanno rises to national sales director at Future US
Glen Freyer rises to SVP of development at Atlas Media
Marcus Weisgerber becomes defense reporter at The Hill
Post-rehab Demi Lovato undecided on 'Sonny' return
Jordana Brewster starring in TNT's 'Dallas'
Lucy Lawless joining ABC's 'No Ordinary Family'
'Sesame Street' writer Tony Geiss dies at 86
'Facts of Life' actress Geri Jewell comes out as a lesbian

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Overnights
ABC's 'Bachelor' hits a season high
Averages a 3.2 in 18-49s, boosting network to No. 1 on an evening littered with reruns. 'Harry's Law' grows in total viewers.

Sports TV
A media buyer's primer to Super Bowl
All that you need to know, and lots more, about television's biggest event of the year, with spots running $3 million a pop

Sports TV
And a primer on Super Bowl commercials
Upsides and downsides of advertising during the game and why this year ads are so expensive. Talking with Kantar's Jon Swallen.

Here & there
Pizza Hut drops out of Super Bowl
Other shorts: Anchors enter Egypt as another ISP falls - Programming notes: OWN changes - First 2012 presidential ad - Super Bowl's dirty secret

Television
The word: Sheen will be out three months
CBS orders extra episodes of 'Mike' and 'Rules' to sub for hit 'Two and a Half Men' as its troubled star enters extended rehab

TV Reviews
'Piers Morgan Tonight,' rather ho-hum
Larry King's replacement on CNN is better prepared but he fails to bring out anything new in his interviews with celebrities

TV This Week
TV crime dramas: How it all began
PBS looks back at the very first show, 'Dragnet,' as part of its 'Pioneers of Television' series. 'The story you are about . . .'

People
Paul Benjou joins SEMplest
William Petersen returning to CBS's 'CSI'
Matthew Goldfine becomes VP of branded entertainment at Alloy Digital
David S. Hoffman becomes SVP at Performant
Wayne Barrett and Peter J. Boyer join Newsweek-Daily Beast
Paul Volen becomes VP and GM at SI Digital
Ed Rendell and Buzz Bissinger join Philly Daily News
Matthew Spengler becomes online ad director at Men's Health
Betsy F. Perry becomes editor in chief at BettyConfidential.com
Urban Meyer joins ESPN as an analyst
Richard Dreyfuss guesting on NBC's 'Parenthood'
Prosecutors: Put Richard Hatch back in jail
Pascal Racheneur and J.B. Sugar join AccuWeather

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Overnights
CBS's 'NCIS' hits another series high
Averages 22.7 million total viewers, best in its eight years, coming three weeks after previous series high. Averages a 4.6 in 18-49s.

Sports TV
Super Bowl ads sold out again
Fox quickly resells Pizza Hut's spot to another advertiser for a reported $3 million after it drops out of the game at the last minute

Cable
Stewart pulls ahead of O'Brien in late night
Comedy Central show resumes lead in 18-49s and total viewers after dropping behind with the debut of TBS's 'Conan' in November

Cable recap
On cable, the magic of familiar faces
Jason Priestley, Luke Perry, Ed Asner and Betty White, broadcast stars of an earlier time, are helping set ratings records (charts)

Here & there
It's finally here: The Daily debuts today
Other shorts: CNN's Cooper beaten by protesters - Study: Viewers most excited about Bud ads - 'Kennedys' go to ReelzChannel - 'Skins' stabilizes

Broadcast recap
Huge Pro Bowl numbers, a positive sign
Sunday game on Fox averages 13.4 million total viewers, best in a decade, a strong indicator for this weekend's Super Bowl (charts)

TV Reviews
'Eagleheart,' brevity's the soul of this wit
Episodes of this Adult Swim parody series run just 15 minutes, long enough for lots of clever gags without overworking the theme

TV This Week
Truth be told, the story of Kate Gosselin
She's the subject of a 'True Hollywood Story' on E!, which dubs her the most infamous mom in the history of reality television

People
Larry Hagman returning to 'Dallas'
Amy Winter and Edward Sabin rise at Discovery Communications
Steve Gigliotti rises to president of ad sales at Scripps Networks
Maria Shriver guest editing O magazine
Rosie Pisani becomes SVP of marketing at WE tv and Wedding Central
Stephen A. Smith returning to ESPN
Rachel Sandler rises to SVP of communications at TV Land
Steve McEvoy becomes VP of ad sales at Mochila
John Tayman becomes editor at Techland
Mark Karlan becomes director of marketing at King Features Syndicate
Bob Carrigan becomes chairman at the IAB
Gregg S. Zegras becomes president at RealAge
Joseph Chui, Lexi Lavranos and Amy Repp join CentralNic

Thursday, February 03, 2011

Overnights
'Idol' holds its course, slipping just a bit
Boosts Fox to a dominant win for the night with a 5.7 in 18-49s as the hit reality shows pulls an 8.9, off 3 percent from last week

New media
Mixed reviews for Murdoch's The Daily
Critics are divided over the new iPad-only paper. It's attractive, but will readers and advertisers actually support it?

Sports TV
Which Super Bowl spots are getting buzz
Those with humor and celebs are tops this year, along with those from Anheuser-Busch. Talking with Spotbowl's Dave Shoffner.

Here & there
After spat, Viacom shows return to Hulu
Other shorts: Sheen to fans: Thanks for the love - CBS re-ups 'NCIS' - #SuperBowl tweets from @Visa - Upfront: TV One keeps it real

Alternative media
Media alert: Free pizza to your doorstep
A thousand reporters around the country receive pizzas from Chicago, delivered in dry ice. Sponsor: Fox's 'Chicago Code.'

TV Reviews
'Lizard Lick Towing,' road weary
This new TruTV reality series features a repo team that appears to be having fun, but watching them on the job is less so

TV This Week
On CBS's 'CSI,' an old star's return
Or so it's reported that William Petersen will return in his old role as Gil Grissom, which could lift the show on night one of sweeps

People
Mark Lazarus joins NBC Sports
Gustavo Martinez becomes president at McCann Worldgroup Europe
Jose Luis Martinez becomes creative director at Arnold Worldwide
Tim Duffy rises to SVP of programming at Spike TV
Heather Olander becomes SVP of alternative programming at USA
Ivan Bargueiras rises to GM at Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic Group
Susan Converse becomes VP of finance at TVB
Woody Marshall becomes chairperson at TheStreet.com
Laurie Sue Brockway becomes senior editor at Everyday Health
Nicola Duarte becomes head of PR at Mind Candy
Eddie Izzard and Elijah Wood starring in Syfy's 'Treasure Island'
Chris Messina joins DirecTV's 'Damages'
Craig Ferguson and wife welcome a new baby

Friday, February 04, 2011

 Overnights
Fox wins first night of February sweeps
Averages a 5.4 in 18-49s, 74 percent ahead of ABC and CBS, which tie for second, lifted by 'Idol,' which averages a 7.5

Television
In Egypt, the crowds turn on journalists
Pro-Mubarak crowds rough up reporters and U.S. networks begin evacuating news crews. CNN's Cooper remains after two attacks.

Research
Best Super Bowl ads are the funny ones
Study: Spots with highest entertainment value have highest recall. Tops last year: Snickers' Betty White ad and Doritos' casket ad

Sports TV
Buyers: We see a record Super Bowl
Predict Sunday game will top last year's 106.5 million, though split on who will win. Most anticipated spots: Anheuser-Busch's.

Here & there
The word: Sheen eyeing quicker return
Other shorts: Rupe: Olbermann won't work for me - USA Today puts readers at the game - Super Bowl ads hit the web early - TiVo keeping score of ads

TV Reviews
'The Chicago Code,' good versus evil
Fox series is cop drama of the old school, of good guys who are all good fighting bad guys who are all bad. And it's well done.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, please give me a break
The writer, who works in media, wants an escape from Super Bowl this weekend and turns to Rachel for advice. Rachel consoles her.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: CBS's 'Defenders;' Saturday: Carvey on 'SNL;' Sunday: Super Bowl on Fox, followed by 'Glee' special

People
Christiane Amanpour lands Mubarak interview
Christof Baron, Jed Glanvill, and Ton Schoonderbeek rise at Mindshare
Mark Gross and Bill Cimino rise to ECDs at DDB Chicago
Ben Middleton, Ed Warren and Stuart Outhwaite join Creature
Neil Huxley becomes CD at Digital Domain and Mothership
Jayson Dinsmore becomes EVP of development at CMT
Erica Gonzalez and Carmen Villavicencio rise at El Diario-La Prensa
Brad Wieners becomes executive editor at Bloomberg BusinessWeek
Ellen Lovejoy becomes senior director at AETN International
Deanna Brown rises to CEO at Federated Media Publishing
Ruby Dease becomes senior account manager at SmartJog
Camille Grammer guesting on CBS's '$#! My Dad Says'
Mark Lazarus joins NBC Sports

Monday, February 07, 2011

Early numbers: Super Bowl ties record
Averages a 47.9 household rating in metered markets, up 3 percent over last year and matching the 1987 game. Total viewers out later.

Magazines
Magazine newsstand sales plummet again
Off 7.27 percent for six months ending in December, compared to 5.63 percent for the previous reporting period, to 32.7 million

New media
AOL buys Huffington Post for $315 million
Deal will expand reach to 117 million unique visitors a month, claims AOL. The challenge will be in merging the two operations.

Sports TV
Top Super Bowl ad: VW's 'Imperial March'
In early voting the spot featuring a boy in a Darth Vader costume is No. 1 in AdBowl and Spotbowl and No. 3 in USA Today's Ad Meter

Here & there
And all the Super Bowl Sunday leftovers
U.S. Steel's Super Bowl memo, man in Visa ad misses game and Aguilera flubs anthem lyrics - Plus, weekend overnights

TV Reviews
'Traffic Light,' hit the gas and zip on by
Fox comedy reworks the tired theme of men as boys trapped in relationships and struggling to wiggle free for some guy fun

TV This Week
For 'Hawaii Five-0,' looking for a payout
CBS drama saw a surge in viewers its last outing, airing after the AFC Championship game. The question: How many will return?

This week in out of home
Your client at a baseball fan fest
Spring is right around the corner, and it's the time when Major League teams rally fans. Advertisers can connect with them as well.

What's new in alternative media
Alert the media: Free pizza to your doorstep
So what does VD stand for, anyway?
Too tweet: Talking up tacos across Texas
Stripping down to the real message

People
L.A. schools to Jamie Oliver: Get out
Claire Telling becomes brand director at 72andSunny
Mike Lee and Chris Phenner join TBG Digital
Elizabeth Spiers named editor at the New York Observer
Katherine Kress becomes executive group director at Meredith
Thomas Hjelm becomes chief digital officer at NY Public Radio
Eric Johnson becomes associate publisher at Bon Appetit
Steven Gutkin becomes deputy South editor at the AP
Mickey Kaus joins The Daily Caller
Ning Chao becomes beauty director at Beautylish
Jeanie Buss may join Bravo's 'Real Housewives'
Lauren Conrad's MTV reality show rejected
Christiane Amanpour lands Mubarak interview

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Overnights
So-so debut for Fox's 'Chicago Code'
Averages a 2.4 in 18-49s, holding 56 percent of 'House' lead-in but up 26 percent from the timeslot average. CBS wins night with a 3.5.

Magazines
The big newsstand losers: Celeb titles
All the magazines see declines in single-copy sales, and four miss ratebase. People drops behind Woman's World. (charts)

Cable
The word: Olbermann jumping to Current
Will join the fledgling network founded by former vice president Al Gore after abruptly leaving MSNBC as its top-rated host

Sports TV
Which Super Bowl ads worked, and why
A look at the commercials that conveyed a truth about a brand that connected with consumers. Talking with AdBowl's Emily Griebel.

Here & there
Big stink over Groupon's Super Bowl ad
Other shorts: TiVo: Snickers scores most-replayed ad - Little Darth rules Spotbowl - Critics boo Gawker redesign - Adler rises at Reuters

Sports TV
Final numbers: Super Bowl pulls 111 million
Fox broadcast beats last year's record audience by 4.5 million, setting a new record for the most-watched TV show in history

TV Reviews
'Mr. Sunshine,' not for Matthew Perry
Former 'Friends' star takes on too many roles in this new ABC sitcom, and the show just doesn't come together. It's not funny.

Television
Super Bowl 'Glee' draws 27 million
Averages an 11.1 in 18-49s, becoming the highest-rated non-sports broadcast this year but down from last year's 'Undercover Boss'

TV This Week
On History, more and more average Joes
Latest series follows after Larry the Cable Guy as he seeks out artifacts of American history. It's less a network about the greats.

 People
Sarah Chubb leaving Conde Nast
Simon Cowell: 'X Factor' winner gets $5 million
Lisa Torres becomes multicultural president at ZenithOptimedia
Srini Kandala becomes SVP of technology at HNW
Sharon Davis, Laura Sher and Denyse Santoro rise at Rainbow Media
Wendy Goldberg becomes EVP of marketing at Clear Channel Radio
Nancy Daniels becomes EVP of production at Discovery Channel
Javier Morgado rises to VP of business development at Latina
Mara Shalhoup becomes editor at the Chicago Reader
Chris Haines and Lorrie Lynch join AARP.org
Heidi Clements rises to co-EP at 'Entertainment Tonight'
Norm MacDonald hosting GSN's 'High Stakes Poker'
Michelle Obama guesting on 'Live! With Regis and Kelly'

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Overnights
Poor first outing for Fox's 'Traffic Light'
Averages a 1.9 in 18-49s, despite Super Bowl push and airing in the hour after 'Glee,' but the network still takes Tuesday night

Cable recap
With Egypt, CNN sees a jump in viewers
Averages 796,000 primetime viewers for the week, up 19 percent over January average, from its stepped-up coverage (charts)

Television
Behind the shakeup at CBS News
Jeff Fager succeeds Sean McManus as head of the division, with plans to beef up ratings. But will the network spend the money?

Here & there
Egypt lifts newscasts to season highs
Other shorts: 99 percent watched Super Bowl ads - Big game sets Hispanic viewership mark - 'Skins' sinks anew - Study: Ecommerce up 9 percent

Broadcast recap
Fox leaps back into No. 1 in the ratings
Lifted by Super Bowl and the return of 'American Idol,' it takes the lead in 18-49s from CBS with a 3.4 for the year (charts)

TV Reviews
'Auction Packed,' and the action's OK, too
National Geographic series offers yet another treatment of the subject and still manages to tell us something new about the biz

New media
Clearing up confusion about SEM
Search engine marketing is a huge part of online but it's not all that well understood. Speaking with SEMplest's Paul Benjou.

TV This Week
Alas, a farewell to 'Friday Night Lights'
Finale of the much-praised show airs on DirecTV, ending a five-year run under a deal between NBC and the satellite service

People
Barbra Streisand singing at Grammys
Debra Ashley becomes director of sales for BET
Jeff Gregor rises to EVP and CMO at Turner
Brian Morrissey becomes DIGIDAY editor
Peter Piper named senior director of advertising at WFN
Guardian reporter Luke Harding booted by Russians
Huffington and Brown to Harper's Bazaar: What rivalry?
Prince kicks reality star Kim Kardashian off stage
'SATC's' Cynthia Nixon welcomes a baby with fiancee
'House's' Olivia Wilde splits from husband
'Idol' finalist Sanjaya Malakar resurfaces off-Broadway
Fran Drescher and Christine Taylor join TV Land pilots
Hilarie Burton joins 'White Collar' full time

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Overnights
Sunny debut for ABC's 'Mr. Sunshine'
New Matthew Perry sitcom averages a 3.7 in 18-49s, retaining 74 percent of 'Modern Family's' audience and giving timeslot a boost

Magazines
Long-ailing Vibe gets a Magic touch
Former basketball player Johnson and billionaire Burkle invest in title founded by Quincy Jones, becoming third owner in two years

New media
Weighing HuffPost-AOL: Media folks opine
Will this marriage work? Will it go bust? Is it another Time Warner-AOL shipwreck? Learn what media buyers and pundits think.

Here & there
Most-watched ad of all time: Chevy
Other shorts: Couric may stay through '12 - 'Guitar Hero' sliced - Current TV upfront scoop - Other upfront dates - Tea Party magazine launches

Alternative media
A croissant you could just bite into
This croissant is mounted on a billboard, creating a 3D effect that conveys the sense of the roll puffing up as it bakes

TV Reviews
'The Mentalist,' an empty bag of tricks
The star of this CBS drama comes off as bored in his role as faux psychic turned crime solver. It could be the scripts.

Radio
Another big Super Bowl scorer: Radio
Figure around 30 million or so listened to the game, roughly a fourth of what TV drew. And the ads were a lot cheaper.

TV This Week
The biggest, grandest cake of them all
Food Network's Duff Goldman wraps up his 'Ace of Cakes' series with a cake celebrating the anniversary of 'Back to the Future'

People
Rehabbing Charlie Sheen a popular guy
Sam Chadha becomes EVP at Media Vest USA
David Sable rises to CEO at Y&R
Amir Kassaei rises to CCO at DDB Worldwide
Tom Cavanaugh becomes VP for NASCAR coverage on Speed
Michael Safran becomes associate publisher at Time
Matt Herren becomes Everwell VP of sales and business development
Adam Sanderson rises to Disney/ABC SVP of franchise management
Toni Lorusso becomes director for ad sales marketing at Hallmark
Tina Johnson becomes espnW editor
Buddy Media adds hires and gives promotions
Howard Stern jumps on the Twitter bandwagon
Chris Niskanen exits St. Paul Pioneer Press

Friday, February 11, 2011

Overnights
Another win for Fox with 'American Idol'
Averages a 5.3 in 18-49s, well ahead of No. 2 CBS with a 3.0, led by the singing challenge, the night's top show with a 7.2

Sports TV
Groupon yanks Super Bowl ads after fuss
Nixes commercials making light of charitable causes in wake of a public outcry. HomeAway tweaks its ad after similar protests.

Television
For ABC, Oscar night's a sell-out
Moves entire ad inventory with two weeks to go, and pricing is up with the improved economy and eased rules on studio ads

Alternative media
From bright red lips, a flurry of words
They fly at you like bursts of light. You reach up to catch them as they shoot out from the window display. Client: 2011 Ford Edge.

Here & there
Nielsen adding new commercial coding
Other shorts: Turner & CBS airing every NCAA game - Morning shows surge - Post debuts news aggregator - More Super Bowl records - AMC slates 'Killing'

TV Reviews
'Must Love Cats,' then you'll love this
New Animal Planet series targets the hearts of cat lovers with a mix of offbeat features, some really corny. Not for cat-haters.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I'm just not getting ahead here
The writer has been at her agency for three years but complains she's gotten few raise and no promotions. She asks if it's time to leave.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Charlie Brown Valentine' on ABC and 'Oprah' on OWN; Saturday: NASCAR on Fox; Sunday: Grammys on CBS


People
Jennifer Hudson appearing on 'Oprah'
Pamela Raley heading new Mediasmith NYC office
Dan DiZio promoted to vice president at Harmelin Media
Hal W. Brown IV rises to vice president of national sales with Delta Media
Alison Rudnick joins HLN public relations department
Laura Staro becomes senior vice president of research at TLC
Liz Dicker becomes VP/drama programming at A&E
Ross Babbit and Shannon Jamieson Driver rise at DIY Network
Steven Andrew becomes creative director with The Foundation
Barbara Fairchild joins Nomad Editions as columnist and contributor
Kendall Allen becomes vice president at The Laredo Group
Charlie Sheen's third divorce finalized
Amanda Peet cast in NBC pilot 'Bent'

Monday, February 14, 2011

Overnights
Best night for Grammys in a decade
Averages 27.6 million total viewers and 10.3 in 18-49s, up 4 percent over last year's hot show with acts like Eminem and Lady Gaga

Cable
Discovery sinks another $50M into OWN
Oprah Winfrey Network's startup costs rise to $239 million as ratings fall. But real meat of its schedule hasn't debuted yet.

Overnights
Fox's Friday lineup flags in week four
Averages a 1.5 adults 18-49 rating, off 26 percent from premiere last month, though still good for a four-way tie for first place

Here & there
MyNetworkTV renewed for three years
Other shorts: CBS spreads the love with 'Mad' stunt - Did Eminem drop F-bomb on Grammys? - Saturday overnights: Fox zooms to win

TV Reviews
'Mad Love,' no, but certainly likeable
Two of the four characters work on this CBS sitcom, even if the other two are weak and setup is tired. That puts it ahead of most.

Radio
The emerging colossus that is Pandora
Online radio giant reveals its strategy in IPO filings, along with numbers. Its big worry: Arrival of a bigger player on the field.

TV This Week
On 'Jeopardy,' man vs. machine (Watson)
Much-hyped showdown between top winners Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings and a computer. Who wins? Likely 'Jeopardy.'

This week in out of home
Your client in a summer reading program
Sponsoring a program that encourages kids to read while school's out is a way to reach kids and their parents with a positive message

What's new in alternative media
From bright red lips, a flurry of words
A croissant you could just bite into
Alert the media: Free pizza to your doorstep
So what does VD stand for, anyway?

People
Jack Black hosting Kids' Choice Awards
Conan O'Brien: NBC threatened my Twitter account
Israel Diaz becomes EVP and CCO at Young & Rubicam
Camber Ransom becomes sales rep at Smart Walls Media
Violet Gaynor and Maureen Dempsey join InStyle.com
Tyrone 'Ty' Johnson rises to VP of multicultural sales at GMC
John Bryan rises to president of domestic TV distribution at MGM
Miley Cyrus hosting 'SNL' on March 5
Katharine McPhee joins NBC pilot 'Smash'
Lindsay Lohan gets a 'no' from 'X-Factor'
Former Fortune editor Charles E. Silberman dies at 86
Former CNN EVP Jon Petrovich dies at age 63
Intruder invades Ellen DeGeneres' estate

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Overnights
Solid premiere for CBS's 'Mad Love'
Averages a 3.0 in 18-49s, holding 81 percent of lead-in 'How I Met Your Mother's' audience and giving the network win for the night with a 3.4

Television
Sheen: I'm ready to go back to work
Rehabbing 'Two and a Half Men' star calls into a radio show to say he's sober and jokes about relapsing. He says he's back Feb. 28.

Television
A media buyer's primer to the Oscars
A look at who advertises on television's biggest night after Super Bowl, what they spend, and why this year may be the best yet

Here & there
Oops! SI Swimsuit cover leaks onto Twitter
Other shorts: Times prints Safer's nasty emails - Weird viral Grammys moment - Roseanne joins Lifetime - 'View's' Whoopi vs. NYT - 'Idol' tops in DVRs

Research
Popping the balloon of market research
Businesses rely on it for most of their marketing decisions but one expert thinks much of it's wrong. Talking with Philip Graves.

TV Reviews
'Our America With Lisa Ling,' or without
OWN newsmagazine is well-reported and engaging but would benefit from less face time with the host and her ruminations

Radio
Are apps the great hope for radio?
Some think the apps craze is just that. But another argument is they offer stations a chance to re-engage listeners on a new level.

TV This Week
Revealed: Dave and the swimsuit girl
Letterman has as his guest Irina Shayk, the model who's on the cover of this year's SI swimsuit issue. Expect a bump in viewers.

People
Jesse L. Martin joins ABC musical drama
Kim Mansfield and Omar Jason Roque hired at Elite SEM
Angela Daisy becomes VP at Mercury Media
Clay Spencer, Anne-Marie McGintee and Justin Levy rise at MTV
Lynn Bruder becomes CEO of Quu
Christopher Austin and Melissa Burt join CQ Press
Michael Vick guesting on 'Oprah' Feb. 24
'Jersey Shore's' Ronald Ortiz-Magro pleads not guilty to assault
James Tupper returning to 'Grey's Anatomy'
Sharon Osbourne settles 'Rock of Love Charm School' lawsuit
Comedic actress Betty Garrett dies at 91
Robert and Cortney Novogratz hosting HGTV design show
Josh Awtry becomes editor at the Twin Falls Times-News

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Overnights
CBS and Fox tie for first on a slow night
Average a 3.0 in 18-49s with 'Glee' the night's top show at a 4.2 but down from last week, as were most other shows

Television
CBS News' Lara Logan brutally assaulted
Network says foreign correspondent was attacked by a mob while covering unrest in Egypt last week after Mubarak stepped down

Broadcast recap
This sweeps, it's Fox, CBS, ABC and NBC
Going in, ABC and NBC were battling for third, but ABC pulled ahead, and it has the Oscars to give it a final boost (charts)

Dayparts update
Watson lifts 'Jeopardy' to four-year high
Man vs. machine showdown averages an 8.7 household rating, No. 2 on television Monday, giving show a big sweeps boost

Cable recap
One smart play: BET's 'The Game'
Recycled drama, which a month ago began airing originals, is drawing bigger audiences than it did on the CW (charts)

Here & there
Apple launches iPad subscription service
Other shorts: Magna forecaster Wieser leaving - Mel: XM Sirius not competing with Pandora - Netflix traffic grows - WPP Digital combines four agencies

TV Reviews
'Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior,' truly
The crimes on this CBS spinoff are attention-grabbing but the cops don't have the chemistry for viewers to care about them

TV This Week
On 'Survivor,' two now familiar faces
Old hands Russell Hantz and Rob Mariano return to mix it up with first-timers and, if things work out as CBS hopes, lift ratings

People
Billy Ray Cyrus rips 'Hannah Montana'
Lena Liller becomes senior communications strategist at Mesh Design
Colleen Fahey Rush becomes EVP and CRO at MTV
Jennifer Marquez becomes health editor at Parade
Tamara Stewart rises at Real Simple
Jimmy Orr rises to online managing editor at the LA Times
David Muir becomes sole anchor of ABC's weekend 'World News'
Bruce Luizzi and Denise Sanchez become VPs at MUSL TV
Saffron Burrows joins 'Bones' spinoff
Rachel Bilson joins CW drama pilot
Actor Kenneth Mars dies at age 75
Regis Philbin's dream guest: Babs
Andy Cohen apologizes for tweet-jabbing Heidi Montag

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Overnights
Strong debut for CBS's 'Suspect Behavior'
'Criminal Minds' spinoff averages a 3.3 in 18-49s, winning its timeslot and placing third for the night. Fox wins with 'Idol.'

New media
Google one-ups Apple on its pay plan
Sellers of content get a better deal with One Pass, keeping a larger share of payments as compared to what Apple plan offers

Television
The skinny on what Oscar night holds
Who's a shoo-in for best actor, which film will win best picture, and Melissa Leo's great blunder. Talking with EW's Dave Karger.

Here & there
Logan lulu: Prof apologizes for tweets
Other shorts: Watson computes a 'Jeopardy' win - 'Glee' tops Elvis for Billboard hits - Buyout offers to Newsweekers

TV Reviews
'Out of the Wild,' and an adventure, too
Discovery series pits folks against the elements in a challenge that calls upon their ingenuity, not 'Survivor'-like scheming

Alternative media
Message that glows: We're awake for you
The words appear suspended in the dark night along the side of the highway. '24/7 customer service.' The client: A bank.

TV This Week
Maybe the last word for '$#*! My Dad Says'
The Twitter-based CBS sitcom wraps up its first season, and the outlook is not bright for renewal, judging by its performance

People
Adrianne Palicki the new 'Wonder Woman'
Former 'Seinfeld' actor Len Lesser dies at 88
Eric Smallwood rises to SVP at Front Row Marketing Services
Suzanna Makkos, Marcus Wiley and Terence Carter rise at Fox
Mike D. Neeves becomes VP of program scheduling at BBC America
Chris Wightman becomes associate publisher at Smithsonian Media
Scott Alexander becomes editor in chief at American Photo
Jen Doerger becomes Western sales manager at Future US
Mara Schiavocampo rises to correspondent at NBC News
Seth MacFarlane hosting Donald Trump roast
Michael Rosenbaum returning to 'Smallville'
James Van Der Beek starring in ABC pilot
Frankie Muniz has gun taken from his home by police


Friday, February 18, 2011

Overnights
Fox scores third Thursday sweeps win
Led by 'American Idol's' 7.5 among 18-49s, up 4 percent from last week, giving the network a 5.4 average for the night

Magazines
Time Inc.'s new chief gets the boot
Jack Griffin sacked after six months on the job, rapped for abrupt management style as he set out to reorganize the company

New media
The explosion in Facebook advertising
Ad spending on social networks will grow 55 percent this year, led by the largest player. Talking with eMarketer Debra Aho Williamson.

Here & there
CBS's Lara Logan is home recovering
Other shorts: Former 'Meet the Press' host Bill Monroe dies; Facebook tops Google as a tool for local marketers; Redbox launching online streaming service

TV Reviews
'The Injustice Files,' without closure
Investigation Discovery series does an able job digging into murders of '60s civil rights activists but fails to break new ground

Alternative media
A glass of water to teach smart driving
The full glasses, put on the dashes of cars, begin to slosh their contents when the driver goes too fast. Client: Toyota.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, should I write a cover letter?
The writer has her resume in shape but wonders whether cover letters are worth the bother, since they're often not read

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'WWE SmackDown' on Syfy; Saturday: NBA All-Star Saturday on TNT; Sunday: 'Amazing Race' premiere on CBS

People
Serene Branson had complex migraine
Steve Farrell becomes executive creative director at Ascentium
Fran Hauser rises to president of digital at Time Inc.
Sewell Chan becomes deputy op-ed editor at NY Times
Luke Blaser and Lara Kelley join Complex Media Network
Peggy Mansfield rises to associate publisher at Food Network Magazine
Amy Sezak and Adam Isserlis join Zynga
Alison Rudnick becomes senior PR director at HLN
Orlando Jones joins ABC's 'Identity'
Christine Lahti joins CBS's 'The Doctor'
Eric Roberts joins ABC's dance pilot 'Grace'
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird tales headed to Broadway
Adrianne Palicki the new 'Wonder Woman'

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Overnights
With Sheen out, CBS's 'Men' sinks
Rerun of the hit sitcom averages a 3.0 in 18-49s, down 29 percent from a 4.2 for an original last week, giving the night to ABC

Overnights
Ho-hum return for CBS's 'Amazing Race'
Season premiere averages a 2.4 rating in adults 18-49, down 14 percent from last year but up in total viewers, to 9.14 million

Here & there
Jordan-era ratings for NBA All-Star game
Other shorts: Record audience for Saturday's All-Star night; So who's next to lead Time Inc.?; weekend overnight ratings

New media
What's driving local media's recovery
Gains in ad spending are pacing those of national media, driven by several forces. Talking with local media analyst Gordon Borrell.

TV Reviews
'Shedding for the Wedding,' warming
The characters are relatable in this CW series about couples out to lose weight for their big day, and there's little sniping

TV This Week
And now, 'Real Housewives of Miami'
Seventh of the successful Bravo series follows wives of Miami jocks. Expect the usual squabbles. But will it deliver ratings?

Overnights
Fox scores third Thursday sweeps win
Led by 'American Idol's' 7.5 among 18-49s, up 4 percent from last week, giving the network a 5.4 average for the night

This week in out of home
Your client playing soccer in Mexico
Reach the burgeoning population of U.S. Hispanics by sponsoring Mexico's Primera Division pro soccer league or one of its teams

What's new in alternative media
Message that glows: We're awake for you
A glass of water to teach smart driving
From bright red lips, a flurry of words
A croissant you could just bite into

People
Minnie Driver joins CBS pilot
Chris Adams and Margaret Keene becomes ECDs at Saatchi & Saatchi
Eric Bauer becomes creative director at Gravity
Mike Oddi becomes CMO at KSL Media
Diane Brayton rises at New York Times
Adam Verdugo rises to senior producer at 'Meet the Press'
Vera Naughton becomes art director at Time Inc. Publishing
Jesse James writing memoir
Ashley Judd close to starring role at ABC
Jason Isaacs starring in NBC pilot
Guillermo Diaz joins 'Damage Control' pilot
Patrick Wilson joins untitled CBS pilot
Serene Branson had complex migraine

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Overnights
CBS takes the third Tuesday of sweeps
Averages a 3.4 in 18-49s, up 13 percent from last week, lifted by 'NCIS,' which won the 8 p.m. timeslot with a 4.4 rating

Sports TV
In a season of storylines, one hot NBA
It's the fodder that draws fans to their TV sets, and it's playing out in huge ratings bumps, as with the All-Star Game

Here & there
Top Griffin hire quits at Time Inc.
Other shorts: Amazon jumps into streaming; Big jump in 'Grey's Anatomy' DVR ratings; Judge closes down a TV rebroadcaster

Television
Why the Oscars are hot again, ad-wise
Spots went for $1.75 million for Sunday's event. Talking with Gary Carr of TargetCast and Palisades MediaGroup's Bill McOwen.

Alternative media
Moving words to say we're moving
Agency parades from its old to its new offices carrying words constructed of cardboard that describe the issues it works on

Radio
Behind the battle over performance fees
Musicians and record labels want to get paid when their songs play on the radio, like composers. Radio stations are resisting.

TV This Week
Ever young, and back again, Tyra Banks
'America's Next Top Model,' in its ninth year, returns to the CW for season 16, carried by the energy of its host and creator

People
Keith Olbermann launching web site
Stephen Buerger becomes SVP and Midwest ad director at Parade
Peter Goldstone joins Government Executive Media Group as president
Mary Hamilton, Jeff Randazzo and Scott Christensen rise at Titan
Kelley Hoyle and Jason Rose rise at Christal Radio
Jonathan Lee rises to VP of operations at RLTV
Eliot Kaplan rises to executive director of talent acquisition at Hearst
Kiefer Sutherland returning to TV
Christina Ricci could join ABC's 'Pan Am'
Kevin Hart joins Fox's 'Little in Common'
Comics writer Dwayne McDuffie dies at 49
Alyssa Milano pregnant with first child
Larry King to perform national stand-up tour

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Overnights
'Suspect Behavior' slips in second outing
CBS's 'Criminal Minds' spinoff averages 2.5 in 18-49s, down 24 percent from its debut and tying for first with NBC's 'L&O:SVU'

Broadcast recap
All signs point to a stellar Oscar night
Live TV events have seen strong ratings this season, amid lots of buzz, and that bodes well for Sunday's telecast on ABC

Here & there
'GMA' producer flies the coop to 'Anderson'
Other shorts: Facebook voting for 'Idol' and 'X Factor';
NBA All-Star game hot online too; Digital Ellie nominations are out

Cable recap
New lives for some old kid standards
Hub sees a hefty premiere for 'Transformers Prime,' and it's just one of a number of updated series drawing kids and parents

TV Reviews
'Secrets From a Stylist,' and well kept
HGTV series offers something different--a second makeover if homeowners don't like the first--but comes up short on secrets

Alternative media
A toasty winter morning at the bus stop
Agency turns a shelter into a huge toaster oven, with hot air blowing down on breakfast treats. Client: A Coffeehouse chain.

TV This Week
Recalling Thurgood Marshall, the man
His great hour came arguing Brown vs. Board of Education before the Supreme Court. Laurence Fishburne is Marshall, on HBO.

People
Charlie Sheen spends $790,000 on cars
Dennis Ryan becomes CCO at Olson
Michael Boychuk becomes ECD at SK + G Advertising
Robert Llamas becomes EVP at Univision Communications
Nicole A. Bernard and Elizabeth Casey rise at Fox
Heather Childers becomes reporter at Fox News
Ryan Hansen to star in NBC pilot 'Lovelives'
Jenna Elfman could star in ABC's 'Bad Mom'
Chandra Wilson directing 'Grey's Anatomy' episode
'Deadliest Catch' star Justin Tennison dies at 33
Jennifer Lopez premiering music video on 'American Idol'
David Arquette: I had my first beer at four
Keith Olbermann launching web site

Friday, February 25, 2011

Overnights
Fox crushes all with 'American Idol'
Averages a 7.2 in 18-49s with a two-hour show, more than double No. 2 CBS with a 3.0. ABC is third with a 2.6 rating.

Television
CBS shuts down 'Men' over Sheen rant
Axes production on 'Two and a Half Men' for this season and puts in doubt whether the hit Monday comedy will ever return

Television
Media buyers expect a big Oscar tune-in
Most think Academy Awards will top last year's 41.7 million viewers. Picks: 'King's Speech,' Colin Firth, Natalie Portman.

Here & there
Claim: Fox News' Ailes ordered Regan to lie
Other shorts: Lawsuit says Publicis discriminates against women - Honolulu to Limbaugh: Apologize right now! - ABC nabs Oscar rights through 2020

Alternative media
Your very own moment on the red carpet
Storefront display allows passersby to pose with an Oscar, as if they were a Hollywood star on their big night accepting an award

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, my resume shows lots of jobs
The writer did some serious job-hopping earlier in her career and worries it might hurt her chances to find a job. Rachel opines.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Fish Hooks' on Disney Channel; Saturday: BYU vs. San Diego St. on CBS; Sunday: Academy Awards on ABC

People
Man sentenced for 'South Park' threats
Three join marketing firm Media Trust
Jim Gherna joins Targeted Media
Kathy Kristof becomes contributing editor at Kiplinger
AOL chief content executive David Eun exiting
Three rise at Entertainment Weekly
Darren Franich, Sandra Gonzalez and Mike Bruno rise at EW.com
Lisa Ling's documentary series renewed at OWN
David Hamilton becomes associate editor at Details
Kit Rachlis becomes editor at The American Prospect
Sabrina Strelitz rises to accessories editor at In Style
'Evening News' anchor Katie Couric writes advice book
Charlie Sheen spends $790,000 on cars

Monday, February 28, 2011

Overnights
ABC's Oscars take a dip from last year
Academy Awards special falls 7 percent in households, to a 24.6, and 2 percent in 18-49s, to a 14.5, but network still wins the night

Radio
For ailing radio, a much better 2010
After several harsh years, ad spending was up 6 percent, and fourth quarter was up 7 percent, lifted by auto and other categories

TV Reviews
The Oscars, all in all, a pretty dull night
The much-hyped awards event came across as awkward, and efforts to attract a younger audience either backfired or fell flat

Cable
Parker axed from CNN's 'Parker Spitzer'
Cable news network revamps sagging nightly chat show as an ensemble chat group led by Spitzer and renamed 'In the Arena'

Here & there
ABC and NBC land Charlie Sheen interviews
Other shorts: Deadline's Oscar credentials revoked - Sullivan joins Newsweek - Friday overnights: Fox and CBS tie - Saturday overnights: Fox wins

TV Reviews
'Ice Brigade,' more chills than thrills
The sculptures on the Food Network show may be fascinating to look at but watching them being made just doesn't cut it

TV This Week
For ABC's 'Bachelor,' a taste of stardom
Viewers will learn which celebs are joining the cast of the new 'Dancing with the Stars,' which should bring a ratings boost

Overnights
Fox crushes all with 'American Idol'
Averages a 7.2 in 18-49s with a two-hour show, more than double No. 2 CBS with a 3.0. ABC is third with a 2.6 rating.

This week in out of home
Your client courtside at Wimbledon
There are few better ways to reach an elite audience than sponsoring the top event in tennis at the All England Lawn Tennis Club

What's new in alternative media
A toasty winter morning at the bus stop
Your moment on the red carpet
Moving words to say we're moving
Message that glows: We're awake for you

People
James Goldston becomes senior EP at 'GMA'
Molly Watson becomes COO at Tierney
Emilio Nunez rises to SVP of programming at In Demand
'Hot in Cleveland' character writing Woman's Day column
Lindsay Lohan gives post-rehab interview to 'Extra'
T.J. Miller joins CBS's 'The Assistants'
Tony Goldwyn joins ABC's 'Damage Control'
Chelsea Handler playing her own sister
David Krumholtz joins NBC's 'Playboy'
Actor Kelsey Grammer gets married on Broadway
James Van Der Beek starring in Ke$ha video
Jeffrey Tambor leaves Broadway show
Man sentenced for 'South Park' threats

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Overnights
ABC's 'Bachelor' ties its season high
Averages a 3.4 in 18-49s, matching last week and giving ABC the nightly win, as cast of new 'Dancing with the Stars' is revealed

Overnights
Oscars average 37.6 million viewers
Off 10 percent from last year but second-best since 2007. Pulls an 11.7 in 18-49s. Online up 29 percent, to over 3 million views.

New media
Ecommerce is poised for a growth spurt
Predicted to increase by $100 billion over the next four years, to $278.9 billion, accounting for 11 percent of all retail sales

Media economy
Better-than-expected year for out-of-home
Ad spending grew 4.1 percent in 2010, first up year since 2007, with double-digit increases in a number of top ad categories

Here & there
CBS promises to pay 'Men' crew
Other shorts: Frank Rich joins New York Magazine - New 'Stars' cast is ... - Obama eyes V-chip revamp - Newser-Salon.com merger squashed

Newspapers
Local media comes off well, despite it all
Americans generally hold their local news outlets in high regard, even with all the cutbacks. Talking with Pew's Lee Rainie.

TV Reviews
'Breakout Kings,' not any time soon
In its lack of originality, this A&E crime drama about hunting down fugitives is at little risk of breaking out as a hit

TV This Week
Yet more ranting from Charlie Sheen
At-war star of CBS's suspended 'Two and a Half Men' appears on a '20-20' special on ABC and lets loose on all manner of things

People
Cee Lo Green joins 'The Voice'
Latricia Simpson and Jaime Jacobs rise at CBS Radio Sales
Citadel Media VP of development Robert Minton exiting
Fotoulla Euripidou becomes VP at Hearst Magazines
Nina Myers McCammon becomes home editor at Country Living
Antonia van der Meer becomes editor at Coastal Living
Zach Galifianakis and Elton John hosting 'SNL'
Don Johnson joins NBC pilot
ESPN's Howard Bryant charged with domestic assault
Music critic Darryl Morden dies at 52
Producer and director Gary Winick dies at 49
Corin Nelson becomes executive producer of 'Nate Berkus'
Marlee Matlin guests on 'Switched at Birth'

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Overnights
Charlie trashes, and ABC's '20/20' soars
Sheen special averages a 3.2 in 18-49s, almost season high for the network's 10 p.m. timeslot, while averaging 9.3 million total viewers

Television
Moonves: 'Men' could return next year
Big question is whether Sheen would be a part of it. CBS CEO on star's antics: 'I wish he'd have worked this hard for an Emmy.'

Broadcast recap
ABC's Oscar consolation: A sweeps lift
Awards show wasn't a prize winner ratings-wise, off from last year, but it boosts network to better last year's ratings (charts)

Cable recap
On cable, reality series still dominate
Account for eight of the top 10 shows in February, led by MTV's 'Jersey Shore,' even as scripted shows win critical buzz (charts)

Here & there
Sheen boosts Morgan to series high
Other shorts: Clear Channel acquires Pandora challenger - Oscars #hugehit on Twitter - Sundance upfront - Programming notes: Showtime slates premieres

Television
Charlie Sheen's 10 craziest statements
The star of 'Two and a Half Men' in his own words in his ongoing attack on CBS and others over the shutdown of his show

TV Reviews
'Taking On Tyson,' Mike we never knew
Famed boxing champ sets out to race pigeons in this six-part Animal Planet series, and both he and the birds come off well

TV This Week
Big bump from behind for 'Traffic Light'
Fox's stalled first-year sitcom is getting a special airing after 'American Idol' to see whether it will catch with viewers

People
Ashley Judd joins ABC's 'Missing'
Joe Kayser becomes CCO at Young & Rubicam West
Scott Cherkin becomes EVP at Complex Media Network
Casey Patterson rises to EVP at MTV Networks Entertainment Group
Paul Dunay becomes CMO at Networked Insights
Stephen Borkowski becomes digital director at Prevention.com
Brooke Bowman rises to SVP at ABC Family
David Griffin becomes visuals editor at The Washington Post
Scott Wenger and Amy DiLuna leaving New York Daily News
Stephen Tobolowsky joins CBS pilot 'Hail Mary'
Rachelle Lefevre joins NBC pilot 'The Crossing'
Emily Rutherford joins CBS pilot 'The Assistants'
Jenna Elfman starring in ABC pilot 'Bad Mom'

Thursday, March 03, 2011

New media
Enter Apple's iPad 2, with lots of hype
Steve Jobs returns from medical leave to hype the upgraded device, after original sells 15 million last year. On sale March 11.

Sports TV
Who wins and loses in an NFL lockout
The networks would still see much of the ad revenue, but some more than others. Talking with Wells Fargo's Marci Ryvicker.

Alternative media
A sleight of hand that catches the eye
Billboard, showing magicians Penn & Teller holding saws, appears cut in half. It's up for an OBIE. (See all the nominees)

Here & there
Court takes away Sheen's children
Other shorts: Fox News suspends Gingrich and Santorum - Royal ratings for Telemundo's 'Reina' - Programming notes - Katie Holmes sues Star

TV Reviews
'America's Next Great Restaurant,' leftovers
NBC series, from the producers of 'Top Chef,' works all the familiar themes of reality TV, as a clone of the Bravo series

TV This Week
For the NBA, a year of winning stories
TNT basketball ratings are up 30 percent this season, largely driven by the big personalities and the drama on and off the court

People
Christina Aguilera joins NBC's 'The Voice'
Coleen Kuehn joins MediaVest USA as president of strategy and planning
Doug Franklin becomes president at Cox Media Group
Allison Clarke rises to SVP of ad sales at WE tv and Wedding Central
Ben Lines becomes VP of marketing at Sportsman Channel
Susie Banikarim becomes EP of video at The Daily Beast/Newsweek
Julio Marenghi becomes EVP and GM at WGN America
Donald Trump's Comedy Central roasters are ...
Daisy Betts cast in ABC drama 'Georgetown'
Michael Zegen cast in HBO's 'Boardwalk Empire'
Michael Rosenbaum joins Fox's 'Breaking In' full time
Roseanne Barr's nut farm busted for illegal dirt movement
Gary Collins off the hook for eat-and-run charge

Friday, March 04, 2011

Overnights
Fox wins final night of February sweeps
Averages a 6.5 in 18-49s with 90-minute 'American Idol' that draws a 7.7. Special Wednesday 'Traffic Light' averages a 2.8.

Sports TV
Phew: No NFL lockout just yet
Players and owners will return to the negotiating table again today after extending the existing collective bargaining agreement

Here & there
A sneak peek at the new Newsweek
Other shorts: NY Times paywall launching 'shortly' - Lou Dobbs' return - #Winning: Sheen sets Twitter record - Yet study says fewer like him

Television
Upfront outlook: Healthy but no barnburner
Media buyers expect network ad sales to be flat to last year, with CPMs flat to up slightly. Here's a look at who's presenting when.

TV Reviews
'Coming Home,' an unwelcome intruder
Lifetime series about GIs returning from war is moving but the show's host dampens the effect with his breathless chatter

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, we're still not seeing raises
The writers are media people who work for a small agency and they haven't seen raises for several years. What should they do?

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: NAACP Awards on Fox; Saturday: Duke-UNC on CBS; Sunday: 'Secret Millionaire' debut on ABC

People
Oprah Winfrey hosting live show from Egypt
Matt Butler and Fay Yu join Discovery Fit & Health and Planet Green
Sally Habbershaw and Jennie Morris join Rainbow Media
PIC Media Group promotes two and hires two
Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews rises to VP of news at CBS News
Sonya McNair becomes head of communications at CBS News
Kayla Kluver becomes media assistant at Cannella Response TV
Jennifer Chatham joins Women's Health as sales development director
Michelle Hillman rises to SVP with the Ad Council
Mark Harmon starring in USA movie 'Prey'
Elizabeth Hurley and Pedro Pascal join NBC's 'Wonder Woman'
Ginnifer Goodwin joins ABC's 'Once Upon a Time' pilot
Aidan Quinn inks deal for NBC's 'Prime Suspect'

Monday, March 07, 2011

Overnights
Strong debut for ABC's 'Secret Millionaire'
Averages a 3.3 in 18-49s, finishing No. 2 for the night behind 'Desperate Housewives' and helping network to a win with a 2.7

Magazines
Brown's Newsweek: Much like the old
Her revamp of the long-ailing newsweekly is out on newsstands, and it's not quite the radical departure some critics expected

Sports TV
NFL labor talks heading into overtime
Extend collective bargaining agreement through Friday as negotiations continue. Obama says he will not intervene.

Here & there
Philly radio stunt lands Sheen interview
Other shorts: CBS re-ups 'Mother' - Big stink over Huckabee riff - Friday overnights: NBC wins - Saturday overnights: 'Wanted' boosts Fox to first

Radio
The promise of self-serve ad platforms
A new service is launching to allow stations to sell available inventory to businesses in what amounts to an online marketplace

TV Reviews
'All About Aubrey,' if you must know
New Oxygen series follows the life of Aubrey O'Day, formerly of the girl group Danity Kane, as she attempts to re-reinvent hersel
f
TV This Week
For 'The Event,' time to find itself
Another 'Lost' wannabe, NBC show returns after three months, and its prospects do not look bright after its much-hyped launch

Overnights
Fox stomps with everyone else in reruns
Averages an 8.1 in 18-49s for two-hour 'Idol' with the night's only original show on the Big Five networks. Quadruples No. 2 CBS.

This week in out of home
Your client's ad on workers' uniforms
Reaching consumers with messages worn by street teams, retailer workers and laborers who work in areas where there's a lot of foot traffic

What's new in alternative media
A sleight of hand that catches the eye
Better-than-expected year for out-of-home
A toasty winter morning at the bus stop
Your moment on the red carpet

People
John Stamos guesting on 'Law & Order: SVU'
Craig Atkinson becomes president and CDO at PHD
Josh Mandel becomes director of strategy at 72andSunny
Rob Holzer becomes director of integrated services at Starworks
Jim Lanzone becomes president at CBS Interactive
David Melia, Dustin Smith and Jennifer Williams become VPs at TLC
Six reporters join the Huffington Post
Michael Paulson joins the New York Times
Megan Deem rises to senior editor at InStyle
James Caviezel joins CBS's 'Person of Interest'
John Ayres Armstrong Jr. dies at age 72
Kevin Frazier becomes co-anchor on 'The Insider'
Cary Elwes joins NBC's 'Wonder Woman'

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Overnights
NBC's 'The Event' returns with a thud
Averages a 1.4 in 18-49s, down 26 percent from its most recent episode, as Fox wins the night with 'House,' the night's top show

Television
Imagining 'Men' without Charlie Sheen
CBS has every reason to replace the fired actor and bring the show back, and little to lose. What carried 'Men' was the writing.

Television
Timeline of the Charlie Sheen meltdown
From 'Two and a Half Men's' 2003 debut to last year's rehab stint to this year's media blitz, leading up to yesterday's firing

Magazines
Critics rough up Tina's Newsweek redo
Their beefs: Lacks newsiness and timely insights and it's not so different from the old. Bash Hillary cover and Weinstein essay.

Here & there
Moonves: Double-digit bump in upfront
Other shorts: 'Family' gets biggest DVR lift of year - ABC Family sets summer slate - Study: Online viewing beats offline - 'Breakout' hit for A&E

New media
The uncertain future of mobile video
More folks are watching on their portable devices, but revenues remain stagnant. Talking with SNL Kagan's John Fletcher.

TV Reviews
'Nothing Personal,' and entertaining, too
Investigation Discovery series recounts killings by professional hitmen, with the first about a mafia hit. It's engrossing stuff.

TV This Week
For Fox's 'Glee,' something to sing about
Gwyneth Paltrow returns as Holly Holiday, a hot substitute teacher who likes to spice things up. The show could use some spice.

People
Marc Anthony joins TNT's 'Hawthorne'
Walt Connelly becomes ECD at Ogilvy & Mather
Menno Kluin becomes head of art at DDB New York
John Anagnost becomes U.S. president at Reprise Media
NBCU International president Peter Smith exiting
Lifetime entertainment EVP JoAnn Alfano exits
Joanne Lipman becomes a columnist at Newsweek
Dan Lovinger becomes EVP of ad sales at Telemundo
Kate Parry rises to special projects AME at Star Tribune
Casey Patterson rises to EVP of event production at MTV
'Last Comic Standing's' Mike DeStefano dies
Mike Schuch Jr. becomes VP of sales at Broadcast Interactive Media
Randall S. Brant becomes VP of sales at American Circulation Innovations

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Overnights
Fox in an easy Tuesday win with 'Glee'
Averages a 3.4 in 18-49s, 48 percent ahead of No. 2 NBC, with the scripted music hit the night's top show with a 4.6

Radio
NPR head ousted in latest PR blunder
Board sacks Vivian Schiller over secretly filmed video in which a network executive dishes on Republicans and Tea Partiers

Television
Alas, Charlie Sheen may be fading (some)
Actor shuts down his web show after a big decline in viewership, and his lawyers have advised him to stay off TV. But will he?

Broadcast recap
Yes, you can replace a star. Look at 'Idol.'
The world thought ratings would sink for the Fox hit when Simon Cowell left, but they've held up well with the new judges (charts)

Cable recap
Where folks are not Sheen gaga: Reruns
Mouthy actor delivers great ratings as a guest on talk shows but ratings are well off for 'Two and A Half Men' repeats on FX (charts)

Here & there
Warner Bros. rolls out movies on Facebook
Other shorts: New tool for buyers: Kantar's RapidView - FTC: We're studying alcohol ads again - Skype calls a new play: Advertising

TV Reviews
'Beverly Hills Fabulous,' not so much
People mistreat others in this new VH1 reality series, set in a hair salon, and it's supposed to be entertaining. It's not.

TV This Week
On Spike, Charlie Sheen, the cartoon
'Charlie Sheen's Winningest Moments' captures the out-of-control actor at his outrageous worst, two goddesses by his side

People
David Jones becomes CEO at Havas SA
David Miller becomes VP of sales at Iron Horse Interactive
Kevin Newby becomes director of digital strategy at RSCG Chicago
Pilar Guzman becomes editor in chief at Martha Stewart Living
Catherine Clowers and Miranda Martin rise at Eastman Radio
Jennifer Rainey Marquez becomes senior editor at Parade
Amy Rosenfeld rises to coordinating producer at ESPN
Brianna Keilar becomes White House correspondent at CNN
Noah Davis becomes associate editor at The Wire
Donald Trump: I'm serious about presidential run
Arielle Kebbel joins ABC's 'Hallelujah'
Natalie Dormer joins the cast of ABC's 'Poe'
Mike Tyson show draws PETA protestors

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Overnights
Fox's 'American Idol' hits a higher note
Averages an 8.0 in 18-49s, up 4 percent over last week and boosting Fox to an easy win, more than triple No. 2 CBS's rating

Radio
For NPR, hopes for recovery look dim
Liberal-leaning radio network may be permanently damaged by its latest PR blunder, and the hurt will be spelled out in dollars

Television
The word: Couric eyes jump to syndication
CBS anchor may leave for a daytime talk show rather than renew when her contract runs out, though she'd still do some news

Television
With recovery, upfront's looking stronger
Networks saw big gains in last year's market, and they're in for similar gains this spring. Talking with Miller Tabak's David Joyce.

Alternative media
Riding the bus with a bunch of cons
The guy in front of you is in handcuffs, his arms behind the seat and cuffed at the wrists. It's a seat wrap for 'Breakout Kings.'

Here & there
Dean of Washington press corps Broder dies
Other shorts: 72andSunny starts media school - Programming notes: 'Survivor' chugs along - More than 74K apply for Sheen internship

TV Reviews
'American Idol,' no Simon but lots of heart
Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are great replacements, showing real feeling for contestants that comes off as genuine

TV This Week
For college basketball, winnowing begins
Cincinnati plays Notre Dame and Marquette-Louisville to open conference tournament weekend, heading into the Big Dance

People
Jeremy Sisto joins ABC's 'Suburgatory'
Michael Mendenhall becomes president at Lipman
Nancy Koors becomes CSO at Empower MediaMarketing
Kyle McSlarrow becomes Washington president at Comcast/NBCU
Nathan Geddie becomes editorial operations director at Newsweek
Owen Fegan becomes creative director at New York magazine
Matthew Schnipper rises to editor in chief at Fader Media
NCTC president Jeffrey Abbas resigns
Michael Maness becomes VP of innovation at Knight Foundation
Charlie Epps becomes golf analyst at Sporting News Radio
TV executive Edward Masket dies at 88
Arielle Kebbel and Terry O'Quinn join ABC's 'Hallelujah'
Stephen Colbert self portrait earns $26,000 at auction

Friday, March 11, 2011

Overnights
'American Idol' gives Fox a Thursday win
Averages a 6.5 in 18-49s for first night of eliminations among finalists, airing against mostly reruns, off slightly from last year

Cable
Cable slates aggressive summer lineups
TNT grows to four nights of originals in June, following beefed-up schedules from ABC Family and Bravo to challenge broadcast

Radio
New tape does yet more damage to NPR
Top fundraiser is shown willing to fudge records to hide faux Arab group's identity after it admits ties to suspected terrorists

Television
Sheen sues Warner Bros. for $100 million
Axed star's suit also targets 'Two and a Half Men' creator Chuck Lorre, claiming he was made the fall guy when Lorre wanted to leave show

Here & there
Merger blues: AOL chops its workforce
Other shorts: 'Tonight' takes sweeps title - West Hollywood nixes billboard tax - Discovery airing 'Planet' - Rising stink over b-word in ABC pilot titles

TV Reviews
'Love & Hip Hop,' and lots of squabbling
VH1 series rips off Bravo's 'Real Housewives' franchise, down to the endless bickering, backbiting and contrived confrontations

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, the pay raises just aren't coming
Indeed, media departments are busy with new business but a Media Life survey finds buyers are not seeing raises. They're angry.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Smackdown' on Syfy; Saturday: 'Best Player' on Nickelodeon; Sunday: NCAA selection show on CBS

People
'The Wire' actress caught in drug bust
Jeff Odiorne becomes co-CCO at Grey New York
Nellie Newman becomes director of client services at Traction
Charlie McKittrick becomes senior strategist at Mother New York
Santiago Lucero becomes creative partner at Fallon UK
Michelle Kitchen becomes business director at DDB Canada
Edmund Choe becoming co-president at TBWA\Greater China
Patricio Wills becomes president at Telemundo's Producciones RTI
Dianna Heitz rises to deputy web editor at Politico
Ellen Barkin joins NBC's 'A Mann's World'
Britney Spears guesting on ABC's 'Good Morning America'
Charlie Sheen settles custody issues
Roseanne Barr entering mediation with her neighbors

Monday, March 14, 2011

Overnights
CBS takes Sunday for a change
Averages a 2.5 in 18-49s for the night, 25 percent ahead of No. 2 NBC, with 'Undercover Boss' the night's top show with a 2.9

Sports TV
Analysts: NFL lockout will be brief
Players and owners are now headed to court, and the bluster from both is intense. But a quick settlement is still expected.

Radio
Radio would also suffer in an NFL lockout
Football games typically dominate the airwaves for the stations on which they air, and they are major revenue generators

Here & there
Fox nixes May 'Terra Nova' sneak peek
Other shorts: Report: Pay TV subs resume rise - Nickelodeon upfront - Friday and Saturday overnights - Google adds online video ad exchange

Research
How daylight savings affects media usage
TV viewing goes down, but other media benefit, from outdoor to radio and magazines. Talking with DLB Group's Ricardo de la Blanca.

TV Reviews
'Wedding Wars,' 'Survivor' ripoff
VH1 series puts engaged couples on a tropical island and pits them against other engaged couples. Stick with the original.

TV This Week
The push begins for Fox's 'X Factor'
Simon Cowell, formerly of 'American Idol,' is appearing on 'Piers Morgan' to talk up his new and much-anticipated talent show

Overnights
'American Idol' gives Fox a Thursday win
Averages a 6.5 in 18-49s for first night of eliminations among finalists, airing against mostly reruns, off slightly from last year

This week in out of home
Your client's message on food trucks
Fully wrapped trucks are sent out offering free food, a sure way to draw crowds, which are then exposed to the advertiser's products

What's new in alternative media
Riding the bus with a bunch of cons
A sleight of hand that catches the eye
Better-than-expected year for out-of-home
A toasty winter morning at the bus stop

People
Tiger Woods guesting on NBC's 'Late Night'
Janet Rolle becomes CMO at CNN Worldwide
Jon Barrett becomes LA bureau chief at Entertainment Weekly
Adam Zeller becomes director of consumer marketing at Bravo
John Montorio becomes entertainment editor at Huffington Post
Ashley Klopfer rises to ad director at Woman's Day
Patrick Hipes becomes managing editor at Deadline.com
Peter O'Sullivan rises to CRO at BuzzLogic
Charlie Sheen tour sells out in 18 minutes
Mark Cuban appearing on ABC's 'Shark Tank'
'Survivor' winner Richard Hatch returning to jail
Noureen DeWulf joins CBS's 'Hail Mary' pilot
Jason Priestley joins Syfy's 'Haven'

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Overnights
Whopper of a finale for 'Bachelor'
ABC reality series averages a 4.5 in 18-49s as Brad picks Emily over Chantal, giving the network a win for the night

New media
Apple reports explosive sales for iPad 2
Moves 500,000 to 1 million devices in opening weekend, dwarfing sales of original iPad, with many stores selling out of inventory

Television
Univision's Uva is leaving after four years
CEO of fifth-place network resigns following a year of up ratings. Former AOL and NBCer Randy Falco a favorite to replace him.

Here & there
Questions arise over O'Keefe NPR videos
Other shorts: Speculation grows over Couric's future - Ratings dip for NCAA selection show - Programming notes: Fox sets summer lineup

Sports TV
Why March Madness is so hot this year
Ad inventory for the tourney is sold out, or nearly so, and there's more inventory than ever. Talking with Kantar's Jon Swallen.

TV Reviews
'The Game,' all over the field of play
Rebooted BET hit isn't always sure what it is, a drama or a comedy, and it wavers unsurely between the two, which is too bad

TV This Week
Poking fun at Donald Trump, just for fun
What better forum than a Comedy Central roast, where such wits as Larry King sling jibes. Likely topic: Trump's White House run.

People
Aflac fires Gilbert Gottfried
Andy Brownell becomes digital strategy director at Empower
Maryam Banikarim becomes CMO at Gannett
David Bohrman rises to CIO at CNN Worldwide
Patricia Erickson becomes SVP of human resources at BBC America
Katie Iamele-Strauss, Alison Trumper and David Noviello rise at Katz
Tom Armstrong rises to VP of digital sales at Viacom International
Drew Korzeniewski rises to VP of ad sales at Radio Disney
Twitter-cofounder Biz Stone becomes adviser to AOL
Matt Kaplan becomes CRO at My Damn Channel
Tom Crean joins CBS and Turner's NCAA coverage
Tyra Banks attending Harvard Business School
Tiger Woods guesting on NBC's 'Late Night'

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Overnights
Networks sag with daylight savings
Three of five networks are off from last week, with Fox winning the night down 12 percent. 'Glee' is tops with a 4.0 in 18-49s.

New media
Netflix's big move: An original TV series
Rental giant is bidding on a series starring Kevin Spacey that would make it a direct competitor to broadcast and cable networks

Broadcast recap
Post-sweeps, ABC sinks to fourth place
Network, heavy on reruns, falls from a third-place tie with NBC for the season, leaving CBS at No. 2 and Fox at No. 1 (charts)

Here & there
Newspaper ad revenue off 6.3 percent
Other shorts: Former FCC chair Powell joins NCTA - 'Sabado' suspended - WE renews 'Joan Knows Best' - Facebook party invite gets 200K RSVPs

Cable recap
In a crisis, viewers still return to CNN
News network moves past Fox News to No. 1 in first 24 hours of Japan's worst-ever earthquake with 2.28 million viewers (charts)

TV Reviews
'Deathwish Movers,' less than smashing
Watching movers move sounds like it would be uninteresting, and it is in this Travel Channel series. Heavy lifting for the eyes.

TV This Week
Call it a gimme: Tiger does Jimmy Fallon
The very private golf legend is appearing on 'Late Night' for some putt-putt with the host. Expect little talk of the scandal.

People
Ashley Herbert the latest 'Bachelorette'
James Hagn becomes director of client services at Reese
Kevin Shuster joins The Phelps Group
Michelina Gauthier rises to SVP of legal affairs at Discovery
David Levine rises to VP of programming at Disney XD
AP's Jon Krawczynski sued for defamation
Andrew Golis becomes digital director at PBS's 'Frontline'
Cybill Shepherd joins ABC sitcom pilot
Debby Ryan starring in Disney Channel's 'Jessie'
Charlie Sheen adds five cities to his tour
Former 'Today' producer Al Morgan dies at 91
Evan Bayh joins Fox News Channel
Chloe Sevigny starring in HBO miniseries


Thursday, March 17, 2011

Overnights
Fox wins with a sliding 'American Idol'
Averages a 7.4 in 18-49s, off 8 percent from last week with daylight savings, but still draws twice the audience of No. 2 CBS

Newspapers
Missing: Four NY Times journalists
Last heard from on Tuesday as they covered fighting in Libya, and it's feared they may have been captured in a government sweep

Sports TV
Media buyer's primer to March Madness
The numbers and more behind the college playoffs: The ad money they generate, how many tune in and the cost to employers

Alternative media
How it is the Chicago River turns green
You see, a couple of leprechauns are out on the river, and they spill their drink, which happens to be green. Client: McDonald's.

Here & there
Kantar: Ad revenue up 6.5 percent last year
Other shorts: House votes on revoking NPR funding - Disney upfront: More originals - Post plagiarism scandal - BBC America airing royal wedding

New media
Epicurious leads digital Ellie winners
Conde Nast web-only title wins two awards, general excellence and best interactive tool. Ten other publications win one apiece.

TV Reviews
'Blonde vs. Bear,' they're both winners
Animal Planet series is about a woman who saves bears deemed dangerous to residents of Lake Tahoe, and it's engrossing TV

TV This Week
Suddenly, college basketball everywhere
By afternoon, games will be airing on four networks, CBS, TNT, TBS and truTV, as the most televised ever NCAA tourney kicks off

People
USA names co-presidents
Garrison Keillor leaving 'Prairie Home Companion'
Gerald Longo becomes VP of conferences at 4A's
Alexandra MacDowell rises to VP of production management at A&E
Mark Gray rises at Katz Media Group
Michael Smith rises to CDO at Forbes Media
Stellene Volandes becomes jewelry director at Town&Country
Soledad O'Brien and Kat DeLuna become Latina contributors
Andrew Harmon becomes Washington correspondent at The Advocate
Christine Rodocker becomes affiliate marketing director at Halogen TV
L.A. Reid judging Fox's 'X Factor'
CNBC's Trish Regan exiting
Kevin Zegers joins ABC drama pilot 'Georgetown'

Friday, March 18, 2011

 Overnights
Big start for March Madness games
CBS and three Turner networks average a 5.7 household rating, best since 1991, though broadcast is off sharing games with cable

Here & there
Found: Four missing NY Times journalists
Other shorts: NFL pleads its case to the public - Japan quake news boosts morning shows - Wash. Times revives spiked sections - Programming notes

Television
NBC renews three Thursday comedies
Picks up 'Office' and low-rated 'Community' and 'Parks,' signaling a willingness to stand behind smart shows until they catch on

Radio
House votes to yank NPR funding
Republican bill passes 228-192 along party lines but its chances of becoming law are slim, with Democrats still controlling the Senate
 
Newspapers
NY Times sets date and prices for paywall
Will begin charging for access March 28. Site will be free for first 20 stories, then fees kick in, starting at $15 for four weeks.

TV Reviews
'Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway,' yes
The HBO special, update of a 1981 stage show, rekindles the best memories of this very funny man and his spoofs of kiddie shows

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, is it okay to quit after six months?
The writer is fresh out of college in her first job and an offer's come along she's tempted to take. But would it be right?

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: series finale of ABC's 'Supernanny;' Saturday: 'iCarly' on Nickelodeon; Sunday: NCAA basketball

People
Lara Spencer rejoins 'Good Morning America'
Jill Fletcher rises to COO at Adperio
Hemant Anant Jain becomes ACD at Creature Seattle
Robert Sharenow becomes EVP of programming at Lifetime
Betsy Rodgers rises to SVP of legal affairs at Rainbow Media
Detroit News auto critic Scott Burgess resigns
People en Espanol publisher Lucia Ballas-Traynor stepping down
Charlie Sheen adds still more dates to his tour
Damon Wayans joins CBS comedy pilot
Sun-Times investor Jim Tyree dies at 53
Actor Michael Gough dies at 94
'90210' showrunner Rebecca Sinclair exits
Jimmy Smits joins NBC pilo

Monday, March 21, 2011

Overnights
CBS wins Sunday on a slow night
Averages a 2.5 in 18-49s, 19 percent ahead of No. 2 Fox, with 'Undercover Boss' and 'CSI: Miami' averaging a 2.7

Television
Big opening weekend for March Madness
First three days average a 5.1 household rating, up 11 percent over last year with four networks now airing the games

Overnights
Supernanny' signs off to low ratings
Series finale of ABC reality show averages a 1.0 in 18-49s, fourth in its timeslot, as Jo Frost readies for kids of her own

Here & there
No. 3 advertiser AT&T acquires T Mobile
Other shorts: Libyans release NY Times reporters - Netflix bets on 'Cards' - Forbes: 'Idol' earns $7.1M per episode - Saturday overnights: Fox tops CBS

TV Reviews
'Big Brian: The Fortune Seller,' an earache
TruTV series, about a guy who handles estate sales, has people shouting at one another. It's meant to be entertaining. It's not.

Radio
For country, a big disconnect with fans
Industry perceptions of listeners don't jibe with who's really tuning in to country stations, and the risk is they'll lose them

TV This Week
Clearer floor for 'Dancing with the Stars'
Returning ABC hit show faces easier competition with CBS's 'Two and a Half Men' in reruns. Now all hangs on its celeb hoofers.

Overnights
Big start for March Madness games
CBS and three Turner networks average a 5.7 household rating, best since 1991, though broadcast is off sharing games with cable

This week in out of home
Your client on a family cruise ship
More and more families are taking their vacations shipboard, and advertisers now have more ways to reach them when they're at sea

What's new in alternative media
How it is the Chicago River turns green
Riding the bus with a bunch of cons
A sleight of hand that catches the eye
Better-than-expected year for out-of-home

People
Christina Applegate joins NBC pilot
The word: Mark Pedowitz may become CW president
Jill Applebaum becomes SVP and group creative director at Draftfcb NY
Caryn Marooney becomes communications director at Facebook
David Orban becomes CEO at dotSUB
Lara Setrakian becomes a reporter at Bloomberg TV
Heather Locklear joins CBS's 'The Assistants'
Donald Sutherland joins NBC's 'My Life as an Experiment'
Michelle Trachtenberg joins CBS pilot
Connie Britton joins FX's 'American Horror Story'
Kevin Dillon joins CBS's 'How to Be a Gentleman'
NFL Films president Steve Sabol diagnosed with brain tumor
Lara Spencer rejoins 'Good Morning America'

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Overnights
Big crowd tunes in for 'Stars' debut
ABC dance competition averages 22.3 million total viewers, 1 million more than last fall, and third best ever. Pulls a 5.1 in 18-49s.

Television
The word: Sheen may return to 'Men'
Reports have CBS talking with the actor's reps about patching things up and resuming production of the hit show

Television
NBC's summer lineup: Lots of reality
Top-rated 'America's Got Talent' returns May 31, followed by 'Marriage Ref' June 26, plus three unscripted shows without dates

Newspapers
The accelerating move of content online
Web has passed newspapers in ad revenue and audience, and mobile threatens to bring further change. Talking with PEJ's Tom Rosenstiel.

Sports TV
One sweet deal for CBS and Turner
March Madness ratings are up 17 percent over last year for the opening weekend's play, averaging a 6.2 household rating

Here & there
Forecast: Local digital spending will soar
Other shorts: Cancellation rumors swirl around 'AMC' - Bravo turns upfront into TV event - Sitcoms for TV Land - DVR ratings: 'Survivor' and 'Model' gain

TV Reviews
'Marcel's Quantum Kitchen,' a snack
Syfy series relies on cutting edge techniques for creating unique dishes, and that's fun, but the rest is typical reality fare

TV This Week
Uncertain fate for 'No Ordinary Family'
First-year supernatural series is struggling, its chances of renewal in doubt. Lots will depend on what ABC has to replace it.

People
Benjamin Bratt joining 'Private Practice'
Suhaila Suhimi becomes group digital director at Mediavest USA
Vanessa Magee becomes VP at Launchpad Advertising
Kristen Cavallo becomes chief strategy officer at Mullen
Alex Ain becomes a partner at HawkPartners
Robert Schachter rises at Clear Channel Radio Sales
Tanya Giles rises to EVP of research at MTV Entertainment Group
Gale Domokos Bonnell becomes account executive at CC Outdoor
Mark Lotto becomes senior editor at GQ
Samir Balwani and Shannon Askinasi join StyleCaster
Jeff Daniels eyes HBO's 'More As the Story Develops'
Tommy Lee developing Syfy series
Christina Applegate joins NBC pilot

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Overnights
CBS wins a rerun-laden Tuesday night
The network averages a 3.0 in adults 18-49, 25 percent ahead of No. 2 NBC, with 'NCIS' the night's top show with a 3.8 rating

Remembering
Actress Elizabeth Taylor dies at 79
A favorite of TV tabloids for her off-screen life, the actress was under treatment for congestive heart failure in Los Angeles

Television
NBC drops the axe on 'Perfect Couples'
Trashed by critics, sitcom debuted to weak ratings and went down from there. 'The Paul Reiser Show' will fill its Thursday slot.

Broadcast recap
Broadcast ratings are down 11 percent
That's the average decline of the Big Four networks season to date, and there's handful of forces behind that dip (charts)

Cable recap
Sunday's the big night for March Madness
Four of the top games on cable aired on Sunday in this first year of cable coverage, when ratings have been up smartly (charts)

Here & there
The word: Beck wants his own network
Other shorts: Howard Stern sues Sirius - Syfy upfront: Four new series - IFC upfront: 'Onion News' returns - AOL disconnects 30 sites in merge purge

TV Reviews
'Survivor: Redemption Island,' redeeming
CBS series succeeds in reinventing itself season to season to remain fresh, without messing with the formula behind its success

TV This Week
All's well that ends well in Cleveland
TV Land's 'Hot in Cleveland' wraps up its second season in fine fettle, even if ratings are down, and credit goes to the cast

People
Tony Cardinale rises to EVP at NBCUniversal
Josh Mattes becomes VP and account director at The Halo Group
Maelia Macin rises to EVP of network sales at Univision
Paul Bascobert leading business operations at Bloomberg Media Group
Ron Adams becomes VP of client solutions at NNN
Paul LaRocca becomes CMO at Alpha Media Group
Mary Jeanne Cavanagh becomes EVP of ad sales at Sportsman Channel
Singer Chris Brown storms off 'GMA' set
Will Arnett and Ricky Gervais guesting on NBC's 'The Office'
David Letterman to Katie Couric: Stay at CBS!
Elton John and Helen Mirren hosting 'SNL'
James Gandolfini developing HBO project
'Pawn Stars' cast member Corey Harrison arrested

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Overnights
Fox wins Wednesday with gaining 'Idol'
Averages a 7.7 in 18-49s, up 4 percent from last week and more than triple No. 2 CBS's 2.5. 'Modern Family' is No. 2 with a 4.3

Television
Elizabeth Taylor: Large in death as in life
Media frenzy: Networks break in with special reports. Cable pays tribute. Twitter buzzes with remembrances. And more's to come.

Cable
Now the big question: Will 'Skins' return?
Racy MTV show averages 1.2 million viewers for its season finale, good enough for renewal. But will the network risk it?

Here & there
Hallmark upfront: Sticking with Martha
Other shorts: Hallmark Movie upfront - Cartoon Network upfront - Not winning: Judge rules against Sheen - Programming notes: Brown back to 'GMA?'

Alternative media
Scoring with March Madness, in real time
Digital billboards show scores of college basketball playoff games, along with the network they're airing on. Client: Turner.

Research
A look at political leanings of the media
Who falls into what camp, left or right, based on Twitter behavior, and who's neutral. Talking with Duke's David B. Sparks.

TV Reviews
'Mildred Pierce,' it gets no better than this
HBO series from the James M. Cain novel soars as a melodrama about a woman's struggle to win the love of her daughter

TV This Week
The trials of love on 'Jersey Shore'
Can Ronnie and Sammi's relationship be saved? Will he stop cheating? Questions of the heart loom as season three ends.

People
Jose Valle rises to president at Univision Radio
EuroRSCG NA chair Ron Berger stepping down
Dan DiZio rises to VP at Harmelin Media
Kevin Brady becomes group creative director at Droga5
Jason Nichols becomes creative director at Crispin Porter + Bogusky
Dory Foster rises to VP of West Coast sales at CW
Pat Lucci rises to SVP of direct response at Rainbow Media
Maura Egan becomes deputy entertainment editor at Huffington Post
Angelo D'Agostino becomes ED of human resources at Time Warner
Donovan Hohn, Jonathan Wilde and Lauren Bans join GQ
Dan Sterchele becomes producer at HLN's 'Dr. Drew'
Jay Wright and Tom Izzo join CBS and Turner's NCAA coverage
Tony Cardinale rises to EVP at NBCUniversal

Friday, March 25, 2011

Overnights
Another big night for NCAA basketball
CBS and TBS average an 8.6 household rating, up 28 percent over last year, when only CBS aired games. Best since 1993.

Ask a Media Life expert
Talking sense to a client about clicks
It's a branding campaign, but the client is obsessed with click-throughs and wants to shift the focus to fetch the highest response

Research
Poll: Media folks need a helping hand
Many say they must look beyond their agencies to find answers to their media questions, and that's particularly so with digital media

Survey
Got a question you'd like answered?
Welcome to Media Life's new feature, Ask a Media Life expert. Shoot us a media-related question, and we'll run down the answer for you.

Here & there
Spurned! Starz breaks up with Netflix
Other shorts: Fox renews 'Fringe' for fourth season - Programming notes: FX snuffs 'Lights' - The Hub upfront - 'Nightline' surges on big news week

TV Reviews
'Body of Proof,' not in the pudding
This new ABC procedural starts out with no clear focus and meanders from there, and the crimes to be solved fail to redeem it

Radio
Rachel, should I tell a digital lie?
The writer is thinking of hyping his resume to reflect digital experience he doesn't have. What's Rachel's advice? Don't do it.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: North Carolina-Marquette on CBS; Saturday: U.S. soccer on ESPN2; Sunday: 'Mildred Pierce' on HBO

People
Mary Beth Garber joins Katz Radio
Holly McGavock becomes senior planner at Wing
Hugo Perez becomes Hispanic account director at Zocalo Group
Adam Gerber becomes VP of sales at ABC
Scott Burgess returns to the Detroit News
David Lyle joins National Geographic Channels
CNN EVP of content development Sue Bunda exiting
Joe Cermele rises to fishing editor at Field & Stream
Iordan Mateev becomes editor at Forbes Bulgaria
Ed Harris joins HBO's 'Game Change'
Rita Wilson guesting on NBC's 'Law & Order: SVU'
Casey Abrams saved from 'American Idol' elimination
Jose Valle rises to president at Univision Radio

Monday, March 28, 2011

Overnights
Easy Sunday win for CBS with basketball
Averages a 3.2 in 18-49s, 45 percent ahead of No. 2 NBC, with the UNC-Kentucky game overrun the top show with a 4.6 rating

Cable
'Jersey Shore' finale draws 7.6 million
Record season-ender, up 20 percent over season two's finale and capping the hit MTV show's most-watched season yet

Sports TV
A slight cooling for March Madness
Ratings slip as CBS becomes the sole carrier but the tourney is still up 11 percent over last year, averaging 9.1 million viewers

Here & there
NY Times paywall kicks in today at 2 p.m.
Other shorts: 'Oprah' ends May 25 - ABC slates summer schedule - Friday overnights: 'Shark' boosts ABC - Saturday overnights: CBS wins

TV Reviews
'Chaos,' actually well-ordered and witty
New CBS satire about the CIA smartly balances action and comedy as it spoofs the bureaucratic infighting of the spy agency

TV This Week
On the hot seat, Obama talks to America
The president will set out to explain, after the fact, why the U.S. launched its attack on Libya and how it will exit the conflict

Overnights
Another big night for NCAA basketball
CBS and TBS average an 8.6 household rating, up 28 percent over last year, when only CBS aired games. Best since 1993.

This week in out of home
Your client using QR codes in ads
Codes allow smartphone users to access a wealth of information online, from advertisers' sites to contests and promotions

What's new in alternative media
Scoring with March Madness
How it is the Chicago River turns green
Riding the bus with a bunch of cons
A sleight of hand that catches the eye

People
Tom Hanks guesting on '30 Rock'
Andrew Orci rises to president and CEO at Orci Advertising
Shayne Millington and Craig Love becomes CDs at JWT NY
Kelly Zuk rises to president at Darling Agency
Kristi Clough rises to partner at Firmani + Associates
David Hudson rises to SVP of late night and specials at TBS and TNT
Producer Daniel Soiseth joins Discovery Studios
New York Times columnist Bob Herbert resigns
Woody Harrelson joins HBO's 'Game Change'
Justin Bruening joins NBC's 'Wonder Woman'
Mark Deklin joins ABC's 'Good Christian Bitches'
Katee Sackhoff joins A&E's 'Longmire'
Mary Beth Garber joins Katz Radio

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Overnights
ABC cha-chas to a win with 'Stars'
Averages a 4.5 in 18-49s with 'Dancing with the Stars' the top show with a 5.1 and boosting lead-out 'Castle' to a season high

Sports TV
Sunday's NCAA games up 6 percent
VCU-Kansas and UNC-Kentucky average 12.6 million viewers, best since 2005, with overall tourney ratings tops in six years

Alternative media
For cinema, a very healthy picture
Spending on movie theater advertising grows 12.7 percent in 2010, triple the pace of out-of-home, as advertiser base widens

Television
On the art of the April Fool's prank
It has to be far-fetched enough to raise doubts among customers. And it has to be funny. Talking with Pomegranate's Grant Powell.

Here & there
The word: Apple mulling new smart TV
Other shorts: Online ailment: Facebook depression - Overnights delayed by Nielsen - Amazon eyes virtual music storage - Roshan's snarky addiction site

TV Reviews
'Camelot,' less than a magical time
Starz retelling of the Arthurian legend falls flat, neither a magical fantasy nor a realistic adventure of men wielding swords

TV This Week
ABC takes yet another shot at 10 p.m.
Network hopes 'Body of Proof' will be the show that finally catches with viewers in this tough timeslot. Critics are doubtful.

People
DJ Megatron dies at age 32
Stephanie Prager becomes managing partner at MEC Interaction
Time Warner's Mark D'Arcy jumps to Facebook
Rose Wesselman becomes client strategy director at Empower
David Kaplan becomes VP of ad sales research at Bravo
German Perez-Nahim rises to operations manager at TeleFutura
Regina Sebring becomes VP of publisher partnerships at Jumptap
Joe Marchese becomes SVP of digital at Fuse
ABC EVP of scripted creative Suzanne Patmore-Gibbs exits
Ken Burns working on PBS Vietnam War documentary
Wendie Malick starring in Hallmark's 'Wild Horse Annie'
Alan Alda guesting on Showtime's 'The Big C'
NBCUniversal's Brian Russell Kaplon's death ruled a homicide

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Overnights
Solid premiere for ABC's 'Body of Proof'
Averages a 3.0 in 18-49s, holding 71 percent of 'Stars' lead-in and easily winning its timeslot, giving the network a win for the night

Cable
AMC's 'Mad Men' won't return until 2012
Three-time Emmy-winning drama delayed six months by contract talks with creator Matthew Weiner, and it's no sure bet he'll return

Broadcast recap
All in all, a grim year for new shows
Only a handful are sure to get renewed for next season. Just why the low success rate is unclear. Not all were stinkers. (charts)

Cable recap
Cable viewing is back up after a brief dip
First-quarter is up 5 percent in adults 18-49, largely reflecting record gains by a number of networks, notably ESPN (charts)

Here & there
Obama speech draws 25.6 million
Other shorts: Times knocks NYT for a Nickel offline - Computer Weekly print edition folds - FX renews two shows - So-so debut for HBO's 'Mildred Pierce'
TV Reviews

'The Killing,' dark, engrossing drama
AMC series, adapted from a Danish show, puts a very human face on the death of a young girl and the investigation that follows
Survey

TV This Week
A deeper look into the tragedy in Japan
On PBS, 'NOVA' ponders whether such natural disasters might be prevented through advances in science, in 'Japan's Killer Quake'

People
Rosie O'Donnell inherits Oprah's studio
Michael Carey becomes director of marketing at McCann West
Matthew Lipson becomes VP of client strategy at Big Spaceship
Walter Levitt becomes EVP of marketing at Comedy Central
David Lieberman becomes executive editor at Deadline.com
Richard Florida becomes senior editor at The Atlantic
Declan O'Connor rises to VP of direct response at Discovery
Jamie Tarabay becomes national security editor at National Journal
Michael Burns, Claudia Flowers and Marie Griffin join ABM
Jim Brady joins Journal Register Co.
Robert MacNeil returning to 'PBS NewsHour' for autism special
Juju Chang becomes special correspondent at ABC's 'Nightline'
DJ Megatron dies at age 32

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Overnights
Fox dominates Wednesday with 'Idol'
Averages a 7.5 in 18-49s, down 5 percent from last week but still beating the other four networks combined. CBS is No. 2.

Cable
Bravo rolls out 11 new series at upfront
Renews five shows, including two 'Housewives,' and adds spinoffs with familiar faces like Jeff Lewis and Brad Goreski

Here & there
Two Reuters journalists go missing
Other shorts: Nielsen: Blacks watch most television - Tulsa World gets paywall - Programming notes - Montana store: Free gun with Dish purchase

New media
Fast-changing pace of local advertising
Online is resuming its grab of more and more ad dollars and will soon overtake newspapers. Talking with Gordon Borrell of Borrell Associates.

Alternative media
Environmental hero, with cape no less
Earth Day group fancies up bike lane icons, adding a cape and an environmental message with water-soluble paint (of course)

TV Reviews
'The Borgias,' rather ordinary sorts
Showtime series fails to fully develop the characters in its retelling of the story of this legendary family of criminals

TV This Week
ABC's 'Grey's Anatomy,' set to music
Top hospital drama airs its first musical episode, with Sara Ramirez, who plays Callie, the lead singer, the cast chiming in

People
Richard Babcock leaving Chicago Magazine
James Murdoch rises to deputy CEO at News Corp.
Charlie Sheen appearing on GSN's 'Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza'
Steven R. Swartz and Mark E. Aldam rise at Hearst
Scott Koondel rises to SVP of corporate licensing at CBS
Scott McPherson rises to CD at The Advocate Group
Jay Wallace rises to VP of news at Fox News Channel
Angus Glover Wilson rises to chief privacy officer at TagMan
Josh Elliott becomes news reader at ABC's 'GMA'
Hector Elizondo and Nancy Travis join ABC comedy pilot
Actor James Pritchett dies at 88
Jamie Moyer joins ESPN's 'Baseball Tonight'
Vinessa Antoine joins Syfy's 'Haven'

Friday, April 01, 2011

Overnights
'Grey's Anatomy' sings in the ratings
ABC drama averages a 4.8 in 18-49s for first musical episode, second-best rating this season after premiere. Fox wins night

Cable
AMC 'Mad Men' deal: Weiner will return
Showrunner signs to remain with the acclaimed drama two more seasons, ending stalemate that's delayed show's return until 2012

Alternative media
The real threat of roaches, spelled out
Cockroaches carry the worst sorts of diseases, and to make that point an agency creates a poster whose letters are of the live bugs

Here & there
TWC pulls 12 channels from iPad app
Other shorts: PBS and HBO dominate Peabodys - NBC snags Betty White - Media Matters: How many stations is Beck on? - New on CBS: It's tweet week

TV Reviews
'The Kennedys,' better than you'd think
Critics slammed an earlier version of the miniseries when it was to air on History. Now airing on Reelz, it's worth watching.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, how do I know if I am underpaid?
The writer wants to know how her salary stacks up against the pay of others at her agency at her level and experience

Ask a Media Life expert
All that's new in local ad insertion
A reader wants an update on the issue, and Media Life turns to a group of experts for answers. The answer: There's lots going on.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Chaos' premiere on CBS; Saturday: 'Kids Choice Awards' on Nickelodeon; Sunday: MLB on ESPN2

People
Oprah: I want to give Trump a makeover
Jessica Rodriguez rises to SVP at Univision Cable Networks
ABC News SVP of talent Amy Entelis exiting
Ji Krinsky and Russ Bengtson join Complex Media
Leslie Baldwin and Bonnie Hutchinson become account directors at dash
Richard Blakeley becomes managing editor for strategy at Thrillist
Ashley Dunn becomes California editor at Los Angeles Times
Bill Moyers eyes possible return to PBS
Boston radio personality Jay Severin suspended
Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph join NBC comedy pilot
Parker Posey and Hugh Dancy join Showtime's 'The Big C'
Jon Seda joins the cast of HBO's 'Treme'
'Charmed' creator Constance M. Burge sues CBS Studios

Monday, April 04, 2011

Overnights
CBS wins Sunday with country music
'Academy of Country Music Awards' averages a 3.3 in 18-49s, boosting the network to a 2.9 for the night. ABC places second.

Television
The latest on Couric: Yes, she is going
CBS executive confirms reports the anchor will leave 'Evening News' in June, when she's expected to jump to a daytime show

Sports TV
CBS scores with Final Four games
Saturday's matchups average 15.4 million viewers, best since 2005, with UConn-Kentucky drawing 16.7M and VCU-Butler 14.2M

Here & there
Cablevision bows controversial live TV app
Other shorts: Sheen tour off to rocky start - Friday overnights: 'CHAOS' bombs - Saturday overnights: CBS wins - New nets targeting minorities

TV Reviews
'Relapse,' gripping stories of addiction
A&E series documents the torment of addicts and their families as they try to kick their habits, hoping this time they can do it

Radio
Radio's future is a lot brighter than it looks
It stands to benefit from the digital revolution as much as television. But so far, it's been slow to seek out the opportunities.

TV This Week
Ultimate Madness: UConn versus Butler
NCAA basketball championship game is toss up, with both teams on a roll after rocky regular seasons. Look for a big tune-in.

This week in out of home
Your client off at the drag races
How to reach crowds mostly of young men looking for a good time watching fast cars from the stands or at home in front of the TV

What's new in alternative media
The real threat of roaches, spelled out
Environmental hero, with cape no less
For cinema, a very healthy picture
Scoring with March Madness

People
Ben Silverman sells show to NBC
Jeff Fox and Sean Hardwick rise at Draftfcb OC
Jim Perkins becomes VP at Carton Donofrio Partners
Char Roseblade rises to director of marketing at Carmichael Lynch
Richmond Times-Dispatch executive editor Glenn Proctor exiting
Steve Savad becomes SVP of business development at Travelzoo
Susie Banikarim becomes video producer at Newsweek/Daily Beast
Janine Gibson becomes head of U.S. digital at The Guardian
Ian Mohr becomes deputy Page Six editor at the NY Post
John Fritze becomes Washington correspondent at the Baltimore Sun
'Rock Star: Supernova' winner Lukas Rossi competing on 'The Voice'
Jeff Daniels joins HBO's Aaron Sorkin pilot
Oprah: I want to give Trump a makeover

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Overnights
'Dancing' dips against NCAA title game
ABC reality series averages a 4.6 in 18-49s, off 12 percent from last week but still draws best audience ever against championship

Magazines
New Yorker leads with nine Ellie nods
New York, NYT Magazine and Virginia Quarterly earn six apiece in National Magazine Award nominations released this morning

Cable
Reelz hits gold with displaced 'Kennedys'
Small network fetches a 1.7 household rating, a record, airing controversial miniseries originally set to air on History

Here & there
The word: Pelley may replace Couric
Other shorts: YES: No to new Cablevision iPad app - Swindler bilks Conde Nast out of $8M - Programming notes: Fox wants more 'Mobbed' - Oxygen
 upfront

New media
Media's seismic shift, expressed in dollars
The ad economy is indeed recovering, but the big story is in where those dollars are going. Talking with eMarketer's Nicole Perrin.

Newspapers
San Francisco Chronicle eyes a paywall
Report: Plans to follow The New York Times in charging readers for online content at a time when print ad revenue is plunging

TV Reviews
'Pregnant in Heels,' and not so pretty
Bravo series features largely dislikable parents-to-be being pampered by a woman who calls herself a maternity concierge

TV This Week
Coping with food cravings, Oprah style
OWN debuts 'Addicted to Food' for people who struggle with over-eating, as Winfrey has over the years, never with success

People
Donald Trump joins Fox News Channel
Dave Rosner rises to EVP of director innovations at Initiative
Matt McRoberts and Helene De Vries join Mr. Youth
Dan Wolf and Gardner Hatch join Bader Rutter
Christian Filli becomes VP of strategic planning at LatinWorks
Elmer Baldwin becomes president and CEO at Internet Broadcasting
Laura Valan rises to EVP of finance at Warner Bros. TV Group
Valari Dobson Staab becomes president at NBC Local Media
Josh Topolsky launching SB Nation tech news site
Former Audit Bureau of Circulations president M. David Keil dies at 80
Syndicated TV veteran Marvin M. Grieve dies at 89
Rich Juzwiak becomes senior editor at TVGuide.com
Yoko Harada becomes Japan managing director at Bloomberg

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Overnights
ABC's 'Body of Proof' falls in week two
Averages a 2.4 in 18-49s, off 20 percent from last week but still easily winning the timeslot. CBS wins the night with a 2.7.

Television
The word: Vieira will leave 'Today'
Co-host is not expected to renew her contract in September. Ann Curry, Natalie Morales and Erin Burnett top list of replacements.

Sports TV
NCAA title game rating falls 17 percent
UConn's win over Butler draws a 13.3 metered-market household rating on CBS, off from last year but up 12 percent over 2009

Here & there
Dish scoops up beleaguered Blockbuster
Other shorts: Smartphone usage doubles - Study: Minority women feel under-targeted - MMOD jumps 63 percent - Was CBS News reporter FBI informant?

Cable recap
What's hot: Messy lives of famed families
Strong starts for 'Kennedys,' 'Borgias' and 'Camelot,' affirming America's fascination with the foibles of the greats (charts)

Broadcast recap
CBS scores a rare spring win over Fox
Final NCAA games and country music special lift the network to a weekly win, averaging a 2.9 in 18-49s to Fox's 2.7 (charts)

TV Reviews
'Workaholics,' not ready for primetime
The new Comedy Central sitcom, about a group of slackers, falls flat much of the time, as do the jokes, which run to the vulgar

TV This Week
For Christian Slater, this might be the one
The actor is finally in a show, Fox's new 'Breaking In,' that plays to his comedic talents, and it's gotten good reviews to boot

People
Ray Romano guesting on 'The Office'
Roy Restivo rises to VP of programming research at NBCU Domestic TV
Jessica Winter becomes arts editor at Time.com
Michele Murphy becomes VP of marketing at Parade
Victoria Kirby becomes beauty director at Redbook
Tony Cochi becomes EVP of distribution at MUSL TV
Lindsay Cooper rises to VP of Philly sales at Katz Radio
Libby Leist becomes Senate producer at NBC News
CBS News correspondent Jeff Greenfield leaving the network
Larry King interviewing Tavis Smiley on PBS
Katie Couric leading CBS's royal wedding coverage
Roger Howarth returning to ABC's 'One Life to Live'
Charlie Sheen tries to trademark 22 phrases

Thursday, April 07, 2011

Overnights
Decent debut for Fox's 'Breaking In'
Averages a 3.5 in 18-49s, holding half of 'American Idol' lead-in as network sweeps to an easy win for the night. CBS places second.

Magazines
Modest growth for consumer magazines
Ad pages are up 2.5 percent over the first quarter as the economy improves, though many categories continue to lag

Cable
Beck is on his way out at Fox News
Talk show host leaving by year's end after advertisers boycott show and ratings fall, though he'll still produce some FNC shows

Here & there
The word: Lauer may exit 'Today' too
Other shorts: Baldwin: 'Rock' is ending next year - Google revamps YouTube - Study: Promo pages surged last year - Programming notes: Super-sized 'Glee'

Research
Behind the new push to target Hispanics
The numbers tell the story: One in six Americans belongs to this fast-growing ethnic group. Talking with Wing's Alain Groenendaal.

TV Reviews
'Human Planet,' man in nature, stunning
From the creators of the BBC nature documentary series, airing on Discovery, it focuses on people living in extreme climates

Ask a Media Life expert
Getting the big picture on QR codes
Everyone's talking about this handy way to link ads to the internet, but a reader wants to know how big it is--and will be

TV This Week
At Augusta, Woods is just another face
Scandal-plagued golfer is not seen as a contender, his game in a deep slump, so there's none of the excitement of last year

People
Stephen K. Friedman rises to MTV president
Arrests made in DJ Megatron shooting
Eric Kallman becomes ECD at Barton F. Graf 9000
Eric Baldwin and Craig Allen rise at Wieden + Kennedy Portland
McCann NY SVP Alessandra Lariu exiting
Michael D. Armstrong rises to SVP and GM of Paramount Channels
Russell Schwartz becomes SVP of business and legal affairs at Starz
Stephanie Fried becomes VP of research insights at Vevo
President Obama holding Facebook town hall meeting
Martha Stewart's salary drops by 40 percent
Jennifer London joins 'HDNet World Report'
Brenda Strong joins TNT's 'Dallas'
Jeff Galfer joins ABC's 'The River'

Friday, April 08, 2011

Overnights Easy Fox win, even with 'Idol' down
Averages a 4.8 for the night, with the hit reality show drawing a 6.1, off 8 percent from last week. CBS is second with a 2.9.

Magazines
Cathie Black booted as NYC ed chieftain
Former Hearst chairwoman canned after three stormy months of clashes with parents. Where next? Time Inc. or NPR are the talk.

Here & there
TWC iPad dispute heads to court
Other shorts: ESPN releases live TV app - Hearst readies HGTV Magazine - 'Jersey Shore' spinoffs - Study: Newsrooms beef up - Journalists held in Libya

Magazines
Rougher times for women's service titles
Ad pages slide 5.4 percent in the first quarter, even as overall ad pages gain, after holding up quite well through the recession

Alternative media
It's a birthday cake. Well, not really.
It arrives with a USB drive. Load it and you're told you've been hacked. It's a prank to promote Fox's new sitcom 'Breaking In.'

TV Reviews
'Khloe & Lamar,' likeable, surprisingly
The characters in the latest in E!'s Kardashian franchise deal with real issues, which raises it above the usual reality fare

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, my boss is a pill. What do I do?
This woman wonders why no one in the office appreciates her. The writer could give her an earful. Rachel's advice: Don't.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'CMT's Next Superstar' premiere; Saturday: NASCAR on Fox; Sunday: final round of Masters on CBS

People
Frontrunner Pia Toscano booted from 'Idol'
Jason Dorin becomes director of clients at Creative Realities
Aleck Schleider becomes VP of product development at TidalTV
Gabrielle Birkner rises to director of digital media at The Forward
Gray Blue and Jason Perez join FanBridge
Kirk P. McDonald becomes chairman at VGTel
'Grey's Anatomy' producer Mark Gordon re-ups at ABC Studios
Nick Cannon hosting weekly radio countdown show
Fergie and Gloria Estefan may join 'The X Factor'
Mary McDonnell becomes series regular on TNT's 'The Closer'
Collette Wolfe joins NBC pilot 'Loveliness'
Drew Lachey hosting GMC's 'America Sings'
Stephen K. Friedman rises to MTV president

Monday, April 11, 2011

Overnights
CBS takes Sunday with Masters runover
Averages a 2.9 in 18-49s, 24 percent ahead of No. 2 Fox with a 2.1, aided by 'Undercover Boss,' the night's No. 2 show with a 3.0

Cable
Splitsville: Bravo axes D.C. 'Housewives'
First 'Housewives' series to get the heave-ho after ratings faded during season one. Too much politics, not enough drama.

Here & there
Ad forecast: Slightly better 2011 for U.S.
Other shorts: Couric may reteam with Lauer - Missing journalists spotted in Tripoli - Univision and ABC tie for first Friday - Fox zooms to Saturday win

Television
Year of the DVR: Hitting the 3 million mark
'Hawaii Five-0' and 'Modern Family' have crossed the line in average playback, and two more are close: 'Mentalist' and 'Grey's'

TV Reviews
'Happy Endings,' and a good beginning
A smart story line and well-crafted characters lift this new ABC sitcom, overcoming dialogue that's too clever to be convincing

Radio
Why radio lags in digital ad dollars
Radio's share of local online advertising is just 2 percent. It ought to be much more. The potential is there. The commitment is not.

TV This Week
For Dr. House, the return of Thirteen
Turns out she's been away in prison, and we learn why as the two go on a road trip on which he sorts out his own troubles

This week in out of home
Your client at summer musical festivals
Here's a way to get in front of music lovers, mostly young, when they are having fun, through ads in programs to signage on the stage

What's new in alternative media
It's a birthday cake. Well, not really.
The real threat of roaches, spelled out
Environmental hero, with cape no less
For cinema, a very healthy picture

People
Smithsonian editor Carey Winfrey exiting
Oliver Maletz becomes head of East Coast operations at OMD
Gary Marince becomes SVP of research at Clear Channel Radio
Lisa Santiago rises to SVP of sales and revenue at MMT
Pamela Colloff rises to executive editor at Texas Monthly
Scott Wenger becomes editorial director at SourceMedia
Michael Ross becomes COO at Alloy Entertainment
Ivan Gottesfeld becomes VP of broadcasting at the NHL
Tina Fey hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Journalist Almena Lomax dies at age 95
Journalist and novelist L. J. Davis dies at age 70
Amber Tamblyn leaving Fox's 'House'
Claire Forlani joins CBS's 'NCIS: Los Angeles'

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Overnights
CBS's 'Mike & Molly' falls to season low
First-year show averages a 2.5 in 18-49s moving into 'Men's' 9 p.m. timeslot, down 17 percent from most recent original episode

Newspapers
NY Times site sees modest dip with paywall
Report: Traffic is off 5 to 15 percent over first 12 days, less than many expected, though page views fall at twice that rate

Sports TV
Still solid ratings for the Masters
Tourney averages a 10.4 household rating on Sunday, off 13 percent from last year, when Woods' return drew a huge audience

Here & there
Viacom challenges Cablevision iPad app
Other shorts: Amazon adds ads to Kindles - Study: iPad will rule until 2015 - USA summer lineup - CMT cuts 'Class' - Judge orders NFL mediation

Television
For broadcast, it's all about buzz
Feeling cable's heat, networks are striving to come up with buzz- worthy shows for next season. Talking to Horizon's Brad Adgate.

TV Reviews
'The Paul Reiser Show,' by the curb
NBC looks to be burning off this sitcom, which owes lots to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' but fails to reach its level of humor

TV This Week
Jamie Oliver does LA (pow, take that)
Brit chef takes his food revolution to the LA schools, or tries to, but the ed chiefs want no part of him or his healthy diet ideas

People
Mark Zuckerberg wins Winklevoss showdown
Telemundo president Don Browne retiring
Marian Salzman rises to CEO of PR at Euro RSCG
Rori DuBoff becomes VP of strategy at HUGE
John Montgomery becomes chair of 4A's privacy committee
Wayneston Harbeson rises to VP of operations at NATPE
Jason Kaufman becomes VP of daily news at MTV News
Valerie Bruce becomes SVP of business affairs at BBC America
D'Arcy Kelner becomes SE account manager at Media Networks Inc.
Phil Bennett becomes managing editor at PBS's 'Frontline'
Warren Leight becomes showrunner at NBC's 'Law & Order: SVU'
Hearst buys into Mark Burnett's businesses
Tori Spelling pregnant with her third child

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Overnights
Limp return for Jamie Oliver food show
ABC show averages a 1.4 in 18-49s, off 46 percent from last year's debut. CBS wins the night with a 3.0, led by 'NCIS.'

Magazines
Newsweek owner Sidney Harman dies
The 92-year-old passed away last night of acute myeloid leukemia, just a month after his diagnosis. Big legacy: Daily Beast merger.

Television
'Oprah' finale ads going for $1 million
Most expensive since 'Everybody Loves Raymond' series ender six years ago, though just half the rate for record-holder 'Friends'

Here & there
Univision adding three cable networks
Other shorts: Upfront presentations from Style and truTV - HuffPost writers file class action suit - Bieber among Webby nods - Senate eyes web privacy bill

Broadcast recap
Sure death for this latest 'Law & Order'
Los Angeles spinoff's ratings sink to a 1.5 in 18-49s on its return from a long hiatus, despite heavy promotion (charts)

TV Reviews
'Mob Wives,' more than housewives
The lives of these women are genuinely intriguing and should be told, but this VH1 series gives them the 'Housewives' treatment

Commentary
Self-promotion ain't what it used to be
It was a simple story, an editor announcing his retirement. There just weren't that many facts to get wrong. But wrong they were.

TV This Week
For hockey, may the best team win
As the playoffs open, revived NHL is in talks over who will carry its games, and ESPN, Turner and NBC/Versus are in contention

People
Star shakeup: David Perel becomes editor
Ali Belgaumi becomes EVP and CFO at Publicis Worldwide
Michael Maze becomes VP and director of local broadcast at Initiative
Chad Millman rises to editor in chief at ESPN the Magazine
Dawn Pritchett becomes human resources manager at EYE USA
Jonathan Hunley becomes managing editor at the News Virginian
Gary Walther becomes editorial consultant at Pace Communications
Steve Carell's last 'Office' episode set for April 28
Daniel Blackman becomes digital chief at Newsweek Daily Beast
Newsweek columnist Jonathan Alter exits
Barack and Michelle Obama guesting on 'Oprah' in May
Eric Petro and Mark Boccardi rise at iN DEMAND
Hope Romero becomes market manager at Clear Channel Radio

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Overnights
Decent debut for ABC's 'Happy Endings'
Averages a 2.7 in 18-49s, holding 71 percent of lead-in 'Modern Family's' audience and placing third in the timeslot. Fox wins night.

New media
Web passes newspapers in ad revenue
Hits $26 billion in 2010, slightly ahead of newspapers at $25.8 billion, and that gap will widen even more in the coming years

Here & there
Sheen: I'm probably returning to 'Men'
Other shorts: Harman family: We'll stick with Newsweek - Couric: Decision will come soon - Oops! AP and USA Today fall for GE fakeout - Scripps upfront

Cable recap
When love's in bloom, the world tunes in
Episode of Nick's 'iCarly' in which Sam reveals her true feelings for Freddie becomes the year's top kids show on cable (charts)

Media economy
Brighter U.S. ad outlook, despite it all
Spending is now expected to grow 2.5 percent this year and 3.4 percent in 2011. Speaking with ZenithOptimedia's Jonathan Barnard.

TV Reviews
'Audrina,' better with the sound off
VH1 series delivers wonderful eye candy in the person of this ex-'Hills' star but we also get her family. Not good on the ears.

Alternative media
In the pink: A clever image that says it all
OAAA top OBIE award goes to a campaign in which a bottle of Pepto-Bismol is embedded in a greasy meal. See all the winners.

TV This Week
In NBC's 'Paul Reiser,' hope against hope
Expectations are modest at best for the new show, the most recent of a handful of ventures featuring stars from its gloried past

People
Tracee Ellis Ross joins BET sitcom
Five rise to managing partners at MEC North America
Joseph Ayotte becomes creative director at BzzAgent
Thomas Wessling and Julie Wright join Performance Plus Marketing
Ron Minutella becomes VP of financial planning at American Media
Lynn Stepanian becomes VP of program strategy at TV Guide Network
Albert Romano becomes sales manager at Eagle TV Sales
Andrea Browne becomes online editor at Kiplinger
Ariana Finlayson becomes assistant editor at UsMagazine.com
Court Stroud becomes new business SVP at Castalia Communications
Tiger Beat founder Charles Laufer dies at age 87
Montel Williams' drug paraphernalia charge dropped
Star shakeup: David Perel becomes editor

Friday, April 15, 2011

Overnights
Dismal debut for NBC's 'Paul Reiser Show'
Averages a 1.1 in 18-49s, finishing sixth in the timeslot and losing 21 percent of 'Community's' lead-in airing opposite 'American Idol'  

Television
ABC kills off two long-running soaps
'All My Children' and 'One Life to Live' will be replaced by two talk shows on weekday afternoons, 'The Chew' and 'The Revolution'

Alternative media
One billboard that was just dead wrong
A graphic ad for 'Walking Dead,' the AMC zombie series, is put up next to a funeral parlor. Call it a grave error of judgment.

Here & there
Warner Bros.: Sheen is not coming back
Other shorts: Lawsuit claims MySpace privacy breach - Discovery Communications upfront: Discovery, TLC, OWN, Animal Planet and more

TV Reviews
'Game of Thrones,' and lots to play with
The new HBO fantasy series has a wealth of back stories but succeeds on the strength of the characters and their conflicts

Ask a Media Life expert
So when will the reality TV craze end?
Shows like 'American Idol' have dominated broadcast and cable over recent years. It has to fade at some point. Or does it?

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, she's good but acts like a child
The writer, a media supervisor, has to write a review of a young woman a year out of college who's very immature. What does she say?

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'American Restoration' debut on History; Saturday: NBA playoffs on ABC and ESPN; Sunday: 'Apprentice' on NBC

People
David Westin joins the AP
Matt Freeman becomes chief innovation officer at McCann Erickson
Doug Rousso becomes CTO at CBS Corp.
Laura Molen becomes SVP of network sales at Univision
Amy Britt becomes SVP of talent and casting at Showtime
Rachel Smolkin and Lucy McCalmon join Politico
Amanda Katz becomes deputy Ideas editor at the Boston Globe
Siung Tjia becomes creative director at Bloomberg Markets
Heather Bosch becomes CBS Radio correspondent
Tamara Boyd rises to director of sales at Denver Magazine
Brooke Anderson becomes co-anchor at 'The Insider'
Lauren Feldman becomes producer of 'The Young Icons'
Tracee Ellis Ross joins BET sitcom

Monday, April 18, 2011

Overnights
'Housewives' pushes ABC to a Sunday win
Network averages a 2.0 in 18-49s, with 'Housewives' the No. 2 show with a 2.7, behind Fox's 'Family Guy' with a 3.0

Overnights
Fox's 'Fringe' ties a series low on Friday
Drama averages a 1.3 18-49 rating, off from most recent original episode, after being renewed for a fourth season earlier this year

Research
Local TV recovers, but ad rates still lag
Study: CPMs are below what buyers are paying in the national scatter market, even as local stations rebound from the recession

Here & there
MagnaGlobal lowers 2011 U.S. outlook
Other shorts: In Newsweek, Sidney Harman's last words - Hot start for NHL playoffs - Programming notes: AMC gets real - Les Moonves' salary: $57M

TV Reviews
'Sports Show With Norm Macdonald,' yes
This new Comedy Central series is the best showcase for the comic since his days on 'SNL,' well-written and hilarious

TV This Week
The deluge begins: 'William & Catherine'
ABC's '20/20' is airing 'A Modern Fairy Tale,' the first of a slew of specials leading up to the wedding of the royal couple

This week in out of home
Your client charging cell phones
Kiosks for juicing up mobile devices are popping up in all sorts of public places, and they're a new hot venue for advertising

What's new in alternative media
In the pink: Clever image that says it all
One billboard that was just dead wrong
It's a birthday cake. Well, not really.
The real threat of roaches, spelled out

People
Julia Louis-Dreyfus starring in HBO's 'Veep'
Winston Binch becomes CDO at Deutsch LA
Vadim Lavrusik becomes journalist program manager at Facebook
Jonathan Alter becomes columnist at Bloomberg View
Brian Sullivan becomes anchor at CNBC
Joshua Gross becomes communications director at Smithsonian Nets
Matt Millen and Joe Theismann out at NFL Network
Julia Ormond joins USA's 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent'
A.J. Cook returning to CBS's 'Criminal Minds'
Michelle Obama guesting on the 'Gayle King Show'
Los Angeles magazine co-founder Geoff Miller dies at 74
Griffin Dunne joins DirecTV's 'Damages'
Charlie Sheen organizes walk for bipolar awareness

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Overnights
Series low for 'Law & Order: Los Angeles'
Averages a 1.1 in 18-49s, down 27 percent from last week following its return from a long hiatus. ABC wins the night with a 2.9.

Newspapers
Newspapering at its best: The LA Times
Paper wins a Pulitzer Prize for uncovering corruption in a small, poor California town. Click for a complete list of winners.

Sports TV
Big ratings bump for NBA playoffs
Opening games are well up from last year across broadcast and cable, led by ESPN's Pacers-Bulls game, up 55.6 percent

Here & there
'Tea' author admits to using 'literary license'
Other shorts: CBS News prez: Where is 'Early Show?' - The word: NBC and Versus keep NHL - BET gets more 'Game' - DVR ratings: CBS shows surge

Television
The bubble shows: Which will make it?
A number of high-profile shows have yet to be renewed, including ABC's 'Desperate Housewives.' Talking with MEC's Gibbs Haljun.

TV Reviews
'Toya: A Family Affair,' and tangled, too
BET reality series deals with tough, real-life issues, such as addiction, but it fails to come together as a narrative

TV This Week
For 'Parenthood,' it's better than it looks
NBC drama's ratings alone don't argue for renewal, but chances improve when other factors are considered, like critical kudos

People
Cedric the Entertainer joining TV Land
Jason Deal rises to digital director at Initiative
David Cohen becomes global digital officer at UM
Shari Bronson and Brent Heindl join Seiden Advertising
Kevin Roddy becomes CCO at Publicis & Hal Riney
Ellen Davis becomes creative director at SmashPoint Creative Works
David Brown rises to EVP and GM at Meredith Integrated Marketing
Jonathan D. Sumber becomes director of digital sales at Hearst TV
Eric W. Conrad becomes VP of programming at Univision Deportes
Allison Bennett becomes director of communications at Crown Media
National Geographic Channel content EVP Steve Burns exiting
Tess Sanchez rises to SVP of casting at Fox
Kim Notario and Cynthia Serrano join Martini Media

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Overnights
Sweet good-bye for NBC's 'Parenthood'
Second-year drama averages a 2.5 in 18-49s for its season finale, up 19 percent over last week and its best rating since September

Television
CBS axes 'CHAOS' after three episodes
Spy series got good reviews but low ratings, averaging just a 0.9 in 18-49s last Friday. 'Flashpoint' will take its place.

Broadcast recap
Among older viewers, it's a tight race
CBS and Fox are tied for No. 1 in adults 25-54, averaging a 3.9/10. Which will ease ahead? Fox appears to have the edge. (charts)

Here & there
DirecTV fires up early-demand movies
Other shorts: NBC and Versus keep NHL - Hoover to ABC: Soap cancellations suck - 'Happy Days' cast sues CBS - Bad bet: ESPN drops poker amid scandal

Cable recap
Modest start for HBO's 'Game of Thrones'
Debut averages 2.22 million viewers, half of 'Boardwalk Empire' debut, but it's getting good buzz, which could well lift it (charts)

TV Reviews
'Breaking In,' the right break for Slater
The new Fox sitcom plays to the actor's strengths as a supporting character, and the end result is an amusing series

TV This Week
For ABC's 'Cougar Town,' a fitting return
Slides back into the 9:30 p.m. slot following 'Modern Family,' after network tries out 'Mr. Sunshine' and 'Happy Endings'

People
Ben Sherwood shakes up ABC News
Paul Ingrassia becomes deputy editor in chief at Reuters
David Weinstock becomes ECD at Mr Youth
Jamie Tao and Xoch Serrano join Wing
Steven Fischer becomes digital development director at Bader Rutter
Jackie French rises to SVP of series development at MTV
Chris Rantamaki becomes VP of original series at Spike TV
Chloe Malle becomes social editor at Vogue
John Boland becomes EVP of sales at Synergistic Marketing
'Bewitched' creator Sol Saks dies at 100
Actress Elisabeth Sladen dies at age 63
Demi Lovato leaving Disney's 'Sonny With a Chance'
George Gray becomes announcer on CBS's 'The Price Is Right'

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Overnights
ABC's 'Happy Endings' stumbles
Back-to-back episodes average a 1.8 and 1.6 in 18-49s in show's second week, well off last week's debut behind 'Modern Family'

Dayparts update
Ricki Lake returning to daytime TV
She joins Rosie O'Donnell and perhaps Katie Couric in the race to capture viewers of Oprah Winfrey as she leaves daytime

Here & there
Directors protest early-demand TV plan
Other shorts: 'Idol' producer: Voting changes coming - 'Rescue' returns June 12 - Watch the royal wedding on YouTube - Advertisers bail on Wonkette

Ask a Media Life expert
How to get up to speed on social media
That's the challenge facing so many planners and buyers, and here to give their advice are some of the top experts in media

Alternative media
Radiators heating up the great outdoors
They're mounted beneath apartment windows but on the outside to make a point about wasted energy. Client: An energy company.

TV Reviews
'Call Me Fitz,' on second thought, don't
DirecTV 101 Channel series plays off a stereotype relatively new to TV, the amoral cad, but everything else about it sports whiskers

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Thursday: 'Idol' on Fox; Friday: 'Victorious' on Nick; Saturday: 'Dr. Who' on BBC America; Sunday: NBA playoffs on ABC

People
Photojournalist Tim Hetherington killed in Libya
Amy Poehler makes Time's most influential list
Mauro Cavalletti and Perry Fair become co-CDOs at Mullen
Bryan Houlette becomes CD at BBDO San Francisco
Jennifer Rusin, Eric Dunn and Stacia Parseghian join David&Goliath
Matt Merkin and Keri Bernstein join Bloomberg Businessweek
Chiqui Cartagena becomes VP of corporate marketing at Univision
Salil Mehta rises to COO and CFO at NBCU Entertainment & Digital
Julie Choi becomes SVP of programming at Mnet
Tiffany Goulette rises to sales rep at Media Networks Inc.
Michael Burch becomes SVP of sales at Estrella TV
Jose Rios rises to VP of digital news apps at Fox TV Stations
Heidi Montag starring in VH1 reality series

Mo nday, April 25, 2011

Overnights
Stronger ratings for Easter Sunday
ABC and NBC see week-to-week gains for 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Celebrity Apprentice,' which tie for first with a 2.9 18-19 rating

Television
NBC axes 'The Paul Reiser Show'
Comedian's sitcom had the worst debut ever for an in-season show on the network and was nixed after just two episodes

Television
Finally, Katie Couric reveals her plans
As early as today she'll announce her exit from 'CBS Evening News,' with Scott Pelley of '60 Minutes' her likely successor

Here & there
Friday overnights: CBS wins with 'Girls'
Other shorts: Commanding 'Commandments' on ABC - NYT: Oops, we believed an Onion story - 'Today' producer: Lauer's not leaving

TV Reviews
'Setup Squad,' could use some coaching
Logo reality series about a dating service is weighted down by office bickering at the expense of the real fun, which is the dating

TV This Week
When families fight: The Teutul wars
'American Chopper' returns to Discovery with the success of 'Senior vs. Junior,' in which father and son become bitter rivals

Overnights
ABC's 'Happy Endings' stumbles
Back-to-back episodes average a 1.8 and 1.6 in 18-49s in show's second week, well off last week's debut behind 'Modern Family'

This week in out of home
Your client's digital ad in bars
Digital signage brings a social media element to advertising in a venue that attracts young and largely affluent consumers

What's new in alternative media
Radiators heat up the great outdoors
In the pink: Clever image that says it all
One billboard that was just dead wrong
It's a birthday cake. Well, not really.

People
Simon Cowell: 'I've always wanted Paula'
Vincent Letang becomes EVP and director of forecasting at Magna
Kevin Botfeld becomes creative director at 22squared Atlanta
Doug Crouthers becomes director of new business at Media Stream
Briggs Ferguson becomes digital COO at Meredith Integrated Marketing
Todd Bender, Mike Dean, Todd Meyer and Jessica Chappel join TidalTV
Sharon Lieblein becomes VP of casting at Cartoon Network
Anneke E. Green becomes assistant editor at the Washington Times
Chris Schmicker becomes web editor at TastingTable.com
Mexican actress Fernanda Romero admits to sham marriage
'I Love Lucy' writer Madelyn Pugh Davis dies at age 90
Actress Paz de la Huerta sued by 'The City's' Samantha Swetra
Photojournalist Tim Hetherington killed in Libya


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Overnights
ABC dominates a rerun-heavy Monday
Averages a 3.2 in 18-49s against a slew of repeats on CBS and Fox. 'Dancing with the Stars' is the top show with a 4.5.

Television
On the goggle box: All about the wedding
What the broadcast and cable networks have on tap for Friday's much-hyped union between Prince William and Kate Middleton

Here & there
Netflix: We have 23.6 million subscribers
Other shorts: Is NFL lockout over? - Showtime renews 'Borgias' - TV One upfront - T-Mobile's royal wedding viral sensation - Oprah angers soap fans

Magazines
Mary Berner out at Reader's Digest
President and CEO resigns after new board takes over, after seeing RDA through bankruptcy, layoffs and the recession

Magazines
Words and thoughts from The New Yorker
Excerpts of pieces up for National Magazine Awards: Profile of the Koch brothers; treating the dying; detecting art forgeries

TV Reviews
'Have Cake Will Travel,' but not very far
Food Network series brings lots of glitter to the art of making cakes but behind the glitter is just another workplace reality show

Webinars
Getting your arms around social media
Social media is transforming the media marketplace, and here to explain its impact is Horizon's Taylor Valentine. So listen in.

TV This Week
For NBC's 'The Voice,' the guns are out
Rival broadcast networks are beefing up their schedules to keep viewers from switching over to the new, much-touted series

People
Lindsay Lohan guesting on 'Tonight'
Tim Gerrity becomes CFO at Inter/Media Advertising
Joyce Terhaar rises to editor at the Sacramento Bee
Douglas Holloway becomes distribution president at ION
Seeta Zieger becomes VP of Western ad sales at TV One
Liz Wilson Thorington becomes VP of ad sales at Weather Channel
Todd Woody becomes environment editor at Forbes
Jennifer Geisser becomes SVP of communications at Bravo Media
Margo Georgiadis becomes COO at Groupon
Ron Garfield, Michael Severino and Kiesha McCorry join FEARnet
Belo GM Steve McIntosh dies at age 42
Josh Rosenzweig rises to SVP of programming at Here Media
Nicola Bridges becomes SVP of audience development at RealAge.com

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Overnights
Socko debut for NBC's 'The Voice'
Averages a 5.1 in 18-49s, best debut for a new show this year and up 89 percent over usual timeslot average. Top show of the night.

Television
CW renews five veteran shows for fall
'Vampire Diaries, 'Model' and '90210' make the cut, as do 'Gossip Girl' and 'Supernatural.' Not on the list: 'Wildcats' and 'Nikita.'

Television
It's really official: Katie Couric is leaving
The 'CBS Evening News' anchor announces her departure but she doesn't say what she'll do next. ABC may be in the mix.

Broadcast recap
ABC slips past NBC to hold third place
Breaks months-long tie, averaging a 2.4 in 18-49s to a 2.3, and will end the season in third unless NBC's 'Voice' takes off (charts)

Cable recap
Olbermann: I'm returning on June 20
New Current show will air at 8 p.m., the same timeslot he had at MSNBC until January. He'll keep the 'Countdown' name too.

TV Reviews
'Kate Middleton: Uncommon Bride,' gush
Biography profile is of a woman of unbridled ambition, cobbled from dubious sources and factoids. It's all kind of amusing.

Here & there
Study: These cable viewers buy into ads
Other shorts: NAA finds 64 percent log onto paper sites - Programming notes: TBS reteams with Perry - Winfrey gives audience Oprah-branded Nikes

TV This Week
On 'South Park,' the HUMANCENTiPAD
Returning Comedy Central series spoofs Apple with a faux rollout of a gizmo that must pass through people's stomachs to work

People
Maryanne Culpepper becomes Nat Geo TV president
Scott Savitt becomes digital director at Connelly Partners
Guy Bommarito becomes ECD at SolutionSet
Steven Brown and Liane Radel join Cosmopolitan
Steve Casey becomes SVP of research strategy at Clear Channel Radio
Andy Slater, John Fraser and Annie Leitenberg join Katz 360
Don Gordon becomes SVP of technology at BlackArrow
Tom Zeller becomes senior energy reporter at The Huffington Post
Phil Reese becomes social media director at the Washington Blade
Craig Edwards becomes art director at Miller-McCune
Grammys producer John Cossette dies at age 54
Former LA Times editor Terrance McGarry dies at 72
Melissa Farman, Larry Sullivan and Jamey Sheridan join HBO's 'Game Change'

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Overnights
'Happy Endings' perks up on third outing
ABC comedy averages a 2.1 in 18-49s, up 24 percent over last week and placing second in its timeslot. Fox wins night with 'Idol.'

Television
Royal bummer: Few will watch the wedding
Just 19 percent of Americans say they will tune in to the year's biggest TV event, and most think it's gotten too much coverage

Sports TV
Hot postseason for basketball and hockey
NBA games on TNT are averaging a record 4.26 million viewers. Versus's NHL games average 591,000 viewers, also a record.

Research
Online radio's big frontier: The automobile
Study finds that 14 percent of listeners already stream while driving, and not just Pandora. Talking with knowDigital's Sam Milkman.

Here & there
Where to watch the royal wedding online
Other shorts: Comcast lands ABC and Fox on-demand shows - Mom sues over billboard - Spike renews 'State' - Study: Half will have DVRs by 2016

Ask a Media Life expert
Sage advice on using online ad networks
Media buyers can do well using networks but they must know what they are doing. Our experts offer their insights on how to do it right.

TV Reviews
'Son of a Gun,' and off to the poorhouse
MTV reality series, about a rapper and his efforts to become a star, helps explain why so many musicians end up broke

TV This Week
For NBC's 'The Office,' three questions
The first is who will replace its star, Steve Carell, who is appearing in his final episode. The other two logically follow.

People
Katie Holmes gets Star apology
Sue Davidson and Amy Mitchell join Marketing Evolution
Four join Burrell Communications
Michael Chico becomes SVP of national sales at Clear Channel Outdoor
Dominic Ainscough becomes SVP and GM at Parade Digital
Mark Wildman rises to group publisher at Bonnier's Parenting Group
Jacqueline Azria-Palombo becomes fashion director at Women's Health
Michael Kinsley becomes columnist at Bloomberg View
Tony Cassara rises to CEO at Young Broadcasting
Eileen Mulloy becomes SVP of sales at SparkPeople.com
Jason Sudeikis hosting the 2011 MTV Movie Awards
Demi Moore signs new Lifetime deal
Mariska Hargitay sues talent agency

Friday, April 29, 2011

 Overnights
Solid crowd for Steve Carell's last 'Office'
NBC comedy averages a 4.1 in 18-49s for a supersized episode, the night's No. 2 show behind 'American Idol.' Fox wins the night.

Television
Ten things to know about the royal wedding
How many are expected to watch, all the buzz on social media, the unlikeliest commentators and of course details on Kate's dress

Here & there
Logan details brutal assault on '60 Minutes'
Other shorts: CBS imagines 'Men' without Sheen - Curry may replace Vieira on 'Today' - 'GMA' closes gap with 'Today' - New guidelines for kids' food ads

Television
CW has a new chief: Mark Pedowitz
Former head of ABC Studios succeeds Dawn Ostroff as president of the No. 6 broadcast network, and he faces some notable challenges

TV Reviews
'Dancing with the Stars,' it's got rhythm
This season lacks the great dancers of past seasons but the hit ABC series is still eminently watchable and entertaining

Alternative media
Here's a throne for the rest of us
Seats on Chicago's El trains are turned into thrones to tout an exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. And they're for everyone.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I fear this young woman is a liar
A supervisor has learned she's lied about a client, and that's got her nervous, wondering other lies she's told. Rachel advises.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Royal Wedding' wrap-up on CBS; Saturday: NASCAR on Fox; Sunday: NHL playoffs on NBC

People
Additional Oprah Winfrey special planned
John Cate rises to EVP and COO at Mediasmith
Karl Haddad, Jed Cohen and Runak Chavoshi join Deutsch LA
Tom Morrissey rises to SVP of design at Fox
George Greenberg becomes EVP and GM at Fuel TV
Rachelle Chong becomes regional VP of government affairs at Comcast
Lois Romano joining Newsweek/The Daily Beast
James Wright rises to business editor at Las Vegas Review-Journal
David Sykes becomes VP of sales at Imagine Communications
Gal Beckerman rises to opinion editor at Forward
Cate Blanchett guesting on Fox's 'Family Guy'
'Mad Men' star January Jones pregnant
Katie Holmes gets Star apology

Monday, May 02, 2011

Overnights
ABC wins first Sunday of May sweeps
Averages a 2.5 in 18-49s to slip ahead of NBC at 2.4 as news of bin Laden's slaying breaks in the 10 p.m. hour, disrupting schedules

Television
Bin Laden's death ignites media frenzy
Networks break in with news updates, social media sites are abuzz, and papers devote front pages to the al-Qaeda leader's slaying

Television
A solid tune-in for the royal wedding
Will and Kate I-do's draw 22.8 million U.S. viewers and average a 16.0 household rating, compared to an 18.3 for Charles and Diana

Here & there
Court: The NFL lockout is back on
Other shorts: Friday overnights: CBS grabs a victory - Saturday overnights: Fox wins with NASCAR - Programming notes: Fox dumps storm crossover

TV Reviews
'The Looney Tunes Show,' full of bugs
Cartoon Network series brings back all those great characters but the reboot entirely misses out on the humor of the originals

Radio
The FCC's tougher stand on discrimination
Federal agency sets about cracking down on no-urban and no-Hispanic media buys by holding stations accountable--and punishable

TV This Week
A question mark for CBS's 'Mad Love'
Sitcom is doing decently, averaging a 2.5 in 18-49s, but not so well to ensure a fall return, and maybe not enough for renewal

This week in out of home
Your client on the sides of school buses
Though controversial, exterior ads are becoming more common as budget-strapped school districts look for new ways to raise revenue

What's new in alternative media
Here's a throne for the rest of us
Radiators heat up the great outdoors
In the pink: Clever image that says it all
One billboard that was just dead wrong

People
Erin Burnett joins CNN
Ben Winkler and Colin Sutton join OMD
Troy Kelley becomes managing director of client services at R/GA
Todd Hansen rises to COO at Sportsman Channel
Edward Schumacher-Matos becomes ombudsman at NPR
Mike Williams becomes enterprise editor at Reuters
Francesco Guerrera becomes Money & Investing editor at WSJ
Richard Leiby and Lynda Robinson rise at the Washington Post
Sam Broekema becomes senior accessories editor at Harper's Bazaar
Emily Miller becomes senior opinion editor at the Washington Times
Mary Hager rises to EP at CBS's 'Face the Nation'
Mariah Carey gives birth to twins
Additional Oprah Winfrey special planned

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Overnights
ABC rules on Monday with 'Dancing'
Averages a 3.9 in 18-49s, 63 percent ahead of No. 2 CBS, lifted by a 4.4 for the hit reality series, the top show of the night

Newspapers
New guidelines muddy new circ numbers
Rule changes for branded and digital editions make comparisons to last year impossible. WSJ is still No. 1 at 2.1 million.

Television
Osama, Osama, Osama everywhere
U.S. media goes nuts over killing of the al-Qaeda leader, with special broadcasts and in-depth reports in papers and magazines

Alternative media
Big sell: The city once known as Altoona
Now POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold to promote the spoofy product placement movie of the same name

Magazines
Words and thoughts from New York
Excerpts of pieces up for National Magazine Awards: New York's evolving Establishment; Joan Rivers; review of the New Museum

Here & there
USA upfront: Time for some laughs
Other shorts: Nielsen: TV households actually decline - 'Judge Judy' renewed - Study: Super Bowl ads score in likeability - Sports Emmys winners

TV Reviews
'How the States Got Their Shapes,' indeed
History series reaches to amuse and entertain, at times playing fast with the facts, but it does it well. Lots of fun trivia.

TV This Week
Visiting 'Berkus,' Oprah tends her flock
Queen of daytime drops in on the lifestyle show her production company produces, and it could stand the lift in ratings

People
Ryan Seacrest developing NBC show
Mike Wilson becomes group creative director at Arnold Worldwide
Chris O'Brien becomes digital director at Mindshare Chicago
Susan White becomes advising partner at Pomegranate
Michael Finn becomes president at BrightLine
Melissa Jewsbury rises to assistant managing editor at Elle
Edward Enninful becomes fashion and style director at W
Mike Fazioli becomes managing editor at Runner's World
Alex Vallis becomes senior digital editor at Food & Wine
Former Boston Globe publisher William O. Taylor II dies at 78
Friends of late Katz head Stu Olds hold memorial golf tourney
Ed Asner guesting on USA's 'Royal Pains'
Will Ferrell shaves Conan O'Brien's beard

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Overnights
NBC's 'Voice' grows stronger in week two
Averages a 5.6 in 18-49s, up 10 percent over last week's debut and easily the night's No. 1 show, well ahead of Fox's 'Glee'

Television
Obama's Osama speech draws 56 million
Becomes the most-watched address of his presidency as nine networks carry news of the terrorist leader's slaying on Sunday

Here & there
Disney and Starz sue Dish Network
Other shorts: History upfront: 14 series return - Lifetime upfront: More scripted fare on tap - Fox serving up 'Masterchef' - Now on Pandora, comedy

Broadcast recap
In a rare victory, 'Dancing' tops both 'Idols'
ABC reality show edges past both editions of the Fox show for the first time this season, winning by just 62,000 viewers (charts)

Cable recap
For the NFL Draft, a shift in viewers
ESPN sees a big ratings dip, and some of that can be blamed on fan anger. But then again other venues are way up. (charts)

Television
Pelley named 'CBS Evening News' anchor
'60 Minutes' correspondent will succeed Katie Couric on June 6 as network stays in-house this time to fill highest-profile position

TV Reviews
'Spouse vs. House,' a trial for the jury
Viewers will find little that's new or engaging about this TLC show in which one half of a couple gets to fix up their house

TV This Week
CBS's 'Criminal Minds': One tough copper
Sixth-year procedural finishes third but in a super-tough timeslot, airing against Fox's 'American Idol' and ABC's 'Modern Family'

People
Barack Obama appearing on '60 Minutes'
Nielsen media client services president Dave Thomas stepping down
Scott Foernsler becomes CRO at LSN Mobile
Doug Diem and Thomas Verna join Geoscape
Four join Maiden Media Group
Patricia Cohen becomes VP of national accounts at Adspace Networks
Nick Ascheim new SVP of digital media at BBC Americas
Belinda Lanks becomes Co.Design senior editor at Fast Company
Cathleen McGuigan becomes editor in chief at Architectural Record
Zach McCann rises to multimedia reporter at Orlando Sentinel
'Jersey Shore's' Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino starring in spinoff
Chris Bosh sues to keep ex-girlfriend off 'Basketball Wives'
Nolan Gould starring in Chiller's 'Ghoul'

Thursday, May 05, 2011

Overnights
Fox clubs the competition with 'Idol'
Averages a 5.4 in 18-49s, nearly double No. 2 CBS, with the hit reality show averaging a 6.4 but down from last week's 7.1

Cable
MTV Networks head Judy McGrath exits
She leaves after seven years on the job, during which MTV's ratings slid and then soared thanks to mega-hit 'Jersey Shore'

Television
The word: ABC leads in bid to land Couric
Sole bidder for departing CBS news anchor as CBS drops out, offering a daytime talk show and ABC News reporting gigs

Television
As the end nears, assessing 'Oprah'
Expect 15 million to tune into the final show. The question is what they'll watch when she's gone. Talking with Katz's Bill Carroll.

Here & there
Osama death shot won't be released
Other shorts: A&E upfront: 10 new series on tap - New deal: Emmys will stay on Big Four - MTV re-ups 'Teen Mom' - Hearst agrees to iTunes iPad app deal

Alternative media
In Hollywood, a most spectacular movie
The front of the Roosevelt Hotel becomes a giant screen of special effects and visual gymnastics. Client: The Lexus CT 200h.

TV Reviews
'Pretty Hurts,' but real easy on the eyes
The star of the Logo series treats his Beverly Hills clients with cosmetic injections but mostly he treats viewers to a fun time

TV This Week
Pondering the fate of NBC's '30 Rock'
Signature Thursday show wraps up season five, and season six is set, but seven is less sure with Baldwin out. Will Fey reup?

People
Michele Tafoya joins 'Sunday Night Football'
Thom Sherman rises to EVP of development at the CW
It's official: Cheryl Cole named third 'X Factor' judge
David Andrew Goldman becomes VP of communications at Cline Group
Four rise at Bader Rutter & Associates
David Ziganay, Scott Howe and Suyash Joshi join ATTIK
Carlos Deschapelles rises to SVP of sports sales at Univision
P. Steven Ainsley becomes publisher at Miller-McCune
Lauren Gellert becomes VP of production and development at ION
Brad Feldman becomes senior director of creative strategy at Yahoo
Washington Post politics editor Wes Kosova exiting
Carrie Fitzmaurice Daly becomes VP of sales at EYE
Howard Stern cuts back radio schedule

Friday, May 06, 2011

 Overnights
Fox wins second Thursday of sweeps
Averages a 4.7 in 18-49s, well above No. 2 CBS, with 'Idol' easily the night's top show at 6.1. 'Office' falls after Carell's exit.

Research
The year's biggest story by far: Bin Laden
Dominates mainstream media with 89 percent of coverage while 7 million post about it on Twitter and Facebook, much of it jokes

Here & there
Parsing McGrath's exit from MTV Networks
Other shorts: AP and Reuters skip first 2012 debate - Poll: 'NCIS' is top show of all time - ABC: Hello Couric, goodbye 'Hospital?' - TLC slates May debuts

Media economy
Behind the huge growth of social media
Ad spending will quadruple by 2015, to $8.3 billion, with Facebook the dominant player. Talking with BIA/Kelsey's Jed Williams.

TV Reviews
'Why Not? With Shania Twain,' no Oprah
The singer's story, and her pain, are truly compelling, but she stumbles when delving into the pain of others on this OWN series

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, our meetings are a babblefest
The writer complains about all the disruptions from portable devices, most in the hands of younger staffers. Rachel holds forth.

Ask a Media Life expert
On the thorny matter of tracking ROI
Key to any media campaign is determining return on investment for the client. How is the challenge. Hear what our experts have to say.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Flashpoint' premiere on CBS; Saturday: Kentucky Derby on NBC; Sunday: 'Brothers & Sisters' finale on ABC

People
Neil Patrick Harris hosting the Tony Awards
Ben Walker and Matt Gooden become ECDs at CP+B London
Weston Kosova becomes assistant ME at Bloomberg Businessweek
Julian Bellamy becomes CD at Discovery Networks International
Jai Singh becomes editor in chief at Yahoo Media Network
Adam Bornstein becomes editorial director at LiveStrong.com
Daniel Blackman becomes CDO at The Daily Beast Newsweek Co.
Robb Weller becomes EVP of programming at MUSL TV
Spencer Stander becomes EP at ITV Studios America
CBS Sports announcer Gus Johnson exiting
FNC dumps presidential hopefuls Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum
Taissa Farmiga and Evan Peters join FX's 'American Horror Story'
Donald Trump pulls out of Indy 500 pace car gig

Monday, May 09, 2011

Overnights
Big bump for '60 Minutes' with Obama
President's first post-Osama sit-down averages 13.8 million viewers, up 29 percent from last week and easily the night's top show

Television
It's official: Meredith Vieira leaving 'Today'
She's giving up her duties as co-host of the top morning show after five years, to be replaced by 'Today' news reader Ann Curry

Cable
Oprah network boots CEO Norman
She's succeeded by Discovery COO Peter Liguori, who steps in to get the OWN network back on track after a disappointing launch

Here & there
Cowell finally lands Abdul for 'X Factor'
Other shorts: Study: NBC draws biggest crowd for Obama - Congress eyes two Do Not Track bills - Weekend overnights: ABC scores with NBA playoffs

Magazines
Words and ideas from Virginia Quarterly
Excerpts of pieces up for National Magazine Awards: Mining coal in Afghanistan; at long last love, in Iran; in love with Elena

TV Reviews
'Vanished With Beth Holloway,' not there
She's compelling in relating her own daughter's disappearance in the new Lifetime series but stiff when discussing other cases

TV This Week
For the NBA finals, the Heat's still on
Miami plays Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and postseason ratings should remain strong even without the Lakers

This week in out of home
Your client running at the Preakness
The second race in the Triple Crown is on May 21, and it's a huge party for advertisers as well as America's horse-loving public

What's new in alternative media
Big sell: A city once known as Altoona
In Hollywood, one spectacular movie
Here's a throne for the rest of us
Radiators heat up the great outdoors

People
Eddy Hartenstein rises to Tribune CEO
Doug Sweeny becomes West Coast president at Y&R
Suzanne Grethen rises to VP of promotion at Hearst Television
Mitzi Miller becomes editor in chief at Jet
Paul Jowdy becomes publisher at Every Day with Rachael Ray
Julia Wallace rises to market VP at Cox Media Group
Carlos Diaz joins HLN's 'Morning Express'
Jillian Michaels joins 'The Doctors'
Camilla Luddington joins Showtime's 'Californication'
Scott Baio starring in Nick at Nite's 'Daddy's Home'
Charles S. Dutton joins FX's 'Powers'
Lady Gaga guesting on Fox's 'American Idol'
Neil Patrick Harris hosting the Tony Awards

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Overnights
ABC wins on a slow Monday night
Averages a 3.8 in 18-49s, 65 percent ahead of No. 2 Fox, with 'Dancing with the Stars' the top show of the night with a 4.1

Television
CBS axes 'Early Show' producer Friedman
He leaves months after the longtime third-place show's latest makeover, the fourth producer to go in less than four years

Magazines
Few multiple winners of magazine awards
Four titles win two apiece: National Geographic, Los Angeles, New York, New York Times Magazine. New Yorker wins but one.

Here & there
New Yorker adds iPad subscriptions
Other shorts: Hasidic paper cuts Clinton from picture - Court: Newspaper in right in Mosley case - Red Bull launches U.S. magazine - 'Family Guy' renewed

Television
ABC's task: Find and nurture the new
Upfront preview: No. 3 network must roll out a fresh crop of strong new shows to take the place of its older, fading series

Research
'Say, here's some news, pass it on'
We all search for news. More and more we share it too, and that could well reshape the news biz. Talking with Pew's Amy S. Mitchell.

TV Reviews
'The Voice,' pretty much on pitch
NBC's singing competition is smartly conceived and put together, and initial ratings suggest the network has a hit on its hands

TV This Week
From she to he: OWN's 'Becoming Chaz'
Documentary follows the journey of Chastity Bono through the trials of transgender surgery and adapting to a new life as a man

People
Bristol Palin starring in BIO series
Andrea Redniss becomes digital managing director at Media Storm
Andrea Ferrino and Gina Yeakel rise at Harmelin Media
Eduardo A. Braniff rises to CEO at Imagination the Americas
Clare-Marie Harris Panno and Martin Porter join Posterscope USA
Karen Deutsch rises to ad director at Cosmopolitan
John Kosner becomes SVP of digital and print at ESPN
Jon Kropp rises to VP of business operations at Turner Sports
Marnie Black becomes SVP of public relations at AMC
Robertson Barrett becomes VP of news and finance at Yahoo
Perry Solomon becomes VP of digital development at Time Inc.
John Mancini becomes AME at the AP
Neil Weinberg becomes editor in chief at American Banker

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Overnights
One-hour 'Voice' takes a tumble
Averages 4.6 in 18-49s, off 19 percent from last week as it slims down from two hours, but still easily the night's top show

Television
Axed ABC soaps score 25 Emmy nods
PBS leads with 57 Daytime nominations, followed by ABC at 56, including a number for canceled 'Children' and 'One Life to Live'

Television
Fox slashes five bubble shows
Sitcoms 'Breaking In' and 'Traffic Light' are gone, along with dramas 'Lie,' 'Target' and 'Code.' But 'House' gets a renewal.

Here & there
Time Inc.'s John Q. Griffin exits
Other shorts: Google readies new cloud music service - Programming notes: 'Brother' bows in July - WE upfront: Focus on families of multiples

Cable recap
Struggling OWN may have a hit: 'Shania'
'Why Not? With Shania Twain' averages 839,000 viewers, Oprah network's most watched show since its January debut (charts)

Broadcast recap
Ratings-wise, a less-hot Kentucky Derby
Draws 14.5 million viewers, down from past two years yet fourth best in two decades. Blame the horses and bin Laden. (charts)

TV Reviews
'The Real World: Las Vegas,' peekaboo
Long-running MTV series is an exercise in titillation, and it's gotten pretty good at it in this era of rampant exhibitionism

TV This Week
Lady Gaga, everywhere girl, as herself
'Modern Family' episode is built around the popcult phenom, and it's an ideal fit for a show that deftly integrates pop culture

People
News producer Jeff Gralnick dies at age 72
Former CNN president Burt Reinhardt dies at 91
'CBS Evening News' producer Rick Kaplan exiting
Jeffrey L. Hinz becomes digital director at MediaCom
Ben Waldman and Josh Young join Mr Youth
Brian Brooker and Joe Bartolucci join Bernstein-Rein
Jay Langan and Clintton Fleschere move to Ocean Media/L.A.
Eric Salama rises to CEO at TNS
Martin A. Nisenholtz rises to CEO at About.com
James Stewart becomes a columnist at the New York Times
Dan Rubin becomes director of digital strategy at Meredith
Julie Souza becomes VP of business development at Sports Illustrated
George Toulas, Dave Crowl and Tom Thon out at Clear Channel

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Overnights
Lady Gaga boosts 'Idol' and 'Family'
Fox reality series averages a 6.9 in 18-49s, up 5 percent over last week, while ABC comedy grows 8 percent, to a 4.2

Television
NBC orders four series for next season
Top of the list is 'Smash,' a musical drama from Steven Spielberg that's getting lots of buzz. Also picked up: A drama and two sitcoms.

Here & there
CBS eyes Hugh Grant to replace Sheen
Other shorts: CBS News taps two new producers - FCC commissioner jumps to Comcast - Spike orders six pilots - Study: Who clicks on mobile ads

Television
Fox's mission: Dare to shake things up
No. 1 network got to the top by being aggressive, and this fall it's returning to its roots. The show to watch: 'The X Factor.'

Ask a Media Life expert
Why Saturday night's a broadcast wasteland
A reader asks why the networks have given up on the night and whether they will turn it back to affiliates. Our experts weigh in.

TV Reviews
'Desperate Housewives,' and untidy, too
Long-running ABC dramedy could use a freshening up. The show no longer hangs together, and so much of it we've seen before.

Radio
Arbitron: Storms won't disrupt spring ratings
The measurement service says spring data will be gathered as usual in the markets devastated by tornadoes and flooding

TV This Week
For 'Nikita,' slightly better odds for renewal
The action drama's weak ratings put it on the fence, but it still has more going for it than the season's other new show, 'Hellcats'

People
Final 'Oprah' guests revealed
James Roberts and Jose Merino join Wing
Alan Bergstrom becomes head of U.S. brand strategy at Nunwood
Catherine Dunleavy and Cheryl Rosenbloom rise at NBCU Cable
TBD.com's Erik Wemple jumps to Washington Post
Cleve Cushing becomes CFO at Bitcentral
Matthew Goldenberg becomes GM at ReadersDigest.com
Richard Lewis and Michael Moore among 'Countdown' contributors
Mos Def joins Showtime's 'Dexter'
NY Daily News cartoonist Bill Gallo dies at age 88
MTV music coordinator Gabriel Aron Ben-Meir murdered
News producer Jeff Gralnick dies at age 72
Former CNN president Burt Reinhardt dies at 91

Friday, May 13, 2011

Overnights
NBC's 'Office' slides again without Carell
Averages a 3.2 in 18-49s, off 9 percent from last week and down from a 4.2 for the star's final episode. Fox wins night with a 4.8.

Television
Shocker: Kutcher may replace Sheen on 'Men'
'That '70s Show' star in talks to join CBS comedy after Sheen's messy exit, though he seems an odd fit. Are we being punk'd?

Here & there
CBS news producer Kaplan returns to ABC
Other shorts: PBS's Jim Lehrer leaving 'NewsHour' - 'Voice' stretches to an hour - Chicago Tribune eyes premium edition - Senate targets illegal streaming

Television
NBC's challenge: Return to quality TV
No. 4 broadcast network has the greatest upside, and maybe the greatest promise, under Bob Greenblatt and new owner Comcast

Television
A network chief's take on the upfront
Imagine what it's like being on stage pitching your network's lineup. Talking with Jordan Levin, former CEO of the WB.

TV Reviews
'Swamp Brothers,' wear your waders
The action is enough to sustain this new Discovery critter series but the producers muck it up by playing up sibling rivalries

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, how do I explain why I was cut?
She's been out of work for almost two years, having lost her job in a downsizing. She feels uncomfortable explaining why in interviews.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Smallville' series finale on the CW; Saturday: 'Edge of the Garden' on Hallmark; Sunday: TPC on NBC

People
Jay Mariotti facing felony charges
Sam Cannon becomes central region ECD at Razorfish
Matias Palm-Jensen becomes European CIO at McCann Erickson
Wendy Wahl becomes healthcare practice lead at RAPP
Andrew Hartnett and Jason Cross join Publishing Group of America
Darren Doyle and Jim Kramer rise at Debmar-Mercury
Juan Vallejo and Eddie Espinal rise at Fox Hispanic Media
Holly Tang rises to CFO at Bravo Media
Audie Cornish rises to host of NPR's 'Weekend Edition Sunday'
Craig Kilborn signs development deal with ABC Studios
Mary Tyler Moore undergoing brain surgery
Chicago sports anchor Daryl Hawks found dead in Atlanta
Final 'Oprah' guests revealed

Monday, May 16, 2011

Overnights
'Survivor' finale muscles out 'Housewives'
CBS reality series averages a 4.0 in 18-49s, off 2 percent from last fall, while the ABC comedy averages a 3.0 for its finale


Television
NBC's fall lineup: Six new shows
Network's new primetime schedule targets younger women, in a challenge to ABC. It's also launching a comedy block on Wednesday.

Television
Big Three networks pop 13 bubble shows
Includes 11 first-year shows on ABC, CBS and NBC. RIP '$#*! My Dad Says,' 'Brothers & Sisters,' 'Outsourced,' 'LOLA' and more.

Television
CBS's task: Get past the Sheen mess
Network has the most stable of the primetime lineups, and it has a new star for 'Two and a Half Men.' It has to make the show work.

Here & there
CW's 'Smallville' soars in series finale
Other shorts: ABC wins Saturday night with 'Pirates' - ABC orders 12 new shows for next season - Trump may decide on presidential bid today

TV Reviews
'Off Limits,' and well worth the journey
Travel Channel series explores the back streets and byways of our cities, revealing dazzling histories of how they came to be

TV This Week
For NBC's 'Chuck,' the ultimate caper
Spoofy spy show pulls off renewal for another season, against the odds, and now it's a walk down the aisle for our protagonist

This week in out of home
Your client at the Little League World Series
Reach entire families at a major family event as everyone turns out to watch these junior boys of summer play their hearts out

What's new in alternative media

In Hollywood, one spectacular movie
Big sell: A city once known as Altoona
Here's a throne for the rest of us
Radiators heat up the great outdoors

People
Katie Couric leaving on Thursday
Andy Nathan and Aaron Griffiths join TBWA\Chiat\Day NY
Davi Sing Liu and Xavier Teo join Deutsch LA
Eleftheria Parpis becomes chief brand editor at McCann
Graham Fink becomes CCO at Ogilvy & Mather China
Will Misselbrook becomes head of interactive production at BBH
Tom Weber rises to managing editor at Newsweek/Daily Beast
Charles Hurt joins The Drudge Report
Rukmini Callimachi rises to West Africa bureau chief at the AP
Laura Vozzella becomes Baltimore Insider blogger at the Baltimore Sun
Tim Burg becomes EP at America's Radio News Network
'The Voice's' Blake Shelton marries Miranda Lambert
'Lawrence Welk Show's' Norma Zimmer dies at 87

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Overnights
'Dancing' gives ABC another easy win
Network averages a 4.1 in 18-49s, 52 percent ahead of No. 2 Fox, with the dance competition averaging in 4.4 over its two hours

Television
ABC rolls out a major primetime revamp
Adds seven new shows and changes lineups on five nights, with big changes on Sunday, while adding a comedy block on Tuesday

Cable
TNT scores cable's best NBA game ever
Heat-Bulls matchup averages 11.1 million total viewers, beating the old record for Michael Jordan's final All-Star Game in 2003

Television
Fox rolls out strongest fall lineup in years
Five new shows will debut, led by 'X Factor,' which will take 'American Idol' slots. Aim: To dominate Wednesday and Thursdays.

Here & there
CBS orders four more new series
Other shorts: Fox upfront leftovers: 'Voice' is no 'Idol' - Smith named Harper's publisher - No joke: Colbert eyes PAC rules - Trump not running for president

Research
In brand clout, broadcast still rules
The Big Four are tops in the minds of viewers, ahead of cable, when it comes to networks they say they couldn't live without

TV Reviews
'Tosh.0,' old idea done right, and funny
Comedy Central series hangs entirely on the piercing wit of the host as he quips fast and furious about offbeat web videos

TV This Week
For CBS's 'NCIS: LA,' it's about synergy
Spinoff is the No. 7 show in viewers heading into its second-year finale, thanks to pairing with the original as its lead-in

People
Johnathan Rodgers leaving TV One
Joseph Clayton becomes CEO at Dish Network
Jenn Patterson becomes VP of digital strategy at Inter/Media
Olivia Dupuis rises to VP of PR at AMC
Tyler Verdery becomes account executive at GolTV
Angela Cannon rises to senior director of affiliate marketing at GMC
Neal F. Sabin rises to president of content at Weigel Broadcasting
Christa Rimonneau, Caren Wachtenheim and Brett Tabano join TidalTV
'Entertainment Tonight' producer Heidi Clements exiting
Neil Katz and Lori Leibovich join AOL Huffington Post
Former CBS news producer Joseph Wershba dies at age 90
Trevor Thomas becomes CRO at MediaTrust
Carla Graubard becomes VP and fiber division publisher at Interweave

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Overnights
Strong season finales for CBS dramas
'NCIS' averages a 3.8 in 18-49s, up 15 percent over last year when it faced 'American Idol.' 'NCIS: LA' and 'Good Wife' also grow.

Television
CBS moves 'CSI' and adds five new shows
Long-running top cop drama switches to Wednesday night from Thursday while 'Rules of Engagement' goes to Saturday night

Television
Telemundo slates four new telenovelas
No. 2 Spanish-language network also introduces a show from Cristina Saralegui, the 'Spanish Oprah,' who left rival Univision

Broadcast recap
This May sweeps, it's ABC in second
With a 2.3/7 in 18-49s it's well behind Fox's 'American Idol'-fueled 2.7/8 but ahead of CBS's 2.2/6 and NBC's 1.8/5 (charts)

Here & there
CW drops 'Hellcats' and renews 'Nikita'
Other shorts: Best Kimmel zingers from ABC upfront - Oprah's final shows: So many stars - Fox Hispanic Media upfront - Dossier cover sparks controversy

TV Reviews
'Judge Judy,' appealing to our inner judge
What's behind her huge ratings? She dumps on the losers who come before her as we would like to dump on the losers we know.

Cable recap
ESPN upfront: More new toys for boys
Network adds new shows and expanded coverage of X Games and NASCAR, for which it will introduce split-screen ads (charts)

TV This Week
For the 'L&O' franchise, one last hurrah
There's only one left, 'Special Victims Unit,' with the three others now canceled, and it's going through a major cast change

People
Lisa Edelstein leaving Fox's 'House'
Al Jazeera reporter Dorothy Parvaz freed
Stephen Corlett becomes managing director at 180 Amsterdam
Sam Feist rises to SVP and Washington bureau chief at CNN
Stephen Bohlinger becomes associate publisher at Food Network Mag
Gregg Brussel rises to VP of research at BBC Worldwide Americas
Peter Stern becomes CEO at Bitly
Seraj Bharwani becomes chief analytics officer at Visible Measures
Michelle Ebanks becomes president at People en Espanol
Maria Streshinsky becomes editor in chief at Miller-McCune
Joel Shoemaker and Leor Mendel join Here Media
Kenneth M. Goldstein becomes president at Kantar's CMAG
Deirdre Foley-Mendelssohn becomes senior editor at The Paris Review

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Overnights
'American Idol' bumps up for semifinals
Averages a 7.2 in 18-49s, up 4 percent over last week, and giving Fox an easy win on a night of finales. 'SVU' and 'Minds' finish up.

Television
The CW rolls out older-skewing shows
The network adds three new dramas for next season, two with older leads, as it revamps all five nights of its schedule

Television
CBS: We had no 'Men' contingency plan
Network gambled another actor would be found to replace Charlie Sheen on 'Two and a Half Men.' Cancellation wasn't considered.

Television
Univision: Count us among the big boys
Upfront preview: No. 1 Spanish-language network rivals the Big Four in ratings, and at a time when its audience is growing

Here & there
It's here: Meet NIM's digital newsstand
Other shorts: CBS upfront leftovers: We're hip! - Lady Gaga most powerful celeb - New site begs advertisers: DropFox! - Discovery U.S. Hispanic upfront

Cable
Turner Networks promises 'Closer' spinoff
Upfront review: TNT rolls out three new shows while TBS slates new comedy 'The Wedding Band' and Conan O'Brien jabs NBC

TV Reviews
'The Simpsons,' as smart as ever
Fox animated series has changed little in 22 years, except that its stable of characters has grown deeper, and richer

TV This Week
For 'Big Bang,' a move that's paid off
CBS sitcom ends its first season on Thursdays down from when it aired on Mondays but still very strong at a 4.0 in 18-49s

People
Actor Jeff Conaway in a coma
John Patroulis becomes CCO at BBH
Fabian Berglund and Ida Gronblom become senior CDs at W+K
Marc Krok becomes SVP of TV ad sales at AMC
Michael Bloom becomes CDO at Wenner Media
Christian Murphy rises to SVP of international programming at A&E
John Landa rises to SVP of sales at Premier Retail Networks
Dean DeBiase becomes CEO at Entertainment Promotions
Arun Bhikshesvaran becomes CMO at Ericsson
Olivia Munn joins HBO's Aaron Sorkin pilot
Kevin Hart hosting the BET Awards
Rosie Perez sues 'Law & Order: SVU' producers
Lisa Edelstein leaving Fox's 'House'

Friday, May 20, 2011

Overnights
NBC's 'Office' bounces back with finale
Averages a 3.8 in 18-49s, up 18 percent over last week and best since Steve Carell's exit, and the night's top-rated scripted show

Television
It's about comedy, seriously, for real
That's the networks' big push for next season, and it's the first real such push in years. Whether it succeeds is another matter.

Here & there
Couric exits 'Evening News' after five years
Other shorts: Dick Ebersol leaves NBC Sports - CW upfront leftovers: New ad platforms - Did the Botox Mom fool ABC? - Amazon: E-books outsell print

Research
Here are the truly hot shows on TV
Content Power Ratings look beyond ratings to online buzz and social media mentions. Talking with Optimedia's Greg Kahn.

TV Reviews
'Too Big to Fail,' a big story, well told
HBO docudrama deftly portrays the near collapse of the U.S. economy in 2008 and the men who pulled it back from the brink

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, an unkind email I wrote got loose
And sadly it's found its way to her boss's inbox. The writer is red-faced. What should she do? Run in and apologize? Rachel opines.

Ask a Media Life expert
Do social media types also read magazines?
Turns out they do, and a lot more than most adults, according to research, as our experts explain in answer to a reader's query

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Sharks versus Canucks on Versus; Saturday: 'SNL' season finale on NBC; Sunday: 'Family Guy' on Fox

People
Haley Reinhart booted from 'American Idol'
Oscar Trelles becomes head of technology at Tribal DDB Worldwide
Jason Chan, Ryan McLaughlin and Jonny Sabbath join R/GA
Chris Licht becomes VP of programming at CBS News
Chris Vivion becomes EP of video content at Food Network
Matt Frei becomes Washington correspondent at Channel 4 News
Matt Chaney becomes director at Second Street
Chris Columbus signs CBS development deal
Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger becomes aviation expert at CBS News
Carrie Underwood becomes 'American Idol's' top earner
Nielsen: Eckhart Tolle best-selling Oprah's Book Club author
Kate Gosselin ordered to pay marriage counselor $10,000
Actor Jeff Conaway in a coma

Monday, May 23, 2011

Overnights
ABC wins Sunday with Billboard special
Awards show averages 2.9 in 18-49s, lifting network to a 2.6 for the night, 18 percent ahead of No. 2 Fox. 'Family Guy' pulls a 3.0.

Television
Oprah's splashy final days: A rundown
All-star tribute today and tomorrow, followed by a hush-hush series ender Wednesday that could draw upwards of 25 million

Television
Gaga for Gaga: 'SNL' season finale spikes
Best in seven years as Lady Gaga performs, averaging a 7.0 metered-market household rating. Her new album drops today.

Here & there
Radio ad $ up for fifth straight quarter
Other shorts: Big stink over '60 Minutes' Armstrong story - Friday overnights: 'Kitchen' heats up Fox - Saturday overnights: MLB scores for Fox - Vme upfront

TV Reviews
'4th & Forever,' Friday night lights, for real
Current series documents the real-life travails of a famed high school football team, on and off the field, and it does it well

TV This Week
'Dancing' finale: A more level dance floor
This season's contestants are more evenly matched, with no polarizing figure, so ratings may be down. Fast money's on Hines.

This week in out of home
Your client's message at a July 4 bash
Americans turn out by the millions to celebrate Independence Day, which it makes an ideal time for advertisers to reach out

What's new in alternative media
In Hollywood, one spectacular movie
Big sell: A city once known as Altoona
Here's a throne for the rest of us
Radiators heat up the great outdoors

People
Tal Rabinowitz heading up NBC comedy
Hmm: Ashton Kutcher has a one-year deal for 'Men'
Hank Kosinski becomes ECD at Gardner Nelson + Partners
Bob Sundheim becomes VP of new business at Mercury Media
Romesh Ratnesar becomes deputy editor at Bloomberg Businessweek
Simon Schama joins Newsweek/Daily Beast
Mike McPhate becomes a web producer at the NY Times
Daniel Finnegan rises to editor at the Richmond Times-Dispatch
Ricky Gervais on 'The Office's' jump-the-shark moment
Arnold Schwarzenegger's animated series on hold
Tom Philpott becomes food writer and blogger at Mother Jones
Cary Barbor becomes associate producer at Martha Stewart Living Radio
Rod Hallett joins Fox's 'Terra Nova'

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Overnights
ABC cha-chas to a win with 'Dancing'
Network averages a 3.4 in 18-49s, with part one of the season finale of the hit dance show drawing a 4.6, off 6 percent from last fall

Television
Expect a stronger upfront for networks
Analysts predict pricing increases will top last year, with CBS leading at 10 percent to 11 percent and Fox not far behind

Here & there
TNT game nears another NBA record
Other shorts: Media mobilize to cover Joplin - Oprah's Book Club may revive on OWN - Gaga mania slows Amazon - Showtime axes 'Tara'

Media economy
A healthy first quarter for out of home
Ad spending rises 4.2 percent, to nearly $1.4 billion, boosted in part by the increasing spread of digital billboards across the U.S.

Television
Weighing in on ABC's fall schedule
The No. 3 network is adding seven new shows but will they cure what ails? Talking with Compass Point Media's Harvin Furman.

TV Reviews
'Single Ladies,' and pretty confused, too
Blame falls squarely on the creators of this VH1 soap, who haven't worked out where it ought to go and how to get it there

TV This Week
Lauren Alaina takes her best shot
She could be the first woman to win on 'American Idol' in four years as the hit Fox reality series heads into its two-part finale

People
Wonya Lucas taking over at TV One
Ogilvy chief digital creative officer Lars Bastholm exits
Lisa Fabiano becomes GM at HNW
Rick Alessandri becomes SVP of business development at Univision
Cindy Freed becomes VP of sales marketing at ESPN
Frank Bruni becomes op-ed columnist at the NY Times
Sean Murphy becomes director of content at Amex Publishing
David Rone becomes president at TWC Sports
Carlos Sousa becomes integrated marketing director at Here Media
Jason Yasment becomes West Coast sales director at Departures
Michael Steele becomes political analyst at MSNBC
Chris Hardwick hosting BBC America's 'Ministry of Laughs' block
David Schwimmer and wife welcome their first child

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Overnights
Fox wins on a strong night for broadcast
Averages a 5.4 in 18-49s for 'American Idol' and 'Glee.' ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars' finale pulls a 4.5. NBC's 'Voice' draws a 3.8.

Broadcast recap
Case closed: Fox wins season in 18-49s
Which comes as little surprise with 'Idol' holding up as well as it did. CBS wins in total viewers by an equally wide margin. (charts)

Television
Nancy Grace is quitting 'Swift Justice'
HLN star exits the top new syndicated show after its first season as it moves from Atlanta to LA. Jackie Glass takes her place.

Here & there
Fox wins May sweeps and ABC is second
Other shorts: Christopher Meloni leaving 'SVU' - 'Idol' drama: Alaina loses voice - Amazon adds ads to 3G Kindle - Programming notes - Preakness ratings rise
 
Cable recap
'Housewives' done right, Jersey style
And done right means doing well in the ratings, its season debut the highest-rated in Bravo's history. The rough stuff helps. (charts)

TV Reviews
'Platinum Hit,' more like a leaden miss
In this new Bravo series, the contestants are songwriters, a clever concept, but the staged bickering takes all the fun out of it

TV This Week
For 'Oprah,' more than just a finale
On this last day the world seems to have turned its attention to Winfrey's exit from daytime TV. Expect 20 million to tune in.

People
Anna Kournikova joins 'Biggest Loser'
Kathy Fieweger rises to GM at MWW Group Chicago
Concetta Lombardi becomes local broadcast director at Eden Road
Clyde McKendrick becomes executive strategy director at WDCW
Rob Bajohr and Neal Desai join goodness Mfg
Sunil Chadda becomes CFO at Oxygen Media
Three rise to market managers at Clear Channel Radio
Edward James Olmos joins Showtime's 'Dexter'
Jane Lynch in talks to host the Emmys
Hines Ward wins ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars'
Actress Phyllis Avery dies at age 88
Laurel Gilbert becomes VP of service provider solutions at BlackArrow
Elliott Garstin becomes production manager at Hooks Unlimited

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Overnights
Sockeroo finale for Fox's 'American Idol'
Averages 28.2 million total viewers, up 17 percent over last year, and an 8.9 in 18-49s, up 9 percent, as McCreery sings his way to a win

Here & there
Oprah signs off with a simple thanks
Other shorts: 'X Factor' boots Cheryl Cole - MSLO on the block - MyNetworkTV upfront - 'American Idol' crowns winner - MSNBC suspends Schultz

Television
Assessing the networks' fall schedules
Comedies are big, and there are two period dramas. But which shows look promising? Talking with Magna Global's Lisa Quan.

Alternative media
Eye-catching stunt in the upfront bustle
The ION network creates a mobile New York-style newsstand that makes the rounds to the big media agencies. Coffee, anyone?

TV Reviews
'Million Dollar Decorators,' ugh
The work these decorators do on this new Bravo show may be attractive, but they're dreadful boors and annoying to watch

Ask a Media Life expert
How do you track who sees your ad?
In this age of sharing, stories can be reposted endlessly. How do you know you are getting the audience you targeted? Hear what our experts say.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Thursday: MTV's Lady Gaga special; Friday: Paris Hilton on NBC's 'Tonight;' Saturday: MLB on Fox; Sunday: Indy 500 on ABC

People
CNBC anchor Mark Haines dies
Peter Moore Smith becomes ECD at Saatchi & Saatchi NY
Alex Lyman becomes VP and CD at Publicis Modem San Francisco
The word: Suzanne Kolb rising to president at E!
Bill Crandall becomes head of digital content at Wenner Media
Jeff Gunderman rises to SVP and GM at EYE Shop USA
Tishan Cowan rises to SVP of new business at Telepictures Productions
Linda Giambrone becomes head of production at Reveille
Saffron Burrows exits 'Bones' spinoff 'The Finder'
Tom Brokaw hosting FSN's 'The Boys in the Hall'
ABC News unseals Jacqueline Kennedy recordings
Idris Elba hosting BBC America's 'Dramaville' block
Frances Conroy and Alexandra Breckenridge star in FX pilot

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Overnights
Solid debut for 'Makeover: Weight Loss'
New ABC reality show averages a 2.3 in 18-49s, becoming the night's No. 1 show and network's best summer debut in two years

Television
Upfront TV market breaks, led by Fox
No. 1 18-49 network sees CPM hikes in low double digits, topping what analysts expected and raising prospects for other networks

Sports TV
In this heat, all eyes are on Miami Heat
TNT has seen record ratings for the NBA this season, and the finals could set another one, if Miami and Dallas are close

Here & there
Oprah finale posts 17-year ratings high
Other shorts: 'SYTYCD' cha-chas to Thursday night win - PBS eyes traditional commercial breaks - WikiLeaks doc sparks hacker protest

TV Reviews
'Franklin & Bash,' in spite of itself
New TNT series, about young-buck lawyers, suffers from multiple failings but succeeds anyhow on the power of its talented cast

TV This Week
With 'Talent's' return, one killer Tuesday
NBC morphs into the summer's hot network with 'America's Got Talent,' which debuts with a two-hour show, paired with 'Voice'

This week in out of home
Your client's digital ad on transit systems
Commuters are always a desirable target for advertisers, and new digital options are offering smarter ways to reach them

What's new in alternative media
Eye-catching stunt in the upfront bustle
A healthy first quarter for out of home
In Hollywood, one spectacular movie
Big sell: A city once known as Altoona

People
Snooki crashes into Italian cop car
NBC Sports president Ken Schanzer exits
Ryan Sharkey rises to SVP of program acquisitions at USA
Univision local media president Peter Walker exits
Jared Sandberg becomes editor at Bloomberg.com
David A. MacDonald becomes CTO at Summit Business Media
Shawn Nicholson rises to sales director at Inspiration Networks
Jennifer Donnelly and Mandy Couch rise at Coleman Insights
'The Talk' executive producer Susan Winston exits
Actor Jeff Conaway dies at age 60
Journal Broadcast Group VP Tom Land dies at age 51
Paget Brewster returning to CBS's 'Criminal Minds'
'Deadliest Catch's' Clarence 'Ole' Helgevold Jr. pleads guilty in crash suit

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Overnights
NBC's 'Talent' debut sets a viewer record
Averages 15 million, up 21 percent over last year's opener, with a 4.2 in 18-49s. 'Voice' swells to a 4.9, up 29 percent over last week.

Television
'The Voice' lands post-Super Bowl spot
The NBC reality series, the top new show of the season, will air behind February's big game, assuming the NFL lockout ends

Here & there
Hearst completes Lagardere-HFM deal
Other shorts: 'Idol' finishes with season's top finale - Programming notes - Telemundo's 'Sur' smashes records - Study: Spending up for Father's Day

Alternative media
A loop-the-loop for the kid inside us all
There it is, huge and high on a bridge as you drive underneath, a reminder of the fun of childhood. Client: Hot Wheels.

Research
Behind real estate ad spending's return
Though the market's still down, agents are advertising again, but now most of it's online. Speaking with Borrell's Gordon Borrell.

TV Reviews
'The First 48: Missing Persons,' missing
A&E spinoff ably portrays the search for people reported missing, and that's interesting, but the outcomes are anticlimactic

Research
TV apps are hot, but ad boom is a ways off
A number of issues must first be resolved, from measurement to tracking. And there's the question of how effective the ads are.

TV This Week
For the NHL finals, a not so lucky break
Some games will be played in Vancouver, where Nielsen doesn't track viewing, so Canadian viewers will not be counted in ratings

People
Sam Waterston joins HBO pilot
James Kaminsky becomes editor at Mental Floss
Nils Larsen becomes broadcasting division CEO at Tribune Co.
Andrew Mullen becomes VP of sales at Cymfony
David Sarosi becomes EP of 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann'
Scott Schiller rises to EVP of digital media sales at NBCU
Bill Hoffman rises to EVP at Cox Media Group
Matthew Singerman becomes SVP of programming at ReelzChannel
Liz Sidoti rises to political editor at the Associated Press
Kim Rozenfeld becomes EVP of current programming at Sony TV
Benjamin Bell becomes social media coordinator at Newsday
Eliza Dushku guesting on USA's 'White Collar'
Jane Espenson and Liz Tigelaar join ABC's 'Once Upon a Time'

Thursday, June 02, 2011

Overnights
Fox cha-chas to a win with 'Dance'
Averages a 3.0 in 18-49s, 67 percent ahead of No. 2 NBC with a 1.8, while ABC finishes third airing reruns with a 1.7

Newspapers
Newspaper ad revenue plunges again
Print dips 9.5 percent in first quarter to its lowest level in 28 years, marking the 20th straight quarter of declines. But online grows.

Television
Armstrong to CBS: Apologize right now
Cyclist demands '60 Minutes' admit error in a report accusing him of doping. CBS responds: We stand by our story. Lawsuit looms.

Here & there
ABC and the CW begin upfront deals
Other shorts: Strong start for NBA finals on ABC - Hearst chops some top HFM employees - Study: Twitter more popular among minorities

Cable recap
With LeBron on stage, new cable records
TNT enjoys the best month in cable history, averaging 3.6 million total viewers, in Miami Heat's run-up to the finals (charts)

Broadcast recap
Another down year in 18-49 viewers
Big Four see an 8 percent drop in key audience, with Fox down 5 percent, CBS 9 percent, ABC 7 percent, NBC 15 percent (charts)

TV Reviews
'Teen Wolf,' limp chills on the cheap
MTV scare-em series looks to be done on a high-schooler's allowance, and it suffers accordingly, never really coming together

TV This Week
The mysterious case of 'Love Bites'
NBC romantic comedy is finally being burned off after numerous delays and setbacks, which caused many to puzzle over its fate

People
Ex-Google chief Schmidt: 'I screwed up'
Ex-NPR chief Vivian Schiller may jump to NBC News
Michael Daniel and Long Tran join The Visionaire Group
Beth Roberts rises to COO at Universal Cable Productions
Rome Hartman becomes EP for Brian Williams news show
David Hamilton rises to senior executive director at Details
Chris Farley becomes blogs editorial director at Wall Street Journal
Lee Cordobes becomes integrated director at Cooking Light
Cheryl Cole out at British 'X Factor' too
Cincinnati radio personality Eric Deters fired over racist video
'Cosby Show' actress Clarice Taylor dies at age 93
Josh Lucas eyeing role in NBC's 'The Firm'
Actor Matthew 'Mdot' Finley recovering from motorcycle accident

Friday, June 03, 2011

 Overnights
Strong game two for NBA finals
Averages a 10.5 metered-market household rating, down from last year but still second-highest rated in the past seven years

Sports TV
NHL scores best game one in 12 years
Canucks and Bruins average a 3.2 household rating on NBC, up 14 percent from last year and best opener since 1999 on Fox

Television
Fox wraps up upfront with solid CPM hikes
Fetches 10 percent to 11 percent increases over last year, lower than expected, making it tough for CBS and ABC to ask for more

Newspapers
Bill Keller steps down as NY Times editor
Jill Abramson becomes the first woman executive editor in the paper's 160 years. Dean Baquet rises to No. 2. Keller returns to writing.

Here & there
'Nightline' takes late-night sweeps crown
Other shorts: Moonves: Retooled 'Men' will debut huge - Programming notes: 'Fear Factor' is back! - Tenn. bill bans Netflix password sharing

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I really screwed something up
Now her boss has to step in and patch things up with the client. She worries she may have done major damage to their relationship.

TV Reviews
'So Random!,' so meta, and lame too
Disney Channel sketch comedy is an extended inside joke, playing off an earlier show, but the jokes run from silly to pointless

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Cubs and Cardinals on WGN; Saturday: NHL finals on NBC; Sunday: 'Next Food Network Star' premiere

People
Glenn Beck sets his exit date
Tej Desai becomes group business director at Initiative
Andreas Dahlqvist becomes ECD at McCann NY
John M. Thomas rises to associate digital media director at Media Storm
Mark Moll becomes ECD at R/GA
Dave Evans becomes head of company strategy at Hook
Jay Bockhaus and Jared DiPalma rise at NBCUniversal
It's official: Vivian Schiller joins NBC News
Patricia Kelly rises at Detroit Media Partnership
Steve Clemons becomes Washington editor at large at The Atlantic
Josh Quittner becomes editorial director at Flipboard
Beth-Ann Eason joins Conde Nast as GM of digital food properties
Martha Stewart and Fran Brescia-Coniglio producing 'Emeril's Table'

Monday, June 06, 2011

Overnights
ABC scores again with NBA finals
Game 3 averages an 11.1 metered-market household rating, second-best in the past seven years behind last year's 11.5

Television
The network that has the edge this fall: Fox
Eases past CBS as the network most likely to win in 18-49s, in the view of media planners and buyers. Fall's top show: 'X-Factor.

Television
Done deal: Katie Couric going to ABC
Ex-CBS nightly news anchor will host a syndicated show that begins airing next summer and will report for ABC News programs

Here & there
CBS earns early CPM bump of 14 percent
Other shorts: 'X Factor' quandary: Will Cole stay or go? - 'Jersey Shore' slates Aug. 4 return - 'Kimmel' posts best May - Critics' Choice TV Awards nods

Ask a Media Life expert
Fact is, there's less reality on broadcast
Genre now accounts for 20 percent of primetime programming, down from 2006-2007, in answer to a reader's question

TV Reviews
'Switched at Birth,' better than you'd think
Contrary to what its title suggests, this ABC Family series is a solid, well-written and acted drama fit for adults as well as teens

TV This Week
Fox's everywhere man: Gordon Ramsay
'MasterChef' returns, and it's the third show the foul-mouthed British chef has on the network, but this time it airs on its own

This week in out of home
Your client spends a day at the zoo
Our nation's zoos attract the nicest sort of people, and sponsoring events and exhibits is a good way to connect with them

What's new in alternative media
A loop-the-loop for the kid inside us all
Eye-catching stunt in the upfront bustle
A healthy first quarter for out of home
In Hollywood, one spectacular movie

People
Actor James Arness dies at age 88
Henry Dosch becomes CFO of Cheil North American Holdings
Claudia Strauss becomes CEO at Alliance
Brian Dunaway and Dustin Taylor join Moroch
Paul Wang becomes ACD at ATTIK
Robert Ellis rises to senior director of sales at Music Choice
Pamela Silva Conde becomes co-anchor on Univision's 'Primer Impacto'
Bill Tucker becomes EP at 'The Lou Dobbs Show'
Karen Travers becomes political writer at ABC's NewsOne
Ben Bailey hosting NBC's 'Who's Still Standing?'
'16 and Pregnant' mom April Michelle Purvis facing drug charges
'Ice Road Truckers' star Gregory Boadwine arrested
Trace Adkins loses home in fire

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Overnights
ABC does it again on Monday night
Averages a 2.4 in 18-49s, with 'Bachelorette' the night's top show with a 2.6, up 18 percent over last week. 'Weight Loss' is No. 2.

Television
Upfront: NBC nabbing 9 percent hikes
No. 4 network trails other networks in CPM increases with half its deals done, leaving only CBS to wrap up broadcast negotiations

Sports TV
Down to the wire on Olympic rights
IOC may well choose NBC again to air the 2014 and 2016 Games, but it's no sure bet. Fox and ABC/ESPN are making strong cases.

Here & there
Pelley's first night at 'Evening News:' Ho-hum
Other shorts: Glenn Back's new venture: $5 a month - Apple bows iCloud - Chinese teen gives kidney for an iPad - Why Cole got bumped from 'X Factor'

Alternative media
The ultimate photo op: Johnny Depp
Shoppers pose and their images appear on a giant screen in a storefront window, along with the actor's character in 'Rango'

Television
What's behind CBS's strength this fall
The network gets top marks for the stability of its primetime schedule and its audience. Talking with TargetCast's Gary Carr.

TV Reviews
'The Protector,' case of mistaken identity
Lifetime cop series attempts to mix crime-solving with lighter moments, which takes some skill, but here it doesn't work

TV This Week
Meeting the cast of 'Modern Family'
The actors on the top-rated ABC sitcom appear on Bravo's 'Inside the Actors Studio' to chat about themselves and their careers

People
Anthony Weiner: Yes, I tweeted dirty pic
Jacqueline Fernandez becomes entertainment director at Newcast
Jennifer Barron becomes senior partner at Prophet
Evan Harrison becomes CCO at Van Wagner
Rob Eiseman becomes communications director at Blue Chip Marketing
Three rise at Hearst Magazines
Valari Dobson Staab becomes president at NBC Local Media
Sonya McNair rises to SVP of communications at CBS News
Leigh Collier becomes VP of programming at CBS TV Distribution
Nilou Motamed rises to features director at Travel + Leisure
Ronnie Weil becomes director of photography at Travelzoo.com
Marv Albert becomes NFL announcer at CBS Sports
Time deputy editor Michael Elliott joins Bono's charity

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Overnights
NBC talent shows still strong in week two
Network averages a 4.2 in 18-49s, down slightly from last week but 'Voice' and 'Talent' still finish as night's top non-sports shows

Cable
Summer's first new hit: 'Switched at Birth'
ABC Family drama posts network's best-ever debut among total viewers and other demos, with a slew of cable debuts yet to come

Sports TV
NBC wins rights to '14 to '20 Olympics
Longtime carrier beats out bids from Fox and ABC/ESPN, basing much of its argument on its many years of experience airing the Games

Here & there
CW wraps upfront with healthy increases
Other shorts: Olbermann on firing: I was Zuckered - Time Inc. pursues OK! - Woods sitting out U.S. Open - TLC re-ups 'Couponing'

Broadcast recap
With NBA bounce, ABC jumps to No. 1
Averages a 2.9 in 18-49s for the first week of summer, well ahead of No. 2 NBC, lifted by close Heat-Mavericks finals (charts)

Cable recap
'MTV Movie Awards': Down and dirty
Special is as raunchy as ever, if not more so (F bombs and groping) but ratings slip for a second year, to 4.5 million (charts)

TV Reviews
'Finding Sarah,' and a fun search it is
OWN six-parter on Sarah Ferguson's efforts to get her life together, yet once again, takes us down a familiar self-help road

TV This Week
Now it's Meredith's turn to say good-bye
Vieira is signing off as host of NBC's 'Today' in the latest of a series of changes in TV news. How much might it affect ratings?

People
Laurence Fishburne leaves 'CSI'
Peter Albrycht becomes interactive director at Carmichael Lynch
Lou Rubin becomes CMO at CoreBrand
Richard Cran becomes director of account services at goodness Mfg.
Anthony Nelson becomes head of integrated production Draftfcb NY
NAA president and CEO John Sturm stepping down
Kendra Cleary and Corry Hart join and Laura Diefenbach rises at ION
Susie Ellwood becomes VP and GM at USA Today
Joyce Jenereaux rises to president at Detroit Media Partnership
Lee Davis becomes EVP of sales at Univision Radio
Roma Khanna becomes TV group president at MGM
Kevin Gannon and Matthew Jamison join TidalTV
Matthew Cooper becomes editor at National Journal Daily

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Overnights
NBC's 'Talent' tops Wednesday night
Averages a 3.6 in 18-49s for a two-hour episode, best non-finale show on a Wednesday since 2006. Fox and NBC tie for first.

Sports TV
NBA on pace for best finals since 2004
Heat-Mavericks averaging 15.54 million total viewers through four games on ABC, just outpacing last year's Celtics-Lakers series

Television
'Oprah' finale draws 16.4 million viewers
Series ender becomes Winfrey's most-watched show in 18 years, following celeb-filled tribute episodes, which draw 13.9 million

Here & there
Forecast: Online $ will jump 20 percent
Other shorts: Analyst: Whew, last season stunk - Study: Local reporting is suffering - UFC eyeing stake in G4 - Minority kids consume more media

Television
Why Fox is looking so strong this fall
The new Simon Cowell show 'The X-Factor' is part of it, but there's more to the story. Talking with TV maven Shari Anne Brill.

Alternative media
Day at the beach: Call it a mini-vacation
Here's your display of a family having fun, and it's indeed a display. They're doll-house figures. Client: Airline selling vacation deals.

TV Reviews
'The Glee Project,' right number for some
Oxygen reality series based on the scripted Fox hit is clearly aimed at 'American Idol' fans, and it will connect with them

TV This Week
Copa Oro: Pot of gold for Univision
Opener between Mexico and El Salvador draws 2.8 million, behind only ABC's NBA finals, pretty sweet for a non-World Cup match

People
ABC lands first Jaycee Dugard interview
Doug Ray rises to president at Carat USA
Elizabeth Little rises to digital associate media director at Media Storm
Andrea Shochet becomes VP of business development at USA
Gaye Hirsch and Joanna Klein rise to drama development heads at CW
Lisa Morin becomes executive producer at 'Anderson'
Heather Jones becomes infographic designer at Time
Leslie Wood becomes chief research officer at Nielsen Catalina Solutions
Brendan Cummings becomes research editor at Elle
Michelle Obama guesting on Nickelodeon's 'iCarly'
Meredith Vieira to viewers: 'I will never leave you'
News of the World apologizes to actress Sienna Miller
Scott Epstein becomes CMO at Tout

Friday, June 10, 2011

Overnights
Big bounce for NBA finals on ABC
Mavericks' win over Heat averages a 6.3 in 18-49s, up 17 percent from last year's game and giving the network a win for the night  


Cable
Out with a whimper: MTV axes 'Skins'
Cancels show at season's end over low ratings, months after public flareup and ad pullout over teen show's spicy content

Television
Upfront done, networks top expectations
Big Five see CPM gains of 9 percent to 14 percent, over what many analysts had forecast, lifted by strong advertiser demand

Here & there
Apple backs off on iTunes app demands
Other shorts: HuffPost passes NYT in unique visitors - Programming notes: NBC slates 'Benefits' debut - Here it is, the latest Facebook controversy

Alternative media
Going Gaga: Flash mob of look-alikes
Crew of 10 show up to vamp before a Lady Gaga concert, posing with fans and giving out shirts. Client: NY Institute of Technology.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I have a crush on my boss
She thinks he's interested in her and wonders whether she should bare her heart to him--or just keep her mouth shut. Rachel opines.

TV Reviews
'Kickin' It,' and ideally out of sight
New Disney XD tween show aimed boys intends to be funny but the jokes are obvious and the overall quality of the series is poor

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Spike's 'Guys Choice Awards;' Saturday: Belmont Stakes on NBC; Sunday: Tony Awards on CBS

People
Danny Glover joins Fox's 'Touch'
Dick Porter becomes EVP and president of media sales at Meredith
Paul Cohen becomes head of art at DDB Chicago
Tim McCord and Matt Rand becomes VPs at Cramer-Krasselt
Mary Zalla rises to president at Landor Associates
Stacy Kreisberg becomes SVP of business affairs at WE tv
JoAnn Alfano becomes president of TV at Brillstein Entertainment
Eba Hamid becomes night web producer at The New York Times
Jocelyn R. Taylor becomes publisher at VIVmag
Al Angrisani becomes interim CEO at Harris Interactive
News Corp. general counsel Lawrence 'Lon' Jacobs exiting
William Shatner guesting on USA's 'Psych'
Mark Pellegrino joins TNT's 'The Closer'

Monday, June 13, 2011

Overnights
Tonys get a bump from 'Book of Mormon'
CBS Broadway special averages a 1.2 in 18-49s, up 9 percent over last year, as play by 'South Park' creators takes home nine awards

Media economy
Healthy gains in first-quarter ad spending
Nielsen: Television is up 9 percent, to $18.77 billion, while long-suffering magazines gain 7 percent and radio is up 6 percent

Sports TV
Big ratings bump for Belmont Stakes
NBC averages a 4.8 household rating, up 55 percent over last year, for the final leg of the Triple Crown in strong month for sports

Here & there
Broadcast upfront nets $9.03 billion
Other shorts: Cable upfront off to a strong start - Kantar: Ad spending bumps up 4.4 percent - Study: One-third are skipping vacation this year

TV Reviews
'The Nine Lives of Chloe King,' sweet
This new ABC Family supernatural series has its various flaws, but its premise is original and overall it's smartly done

Radio
Handy advice when disaster strikes
What media people can expect when markets are disrupted by tornadoes, floods and other ills, in this disaster-prone spring

TV This Week
Showdown on the ice: Canucks' big shot
Vancouver goes into game six of the Stanley Cup finals with a chance to wrap it up, for Canada's first win in nearly two decades

This week in out of home
Your client at the Copa America
Here's a smart way to reach largely male Hispanic soccer fans in the U.S., sponsoring South America's quadrennial soccer tournament

What's new in alternative media
Day at a beach: Call it a mini-vacation
Going Gaga: Flash mob of look-alikes
The ultimate photo op: Johnny Depp
A loop-the-loop for the kid inside us all

People
Tracy Morgan apologizes for homophobic comments
Ed Kelley becomes editor at the Washington Times
Jack Olson becomes VP of business development at Viamedia
Emily McLintock becomes integrated marketing director at Bauer Media
Peter Cherukuri rises to politics GM at the Huffington Post
Lisa Clark rises to SVP of marketing at National Geographic Networks
Dan Lagani becomes North America president at Reader's Digest
Brooke Brower becomes senior producer at 'The Daily Rundown'
Chris Frates becomes lobbying correspondent at National Journal
Justin Breton becomes integrated marketing beauty manager at Elle
Ad man Leo Greenland dies at age 91
Family Radio president Harold Camping suffers stroke
Ice-T signs new deal with 'Law & Order: SVU'


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Overnights
ABC extends its streak of Monday wins
Averages a 2.2 in 18-49s, off 12 percent from last week but good enough for a 10th straight Monday victory. 'Bachelorette' is No. 1.

Television
Utah station nixes NBC's 'Playboy Club'
Mormon-owned affiliate refuses to air the show, set in the 60s in Chicago, based on the Playboy brand, which it calls pornographic

Sports TV
Winning numbers for final NBA game
Mavericks victory over Heat on ABC pulls a 15.0 household rating and 23.5 million viewers, most-watched game six in 13 years

Television
'Idol' factor: Big DVR lift for rival shows
'Modern Family' and 'Big Bang' among most DVRed shows this past season, thanks to timeslots opposite the Fox reality series

Media economy
A stronger ad economy than you'd think
There are signs of a slowing in spending in second quarter, but things are still quite robust. Speaking with Kantar's Jon Swallen.

Here & there
Pelley's first-week ratings: Nothing special
Other shorts: 6 million drop Facebook in U.S. - Kindle eyes streaming video - Oops! Herald ad congratulates Heat on win - AMC renews 'Killing'

TV Reviews
'Jon Benjamin Has a Van,' laugh out loud
Sketches in this Comedy Central series wander in all directions, many of them absurd, but tie back together in ways that are funny

TV This Week
For 'Memphis Beat,' a most warm welcome
TNT copper with a blues twist returns for season two following the network's best May ever--and tons of promotion for the show

People
Jessica Simpson joins 'Fashion Star'
Julia Jones becomes managing partner at MEC North America
Anna O'Brien becomes director of social media at Greenlight
Andrew Gorenstein becomes chief advertising officer at Gawker
Betty Ellen Berlamino becomes sales director at CBS TV Stations
Lynn Heatherton and Jean de Boisdeffre join Hearst Magazines
Jennifer Rooney becomes editor at Forbes CMO Network
Ellana Lee rises to VP of Asia at CNN International Asia Pacific
Wilson Surratt becomes EP of CNN's Erin Burnett program
Alison Caporimo becomes associate editor at Every Day
Rocco DiSpirito starring in Bravos 'Rocco's Dinner Party'
Judge throws out lawsuit against Kardashian sisters
Chicago family sues 'Real Housewives of N.J.' cast members

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Overnights
NBC wallops with 'Voice' and 'Talent'
Averages a 4.1 in 18-49s, more than double No. 2 Fox, with 'Voice' leading the night with a 4.5. 'Talent' averages a 3.3.

Magazines
Shocker: Playboy's Hef gets the heave-ho
Bride-to-be takes a hike days before Saturday wedding, set to be filmed for TV, amid rumors of infidelity (she's 25, he's 85)

Here & there
Charlie Sheen may be back on TV soon
Other shorts: Weinergate smaller than past scandals - Study: CEOs think poorly of marketers - Most would consider dropping pay TV - 'Tosh.0' renewed

Broadcast recap
Mavs' win is a huge win for ABC
NBA finals deliver the network's best week in a decade, an average 9.2 million viewers, putting it well ahead (charts)

Cable recap
Killing time on HBO's 'Game of Thrones'
Many viewers are in a snit over the death of Eddard Stark, the first-year drama's main character, but ratings were up (charts)

TV Reviews
'Happily Divorced,' time to move on
TV Land comedy has some sharp writing but suffers from a one-joke premise, and that joke's going run out of laughs in short order

TV This Week
For the compulsive shopper in us all
And the weirdness too we have 'Extreme Couponing,' which goes into its first-season finale one of TLC's top shows. Such a deal.

People
Jennifer Lopez mulling 'Idol' return
Audrey Melofchik becomes SVP of engagement management at Organic
Richard Lawrence becomes head of marketing analytics at Mindshare
Richard Hartell becomes EVP of human experience at MediaVest
Dave Watt becomes VP of sales at Time Inc. Branded Solutions
Michael Hogan becomes executive features editor at Huffington Post
Andrew P. Hines becomes EVP and CFO at RHI Entertainment
Nate Stamos becomes associate publisher at This Old House
Paul Reaney becomes VP of development at ITV Studios America
Rich Rodriguez joins CBS Sports Network
Rob Lowe starring in Lifetime's 'Drew Peterson Story'
Tracy Morgan to apologize in person in Nashville
Chimp victim Charla Nash appearing in NBC documentary

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Overnights
NBC scores big with NHL game seven
Stanley Cup closer averages a 5.7 in households, tying 2003 for best game seven ever and giving the network an easy win


Research
Study: Netflix is a growing threat to TV
Nearly a third of streamers likely to cut back on pay TV, double the number a year ago, and more are likely to cut the cord entirely

Sports TV
Deal may be in the works in NFL lockout
The players have resumed talks with owners, and an agreement could be reached in a month in time for the regular season

Here & there
Hef puts 'Runaway Bride' on Playboy cover
Other shorts: Nielsen: Video consumption is up, up, up - Desmond: OK! is on the block - Time mugs for Call of Duty - Times slates review debut for June 26
Alternative media

An LA billboard that dances to life
At first glance, it appears to be a digital board, but as the dancers move to the beat, you realize it's a live show. They're real.

Ask a Media Life expert
Fact: TV CPMs have soared over the years
From $29.31 in 2000 to $49.66 now, well ahead of inflation, in answer to a reader's question to Media Life's Ask an Expert service

TV Reviews
'101 Ways to Leave a Game Show,' ouch
Some form of torture is the price losing contestants pay on this new ABC reality series, and viewers will surely feel their pain

TV This Week
Handicapping the U.S. Open without Tiger
Woods has long been a viewer magnet for PGA tourneys, but with him sitting this one out, ESPN and NBC can expect lower ratings

People
Sorry Charlie, no courtroom showdown for you
Valarie McCubbins becomes associate media director at Media Storm
Art Welch becomes CTO at MediaTrust
Renee Krug rises to EVP and CFO at Clear Channel Outdoor
Joe Lockhart becomes VP of corporate communications at Facebook
Timothy E. Stautberg rises to head of newspapers at E. W. Scripps Co.
Marc DeBevoise becomes entertainment GM at CBS Interactive
Vivek Sagi becomes CTO at newBrandAnalytics
Lucas Grindley becomes editor at Advocate.com
Randall Lewis and Steven Ward join nuvoTV
Patty Duke joins Lifetime's 'The Protector'
Melissa McCarthy and Joshua Jackson announcing Emmy nominations
Bethenny Frankel hosting syndicated talk show

Friday, June 17, 2011

 Overnights
Fox wins a slow Thursday with 'Dance'
Averages a 1.6 in 18-49s with the reality show the night's top show with a 2.1, off 16 percent from last week. ABC places second.

Magazines
Meredith shuts the door on ReadyMade
Struggling housing market takes another shelter magazine, this a smart title founded a decade ago for a younger, hip readership

Here & there
Vieira's final 'Today' draws 6.1 million
Other shorts: Up next for Oprah: Wooing O.J. - Stanley Cup finals down slightly - A Martha Stewart comic book - Pew: More female social networkers

Television
Road back for NBC looks to be a long one
It has a new parent in Comcast, and it's talking up its schedule, but there's little real change. Talking with MARC USA's Dan Albert.

Alternative media
Slap on the back, and a smart message
How do you make a splash at a trade fair on the cheap, without a booth? Stick product brochures on people's backs as they enter.

TV Reviews
'Combat Hospital,' too far from the war
ABC series follows the usual script for hospital dramas such that it could be set anywhere. It just happens to be in Afghanistan.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, my job just got changed on me
The writer is trying to figure out whether it was a demotion or a sideways move or a promotion. Rachel sheds light on the matter

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: U.S. Open on ESPN; Saturday: 'America's Most Wanted' series finale on Fox; Sunday: Daytime Emmys on CBS

People
Norah O'Donnell moves to CBS
Andrew Morse becomes head of U.S. TV at Bloomberg
Four join Miami agency La Comunidad
Philip Matthys rises to SVP of business affairs at NBCU Cable
Stephen Wong becomes VP of audience strategy at Fox
Nic Harcourt becomes music supervisor at MTV
Steve Peoples becomes Northeast regional political reporter at the AP
Kristen O'Gorman Klein becomes web editor at Bridal Guide
Rita Wilson becomes editor of Huff/Post 40
Derek Thompson rises to business editor at TheAtlantic.com
TV producer Bob Banner dies at 89
Laura Prepon and Naomi Judd starring in Lifetime's 'The Killing Game'
Darren Aronofsky directing HBO pilot

Monday, June 20, 2011

Overnights
Big bump for NBC's Miss USA pageant
Averages a 2.2 in 18-49s, up 57 percent over last year with a better timeslot, best in six years for the Donald Trump special

Cable
For Keith Olbermann, starting out fresh
Ex-MSNBC chat star debuts on Al Gore's Current network, and the outlook is for a big kick up in ratings. It's probably a better fit.

Television
At the Daytime Emmys, saying good-bye
CBS's 'Bold and the Beautiful' wins four awards, but the real focus of the night was on the dwindling number of soaps. Winners list.

Here & there
'America's Most Wanted' signs off
Other shorts: Seacrest leads Regis replacement list - 'Chappelle Show' comeback a no-go - Redbox adds video games - NBC sorry for God blunder

TV Reviews
'Suits,' ill-fitting and in need of a tailor
USA series feels stitched together on the fly, suffering from choppy editing, confused storylines and poorly defined characters

Radio
Helping radio do a better job selling
Stations' sales teams are under huge pressures but too often they fail to connect with their clients. Talking with the RAB's Sheila Kirby.

TV This Week
At Wimbledon, the Williams sisters, again
Despite injuries, Serena and Venus are in contention, and ESPN and NBC have much to gain if either or both get to the finals

This week in out of home
Your client on the morning TV shows
Street teams clamor outside the New York studios of 'Today,' 'GMA' and 'The Early Show,' with the aim of getting on the air

What's new in alternative media
An LA billboard that dances to life
Slap on the back, and a message
Day at a beach: Call it a mini-vacation
Going Gaga: Flash mob of look-alikes

People
Cheryl Cole eyes return to British TV
Dave Rosner rises to director of digital and innovations at Initiative
Natalie Lam becomes executive creative director at McCann NY
Anders Erlandsson and Kay Hook join R/GA Stockholm
Tom Evans becomes ECD at BEING
John Saade rises to EVP of alternative and late-night at ABC
Three join Navigate Boomer Media
Tennessean columnist Dwight Lewis retiring
Leora Arnowitz becomes social media coordinator at Newsday
David Shuster becomes guest host at Current TV's 'Countdown'
Neida Sandoval exits Univision's 'Despierta America'
Vanessa Minnillo joins ABC's 'Wipeout'
'Idol's' Kara DioGuardi starring in Broadway's 'Chicago'

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Overnights
ABC extends Monday streak to 11 weeks
Network averages a 2.2 in 18-49s, 29 percent ahead of No. 2 Fox, with 'Bachelorette' the night's top show with a 2.3 rating

Sports TV
Rory's sweep proves a letdown for NBC
Ratings off 26 percent for Sunday's final round of the U.S. Open, averaging a 5.1 household rating, as McIlroy finishes 16 under

Cable
Fans log on to mourn former 'Jackass' star
Tweet condolences after Ryan Dunn dies in a car crash as G4 pulls 'Proving Ground,' hosted by the comedian, from its schedule

Cable
Sockeroo debut for TNT's 'Falling Skies'
Spielberg sci-fi drama has most-watched cable premiere this year, drawing 5.9 million total viewers and 2.6 million 18-49s

Here & there
CW slates early rollout for fall schedule
Other shorts: Spin axes editor and publisher - Critics' Choice results - Comedy Central drops sports shows - City hall to Spanish paper: Stay out!

Television
CW: Skewing older under a new chief
This fall's new shows will target the high end of the 18-34 women's demo. Taking with Blitz Media's Tracie Chinetti.

TV Reviews
'Countdown With Keith Olbermann,' ugh
He's back, and the rants are what you'd expect, aimed at juicing up his left-leaning fans while inciting the ire of the right. Boring.

TV This Week
Betting on 'Wipeout's' staying power
ABC's top summer show returns just weeks after its winter run, and there's the worry that viewers will have tired of the show

People
Ed Henry joins Fox News
Tena Hermance becomes SVP and brand leader at Doner
Lyle Tick and Alan Snitow rise at Gotham
Kevin Van Lenten becomes VP of media at Clash Media
Shayne Forrester becomes business development VP at Mercury Media
Walter Mahoney becomes head of news and features at Tribune
Malachy G. Wienges becomes chairman of NATAS
Reva Stark becomes senior ad director at Here Media
Kevin Polowy, Breanne Heldman and Brooke Tarnoff join NextMovie
Miguel Helft becomes a senior writer at Fortune
Denis Leary developing USA comedy
Lucy Punch joins FX's 'Powers'
Five actors vying to replace 'Law & Order: SVU's' Chris Meloni

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Overnights
ABC's new lineup struggles against NBC
'Wipeout' has lowest-rated summer episode ever, a 1.7 in 18-49s. 'Combat Hospital' pulls a 1.2. NBC does a 3.9 with 'Talent' and 'Voice.'

New media
The word: Yahoo eyeing Hulu bid
Deal would give the portal a big presence in a hot area of the internet, but whether it would make sense for either is in doubt

Newspapers
Gannett cuts 700 jobs, citing weak sales
Cuts spread across newspapers around the country, representing 2 percent of workforce. Company blames auto and real estate woes.

Cable recap
Olbermann pulls off a solid first night
Current reports 'Countdown' averages 179,000 adults 25-54 in the 8 p.m. hour, beating CNN but behind MSNBC and Fox (charts)

Here & there
Police: Dunn was driving 130 mph
Other shorts: The Donald's worth to NBC: $65M per year - Programming notes - Controversy doesn't kill 'Thrones'' ratings - Grammys staying on CBS

Broadcast recap
Now it's NBC's turn to be No. 1
Shoots ahead of ABC with the end of NBA finals, lifted by 'Voice,' 'Talent' and hockey to average a 2.0 in adults 18-49 (charts)

TV Reviews
'Wilfred,' here's a dog with new tricks
FX comedy dares to rework the old talking dog bit, even running through the time-worn dog gags, and make it seem fresh again

TV This Week
On Reelz, nods to overlooked shows
This first 'Critics' Choice Television Awards' is gala of big-name stars hosting what amounts to an alternative Emmys night

People
Randy Michaels returns to radio
Jim DiPiazza becomes ECD at Swirl
Mark Oldham becomes marketing director at Push
Amy Jo Wayne becomes SVP of national sales at Adspace Networks
Liz Mahaffey rises to EVP of strategic insights at NBCU Cable
Chris Dinan becomes senior producer at ABC's 'World News'
Jean Dietz rises to EVP of affiliate relations at NBC
Amanda Katz rises to deputy editor at the Boston Globe
Mia Hamm joins espnW as soccer analyst
Jon Hamm signs three-year 'Mad Men' deal
Hef to ex Crystal: Keep the $90,000 engagement ring
Debra Rosenberg becomes digital news editor at NPR
Evan Klein becomes managing director at Berkery Noyes

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Overnights
NBC wins a slow Wednesday night
Averages a 3.3 in 18-49s on a night briefly interrupted by Obama speech carried by Big Four. Univision places second with a 2.6.

Sports TV
The word: An NFL-player deal is close
New collective bargaining agreement could be in place in two weeks, in time for preseason games heading into the fall

Here & there
Pottermore, where Harry finally goes digital
Other shorts: Lohan ducks Lauer interview for 'Today' - NBC: Trump's salary is not $160M - Hef wedding special still a go - Study: Tablet usage to double

Ask a Media Life expert
Yes, expect record 2012 political spending
That's the outlook from those who follow campaign spending, in answer to a question to Media Life's ask an expert feature

TV Reviews
'Expedition Impossible,' a total rip-off
Mark Burnett's a true innovator but his new series on ABC copies 'The Amazing Race' in its format and virtually everything else

Alternative media
Swallow this: Music right from the gut
Guy swallows a miniature stereo transmitter that broadcasts music from his stomach. Client: A home entertainment retailer.

TV This Week
For the NBA, a draft for a season in doubt
As with the NFL, owners and players are at odds over a new contract, and that casts a cloud over the annual talent auction

People
Randy Jackson eyes talk show
Former Post reporter Jose Antonio Vargas: I'm an illegal immigrant
Richard Gingras becomes head of news at Google
Beth Coleman rises to SVP of ad sales research at MTV
Katie Reid becomes senior revenue director at Cox Media Group
Bobby Amirshahi becomes NY VP of communications at TWC
Sandra Thomas and Marco Flores rise at Univision
LA Daily News city editor John Miller exiting
Jennifer Breslow becomes VP of scripted series at Lifetime
Gizmodo editor Brian Lam exiting
Vicky Free becomes EVP of marketing at BET Networks
Mike Tyson developing HBO drama series
Jason Patric joins FX's 'Powers'

Friday, June 24, 2011

Overnights
Solid debut for 'Expedition Impossible'
Averages a 2.3 in 18-49s, holding all of 'Wipeout's' lead-in and tying for the No. 1 show while giving ABC a win for the night

Cable
Latest app suit: Viacom vs. Cablevision
Cable giant says app allowing subscribers to watch shows on mobile devices violates distribution agreement with cable system

Magazines
Sold: American Media acquires OK!
Brit import changes hands six years after debut, going to publisher of National Enquirer and Star, after burning through $175M

Here & there
Obama speech draws smallest-ever crowd
Other shorts: Fox firms up fall premiere schedule - Feds probing Google - Univision sets record for Gold Cup - Study: Voters see media as biased

New media
The richer lives of social media users
They tend to be more socially connected in real life than folks who are not active users. Talking with Pew's Lee Rainie.

Rachel speaks!
Rachel, should I hire this screwup?
She happens to be an old friend, and she happens to be very capable, but she's been fired for her big mouth. Is it worth the risk?

TV Reviews
'I Kid With Brad Garrett,' just kidding
Kids do say the darndest things, and they can be really cute, but all that may not be enough to carry this new TLC series

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Commercial Kings' on IFC; Saturday: Gold Cup final on Univision; Sunday: 'True Blood' on HBO and 'L&O: CI' on USA


People
Keith Olbermann caves to viewer complaints
Greg Janoff becomes EVP of revenue at Merlin Media
Michael Lehrer becomes VP of strategic marketing at Sundance Channel
Kimberly Tryba becomes VP of marketing at Newsweek Daily Beast
Stacy London becomes contributing fashion editor at Health
Lauren Conrad becomes lifestyle contributor at Forbes
Terri Gamble becomes media account manager at Yankee Publishing
Aaron D. Shapiro becomes audience monetization head at Urbanspoon
Cheryl Magiros becomes SVP of sales at Screenvision
Lisa Edelstein appearing on 'The Good Wife'
Thrasher magazine co-founder Eric Swenson dies at 64
Terry O’Quinn joins CBS's 'Hawaii Five-0'
Katherine Helmond guesting on HBO's 'True Blood'

Monday, June 27, 2011

Overnights
So-so return for NBC's 'Marriage Ref'
Averages a 1.6 in 18-49s, well off from last season's debut but still ties for the night's No. 2 show, helping network to finish first

Television
NBC picks James Spader for 'The Office'
Replacing Steve Carell as lead on the network's top comedy, beating out Will Farrell, Ricky Gervais and Ray Romano

Cable
MTV: We're not axing 'Jersey Shore' cast
Denies it plans to dump Snooki, the Situation and the crew over their fat salaries, following a report that has fans in a lather

Here & there
Modesto Bee buzzing behind paywall
Other shorts: Facebook's new ad program - Meredith bites on two food publications - FX's 'Wilfred' barks up big premiere. - Black gets 13 months in jail

TV Reviews
'State of Georgia,' quite the bust
Raven-Symone sticks out but not for her acting on this ABC Family sitcom, distinguished by its vulgarity and tastelessness

TV This Week
Where dying's a laughing matter: 'Big C'
Cathy Jamison, who has terminal cancer, sets out to make the most of her final months on this returning Showtime comedy

This week in out of home
Your client's message in restrooms
There's that old standby, static signage, but increasingly there are digital options. And there's the fun stuff (talking urinal cakes).

What's new in alternative media
Swallow this: Music right from the gut
An LA billboard that dances to life
Slap on the back, and a message
Day at a beach: Call it a mini-vacation |


People
Miranda Lambert performing on 'The Voice'
Brian Kennedy becomes executive director of newsgathering at ABC
Sharon Feder rises to publisher at Mashable
Vida Bauer and Rebecca Rhodes rise at USA
Endemol CEO Ynon Kreiz steps down
Roberto Ruiz rises to SVP of brand solutions at Univision
Sean Holzman becomes chief brand development officer at Bonnier
Wendy Elman becomes VP of digital solutions at Scientific American
Daniel Roth becomes executive editor at LinkedIn
'Columbo' actor Peter Falk dies at 83
Former CNN anchor Nick Charles dies at 64
Alanna Stang becomes editor at Whole Living
Natalie Dorme joins HBO's 'Game of Thrones'

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Overnights
ABC takes its twelfth Monday in a row
Extends its longest streak since 1991 with a 2.4 in 18-49s as 'Bachelorette' and 'Weight Loss' rise over last week

Television
Supremes agree to rule on dirty words
High court will hear Fox case challenging FCC ruling on grounds that its indecency rules are arbitrary and ill-defined

Here & there
ABC slates fall premiere schedule
Other shorts: Court: States can't restrict video game sales - Study: E-readers besting tablets - Gallup: Resurgence of confidence in media - G4 honors Dunn

Alternative media
Putting together a book, page by page
The pages of Jay-Z's 'Decoded' appear in the oddest of places, with the challenge of finding them and assembling the book online

New media
What's behind Facebook's huge growth
The social media site will overtake Yahoo this year as the top site for display advertising. Taking with eMarketer's David Hallerman.

TV Reviews
'Necessary Roughness,' by the playbook
USA series has a unique premise and an engaging lead character, a football team psychologist, but suffers from TV cliche-itis

TV This Week
For women's soccer, eyes on the prize
The U.S. team, ranked No. 1 in the world, has a good shot at the World Cup, more than a decade after its much-celebrated win

People
Jeff Probst gets a talk show
Sara Ramsey becomes managing director at Isobar
Hernan Cerdeiro becomes VP and GCD at Alma Miami
Ricard Valero becomes ACD at BBDO San Francisco
Jared Folkmann and Christiaan Welzel join Critical Mass
Bob English becomes creative director at Definition 6
Matt Belson becomes VP and account director at Arnold Worldwide
Michael Bollo becomes VP of marketing at TVB
Matthew Fanelli rises to VP of digital at Media Networks
Claudia Teran rises to EVP of legal affairs at Fox Networks Group
Michelle Lamison becomes associate publisher at Cooking Light
Bill Marimow leaves Philly Inquirer for ASU Cronkite School
Erin Torpey returning to 'One Life to Live'

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Overnights
Sweet music for penultimate ' Voice'
Hit reality show averages a 4.3 in 18-49s, even to last week and the night's No. 1 show, lifting NBC to first with a 3.9

Television
Big stories give broadcast news a lift
Evening news shows are up in second quarter, the first such gain in a decade. Credit Osama, the royal wedding and foul weather.

Here & there
Newsweek imagines Diana at 50
Other shorts: USA wins 20th straight quarter - The scoop on Stern's Sirius XM suit - Salt Lake MNTV affiliate hops on 'Playboy' - MySpace slicing more jobs

Cable recap
Sweeping return for HBO's 'True Blood'
Carried to record ratings by the huge amount of buzz in the celeb press and on social networks, with 5.4 million viewers (charts)

Broadcast recap
Win for Mexico and a big win for soccer
Saturday's Gold Cup final win over the U.S draws 8 million total viewers on Univision and 954,000 on Fox Soccer (charts)

TV Reviews
'Love in the Wild,' fun, despite it all
NBC reality series lifts a bit of this and that from past dating shows, and yet there's a chemistry at work that draws you in

TV This Week
For NBC, a winner to sing about
'The Voice' wraps up its first season a certified hit, confounding skeptics and boding well for the network's new leadership

People
Martin Short joins 'How I Met Your Mother'
John Taite rises to VP of branded entertainment at BBC America
Jennifer Kavanagh rises to SVP of digital at Oxygen Media
Jonathan Quello becomes VP of sales at Feed Company
Jerry Rohira becomes VP of production at Merlin Media
Carlos San Jose becomes Chicago GM at Univision
Sommer Mathis becomes editor at The Atlantic Cities
Curtis Hubbard rises to editorial page editor at the Denver Post
Jessica Yellin rises to chief White House correspondent at CNN
Former McCann Erickson head Eugene H. Kummel dies at 88
Former NY Daily News editor F. Gilman Spencer dies at 85
Tom Sizemore joins CBS's 'Hawaii Five-0'
Adam Mazer writing HBO pilot