Overnights
Big bang: NBC is tops for July 4 fireworks
Macy's special averages a 2.1 in 18-49s, its best in four years and up 50 percent over last year, giving the network a win for the night
Sports TV
The word: ESPN aces deal for Wimbledon
Knocks out longtime carrier NBC for exclusive rights to tennis's most popular grand slam event, in another big sports win for cable
Television
Stewart passes Leno in late night ratings
Comedy Central's 'Daily Show' wins second quarter late night by a slim margin over 'Tonight.' TBS's 'Conan' continues declines.
TV Reviews
'Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids,' no
The title of this TLC spinoff says it all, and it's probably more than many viewers will want to see: More people acting brattily
Here & there
Beck bows out at Fox News Channel
Other shorts: FNC Twitter hacker: Obama was assassinated - Programming notes: 'AMC' ends Sept. 23 - A tween Martha yuks it up on the web
TV This Week
The burdens of fame: MTV's 'Teen Mom'
These young mothers would seem unlikely TV stars, but their lives are now tab fodder with the success of the returning show
This week in out of home
Your client on in-store digital signage
Here's a handy way to reach consumers at the point of purchase with messages that can target one store or a whole network of stores
What's new in alternative media
Putting together a book, page by page
Swallow this: Music right from the gut
An LA billboard that dances to life
Slap on the back, and a message
People
Chord Overstreet leaving 'Glee'
Jason Bender becomes VP of creative at Empower MediaMarketing
John Megery becomes art director at The Phelps Group
Eileen LeMonda rises to SVP of sales strategy at CW
Rebecca Rusk Lim becomes VP of interactive experience at Turner
Liz Neisloss becomes Singapore correspondent at CNN
Mike Perciaccante becomes director of research at WGN America
James Reginato becomes writer at large at Vanity Fair
Jordan Fabian becomes political editor at Univision
'Jersey Shore's' Vinny Guadagnino storms off set
Rock music critic Jane Scott dies at 92
All four coaches returning to NBC's 'The Voice'
'Tudors' actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers hospitalized
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Overnights
Season high for 'America's Got Talent'
NBC reality series averages a 4.5 in 18-49s, best this season and second highest ever, while averaging 15.5 million total viewers
Television
Media goes nuts over Anthony verdict
Networks break in to report jury's shocking not-guilty finding and Twitter and Facebook erupt in outrage, recalling O.J. case
Television
Fox draws up All-Star play for 'X-Factor'
Will air preview of much-anticipated Simon Cowell reality show leading into next Tuesday's MLB game, ahead of its fall premiere
Media economy
Still a bright outlook for automotive
Spending is forecast to grow 7.2 percent this year, even though it's slowed. Talking with Borrell Associates' Gordon Borrell.
Magazines
Newsweek's looking up under Tina
Slide in ad pages eases after Brown's March makeover favoring shorter, punchier stories. Buyer: 'I am cautiously optimistic.'
Here & there
Nielsen: Global spending up 8.8 percent
Other shorts: Strauss-Kahn's accuser sues NY Post - What's Twitter worth? - Advertisers abandon disgraced World - Sheen roast set for 'Men' premiere night
TV Reviews
'The Indestructibles,' playback's a bitch
Nat Geo series, which recounts accidents in which folks narrowly escape death, offers lots of videos of the mishaps but little else
TV This Week
Morality tale: Eliot Spitzer's fall and rise
Bio profile looks at the career of the ex-New York governor, his dalliances with prostitutes, and his redemption as a CNN chatter
People
Mark Zuckerberg is No. 1 on Google+
Leigh Rodwick becomes head of global partnerships at FIVE33
Michael Thornton becomes EVP of business affairs at Starz
Erin Rijo becomes account director at Redbook
Andrea Colvin rises to director of publishing at Open Road Media
Streeter Seidell rises to editor in chief at CollegeHumor.com
Lady Gaga guesting on 'So You Think You Can Dance'
Mariska Hargitay agrees to full season of 'SVU'
Elizabeth Hurley joins CW's 'Gossip Girl'
Kathleen Kennedy joins Aaron Sorkin's HBO pilot
Former ABC Films president Harold Golden dies at age 86
Adrian Pasdar joins ABC Family's 'The Lying Game'
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts renews contract
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Overnights
NBC's 'Love in the Wild' dips in week two
Averages a 1.9 in 18-49s, off 14 percent from last week but easily winning its timeslot and finishing as the night's No. 3 show
Television
The word: Sheen returning to television
Actor has reportedly lined up a sitcom to star in, a TV take on the film 'Anger Management.' Big challenge: Getting it on the air.
Cable
CNN axes Eliot Spitzer's chat show
Moves flagship news show 'Anderson Cooper' into the 8 p.m. hour in the cable news network's fourth primetime revamp in a year
Here & there
Stink grows over Rupe's British tabloid
Other shorts: 'AMC' and 'Live' get second life online - NBC slates fall premieres - Report: Majority will have DVRs by 2016 - Facebook adds Skype chats
Cable recap
HLN shoots out ahead with Anthony trial
CNN sister network sees its best ratings ever, beating CNN, Fox and MSNBC with 5.2 million viewers as the verdict is read (charts)
Broadcast recap
For a change, a summer of hot new shows
Six of the top 12 shows of the week are in their first seasons, led by NBC's 'The Voice,' which takes the top two spots (charts)
TV Reviews
'Torchwood: Miracle Day,' mood swings
British sci-fi import, airing on Starz, is an odd mix of suspense and humor, and a mix that doesn't work particularly well
TV This Week
For CBS, a trusty standby to give it a lift
'Big Brother' returns for thirteenth season, and ought to deliver solid ratings for the rerun-heavy network, now in fifth place
People
It's official: James Spader joins 'The Office'
Rodale's Jack Essig jumps to Esquire
Ryan McDermott becomes director of distribution at Crown Media
Michael Kimmelman rises to architecture critic at The New York Times
George Price becomes VP of business development at DMW Direct
Christine Deerin becomes VP of DC operations at D S Simon
Diane Anderson-Minshall becomes executive editor at The Advocate
'Wipeout' co-creator Scott Larsen producing SPEED series
Robert Halmi Jr. and Peter von Gal exit RHI Entertainment
David Hasselhoff joins FX's 'Sons of Anarchy'
Awards crasher Barry Bremen dies at age 64
Zach McGowan joins Showtime's 'Shameless'
Justin Deeley joins CW's '90210'
Friday, July 08, 2011
Overnights
Bigger premiere for CBS's 'Big Brother'
Averages a 2.7 in 18-49s for 13th season opener, up 13 percent over last year and lifting the network to a win for the night
Newspapers
Rupert Murdoch's mushrooming scandal
News Corp. closed the News of the World in the hacking uproar but that hardly ends the affair. Here's a look how it may play out.
Newspapers
Murdoch: I'm closing News of the World
New Corp. chief responds to rising furor over phone hacking by reporters at the London tabloid and calls for criminal prosecution
Here & there
Court vacates FCC newspaper rule
Other shorts: End to lockout may be near - Harris: People saving $ by cutting media expenses - TNT re-ups 'Skies' - Music sales rebound after long decline
Alternative media
Scenes from Morocco in Times Square
How do you promote a show about high adventure in a far-off land (ABC's 'Expedition Impossible')? Start with sand and palm trees.
TV Reviews
'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' if you can
The HBO series returns for its eighth season as fresh as ever, pushing the envelope on humor yet still witty and truly funny
Rachel speaks!
Rachel, buyers give me the cold shoulder
The rep, who is just starting out, is having a hard time getting in to see media people and an even harder time holding their interest
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Dateline NBC' on Casey Anthony; Saturday: NASCAR on TNT; Sunday: ABC's Diane Sawyer interviews Jaycee Dugard
People
Oprah Winfrey may host Oscars
Monica Ruffo becomes CEO at Lowe Roche
Claire Joseph and Rich Mel join Definition 6
Lisa Bari becomes director of search marketing at Eleven
Alon Burgin becomes art director at The Phelps Group
Suzanne Kolb rises to president at E!
Dan Silberman rises to SVP of publicity at A&E
Dan Balz rises to chief correspondent at The Washington Post
Joe Valentino rises to publisher at The Advocate
Denise Contis becomes SVP of production at Discovery Channel
Anthony De Rosa rises to social media editor at Reuters.com
Elizabeth Smart becomes contributor at ABC News
Satcha Pretto and Felix De Bedout join Univision's 'Despierta America'
Monday, July 11, 2011
Overnights
Huge tune-in for ABC Dugard chat
Diane Sawyer 'Primetime' exclusive averages 14.8 million total viewers and a 3.7 in adults 18-49, best since NBA finals
Newspapers
Murdoch pressured to drop BSkyB bid
Efforts build to rein in mogul's sway over Britain's media in wake of revelations of hacking at now-closed News of the World
Magazines
How magazines are coping in hard times
Publishers are doing a better job selling around a brand and also selling more offerings. Talking with GSD&M's Carmen Graf.
Here & there
Tonight on TNT, a 'Dallas' preview
Other shorts: Major Woods announcement slated for today - AMC kills Wedding Central - NFL kicks around TV package - NBC and NHL partner on ad sales
Ask a Media Life expert
How big is 3D, anyhow? Too early to say.
'Avatar' was a huge hit at the box office, but other 3D movies have not done nearly as well. And 3D TV set sales have been modest.
TV Reviews
'Alphas,' totally watchable summer fare
Syfy series is 'Heroes' without the convoluted storylines, making it good entertainment for the comic book set and their parents
TV This Week
'Rizzoli & Isles': Taking up the baton
TNT copper returns as cable's most watched scripted show, leading out of 'The Closer' as it enters its second-to-last season
This week in out of home
Your client at America's front door
Doorstep advertising, be it clings or hangers or branded doormats, is a smart way to reach consumers as they enter their homes
What's new in alternative media
Scenes from Morocco in Times Sq.
Putting together a book, page by page
Swallow this: Music right from the gut
An LA billboard that dances to life
People
Shaquille O'Neal signs with TNT
CBS's Harry Smith jumps to NBC
Radhika Jones rises to Time executive editor
Hillary A. Duff joins Food Network Magazine
Man arrested in 'Late Show with David Letterman' break-in
Gillian Anderson joins BBC's 'Great Expectations'
Richard 'Evel Dick' Donato leaves 'Big Brother' abruptly
Jerry Springer: No offer made to Casey Anthony
Gloria Allred court show picked up by NBC-owned stations
James Wolk joins Showtime's 'Shameless'
Charles Mesure joins ABC's 'Desperate Housewives'
Patrick Muldoon and Christie Clark return to 'Days'
Karen Olivo joins NBC's 'Harry's Law'
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Overnights
ABC retakes the lead on Monday
Averages a 2.3 in 18-49s, a week after NBC smashed its winning streak. 'Bachelorette' is the night's top show with a 2.5.
Newspapers
Murdoch rushes in to rescue his empire
Media baron flies to London to face mounting furor as yet more revelations of skullduggery come out. Will it spread to the U.S.?
Magazines
Recovery slows for consumer magazines
Ad pages are all but flat for the second quarter, up 0.3 percent, the weakest quarterly gain since the recovery began last year
Sports TV
Women's soccer win is a win for ESPN
U.S.'s Sunday victory over Brazil draws the network's best rating in 12 years for women's soccer, earning a 2.6 overnight rating
Here & there
Pew: A third of adults have a smartphone
Other shorts: Programming notes: ABC Family re-ups 'Melissa' - FIFA: 1 billion watched World Cup final - Study: 52M connected TVs will sell this year
Television
On broadcast, the gray gets grayer still
The median age of viewers is now 51.6 years, up 0.8 this past season, versus 44.8 for cable. Talking with Horizon's Brad Adgate.
TV Reviews
'Dance Moms,' as bad as it sounds
Lifetime reality series is all about adults behaving badly, and the worst is the dance instructor, who bullies and berates
TV This Week
For baseball, one hot night in Phoenix
That's where the MLB All-Star Game is being played, and there's a lot of ire among players over the state's harsh immigration law
People
Deidre Hall returning to 'Days'
Camille Popplewell joins Empower MediaMarketing
Augusta Duffey joins Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness
Bruce Angeli and Jon Arnoff join REVShare
A.J. Vernet becomes CEO of Rey
Terry McGraw and Steve Leach join Source Interlink
Frank Bishop becomes Source Interlink Manufacturing president
Melissa Lee and Carl Quintanilla hosting 'Squawk'
Glenn Beck and family move to Dallas
Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley hosting CMA Awards
'Dick Van Dyke' writer Sam Denoff dies at 83
Tori Spelling and Jenny McCarthy join 'Matchmaker'
TCM host Robert Osborne taking a hiatus
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Overnights
NBC's 'Talent' tops Fox's All-Star Game
Averages a 3.9 in 18-49s, 18 percent better than last year's showing against the game. National League victory draws a 3.0.
London
Murdoch drops bid for UK's BSkyB
Backs off plan to acquire control of Britain's largest TV outlet as hacking scandal spreads, with more nasty revelations
Magazines
At last, business titles gain in ad pages
Category is up 5 percent for first-half 2011, led by Fast Company, up 17.1 percent, and BusinessWeek, up 15.8 percent (charts)
Here & there
Oprah herself takes over as OWN CEO
Other shorts: Netflix price bump prompts online uproar - Smaller but still-strong debuts for TNT dramas - Big to-do over HuffPost aggregation snafu
Broadcast recap
Summer duke-out: ABC versus NBC
They're ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in adults 18-49, with ABC enjoying an edge from the NBA finals. But NBC is gaining. (charts)
Cable recap
Pottermania gives ABC Family a nifty lift
Sees best primetime ratings this year airing two Potter flicks ahead of tomorrow's release of 'Deathly Hallows Part II' (charts)
TV Reviews
'One Man Army,' lots of fun to watch
Discovery series, in which macho men compete in various challenges, takes itself quite seriously. Viewers don't have to.
TV This Week
Nut job: Roseanne Barr's back (again)
This time the '80s icon is starring in a Lifetime series 'Roseanne's Nuts,' a reality show in which she runs a nut farm in Hawaii
People
Ted Danson joins CBS's 'CSI'
David Verklin exits Canoe Ventures
Christopher Fitzgerald joins Horizon Media
Daniel L. Doctoroff named Bloomberg CEO
Dan Costa named editor in chief of PCMag.com
Mike Aho and Michael Hammond rise at Collins Avenue
Kim Woodard and Kevin Mohs join Nat Geo Channel
Bill Buckner guesting on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'
Juliette Lewis and Callum Keith Rennie join 'The Firm'
Mark Valley and Jean Smart join 'Harry's Law'
'Brady Bunch' creator Sherwood Schwartz dies at 94
Lauren German joins 'Hawaii Five-0'
Brian Smith joins CW's 'Gossip Girl'
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Overnights
CBS and NBC in a Wednesday tie for first
Average a 1.9 in 18-49s, with Fox right behind at 1.8, NBC's 'Talent' is the top show with a 2.8. 'Big Brother' is second at a 2.6.
Newspapers
Murdoch scandal moves to U.S. shores
Calls in Washington for probe into possible phone hacking in the U.S. as analysts ponder whether global media empire can survive
Television
HBO leads Emmy nominations with 104
'Mad Men' tops dramas with 19, while 'Modern Family' gets 17, including six acting nods. But there are some new faces as well.
Here & there
'Glee' sings farewell to three leads
Other shorts: Netflix extends NBC deal amidst pricing uproar - Programming notes: ABC re-ups 'Blue' - Oh 'Brother:' Reality show's anti-gay Potter rant
Sports TV
Pop fly for Fox's All-Star Game telecast
Game draws lowest ratings ever, down 18 percent in 18-49s and 9 percent in viewers from last year, airing against stiff competition
Alternative media
But a homer for State Farm's derby deal
Home run derby sponsor nets $45 million in free advertising from TV cameras picking up its logo around the stadium in the event
TV Reviews
'Home by Novogratz,' odd choices
HGTV series features the hip couple from Bravo's '9 by Design' helping others redo their homes. Some of their ideas are way out.
TV This Week
At the British Open, a new face for golf
The sport could sure use one after Tiger Woods' fall, and Rory McIlroy is all the talk. The test will be whether viewers turn in.
People
Jennifer Salke joins NBC Entertainment
Stephanie Da Costa named media director at Wing
Gary du Toit and Nels Dielman join David&Goliath
Howard Saltz becomes Sun-Sentinel editor
David Kansas joins American Public Media Group as COO
Editorial writer Eddie Roth leaving St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Mike Fleiss joins CW's 'H8R' as executive producer
Lisa Porter joins the Lippin Group
Jodi Kahn becomes president of iVillage
Steve McEvoy becomes chief revenue officer at Mochila
Christina Miller becomes general manager of NBA Digital
Kate Snow joins Brian Williams' primetime NBC newsmagazine
Actor Jesse Spencer returning to 'House'
Overnights
Broadcast networks hit a Thursday slump
TV usage falls 6 percent versus last week, with 'Big Brother' down 18 percent from its debut. 'Expedition' falls to a series-low 1.3.
London
Top Murdoch executive quits in scandal
Rebekah Brooks resigns as CEO of UK's News International as hacking probes widen, raising more questions about her role
Here & there
It's here: Media abuzz over final Potter film
Other shorts: Google+ rounds up 10 million users - NFL lockout deal nears again - Blockbuster to Netflix customers: Join us! - 'Roseanne' ratings
New media
Fact versus fiction about Millennials
They're into new media but also traditional media. The trick is in connecting with them. Talking with Buzz Marketing's Tina Wells.
Alternative media
A stripper to tout cheap airline fares
She dances around a pole on the back of a truck moving about LA. What's her connection with cheap tickets? Who cares?
TV Reviews
'Bar Rescue,' here's to America's saloons
Experts in bar science set about to save failing dives in this new Spike series, and it's sure to appeal to bar lovers of all stripes
Rachel speaks!
Rachel, your advice on references?
The writer, a college student, is a summer intern at an agency, and she wants direction on who to approach for references
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: NBC's 'Friday Night Lights;' Saturday: Animal Planet's 'Pit Boss;' Sunday: Women's World Cup final on ESPN. Go USA!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Overnights
CBS wins Sunday with 'Big Brother'
Averages a 1.5 in 18-49s, with 'Brother' the top show with a 2.4, off just 4 percent from last Sunday's debut. Fox is second.
Newspapers
Murdoch's big challenge: Holding on
The News Corp. chief is in full damage control, but it may well be too late as the scandal deepens and spreads yet wider
Cable
Gone: TNT's 'Men of a Certain Age'
Much-applauded TNT series had everything, including a cast of top actors. But the ratings never came, and now it's been axed.
Here & there
Women's World Cup sets Twitter record
Other shorts: Pandora rival Spotify hits U.S. - 'Harry Potter' sets records - CBS leads News & Doc Emmy nods - Study: 'Jersey' isn't ruining Jersey's rep
TV Reviews
'True Grime: Crime Scene Clean Up,' grim
Investigation Discovery series spares viewers the cheap tricks of so much reality TV, but the subject matter is rough on the eyes
TV This Week
Dag nab it, 'Hell's Kitchen,' just in time
Fox's Gordon Ramsay cooking challenge returns, and it should give the network, now in third place in 18-49s, a much needed lift
This week in out of home
Your client at America's beaches
There are all sorts of ways for advertisers to reach beachgoers, from ads in the sand to street teams handing out samples
What's new in alternative media
A stripper to tout cheap airline fares
A homer for State Farm's derby deal
Scenes from Morocco in Times Sq.
Putting together a book, page by page
People
Jane Fonda opens fire on QVC
Rachael Heapps rises to CMO at Rapp
Dave Clemens becomes ECD at Taxi New York
HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg exiting
Tim Franklin becomes editor at large at Bloomberg News
Ray Locker becomes White House editor at USA Today
Andrew Ross Sorkin joins CNBC's 'Squawk Box'
Kiran Chetry leaving CNN's 'American Morning'
Mike Vogel joins ABC's 'Pan Am'
Howie Mandel developing stand-up reality competition
Scarborough Research's Bob Cohen dies at age 58
Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony's reality show will continue
Ivanka Trump gives birth to her first child
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Overnights
Hot night for Fox's cooking shows
Returning 'Hell's Kitchen' averages a 2.5 in 18-49s, boosting the network to a 2.4, its best summer Monday in three years
Newspapers
What's next for Murdoch: A boot upstairs
To defuse effects of scandal, look for News Corp.'s founder to give up CEO job, appointing Chase Carey, but remain chairman
Television
It's official: Charlie Sheen has a new show
Ex-'Two and a Half Men' star will appear in 'Anger Management,' a new sitcom from Lionsgate TV. But will Americans still care?
Sports TV
ESPN scores big with women's soccer
Averages an 8.6 household rating for final World Cup game in which Japan edges out the U.S. in a dramatic shootout
Newspapers
Gauging the scandal's impact in the U.S.
Will the uproar over hacking by reporters at Murdoch's London papers spread here? Speaking with Arizona State's Dan Gillmor.
Here & there
Deutsche Bank lowers 2011 ad outlook
Other shorts: 'Breaking Bad' sets record in premiere - Facebook and NBC partner on debate - FX greenlights 'Horror' - Study: Marketers love mobile ads
TV Reviews
'Awkward,' and not making sense either
The characters in this MTV series about high schoolers are off, doing and saying things that are totally out of character
TV This Week
Hef and Crystal: How it really went down
Lifetime special 'Hef's Runaway Bride' examines their breakup just days before the wedding. Each tells their side of things.
People
First Lady appearing on 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'
Christine Fuller becomes managing director at MediaCom
Four rise to new positions at Doner
Tony Hunter becomes CEO at Tribune Publishing
Five rise at Clear Channel Radio Sales
Vicky Gregorian becomes SVP at MGM Domestic TV Distribution
Three bloggers join The Washington Post
Lorey D. Zlotnick becomes SVP of marketing at FUEL TV
Patrick McCormack becomes VP of mobile sales at Weather Channel
Matt Trulio becomes editor in chief at Sportboat
Helen Mirren joins HBO's Phil Spector movie
B.D. Wong leaving NBC's 'Law & Order: SVU'
Al Sharpton may get MSNBC talk show
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Overnights
NBC wins its sixth straight Tuesday
Averages a 2.8 in 18-49s, led by 'America's Got Talent,' the night's top show with a 3.3. Fox is No. 2 with a 2.3 rating.
Newspapers
A win for Murdoch before Parliament
Establishes that he's still very much in charge of News Corp. but had no reason to know of phone hacking at News of the World
Here & there
All the details on Time's new paywall
Other shorts: Study: People not happy with social networks - Rupe scandal is No. 2 media story - Naked truth about 'Men's' new billboard - NBC axes 'Love'
Broadcast recap
Paying homage to 'Friday Night Lights'
Series finale on NBC does miserable numbers, a mere 0.8 in 18-49s, but its passing draws the sweetest media tributes (charts)
Cable recap
Big year in sports, but not for the ESPYs
ESPN's annual awards show tanks, falling 24 percent from last year, likely because it aired on Wednesday, not Sunday (charts)
TV Reviews
'Run My Makeover,' and I'll just nap a bit
HGTV series is as good excuse as any for nodding off in front of the TV, as a redo show in which there are no surprises or insights
TV This Week
'You remember Paris Hilton. Sure you do.'
She was everything that was pop culture in America. No longer, as the ratings of Oxygen's 'The World According to Paris' reveal.
People
Meet pie tosser Jonathan May-Bowles
Jeffrey Kay becomes VP of business development at Fanscape
Arpy Malaky becomes search engine manager at The Phelps Group
Teri Kennedy and David Gross join Oxygen Media
Frances Berwick becomes president at Style Media
David Zinczenko rises to Prevention/Organic Gardening editorial director
Bob Epstein rises to VP of specials at NBC News
Ann Gerhart becomes senior Style section writer at The Washington Post
Rob Silvershein becomes director of Western sales at ReelzChannel
Rob Flynn and Eric Pfeiffer join FORA.tv
David Samuels and Bari Weiss join Tablet Magazine
Caroline Kelso becomes office manager at StoreBoard Media
Mercedes Masohn joins Fox's 'The Finder'
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Overnights
Fox takes back Wednesday with 'Dance'
Averages a 1.9 in 18-49s, up from a 1.8 last week, with two hours of dance competition. NBC's 'Talent' is tops with a 2.6.
New media
Why mobile is the hot local ad medium
It's the fastest-growing of all local media, for the best of reasons. Credit the iPhone. Talking with BIA/Kelsey's Michael Boland.
Here & there
For Al Sharpton, a new soapbox: MSNBC
Other shorts: Amazon in streaming deal with CBS - 'Idol' creator sues Fox over 'X Factor' - Chicago Trib will print the Sun-Times
Alternative media
'Tell friends where you are, win a baseball'
Vending machine dispenses free MLB balls to folks who check into Foursquare. Sponsor: Showtime's 'The Franchise.'
Ask a Media Life expert
Yes, cable is taking share on Thursdays
More and more, cable is targeting broadcast's Thursday viewers and winning them away, to answer a reader's question
TV Reviews
'NTSF:SD:SUV,' LOL crime show spoofs
Adult Swim comedy reaches beyond the usual cliches about the many procedurals airing in primetime (and it does it in 15 minutes)
TV This Week
On Univision, to be young and Hispanic
Annual 'Premios Juventud' awards show will dominate broadcast, in a celebration of Hispanics' favorite singers, actors and athletes
People
Katie Couric guest hosting ABC's 'The View'
Johann Wachs and Michelle Lynn rise at Carat USA
Barney Robinson becomes president at Barton F. Graf 9000
Miguel Bemfica becomes global creative director at McCann Erickson
Eric King becomes creative director at Leo Burnett
Christi Korzekwa becomes director of account services at Blue Sky
Michael Haggerty becomes SVP of research at Bravo and Style Media
John Marriott becomes head of business intelligence at Source Interlink
Shannen Doherty starring in WEtv reality series
Jorja Fox returning to CBS's 'CSI'
Game show art director Ed Flesh dies at 79
Jere Burns joins USA's 'Burn Notice'
Kim Kardashian sues Old Navy over TV ad
Friday, July 22, 2011
Overnights
Univision leaps to No. 1 with awards show
Three-hour 'Premios Juventud' averages a 1.8 in 18-49s, down 14 percent from last year but still winning the night
Sports TV
All but a done deal: New NFL agreement
Owners approve new revenue-splitting deal, and players are set to vote, lifting lockout and clearing the way for a new season
Here & there
Report: James was told of more hacking
Other shorts: Fox News airs less hacking coverage - HD commercials on the rise - More cable cord-cutting - Hotter 'Hot in Cleveland'
Alternative media
'Say, have you seen my lost baby?'
A mother ape wanders the streets, pushing an empty baby carriage. Client: World Society for the Protection of Animals.
TV Reviews
'Same Name,' celebrating the ordinary
CBS reality series has the famous meet regular folks with the same name and swap roles, and it makes for an engaging hour
Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I'm so bored with my internship
The writer, a college student, wants to quit her summer job and go off to Europe with friends. Rachel gives her an earful.
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: On ESPN, Women's Softball; Saturday: 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' on ABC; Sunday: Copa America soccer
People
Sharon Osbourne leaving 'The Talk'
Adrian Barrow and Derrick Goss rise at JWT New York
Tim Allen becomes VP and creative director at Arnold Worldwide
Cory Shields rises to EVP of communications at NBCU Cable
Maria Badillo rises to director of programming at Discovery U.S. Hispanic
Stephanie Trong becomes fashion editor at NYMag.com
Melisa Quinoy becomes SVP of ad sales at A&E Ole Networks
Darrin Bach becomes director of ad operations at Meebo Inc.
Robert Wagner leaves ABC's 'Charlie's Angels'
Kenny Johnson joins NBC's 'Prime Suspect'
Ricky Gervais developing the comedy 'Afterlife'
Todd Ciganek becomes VP of information services at BidClerk
Kara Ohngren and Lynne Domash become web editors at SecondAct
Monday, July 25, 2011
Overnights
Lame debut for CBS's 'Same Name'
Averages a 1.5 in 18-49s, down 38 percent from its 'Big Brother' lead-in, but the network still wins the night with a 1.5
Sports TV
Let the season begin for the NFL
Players are set to vote today on a new contract, and passage appears assured, ending the four-month lockout by team owners
Television
Surprise, three will not be leaving 'Glee'
At Comic Con, responding to fan outrage, Fox backs off exits for three cast members of the show. (More from the pop cult event.)
Here & there
For James Murdoch, a week of reckoning
Other shorts: Meredith offers advertisers a ROI guarantee - Jones for junk: 'Storage' sets A&E record - Milk board waters down PMS-themed campaign
TV Reviews
'Friday Night Dinner,' a well-laid table
The premise of this BBC America comedy is thin, but its creators, playing off stereotypes, develop an amusing set of characters
TV This Week
Feeling so fine about the Pirates
Pittsburgh, which plays Atlanta on ESPN, has been down so long it looks like up, but it's on a streak, and that's got hearts thumping
This week in out of home
Your client at the NFL draft
The annual event is the ultimate experience in fan engagement, and an ideal venue for advertisers seeking to reach those fans
What's new in alternative media
'Say, have you seen my lost baby?'
'Tell folks where you are, win a ball'
A stripper to tout cheap airline fares
A homer for State Farm's derby deal
People
ABC lands Nafissatou Diallo interview
Don Lupo becomes director of digital production at Dailey
David Leonhard rises to Washington bureau chief at the NY Times
Carmen Cano becomes digital ME at the Dallas Morning News
Joy-Ann Reid becomes contributor at NBC News
Mike Householde becomes acting news editor in the AP's Detroit bureau
Interim anchor Peggy Bunker leaves ABC News
NY Post film critic Vincent A. Musetto retires
Armie Hammer guesting on Fox's 'The Simpsons'
Pierce Brosnan joins A&E miniseries
Former Outlet Communications head Bruce Sundlun dies at 91
Donald Faison and Kristen Johnston join TV Land's 'The Exes'
'Gossip Girl's' Leighton Meester sues her mother
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Overnights
ABC edges Fox on a tight Monday night
Averages a 2.2 in 18-49s to Fox's 2.1 on a night interrupted by political speeches. 'Hell's Kitchen' is top show with a 2.5.
Newspapers
Fresh dirt in UK phone hacking scandal
Probe opens into reports of abuses at other publications, including the Daily Mirror under former editor Piers Morgan, now a CNN host
Newspapers
Buyers see a cloud over James Murdoch
Many think Rupert Murdoch's son will be the next major casualty in the phone hacking scandal roiling British media and politics
Here & there
New on Walmart.com, streaming movies
Other shorts: ABC News won't pay for play - Nielsen partners with Kantar - Place your bets: How will Sheen leave 'Men?' - Xbox sorry for Winehouse tweet
Media economy
Behind the blitz in back-to-school ads
It's earlier than in past years, and there seems to be more of them. There's a good reason. Talking with Kantar's Frank Badillo.
TV Reviews
'Outnumbered,' but right on target
Though understated by American standards, the British sitcom, airing on BBC America, wonderfully captures middle-class life
Radio
For comedy, perhaps a new era on radio
A handful of stations around the country are testing it, and Pandora has jumped in with 10,000 clips from over 700 performers
TV This Week
When old is young again: 'Scooby Doo'
Sixties reboot ends its first season on a solid note, helping lift Cartoon Network's ratings in tandem with 'Looney Tunes'
People
John Goodman joins NBC's 'Community'
Geoffrey Greenblatt becomes director of gaming at Mindshare NA
Rob Kabus becomes CMO at Eleven
Tamer Kattan becomes head of strategy at BLITZ
AOL advertising president Jeff Levick exits
Bill Keller ends NY Times Magazine column
Guhan Selvaretnam becomes SVP of content at Discovery Digital
Mike Cano becomes director of Hispanic media at NNN
Jerry Portwood becomes managing editor at Out magazine
Former CBS Entertainment head B. Donald Grant dies at 79
Freeda Fawal-Farah becomes associate publisher at Town&Country
Jonathan Davis rises to EVP of comedy at Twentieth Century Fox TV
Q. McElroy becomes digital director at Cox Media Group
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Overnights
Fox nips NBC with best Tuesday yet
Gordon Ramsay reality shows push network to a season-high 2.5/8 in adults 18-49, though NBC still has the top show with 'Talent' at 3.0
Television
Fox erects a paywall around its TV shows
Walling off shows for a week after they air on broadcast, with online viewing restricted to subscribers of pay TV services
Here & there
Blogger: I have proof of Morgan hacking
Other shorts: Osborne may be next to fall in scandal - Beck's Hitler comment stirs up web - Comcast's new on-demand ads - Programming notes
Broadcast recap
Fox rises to No. 1, lifted by 'Hell's Kitchen'
Averages a 1.5 in 18-49s, beating CBS and Univision, which tie for second, after dogging in third place this summer (charts)
Cable recap
For Larry David, a season like no other
HBO's 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' is winning critical buzz and seeing a hefty lift in ratings, drawing 2.4 million on Sunday (charts)
TV Reviews
'Against the Wall,' among other things
This new Lifetime cop show suffers from a lot of problems, led by a lead character who says and does a lot un-cop-like things
TV This Week
All about Snooki, ahead of 'Shore's' debut
In a bit of deft timing, E! profiles 'Jersey Shore's' star, Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi, a week before the hit MTV show returns
People
Frank Darabont leaving 'Walking Dead'
Peter McGuinness becomes president and CEO at DDB Chicago
Alfonso Marian becomes chief creative officer at OgilvyOne
David DeRoma and Eric Arnold join Team One
Galen Jones becomes SVP of research at Oxygen Media
Darline Jean rises to CEO at About.com
Richard Licata becomes EVP of communications at NBC Entertainment
Derek Dodge becomes director of social media at Blip.tv
Eric Schwarzkopf rises to publisher at Fitness magazine
Mike Corrigan, David Salzman and Stewart Till join RHI Entertainment
Rodney Perry becomes VP of CCAB at BPA Worldwide
Five join Cannella Response Television
Zoey Deutch joins CW's 'Ringer'
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Overnights
Fox wins second straight night over NBC
Averages a 2.0 to NBC's 1.8 among adults 18-49 with 'So You Think You Can Dance.' 'Talent' is the night's top show with a 2.7.
Cable
Big bump for TeenNick from Nick oldies
Gen X network debuts a late-night block of Nick repeats from the early '90s, leading to a 225 percent surge in ratings among 12-24s
Alternative media
Outlook for digital out of home: Hotter
Ad spending is forecast to grow by 7 percent this year, triple the pace of the overall media economy, as more advertisers sign on
New media
How tweet: Fans pick faves on 'Runway'
Lifetime series invites viewers to vote via Twitter on their favorite designers, and other developments in social media
Here & there
Study: Two thirds think U.S. media hacked too
Other shorts: TCA roundup - Study: Netflix and Hulu are different beasts - Yet more layoffs at the LA Times - Hef's ex-fiancee disses him on Stern
New media
Gauging Google+'s chances for success
Can it challenge Facebook in the social media space after a string of earlier flubs? Talking with TargetCast's Steve Minichini.
TV Reviews
'Take the Money and Run,' or not
It's hard to believe the players in this ABC cops and robbers reality series are all that engaged in the cat and mouse game they play
TV This Week
For Von D, sorrow of parting is sweetened
Star of TLC's 'LA Ink' can expect a bigger tune-in for her show's return after her much-Googled breakup with Jesse James
People
Rachel Maddow sued for $50 million
Jonathan Hoffman becomes chief experience officer at Starcom
Donnie Broxson becomes VP of client services at Acento Advertising
Greg Luckman leaves GroupM for CAA Sports
Justin Lacob becomes director of original series at Spike TV
Mark Schoofs becomes senior editor at ProPublica
Erin Walker becomes sales manager at Departures
Gary DeSanctis rises to group publisher at AIM
Shawna Thomas rises to White House producer at NBC News
Hanna Gryncwajg becomes SVP at RLTV
Former ABC News president Elmer Lower dies at 98
Alex Trebek injured chasing burglar
Elizabeth Smart: I joined ABC because the media helped save me
Overnights
'Brother' boosts CBS to Thursday win
Network averages a 1.9 in adults 18-49, well ahead of No. 2 ABC, with long-running reality show the night's top draw with a 2.6
Newspapers
New revelations in UK hacking scandal
Police report a second instance of phone hacking by reporters in a murder case, that of an 8-year-old girl slain 11 years ago
Here & there
Amazon targets Netflix with web video deal
Other shorts: YouTube eyeing video streaming push - Fortune says Forbes was in a real financial mess - Dallas paper's youth tabloid the latest to close
Cable
Coming to a theater near you, 'Entourage'
Creator of the HBO series says a movie version is in the works. That's among several interesting tidbits from the TCA tour.
Alternative media
'Don't like our pizza? Go tell the world'
Domino's posts consumer comments about its pies on a huge Times Square billboard, via a live feed from the chain's web site
TV Reviews
'ThunderCats,' better but not very good
Cartoon revamp is more appealing to the eyes but still suffers many of the original's flaws, in an era of many more options
Rachel speaks!
Rachel, we're being taken advantage of
There's a slacker on their team who comes in late and expects to be carried by the others in the department. What should they do?
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: X Games on ESPN; Saturday: 'Victorious' on Nickelodeon; Sunday: 'Bachelorette: Men Tell All' on ABC
People
Phil Cowdell becomes Mindshare NA chairman
Dave Ehlers rises to president at Optimedia
Bryce Townsend rises to CEO at GroupM ESP
Bill Kolb becomes CEO at MRM
Nick Johnson and Lyle Tick rise to co-presidents at Gotham
Jostin Darlington becomes director of social interactive at Banyan Branch
Alexandra von Plato and Michael du Toit rise at Digitas Health
Current TV CEO Mark Rosenthal stepping down
Oxygen programming head Amy Introcaso-Davis exits
Adam Houghtaling becomes digital content director at MSLO
Sarah Sampsel rises to director of digital at The Washington Post
Heather Gumbley becomes associate publisher at Parenting Group
Heather Shimokawa becomes senior market editor at Vanity Fair
Monday, August 01, 2011
Overnights
CBS wins a squeaker over Fox on Sunday
Averages a 1.6 in 18-49s to Fox's 1.5, led by the night's top show, 'Big Brother,' with a 2.8. But 'Same Name' fades to a 1.4.
Television
In a good sign, fans flock to NFL sites
Record traffic bodes well for TV ratings once the season begins, wiping away any worries of viewer resentment over the lockout
Here & there
Hacking scandal creeps across Atlantic
Other shorts: Post-P-I web site Seattle PostGlobe shuts down - 'Beavis' returns Oct. 27 - Networks carry Obama debt address - Study: IE users have lower IQs
Television
Coming to PBS, a 'Mr. Rogers' spinoff
'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood,' debuting in 2012, is being sprung from a character on the old series. (Click for more TCA stories.)
TV Reviews
'Picker Sisters,' second hand but first-rate
Lifetime series offers a unique take on an overdone theme--buying used goods--and makes it all seem fresh and adventurous
TV This Week
For Ashley, picking the man of her dreams
This is the season finale of ABC's 'Bachelorette' on which our girl decides on who's her Mr. Right, at least for the near future
This week in out of home
Your client's ad at gas stations
With today's gas prices, folks are especially attentive when they pull up to the pump, making it a great place for ad messages |
What's new in alternative media
'Don't like our pizza? Go tell the world'
Outlook for digital out of home: Hotter
'Say, have you seen my lost baby?'
'Tell folks where you are, win a ball'
People
Molly Parker joins NBC's 'The Firm'
Michael Shirley rises to group creative director at Euro RSCG Chicago
Katherine Mathis becomes account manager at The Titan Agency
Brian Wolfe and Andy Sareyan join Nomad Editions
Pete Spande rises and Michael Gutkowski joins at Federated Media
Scott Satin becomes executive producer at Entertainment Studios
Dave Kuba becomes director of development at High Noon
Kevin Frazier joins the 'Tom Joyner Morning Show'
Patricia Clarkson joins NBC's 'Parks and Recreation'
Rob Kardashian joins ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars'
Craig Kilborn guesting on NBC's 'Chuck'
Robin Williams and Samuel L. Jackson join Discovery's 'Curiosity'
'True Blood' creator Alan Ball signs new HBO deal
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Overnights
'Bachelorette' finale boosts ABC to No. 1
Averages a 2.7 in adults 18-49, down 29 percent from last year, but enough to beat Fox as Ashley picks J.P. Draws 10.6M viewers.
Television
J. Lo: Okay, I'm up for doing 'Idol' again
Jennifer Lopez agrees to return as a judge on the hit Fox show for a pay boost to a reported $20 million, up from $12 million
Television
NBC: Don't look for miracles next season
New entertainment chief Bob Greenblatt tells critics he expects modest gains for primetime shows, and other news from the TCA
Media economy
Robust upfront for the Hispanic networks
Volume is up 15 percent to 20 percent, to $2.2 billion, with more cross-platform deals. Talking with Scott Gassert of Dieste.
Here & there
Another arrest in UK phone hacking scandal
Other shorts: FCC: No dropping networks in carriage disputes - Study: Product placement targets kids - Bummer! Sheen won't be on 'Big Brother'
TV Reviews
'Born to Dance,' but first hear my story
BET reality series focuses heavily on the contestants' lives, and there's lots up of uplift, but it's at the expense of dancing
TV This Week
For MTV, now turning 30, a hip thing to do
Airing first three minutes of an interview with singer Sean Kingston, then sending viewers to MTV.com for the full interview
People
Chris Hayes gets MSNBC morning show
Christina Norman becomes executive editor at HuffPost Black Voices
Sherry Pitkofsky becomes VP of partnership marketing at WE tv
Peter Lauria becomes technology editor at Reuters
Jason Feneque rises to senior director of affiliate sales at YES
History SVP of marketing Chris Moseley exits
Kristine Gasbarre becomes content manager at YourTango
Jason Priestley and WWE wrestler Edge guesting on Syfy's 'Haven'
T. R. Knight guesting on NBC's 'Law & Order: SVU'
Lucy Liu joins TNT's 'Southland'
Adam Levine developing NBC comedy
'Glee's' Darren Criss succeeding Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway
Oprah Winfrey sued for using the acronym OYP
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Overnights
Fox pulls ahead of NBC on Tuesday
Fox averages 2.5 in adults 18-49 to NBC's 2.4, notching a rare win on a night 'America's Got Talent' has dominated all summer long
Television
Artful death: Killing off Charlie Sheen
His 'Two and a Half Men' character must be done in to make way for Kutcher's character. Here's one scenario floating about.
Broadcast recap
What's hot: Fox's 'Family Guy' in reruns
Ranks tenth among the top 20 shows of the week and it's the top social show, with most Facebook and Twitter comments (charts)
Here & there
Murdoch's job approval rating: 12 percent
Other shorts: Man sues hotel over USA Today charge - Study: Tablet users plugged in 1.5 hours per day - Seven more papers slide behind paywalls
Cable recap
A perkier strut for 'Project Runway'
Season debut averages 2.7 million total viewers, half what it drew on Bravo, but up 8 percent from last year's premiere (charts)
TV Reviews
'Scream If You Know the Answer,' will do
Travel Channel game show is low on expectations but lots of fun as contestants answer questions on amusement park rides
TV This Week
The world as seen through sharks' teeth
This being August, and this being Shark Week on Discovery, take a gander at how the predator sees things, by way of his mouth
People
Murdoch pie-thrower sentenced
Rich Whalen becomes director of project leadership at McCann Erickson
Adina Smith joins Dentsu
Adam Block becomes VP and account director at KSL Media
Dick Stevenson becomes political editor at The New York Times
Toby Graff becomes SVP of public affairs at USA
Christian Drobnyk becomes SVP of scheduling at Lifetime
David Roberson becomes director of business development at Parade
Francisco Arenas becomes VP of consumer products at Univision
David Gale becomes EVP at MTVX
Ed Romaine becomes executive director of creative services at W
Mark Halperin reinstated at MSNBC
Hugh Douglas becomes studio analyst at ESPN
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Overnights
Fox tops CBS and NBC on Wednesday
Averages a 1.8 in adults 18-49 with 'So You Think You Can Dance,' just ahead of No. 2 CBS with a 1.7 and No. 3 NBC with a 1.6
New media
For Google+, off to a speedy start
Reaches 25 million users in the first five weeks of launch, and it's growing considerably faster than did Facebook and Twitter
Alternative media
'Say, looks like they're playing our song'
Call to action: Billboard streams titles of songs being played by a country radio station, along with the artist's name
Here & there
Mills: Morgan's Mirror hacked my voicemail
Other shorts: The details on Kutcher and 'Men' - Hulu eyes original programming - Time putting all mags on tablets - Oops! IE IQ report was bogus
TV Reviews
'Curiosity,' worth being curious about
Discovery Channel series tackles life's big questions, including the existence of God, and it makes for a lively evening of TV
Cable
Why the great appeal of 'Jersey Shore'
The kids are over the top, for sure, but basically likeable and
unlike your typical MTV brat. Talking with NYU's Moya T. Luckett.
TV This Week
And they're back, this time in Italy
MTV's 'Jersey Shore' returns for season four, and so returns the drama and misbehaving that's made it the top show on cable
People
Marg Helgenberger leaving 'CSI'
Devora Rogers becomes group director at Shopper Sciences
Mike Bauman rises to COO at DDB Group Canada
Nancy Cook becomes chief budget and tax writer at National Journal
John Korpics becomes VP and creative director at ESPN the Magazine
Randi Zuckerberg leaving Facebook
Eleanor Hong becomes senior manager of content integration at ESPN3
Dave Weiss becomes deputy photo editor at People StyleWatch
Jerry Lewis pulls out of this year's MDA Telethon
Alec Baldwin hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Former NFL player and actor Bubba Smith dies at 66
David Bell and Alan Gould join Vizu
Charlyne Yi joins Fox's 'House'
Friday, August 05, 2011
Overnights
Surging 'Brother' boosts CBS to No. 1
Veteran reality show averages a 2.7 18-49 rating, up 4 percent over last week and seeing growth for all this week's episodes
Newspapers
Hacking hotseat for CNN's Piers Morgan
Brits call for the TV host to return to London to answer questions about phone hacking during his years as a UK tabloid editor
Here & there
TCA roundup: The CW expands its target
Other shorts: Comcast flags DirecTV NFL promotion - 'Today' wins another sweeps - Spam King in trouble again - 'NCIS' nabs highest Q Scores
Alternative media
Here's using the old noodle on a cold day
Giant macaroni serves as a hand-warmer for Green Bay Packers fans tailgating at winter games. Client: Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.
TV Reviews
'Hillbilly Handfishin',' mucking around
Animal Planet series has city folks learning to catch catfish with their hands. Fun to watch for a few minutes, but just a few.
Rachel speaks!
Rachel, a co-worker got a raise but not me
The writer is irate. The agency has a salary freeze, or so she thought. What should she do? Complain? Rachel weighs in.
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Tiger Woods plays on Golf Channel; Saturday: Harry Potter on ABC; Sunday: 'Teen Choice 2011' on Fox
People
Sarah Michelle Gellar returning to 'All My Children'
Katherine Fernandez becomes associate copywriter at AKQA
Three rise at Millennium Sales & Marketing
David Lyle becomes CEO at National Geographic Channels
Len Fogge becomes president of marketing at NBC Entertainment
Frank Pintauro and Donald Buckley rise to EVPs at Showtime
Beth C. Hoppe and Donald Thoms becomes VPs of programming at PBS
Ali Kellerman becomes senior manager at Travel Ad Network
Maria Menounos signs development deal with Telepictures
Brett Ratner and Don Mischer producing the Academy Awards
Actress Annette Charles dies at 63
Lady Gaga appearing in CW special
Steve Carell producing Showtime's 'Laughing Stock'
Monday, August 08, 2011
Overnights
Better teen tune-in for 'Teen Choice Awards'
Fox special averages a 2.8 in 12-17s, network's best rating of the summer, though it bombs with parents tired of Justin Bieber
Television
Sniff. 'Desperate Housewives' is ending.
This will be the last season for the sudsy comedy, whose ratings have fallen over the past two years (and other news from the TCA)
Cable
MTV's 'Jersey Shore': Still so very hot
Best debut in the network's history, drawing 8.45 million viewers, up 4 percent from last season's opener. Does an 8.2 in 12-34s.
Here & there
Revealed: How Charlie Sheen dies on 'Men'
Other shorts: Disney's 'Ferb' is year's No. 1 movie - Tag Heuer dumps Woods - ABC apologizes for Minaj peek-a-boob - 'Family' and 'Men' lead TCA winners
In media this week
Look for a slide in readers of celeb titles
ABC numbers, out this week, are expected to be down for the category, which has long been thought to be prime for shakeout
TV Reviews
'Tia & Tamera,' too much information
The Mowry sisters of 'Sister Sister' just aren't that interesting, and this Style Network reality series about the pair fails to change that
TV This Week
Profile of a killer: Anders Behring Breivik
Discovery Channel looks at the man who took the lives of 85 Norwegians last month as part of a personal war against Islam
This week in out of home
Your client's image projected in 3D
Brilliant images light up the sky, flashing in the night, as the side of a building becomes a giant screen of 3D animation
What's new in alternative media
Using the old noodle on a cold day
'Say, looks like they're playing our song'
'Don't like our pizza? Go tell the world'
Outlook for digital out of home: Hotter
People
Seth Rogen guesting on 'The League'
Jo Zmood becomes head of planning at Posterscope
Matthew Ryan becomes creative director at GOOD/Corps
Johan Dahlqvist becomes creative director at 101
Sharon Allen rises to SVP of program marketing at Showtime
Monica Galer becomes president at FremantleMedia France
Cator Sparks becomes editor in chief at LookBooks.com
Simone Press becomes production coordinator at ABC News
Roseanne Barr is running for president
Ryan Reynolds guesting on Fox's 'Family Guy'
Actor Francesco Quinn dies at age 48
Rick Fox guesting on ABC's 'Body of Proof'
Alexandra Steigrad becomes accessories news editor at Women's Wear Daily
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Overnights
Red-hot Ramsay boosts Fox to win
Averages a 2.5 in adults 18-49, 14 percent ahead of ABC, as 'Kitchen' hits a season high. Best summer Monday in three years.
Magazines
New, steeper declines at the newsstand
Single-copy sales decline more than 9 percent in first-half 2011, worst drop in two years, but subscription sales remain flat
Magazines
What's behind magazines' circ issues
The economy's hurting, and there's the internet, yet some titles are showing real gains. Talking with CircMatters' Jack Hanrahan.
Cable
A new boss to give direction to Current
Al Gore network names ex-CNNer David Bohrman president, tasked with revamping it as a lefty news network with Keith Olbermann
Sports TV
Don't bet on a quick NBA lockout deal
With both sides far apart, there's a real risk that no deal will come before November, meaning lost games and possibly the season
Here & there
News Corp. shocker: Brooks still on payroll
Other shorts: Online retail sales up 14 percent - Stink over Newsweek's Bachmann cover - Programming notes - Comcast discounts internet
TV Reviews
'Big Law: Deputy Butterbean,' real life
Investigation Discovery show puts a badge on a celebrity, former boxer Eric Esch, and the whole thing comes off as quite genuine
TV This Week
'Covert Affairs': Filling out USA's lineup
CIA drama with signature USA quirks ends its second season as the network's No. 3 show, averaging 5.8 million total viewers
People
Agnes Nixon guesting on 'All My Children'
Robert Swartz and Jason Clement join Deutsch NY
Richard Scionti becomes CIO at Prophet
Robert Anderson becomes managing director at Big Fuel
Doug Sellars and Scott Ackerson rise at Fox Sports
Eric Karaffa rises to VP and digital sales director at Parade
Jeff Barish returns to Conde Nast
Linus Roache guesting on NBC's 'Law & Order: SVU'
Beau Bridges guesting on USA's 'White Collar'
Connor Paolo leaving CW's 'Gossip Girl'
Chambers Communications founder Carolyn S. Chambers dies at 79
Damien Woody becomes NFL analyst at ESPN
Lifetime passes on Serena Williams reality project
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Overnights
Fox wins another night with Ramsay
Averages a 2.6 in adults 18-49 with 'MasterChef' tying a season high with a 2.5. But NBC's 'Talent' is night's top show with a 2.9.
Magazines
Niche titles dominate circulation gainers
Accounting for nine of the top 10 magazines in readership growth, three targeting Hispanics and three aimed at hobbyists
Here & there
Murdoch sits in on today's News Corp. call
Other shorts: AOL earnings: Ads up but no profit - Tribune eyes its own tablet - 'Eureka' canceled - Study: Search and email top web activities
Broadcast recap
Summer 2011's one standout: 'The Voice'
NBC singing challenge is the top-rated show, and the first new show in years to hit No. 1, beating all the veterans (charts)
Cable recap
For baseball, it's about winning the game
Unlike the NFL and NBA, MLB is having a quiet off-the-field season, while on the field it's doing well, with ratings up (charts)
TV Reviews
'Russian Dolls,' and dolls they are
Lifetime reality series is a fresh twist on the spoiled women theme. The women are Russians and their lives interesting.
TV This Week
Not so hot moves for Fox's 'Dance'
Goes into season eight finale with its lowest summer ratings ever, and the blame goes to an absence of standout performers
People
John Walsh receiving Emmy honor
Randall Lane becomes editor at Forbes
Jannika Kampschuur becomes team coordinator at Phelps Group
Roy Eventov becomes creative director at Gravity Digital
Rose Mary Romano becomes SVP at Fenton
Three join Stein + Partners Brand Activation
Amy Holmes becomes news anchor at The Blaze
Amy Elliott becomes senior editor of special sections at Lucky
Sam Milner becomes senior market editor at W
Jennifer Janisch becomes a producer at CBS News
Emeril Lagasse and Hugh Acheson join Bravo's 'Top Chef'
Jerry Rice joins ESPN as NFL analyst
Sarah Chalke signs development deal with 20th Century Fox
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Overnights
Fox dances past CBS for Wednesday win
Averages a 1.9 in adults 18-49 for part one of 'Dance' finale, even to last year, giving network third straight nightly victory
Television
Roseanne Barr's latest thing: New sitcom
Nineties sitcom star is working on a script for a comedy about a struggling working-class family, along the lines of 'Roseanne'
Cable
TBS axes 'Lopez Tonight' late show
Talk show saw ratings take a further slide when it was kicked to midnight from 11 p.m. last fall to make room for Conan O'Brien
Here & there
Rupe: 'If I'm hit by a bus, Carey is in charge'
Other shorts: NBC signs three-year deal with MLS - Steinem calls for 'Playboy Club' boycott - Soon, a Tyler Perry network - Hackers plan Facebook attack
Television
Primer on the fall broadcast season
There are 27 new shows debuting throughout September, and perhaps a fourth of them will survive. Talking with Shari Anne Brill.
Alternative media
What's hot at the beach: Butt-vertising
Two volleyball stars have QR codes on their bikinis. Snap a picture and you're taken to the advertiser's site. Client: Betting site.
TV Reviews
'Strike Back,' and throw everything at it
Cinemax UK import leaves nothing out of the pot, and the result is a great stew of a spy adventure that never really comes together
TV This Week
Finally, deal in place, players take the field
San Diego faces Seattle in the NFL's first preseason game, just two weeks after the lockout ended. Big Q: how many will tune in?
People
Producer: J.Lo returning to 'American Idol'
Michele Laven and Tom Poleman rise at Clear Channel
Sean Creamer rises to COO at Arbitron
Chris Moseley becomes SVP of product management at MSG
Blake Morrison becomes investigative projects editor at Reuters
David Sleight becomes CTO at Nomad Editions
Christopher Ornelas and Joy Whitlow rise at NAB
Joshua Topolsky writing Washington Post column
Bill Parcells returning to ESPN
LaMarcus Tinker joins Fox's 'Glee'
Jennifer Love Hewitt starring in Lifetime's 'The Client List'
Nick Zano joins CBS's '2 Broke Girls'
Sebastian Roche joins CW's 'Vampire Diaries'
Friday, August 12, 2011
Overnights
CBS snaps Fox's three-night win streak
Averages a 2.3 to Fox's 2.1 in adults 18-49 with a season-high 3.2 for 'Big Brother.' But football preempts show in several markets.
Cable
Ratings slide for Olbermann, off by a third
Ex-MSNBCer sees a steep ratings drop since his June debut, to 85,000 25-54s, as Current revamps as a leftish news network
Here & there
Sesame Workshop: Bert & Ernie are not gay
Other shorts: Alas, entertaining @CondeElevator goes dark - LinkedIn privacy flap - Lopez zingers from final TBS shows - HBO renews 'Blood'
Alternative media
'Do take a gander at this huge bather'
We do mean huge, 67 feet head to toe. She's floating in a lake as if in a bathtub, drawing the curious. Client: A soap company.
Social notes
British cops' newest weapon: Social media
Police are using sites to identify looters and thwart further violence in this week's riots (and other social media news)
TV Reviews
'In the Flow With Affion Crockett,' not
Crockett is a talented comedian but the writing of this new sketch comedy show on Fox isn't up to his talents. It's not funny.
Rachel speaks!
Rachel, I have to promote someone
The writer is a newly minted supervisor and must now choose her No. 2. She's worried about offending those she passes over.
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: ABC's 'Karaoke Battle;' Saturday: 'iCarly' on Nickelodeon; Sunday: final round of PGA Championship on CBS
People
Seth MacFarlane hosting Sheen roast
Wes Beyrent becomes director of creative technology at Publicis Dallas
Sanjeev Agrawal becomes president at SocialTwist
Vi Nguyen becomes head of 3D at Thornberg & Forester
Andrew Sarnow becomes VP of digital integrated marketing at MTV
Alan Bone becomes head of international circ at Businessweek
Victoria Vitarelli and Sharon van Zwieten join Univision Deportes
Deborah L. Jacobs becomes senior editor at Forbes Media
Jay Madara becomes CFO at Golf Channel
Heather Symmes becomes director of affiliate marketing at GMC
Terrell Owens guesting on USA's 'Necessary Roughness'
Jane Kaczmarek joins NBC's 'Whitney'
Bobby Cannavale joins Showtime's 'Nurse Jackie'
Monday, August 15, 2011
Overnights
Limp debut for Fox's 'In the Flow'
New sketch comedy show averages a 1.3 in 18-49s for episode one and dips to a 1.0 for episode two. CBS wins with golf and 'Brother.'
Cable
'Jersey Shore' dips in its second outing
Averages 7.4 million total viewers, off 16 percent from its season debut, and declines in 12-34s too, yet it still dominates cable
Here & there
Good 'Break:' AMC renews drug drama
Other shorts: Google acquires Motorola Mobility - Forbes sues Russian firm- MediaNews Group pushes behind paywall - Deloitte: Consumer spending rising
In media this week
Looking ahead, look to Fox to take the fall
That's Media Life's prediction, based on 'The X Factor,' its new reality series, which shows every sign of being a huge hit
TV Reviews
'The Lying Game,' not much fun to play
The ABC Family series toys with teen girl fantasies, building a mystery around them, but it fails to deliver much excitement
Radio
Arbitron looks at upgrading diary system
Testing system to ditch pencil and paper for online entry, with the hope of cutting costs and improving the quality of ratings data
TV This Week
Oh, to be young and single in Texas
New Jersey used to be the hot state for reality TV shows. Now it's Texas. The latest entry: Bravo's 'Most Eligible Dallas.'
This week in out of home
Your client in airline executive clubs
Catch upscale travelers with signage and sampling as they work or relax before boarding their flights at the nation's airports
What's new in alternative media
What's hot at the beach: Butt-vertising
'Do take a gander at this huge bather'
Using the old noodle on a cold day
'Say, looks like they're playing our song'
People
Derek Hough returning to 'Dancing with the Stars'
Marc Sobier becomes global creative director at Y&R New York
Gregory S. Dean becomes CTO at Willen Direct
Adam Naide becomes executive director of social media at Cox
Columnist Cynthia Tucker leaves Atlanta Journal-Constitution
David Nakamura becomes White House reporter at the Washington Post
Steve Lickteig returning to NPR as a producer
Grace Dobush becomes interactive executive editor at HOW
Kellie Pickler guesting on the CW's '90210'
Nathalie Kelley joins ABC's 'Body of Proof'
Tina Fey gives birth to her second daughter
'The View's' Joy Behar and Sherri Shepherd get married
Brooke Burke and David Charvet get married
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Overnights
Fox cooks up best Monday in four years
Gordon Ramsay shows combine for a 2.6 18-49 rating, led by 'Hell's Kitchen' with a 2.8. 'MasterChef' draws a season-high 2.4.
The coming fall season
Here they are: Fall's top five new shows
Media Life names the broadcast series most likely to succeed, based on quality, network, timeslot and promotional oomph
Cable
D-i-v-o-r-c-e: TLC axes fading 'Kate Plus 8'
The Gosselins were hugely popular when the couple was fighting, but after the split, when he left the show, ratings tumbled
Here & there
UK Sunday papers gain from NOTW closure
Other shorts: Clear Channel tower standoff continues - Study: Rolling Stone covers s**ualize women - MTV reups 'Awkward' - Controversial TV interview
Sports TV
Unknown PGA winner, and a ratings loser
PGA Championship on CBS averages a 4.3 overnight household rating, off 14 percent, as Keegan Bradley beats Jason Dufner
Media economy
Behind the slowdown in auto advertising
Spending was up double digits through 2010 and first-quarter 2011, then came Japan. Talking with Kantar Media's Jon Swallen.
TV Reviews
'Family Restaurant,' try the appetizers
This WE reality series, a peek into the lives of Chinese restaurant owners, is light fare but fun to watch and not overdone
TV This Week
Fashion-wise, hope for the rest of us
That may explain the longevity of TLC's 'What Not to Wear,' the idea that even Hollywood's glamorous struggle with the right look
People
Big changes at CBS's 'The Talk'
Rachelle Boyer becomes senior account executive at Scales Advertising
Gary Wooley becomes director of insurance at Mintel Comperemedia
Jim Brady becomes editor in chief at Journal Register Co.
Bernhard Schwab becomes SVP of international sales at RHI
Renee Lewin becomes associate publisher at Harper's Bazaar
Meg Lowe becomes SVP of distribution at OWN
Stan Lim becomes design director at The Hub
Daniel Tosh producing Comedy Central's 'Brickleberry'
Julianne Moore eyeing HBO's 'Dope'
Cassidy Freeman joins NBC's 'Playboy Club'
Lawrence O'Donnell taking leave from MSNBC
'Sons of Anarchy' creator Kurt Sutter quits Twitter
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Overnights
Fox's 'MasterChef' hits series high in finale
Averages a 2.8 in 18-49s in its final hour, up 40 percent over last year's season ender and leading Fox to another nightly victory
Newspapers
More heat for James Murdoch over hacking
New evidence comes out that hacking was widely known about at the News of the World and that executives worked to cover it up
Television
The word: Seacrest eyed to replace Lauer
Longtime 'Today' host's contract runs out next year, and NBC is reportedly considering the 'Idol' host if Lauer does not renew
Here & there
Abercrombie to 'Shore' cast: Remove our duds
Other shorts: 'Housewives' husband found dead - Man targeted in Facebook murder-for-hire is killed - Programming notes - Can TV reduce your lifespan?
Broadcast recap
Bump for evening news as markets roil
NBC is up 8 percent, to 7.73 million total viewers, ABC gains 6 percent, to 7.29 million, CBS 7 percent, to 5.34 million. (charts)
Cable recap
For Cinemax, a strike in the right direction
Debut of its first original series, 'Strike Back,' averages 567,000 viewers, its best showing in the timeslot since 2005 (charts)
TV Reviews
'The Hour,' worth every minute
BBC America six-parter, set in London in the 50s, may remind one of 'Mad Men,' but it's much more, and thoroughly engaging
TV This Week
On CMT, wrestling with a country twang
Country network pairs its first original movie, 'To the Mat,' with the reality series 'Made' as a sure lure for grappling fans
People
Bill Paxton joins History miniseries
Bud Caddell becomes invention strategist at Deutsch LA
Lee Krackow becomes account director at C2C Outdoor
Mary Ellen Iwata becomes VP of original content at Weather Channel
Laura Frerer-Schmidt becomes publisher at Women's Health
Jeff Browning becomes SVP of sales at Univision News
Brett Jenkins becomes CTO at LIN Media
Oscar Ordaz becomes director of distribution at Ovation
Dominic Chianese joins HBO's 'Boardwalk Empire'
Nick Cannon and Jennifer Hall join NBC's 'Up All Night'
Dr. Phil interviewing Casey Anthony's parents
Jim Belushi in talks for new ABC Studios comedy
Paula Pell guesting on NBC's 'Parks and Recreation'
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Overnights
CBS's 'Brother' surges to a season high
Averages a 3.1 18-49 rating, best on any night this summer, and lifts CBS to a victory with Fox in repeats following end of 'Dance'
Here & there
A 13th arrest made in News Corp. scandal
Other shorts: DirecTV adds PS3 to Sunday Ticket - An anti-Semitic rant against Howard Stern - Jihadist threatens Letterman - ComScore: Amazon draws 282M
Cable
On CNN, tempest in an August teapot
Host asks guest obnoxious questions. Guest stomps off set. Network PR machine cranks up, sending out video of walk-off. Host crows.
New media
Coming surge in local mobile advertising
Spending is forecast to shoot up as small businesses flock to this inexpensive way to reach customers. Talking with Borrell's Gordon Borrell.
Alternative media
Suds up for this bevy of bikini-clad babes
Count 'em: 152 people, most in skimpy swimsuits, take a giant shower together to break a world record: Client: A male body gel.
TV Reviews
'Stuck With Hackett,' and such a find
Science Channel series has our star building machines from parts salvaged from scrap heaps, what he calls 'obtainium.' Lots of fun.
TV This Week
Honoring the good that young people do
In the sea of awards shows there's a newer one, this on VH1, 'The 2011 Do Something Awards,' for those making a difference
People
Jann Wenner headed for divorce court
Mark Pavia becomes digital managing director at Starcom
Kevin Holt becomes VP of business development at The Marketing Arm
Chris Rovzar becomes digital editor at Vanity Fair
Suzette Cabildo rises to CRO at Budget Travel
Nick Van Sicklen becomes digital sales director at Food & Wine
Kasie Hunt becomes lead political reporter at the Associated Press
Elena Sukacheva becomes VP of strategy at Economist Group
Jose Cancela becomes president and GM at Telemundo's KVEA
Longtime newspaperman Creed Black dies at 86
Fox confirms Jennifer Lopez back on 'American Idol'
Fred Chong Rutherford becomes technical project manager at NBC Universal
Nicholas Ballasy becomes Capitol Hill correspondent at The Daily Caller
Friday, August 19, 2011
Overnights
Steelers-Eagles game boosts Fox to win
Preseason NFL matchup averages a 3.0 rating, boosting the network 50 percent ahead of No. 2 finisher CBS. 'Brother' draws a 3.0.
Media economy
For media buyers, the outlook darkens
Economic turmoil is taking its toll on the media economy, and many feel the recovery has either slowed or halted entirely
Sports TV
Socko deal: Fox signs Ultimate Fighting
Mixed martial arts matches will air on Fox and Fox-owned cable networks, in a big boost for the league as it seeks legitimacy
Here & there
The word: News Corp. mulling post-James plans
Other shorts: Bravo delays 'RHOBH' after death - Small ratings bump for Morgan - OK! Photoshops Kardashian wedding - Block annoying things on TV
The coming fall season
The five fall shows most likely to bomb
Media Life names the broadcast shows with the poorest chances this fall, based on quality, timeslot, networks and competition
TV Reviews
'Home Takeover With Simon & Tomas,' OK
OWN home makeover series falls neatly in line with all the other such shows, bringing little that's particularly new to the genre
Rachel speaks
Rachel, we're down from all the bad news
The writer, who works in a media department, says morale has taken a hit with the U.S. economy. Rachel offers her take on things.
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Flashpoint' finale on CBS; Saturday: NBC's gymnastics; Sunday: 'Glee Project' wraps up on Oxygen
People
Rosie O'Donnell gets OWN premiere date
Brian Skahan becomes CTO at Publicis Modem
Sav Banerjee becomes executive strategy director at Rokkan
Frank Pichel becomes creative director at Thornberg & Forester
Chance Patterson becomes SVP of corporate affairs at Harpo Studios
Three join Newsweek Daily Beast
Mark Dante rises to EVP of station group sales at Univision
Kat Von D's 'LA Ink' canceled
Ricky Gervais readies new show 'Life's Too Short'
Sarah Silverman developing NBC comedy
Steve Harvey hosting syndicated talk show
Dave Navarro hosting Spike TV's 'InkMaster'
Edmund Lee becomes media reporter at Bloomberg News
Monday, August 22, 2011
Overnights
NBC scores Sunday win with 'SNF'
Averages a 3.3 for Cowboys-Chargers preseason game, kicking off what will be a long string of NBC victories on Sunday this fall
Cable
Bravo: We'll edit 'Housewives' after death
Reworking 'Beverly Hills' edition to shift storyline from husband who committed suicide after on-screen collapse of his marriage
Here & there
Alas, NOTW ad $s aren't going to other papers
Other shorts: Lifetime's 'Runway' struts to season highs - Betty White tops most popular stars list - Comcast drops DirecTV suit - Irish Post closes
TV Reviews
'Top Gear,' lads with fast cars goofing off
BBC America brings us a classic British show that has something to do with cars but mostly it's three guys having a good time
Newspapers
Murdoch's big loss in the London scandal
He's already lost his bid for control of BSkyB. His worry now is that the phone hacking investigations will claim son James.
TV This Week
La La and Carmelo: Their life off the court
He plays for the Knicks, she an actor and TV personality, and now they're the stars of VH1's 'La La's Full Court Life'
This week in out of home
Your client at gymnastic meets
The best of the best young tumblers compete at the Visa Championships, and they bring with them a very desirable fan base
What's new in alternative media
Suds up for this bevy of bikini babes
What's hot at the beach: Butt-vertising
'Do take a gander at this huge bather'
Using the old noodle on a cold day
People
Kim Kardashian weds
Kevin Phillips becomes creative director at Via Agency
George Carens rises to president at Kantar Media Intelligence
Mara Filo becomes Detroit ad director at Elle and O
Adam Ross and Melissa King join Media Networks Inc.
Nick Valls rises to SVP of network sales at Univision
Samantha Henig becomes online editor at New York Times Magazine
Steve Sternberg becomes deputy health rankings editor at U.S. News
Andrea Parker and Miguel Ferrer join ABC's 'Desperate Housewives'
Josh Groban guesting on NBC's 'The Office'
Former CBS News VP Lane Venardos dies at 67
Eric Close joins FX's 'American Horror Story'
Elsa Davis joins CW's 'Hart of Dixie'
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Overnights
'American Ninja Warrior' gives NBC a boost
Two-hour G4 show averages a 1.7 adults 18-49 rating in a special airing, drawing the network's best rating in the slot since July 4
Radio
So long to a relic: The Fairness Doctrine
Regulation required stations to present opposing views, but it was seldom enforced and it was seen by broadcasters as a nuisance
Here & there
Now playing on Facebook: Miramax films
Other shorts: WSJ: News Corp. knows who ordered hacking - Programming notes - ComScore: Record social network users - Spitzer sued
The coming fall season
The five big questions of the new season
Their answers will define how the new season will shape up. Here's the first: Will this be the year NBC begins to turn around?
New media
Eye on the emerging hot online categories
Along with other insights into emerging trends as online ad spending surges ahead. Speaking with eMarketer's Victoria Petrock.
TV Reviews
'Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero,' a tribute
Discovery series about the 9/11 museum is reverential in tone but falls short when it comes to telling the complete story
TV This Week
Biting into the cuisine of real America
On Sundance's 'Ludo Bites America,' which wraps up its first season, chef Ludo Lefebvre updates classics with a French twist
People
Jimmy Fallon hosting 'SNL'
Tom Morton becomes CSO at Euro RSCG Worldwide
Dave Koromaus rises to VP at LevLane
Colin McRae, Julie Scelzo and Tony Vazquez rise at DraftFCB
Teall Barnes becomes director of business development at KO Creative
Rob Spodek rises to CFO at Syfy and Chiller
Eliot Goldberg becomes SVP of development at CMT
Hugh Shannon becomes VP of product management at Source Interlink
Brent Zacky and Michelle Auguste join Logo
Ayman Mohyeldin becomes foreign correspondent at NBC News
Former OLN and ABC News employee Susan Panisch dies
Trish Wilson becomes AP deputy Latin America and Caribbean editor
Laura Locke becomes senior social media writer at CNET
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Overnights
'Talent' grows as pool narrows to final eight
NBC reality show averages a 3.1 in adults 18-49, up 11 percent over last week and leading the network to an easy nightly victory
Social media
Social media's big scoop: The earthquake
Handily beats news outlets in reporting the event, with 40,000 tweets in the first minute. Utilities used Twitter to alert customers.
Here & there
Coming soon, original movies on TNT
Other shorts: Study: Tablets will lead to dip in paper usage - MediaNews Group consolidates Bay newspapers - Programming notes: Syfy slates fall lineup
Broadcast recap
As summer wanes, Fox edges ahead
Averaging a 1.7/6 adults 18-49 to 1.7/5 for ABC and NBC but NBC stands a better than even chance of regaining first (charts)
Cable recap
Wedded bliss: E! soars with Kim nuptials
Sunday 'Kardashians,' coinciding with her weekend wedding, is the top non-sports show on cable and broadcast that hour (charts)
TV Reviews
'I Just Want My Pants Back,' you got 'em
This new MTV sitcom struggles for that Gen Y hip feel--lots of casual hookups--but it comes off as dated and improbable
TV This Week
'Buried Treasure,' for this packrat nation
Fox show brings to broadcast our obsession with junk, ours and others, and its worth, featuring two 'Antiques Roadshow' experts
People
Isaiah Mustafa joins 'Charlie's Angels'
Richard Goldsmith becomes social media director at R/GA Chicago
Kyle Lewis becomes ECD at Modea
Todd Carter becomes CTO at Internet Broadcasting
Beth Jacobson becomes senior director of PR at Entertainment Weekly
Therese Gamba becomes SVP of marketing at NBC Owned Stations
Sam Ryan becomes host and reporter at MLB Network
Marv Albert joins CBS as NFL commentator
Kierna Mayo becomes digital editorial director at Ebony
Actor and producer John Howard Davies dies at 72
Jimmy Kimmel's uncle Frank Potenza dies at 77
Andre Braugher eyeing NBC's 'Law & Order: SVU' role
Ross Matthews signs development deal at E!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Overnights
Fox's 'Buried Treasure' is no hidden jewel
New show about sifting through other people's junk bombs with a 1.0 adults 18-49 rating, airing opposite CBS's mighty 'Big Brother'
Television
Back from the dead: Fox's 'Breaking In'
Better to say quite possibly back from the dead. Network holds out renewal in bid to sign a new show from 'Breaking' creator.
Here & there
Apple's big challenge without Steve Jobs
Other shorts: Study: QR codes reach small but desirable audience - Romenesko semi-retiring - Programming notes: Bounce slates debut shows
Television
Who will win Emmys? Here's one rundown.
Look for Carell to win for 'The Office.' Repeat winners: 'Modern Family' and 'Mad Men.' Talking with the L.A. Times' Tom O'Neil.
Alternative media
Big bucks naming deal for Meadowlands
MetLife puts its name on the new Jets-Giants stadium for a reported $400 million, a record sum for any NFL stadium deal
TV Reviews
'Ridiculousness,' reach for the remote
Or watch a show showing videos and listen to unfunny commentary. Comedy Central's 'Tosh.0' is funny. This is not.
Ask a Media Life expert
Fact is, cable CPM hikes have been hefty
They've matched or exceeded broadcast upfront increases over the past five years, to answer a question posed by a reader
TV This Week
Living an imagined life, for better or worse
OWN documentary looks at folks who belong to Second Life, a site where they create new identities--and confront new problems
People
Glenn Beck holds rally in Israel
Caroline Giegerich rises to VP of innovations at Initiative
Eli Weisman and Scott Tobin rise at Trailer Park
Patrick Hagerty becomes CRO at Captivate Network
Daniel Taitz joins Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
Melissa Forman becomes SVP of programming at Fuel TV
Rob Klug becomes executive director of production at CBS News
Lori Neuhardt becomes design director at ABC News Digital
Joyce King Thomas becomes a partner at Longreads
Chord Overstreet guesting on ABC's 'The Middle'
Jay Mohr guesting on NBC's 'Prime Suspect'
Shonda Rhimes sells drama script to ABC
Shane Brennan working on two projects at CBS
Friday, August 26, 2011
Overnights
CBS's 'Big Brother' matches a season high
Long-running reality show averages a 3.2 18-49 rating, up 10 percent over last week and equaling best rating since September 2007
Television
Media people brace for Hurricane Irene
Workers are heading home to stock up for the storm as it works its way up the East Coast. The big question: What of Monday?
Here & there
At Pandora, a better second quarter
Other shorts: Study: News apps prompt longest tablet sessions - 'RHOBH's' Taylor says she'll do a TV special. Or will she? - Programming notes
Dayparts update
The new No. 1 late-night show: 'Nightline'
Long-running ABC news show narrowly edges out NBC's 'Tonight' in 25-54s and total viewers at 3.96 million, its first win in decades
Alternative media
A bowling ball to scare the wits out of you
It looks every bit like a severed head, its face gory and bloodied, its mouth open in a scream. Client: A horror TV channel.
TV Reviews
'Death Valley,' bloody good fun
Mockumentary about an infestation of flesh-eating zombies benefits from good writing and a skilled cast, unusual for MTV
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Packers vs. Colts on CBS; Saturday: NASCAR on ABC; Sunday: '2011 MTV Video Music Awards'
People
Actor Michael Showers dies at 45
Robin Kadfalk becomes creative coordinator at Digitaria
Joe Oulvey becomes EVP of ad sales at Twentieth Television
Roberto Stopello rises to VP of novela development at Telemundo
Quentin Hardy becomes tech deputy editor at the New York Times
Andrew Haag becomes a producer at CNN
Althia Raj becomes Ottawa bureau chief at Huffington Post Canada
Jeff Selingo rises to editorial director at the Chronicle of Higher Education
Nancy Greenwald becomes VP of ad sales at TMG Custom Media
David Arquette may join 'Dancing with the Stars'
Heather Graham joins Fox's 'Little In Common'
Anthony Tyler Quinn joins CW's 'Pretty Little Liars'
Jaime Pressly pleads no contest to DUI
Monday, August 29, 2011
Overnights
NBC wins Sunday night easily with 'SNF'
Network averages a 2.5 18-49 rating, led by preseason game between the Saints and Raiders. But Irene coverage preempts some affiliates.
Media economy
New York struggles to dig out from Irene
Transportation systems are either not running or running slower, making getting to work harder, and many are choosing to stay home
Here & there
A weekend of nonstop hurricane coverage
Other shorts: Storm stirs up record traffic for Weather.com - And in sports, Irene-related delays - Programming notes: 'Hot' returns in November
Media economy
For outdoor, hefty growth despite it all
Defies slowdown to post a 4.5 percent increase in ad spending in second quarter, led by financial services, up 29.4 percent
TV Reviews
'Big Sexy,' a full plate, perhaps too full
TLC three-part reality series about plus-size models is engaging for the first hour but that hour pretty much covers the topic
TV This Week
On 'Bachelor Pad,' the jilted and jaded
Revenge may not always be sweet but it can be entertaining, and it often is on this ABC spinoff, where rejectees are reunited
This week in out of home
Your client under people's feet
Be seen. Put the message on floors and sidewalks, using everything from chalk to stencils to projections, and draw a crowd.
What's new in alternative media
Bowling ball to scare the wits out of you
Big bucks Meadowlands naming deal
Suds up for this bevy of bikini babes
What's hot at the beach: Butt-vertising
People
Kris Jenner guest hosting 'The Talk'
Dave Crammond rises to SVP and managing director at MEC
John Kovacevich becomes VP and creative director at Draftfcb
Lowe & Partners CCO Matthew Bull exiting
Three rise and two join at Glamour
Daniel Maurer becomes editor at NY Times' Local East Village
Dee Dee Thomas becomes EP at NBC's 'Weekend Today'
Jamie Lee Curtis guesting on CBS's 'NCIS'
Alison Stewart leaving PBS's 'Need to Know'
Sandra Bullock eyeing Fox's 'And Then There Was Gordon'
TV hairstylist Russell Latham dies at 54
Jessica Tuck guesting on ABC's 'Castle'
Breckin Meyer developing new Turner comedy
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Overnights
'Hell's Kitchen' ties season high on Monday
Veteran Fox reality show averages a 2.9 in adults 18-49, lifting the network to a nightly victory over ABC and Univision
Media economy
Media folks learning to cope post-Irene
Many continue to work from home, staying in touch by email and other means, as agencies dig out from hurricane's aftereffects
Cable
Weather Channel soars but takes heat
Audience triples, averaging 665,000 total viewers over three days, amid charges that the network over-hyped hurricane's threat
Here & there
So hip: 'VMAs' draw record MTV audience
Other shorts: Irene's big cost to media - Forrester: Web will become No. 1 ad medium - Bono, Grace and Arquette join 'DWTS' - Programming notes
The coming fall season
Overall, new season looks more promising
More new broadcast shows appear likely to hit with viewers than did last year. Talking with Harmelin Media's Cheryl Klear.
TV Reviews
'Quirky,' the romance of inventing
Sundance series profiles a firm that helps inventors to develop their products, but we learn little hard facts about the process
TV This Week
Must-see TV: The best documentaries
The documentary has become an art form in its own right, and Current TV celebrates the art form by naming the top 50 of all time
People
Mike Tyson roasting Charlie Sheen
Dan McCarthy and Jeff Donaldson rise at Elias/Savion
Elizabeth Fenner becomes editor in chief at Chicago magazine
Brian Carney becomes sales development manager at Businessweek
Laura Del Greco becomes VP of client solutions at USA Today
Matt Rodbard becomes contributing editor at Food Republic
Al Dejewski becomes SVP of global marketing at Specific Media
Jon Ferro becomes SVP of U.S. program sales at Entertainment One
Chad Michael Murray returning to CW's 'One Tree Hill'
Judy Greer joins CBS's 'Two and a Half Men'
Jason Dohring joins CW's 'Ringer'
Jordana Spiro joins Showtime's 'Dexter'
Matthew Fox accused of assaulting bus driver
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Overnights
'Talent' lifts NBC to easy Tuesday victory
Network averages a 2.4 18-49 rating, well ahead of Univision, which places second with a 1.6. 'Talent' is top show with a 3.0.
Media economy
Buyers: Agencies were prepared for Irene
Vast majority say employers had good systems in place ahead of the hurricane to stay in touch and ensure work would get done
Sports TV
NBC: We're doing the 2012 Olympics live
Every event from London will air live, either on TV or online, ending the practice of tape-delaying top events for airing in primetime
Here & there
Murdochs called to testify under oath
Other shorts: Weather Channel sets Irene ratings record - Programming notes - USA finishes first in August - Gawker's O'Reilly allegations
Broadcast recap
'Big Brother' delivers a rare win for CBS
Network wins the week, its first this summer, ending Fox's streak, lifted by gains for the long-of-tooth reality series (charts)
Cable recap
For cable, stronger summer in the ratings
Up 3 percent in adults 18-49, after dipping last summer for the first time, with History the big gainer, up 33 percent (charts)
TV Reviews
'Dinosaur Revolution,' lots to chew on
Discovery four-parter doesn't really break new ground but it's a good summing up and visually engaging, if a bit overdone at times
TV This Week
Best of rivals: Yankees versus Red Sox
They're at it again, with Boston ahead by just half a game and no one else close as they go into a pivotal game, on ESPN at 7 p.m.
People
Courtney Thorne-Smith returning to 'Two and a Half Men'
Ed Kats rises to president at MediaWhiz
Keith Ciampa becomes ECD at Tribal DDB San Francisco
Lisa Decker becomes Seattle president at Clear Channel Radio
Colin Crowell becomes global head of public policy at Twitter
R. Brian Gibson becomes CFO at BuzzLogic
Bill McHargue becomes VP of sales at Crowd Science
Dan Josephs becomes design director at Coastal Living
Tom Berenger and Powers Boothe join History's 'Hatfields and McCoys'
Fox SVP of engineering Earl Arbuckle dies at 61
Actress Patricia Hardy dies at age 80
Sam Singal rises to EP of weekend 'NBC Nightly News'
Danny Pudi guesting on NBC's 'Chuck'
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Overnights
CBS's 'Big Brother' matches season high
Averages a 3.2 18-49 rating, up 14 percent over last week and tying best rating in four years as the network wins the night
Cable
Bravo: 'Housewives' will debut as planned
'Beverly Hills' edition set for Monday, edited to remove scenes featuring cast member Russell Armstrong following his suicide
Here & there
Facebook hums a new tune: Music sharing
Other shorts: DOJ challenges AT&T's T-Mobile deal - Nielsen TV households drop - Study: Google+ rivals Facebook as an ad platform - Programming notes
Alternative media
'Here, here, beer here. Make it a tall one.'
Indeed this is one tall glass of beer, and fun alternative media stunt. Posing with it, it looks like you are bathing in beer.
Research
Behind the growing urge to cut the cord
Seven percent have already dropped their cable or satellite, and 17 percent would be willing to. Talking with OMD's Robert D'Asaro.
TV Reviews
'Ringer,' deftly portrayed and dead on
CW series is a silly and improbable story that's made to seem quite real by Sarah Michelle Gellar and an able crew of writers
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Thursday: 'Big Brother' on CBS; Friday: men's soccer on ESPN; Saturday: LSU-Oregon on ABC; Sunday: Bill Buckner on 'Curb'
People
Mark Zuckerberg tops Vanity Fair list
Amy Stratton becomes director of client services at Rocket Red
John Komp becomes senior digital producer at Bader Rutter
Gary Starr becomes CFO at Newsweek Daily Beast Co.
Carl Hulse rises to deputy D.C. bureau chief at NY Times
Clarissa Cruz becomes fashion features editor at O
Greg Osborne rises to VP of Western sales at Univision
David Coke becomes SVP and controller at RHI Entertainment
Lindsay Schwartz rises to director of development at Collins Avenue
Chris Butler becomes VP of single copy sales at Source Interlink
William Van Meter becomes features editor at Out
Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca join CBS's 'Amazing Race'
John Boyega joins HBO's 'Da Brick'
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Overnights
'Kitchen' dominates a slow Labor Day
Fox reality show averages a 2.6 18-49 rating, down from last week but easily the night's top show as Univision wins the night
Sports TV
NBC: Super Bowl is all but sold out
Network says it has five spots left for NFL final game, and pricing is up smartly, to $3.5 million from $3 million last year
Cable
TNT drops the axe on 'HawthoRNe'
Blame ratings. Three-year-old women-targeted drama averages 3.3 million, well below what its other original series are pulling.
Here & there
Bravo's 'RHOBH' returns after tragedy
Other shorts: Yet another arrest in News Corp. scandal - More paper cuts: 31 laid off at LA Times - Starz: We may break up with Netflix
TV Reviews
'The Secret Circle,' few secrets to tell
CW series, from 'Vampire's' Kevin Williamson, relies heavily on the familiar devices of the gothic-teen-horror genre
TV This Week
Remembering: A dozen 9/11 stories
There's a slew of specials heading into the ten-year anniversary, and notable among them is this Bio 'I Survived' episode
This week in out of home
Your client's name carved in ice
Here's a way to attract crowds at big events and hold their attention. Bring in an ice sculptor and have him crank up his saw.
What's new in alternative media
'Here, here, beer here, make it a big one.'
Bowling ball to scare the wits out of you
Big bucks Meadowlands naming deal
Suds up for this bevy of bikini babes
People
Katie Couric makes ABC News debut tonight
Julie Berger becomes digital managing director at Horizon Media
Five rise and one joins at Critical Mass
Garth Cramer rises at Boelter + Lincoln Marketing Communications
Anthony D. Fiorentino becomes CEO at VERGO Interactive
Jason Norcross and Bryan Rowles rise to partners at 72andSunny
Stephen Cavendish becomes editor at the Nashville City Paper
Maria Antonieta Collins becomes senior correspondent at Univision
Bruce Feldman joins CBS Sports
David Cross joins ABC's 'Modern Family'
Molly Shannon guest hosting 'The Talk'
MDA telethon thrives without Jerry Lewis
James Gandolfini joins HBO's 'Big Dead Place'
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Overnights
'Talent' boosts NBC to a Tuesday win
Network averages a 2.3 in adults 18-49, with 'Talent' the top show with a 2.6 on a night filled with repeats on other networks
Cable
Wanted again: 'America's Most Wanted'
Lifetime picks up crime show recently canceled by Fox, which claimed it was a money-loser. But is it a good fit for Lifetime?
Television
Buyers' top Emmy pick: Steve Carell
Name 'Office' star as most likely to win best actor in a comedy. Other picks: 'The Good Wife's' Margulies and 'Mad Men's' Hamm.
Here & there
Ex-NOTWers: James knew about hacking
Other shorts: Fox puts 'New Girl' online - Pew: 28 percent use geo-social sites - Yahoo boots CEO Bartz - MRC accredits Nielsen web program
Television
Oscars name Eddie Murphy 2012 host
Comedian's selection comes after big ratings declines for last year's hosts, James Franco and Anne Hathaway, for the ABC telecast
TV Reviews
'Saved,' compelling stories of 9/11
Special episode of this new Animal Planet series tells of two 9/11 families and their suffering. The one weak part is the pet angle.
TV This Week
For FX's 'Rescue Me,' a fitting ending
Drama that captured the personal stories of 9/11 wraps up, airing its season finale just days before the tenth anniversary
People
Judith Miller joins Tablet
Joe Germscheid rises to partner at Carmichael Lynch
Rob Gregory becomes president at Newsweek Daily Beast
Geoffrey Darby and Michael Morrison join MSLO
Alexandra Smith and Ayn Prince join Crown Media Holdings
Jon Miller and Jenny Tsao rise at Arbitron
New NYT editor Jill Abramson makes newsroom promotions
Andrea Rogan rises to associate publisher at Fitness
Jack Shafer becomes media writer at Reuters
Regis Philbin retiring on Nov. 18
Amy Chozick and Nick Wingfield join New York Times
Doug Finberg becomes EVP of marketing at MGM
'Men' cast appearing on 'Late Night with David Letterman'
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Overnights
CBS and NBC tie for first on Wednesday
Networks each average a 1.9 18-49 rating in primetime, with 'Talent' and 'Brother' tied for the top show with a 2.8 apiece
Media economy
Forecast: Not so hot second half after all
Barclays joins with others in cutting ad outlook for the rest of the year, knocking it down to 1.4 percent growth from 2.9 percent
Here & there
Study: Young people eschew remote control
Other shorts: Nancy Gibbs rises to deputy ME at Time - Programming notes: Overtime for 'Workaholics' - Dallas Morning News lays off 38 employees
Broadcast recap
Big Four sink, boosting Univision to No. 1
Spanish-language network averages a 1.6/5 in 18-49s for the week, topping ABC's 1.4/4, CBS's 1.3/5 and NBC's 1.2/4 (charts)
Cable recap
'Housewives' soars, lifted by gawker effect
'Beverly Hills' debut up 42 percent in viewers and 50 percent in 18-49s over last year following cast member's suicide (charts)
TV Reviews
'Up All Night,' looking in need of an iron
New NBC sitcom could well evolve into a smart show--the dialogue points that way--but it has a few wrinkles to smooth out
TV This Week
Let the season begin: Packers vs. Saints
And everyone else get out of the way for the NFL. Ratings should be huge, right up there with last spring's 'American Idol' finale.
People
Molly Sims hosting 'Project Accessory'
John Kristick becomes CEO at GroupM ESP
Paco Olavarrieta becomes chief content curator at Dieste
Olson chief brand officer Tom Fugleberg exiting
Suzy Berkowitz Weksel becomes SVP of PR at Sundance Channel
Tim Dierks becomes SVP of engineering at AOL Huffington Post
Joseph Kahn rises to foreign editor at The New York Times
Alix Freedman becomes global editor for ethics and standards at Reuters
Christine Montgomery becomes CDO at the Center for Public Integrity
Jonathan Chait becomes columnist at New York
Cameron Abadi becomes deputy editor at The New Republic
John Paton becomes CEO at MediaNews Group
Seth Kelly rises to editorial director at Men's Fitness
Friday, September 09, 2011
Overnights
NFL opener delivers a big score for NBC
Averages a 17.2 household rating, according to early numbers, becoming the second highest-rated primetime game in 13 years
Remembering
9/11: Media people look back on that day
Like so many, they lost loved ones in the attacks. Here they recall their experiences that day and the effect on their lives.
Remembering
In the days after, a time of grief and hope
From the Media Life archives, reports from the field as media people and their agencies return to work and a very different world
Cable
Tribute: Big tune-in for 'Rescue Me' finale
FX's post-9/11 firehouse drama averages 2.3 million total viewers for its final episode, up 64 percent from its season average
TV Reviews
'Free Agents,' free to love and be loved
NBC office sitcom starts where most end, in bed, and with that out of the way the two lead characters move on to a relationship
Here & there
Pandora killer alert: iHeartRadio relaunches
Other shorts: Hike! ESPN extends 'MNF' deal to 2021. - Twitter hits 100 million users - Programming notes - Bartz on Yahoo board: They f***ed me
Rachel speaks
Rachel, my startup stalled, then tanked
The writer is out of a job and looking for work, but he's hearing from HR people that he's moved around too much. How should he respond?
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Sept. 11 programming including CNBC's '9/11 Fraud,' A&E's 'Portraits from Ground Zero' and CBS's '9/11: 10 Years Later'
People
Lady Gaga appearing on 'New Year's Rockin' Eve'
Two join and three rise at TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles
Steve Doppelt and Steve Kashtan become ECDs at Euro RSCG
Li Wei Tan becomes regional financial controller at Omnicom Group
Dan Hall rises to group media director at LevLane
Renata Florio becomes CCO at Wing
Jason Wagenheim becomes publisher at Glamour
Cristina Mancini rises to SVP of marketing at Twentieth Century Fox TV
Katty Kay rises to anchor at 'BBC World News America'
Jay Kernis becomes a producer at Brian Williams newsmagazine
Jon Lovitz added to Comedy Central's Charlie Sheen roast
Chris Harrison hosting ABC's 'You Deserve It'
Gerard Depardieu guesting on 'Anderson'
Monday, September 12, 2011
Overnights
'SNF' kicks off with series high on NBC
Cowboys-Jets game averages a 16.9 household rating, according to early numbers, up 3 percent over last year and an all-time best
Television
With 'Oprah' gone, race is on for No. 1
The surest bet is 'Dr. Phil,' last season's No. 2 syndicated talk show, but eyes are also on 'Anderson,' which debuts today
Here & there
Kantar: Ad spending slows in second quarter
Other shorts: Obama speech draws 31.4 million - Paltrow and Timberlake win Emmys - Study: SpongeBob distracts preschoolers - @NBCNews hacked
Alternative media
Who's sneaking into the London games
A handful of clever marketers are ahead of official Olympic sponsors in recognition among fans, led by Sony and Subway
TV Reviews
'Playboy Club,' no regrets in the morning
The new NBC '60s retro drama is easy to watch and enjoy, even if it falls far short of 'Mad Men,' the show it's often compared to
TV This Week
So long to the Gosselins, at least for now
The series finale of 'Kate Plus 8' airs on TLC, and what a series it's been. But don't expect this last episode to draw big numbers.
This week in out of home
Your client using geosocial media
Advertisers can add a powerful social media component to their campaigns by having users share their locations with friends
What's new in alternative media
'Here, here, beer here, make it a big one.'
Bowling ball to scare the wits out of you
Big bucks Meadowlands naming deal
Suds up for this bevy of bikini babes
People
Actor Andy Whitfield dies at 39
Jody Slater becomes digital managing director at Inter/Media Group
John LaMacchia and Simon Foster join AMV BBDO
Ron Plante becomes SVP of research at GMC
Matthew Harris joins Yahoo! U.S. Hispanic sales team
Rich Leiby becomes Islamabad bureau chief at The Washington Post
Jonathan Weber becomes West Coast bureau chief at Reuters
Eli Lake becomes national security reporter at Newsweek Daily Beast
Debbie Hiott becomes acting editor at the Austin American-Statesman
Hugo Balta becomes coordinating producer at ESPN
Victoria Quoss becomes VP of development at Vibrant TV
Reba McEntire starring in ABC pilot 'Malibu Country'
Sarah Chalke joins ABC's 'Cougar Town'
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Overnights
'Bachelor Pad' finale scores for ABC
Season ender jumps 28 percent over last year, to a 2.3 18-49 rating, lifting the network to No. 1 on Monday night ahead of Fox
Sports TV
Player lockout? What player lockout?
Opening weekend of the NFL season sets viewership records, putting to rest any notion that fans were turned off by contract talks
The coming fall season
For ABC, a struggle to find its footing
Network needs a handful of new shows with solid ratings to offset big shows that are fading or ending, in the case of 'Housewives'
Here & there
Nielsen: Social media draws fifth of web time
Other shorts: Guth named Reader's Digest CEO - Programming notes - Redskins owner punts paper suit - CBS News kills partnership over Jobs hoax
Social media
Among seniors, networking catches on
Use of sites like Facebook among adults 65-plus has grown 150 percent in the last two years. Talking with Pew's Mary Madden.
TV Reviews
'Unforgettable,' if not very original
CBS drama plays it safe, featuring all the elements of a procedural viewers have come to expect. And it even has a familiar star.
TV This Week
Amid great buzz, Sarah Michelle Gellar
'Buffy' star returns to the CW in the much-talked-about 'Ringer,' playing the parts of identical twins who share secrets
People
Confusion over Gabrielle Giffords interview
Michael Houston rises to managing director at Grey New York
Karin Tracy becomes publisher at Entertainment Weekly
Chris Grant becomes CEO at Electus
Russell Rothberg becomes SVP of drama at NBC's Universal Television
Jack Laschever becomes CMO at Forbes Media
Charles P. Pierce joins Esquire.com
Rob Simmelkjaer becomes SVP at NBC Sports Group
Maura Fried rises to VP of sales at Sportsman Channel
Wendy Williams interviewing Charlie Sheen
'AMC' actress Mary Fickett dies at 83
Lisa Hudson becomes executive director at 'RightThisMinute'
Larry Cedar guesting on NBC's 'Community'
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Overnights
'Ringer' lifts CW to best Tuesday in two years
New Sarah Michelle Gellar drama averages 2.74 million total viewers, widening the network's traditional audience beyond 18-34s
Dayparts update
After day one, syndie's new No. 1: Dr. Oz
With Winfrey gone, a protege is the new season's top talker, but results are skewed by 'Dr. Phil' and 'Doctors' preemptions
Here & there
Parliament calls James Murdoch to testify again
Other shorts: For 'MNF,' 14.5M viewers and an s-bomb - Programming notes: Lifetime orders fashion show - Bunny chop: Get Playboy for just 60 cents
Broadcast recap
New tennis champ, and more see his win
Novak Djokovic wins the U.S. Open men's title, topping Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and ratings jump 18 percent (charts)
Cable recap
Ahead: A big election year for cable news
First Republican debate with Rick Perry boosts MSNBC to No. 1, averaging 5.4 million viewers and topping 2007 numbers (charts)
TV Reviews
'Whitney,' the laughs are with the star
NBC sitcom works when standup comedian Whitney Cummings is cracking jokes, less so when others in the cast bare their wit
TV This Week
Night of endings and new beginnings
Both CBS's 'Big Brother' and NBC's 'America's Got Talent' have their finales, and a handful of new and returning shows debut
People
Meredith Vieira returns to NBC as special correspondent
Pamela Haupert Sullivan becomes managing director at Maxus
Harold Sogard becomes chairman at Publicis & Hal Riney
Dave Dugan becomes chief commercial officer at Arnold Worldwide
Sarah Montague, Brooke Skinner and Robert Guay join Digitas
Dan Kelleher rises to ECD at Grey New York
Steve Doppelt and Steve Kashtan join EuroRSCG New York
Sam Sifton and Adam Bryant rise at the New York Times
Lance Ulanoff becomes editor in chief at Mashable
Bryan Mu becomes VP of program research at Style Network
Michael J. Fox returning to 'The Good Wife'
MTV Networks senior vice president Brian Fays exits
Warren Schlichting becomes SVP of media sales at Dish Network
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Overnights
Big debut for NBC's new 'Up All Night'
Comedy premieres to a 3.7 18-49 rating, the night's No. 1 show ahead of lead-in 'Talent,' which draws a 3.5 for its season-ender
New media
AOL, Yahoo and Microsoft gang up on ads
In a challenge to Google, three plan partnership to sell remnant ads across their sites, taking sales out of hands of third parties
The coming fall season
CBS's big worry: Its aging shows
Among them is the No. 1 comedy 'Two and a Half Men,' now with a different cast. Big question: Will viewers return for episode two?
The coming fall season
Fox's challenge: Living up to all the hype
The network's likely to win the fall with its new shows, led by 'X Factor.' But expectations are pretty high. Can they be met?
Media economy
Ad slowdown's not as bad as it appears
A number of factors are behind slower second-quarter growth that are unrelated to the economy. Talking with Kantar's Jon Swallen.
Here & there
TiVo: 'Angels' is fall's most anticipated show
Other shorts: Affluent people favor TV and magazine ads - Programming notes - Viewers: 9/11-themed ads were quite good - Deadline parent sues THR
TV Reviews
'2 Broke Girls,' not to mention the script
One of the characters in this CBS sitcom really works but the other is jumble, a sign the writers weren't sure what they wanted
TV This Week
Sunnier more than ever in Philadelphia
FX beer guys comedy starring Danny Devito returns for season seven in full stride, aiming to top last year's 1.83 million 18-49s
People
Michaele Salahi was not kidnapped!
Brad Brown becomes director of media services at Brandon Agency
Patrick McGee rises to VP of political sales at Katz Media Group
Chris Pizzurro rises to GM of VOD at Canoe Ventures
Scott Libin becomes VP of content solutions at Internet Broadcasting
Holly Lanahan becomes account executive at Media Networks Inc.
Scott Brown becomes SVP and general counsel at Universal Sports
R. Jeffrey Smith joins Center for Public Integrity
Todd Bowman becomes CRO at MediaBrix
Rainn Wilson among PBS Arts Fall Festival hosts
Chris Noth and Neve Campbell join BBC's 'Titanic: Blood & Steel'
Sarah Paulson joins FX's 'American Horror Story'
Nigel Lythgoe launches new production company
Friday, September 16, 2011
Overnights
CW's 'Secret Circle' sets record in premiere
New drama averages a 1.9 in women 18-34, best-ever rating in its 9 p.m. timeslot, while matching lead-in 'Diaries' among total viewers
New media
Netflix's costly blunder: A million subs
Price hike for DVD service causes a major flight of subscribers, far more than expected. Analysts: What were they thinking?
Here & there
And now, the favorites at Sunday's Emmys
Other shorts: 'Dr. Oz' arsenic claims draw FDA's ire - Programming notes - Ay caramba! Imagine an all-'Simpsons' channel. - 'Shore' costs taxpayers $420K
The coming fall season
NBC's challenge: Pulling off a strong fall
Going into midseason, it will have Super Bowl, as well as 'Voice' and 'Smash,' and they could carry it to a third-place finish
TV Reviews
'Person of Interest,' interesting enough
CBS series balances action and suspense without bogging down in complex plots, but as a J.J. Abrams drama that could change
Rachel speaks
Rachel, I can do, and do do, too much
The writer is doing everything and needs to hire. She wants to know what's the right staffing level. Rachel offers her thoughts.
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Real Time' returns on HBO; Saturday: Oklahoma vs. FSU on ABC; Sunday: Emmy Awards on Fox
People
Gary Marsh becomes Disney Channels president
Steve Sternberg becomes SVP of sales research at Ion Media Networks
Eron Broughton becomes ACD at David&Goliath
Brooke Hovey rises to digital EVP of at Cohn & Wolfe
Rick Ludwin out after long run at NBC
'World News' executive producer Jon Banner moves on
Shelley Lewis becomes EVP of programming at Current TV
Lourdes Torres, Jairo Marin and Maria Martinez-Henao rise at Univision
Brides editor Millie Martini Bratten exits after 25 years
'The Voice' winner Javier Colon guesting on 'Playboy Club'
Comedy TV writer Jeffrey Hodes dies
Gannett CEO Craig Dubow taking medical leave
Mika Brzezinski becomes editorial columnist at Cosmopolitan
Monday, September 19, 2011
Overnights
'Sunday Night Football' boots Emmy ratings
NBC's game between the Falcons and Eagles draws a 15.7 household rating, up 3 percent over last year as TV awards show declines
Television
Buyers: Fox is tops to win fourth quarter
Half those polled give the fall season to the network, based on its new shows, notably 'X Factor.' CBS comes in a distant second.
Television
Biggest Emmy snub: No award for Carell
'The Office' lead loses to Jim Parsons of 'Big Bang Theory.' Biggest surprise winner: Kyle Chandler of 'Friday Night Lights.'
Here & there
Baldwin stews over joke cut from Emmys
Other shorts: Netflix: Sorry we handled price hike poorly - Study: More planning to drop pay TV service - Programming notes: MTV orders six series
Television
Buyers: CBS has the edge on Mondays
Predict the network will be No. 1 no matter how 'Two and a Half Men' does. ABC ranks second and Fox third. NBC will be fourth.
TV Reviews
'New Girl,' both fresh and funny
Fox sitcom offers a clever take on the manic pixie dream girl theme, and this able cast makes the show's script come alive
TV This Week
Hello, Ashton, good-bye, Charlie
CBS's 'Two and a Half Men' returns with a new star, which should draw a huge tune-in, perhaps 20 million. But will they come back?
This week in out of home
Your client in convenience stores
Reaching American consumers at the point of purchase of everyday items through signage and clings, and at affordable prices
What's new in alternative media
Who's sneaking into London games
'Here, here, beer here, make it a big one.'
Bowling ball to scare the wits out of you
Big bucks Meadowlands naming deal
People
Bravo may cut New York 'Housewives' cast
Ben Pashman and Garrett McClure join Centro
Stuart Harricks and Siavosh Zabeti join Wieden + Kennedy Amsterdam
Matt Lee and Pete Hayes become creative directors at DDB UK
Michael Miller becomes CMO at SolutionSet MediaWhiz Partnership
Carolyn Kremins becomes publisher at Conde Nast Traveler
Jon Meacham becomes contributing editor at Time
Shahien Nasiripour becomes financial correspondent at The FT
Tim Koorbusch becomes associate publisher at Men's Health
Wendy Rodewald and Kaitlyn Dreyling rise at BeautyBlitz.com
Jennifer Morlan rises to lifestyle editor at the Indianapolis Star
Blythe Danner joins NBC's 'Up All Night'
Amy Sherman-Palladino executive producing ABC Family's 'Strut'
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Overnights
Winning: 'Men' premiere draws 27.8 million viewers
Sheen-less episode also sets a series record with a 10.3 18-49 rating, boosting lead-out '2 Broke Girls' to a strong 7.0 in debut
Television
Payback: Lorre deftly dispatches Sheen
CBS's 'Two and a Half Men' returns with a much-anticipated death to make way for a new star, and it seems to have worked
Television
Buyers: Tuesday night goes to CBS
Will remain No. 1 with 'NCIS' and 'NCIS: Los Angeles,' with Fox not far behind with 'Glee.' Then it's ABC and NBC third and fourth.
Television
Emmys: Up in 18-49s and down in total viewers
Averages a 4.2 in adults 18-49, up 2 percent over last year, but falls 8 percent in total viewers to 12.4 million against 'SNF'
Here & there
Netflix under fire again over Qwikster plan
Other shorts: News Corp. nears deal with Dowler family - Programming notes: Velocity rolls out lineup - Study: Young people text as much as talk
Dayparts update
Pondering syndication after 'Oprah'
'Dr. Phil' has risen to No. 1, and others are gaining, but it's unlikely we'll ever see another Winfrey. Talking with Katz's Bill Carroll.
TV Reviews
'Revenge,' you won't need a scorecard
The characters are all easily identifiable in this ABC melodrama, but the actors are skilled and they play their parts well
TV This Week
A quiet giant returns: CBS's 'NCIS'
Expect the long-running procedural to reclaim its position as the top scripted show on TV, even if it doesn't generate great buzz
People
NBC wooing Ted Koppel
Denise Magasich becomes associate director of media at Mercury Media
Rebecca Blumenstein, Matt Murray and Alex Martin rise at the WSJ
Steve Hendry rises to SEVP of TV operations at MGM
Lester Holt becomes anchor at NBC's 'Dateline'
Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Connie Schultz exits
Aamer Madhani becomes White House correspondent at USA Today
David Foxley rises to assistant editor at Vanity Fair
Cecilia Vega becomes correspondent at ABC News
Jay Shaylor rises to senior producer at 'Good Morning America'
Andrew Klavan joins Glenn Beck TV
Cameron Mathison and Lindsay Hartley staying at 'All My Children'
Melissa McCarthy creating CBS comedy
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Overnights
A hearty welcome for Fox's 'New Girl'
Averages a 4.7 adults 18-49 rating, tops on the night and the best debut for any new fall sitcom on Fox since 'Bernie Mac' in 2001
Television
Buyers: Wednesdays will go to Fox
Though it's a night of all new shows, one is 'X Factor,' which two thirds of buyers believe will be the season's breakout hit
Here & there
Putting 'Men's' big debut into context
Other shorts: U.S. steps up News Corp. investigation - Turner: Murdoch must step down - Study: More bad news for Netflix - New app to bullies: Get lost
Broadcast recap
NBC finishes No. 1 for the summer
'Sunday Night Football' gives the network the kick it needs, lifting it from a tie with ABC and Fox to a 1.8 in 18-49s (charts).
Cable recap
Sheen roast sizzles: 6.4 million viewers
Comedy Central special tops everything on broadcast in adults 18-49, airing just hours after 'Two and a Half Men' debut (charts)
TV Reviews
'The X Factor,' this show's got talent
It has the usual devices of a singing competition, but it puts them together well, and the result is a show that's fun to watch
TV This Week
For 'Modern Family,' it gets no better
ABC sitcom returns for season three with a fistful of Emmys and as the No. 1 scripted show on TV. Its big challenge: 'X Factor.'
People
Ellen Weiss joins Center for Public Integrity
Rodale COO Ken Citron exits
Carole Smith becomes VP of research at WE tv
Suzette Millo rises to VP of publicity at Telemundo
Elizabeth Wilner becomes VP of strategic initiatives at CMAG
Dene B. Stratton becomes CFO at MGM
Mike Webb rises to senior director of broadcast operations at YES
Elizabeth Cheng becomes GM at World Channel
Ari Fleischer becomes political contributor at CNN
Cenk Uygur joins Current TV
Margarita Levieva joins ABC's 'Revenge'
Michael Zegen joins AMC's 'The Walking Dead'
'Arrested Development' cast reuniting at The New Yorker Festival
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Overnights
'Modern Family' bests 'X Factor' premiere
ABC sitcom averages a series-record 6.0 adults 18-49 rating while Fox's much-hyped reality show bows to a 4.2, lower than expected
Television
Buyers: CBS will take Thursday this fall
But it will be close. Much will hang on how well its new 'Person of Interest' does. Fox could win with a super strong 'X Factor.'
Dayparts update
A big news year, and big for network news
Big Three evening news shows see best ratings gains in nine years, each up 3 percent in total viewers for the 2010-'11 season
Here & there
Users revolt over latest Facebook changes
Other shorts: Study: People want TV Everywhere at no extra cost - Nielsen: Sitcoms absent from top shows - Jersey governor: No tax credit for 'Shore'
Social media
How different folks use Facebook
Age and gender are big differentiators when it comes to who clicks on what. Speaking with SocialCode's Laura O'Shaughnessy.
TV Reviews
'Prime Suspect,' quite old hat
Writers of this NBC cop drama dress up the script with pieces from past cop shows. Unfortunately, they don't fit together.
TV This Week
Imagining 'The Office' without Carell
NBC's top comedy returns with James Spader in a lead role but not as the longtime star's replacement. Can they pull it off?
People
Emilio Romano becomes Telemundo president
Brian DiLorenzo becomes chief production officer at McCann NY
Jason Odell becomes EVP of technology at Current TV
Kate Lewis rises to senior executive director of HR at Conde Nast
Tonia Lee becomes VP of business operations at TV One
Patrick Paolini becomes SVP of station sales at Fox
Molly Ball becomes a staff writer at The Atlantic
Gina Brogi rises to EVP at Twentieth Century Fox TV Distribution
Al Jazeera director general Wadah Khanfar resigns
Paul O'Hanlon rises to managing director at FremantleMedia Asia
Bruce Helford executive producing Charlie Sheen's 'Anger Management'
Claire Skinner and Bill Bailey guesting on 'Doctor Who'
NBC gives 'Rock Center with Brian Williams' three-year commitment
Friday, September 23, 2011
Overnights
Big 'Bang:' CBS comedy is tops Thursday
Averages a 4.9 for one-hour premiere, well ahead of Fox's 'The X Factor,' which ties ABC's 'Grey's Anatomy' as No. 2 show with a 4.1
Television
Buyers: NBC's a shoo-in for Sundays
'Sunday Night Football,' on its way to another record-breaking season, will ensure the network an easy fall victory in 18-49s
Television
Buyers: CBS will own Fridays this fall
Pick network as the most likely winner in 18-49s, based on its returning shows, led by 'Blue Bloods,' and the new 'A Gifted Man'
Here & there
The new Facebook, all about interaction
Other shorts: World Series ads close to sell out - The word: Executives knew about NOTW hacking in 2006 - Programming notes - 'Nightline' wins season
TV Reviews
'A Gifted Man,' a case of double vision
The writers of this CBS drama give us two characters in one: A cranky genius MD who chats with the dead. Neither's interesting.
Rachel speaks
Rachel, this girl has strange habits
The writer's complaint: The woman performs personal hygiene tasks, such as flossing her teeth, at her desk. Rachel steps in.
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: CW's 'Supernatural' season premiere; Saturday: Alec Baldwin hosts 'SNL;' Sunday: Lifetime's 'Diva' finale
People
Gary Busey appearing on ABC's 'Wife Swap'
Adam Chapman becomes director of creative technology at Deutsch NY
Alma Har'el becomes a director at Tool
Kevin Conroy, Monica Talan and Bert Gomez rise at Univision
Emily Peck becomes money/finance managing editor at Huffington Post
Trisha Cardoso becomes EVP of communications at Showtime
Paul Rehrig becomes SVP of business development at AMC
Brendan Monaghan and Alice McKown become GQ associate publishers
Terry Baker becomes EVP of production at Current TV
Carmen Wong Ulrich becomes columnist at Good Housekeeping
David Gerbitz becomes VP of account management at Yahoo
Shane Goldmacher becomes Congressional correspondent at National Journal
Ron Paul guesting on Comedy Central's 'Daily Show'
Monday, September 26, 2011
Overnights
ABC's 'Pan Am' takes off in premiere
New drama averages a solid 3.1 in 18-49s, holding 100 percent of 'Desperate Housewives'' lead-in. NBC wins the night with football.
Television
This new season, it's all about comedies
A sitcom ranks No. 1 four of the seven nights of the first week, led by CBS's 'Two and a Half Men.' (See all the winners and losers.)
Here & there
CBS squeaks out a narrow Friday win
Other shorts: Football boots ABC to No. 1 Saturday - NBA axes 43 preseason games - Nielsen: Glitch didn't impact TV ads - Dreamworks-Netflix deal
Alternative media
At war with dinosaurs, just like on TV
Fox sets up a life-size video game to promote 'Terra Nova' in which players are handed weapons to shoot at charging beasts
TV Reviews
'Terra Nova,' lots to spook and thrill nerds
But the new Fox sci-fi series wanders into dangerous territory, dropping worrisome clues of shaggy dog stories to come
TV This Week
A hefty welcome for 'Mike & Molly'
CBS sitcom was a moderate hit its debut season, and the outlook is even brighter as it returns to an even stronger lineup of shows
This week in out of home
Your client's message on smart cars
They're eco-friendly but more important they grab folks' attention because of their size--they're tiny--and their unique design
What's new in alternative media
Who's sneaking into London games
'Here, here, beer here, make it a big one.'
Bowling ball to scare the wits out of you
Big bucks Meadowlands naming deal
People
Andrea Wong joins Sony
Curt Doty becomes GM and ECD at Bemis Balkind
Amy Israel becomes SVP of original programming at Showtime
Bill Drolet becomes VP of digital ad sales at The Weather Channel
David Neal becomes SVP of sports production at Univision
Jim Frederick becomes editor at Time International
Stephen Bamonte becomes deputy art director at Prevention
Tyler Moody becomes vice president at CNN Radio
Megan McCarthy becomes news editor at the New York Observer
Reader's Digest Montreal managing editor Derek Webster exiting
Laura Dern's HBO drama premieres Oct. 10
Steven Bochco sells court drama to ABC
Wanda Sykes: I had breast cancer
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Overnights
CBS's 'Men' dips but still dominates Monday
Sitcom averages a 7.2 18-49 rating in week two, down from last week's 10.7 but 50 percent better than the same week last year
Television
Case closed: Sheen settles 'Men' lawsuit
Ousted star comes to terms with show producer Warner Bros. over his firing from the hit show. Report: He gets $25 million.
Television
Three new shows on track to be hits
'2 Broke Girls,' 'New Girl' and 'X Factor' break 4.0 in 18-49s their first week of the new season. The test: Holding onto their leads.
Here & there
'Shore' sore: Governor nixes MTV tax break
Other shorts: Fox News debate breaks MSNBC record - Programming notes - Study: Searchers have three mindframes - CBS leads News & Doc Emmys
TV Reviews
'Suburgatory,' suburb to nowhere
This new ABC comedy attempts to spoof life in suburbia but the unnamed community rings untrue, as does much of the script
Research
Which media folks turn to for what
The medium depends on the subject, and it turns out most don't have one favorite outlet. Talking with Pew's Tom Rosenstiel.
TV This Week
'Catching Hell': Steve Bartman's big muff
Do we ever forgive? ESPN reexamines how one fan's blunder likely cost the Chicago Cubs a shot at the 2003 World Series.
People
Maura Tierney guesting on 'The Office'
Jonathan Bellinger becomes digital strategy director at JWT
Steve Lipenta rises to media manager at LevLane
Ashley Alsup becomes director of strategy at TDA_Boulder
Martha Stewart rejoins MSLO board
Bryan Kinkade becomes associate publisher at Outside
Marina Drukman becomes art director at Elle Decor
Tory Dunnan becomes correspondent at CNN Newsource
Ben Stiller and Anna Faris hosting NBC's 'Saturday Night Live'
Selena Gomez hosting MTV Europe Awards
Former Ovation sales director Marisol Oller dies
Kate Burton joins ABC's 'Scandal'
Joshua Rendon and Ebony Jackson-Rendon from '16 and Pregnant' arrested
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Overnights
Fox's 'New Girl' holds up well in week two
Comedy averages a 4.4 in 18-49s, finishing as the night's top show once again and down only 8 percent from last week's strong premiere
Broadcast recap
Fox first: Takes first week of new season
Averages a 3.4 in 18-49s, up 31 percent over last year and its best rating in 11 years, lifted by 'X Factor' and 'New Girl' (charts)
Dayparts update
Hefty first bite for ABC's new 'Chew'
Foodies chat show averages 2.5 million total viewers, besting the soap it replaced, 'All My Children,' and debut of CBS's 'The Talk'
Here & there
Rooney to '60 Minutes:' Farewell for now
Other shorts: Apple of Amazon's eye: An iPad competitor - Programming notes - Comedy Central beats broadcast in men 18-24 - Study: Halloween
retail $ up
Cable recap
Summer's top cable network: USA
Averages 3.51 million total viewers, a cable record, reflecting the depth of its schedule, despite a lack of top-30 shows (charts)
TV Reviews
'How to Be a Gentleman,' worth a try
The two talented lead actors bring life to this new CBS sitcom about mismatched buddies, making up for a pedestrian script
TV This Week
Fresh beginning for 'Happy Endings'
ABC sitcom returns in a high-visibility timeslot as the lead-out to 'Modern Family,' after a brief but low-rated debut last spring
People
Lee Doyle stepping down at MEC
Chad Maxwell becomes research intelligence director at Starcom
Steve Ringer becomes creative director at Rocket Red
Alice Macandrew, spokesperson for James Murdoch, exits
Aaron Ford rises to VP of on-air marketing at USA
Susanne Daniels joins OWN as a consultant
Linda Saint Marc becomes international publisher at Maxim Licensing
AM New York editor Diane Goldie moving to Newsday
Ken Mandel and Carla Bourque join Buddy Media
Bloomberg View executive editor James Rubin exits
Former newspaper deliverers union leader Douglas LaChance dies
Julian Sancton joins Bloomberg Businessweek
Cindy Galli becomes investigative producer at ABC News
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Overnights
Fox wins night with lower-rated 'X Factor'
Reality show averages a 3.9 in 18-49s, down 11 percent from last week. ABC's 'Suburgatory' draws a solid 3.3. 'Family' tops at 5.6.
Television
And so it begins: Fox picks up 'New Girl'
Fox comedy is its top-rated new fall sitcom of the past decade, with a 4.5 in 18-49s in week two and building on lead-in 'Glee'
Here & there
Twitter ad revenue soars 210 percent
Other shorts: Media $ will grow 1.9 percent through 2015 - Multiple-screen ads boost awareness - Magazines flock to Kindle Fire - Programming notes
Social media
On the behemoth that is Facebook
It's set to pass Yahoo in display advertising, and Facebook credits could be huge. Speaking with eMarketer's Debra Aho Williamson.
Alternative media
How to really score with fanny packs
They're such turnoffs you can think of them as birth control for men. See how a condom maker uses them to sell its product.
TV Reviews
'Pan Am,' cute stews in an unlikely brew
This ABC period series is part soap and part spy drama of the cold war era, and the parts do not come together all that well
TV This Week
For 'Private Practice,' a story of survival
The pairing with the stronger 'Grey's Anatomy' turned out to be a good one for the returning over-the-top ABC medical drama
People
CBS's new 'Men' headache: Ashton Kutcher
Dave Weist and Tim Vaccarino rise to ECDs at Mullen
Driscoll Reid becomes creative director at GOOD/Corps
Marissa Mann becomes account supervisor at Remedy
Jeff Bauer and Joseph Haddock join Spanfeller Media Group
Larry Wert becomes EVP of station initiatives at NBC
David Beard becomes engagement editor at the Washington Post
Ben Baden rises to career editor at U.S. News & World Report
Ammad Omar becomes editor at NPR's 'Tell Me More'
Frank Baker rises to California news editor at the AP
Aruna Viswanatha becomes financial crime reporter at Reuters
Dane Cook developing NBC comedy
Kardashian family co-hosting fourth hour of NBC's 'Today'
Friday, September 30, 2011
Overnights
Rough night for new Thursday night shows
ABC's 'Charlie's Angels' falls 29 percent from premiere, to a 1.5 in adults 18-49, and NBC's 'Prime Suspect' also drops to a 1.5
Television
New shows most likely to get the axe
Heading the endangered list is NBC's 'Free Agents,' followed by the network's 'Playboy Club.' Third on the list is the CW's 'H8R.'
Here & there
Study: Twitter users are happiest in the a.m.
Other shorts: 'Nightline' rises as Jay and Dave fall - On social media, 'X Factor's' all the buzz - IAB: Web ad spending up 23 percent
Sports TV
For baseball, a postseason to die for
TBS and Fox should see huge ratings after Wednesday's historic games, and advertisers are paying hefty premiums for spots
TV Reviews
'Homeland,' a fine and believable story
This Showtime spy series is a well paced, smartly written drama with characters of real depth adult viewers can relate to
Rachel speaks
Rachel, here's a party I want to skip
The writer's boss has invited her to a get-together for her son, who just made Eagle Scout. How can she get out of going graciously?
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: MLB playoffs on TBS; Saturday: college football on ABC and CBS; Sunday: season premiere of 'Dexter' on Showtime
People
Russell Brand the first guest on 'Rosie'
Dawn Ostroff in talks to join Conde Nast
David Measer rises to director of strategic planning at David&Goliath
Shannon McGlothin becomes group creative director at Deutsch LA
Wayne Madden rises to VP of sales development at Penton Media
Patrick Scissons becomes CCO at Grey Canada
Michael Krans and Connie Livsey join Harper's Bazaar
Allison Werder and Stephen Buerger rise at Parade
Geraldine Fabrikant and Bethany McLean join Reuters
Lisa Belkin becomes senior columnist at Huffington Post
Garrett Mullins becomes EVP at Entertainment Promotions
Kelly Cutrone joining CW's 'America's Next Top Model'
Claudia Lee joins CW's 'Hart of Dixie'
Overnights
ABC's 'Pan Am' dips in second outing
New stewardess drama averages a 2.5 18-49 rating, off 19 percent from last week's premiere. NBC takes Sunday night with football.
Overnights
CBS's 'A Gifted Man' slides in week two
New Friday drama averages a 1.2 18-49 rating, off 14 percent from its debut. Network finishes second behind Univision for the night.
Here & there
Meet NPR's new president, Sesame's Knell
Other shorts: CBS wins Saturday - 'Arrested' revived - Nielsen: High CTRs don't equal higher sales - Poison pen: Alexis Stewart disses mom Martha
Magazines
HGTV Magazine, bucking the trend
Hearst is testing a new title at a time when the future looks grim for print magazines, but it might be just the right formula
TV Reviews
'Mad Fashion,' sadly out of fashion
New Bravo series has an engaging star in designer Chris March but everything else about the show is dated and tired reality fare
Social media
The next revolution: Social media
Welcome to Media Life's fall program on social media, which begins today with our first webinar: 'How social media is changing media as we know it'
TV This Week
For Fox's 'House,' life on the precipice
Our troubled doctor faces more messes of his own making, and the show has its own struggles. Will this be its last season?
This week in out of home
Your client's ad at WNBA games
Disappointed over the NBA mess? Consider women's basketball as a cost-effective way to reach women and families.
What's new in alternative media
Who's sneaking into London games
'Here, here, beer here, make it a big one.'
Bowling ball to scare the wits out of you
Bob Pittman heading up CC Media Holdings
Stephanie Atellian joins Publicis Groupe
Diana Costello rises to director of client services at Co-Communications
Norie Quintos becomes executive editor at National Geographic Traveler
Bob McGough becomes assistant ME at Newsday
Eric Celeste becomes editor in chief at Creative Loafing
Sharon Hoffman becomes senior producer at CBS News
P.J. Huffstutter becomes agricultural writer at Reuters
Jason Lee joins NBC's 'Up All Night'
Ron Calivati staying at 'One Life to Live'
Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci executive producing Fox Western
Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed marry
Russell Brand the first guest on 'Rosie'
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Overnights
CBS stays hot on Monday night with 'Men'
Sitcom averages a 6.1 18-49 rating in third episode, down from last week but easily the night's top show, leading CBS to a big win
Media economy
Ad spending slides but is still healthy
Second quarter is up 3.1 percent, to $26.46 billion, though down from the 5.9 percent growth seen in the first quarter of the year
Social media
A look at social media by the numbers
Here's all the current figures on total users overall and for the major sites, as well as forecasts for growth in ad spending
Here & there
ESPN boots Williams after Obama-Hitler quip
Other shorts: Rhapsody buys web legend Napster - 'Arrested' looks for a home - Programming notes - Google's new idea: Sunday circulars online
Dayparts update
Behind the shifts in late-night viewing
Big news stories have pushed ABC's 'Nightline' to No. 1, but other forces are also at play. Speaking with Magna's Brian Hughes.
Television
CBS jumps ahead to win week two
Takes lead away from Fox in the second week of the new season, lifted by football to a 3.2 in 18-49s, leaving the two in a tie
TV Reviews
'Charlie's Angels,' no jiggles, fewer giggles
ABC take on the '70s hot babes drama comes up short in every regard as compared to the original, which itself was lightweight
TV This Week
Delayed gratification, but still gratifying
Talk about cliffhangers: 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels' ended last season with his marriage proposal. It returns with her answer.
People
Kevin Sorbo: 'I suffered strokes'
Greg Smith becomes CIO at Ipsos
Ivan Arbitman becomes CIO at R/GA
Roxana Zegan and Adam Rubin become CDs at Firstborn
Stephen Croncota becomes EVP and CMO at GSN
Kristin Roberts becomes budget and economy ME at National Journal
Keith Malone becomes creative director at Scholastic Education
Kirk McDonald becomes president at PubMatic
Madonna reportedly performing at the Super Bowl
Ty Pennington joins ABC's 'The Revolution'
Clarissa Ward becomes foreign correspondent at CBS News
Miranda Kerr and Pharrell Williams guest judging 'Project Runway All Stars'
Steve-O hosting truTV's 'Killer Karaoke'
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Overnights
Fox wins third straight Tuesday night
Averages a 3.6 adults 18-49 rating to No. 2 CBS's 3.3, led by new hit 'New Girl' with a 4.3, the top show of the night. ABC is third.
Television
Bunny flop: NBC axes 'The Playboy Club'
Drama is the first new show to be canceled after dismal ratings, to be replaced by Brian Williams' newsmagazine later this month
Here & there
Report: Mobile ads will hit $1 billion this year
Other shorts: 'Simpsons' in danger over contract dispute - Candidates boycott Univision - Apple's new device - Fox's new shows tops in retention
Cable recap
For Showtime, a Sunday to buzz about
Hefty debuts for 'Dexter' and the new 'Homeland' airing against stiff broadcast competition, thanks to critics' raves (charts)
Broadcast recap
CBS's Andy Rooney goes out with a bang
Sunday's '60 Minutes' farewell averages 17 million viewers, up 39 percent from a week earlier, with a lift from football (charts)
Social media
Social media's a puzzle for many in media
Large share of planners and buyers report being uncomfortable with this form of advertising and feel pressure from clients to get up to speed
TV Reviews
'American Horror Story,' and indeed it is
New FX series builds on the usual devices of the genre and they all do the job ably, aided by fine acting and vivid dialogue
TV This Week
About George Harrison, the quiet Beatle
HBO's two-parter 'George Harrison: Living in the Material World,' directed by Martin Scorsese, tells much we did not know
People
Hank Williams Jr.: Sorry about that
Zenith Media vice chairman Peggy Green jumps to NBC
Diane Mallory becomes publisher at Ladies Home Journal
Carla De Landri becomes senior counsel at Goodman Media
Kenetta Bailey becomes EVP and CMO at TV One
Greg Hughes becomes SVP of communications at NBC Sports Group
Simon Rogers becomes business development director at Cymfony
Amy Crosby and Marty Schwartz join Coleman Insights
Dean Cain, Eric Roberts and Kristanna Loken guesting on 'Burn Notice'
'King of Infomercials' Don Lapre dies
Arthur C. Nielsen Jr. dies at age 92
Cher expected in 'Dancing with the Stars' audience next week
Coen Brothers sell comedy to Fox
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Overnights
Fox edges CBS and ABC on Wednesday
Averages a 3.5 18-49 rating, led by 'The X Factor's' 3.9. CBS takes second with a 3.3 and ABC is a close third with a 3.2.
New media
Remembering Steve Jobs, visionary
He connected the dots of technology others could not see, but more important, he connected with consumers. A day of tributes.
Social media
On the web, a rush to say good-bye
Americans log on to social media sites in huge numbers to express their sorrow over Jobs' death with their own personal obituaries
Here & there
CBS orders full season of '2 Broke Girls'
Other shorts: Fox to 'Simpsons' cast: This season may be last - Here they are, this year's worst ads - Univision and Telemundo reach streaming deals
Media economy
Slightly brighter outlook for U.S. media
One top forecaster now sees 2.2 percent growth in domestic ad spending in 2011. Speaking with ZenithOptimedia's Jonathan Barnard.
Alternative media
Mystery of the shopping mall corpses
They're stretched out, limbs akimbo, welts all over, looking to be done in by mosquitoes. Client: Store selling mosquito-proof wear.
TV Reviews
'Bedlam,' slow build could drive you nuts
The BBC America horror series about an insane asylum takes its time, way too much time, before it begins to gain momentum
TV This Week
On the 'Pawnee' book tour with Leslie
TV and reality meet on NBC's 'Parks and Recreation' over a book written by a character that's being released in real life
People
Tiger Woods signs with Rolex
Trevor O'Brien becomes executive technology director at Deutsch
Robbie Whiting becomes creative tech director at Duncan/Channon
Randall Barone rises to VP of programming at ABC Daytime
Nicole Sabatini becomes SVP of marketing at Style Network
Matt Hanlon becomes SVP of sales at Townsquare
Rob Doodian becomes EVP of human resources at AMC Networks
Danica Lo becomes senior online fashion and beauty editor at Glamour
Talia Bailey becomes integrated marketing manager at Cosmopolitan
Three join Adspace Digital Mall Network
SBS CRO Marko Radlovic steps down
Maria Cardona and David Frum become CNN contributors
Hank Williams Jr.: Sorry about that
Friday, October 07, 2011
Overnights
Baseball takes the zip out of broadcast
All but two Thursday shows see declines against deciding Yankees-Tigers game. Fox wins with 'X Factor,' while 'Bang' is top show.
Television
NBC cancels another show, 'Free Agents'
Workplace comedy drew just a 1.0 18-49 rating this week. No word yet on what will replace it on Wednesday nights after 'Night.'
Cable
Solid debut for 'American Horror Story'
Well-reviewed FX drama averages 3.2 million total viewers and 2 million 18-49s, matching premiere of 'Nip/Tuck' eight years ago
Here & there
CW yanks struggling 'H8R' from schedule
Other shorts: Gannett chairman Craig Dubow steps down - Media tributes to Jobs continue - BBC: We're cutting 2,000 jobs - Programming notes
TV Reviews
'Enlightened,' and pretty engaging, too
HBO series would seem a satire about a self-absorbed, silly woman, and it starts off that way, but then it takes us elsewhere
Social media
Social media's real impact is on old media
The phenomenon goes well beyond Twitter and Facebook. It's changing how consumers relate to and use all traditional media.
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: baseball playoffs on TBS; Saturday: college football on ABC; Sunday: 'Breaking Bad' season finale
People
ESPN cuts Hank Williams Jr. from 'MNF'
Neil Ascher and Sean Peters rise at ZenithOptimedia
Rob Nielsen becomes global ECD at Draftfcb
Sonya Grewal and Dave Tomkins join DDB New York
Amy Neuser becomes creative manager at Mullen
Joyce M. Chang becomes Marie Claire editor
Melinda Henneberger becomes political writer at the Washington Post
Liana Huth Farnham becomes SVP of partnerships at Fuse
Bob Whyley rises to SVP at Tennis Channel
Jacqui Banaszynski joins Public Insight Network
Conan O'Brien makes surprise return to NBC's 'Late Night'
Lenny Bart becomes EVP of research at Entertainment Studios
Michelle Caruso-Cabrera becomes international correspondent at CNBC
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Overnights
Monday shows slide against baseball
Many fall to season lows opposite the AL and NL playoffs on Fox and TBS. CBS leads the night with a 3.9 rating in adults 18-49.
Magazines
Magazine ad pages dip during third quarter
Fall 5.6 percent versus last year, dragging down year-to-date total to -1.3 percent and ending five-quarter growth streak
Television
Big lift for comedies from DVR playback
Eight of the top 10 shows to see ratings rise during premiere week were sitcoms, led by ABC's 'Modern Family,' up 38 percent
Television
CBS's 'Gentleman' gets a polite shove
Production halted and it moves from high-profile Thursday timeslot to Saturday after losing great chunks of 'Bang's' audience
Here & there
ABC's 'Pan Am' slides 27 percent Sunday
Other shorts: NBA nixes first two weeks of season - Saturday overnights: Fox wins with ALCS - Friday overnights: 'Bloods' leads CBS - Netflix quits Qwikster
TV Reviews
'Last Man Standing,' dead tired on its feet
ABC's new Tim Allen sitcom works over material that's now well aged, and his character comes off more grumpy than funny
TV This Week
The great anthrax mystery, unraveled
PBS's 'Frontline' looks into the attacks in the wake of 9/11, raising new questions about who was behind them. Did the FBI blow it?
This week in out of home
Your client at the dry cleaners
They're a good place to reach an affluent audience, and they present a wonderful opportunity for clever campaigns
What's new in alternative media
Mystery of the shopping mall corpses
How to really score with fanny packs
Who's sneaking into London games
'Here, here, beer here, make it a big one.'
People
Bob Iger leaving Disney in 2015
Laurel Bernard, Brian Dollenmayer and Shannon Ryan rise at Fox
Jean-Briac Perrette becomes CDO at Discovery Communications
James Hitchcock becomes EVP of marketing at E!
Blake Callaway becomes SVP of marketing at IFC
Susan Banks becomes EVP of special projects at TV One
Dawn Ostroff officially joins Conde Nast
Cassandra Zink becomes assistant editor at First For Women
NBC picks up Roseanne Barr comedy
Hank Williams Jr. calls out ESPN and Fox News Channel
Sports TV director Joe Aceti dies at 76
Rose Leslie joins HBO's 'Game of Thrones'
Melissa Claire Egan joins CBS's 'The Young and the Restless'
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Overnights
A strong return for Tim Allen on ABC
Comedian's new show averages a 3.5 18-49 rating, best in the timeslot in two years and strongest 8 p.m. comedy bow since 2006
Magazines
Some titles are up, defying the trend
Hispanic and business titles are reporting ad page gains, as are shelter and fashion titles, even as overall pages are off (charts)
Broadcast recap
Is reality TV losing steam? Maybe so.
Some top shows are seeing big slides in their ratings, from 'Biggest Loser' to 'Dancing with the Stars' to 'Survivor' (charts)
Here & there
Magna lowers ad outlook for 2012
Other shorts: News Corp. says board members should stay - WSJ Europe publisher quits after inquiry - Programming notes - Report: iPad is dominant
Cable recap
Middling start for Oprah's revamped OWN
Two much-anticipated new shows pull less than knockout ratings, 'Rosie' averaging 497,000, 'Oprah's Lifeclass' 333,000 (charts)
TV Reviews
'Bordertown: Laredo,' cops being cops
Though like so many cop shows, this A&E reality series sets itself apart by putting a human face on all the parties in the drug wars
TV This Week
Big night for St. Louis, less so for baseball
Cardinals play the Brewers in the National League Championship, but hopes for a hot World Series are now by the wayside
People
Michael Douglas playing Liberace
Alex Sepiol rises to SVP of original scripted series programming at USA
Jon Slusser rises SVP of sports at Spike TV
Barb Palser becomes account management VP at Internet Broadcasting
Kelly Maier becomes sales executive at Miller-McCune
Michael Gart becomes CFO at Cannella Response Television
Mary Pilon becomes sports reporter at The New York Times
Jane O'Reilly becomes marketing director of Travel + Leisure
Neal McDonough and Mykelti Williamson join FX's 'Justified'
Brother of reality star Omarosa Manigault murdered
Courtney Cox and David Arquette sell comedy to NBC
Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott welcome baby girl
Jonah Hill and Hannibal Buress developing Fox comedy
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Overnights
ABC wins Wednesday with comedy lineup
'Modern Family' leads the night with a 5.7 18-49 rating. Usual leader Fox nixes 'The X Factor' after rain delay for baseball.
Television
Dramatic turn: CW picks up three series
Full seasons for 'Secret Circle,' 'Ringer' and 'Hart of Dixie,' while NBC orders six more episodes of struggling 'Prime Suspect'
Here & there
The dirt on the latest News Corp. scandal
Other shorts: Meredith acquires EveryDay with Rachael Ray - Universal drops 'Heist' VOD plan - 'Rosie's' ratings dip - The Steve Jobs sweater mystery
Media economy
Ad spending wise, a not so rosy 2012
Look to the nation's economic woes to put a damper on marketers' ad budgets this coming year. Speaking with MagnaGlobal's Vincent Letang.
Alternative media
A fun game with virtual raspberries
Passersby are challenged to manipulate the fruits into a m
artini glass with body motions. Client: Stoli Chocolat Razberi vodka.
TV Reviews
'Visionaries,' creative folks on making it
New OWN series, 'Inside the Creative Mind,' leaves it to the subjects to tell their own stories, and they tell them well
TV This Week
Winning: That other Lorre hit, 'Big Bang'
Thursday sitcom is now the night's top show, a year after moving from Mondays. (So what does Charlie Sheen know anyhow?)
People
Rihanna guesting on 'X Factor'
Anastacia Maggioncalda becomes EP at Eleven Inc.
Clif McDougall becomes director of business development at SourceLink
Stephanie Sladkus rises to publisher at People StyleWatch
Alon Orstein and Timothy Kuryak join TLC
Freddy Rolon rises to VP of programming at ESPN Deportes
Paul Roberts and Scott Eversole join Logical Media
Sarah Horne Grose becomes contributing editor at NY Observer
Matt Hufman rises to editorial page editor at the Las Vegas Sun
Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm joins Current TV
Lee Cowan becomes national correspondent at CBS News
Renee Zellweger developing drama at Lifetime
Katherine Heigl sells drama script to CW
Friday, October 14, 2011
Overnights
Fox wins fourth straight Thursday night
Two-hour 'X Factor' averages a 3.6 among 18-49s, down from last week but still comfortably ahead of No. 2 CBS with a 3.1 rating
Social media
Ten social media sites to keep an eye on
These are the up-and-comers, the niche sites generating buzz for the new ways they've come up with for connecting people
Television
Another comedy pickup: 'Suburgatory'
Wednesday ABC sitcom averages a 3.1 in adults 18-49. Network also picks up 'Revenge' and six episodes of 'Happy Endings.'
Here & there
ABC eyes inquiry into WSJ Europe circ allegations
Other shorts: Netflix pays $1 billion to stream CW shows - RDA: We haven't sold Rachael Ray yet - Univision's soccer trumps baseball- Programming notes
TV Reviews
'Bachelorette Party: Las Vegas,' elope
And skip this Oxygen series, which turns one woman's wedding into a reality elimination in which everyone is at their worst
Rachel speaks
Rachel, what do I do after an interview?
The writer is just out of college interviewing for her first job. Should she send a thank you note? Rachel holds forth.
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: NLCS on TBS (go Cards!); Saturday: NASCAR on ABC; Sunday: 'Walking Dead' season two premiere on AMC
People
Ted Koppel officially joins NBC
Marla Kaplowitz rises to CEO at MEC North America
Pierre Wendling and Matt O'Rourke join Wieden+Kennedy Portland
Michael Rogers becomes ACD at Carmichael Lynch
HBO poaches Showtime sports head Ken Hershman
Luke Fredberg rises to VP of international communications at CBS Corp.
Cate Carley becomes VP of agency sales at MaxPoint Interactive
Ryan Murphy and Allison Adler developing NBC comedy
Alec Baldwin hosting WNYC podcast
Wine critic Robert Finigan dies at 68
Former WABC drama critic Allan Jefferys dies at 88
Martin Short judging 'Canada's Got Talent'
Ellen Shannon becomes publisher at Multichannel Merchant
Monday, October 17, 2011
Overnights
NBC holds off Fox for first on Sunday
Blowout game drops NBC's 'Sunday Night Football' to season low, but it's still enough to win the night over Fox and 'The X Factor'
Television
Charlie: 'Angels, I'm afraid we're canceled'
ABC axes low-rated '70s action babes reboot from its Thursday lineup, as the latest show to stumble in the 8 p.m. timeslot
Here & there
TNT axes cop drama 'Memphis Beat'
Other shorts: Google+: We have 40 million users now - Saturday overnights: Sports dominates - Friday overnights: CBS wins with dramas
TV Reviews
'Man Up,' trying too hard to be manly
ABC sitcom has the potential to evolve into a funny show, but the premise--men worrying about their masculinity--gets in the way
Market profile
Columbus: Healthy and expected to tighten
Demand for TV is on the rise heading into the holidays, and then comes the political rush, with Ohio a top battleground state
TV This Week
The argument for more black sitcoms
The best argument: How well such shows do on BET and TV One, which is debuting the second season of 'Love That Girl'
This week in out of home
Your client's ad at the laundromat
Here's an effective way to connect with a diverse population with an hour or more of dwell time and not much else to look at
What's new in alternative media
A fun game with virtual raspberries
Mystery of the shopping mall corpses
How to really score with fanny packs
Who's sneaking into London games
People
Ex-Tribune CEO Randy Michaels arrested
Andy Sareyan becomes president at National Journal Group
Philip Cotty becomes technology director at Alexander Interactive
Blair Schlumbom becomes associate publisher at Elle
Jenny Kang becomes fashion editor at New York
Amy Stevens becomes media integration SVP at MSG
Lorraine Ali becomes pop music editor at Los Angeles Times
Lauren Vicary becomes political editor at Bloomberg News
John Miller becomes senior correspondent at CBS News
Ryan Phillippe joins DirecTV's 'Damages'
Brandon Jay McLaren joins TNT's 'Falling Skies'
Shannen Doherty marries for the third time
Former 'Heroes' actor Zachary Quinto: I'm gay
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Overnights
CBS wins another Monday with 'Men'
Sitcom is once again the night's top show with a 5.2 in 18-49s, but it has lost more than half its audience since its huge debut
Cable
'Walking Dead' debut sets a cable record
AMC series averages 4.8 million adults 18-49 and 4.2 million 25-54s, setting an all-time record for a basic cable original drama
Here & there
Coming soon, the McDonald's TV network
Other shorts: Adweek boots controversial editor Wolff - Study: Reality TV may encourage mean girls - Programming notes - Twitter logging 250M tweets a day
Sports TV
All signs point to a low-rated World Series
LCS ratings were down dramatically, and the winners are both small-market teams, the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals
Social media
On social media and the brand experience
Among 18-24s, 98 percent are engaged with social media, and brands are playing a bigger role. Talking with Experian's John Fetto.
TV Reviews
'American Hoggers,' this dog don't hunt
A&E reality series, about capturing wild pigs, sounds exciting. It's not. Parts of it seem staged, and the action comes up short.
TV This Week
The 'Scream Awards,' for what's to come
Spike's annual special celebrates the best in horror and sci-fi films but its real draw is as a showcase for clips of upcoming flicks
People
E!'s Giuliana Rancic: I have breast cancer
Matt Blasco becomes managing director at Euro RSCG Discovery NY
Simon Fleming-Wood becomes CMO at Pandora
Carla Carpenter rises to SVP of digital media at ABC Owned TV Stations
Tory Hargro rises to product manager at USA Today
Donna Sapolin becomes editorial director at Next Avenue
Jon Gruden signs new deal at ESPN
Charlie Day, Emma Stone and Jason Segal hosting 'SNL'
June Raphael guesting on Fox's 'New Girl'
Marlon Wayans developing ABC comedy
Hiroyuki Sanada joins ABC's 'Revenge'
Tom Wopat joins the cast of CBS's 'A Gifted Man'
Charlie Siskel and Andrew Daly developing Comedy Central pilot
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Overnights
'Last Man Standing' falls in second week
New ABC sitcom slides 14 percent from last week's debut to a still-solid 3.0 in 18-49s, with lead-out 'Man Up!' bowing to a 2.4
Broadcast recap
In this new season, it's CBS by a nose
Has a slight edge over Fox with a 3.3/9 in 18-49s versus a 3.2/8. How the World Series plays out could help or hurt Fox. (charts)
Cable recap
Slow start for 'Monday Night Football'
ESPN ratings are off, with three games pulling fewer than 12 million. Blame poor matchups and stiffer competition (charts)
Here & there
BostonGlobe.com spins behind a paywall
Other shorts: NBA negotiations continue today - NBC schedules five airings of 'Suspect' - James and Rupert Murdoch on the outs - Facebook may lose teens
TV Reviews
'Once Upon a Time,' a long tale to tell
ABC Snow White fantasy faces a struggle engaging viewers and holding their attention in this time of short attention spans
Social media
Webinar: How to plan and buy Facebook
Horizon Media's Maikel O'Hanlon provides a guide to advertising on the world's top social media site. Click here to hear his presentation.
TV This Week
Smart money's on the Texas Rangers
That's even though St. Louis has the stronger history going into the World Series, which begins on Fox at 7:30 Eastern
People
Natalie Morales joins NBC's 'Rock Center'
Judy Kenny becomes president of sales at Zoom Media & Marketing
Ken Cervantes becomes VP and account director at ID Media
Silvia Cavalcanti and Tyrone Samson join Blast Radius
Adam Cunningham becomes SVP of digital at Allied Integrated Marketing
T.H. Peng becomes CEO at Grey Greater China
Amy Introcaso-Davis becomes EVP of programming at GSN
Amanda Michel becomes open editor at Guardian U.S.
Enedina Vega-Amaez rises to VP at Meredith Hispanic Ventures Group
Pete Thomas rises to SVP of sales and marketing at Channel One News
Jonathan South and Ling-Sze Gan rise at A&E Networks
Bill Rowley becomes SVP of business development at Martini Media
Mandy Moore starring in ABC's 'Us and Them'
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Overnights
Fox scores Wednesday win with World Series
Game one averages a 3.9 in 18-49s according to early numbers, well ahead of CBS and ABC, which tie for second on the night at 3.3
Cable
MSNBC shuffles lineup ahead of elections
It's back to 10 p.m. for Olbermann fill-in 'Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell,' whose ratings were sagging. 'Ed Show' to 8 p.m.
Here & there
Lawyer: News International knew of hacking in 2008
Other shorts: NBC's 'Fear Factor' returns on Dec. 12 - CNN draws big crowd for debate - 'Real World' to Occupy protesters: We want you!
Television
Welcome DVR lift for three new shows
Playback boosts 'Up All Night,' 'Secret Circle' and 'Ringer,' all shows with so-so ratings, helping to secure full-season orders
Social media
The power of consumer product reviews
What folks say about a brand has huge impact, and more are voicing their opinions. Talking with NMIncite's Radha Subramanyam.
TV Reviews
'Boss,' Kelsey Grammer, the actor
The longtime sitcom star sheds his Frasier persona to play a ruthless Chicago politician in this smartly crafted Starz drama
TV This Week
Alas, 'Jersey Shore' loses momentum
The MTV reality series is off 26 percent as it heads into its season four finale, though it's still cable's No. 1 reality show
People
Univision scoops up Jennifer Lopez talent show
Bruce Haynes and Andrew Tahy rise at Doner
Giles Martin becomes director of analytics at Campbell Mithun
Eric Hanna becomes CEO at Grey Group MENA
Thomas Nolsoee becomes chief strategy officer at MEC China
Erik Miller becomes president at Studio Number One
Michael Caruso becomes editor in chief at Smithsonian
Sarah Carey becomes editor in chief at Everyday Food
Janet Balis becomes head of sales strategy at AOL Advertising
Frances Manfredi rises to president at NBCU Cable and New Media
Todd Donovan rises to SVP of broadcast operations at ABC
Rob Kenner becomes senior editor at Complex Media Network
Shasta Darlington becomes Brazil correspondent at CNN
Friday, October 21, 2011
Overnights
'Engagement' wins new Thursday timeslot
Sitcom averages a 3.7 18-49 rating in sixth-season debut, well ahead of the show it replaced, the canceled 'How to Be a Gentleman'
Here & there
The word: Fox and Telemundo get World Cup
Other shorts: DirecTV threatens to drop Fox cable - Doozy of a News Corp. meeting - Programming notes - Papers' web traffic soars - Mobile video time up
Sports TV
Bummer first game of the World Series
Cards-Rangers game averages a 9.6 household rating, the second lowest in 24 years, though Fox still handily wins the night
Social media
What's hot: Social media on the go
Huge growth in mobile users visiting their favorite sites - Photo of bloodied Gaddafi - Study: Big brains, more Facebook friends
TV Reviews
'Monster In-Laws,' families going at it
A&E series will be a treat for viewers who feast on such squabbles. But the show comes up short on resolving them.
Rachel speaks
Rachel, I was forced to take a paycut
The writer asks Rachel what her next step should be. Media Life's career columnist sorts through the options.
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Boss' on Starz; Saturday: World Series on Fox; Sunday: 'Once Upon a Time' premiere on ABC
People
President Obama guesting on 'Tonight'
Jeff Young rises to president at Bader Rutter & Associates
Gerard Caputo becomes senior partner and ECD at Ogilvy & Mather
Lynn Taylor becomes president and CEO at Keiler
Jordan Bainer becomes senior account executive at d.trio marketing
Mark Dillon becomes CRO at SocialTwist
USA Today managing editor Carol Stevens exits
Gregg Liebman rises to SVP of ad sales at Turner
Mike Federle becomes COO at Forbes Media
Lisa Levenson becomes EVP of programming at Cineflix Media
Mark Battaglia becomes CEO at ThinkVine
'Jersey Shore's' Ronnie appearing on Spike's 'Impact Wrestling'
'NCIS' star Michael Weatherly facing lawsuit
Monday, October 24, 2011
Overnights
Strong debut for ABC's 'Once Upon a Time'
Averages a 3.9 in adults 18-49, best bow for any new drama this season and scoring network's best timeslot rating in three years
Sports TV
Soccer's sudden leap to the big leagues
Fox Sports and Telemundo steal away World Cup rights from a surprised ESPN and Univision for $1 billion, a record figure
Overnights
'20/20' lifts ABC to best Friday in months
Newsmagazine averages a 2.1 in 18-49s for interview with Madoff daughter-in-law, show's best rating since January 2010
Market profile
Seattle: TV's tight and getting tighter
Big political dollars are flowing over three state initiatives on the ballot next month, further adding to an inventory squeeze
Here & there
Fox wins Saturday with World Series
Other shorts: NBA talks break down amid finger-pointing - Murdochs survive contentious News Corp. meeting - 'Jersey Shore' finale ratings fall
TV Reviews
'Flip Men,' been there, done that
Spike breaks no new ground in this series about fixing up houses for quick sale. But that said, the show's not that hard to watch.
TV This Week
Being half scared to death with Martha
Stewart shows viewers how to do up their homes for the maximum fright effect in the Hallmark Channel Halloween special
This week in out of home
Your client's ad on restaurant takeout
Reach consumers when they are hungry for a quick meal by placing ads on pizza boxes and Chinese food cartons and even chopsticks
What's new in alternative media
A fun game with virtual raspberries
Mystery of the shopping mall corpses
How to really score with fanny packs
Who's sneaking into London games
People
Robert C. Pierpoint dies at 86
Hank Summy becomes president at McCann Erickson
Alasdair Lloyd-Jones becomes chief operations officer at Big Spaceship
Ron Balasco becomes account director at Redbook
Kevin Davis becomes business development director at Captivate
Lynda McLaughlin rises to senior producer at 'The Sean Hannity Show'
Nina Elias becomes assistant online beauty editor at Prevention.com
Catherine Tate joining NBC's 'The Office'
Mark Sanford becomes an analyst at Fox News Channel
Jon Favreau developing CBS comedy pilot
'Survivor' contestant Rupert Boneham running for governor of Indiana
Leah Remini signs talent deal at ABC
'New Girl' star Zooey Deschanel releasing Christmas album
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Overnights
CBS wins sixth straight Monday over Fox
Network averages a 4.2 in 18-49s, 11 percent ahead of Fox's World Series coverage, with 'Men' the night's top show with a 5.6 rating
Sports TV
Grounds for hope for this World Series
There's now a decent chance Cards-Rangers series will top last year, the second-lowest-rated ever, should it go to seven games
Here & there
Netflix bummer: Down 800K subscribers
Other shorts: Study: TV ad spending rises - Hinton: I didn't know about hacking - Less-than-commanding premiere for 'Boss' - Lohan posing for Playboy
Research
The big threat to TV that isn't: DVRs
A full 90 percent of television viewing is still live, even as penetration has grown to 44 percent. Talking with Leichtman Research's Bruce Leichtman.
Alternative media
Playing the bungee-jumping car game
Folks are invited to help push a new car off a 100-foot tower by clicking their mouses until it tumbles. Client: Chevy Sonic.
TV Reviews
'Good Vibes,' and a tasteless treat
New MTV animated series is vulgar but cleverly vulgar in the tradition of 'Beavis and 'Butt-Head,' if not up to its level
TV This Week
Zombies: With us since the beginning
And thus a fitting subject for a History channel special in the days leading up to Halloween. Title: 'Zombies: A Living History.'
People
Charlie Rose may join 'Early Show'
Michele Norris leaving NPR's 'All Things Considered'
Turner ad sales chief Linda Yaccarino exiting
Jeremy Holden becomes chief strategy officer at Publicis NY
Derek Bhopalsingh becomes managing partner at MEC Interaction
Kevin Plunkett becomes SVP of scripted programming at E!
John Ivey rises to SVP of programming at Clear Channel Radio
Jody Jones becomes SVP of digital at Time Inc.
'Wendy Williams' talk show renewed through 2014
Aisha Tyler joins CBS's 'The Talk'
Radio writer Norman Corwin dies at 101
Robert Perino becomes creative director at Southern Living
Former Obama speechwriter Jon Lovett sells comedy to NBC
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Overnights
'X Factor' lifts Fox to a win on Tuesday
Averages a 4.3 in 18-49s, up 13 percent over last week, as the field narrows to 12. Obama boosts 'Tonight' to best Tuesday of year.
Cable recap
Cable's latest targets: Broadcast's fall hits
Networks are pitting their top shows against top Big Four series and winning. Latest example: AMC's 'Walking Dead.' (charts)
Television
CBS picks up two so-so new series
Adds nine episodes of 'Unforgettable' and 'Person of Interest,' though neither is pulling better than a 3.0 in adults 18-49
Broadcast recap
As sitcoms soar, dramas founder
New and returning dramatic series are seeing weak ratings in a season that's seeing strong viewer support for comedies (charts)
Here & there
Study: Few tablet users will pay for content
Other shorts: Layoffs hit Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia - Programming notes - WikiLeaks founder: We are in trouble - Star Trib readies paywall
TV Reviews
'Beavis and Butt-Head,' funny as ever
Revived MTV series is very much its old self in the best sense. Its insights about our much-changed popular culture are spot on.
TV This Week
After the fact, the Kara DioGuardi story
She's gone from 'American Idol,' where she never really fit in, but hers is an interesting life as told by 'True Hollywood Story'
People
Andy Rooney in serious condition
David Wertheimer becomes digital president at Fox
George Linardos becomes SVP of digital marketing at Time Inc.
Karen Wickre becomes editorial director at Twitter
Soumya Sriraman becomes licensing EVP at BBC Worldwide Americas
Mary Ellen Bottone becomes VP of ad sales at Smithsonian Channel
David W. Padrusch, Bill Howard and Doug Bailey join Travel Channel
Michael Bayle becomes SVP and GM at ESPN Mobile
Sarah Fenske becomes editor at LA Weekly
Richard Lawson becomes a senior writer at The Atlantic Wire
Angus Macfadyen joins NBC's 'Chuck'
Michelle Hurd joins CW's '90210'
Grey Damon joins CW's 'The Secret Circle'
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Overnights
Even with a rerun, 'Modern Family' is tops
Lifts ABC to a Wednesday win with a 4.4 in 18-49s for repeat of Halloween episode. Network's other sitcoms hit series highs.
Television
Fox rises to No. 1, lifted by World Series
Network eases past CBS with a 3.4/10 in 18-49s to a 3.3/9, even though the series is seeing near record low ratings (charts)
Magazines
Who's not hurting: Hispanic magazines
Ad pages are up a modest 0.6 percent but revenue is up 24 percent. Talking with Media Economics Group's Carlos Pelay.
Social media
Study: Gabbing about TV is a guy thing
Males account for 55 percent of folks talking about television on social media sites. Biggest demo for TV chatting: 25-34s.
Here & there
NBA talks: New hope for a full season
Other shorts: Clear Channel chops hundreds of jobs - Found: Phone NOTW used in hacking - Programming notes - Clergy to Voice: Remove adult ads
TV Reviews
'Grimm,' in search of the lost children
NBC Friday series is a return to kid-friendly TV of old, being free of adult material, but it faces a challenge in finding an audience
TV This Week
Charlie Brown, pulling Halloween duty
ABC airs 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,' filling the hole left by axed 'Charlie's Angels.' It's a familiar role.
People
Former ABC president Daniel Burke dies
James Dawson Hollis and Bill Wright join Ogilvy West
David Page becomes planning director at BBDO
Julie Genung becomes senior account executive at d.trio marketing
Mirian Arias becomes VP of daytime communications at ABC
Joel K. Savitt becomes VP of production at Oxygen
Ana Ceppi becomes VP of agency development at Univision
Eric Bizzak becomes national sales director at The Week
AOL strategy chief Jared Grusd exiting
Ross Bernard rises to VP of live events at Epix
Tom Bettag becomes segment producer at NBC's 'Rock Center'
Jonathan Groff returning to Fox's 'Glee'
Jennifer Carpenter guesting on CBS's 'The Good Wife'
Friday, October 28, 2011
Overnights
Game six lifts Fox to big Thursday victory
Cardinals' improbable win averages a 5.8 in 18-49s in primetime, by far the best of the series and raising hopes for game seven
Cable
Winning: FX picks up Sheen sitcom
In leap of faith, network orders 10 episodes of 'Anger Management' starring the famously axed star of CBS's 'Two and a Half Men.'
Alternative media
Whoosh! Breaking a new space barrier.
Much ado online over the launch of a vibrator into the heavens, the first ever to make such a journey. Sponsor: Online s#x shop.
Here & there
And now, Disney Channel in Russia
Other shorts: Al Jazeera launching sports news channel - Web site: Stand up to retailers' Christmas creep! - Study: Fifth of ad $ goes to LGBT shows
Rachel speaks
Rachel, I got passed over. Now what?
The writer thought she had aced the promotion but the agency brought in an outsider. Should she ask why she didn't get it?
TV Reviews
'Allen Gregory,' missing a few of its marks
Fox animated satire, about a 7-year-old raised by two dads, makes fun of things that will be off the radar for most viewers
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Game seven of World Series on Fox; Stanford at USC on ABC; Sunday: 'Next Iron Chef' on Food Network
People
PBS airing Steve Jobs documentary
Lucio Maramba rises to director of operations at Mercury en Espanol
Bo Jones becomes president and CEO of MacNeil/Lehrer Productions
Alex Eastburg becomes VP of original series at Spike TV
Guy Zapoleon becomes digital music VP programming at Clear Channel
David Zinczenko and David Willey rise at Rodale
Larry Chevres becomes CTO at New York Media
Kristen Hinman becomes associate editor at Bloomberg Businessweek
Phoebe Howard writing column for Southern Living
Steve Krakauer becomes senior digital producer at CNN
Kaley Cuoco hosting the 'People's Choice Awards'
Eddie Murphy working on 'Beverly Hills Cop' series
Chris O'Dowd developing NBC comedy pilot
Monday, October 31, 2011
Overnights
Limp debut for Fox's 'Allen Gregory'
Averages a 2.4 in 18-49s, losing 40 percent of strong 4.0 lead-in from 'The Simpsons.' ABC's 'Once Upon a Time' holds strong debut.
Sports TV
Fox homers as the World Series winds up
Game seven averages 25.4 million viewers to become the most- watched series game in seven years. Full series up 19 percent.
Market profile
Chicago: TV and radio are both pricier
Television is seeing stronger demand from auto and retail, as well as casinos, with costs up by mid to high single digits
Here & there
Big debut for MTV's rebooted 'Beavis'
Other shorts: CW scores streaming deal with Hulu - Friday overnights: Solid bow for 'Grimm' - Saturday overnights: Football lifts ABC
TV Reviews
'Hart of Dixie,' grits, grins and gropes
Actors on this over-the-top CW romantic drama, all so easy to look at, play it for real, without cracking a smile. Such fun.
TV This Week
'Rock Center': NBC playing to its strength
New 10 p.m. Monday news show with Brian Williams should do better than the show its replaces, but don't look for huge ratings
This week in out of home
Your client's ad on hand sanitizers
Here's a smart way to reach shoppers as we enter the cold and flu season: Signage at kiosks dispensing free sanitizing lotion
What's new in alternative media
Whoosh! Breaking a space barrier.
Playing the bungee-jumping car game
A fun game with virtual raspberries
Mystery of the shopping mall corpses
People
'In Living Color' returning
Cris Logan joins and Lee Einhorn rises at Venables Bell & Partners
Jessica Goldberg DiPietro rises to managing director at Lippe Taylor
James McKinnon becomes business director at Strawberry Frog
Mike Kenny becomes a producer at Big Spaceship
Courtney Chapman becomes special events EP at Bloomberg TV
Laura Evans rises to chief experience officer at The Washington Post
Brian Fitzpatrick becomes European managing director at Adap.tv
Chelsea Kane joins ABC Family's 'Baby Daddy'
Ryan Johnson joins USA's 'Fairly Legal'
British TV and radio personality Jimmy Savile dies at 84
Silvio Horta developing ABC's 'Mrs. Miller'
'Jon and Kate' editor William Blankinship arrested
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Overnights
Very slow start for new NBC newsmagazine
'Rock Center with Brian Williams' manages a mere 1.0 in 18-19 in its premiere on a generally weak Halloween for the broadcast nets
Newspapers
Major changes in newspaper circ tallies
ABC introduces new rules for counting various editions, making comparisons to past periods impossible. But the WSJ is still tops.
Media economy
Media buyers: Salary-wise, it's still grim
Reader poll finds few planners and buyers are seeing raises, even as new hires in high-demand fields like digital snag big pay hikes
Here & there
At YouTube, a bold plan for the future
Other shorts: St. Pete Times: We're Tampa Bay Times now - DirecTV and Fox Networks reach deal - Programming notes - Camping: I'm done prognosticating
Television
Rating the new season, the good and bad
First the bad: 18-49 ratings are off 4 percent. The good? Two hits and likely more to come. Talking with Horizon's Brad Adgate.
TV Reviews
'Call of the Wild,' good, dirty fun
This new Animal Planet series follows Kentucky backwoodsman Ernie Brown Jr. as he hunts down pesky animals, and it's a hoot
TV This Week
For Fox's 'New Girl,' high expectations
No. 2 new show returns after a hiatus for the World Series, and the network has a lot riding on the show regaining its momentum
People
Kim Kardashian files for divorce
Linda Yaccarino becomes president of cable and digital sales at NBCU
Christine Guilfoyle becomes publisher at Everyday with Rachael Ray
Debi Chirichella and Grant Whitmore join Hearst Magazines
Dan Bova rises to editor in chief at Maxim
Kevin Bennett rises to SVP of programming at Investigation Discovery
Julie Pinkwater becomes SVP of client development at Univision
Andrew Jeffries becomes L.A. operations manager at Clear Channel
Pamela Levine becomes EVP of marketing at HBO
Tom Huffman becomes VP of original programming at VH1
Queen Latifah hosting new syndicated TV show
Steve Stark becomes president of production at MGM Television
Jules Wortman becomes VP of PR at TNA Entertainment
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Overnights
Baseball blooper for Fox's 'New Girl'
Hit sitcom returns to a new low after a four-week break for the MLB postseason, averaging a 3.5 in 18-49s. CBS wins the night.
Cable
October proves a chilly month for cable
Six of the top 10 networks are down in total viewers, led by ESPN and TBS, which both see dips for sports programming (charts)
Here & there
New evidence in Murdoch hacking scandal
Other shorts: ABC: NYT digital circ surges threefold - Pandora expands to malls and more - Gawker is most valuable blog - Programming notes - Corrections
Broadcast recap
Forget '60s tales, think fairy tales
ABC's 'Once Upon a Time' and NBC's 'Grimm' are looking like hits while 'Playboy Club' and 'Pan Am' have proved sinkers (charts)
Cable recap
The latest flight to cable: Halloween
Slew of shows score in the ratings, with AMC's 'Walking Dead' and FX's 'American Horror Story' in the week's top 10 (charts)
TV Reviews
'Born Dealers,' born to lose (viewers)
Green Planet reality show fails to deliver a key element of any show about antiques, how much money is made on the deals
TV This Week
Of Steve Jobs, just one more thing
PBS weighs in with an insightful special on the Apple founder featuring the people who knew this very complicated man best
People
Michelle Trachtenberg returning to 'Gossip Girl'
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange loses extradition appeal
Tom Moudry and Laura Terry rise at Martin Williams
Eleo Hensleigh becomes SVP of marketing at Travel Channel
Dave Morgan becomes editor in chief at USA Today Sports Media Group
Gina Hamadey becomes travel editor at Food & Wine
Doug Vaughn rises to SVP of late night at NBC
Rachel DeSchepper becomes web editor at Country Living
Jerry Seinfeld guest co-hosting ABC's 'Live! With Kelly'
Jimmy Kimmel hosting WCHA dinner
Longtime Oscars producer Gilbert Cates dies at 77
Radio man Tom Keith dies at 64
Erin Brennan joins and Tracy Monahan rises at Departures
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Overnights
Fox wins Wednesday with 'X Factor's' return
The show, which was preempted by baseball, draws a 3.9 in 18-49s over two hours, lifting the network past No. 2 ABC and No. 3 CBS
Dayparts update
Oprah's afternoon replacement: No one
The two closest are Winfrey pals Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz, but their ratings are well below what she drew. Non-starter: 'Anderson.'
Alternative media
High-tech search for a book of secrets
Teens are invited to use a special app to find a mysterious book in a bookstore. Their prize: A 3D tour of the book on their phone.
Here & there
Fox orders season two of 'X Factor'
Other shorts: Appeals court strikes nipplegate fine - Programming notes - Magazine firebombed - Correction: Siempre Mujer ad pages up 50.4 percent
Media economy
Ad-wise, 2012 races have already begun
TV stations are seeing the first of what will be a flood of campaign dollars, up to $3.3 billion. Talking with Kantar's Kenneth Goldstein.
TV Reviews
'Hell on Wheels,' and a decent yarn, too
A strong storyline makes this AMC post-Civil War drama, making up for a main character with more ambiguities than he can handle
TV This Week
The appalling, true story of Budhia Singh
A mere child, an Indian, he's a gifted runner who's pushed by his adoptive father to run huge distances. He nearly dies. On HBO.
People
Audie Cornish hosting 'All Things Considered'
Jason Guthery becomes interactive technologies director at Rocket Red
Abigail Harvey and Noah Pollack join Lifetime
Andy Weil becomes VP of comedy development at Universal Television
Chris Jones becomes back page columnist at ESPN the Magazine
Sheila Bair and John Day become columnists at Fortune
Paul Jowdy becomes VP and publisher at Women's Wear Daily
Cyndi Stivers becomes editor in chief at Columbia Journalism Review
Linda Hirst becomes style director at Coastal Living
Marlene Braga becomes VP of programming at Azteca America
Mary Steenburgen joins NBC's '30 Rock'
Lucy Griffiths joins HBO's 'True Blood'
Jonathan Tucker joins NBC's 'Parenthood'
Friday, November 04, 2011
Overnights
Fox tops CBS on a close Thursday night
Averages a 3.4 in 18-49s to CBS's 3.3, with 'X Factor' averaging a 3.6. Season debut of 'Bones' jumps 22 percent over last year.
Television
Media buyers: It's thumbs up for CBS
Credit network with the most impressive performance this fall for its stability and Monday lineup. But they say Fox will be No. 1.
Here & there
ABC orders full seasons of 'Time' and 'Last Man'
Other shorts: Groupon IPO: Biggest since Google - Study: People 'like' brands for deals - James Murdoch confidante leaving - Herman Cain: I'll sue Politico
Rachel speaks
Rachel, should I jump to a big agency?
The writer is thinking of making the move from her small shop but she says she knows a lot of unhappy people at large agencies
Alternative media
Boobs on parade, all for a good cause
What's an eyecatching way to raise awareness of breast cancer? Hire models to walk the streets shirtless, boobs on display.
TV Reviews
'John Sandford's Certain Prey,' certainly
USA TV movie has first of a franchise written all over it, a crime-solver with a light touch and a handsome lead in Mark Harmon
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Grimm' on NBC; Saturday: Alabama versus LSU on CBS; Sunday: 'Black Girls' Rock!' on BET
People
Mark Zuckerberg makes Forbes power list
Serena Connelly and Mark Waggoner join Blast Radius
Aaron Phua becomes creative director at Johannes Leonardo
David Chalian becomes Washington bureau chief at Yahoo! News
Lisa Bonos rises to assistant outlook editor at the Washington Post
Amy Keller Laird becomes co-executive editor at Women's Health
Rena Golden becomes senior director of digital at The Weather Channel
Terry Jamerson becomes interim publisher at the Tampa Tribune
Drew Barrymore joins TCM's 'The Essentials'
Mark Burnett executive producing Spike's 'Video Game Awards'
Actor Leonard Stone dies at 87
Kate Gosselin becomes coupon blogger at CouponCabin.com
Lady Gaga appearing in ABC Thanksgiving special
Monday, November 07, 2011
Overnights
'Time' stays hot, but not so other new shows
ABC drama draws a 3.7 in 18-49s, tying 'Simpsons' for best non-sports show, while 'Pan Am' and 'Allen Gregory' continue to struggle
Overnights
CBS scores with LSU win over Alabama
Averages an 11.9 household rating, second-best regular-season game on the network since a Notre Dame-Miami game in 1989
Here & there
Remembering Andy Rooney, the curmudgeon
Other shorts: Sun reporter arrested as News Corp. scandal grows - Friday overnights: NBC's 'Grimm' dips - NBA to players: A deal by Wednesday or else
Market profile
Miami: Strong TV gets a lift from auto
Pricing is flat but spending is up by the middle single digits as Japanese carmakers kick up ad spending to regain share
TV Reviews
'Rock Center With Brian Williams,' light
New NBC newsmagazine suffers from the usual flaws of TV news, led by a disinclination to get into real depth in its reporting\
TV This Week
Kicking butt with panda Po and his pals
On Nick, 'Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness,' a new series building off the success of the movie 'Kung Fu Panda 2'
This week in out of home
Your client's ad on coffee cups
Messages on takeout containers and sleeves reach an affluent consumer, and there are more and more clever ways to deliver them
What's new in alternative media
Boobs on parade, all for a good cause
High-tech search for a book of secrets
Whoosh! Breaking a space barrier.
Playing the bungee-jumping car game
People
Nathan Lane starring in USA comedy
Mike McKay becomes partner and CCO at Eleven Inc.
Mike Russell becomes SVP of sales at MSLGROUP
Arun Chaudhary becomes resident filmmaker at Fenton
Jayme Pontious becomes account manager at WelComm
Arthur Browne rises to deputy editor at New York Daily News
Sara Mitzner and Kristina Lepore rise at O
Tiffany Black becomes social media manager at CBS Sports
Shane Goldmacher and Kristin Roberts join National Journal
Megan Mullally joins Fox's 'Breaking In'
Actor Sid Melton dies at 94
John Cho and Kal Penn working on 'Harold & Kumar' cartoon
Robert De Niro producing HBO's Bernie Madoff biopic
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Overnights
'Men' leads surging CBS to a Monday win
Network's sitcoms all rise from last week's season lows, including 'Men,' the night's top show with a 5.1 among 18-49s. ABC is second.
Media economy
Holiday outlook: A boost in ad spending
Strong retail spending will lift the ad economy in fourth quarter, with television, radio and the internet the big gainers
Research
The high cost of the recession for brands
American consumers are buying more generic products at the expense of the big names. Talking with comScore's Doug Crang.
Cable
AMC has a third hit: 'Hell on Wheels'
Post-Civil War series debut averages 4.4 million total viewers, network's second best ever behind only 'Walking Dead's' premiere
Here & there
'Modern Family' leads pack of DVR gainers
Other shorts: Spying allegations emerge against News Corp. - Just in time for the holidays, B&N's Nook Tablet - Programming notes: 'Spartacus' renewed
TV Reviews
'Vietnam in HD,' too many voices
Otherwise excellent History six-parter uses actors to tell the stories of combatants and at times has these men speak directly
TV This Week
For country fans, 'All Access Nashville'
On this ABC special, Robin Roberts chats it up with the singing stars appearing on tomorrow night's 'Country Music Awards'
People
NY Times digital chief Martin A. Nisenholtz retiring
Samantha Pearlson becomes regional search director at MEC Singapore
Steven Grune rises to tech group publisher at Bonnier
Howard T. Owens becomes president at National Geographic Channels
Tami Eagle Bowling rises to associate publisher at Teen Vogue
Meghan Hooper becomes VP of programming acquisitions at Lifetime
David Millikin, Juliette Hollier-Larousse and Gilles Campion rise at AFP
Stacey Farish becomes publisher at TheWrap.com
Anne Cronin becomes deputy managing editor at Politico
John Randolph Hearst Jr. dies at 77
Comedy writer Hal Kanter dies at 92
Kelly Cobiella, Ginger Zee, and Bazi Kanani join ABC News
Eva Longoria producing ABC 'Soy Tu Duena' remake
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Overnights
CBS wins Tuesday over usual leader Fox
Network averages a 3.3 in adults 18-49, with 'NCIS' the night's top show with a 4.1. Fox takes second with a 2.9, led by 'New Girl.'
Overnights
CBS wins Tuesday over usual leader Fox
Network averages a 3.3 in adults 18-49, with 'NCIS' the night's top show with a 4.1. Fox takes second with a 2.9, led by 'New Girl.'
Broadcast recap
CBS and Fox tie for first, with CBS gaining
Averaging 3.5 in 18-49s for the season, but CBS takes the most recent week by a wide margin. ABC third and NBC fourth. (charts)
Cable recap
'Real Housewives': As for real as ever
Atlanta edition season four debut is the best ever for the franchise, averaging 2.9 million total viewers, up 20 percent (charts)
Cable
Is Rosie's magic gone? New show tanking.
Ratings for 'The Rosie Show' on OWN continue to fall after a solid premiere, tumbling 22 percent in the past week alone
Here & there
Liguori dumps Discovery after less than two years
Other shorts: Microsoft, AOL and Yahoo gang up on Google - Oscar producer Ratner out - Programming notes - Study: As virtual friends rise, real ones fall
Social media
Teens: Social networks are pretty safe
Few report instances of bullying, contrary to the many media reports of widespread abuses. Talking with Pew's Mary Madden.
TV Reviews
'Prophets of Science Fiction,' a stretch
Science Channel series struggles to link writers' insights to later scientific developments. Viewers won't be persuaded.
TV This Week
An old face, and memories of the old NBC
George Wendt of 'Cheers' fame guests on 'Harry's Law,' recalling an era in which NBC also struggled, before its climb to No. 1
People
Michelle Duggar is pregnant again
John Cunningham becomes SVP of personal care at MSLGROUP
Joe Lagani becomes CRO at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
Kassie Canter becomes EVP of communications at Viacom
Matt Dornic becomes senior director of PR at CNN Worldwide
Joe DelGrosso becomes EVP of political and advocacy at Univision
Michael Waldron becomes VP and creative director at TV Land
Cece Ryan rises to associate publisher at People
Andrew J. Schulman becomes VP of marketing at AccentHealth
Jennie Garth joins ABC Family's 'Village People'
Mimi Rogers joins CBS's 'Two and a Half Men'
Kelly Ripa signs five-year deal to stay on 'Live!'
'Deadliest Catch' crewmember rescued after collapsing
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Overnights
ABC's 'CMAs' see a bump to win Wednesday
Awards show averages a 4.8 in 18-49s, up 2 percent from last year, as Fox and CBS shows slide against the tough competition
Media economy
From global to local, the hurt spreads
Local advertising, after signs of improvement, is sliding back, and the outlook now is for several more years of struggle
Research
The bigger TV story, beyond ratings
Call it the buzz factor: The chatter a show generates across the internet. Speaking with General Sentiment's Dylan Coughtrey.
Here & there
Murphy: I won't host the Oscars after all
Other shorts: Murdoch denies hacking knowledge again - Third quarter e-spending shoots up 13 percent - Programming notes: Meet NickMom
Webinars
How to plan and buy Twitter advertising
This webinar, led by Josh Dreller of Fuor Digital, gives Media Life readers a how-to on Twitter advertising. Click to hear the entire presentation.
TV Reviews
'All-American Muslim,' just regular folk
TLC series succeeds admirably in capturing the lives of Muslims living in the U.S. and how much they are like the rest of us
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Thursday: Chargers vs. Raiders on NFL Network; Friday: Disney's 'Geek Charming;' Saturday: debate on CBS; Sunday: 'Simpsons'
People
Piers Morgan leaving 'America's Got Talent'
DDB Worldwide chair Bob Scarpelli retiring
Patricia Lyle becomes Directive GM at Meredith Xcelerated Marketing
Adam Hauck becomes EP for interactive TV at Trailer Park
Eric Sherling becomes director of Washington programming at CNN
Cumulus VP of programming Maureen Lesourd exits
Ashley Mateo becomes news editor at Seventeen
Bob Costas hosting NBC Sports Network show
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson returning to USA's 'Monday Night Raw'
Gay Cable Network founder Lou Maletta dies at 74
'Family Circus' creator Bill Keane dies at 89
Dr. Conrad Murray appearing on NBC's 'Today'
Ashton Kutcher sets off Joe Paterno-related Twitter storm
Monday, November 14, 2011
Overnights
One hot football game: Stanford-Oregon
Saturday night contest averages a 2.5 in 18-49s, 39 percent better than ABC's usual 'Saturday Night Football' rating. Fox is No. 2.
Here & there
The word: Stern may join NBC's 'Talent'
Other shorts: After criticism, Romenesko leaves Poynter - Friday overnights: 'Grimm' down again - Thursday overnights: Fox wins tight night
Market profile
St. Louis: Twice blessed, politically
Local TV stations will see a surge of political ads for much of next year from key races in both Illinois and Missouri
TV Reviews
'MTV2's Guy Code,' not fun or funny
New series is aimed at guys of a certain age who get it, but the half-baked jokes will miss them entirely--and everyone else
TV This Week
Gabby and Mark, the horror remembered
The Arizona congresswoman and husband sit down with Diane Sawyer of ABC's '20/20' for her first interview since the shooting
This week in out of home
Your client in doctors' offices
Here's a way to reach folks with targeted advertising while they're waiting to see their physician. What's big: Digital
What's new in alternative media
Boobs on parade, all for a good cause
High-tech search for a book of secrets
Whoosh! Breaking a space barrier.
Playing the bungee-jumping car game
People
Jeff Probst hosting daytime talk show
Matt Nadler becomes creative director at BFG Communications
Neal Pilson becomes senior advisor at Grand Prix Entertainment
Tom Zappala becomes EVP of programming at Spike TV
Ross Greenburg becomes a producer at NBC Sports Group
Matthew Kinsman becomes VP of content at ABM
Scott Crystal becomes president at The Daily Meal
Chelsea Clinton becomes special correspondent at NBC News
Cenk Uygur launching Current show on Dec. 5
Apolo Ohno and Danica McKellar starring in Syfy's 'Tasmanian Devil'
Maury Povich invites Justin Bieber to take a paternity test
Paul Bettany joins Showtime's 'Masters of Sex'
Diane Passage joins the reality project 'Wall Street Wives'
Overnights
ABC's Giffords interview draws a big crowd
Averages 13.4 million total viewers and wins timeslot as the Congresswoman
gives her first sitdown following January shooting
Overnights
Jets-Patriots scores Sunday win for NBC
'Sunday Night Football' game averages a 14.5 household rating, up 2 percent over last year and the fourth-best of the season
Television
NBC rips up its schedule for midseason
Sagging network, off 7 percent in 18-49s, will redo each night, pairing promising new shows with its strongest returning shows
Television
In the sweeps race, it's Fox by a mile
Holds a 21 percent lead over No. 2 CBS with a 3.4 in adults 18-49 to a 2.8, lifted by the World Series games six and seven
Here & there
Struggling NewsBeast boots new publisher
Other shorts: Investigator: Sun and Mirror may have hacked - Six advertisers drop out of Penn State game - AmberWatch TV launches after PSU scandal
Sports TV
Figuring the real cost of the NBA lockout
For advertisers and carriers, so much depends on when players and owners cut a deal. Speaking with GroupM's Bryce Townsend.
TV Reviews
'Knights of Mayhem,' jousting jerks
The contestants in this National Geographic Channel series are at their knightly best in full armor. Then they open their mouths.
TV This Week
For Fox's 'Glee,' it's back to basics
This may be sweeps but the show is forgoing the use of guests, having taken a hit in ratings for over-guesting in season two
People
'Rock Center' lands Jerry Sandusky interview
David Muldoon becomes creative director at Maude
Erica Farber becomes EVP at the RAB
Sheila Kirby becomes SVP of sales training at CBS Radio
Bruce Tuchman becomes president at AMC/Sundance Global
Chelsye Burrows becomes VP of public relations at GMC
Jennifer Slaton becomes executive editor at Coastal Living
David Zaccaria becomes VP of marketing at ReelzChannel
Matthew Rumbaugh becomes director of education at the ISA
Neil Patrick Harris guest co-hosting 'Live with Kelly'
Anna Kournikova leaving NBC's 'The Biggest Loser'
Gary Busey guests on CBS's 'Two and a Half Men'
Pamela Anderson appearing on Canadian Christmas special
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Overnights
CBS takes third straight Tuesday night
Averages a 3.2 in adults 18-49, with 'NCIS' the night's top show. Fox finishes in second place, led by 'New Girl's' 3.5 rating.
Dayparts update
CBS: We're going hard news in the a.m.
Radical revamp of third-place 'Early Show' chops chatter for serious news reporting anchored by Charlie Rose and Gayle King
Here & there
Future looks grimmer for NBC's 'Suspect'
Other shorts: Social media + TV collide with ConnecTV - Programming notes - Pew: Social media not used to make friends - Petition: Get Kardashians off TV!
Broadcast recap
Ultimate night for Ultimate Fighting debut
One-round bout averages 5.7 million viewers on Fox, best for a televised fight since 2003 and the best ever for the UFC (charts)
Cable recap
Record tune-in for Penn State game
Already important matchup with Nebraska draws hordes of the curious in the wake of sex scandal and Paterno firing (charts)
TV Reviews
'The Layover,' gastrotourism at its best
Travel Channel series pops in for short stays at interesting destinations, and guide Anthony Bourdain makes it all lots of fun
TV This Week
Not to be ignored: CBS's 'Criminal Minds'
It airs against Fox's 'X Factor' and beats it in total viewers, yet it doesn't generate nearly the buzz. There are reasons why.
People
The Situation sues Abercrombie & Fitch
Sunni Boot becomes chairman at the ABC
Jonathan Gibs becomes SVP of digital research at NBCU
Lindsay Powers becomes entertainment homepage editor at Yahoo
John Dickerson becomes political director at CBS News
Kevin Briody becomes digital strategy director at Pace Communications
Jake Brooks becomes digital development editor at Fortune
Steve Pantelick becomes CFO at PubMatic
Kyle Anderson becomes accessories director at Marie Claire
Chelsea Handler staying at E!
Diaspora co-founder Ilya Zhitomirskiy dies at 22
Robert Iger joins the board at Apple
Justin Bieber performing on TNT Christmas special
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Overnights
Fox holds off ABC and CBS with 'X Factor'
Averages a 3.8 in 18-49s with two-hour reality show, ahead of ABC in second place with a 3.3 and CBS in third place with a 3.2
Television
It's a better season for new shows
Half this year's crop, 14, have received full-season orders, with just five canceled, versus 13 to eight a year ago at this time
Cable
For 'South Park,' closing in on a milestone
Comedy Central animated series, renewed again yesterday, could well challenge 'The Simpsons' as the longest running TV comedy
Here & there
Lawyer: NOTW hacking victims paid high price
Other shorts: Hacked! Violent images flood Facebook - Programming notes: NPR's 'Wait' on BBC America - Ratings roundup: 'Guy Code' sets record
Media economy
In local media, the war over turf turns
Traditional media is now taking back share of online from internet pureplays. Speaking with Borrell Associates' Pete Conti.
TV Reviews
'You Deserve It,' no you don't
ABC short-run game show has a few novel twists--it plays hard for viewers' sympathies--but none serves to make it worth watching
TV This Week
On '20/20,' a fitting sendoff for Regis
The retiring longtime face of ABC daytime is toasted by the Katie Couric, who next year will become ABC daytime's new face
People
Ricky Gervais hosting the Golden Globes
Lisa DeFelice rises to SVP of sales research at The CW
New jobs for Pete Wells and Susan Edgerley at New York Times
AOL commerce president Brad Garlinghouse exiting
Briette Luparello becomes integrated sales director at Woman's Day
Marc Musicus and James Lundy join Channel One News
Dan Borchert becomes regional sales manager at The Daily Meal
Shelley Wiseman becomes senior food editor at Fine Cooking
Daniel Geiger and Daniel Edward Rosen join the Commercial Observer
Joy Behar leaving HLN at the end of the year
Howard Shultz named Fortune business person of the year
Beverly Johnson starring in OWN reality series
Heather Locklear and Jack Wagner end engagement
Friday, November 18, 2011
Overnights
CBS wins final Thursday of November sweeps
Averages a 3.2 in adults 18-49, 10 percent ahead of Fox, with 'The Big Bang Theory' the night's top show with a 5.2. 'X Factor' sinks.
Media economy
Look for hefty holiday spending on local TV
Retailers are booking lots of TV ad time to lure shoppers with come-hither prices against forecasts of modest holiday sales
Here & there
Radio ad $ grows 2 percent in third quarter
Other shorts: MLB floats major change to playoff system - Programming notes: 'Survivor' renewed again - Study: Kids want their Apples this Xmas
Alternative media
A wagging finger when you need it most
Happy hour patrons return to their cars to find paper hands attached to their wipers. Message: Think twice about driving.
TV Reviews
'Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse,' worse
TBS dramedy might work on a stage before a live audience but its dialogue and performances are too stagey for the small screen
Rachel speaks
Rachel, should I get my boss a gift?
The writer is just a few months out of college and new to the agency. She wants to know what's proper etiquette on gift-giving.
V This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Oklahoma State-Iowa State on ESPN; Saturday: Jason Segel hosts 'SNL;' Sunday: 'American Music Awards' on ABC
People
Ricki Lake talk show cleared in half the country
Christian Guinot becomes president at MEC China
Maura McGreevy becomes communications director at Droga5
Jimmy Olivero becomes director of strategy at SEO Bounty
Jon Steinlauf rises to EVP of ad sales at Scripps Networks Interactive
Rosy Marin becomes SVP of regional ad sales at Telemundo
Angus MacKenzie becomes CCO at Source Interlink
Jason Newman and Rick Resnick join Univision
AP deputy regional editor Steven Gutkin exits
Susan Crabtree becomes WH correspondent at Washington Times
Joanne Hearst Castro dies at age 70
MTV airing Ryan Dunn tribute
Demi Moore dumps Ashton Kutcher
Monday, November 21, 2011
Overnights
'American Music Awards' draw big crowd
ABC special averages a 4.3 in adults 18-49, even to last year, and hits best teen rating since 2004. But NBC wins night with 'SNF.'
Television
ABC sheds two duds for the midseason
Off the winter schedule: Low-rated 'Pan Am' and 'Man Up,' replaced by 'Work It' on Tuesday and 'GCB' on Sunday night
Here & there
Magazine ad pages fall 2.8 percent in 2011
Other shorts: Netflix: We're reviving 'Arrested Development' - OWN unveils 'Oprah's Next Chapter' - Friday overnights - Saturday overnights
Market profile
Pittsburgh: Healthy, with TV pricing up
Auto, healthcare, insurance, banking and retail are strong, and the outlook is for increased demand when politicals kick in
TV Reviews
'Real Deal,' no, but close enough
History channel series, in which collectors sell their prized goods, resembles the game shows of old, but falls short of 'Pawn Stars'
TV This Week
'Whoa, is it Christmas already? Must be.'
Holiday shows are airing earlier than ever, and some argue it's cutting into the fun of Thanksgiving. But the ratings are there.
This week in out of home
Your client on semi trucks
Think of them as billboards sailing down the highway, huge and hard not to notice. And they're not all that expensive.
What's new in alternative media
Wagging finger when you need it most
Boobs on parade, all for a good cause
High-tech search for a book of secrets
Whoosh! Breaking a space barrier.
People
Lee Corso drops f-bomb on ESPN
Jamin Duncan and John Witting join Draftfcb Orange County
Hazelle Klonhammer becomes managing director at Anomaly
Stephen Espinoza becomes EVP of sports programming at Showtime
Stephen Hurd, Gregg Beinin and Logan Connolly join REVShare
Mona Muresan becomes editor at Muscle & Fitness Hers
Parul Sehgal becomes digital associate editor for books at NPR
Richard Eisenberg becomes senior web editor at NextAvenue.org
John Shiffman becomes investigative reporter at Reuters
Larry McMurtry becomes a columnist at Harper's
Elizabeth Shue joins CBS's 'CSI'
Christine Ebersole joins TBS's 'Sullivan and Son'
Ricki Lake talk show cleared in half the country
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Overnights
ABC's 'Stars' rises with season finale
Up 13 percent over last week to a 3.6 18-49 rating, though that's down 27 percent from last fall's season-ender with Bristol Palin
Dayparts update
One hearty sendoff for Regis Philbin
Friday's 'Live! with Regis and Kelly' averages a 7.3 metered-market household rating, up 150 percent over a year earlier
Media economy
Ad spending-wise, a solid holiday season
Most marketers will spend as much or more than last year, and the biggest spenders will be non-holiday-related: Healthcare and financial services
Media economy
Behind the buildup of Black Friday
More stores will open Thursday night, heating up the grab for limited consumer dollars. Speaking with NPD's Marshal Cohen.
Here & there
Grant: Non-News Corp. papers may have hacked
Other shorts: NBC picks up 'Grimm' - Paper cuts at Virginian-Pilot - 'Family' sets DVR record - Study: Tablet users want to buy from ads
TV Reviews
'Scouted,' a truer picture of a model's life
E! series is really a documentary about how the genuine talents are chosen from all the wannabes, and it's an engaging process
TV This Week
For 'Stars,' last dance and a slow one
ABC dance challenge will likely see its worst ratings in years for the season finale. Blame the roster of ho-hum contestants.
People
NBC's Marc Graboff exiting
Sarah Kramer rises to president of client services at MediaVest
Ariel Abramovic and Bruno Acanfora become ACDs at DDB Chicago
John Keegan becomes director of technology at NBC News
Dale Roy Robinson becomes director of programming at DIY Network
Allison Mezzafonte becomes shelter network director at Hearst Digital
Daniel Borchert becomes regional sales manager at The Daily Meal
Meghan McCain becomes a contributor at NBC News
Andy Cohen's Bravo show expanding to five nights
Ty Pennington hosting ABC's 'Great Big American Auction'
TV writer Jack Elinson dies at 89
Rupert Murdoch dumps nearly all of his nonvoting News Corp. shares
Kristin Wiig named GQ's 'Bro of the Year'
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Overnights
'Stars' finale slides but ABC still wins night
Two-hour season ender averages a 4.1 in 18-49s, down 23 percent from last year's 5.3, as actor J.R. Martinez wins season 13
Broadcast recap
Fox headed to a sweeps win, if by a nose
Edge over CBS narrows in the final days of the November rating period to 3.3 in 18-49s through Sunday versus a 3.1 (charts)
Cable recap
Bummer of a season-ender for soccer
After a stellar season, MLS Cup game averages a disappointing 0.8 household rating airing against stiff competition (charts)
Here & there
Black Friday may pass Cyber Monday online
Other shorts: More testimony in hacking inquiry - Ex-Posterscope president arrested - 'Live' holds up without Regis - Revived: The Conde luncheon!
TV Reviews
'America's Supernanny,' not so much
Though it has its moments, the Lifetime reality show suffers by comparison to the longrunning ABC series, covering the same turf
Rachel speaks
Rachel, where are the media opportunities?
The writer, a media planner, is wondering how to plan her future. She wants to know what areas of media will see the most growth.
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Wednesday: NBC's 'Loser'; Thursday: 'Ice Age' on Fox; Friday: 'Elf' on CBS; Saturday: PSU-Wisconsin; Sunday: BET's 'Soul'
People
John Skipper becomes ESPN president
Glamour publisher Jason Wagenheim exits
Jerry Leo rises to EVP of program strategy and production at Bravo
Rod Aissa joining Oxygen as head of programming
Andrea Nunn becomes VP of business development at LA Times
Carlos Lamadrid becomes publisher at HollywoodLife.com
Matt Baxter becomes VP of content at Digital Broadcasting Group
Michael Zivyak becomes CRO at The Fiscal Times
Jeremy Spears rises to bookings director at Marie Claire
Michelangelo Signorile becomes editor at large at The Huffington Post
J.R. Martinez wins ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars'
Randy Michaels getting $675,000 from Tribune Co.
Kimberly McCullough leaving ABC's 'General Hospital'
Monday, November 28, 2011
Overnights
ABC's Thanksgiving turkey: 'Have a Little Faith'
Original movie, based on a Mitch Albom book, draws a 1.1 in 18-49s, easily the night's lowest-rated program on the Big Four
Sports TV
An NBA deal, and not a minute too soon
Players will be on the court on Christmas day, missing just a quarter of the season and averting huge advertising losses
Media economy
Black Friday 's message: Merry Christmas
Sales rise 16.4 percent over last year, to $52.4 billion, and online also surges, in a boon to retailers and media sellers
Here & there
James Murdoch leaves UK newspaper board
Other shorts: Soaps won't be revived online - 'Modern' paces ABC Wednesday - CBS is tops Thursday - Police: Craigslist linked to at least one murder
TV Reviews
'The Exes,' yes, we can laugh again
Certainly many will laugh at this new TV Land series in which ex stars of past network sitcoms ham it up. But sophisticated it's not.
TV This Week
For NBC's 'The Sing Off,' a likely kiss off
Music challenge ends its first full season on a disappointing note, coming after two years as a successful limited-run series
Overnights
'Stars' finale slides but ABC still wins night
Two-hour season ender averages a 4.1 in 18-49s, down 23 percent from last year's 5.3, as actor J.R. Martinez wins season 13
This week in out of home
Your client's ad on dollar bills
Here's a relatively inexpensive way to reach a large audience with messages they're sure to see when they have money in their hand
What's new in alternative media
Wagging finger when you need it most
Boobs on parade, all for a good cause
High-tech search for a book of secrets
Whoosh! Breaking a space barrier.
People
NYT writer Tom Wicker dies at 85
Adam Yellin and Carrie Nevaril join The Food Group
Damian Claassens becomes head of creative at Profero New York
Simon Higby becomes creative director at DDB Copenhagen
Dan Colarusso becomes global head of programming at Reuters
Lane Brown becomes culture editor at New York
Adriana Diaz joins CBS News' digital team
Daniel Indiviglio becomes columnist at Reuters Breakingviews
Tim McDonough becomes editor at the Pittsburgh Press
Jonah Hill co-hosting 'Live with Kelly'
Radio anchor Stanley Wright Case dies at 59
Hugh Laurie: I'm retiring from acting after 'House'
Piers Morgan welcomes a baby girl
Overnights
Merrier ratings for ABC's 'Grinch' and 'Shrek'
'Grinch' averages a 2.5 in 18-49s, up 14 percent, while 'Shrek' rises 8 percent to a 2.6. Green guys are best of night with 2-11s.
Television
Fox and CBS split November sweeps
Fox takes 18-49s, its second such win, but CBS takes its 11th straight win in total viewers and its ninth straight in 25-54s
Sports TV
Hearty Thanksgiving for the NFL Network
Ravens-49ers game draws 10.7 million total viewers, up 50 percent over last year and the network's most-watched show ever
Here & there
Claim: News Corp. hacked classified computer
Other shorts: No paper picking up ex-NOTW readers - Cyber Monday spending soars 15 percent - 'GMA' narrows gap with 'Today' - Programming notes
Sports TV
What really brought about the NBA deal
The hard deadline for players, owners and advertisers was the Christmas Day games. Talking with USC's Courtney Brunious.
TV Reviews
'I Hate My Teenage Daughter,' strained
The premise of this new Fox sitcom is a stretch, and all efforts to give it life only serve to make that core weakness more obvious
TV This Week
Marriage that works: Rudolph and Victoria
Rudolph wears a red nose and Victoria's models little of anything, but somehow this odd pairing delivers solid ratings for CBS
People
Newscaster fired for giving the finger
The word: Kelly Rowland may join Fox's 'The X Factor'
A. J. Daulerio becomes editor at Gawker
Alina Falcon becomes SEVP of news at Telemundo
Matt Spielman becomes SVP and strategy director at Moxie
Luis Patino rises to SVP at Univision TV Group
Robert Wright becomes senior editor at The Atlantic
Nicholas Coleridge rises to president at Conde Nast International
Kinsey Lowe and Nancy Tartaglione-Moore join Deadline.com
Venus Ferrer becomes digital ad director at Travel + Leisure
Lydia Murphy-Stephans becomes EVP and GM at Pac-12 Networks
Vme CEO Carmen DiRienzo stepping down
Evan Rullman becomes senior director of Midwest sales at Resonate Networks
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Overnights
Undie-niable hit: 'Victoria's Secret' sets record
Models strut to an all-time high 4.6 in 18-49s, up 35 percent over last year's 3.4, leading CBS to an easy win on the evening
Media economy
What gloom? Cyber Monday sales soar.
Online sales shoot up 22 percent, to $1.25 billion, further evidence consumers are not as spooked by the economy as some believe
Here & there
The word: Digitas' Lang will run Time Inc.
Other shorts: Facebook settles with FTC over privacy - Ex-NOTW editor: We had to hack - Study: Mobile ads skyrocket in Q3 - Programming notes
Broadcast recap
For NASCAR, the thrill is finally back
Ratings are up for the just-ended season after a five-year slump, capped by a neck-and-neck Chase for the Sprint Cup (charts)
Cable recap
Imagine that: Fans forgive flighty Kim K
'Kourtney & Kim Take New York' returns to strong ratings, despite stink over Kardashian's quickie split from hubby Kris (charts)
TV Reviews
'Weed Wars,' put this in your pipe
Discovery series, about a distributor of medical marijuana, features really interesting people in a really interesting business
TV This Week
Let it begin: Lighting the Christmas tree
NBC airs 'Christmas in Rockefeller Center,' one of a slew of specials that can be expected to lift ratings through the holidays
People
Ricky Martin eyeing spot on 'Glee'
Jason Wagenheim becomes publisher of Teen Vogue
Robert Russo and William O'Shea become VPs of political sales at ION
Judy Mitchell becomes VP of affiliate marketing at WB Domestic TV
Dick Meyer becomes executive producer at 'BBC World News'
Cedric Foster rises to EVP and GM at Spike Digital
Jodi Marchisotta becomes associate publisher at Ladies' Home Journal
Christopher Cody becomes VP of digital at Entertainment Promotions
Gustavo Arellano rises to editor in chief at OC Weekly
Matt Negrin becomes digital political reporter at ABC News
Comedian Patrice O'Neal dies at 41
Troy Johnson becomes editor at large at San Diego Magazine
Alec Baldwin narrating Discovery's 'Frozen Planet'
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Overnights
Decent bow for 'I Hate My Teenage Daughter'
New sitcom averages a 2.8 rating in 18-49s, No. 2 for the night against lots of reruns. Retains 76 percent of 'X Factor' lead-in.
Magazines
Laura Lang's Time Inc. challenge: Change
New CEO must corral all the different parts of the publishing giant and craft from them a new, digitally based organization
Media economy
Third quarter: Haves versus have-nots
Spooked by the economy, advertisers cut back on their ad spending, but online, cable, radio and out of home escape the axe
Here & there
Surprise: USA Today editor out after two years
Other shorts: Gannett slates fifth furlough - Another arrest in hacking scandal - Programming notes - Here they are, seven of Walters' 10 most fascinating
Research
For Millennials, TV just isn't that important
Nearly three quarters of college kids could imagine life without television. Music's a different story. Talking with Ypulse's Melanie Shreffler.
TV Reviews
'Would You Rather ... ?,' rather not
BBC America panel show relies on the quick wit of its guests responding to off-the-wall questions. The wit does not flow forth.
TV This Week
Alicia Keys, calling out to big hearts
Showtime documentary 'Keep a Child Alive with Alicia Keys,' airing on World AIDS Day, examines the devastation of AIDS on Africa
People
Anderson Cooper shakes up talk show staff
Evelina Lye becomes marketing manager at Mindshare
Brent Poer becomes EVP and ECD at LiquidThread
Katie Tannenberg becomes account coordinator at SK+G
Steve Dolcemaschio becomes president at Comcast Ent. Studios
Rick Haskins rises to EVP of marketing and digital at CW
Chris Thomes becomes VP of digital media studios at ABC
Kevin Martinez becomes publisher at Details
Bill Cronin becomes VP of marketing at USA Today
Jill Lawrence becomes politics managing editor at National Journal
Warren Buffett buys the Omaha World-Herald
Omar Fajer Valencia becomes associate director at Univision Enterprises
Jason Chupick becomes VP of PR at Harper's Magazine
Friday, December 02, 2011
Research
New trend: A drop in TV households
The number of households with TV sets will decline in 2012 as more Americans turn to other devices, most notably young people
Television
For Fox, come January, the race is over
Midseason lineup includes three promising dramas and a new comedy, but the return of 'American Idol' will win it the season
Alternative media
Crowds cheer as you cross the finish line
It's the New York Marathon. Balloons are everywhere. You've won. (Actually you're just coming out of a subway station.) It's a stunt.
Here & there
GroupM lowering 2011 advertising forecast
Other shorts: Nick issues holiday makegoods - Programming notes: CBS's new morning moniker - Study: Tablets are for pleasure not business
Rachel speaks
Rachel, help, I hate Christmas parties
The writer is shy, doesn't drink and hates loud noises, yet she feels a lot of pressure to show up at the agency party
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'America's Most Wanted' moves to Lifetime; Saturday: LSU-Georgia on CBS; Sunday: 'Neverland' miniseries on Syfy
People
Anne Bologna joins MDC Partners
Toby Talbot becomes ECD at RKCR Y&R
Tom Markham becomes digital CD at Crispin Porter + Bogusky
Armando Llenado and Julie Gargan rise at Visionaire Group
Thomson Reuters CEO Thomas Glocer exits
Sally Preston becomes publisher at Real Simple
Alex Kisch becomes EVP of business development at VEVO
Christopher Hall and Jennifer Willey join RealAge
Jackie Nosti-Cambo rises to VP of analytics at SBS
Joel Osteen developing reality TV show
Former NY Times art director Louis Silverstein dies at 91
Stephen Wallis becomes features editor at Architectural Digest
Michael Hogan, Stephen Lunsford and Daniel Sharman join MTV's 'Teen Wolf'
Monday, December 05, 2011
Overnights
NBC stays ahead of Fox on Sunday night
Averages a 5.2 in 18-49s for the night, led by a 6.5 for 'Sunday Night Football.' NFL overrun boosts Fox to No. 2 with a 5.1.
Sports TV
One hot January: LSU versus Alabama
As regular season ends, two teams picked to play in the Bowl Championship Series, in a rematch of record-setting Nov. 5 game
Here & there
Forecasters lower ad spending outlook
Other shorts: Sweeps upset: 'Late Show' beats 'Tonight Show' - Nielsen admits glitch in kids' ratings - Friday and Saturday overnights
Market profile
Boston: Buyers jumping in early for 2012
Anxious to book TV buys ahead of the crush of elections in a market that remains healthy, buoyed by auto, telecom and retail
TV Reviews
'Candy Queen,' empty calories
TLC series invites us into the world of elaborate candy creations but once there what we see is much of what we've seen before
Webinars
Understanding Google+, the new player
Blake Cahill of Banyan Branch looks at the emergence of this new force in social media and what it may hold for advertisers
TV This Week
A hacker's Christmas: 'Prep & Landing 2'
ABC sequel to the 2009 special is one of just two original holiday films, and it should do well airing after 'Charlie Brown Christmas'
This week in out of home
Your client at the World Series of Poker
Baseball too pricy? Here's a far less expensive alternative, and you're still reaching a large, desirable audience of TV viewers.
What's new in alternative media
Crowds cheer you at the finish line
Wagging finger when you need it most
Boobs on parade, all for a good cause
High-tech search for a book of secrets
People
Madonna performing at Super Bowl
ABC daytime president Brian Frons exiting
Deva Ferar becomes content director at Venables Bell & Partners
Jennifer Matthews becomes senior art director at Baldwin&
Lars-Christian Cords becomes chief campaign officer at Euro RSCG
Cybele Grandjean becomes creative director at Brides
Michele Steele joins ESPN as a reporter
Donald Trump moderating Republican debate
Comedy Central airing Patrice O'Neal special
'Housewives' star Taylor Armstrong writing a memoir
'Laugh-In' comic Alan Sues dies at 85
Des Moines broadcaster Mike Newell dies at 66
Neil Patrick Harris apologizes for saying tranny on 'Live'
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Overnights
'Prep' lands in second this season among kids
ABC sequel to the 2009 hit draws a 4.0 among kids 2-11, behind only 'Rudolph' and tying 'Shrek' as this year's No. 2 special
Sports TV
Big bucks: NFL nabbing huge rights hikes
Report: League secures 60 percent increases in what NBC, Fox and CBS pay to air games, to $3 billion, in talks to renew deals
Media economy
Ad economy is stronger than it may appear
The recovery seems weaker than it really is because of a shift in spending to more efficient media. Advertisers are getting more for less.
Media economy
The new media paradigm: Haves and have-nots
Behind the widening divide between TV and digital versus other media, chiefly print. Talking with Pivotal Research's Brian Wieser.
Here & there
Weekly web spending hits record $5.69 billion
Other shorts: CBS: Broadcast ads will grow 7.3 percent - Meet the new and improved Xbox Live - Programming notes: Showtime re-ups 'Therapy'
TV Reviews
'Moonshiners,' not worth the chase
The revenuers are out to nab these makers of illegal whiskey, but appear not very able, and that takes away any real suspense
TV This Week
A man for this season: Michael Buble
Sing we joyous: NBC airs 'A Michael Buble Christmas,' a special of old favorites with guests that include teen throb Justin Bieber
People
Rosie O'Donnell engaged
Scott Boyd becomes VP of account services at Trailer Park
Kate Schmitz becomes interactive director at Cactus
Jonas Larsen rises to SVP of talent and specials at Comedy Central
Vicci Lasdon Rose rises to VP at Wenner Media
David Brewer rises to VP of program strategy at Bravo
Linda Finney becomes SVP of marketing at TV One
Tony Carbone becomes VP of digital at Oxygen Media
Dan Weinberg becomes SVP of programming at CBS Sports Network
Monty Ross becomes director of marketing at CC Radio New York
James Gross and Joe Purzycki rise at Vox Media
Bo Derek guesting on CBS's 'CSI: Miami'
Sara Rue joins CW's 'Poseurs'
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Overnights
'Girl' and 'Glee' lift Fox on a slow Tuesday
Network averages a 2.9 in 18-49s, 45 percent ahead of CBS and NBC, which tie for second. 'Girl' is the night's top show with a 3.4.
Media economy
A truly jolly holiday for online retailers
Sales are up 15 percent for the first 34 days of the Christmas shopping season, driven in part by aggressive retail ad spending
Broadcast recap
Holiday cheer: Big Four are up in viewers
Adults 18-49 rating is up 2 percent for the season, reversing a longstanding trend. The challenge: Holding the gains. (charts)
Here & there
The word: British PI arrested in hacking inquiry
Other shorts: Study: Little hope for a quick recovery - Programming notes: Discovery slates two shows - Insites: Companies struggle with social media
Cable recap
Cable's big holiday attraction: Movies
Four Christmas-themed flicks make the week's top 30 shows, led by Disney Channel's 'Good Luck Charlie: It's Christmas' (charts)
TV Reviews
'Baseball Wives,' the worst of a bad lot
VH1 series reaches new depths in the wives reality genre, from its fake premise to its faked friendships and confrontations
TV This Week
Under the radar: ABC's 'The Middle'
The Middle America sitcom has quietly grown its audience, a rare feat, to become one of the network's solid performers
People
TNT picks up pilot from Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Abby Spatz becomes managing partner at MEC North America
Jennifer Sobel becomes director of talent acquisition at MediaVest
Andrew Siegal becomes SVP of production at IFC
Rudd Davis becomes travel media president at USA Today
Neil Salvage becomes head of digital sales at CBS Radio
Jim Adolph becomes group publisher at Source Interlink Media
Zoe Ruderman becomes senior style editor at People
Steve Henn becomes tech correspondent at NPR
Mitt Romney guesting on 'Fox News Sunday'
Alec Baldwin kicked off flight for playing Words with Friends
ESPN's Erin Andrews sues man over peephole incident
Carolyn Conley rises to director of brand management at HRTV
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Overnights
CBS edges ABC and Fox on Wednesday
Averages a 3.1 in 18-49s, with other two networks right behind at 3.0. Fox's 'Teenage Daughter' slides 25 percent in second week.
Television
Is Ryan the next Matt? Don't bet on it.
NBC may be talking to Seacrest about hosting 'Today,' but that's only a fall-back strategy in the event Lauer should choose to leave
Dayparts update
Surprise sweeps winner: 'Regis'
Talk show shoots to No.1 amid hoopla over longtime star's exit, topping 'Dr. Phil' and 'Dr. Oz,' and stays up after his exit
Media economy
As the year ends, promising glimmers
Many forecasters are cutting expectations for 2012, yet there are some positive signs. Speaking with ZenithOptimedia's Jonathan Barnard.
Here & there
Agency chiefs: 2012 is looking a bit better
Other shorts: Zaslav: We're behind OWN for the long haul - Forrester: Users bypass geosocial apps - Year's biggest Twitter stories - Programming notes
TV Reviews
'Invention USA,' a chance to dream
History channel series is a fun, sympathetic look at inventions, some off the wall, and the personalities who've come up with them
TV This Week
For NBC's 'Community,' an uncertain fate
Low-rated sitcom is off the midseason Thursday schedule, but a possible new home would be Wednesday, with fans following
People
Harry Morgan dies at 96
Theodora Blanchfield becomes digital account executive at DKC
Laura Janness, Dean McBeth and Kelly Donahue join BFG 9000
Paulo Coelho becomes ACD at Pereira & O'Dell
Michael Copps retiring from FCC
Neil Smit rises to CEO at Comcast Cable
Rachel Elson and Lindsay Blakely join Inc.com
Andrew Berg becomes lifestyles editor at International Business Times
Elizabeth Newell and Savalle Sims join Discovery Communications
Kevin Straley becomes VP of programming at TuneIn
Michelle Rivera becomes senior marketing manager at Parents
Johnny Woodrow becomes operations director at Inspiration TV
Actor Anthony Borgese gets house arrest for extortion
Friday, December 09, 2011
Overnights
'Bang' boosts CBS to Thursday night win
Sitcom averages a 4.7 in 18-49s, lifting network to a 3.3 for the night. NBC's 'Grimm' hits 11-week high in the 10 p.m. timeslot.
Television
For NBC, a midseason of some promise
Its season thus far is a disaster but it has a show media people are talking up, 'Smash,' which will air Mondays after 'The Voice'
Here & there
Redesigned Twitter offers new brand pages
Other shorts: Thousands turn to Tech paper on social media - ABC benches 'Man Up!' - Programming notes - Big stink over PR firm's Wikipedia edits
Alternative media
Whoa! Come slide with Donald Duck.
By swaying their arms the audience controls the actions of our beloved duck on movie screen as he shoots down a waterslide
TV Reviews
'Stephen King's Bag of Bones,' empty
A&E two-parter fails to engage us in the lives of its characters, so we feel none of their terror, only boredom with its lifeless plot
Rachel speaks
Rachel, I took six months off in Australia
The writer went off on an adventure with a friend, and now she wonders how she should explain her sabbatical when looking for a job
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: CBS's 'Frosty the Snowman;' Saturday: Spike's 'Video Game Awards;' Sunday: Giants at Cowboys on NBC
People
Michelle Duggar suffers a miscarriage
Keith Mackay becomes president of strategy at Optimedia
Kishan Muthucumaru head of TV group at Bemis Balkind
Brian McFarland becomes director of digital sales at Wenner Media
Jamie Cutburth becomes VP of ad sales marketing at Bravo Media
Judith Puckett-Rinella becomes photography director at Vanity Fair
Barbara Fairchild becomes editor in chief at Real Eats
John Schneider becomes SVP of sales at Taykey
John Stermer becomes business development EVP at Nielsen Catalina
David Graham and Megan Garber join The Atlantic
Andrew Cohen becomes legal analyst at '60 Minutes'
Three join Jewish Daily Forward
Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams become Oscar musical consultants
Monday, December 12, 2011
Overnights
Giants win draws fifth-best 'SNF' rating
Thrilling victory over the Cowboys averages a 16.1 household rating on NBC, No. 5 all time and behind only Dallas-NY Jets this season
Television
Talked out: 'Nate Berkus Show' is ending
Syndicated lifestyle talk show struggled in the ratings, despite the backing of Oprah Winfrey. Blame the show's lack of focus.
Market profile
Phoenix: Healthy, with Hispanics key
TV and radio spending and prices are flat to a year ago, buoyed by advertisers' push to connect with Spanish-speaking consumers
Here & there
Cops: NOTW may not have deleted voicemails
Other shorts: CW slates 'Remodeled' debut in January - Friday and Saturday overnights - Furor follows after Lowe's yanks 'Muslim' ads
TV Reviews
'Rollin' With Zach,' under the radar
Short-run OWN reality show has a modest premise but a likable star. It succeeds by being spared the full Oprah treatment.
TV This Week
Up from the grave: NBC's 'Fear Factor'
Once-hot gross-out reality series returns after five years, and it could do quite well over the two months until 'The Voice' returns
Overnights
'Bang' boosts CBS to Thursday night win
Sitcom averages a 4.7 in 18-49s, lifting network to a 3.3 for the night. NBC's 'Grimm' hits 11-week high in the 10 p.m. timeslot.
This week in out of home
Your client sponsoring the X Games
Here's a way to reach millions of mostly young sports fans, two thirds of them male, with signage and events such as fan fests
What's new in alternative media
Whoa! Come slide with Donald Duck.
Crowds cheer you at the finish line
Wagging finger when you need it most
Boobs on parade, all for a good cause
People
Geraldo Rivera gets radio show
Thierry Cornet and Kate Burkart join Mediasmith
Stephanie Shawn becomes interactive director at Cultivator
Jim Norton rises to head of AOL Sales
Susan Shipsky becomes VP of kids production at Turner
Ben Smith becomes editor in chief at BuzzFeed
John A. Farrell becomes correspondent at National Journal
Uma Thurman guesting on NBC's 'Smash'
Mo Rocca rises at 'CBS Sunday Morning'
Eddie Murphy eyes starring role in HBO Marion Barry movie
Newspaperman Oscar Griffin Jr. dies at 78
Former reality contestant Brian Randone acquitted of murder
'Survivor' host Jeff Probst gets married
Overnights
Fear not: Revived 'Factor' is a hit for NBC
Back-to-back episodes of revived reality show draw a 3.2 and 3.5 in 18-49s, boosting network to best Monday night this year
Cable
Cable's 2012 prospects: So very rosy
Ad spending is expected to top $22 billion, at a time when other media suffer, thanks to low prices and continued ratings growth
Television
ABC's midseason priority: To nurture
Network ranks third in adults 18-49 but it has a handful of new shows with real promise that need full support if they are to grow
Here & there
Newspaper ad $ drops for 21st straight quarter
Other shorts: 41 percent still holiday shopping - Bud slates ABC show - Study: Millennials embrace offline ads - Programming notes - HuffPost lands in Spain
Research
Big trend of 2012: Adapting to hard times
The protracted recession will push people and organizations to rethink lifestyle choices. Talking with JWT trendster Ann Mack.
TV Reviews
'America Caught on Camera,' peekaboo
Uninspired Travel Channel series shows embarrassing videos of the sort you'd find on YouTube, good for chewing up a half hour
TV This Week
The big story of 2011: William and Kate
As the year wraps up, their wedding is getting the royal treatment, leading off with NBC's 'Inside the Royal Marriage' Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Overnights
Heftier finale for NBC's lagging 'Biggest Loser'
Reality show averages a season-high 2.7 in 18-49s, below last year but up 23 percent from last week as other shows slide to new lows
Dayparts update
Amanpour is out at ABC's 'This Week'
Stephanopoulos returns as host of the Sunday show in a move to revive ratings, which had slipped from her focus on foreign news
Here & there
Time Person of the Year: The Protester
Other shorts: Brits: James Murdoch knew of hacking early on - LA Times editor scoots - Programming notes - Coming: Social seating for airlines
Broadcast recap
CBS's challenge: Build on its strong fall
It's tied with Fox in 18-49s, to the surprise of many, largely based on Mondays, but midseason could prove a lot tougher (charts)
Cable recap
A not so hot season for NFL games
Ratings are off for three of the five carriers, and the Dec. 5 'MNF' dipped below 10 million, a first. Blame poor matchups (charts).
TV Reviews
'Impractical Jokers,' laughing out loud
TruTV series has four likeable guys goofing on people in everyday situations, hidden cameras rolling, and it's all very amusing
TV This Week
Do tell: Babs' most fascinating person
Nine runners-up have already been revealed in Barbara Walters' annual pick of the year's top newsmaker. Bets on Gabby Giffords?
People
Donald Trump bails on GOP debate
Ad sales SVP Michael Rubin leaving ABC
Four become partners at Wieden + Kennedy
Michael Boychuk becomes SVP and creative director at Leo Burnett
Lars Bastholm becomes CCO at Cheil USA
Catherine Carleton becomes director of data analytics at DMW Direct
Augusto Sola becomes partner at 101 London
Michael Duffy rises to executive editor at Time
Jim Samples and Bob Baskerville rise at Scripps Networks Interactive
WE tv SVP of production John Miller exits
Bob Flood becomes VP of media consulting at Advertiser Perceptions
Michael Savage offers Newt Gingrich $1 million to drop out of race
William Devane guesting on ABC's 'Revenge'
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Overnights
Walters' 'Most Fascinating' special slides
ABC special averages a 2.3 in 18-49s, off 28 percent from last year. Her most fascinating American: The late Steve Jobs.
Television
Broadcast TV: Still the medium of choice
For all their issues, from falling ratings to cable's rise, 2011 has been a good year for the networks, and 2012 looks strong as well
Here & there
Censors get ready: Stern named 'Talent' judge
Other shorts: New shows lead Golden Globe noms - Y&R worker killed in accident - Facebook mulls mobile ads - Kayak drops out of 'Muslim'
Sports TV
NFL re-ups with CBS, Fox and NBC
New contracts run through 2022 and include digital rights and a Thanksgiving game for NBC, reportedly at a 60 percent hike in fees
Social media
Where social media matters little: TV
Facebook and other sites play almost no role in what shows people choose to watch. Talking with Knowledge Network's David Tice.
TV Reviews
'Who's Still Standing?,' don't bet on it
NBC short-run quiz show has what it takes to engage viewers, but not much more, and probably not enough to win a longer run
TV This Week
On ABC, the new face of Katie Couric
She's her old self on a year-end People magazine special, perky and relatable, as she gears up for her new syndicated talk show
People
Steve Carell guesting on 'The Simpsons'
Marc Juris rises to COO at TruTV
Rick Robinson becomes interactive SVP at National Geographic Digital
Bill Hartnett and John Sollecito join Current TV
KJ Dell'Antonia becomes Motherlode blogger at The New York Times
Four rise at NBCUniversal's Media Works
Jason Allen becomes SVP of sales at Proximus Mobility
Tom Tyler becomes EVP at Segmint Inc.
Perry Bacon Jr. becomes a contributor at MSNBC
Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore appearing on SAG Awards
Chris Meloni joining HBO's 'True Blood'
The Obama family gets a DVR
Leonardo DiCaprio producing HBO series
Friday, December 16, 2011 Magazines
Outlook for 2012: A year of struggle
Or rather another year of struggle in the face of declining ad sales and the challenge of harnessing the promise of digital
New media
Outlook for 2012: Growing by double digits
Even as other media stumble, online continues to take an ever greater share of ad dollars, driven by social media and mobile
Here & there
ABC axes 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'
Other shorts: Seventh arrest in secondary NOTW scandal - CBS's midseason slate - ESPN and NCAA enter $500M deal - 239 magazines launches this year
TV Reviews
'Hook, Line & Sisters,' coulda, shoulda
Creators of this TLC fishing series should have left out all the could-haves (looming disasters). The series stands on its own.
Rachel speaks
Rachel, I always feel blue about now
The writer says she's always a bit down around the holidays, but this year is much worse. Rachel offers some thoughts to cheer her.
TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: TNT's 'Christmas in Washington;' Saturday: Fox's 'America's Most Wanted;' Sunday: CBS's 'Survivor' finale
People
NY Times CEO Janet Robinson stepping down
Cameron McNaughton becomes president at new WPP agency
Melanie Frankel becomes VP of original comedy at USA
Catherine Romano becomes senior executive editor at Glamour
Martin Gottlieb becomes editor in chief at Bergen Record
Renee Tulenko becomes associate publisher at All You
John Rasmus becomes editorial director at eKADIA
Nancy Lazaros becomes CFO at Extreme Reach
Neil Janowitz becomes senior editor at Fast Company
Russell Brand hosting late-night FX series
Vanity Fair contributing editor Christopher Hitchens dies at 62
Jane Fonda joins HBO's cable news drama
Melissa Rycroft and Jennie Garth get CMT shows
Monday, December 19, 2011
Overnights
CBS scores rare Sunday win over NBC
Averages a 4.5 in adults 18-49 to NBC's 4.3, with finale of Broncos-Patriots game the night's top show with an 8.0 rating
Market profile
Denver: TV's pricy and getting more so
Television spending is up 15 percent, driven by automotive and financial, while radio is up by the high single digits
Here & there
Kantar: Q3 ad revenue grows just 0.4 percent
Other shorts: Fox News notches most-watched cable debate - Weekend overnights - Programming notes - Correction: We got it wrong in mags chart
TV Reviews
'Angry Boys,' and not much fun either
The creator of the HBO sketch series plays multiple roles, a feat, but they don't work as characters, and they're not funny
Magazines
Remembering Christopher Hitchens
A first-rate intellect, he bellowed against all that annoyed him, starting with God. He was a writer of flash and brilliance.
TV This Week
For 'Terra Nova,' a year-end cliffhanger
Fox must decide soon whether to renew the sci-fi series, which is costly and pulls just so-so ratings. The odds are against it.
Overnights
CBS wins a rerun-laden Thursday night
Averages a 2.8 in 18-49s, 27 percent ahead of No. 2 Fox, on a night so slow a repeat of 'Big Bang' ties for top-rated show
Magazines
Outlook for 2012: A year of struggle
Or rather another year of struggle in the face of declining ad sales and the challenge of harnessing the promise of digital
This week in out of home
Outlook for 2012: Growth and innovation
Ad spending will be up in the range of 4 percent, led by digital and wider use of social media and buzzful alternative campaigns
What's new in alternative media
Whoa! Come slide with Donald Duck.
Crowds cheer you at the finish line
Wagging finger when you need it most
Boobs on parade, all for a good cause
People
Lauren Purcell becomes EveryDay editor
Tiffany Coletti Titolo becomes managing director at DOJO
Pete Breton and Dave Douglass become CCOs at Lowe Roche Toronto
Lucas Panizza becomes ECD at Grey Group
Anthony Astarita becomes SVP of digital at Rodale
Correspondent Marc Ambinder leaving National Journal
Maya Rao becomes city hall reporter at the Star Tribune
Alicia Silverstone guesting on ABC's 'Suburgatory'
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal invests $300M in Twitter
Russian newspaper founder Khadzhimurad Kamalov dies at 46
Actor Dan Frazer dies at age 90
Matthew Del Negro joins CW's 'Ringer'
Scot Linden becomes general sales manager at Entravision
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Overnights
Dip for NBC's 'Fear Factor' in week two
Revived reality show averages a 2.4 in 18-49s, off 31 percent from last week's debut, but still a big improvement in the timeslot
Media economy
Big hiccup brings the ad recovery to a halt
Over the third quarter, ad spending slows dramatically as the largest advertisers pull back. Talking with Kantar's Jon Swallen.
Newspapers
Newspapers' 2012 outlook: Bleaker
Ad revenues will continue to shrink, declining 8 percent by one forecast, putting yet more pressure on publishers to shift to digital
Radio
Radio's 2012 outlook: Solid growth
Ad spending is forecast to grow 2.1 percent next year, and medium remains ubiquitous, with little falloff in its listener base
Here & there
NYT shedding 16 regional newspapers
Other shorts: Showtime's 'Homeland' notches record finale - ESPN's 'MNF:' Hey, who turned out the lights? - Programming notes - DVR ratings
TV Reviews
'It's a Brad, Brad World,' refreshingly so
Here for a change is a reality fashion show with a likable main character and no obnoxious assistants added for color. On Bravo.
TV This Week
Amid the holiday glow, a dad goes missing
It's a detective's father, and she and her PI pal investigate in TNT's 'Deck the Halls,' from a Mary and Carol Higgins Clark novel
People
Scott Ackerson becomes interim president at Speed
Jodi Kasten becomes digital managing director at Mindshare Canada
Thomas Rutledge becomes CEO at Charter Communications
TechCrunch CEO Heather Harde resigning
Mark Preston and Paul Steinhauser rise at CNN
Leon Schweir becomes SVP of production at Pac-12 Network
ABC News senior foreign correspondent Jim Sciutto exiting
Trish Regan becomes anchor on Bloomberg's 'Street Smart'
Chicago magazine managing editor Shane Tritsch exits
Louise Collazo becomes copy chief at Family Circle
Bill Clinton guesting on Fox News' 'The O'Reilly Factor'
Mitt Romney guests on 'Late Show with David Letterman'
'America's Got Talent' looking for fourth judge
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
A very jolly 'Gilly Christmas' for NBC
Network wins a rerun-laden night with a 2.0 in 18-49s, paced by a 2.1 for the 'SNL' special featuring Kristen Wiig's alter ego
Sports TV
NBC will stream Super Bowl on the web
Expect even higher tune-in for the Feb. 5 game as viewing options expand to NFL.com, NBCSports.com and NFL's mobile app
Here & there
Testy Piers Morgan testifies in British press probe
Other shorts: Record week for online shopping - Product placement rampant in reality shows - New owner for Chicago Sun-Times - Programming notes
TV Reviews
'Jane by Design,' too good to be true
Our protagonist in this ABC Family series succeeds too easily at everything, rising from social outcast to winning the cutest guys
TV This Week
For 'X Factor,' all's well that ends well
Fox show isn't the mega-hit Simon Cowell predicted, but it's wrapping up its first season a solid if not spectacular performer
Newspapers
Newspapers' 2012 outlook: Bleaker
Ad revenues will continue to shrink, declining 8 percent by one forecast, putting yet more pressure on publishers to shift to digital
Radio
Radio's 2012 outlook: Solid growth
Ad spending is forecast to grow 2.1 percent next year, and medium remains ubiquitous, with little falloff in its listener base
People
Philly writer Bill Conlin retires amid scandal
Javier Campopiano rises to regional CD at Draftfcb
Toby Marlow and Leo Seely join Firstborn
Sean Clark becomes senior art director at DMW Direct
Thorn Himel rises to sales manager at Continental Television Sales
Rob McCall becomes VP of Midwest sales at Scripps Interactive
Javier Morgado becomes senior producer at CNN
Roy Meyeringh becomes director of affiliate sales at MGM Networks
Karen Barcheski becomes VP of research at nuvoTV
Barbara Bing rises to VP at Garden & Gun
Christina Bellantoni becomes political editor at 'PBS NewsHour'
The word: 'X Factor' host Steve Jones won't return
Nene Leakes guesting on Fox's 'Glee'