Monday, January 09, 2012

Overnights
Fairytale return: ABC's 'Once Upon a Time' soars
New drama averages a 3.7 in 18-49s, best rating since mid-November and top scripted show on a night dominated by CBS's football

Television
The high court's big conundrum: #$%&#
The Supreme Court takes on obscenity on broadcast TV, weighing the authority of the FCC to levy fines for offensive content

Here & there
'Jersey' falls from last summer's record numbers
Other shorts: NFL playoff ratings strong but down from 2011 - Fox: We're doing cartoons on Saturday nights - Friday overnights - Programming notes

Market profile
Indianapolis: TV and radio are both strong
Pricing is up and likely to climb further under pressure from political spending but also auto, financial and pharmaceutical

TV Reviews
'America's Money Class,' Orman overload
What sensible advice there is on this OWN show is overwhelmed by infomercial-like gimmickry on the part of host Suze Orman

TV This Week
For CBS, it's a brand new morning, again
But this latest 'Early Show' revamp is actually quite unique, led by an hour of hard news with Charlie Rose. It has nothing to lose.

Overnights
ABC wins night as 'Grey's' hits season high
Medical drama averages a 4.5 in 18-49s against mostly reruns, and helps lift lead-out 'Private Practice' to a season high as well

Research
Thinking of Netflix as the new TV network
Study: On-demand service would rank No. 15 among all TV households and No. 2, second only to CBS, among Netflix households

This week in out of home
Your client's ad in parking garages
How to reach people coming and going from work, shopping or a night on the town in an uncluttered, hard-to-miss environment

What's new in alternative media
A Mary with a very different message
Whoa! Come slide with Donald Duck.
Crowds cheer you at the finish line
Wagging finger when you need it most

People
Tom Hanks developing Yahoo series
Christine Merrifield rises to video investment president at MediaVest
Preston Beckman rises to senior strategist at Fox
Annie Howell rises to EVP of communications at Crown Media
Danielle Stein rises to features director at Town&Country
Zev Levy rises to director of sales at SBS
Nicole Catanese rises to fitness director at Self
Liz Cheney joining Fox News
Harry Connick Jr. guesting on NBC's 'Law & Order: SVU'
Catherine Bach joins CBS's 'The Young and the Restless'
Marcia Gay Harden starring in NBC's 'Isabel'
Kevin Ryan joins BBC America's 'Copper'
Alec Baldwin signs new '30 Rock' deal

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Overnights
Quiet night for broadcast against cable's big game
ABC places first with a 2.2, just ahead of CBS's 2.1, on an evening littered with reruns opposite ESPN's BCS championship

Television
Big midseason question: Whither NBC?
Can the No. 4 network halt its slide in the ratings? Media planners and buyers see that as the big issue heading into spring.

Sports TV
Tebow effect: Broncos win sets a record
Sunday game pulls a 25.9 in metered-market households, best in 24 years for an NFL wild card game, as QB hurls an 80-yard pass

Newspapers
What 2012 holds for U.S. newspapers
Publishers face the challenge of embracing digital as separate from their print editions. Talking with analyst Ken Doctor.

Television
TCA tour: Coming soon, Disney Junior
New Disney Channel network will target kids ages 2 to 7. Other news: ABC news chief predicts 'GMA' will beat NBC's 'Today.'

Here & there
NBC: You can watch the Olympics in 3D
Other shorts: Olbermann and Current make up - Programming notes - Study: Games are app-solutely consumers' favorite - Strong return for 'Shameless'

TV Reviews
'Are You There, Chelsea?,' not so much
Sex and booze are the passions of the lead character in this new NBC sitcom, but there's little else to her life, or to this show

TV This Week
For BET's 'The Game,' high expectations
Last year's season debut of the sitcom, revived after being axed by the CW, set a network record. Might it do so again?

People
Frank Darabont gets new series
Pierre Lipton rises to ECD at AKQA
Andrew Warren joining Discovery as CFO
Bridget Lewis becomes regional sales executive at EYE USA
Lynne Palazzi becomes editorial recruiter at Hearst
Mario M. Carrera rises to SVP of Spanish-language TV at Entravision
Emily Kehe becomes design director at Fortune
Tim Shaw becomes director of national sales at ReelzChannel
Matt Peterson becomes president at TMG Custom Media
Jim Rome leaving ESPN for CBS Sports Network
Lee Woodruff joins 'CBS This Morning'
Jenny McCarthy may host Bravo talk show
Chris Christie guesting on 'Oprah's Next Chapter'

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Overnights
Ratings slide for ABC's new 'Work It'
Sitcom averages a 1.6 18-49 rating in week two, down 20 percent from its debut after taking a critical drubbing. CBS wins the night.

Cable recap
BCS fumble: Ratings dip in 'Bama sweep
ESPN game averages 24.2 million total viewers, a huge tune-in but off 11 percent from last year as LSU fades early (charts)

Magazines
Magazine ad pages dip 3.1 percent in 2011
Hurt by fourth-quarter slide of 8 percent, closing out a year that began with promise. Only three ad categories see growth. (charts)

Television
ABC revamps Thursday, adding 'Scandal'
Slots new Shonda Rhimes drama as leadout for 'Grey's Anatomy,' moving longtime leadout 'Private Practice' to Tuesdays

Here & there
OWN may have a hit: 'Chapter' up 41 percent
Other shorts: Ratings rise for CBS's revamped 'Morning' - 'Downton Abbey' grows - New Republic on the block - Advertisers eye more $ on ESPN
Broadcast recap

Fox slips behind CBS at midseason
Averaging a 3.0/8 in 18-49s to 3.2/9, dragged down by reruns, with ABC and NBC tied at 2.5/7, ahead of 'American Idol's' return

TV Reviews
'The Finder,' in seach of a script
The new Fox crime series, spun off from 'Bones,' is flimsy fare, big on eye candy but short on plotline and character development

TV This Week
For 'One Tree Hill,' a proper good-bye
Long-running CW teen-throb series begins its final season, a survivor of two networks and a handful of near-death experiences

People
Marc Cherry appearing on 'Desperate Housewives'
Angela Wei becomes CDO at ArnoldNYC
Michele Donati becomes director of channel insights at Horizon Media
Jennifer Shelledy and David Graham rise at SK+G
James Kreckler becomes VP of ad sales at iVillage
Jimmy Soni rises to managing editor at The Huffington Post
Eva Hughes rises to CEO at Conde Nast Latin America
Five join Syfy's alternative programming department
Krista Sonne becomes VP of scheduling at Lifetime
Paul Cestari and Sandeep Krishnamurthy join Veria Living
Tami Kelly becomes director of account management at Legolas Media
Lourdes Ramos and Felix De Bedout join Univision's weekend newscast
Paul Bettany drops out of Showtime's 'Masters of Sex'

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Overnights
NBC's 'Chelsea' debuts to so-so ratings
New sitcom averages a 2.3 in 18-49s, but it grows on lead-in 'Whitney' and improves by 64 percent on network's timeslot average

Magazines
Among magazines, haves are doing well
Luxury advertising is up, as are ad pages of luxury titles, even as magazines overall continue to suffer from the recession

Television
High on the endangered list: 'CSI: NY'
TCA report: CBS is considering ending the youngest of the 'CSI' franchise, whose ratings are tracking below network averages

Here & there
Fox News earns easy New Hampshire win
Other shorts: Hulu Plus: We have 1.2M subscribers - Programming notes: 'Psych' gets seventh season - Play ball: Fox and Dodgers settle rights fight

Television
What 2012 holds for broadcast television
Media folks will be looking to spring and what new shows might catch with viewers. Talking with Initiative's Amy Sotiridy.

TV Reviews
'Rob,' an ethnic joke that's told and retold
She's Hispanic, he's Anglo, and the humor of this CBS sitcom hangs on the cultural clashes in their marriage. It's not enough.

TV This Week
For NBC's '30 Rock,' a year of decision
How the quirky sitcom, returning for its sixth season, does in the ratings will determine whether it comes back for a season seven

People
Will Smith hosting 'Kids' Choice Awards'
Jeff Benjamin and Mike Geiger join JWT
Adam Wohl and Kaare Wesnaes join Cheil USA
Rod Aissa becomes SVP of programming at Oxygen
David Kang becomes CDO at Wenner Media
Deirdre Bianchi rises to VP of program planning at Bravo
Matt Zoller Seitz becomes TV critic at New York
Laura Nelson becomes SVP of communications at Current TV
Chris Kiriakatis rises to SVP of digital ad sales at Sony Pictures TV
Lisa Fung becomes executive editor at The Wrap
'One Life to Live' vets join 'General Hospital'
Zooey Deschanel hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Kim Kardashian guest hosting 'Live! With Kelly'

Friday, January 13, 2012

Overnights
Promising start for CBS's new comedy 'Rob!'
Averages a 4.1 in 18-49s, up 11 percent over former timeslot occupant 'Rules' and retaining 79 percent of 'Bang's' lead-in

Dayparts update
Daytime dilemma: What's after soaps?
ABC's 'One Life to Live' airs its last episode today, and the others haven't that many more years. What will take their place?

Here & there
New claim: Most TV viewing is not in fact live
Other shorts: Outcry over NYT public editor's column - Colbert eyes another presidential run - Programming notes - FCC mulls lifting sports blackout rule

Alternative media
Living small: Life on a subway platform
A mini-apartment is set up in a Paris Metro station and five people move in for a week, living in view of commuters. Client: IKEA.

TV Reviews
'Alcatraz,' hard time without escape
New J.J. Abrams series on Fox lacks the imagination and energy of 'Lost' and 'Fringe,' and it plods as a police procedural

Rachel speaks
Rachel, my boss is a glib whippersnapper
The writer, nearing retirement, is working for someone half his age who's a know-it-all. He wonders how to deal with him.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: series finales of ABC's 'Home Edition' and 'OLTL;' Saturday: Tebow on CBS; Sunday: Golden Globes on NBC

People
Kelly Clarkson performing at Super Bowl
Former Magna CEO Bill Cella joins Pac-12 Networks
Mike Densmore rises to head of business development at Droga5
Lora Schulson becomes head of integrated production at BBH NY
Dan Harrison may become head of scheduling at Fox
Richard C. Sutton becomes head of sales at CBS Interactive Music
Denver Post president Jerry Grilly retiring
Tim Shaw rises to director of national sales at ReelzChannel
Denise McManus becomes VP of Arizona sales at Telemundo
Lizzie O'Leary becomes aviation correspondent at CNN
Adrienne Mong becomes London bureau manager at NBC News
Susan Lucci hosting Investigation Discovery's 'Deadly Affairs'
Heather Locklear hospitalized after 911 call

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Overnights
'Alcatraz' breaks out with a solid premiere
Averages a 3.3 in 18-49s, Fox's best drama debut in three years while facing tough competition from NBC's Betty White specials and CBS

Television
Huge night for NBC and Golden Globes
Averages 16.8 million viewers, best since Academy Awards a year ago but off a tad from last year's show. Tamer Ricky Gervais.

Television
ABC's 'Work It' works itself out of a job
Network axes cross-dressing sitcom after two episodes in the wake of poor ratings and protests from gay rights activists

Here & there
Brady-Tebow showdown hits 18-year high
Other shorts: Strong debut for 'Napoleon Dynamite' - Wikipedia protests piracy bill - Hulu bowing original drama - LHJ's readers become its writers

TV Reviews
'Remodeled,' not so warming realities
CW series offers a more true-to-life picture of the modeling business, and that's the problem. The fantasy element is missing.
\
TV This Week
For 'Southland,' a home of its own
Axed by NBC, the gritty cop drama was picked up by TNT, and it returns for season four with an 8 percent ratings gain last year

Overnights
Promising start for CBS's new comedy 'Rob!'
Averages a 4.1 in 18-49s, up 11 percent over former timeslot occupant 'Rules' and retaining 79 percent of 'Bang's' lead-in

Dayparts update
Daytime dilemma: What's after soaps?
ABC's 'One Life to Live' airs its last episode today, and the others haven't that many more years. What will take their place?

This week in out of home
Your client lifting a few at beer festivals
What a crowd, young, adventurous and open to new experiences. And they're not just for beer advertisers. Anyone can come.

What's new in alternative media
Living small: Life on a subway platform
Your client's ad in parking garages
A Mary with a very different message
Whoa! Come slide with Donald Duck.

People
OWN lines up three new programs
John Sykes becomes president at Clear Channel Entertainment
Kieron Monahan becomes planning director at Arnold Worldwide
Kathleen Mulcahy becomes SVP of experiential marketing at re:fuel
John Krajkowski becomes client services director at GoldStein Group
Tom Paredes rises to VP of golf sales at NBC Sports
Frank DeRose rises to SVP of scheduling at USA
Thomas Alberty becomes design director at New York
Steven Slon becomes editorial director at The Saturday Evening Post
Manny Berrios and Sandro Camarao join MediaBrix
Carolyn Veith Krienke becomes art director at Scholastic Parent & Child
Longtime CBS correspondent Richard Threlkeld dies at 74
Jennifer Suozzo becomes senior producer at 'NBC Nightly News'

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Overnights
'New Girl' leads Fox to a Tuesday win
New sitcom averages a 3.4 in 18-49s, No. 1 on broadcast on a quiet night with CBS in reruns. Fox also has the No. 2 show, 'Glee.'

Sports TV
One hot weekend for postseason football
Four games average 36.6 million viewers, the most in NFL history. Giants-Packers is the most-watched TV show since Super Bowl.

Television
Buyers: 'American Idol' will remain No. 1
More than half see it winning the season in 18-49s and viewers but expect ratings to fall, in part from the rise of 'Idol' me-toos

Television
A media buyer's primer on 'American Idol'
What you need to know about television's top show as it returns for season 11, from ratings to demographics to what spots cost

Here & there
Web abuzz over PIPA and SOPA protests
Other shorts: Big fuss over Newsweek's cover story - Programming notes: 'Cougar' nabs a timeslot - Study: 81 percent recognize QR codes

Magazines
What 2012 holds for consumer magazines
Look to the increasing role of tablets and a shift from selling ad pages to selling brands. Talking with Starcom's Brenda White.

TV Reviews
'Unsupervised,' and uninteresting, too
FX's 'Beavis and Butt-Head' knockoff is, in a word, witless, rife with its predecessor's toilet humor but lacking everything else

TV This Week
And let us not forget 'Idol's' rivals
Media buyers will be looking at ratings for ABC's 'Modern Family' and CBS's 'Big Bang Theory,' which are even stronger this year

People
Jerry Yang leaves Yahoo
Simon Calvert becomes head of worldwide strategic planning at Digitas
Glen Sheehan becomes group creative director at GSD&M
Robin Robinson and David Aronson join EYE USA
Luis Fernandez-Rocha becomes SVP at TeleFutura
Maria Lopez Alvarez becomes SVP of alternative at Telemundo
Javier Garcia rises to GM of U.S. Hispanic at Yahoo
Catherine Sharick rises to managing editor at Time.com
Brad Feldman becomes development director at Time Inc. Studios
Emily Alpert becomes WorldNow blogger at The Los Angeles Times
Tim Tebow turns down CBS appearance
Comedian Todd Glass comes out of the closet
Contestant on Brazilian 'Big Brother' accused of rape

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Overnights
'American Idol' debut drops 27 percent
Hit show's season 11 debut averages a 7.2 in 18-49s and draws 21.6 million total viewers. But even with the dip it dominates the night.

Television
Here's a plan: A nightly 'General Hospital'
ABC is reportedly looking to move the soap to primetime next summer while making room for Katie Couric in its daytime slot

Here & there
Negative ad onslaught targets Newt Gingrich
Other shorts: News Corp. settles hacking civil suits - HDNet rebranding with new part-owner Seacrest - Programming notes: Logo nabs 'Ab Fab'

Broadcast recap
There she is, 'Miss America,' aglow again
Once hugely popular beauty pageant is drawing new audiences and better ratings, up 13 percent in 18-49s over last year (charts)

Cable recap
On cable, thirst for junk is still growing
Spinoffs of top auction shows debut to big audiences, History's 'Cajun Pawn Stars' and A&E's 'Storage Wars Texas' (charts)

TV Reviews
'On Freddie Roach,' punch is in slo-mo
Thoroughly engaging HBO documentary lets the camera tell the story of a boxing trainer with Parkinson's. It does a fine job.

TV This Week
For CBS's 'Rob!,' a night that truly matters
It's back for a second airing after a strong debut leading out of 'Big Bang.' But now it's up against Fox's 'American Idol.'

People
LL Cool J hosting the Grammys
Chris Boak becomes CMO at RJ Palmer
Jonathan Tom becomes VP of EMEA media at Joule
Peter Medwid becomes publisher at Martha Stewart Living
Kevin J. Delaney becomes editor at new Atlantic business brand
Michael Wolfe becomes publisher at The Week
Roger Eman rises to COO at ReelzChannel
Mark Loomis becomes SVP of production at MLB Network
Kristin Guinan rises to marketing director at Fitness
Greg Guenther rises to Midwest SVP at CBS TV Distribution
Eric T. John becomes VP at ABC Interactive
Emma Rosenblum and Marina Khidekel rise at Glamour
Emily Maynard starring on ABC's 'The Bachelorette'

Friday, January 20, 2012

Overnights
Fox's 'Idol' dips again, to 17.7 million viewers
Averages a 5.7 in 18-49s, down 15 percent from last year and off from Wednesday's 7.4 debut. But still the night's top show.

Sports TV
Super Bowl as a key economic indicator
Next month's big game says a lot about the true health of the economy. Just look at all the carmakers that are advertising.

Here & there
Forecast: Online ad $ will surpass print this year
Other shorts: Conservatives decry interview with Gingrich ex - S.C. ad spending hits $12M - Feds shut down Megaupload - Cops detain Winfrey's
 bodyguards

Alternative media
Just like hard time: A night on the Rock
To promote 'Alcatraz,' Fox holds its premiere for TV writers at the old prison to give a sense of what prison life was like

TV Reviews
'Bayou Billionaires,' painless amusement
Absent from this CMT series about newly rich country folk is the usual fake drama of reality shows, but so's any reason to watch it

Rachel speaks
Rachel, can I go over my boss's head?
The writer says her superior made a serious blunder that could cost the agency a client. She's worried about catching the blame.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Shark Tank' on ABC; Saturday: college basketball on ESPN; Sunday: NFC and AFC championships on Fox and CBS

People
Michelle Obama guesting on 'Tonight'
Sasha Savic becomes CEO at MediaCom USA
Karen Wilson rises to group connectivity director at Mullen
Peter Massey becomes COO at [x+1]
Dave Smith becomes managing editor at International Herald Tribune
Sean Jody and Kylee Johnson rise at Eastman Radio
Hartley Adkins and John Rohm rise at Clear Channel Media
Naomi Wolf joins Guardian's Comment is Free
Chris Regina rises to SVP of programming at Syfy
Major Garrett moves to the White House team at National Journal
Screenwriter Robert Dozier dies at 81
Jesse Silver becomes senior sales director at Mogreet
TV fishing captain Clarence 'Ole' Helgevold Jr. gets five years in prison

Monday, January 23, 2012

Overnights
'Once Upon a Time' holds up against football
New ABC drama averages a 3.2 in 18-49s, down just 0.1 from last week's episode opposite Fox's dominant NFC Championship Game

Dayparts update
Slow but hopeful start for CBS's 'Morning'
Newsier 'CBS This Morning' averages 2.72 million in first week. Though down from last year, it grew its audience over the week

Here & there
Hola! News Corp. launching Hispanic network.
Other shorts: Media lays an egg with Paterno death reports - Pew: E-reader and tablet ownership explodes - Friday and Saturday overnights

Market profile
Cleveland: Tight and getting more so
Demand is already up and political advertising was kicking in even ahead of the lowest-rate window for the March primary

TV Reviews
'All Star Dealers,' cleaning out the attic
Collecting and selling sports memorabilia sounds fascinating but this Discovery series reveals it can be just as dull as most jobs

TV This Week
Mourn not for Beverly Hills 'Housewives'
Bravo rejected calls to axe the series after the suicide of a lead character. The series goes into its season finale up 12 percent.

Overnights
Fox's 'Idol' dips again, to 17.7 million viewers
Averages a 5.7 in 18-49s, down 15 percent from last year and off from Wednesday's 7.4 debut. But still the night's top show.

Sports TV
Super Bowl as a key economic indicator
Next month's big game says a lot about the true health of the economy. Just look at all the carmakers that are advertising.

This week in out of home
Your client doing it up at dog shows
It's mostly women who attend and watch these contests of canine poise and beauty, and they're a desirable audience for advertisers

What's new in alternative media
Just like hard time: A night on the Rock
Living small: Life on a subway platform
A Mary with a very different message
Whoa! Come slide with Donald Duck.

People
Raju Narisetti rejoins The Wall Street Journal
Lora Schulson becomes head of content production at W+K
Fred Groser becomes president at Newsday Media Group
Philip R. Wiser becomes CTO at Hearst Corp.
Joel Goldberg rises to SVP of operations at CBS TV Stations
Doree Shafrir becomes executive editor at BuzzFeed
Nancy Alpert and Maggie Reilly-Brooks rise at A&E
Maura McDonough Cope becomes VP at Me-TV
Dan Stein becomes programming director at Cordillera Communications
Anne Heche joins NBC's 'Save Me'
Courtney B. Vance joins ABC's 'Revenge'
Alex Desert joins NBC's 'Isabel'
'30 Rock' star Tracy Morgan hospitalized

People
AP CEO Tom Curley retiring
Rochelle Deckelbaum becomes VP of branded content at Ensemble
Julie Sweetwood becomes business development VP at Bemis Balkind
Susan Spencer becomes editor at Woman's Day
William Eccleshare becomes CEO at Clear Channel Outdoor
Kevin Dorsey rises to president of traffic at Clear Channel
Ed Delaney rises to SVP of broadcast operations at YES
Heather Frank becomes editor in chief at USA Weekend
Linda Shapley rises to director of operations at The Denver Post
Blanca Navas becomes director of affiliations at GLR Networks
RBR vice president Cathy Carnegie dies at age 59
Meg LaVigne rises to president of TV at Litton Entertainment
Rene Marsh becomes national correspondent at CNN Newsource

People
Star Jones returning to 'The View'
Coral Garvey and Jake Dubbs join Amalgamated
Mark Pollard becomes VP of brand strategy at Big Spaceship
David Kenny becomes chairman and CEO at Weather Channel
Four join National Geographic Channel
Ronald Grover becomes Los Angeles bureau chief at Reuters
Jill Borra rises to executive editor at The Globe and Mail
Jesse Wegman becomes senior editor at Newsweek
Lou Dobbs ending his radio show
Ben Stiller developing HBO pilot 'All Talk'
Former ABC Daytime voice Dick Tufeld dies at 85
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange hosting TV show
Drake and Javier Colon performing at NHL All-Star Game

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Overnights
'Touch' posts season's second-best drama bow
New Kiefer Sutherland show averages a 3.9 in 18-49s on Fox, airing behind 'Idol,' which slides 14 percent from last week's debut

Television
Not-so-hot tune-in for State of the Union
Obama's speech before Congress averages 37.75 million total viewers, off 12 percent from last year and well down from 2010

Here & there
Netflix rebounds from 3Q subscriber slump
Other shorts: SOTU generates 8,052 tweets per minute - Survey: More media hiring in 2012 - Programming notes - YouTube & NBC team for Super Bowl ads

New media
Next social media wave: Small businesses
They're already using their pages to promote themselves, and they're about to kick up ad spending. Talking with Borrell's Greg Harmon.

TV Reviews
'Spartacus: Vengeance,' over-cooked
The second season of the Starz drama, like the first, heaps on the sex and violence, with the effect of obscuring all else

Webinars
How to leverage LinkedIn, and at no cost
Bill DeRosa of Talking Finger explains how to get the most out of this important social media site by using free tools available to all

TV This Week
At last, fat chefs shedding the pounds
Food Network comes up with a clever twist on weight loss shows, helping overweight cooks lose weight and eat better in 'Fat Chef'

People
James Farentino dies at age 73
Zach Newcomb becomes executive account director at Rokkan
Catherine Dettloff becomes director of digital at Mediaspace Solutions
Daniel Spizer becomes SVP of business development at Marketingworks
Aimee Buck and Larry Engel rise at Bader Rutter
Todd Grant becomes creative director at Wexley School for Girls
Starz president Bill Myers steps down
John Wildhack and Norby Williamson swap roles at ESPN
Monica Bloom becomes SVP of marketing at Sundance Channel
Russ Stanton becomes VP of content at Southern California Public Radio
Khloe Kardashian hosting Dallas radio show
Terry Sekel and Andrew Eder join Rural Media Group
Jenni Maier becomes editor in chief at Crushable

People
Pat Sajak: I drank on the job
Dominic Proctor becomes president at GroupM
Suhaila Suhimi Hobba becomes digital managing director at Initiative
Megan Riley becomes associate managing director at Horizon Media
Newspaper National Network CEO Jason Klein exits
Thomas Hornish rises to CEO at Outdoor Channel
Angel Annussek rises to VP of original programming at truTV
MaryBeth Malcolm rises to senior director at Yahoo
Chuck LaBella becomes VP of talent development at NBC
Dave Hunke becomes publisher at USA Weekend
Actor Robert Hegyes dies at age 60
Amelie Tseng and Rick Gomes join Travel Channel
Joan Biskupic becomes legal affairs editor at Reuters

Monday, January 30, 2012

Overnights
Fox's 'Dynamite' implodes in second week
New animated comedy averages a 2.1 in adults 18-49, less than half its debut, which was buoyed by big ratings for an NFL playoff game

Market profile
Tampa: Pricier even before political surge
Demand was already up, led by auto and finance, even before the lowest unit-rate political window opened for the Florida primary

Here & there
Tab scandal spreads: Four Sun editors arrested
Other shorts: Study: Animals are effective in Super Bowl ads - HBO leads with five trophies at SAG Awards - Friday and Saturday overnights

TV Reviews
'The Amandas,' the fun side of OCD
The boss on this Style Network series is super organized with a neat-freak streak but still an endearing creature for all her flaws

Webinars
How to leverage LinkedIn, and at no cost
Bill DeRosa of Talking Finger explains how to get the most out of this important social media site by using free tools available to all

TV This Week
On 'Gossip Girl,' a very grownup event
Blair weds a prince wearing a Vera Wang dress, signaling a maturing of the signature CW show and the network

Overnights
Big gains for Fox's new drama 'The Finder'
'Bones' spinoff jumps 32 percent to a 2.9 in 18-49s for its third episode, airing behind 'Idol,' which slid 4 percent from last week

This week in out of home
Your client at mixed martial arts events
It attracts the most brutal fighters around, with few holds barred, but also an audience very desirable to advertisers: Young males

What's new in alternative media
Just like hard time: A night on the Rock
Living small: Life on a subway platform
A Mary with a very different message
Whoa! Come slide with Donald Duck.

People
'Seinfeld' actor Ian Abercrombie dies at 77
Diego Panich becomes commercial editor at Wild(child)
The word: Lex Fenwick in talks to become Dow Jones CEO
Bruce Seidel becomes CEO at Electus online food channel
Dan Fletcher becomes managing editor at Facebook
Bill Hamilton becomes national security editor at The New York Times
Thomas Tillman rises to deputy Washington bureau chief at CBS News
Shawnee Smith joins FX's 'Anger Management'
David Arquette guesting on ABC's 'Cougar Town'
Kevin Weisman joins NBC's 'Awake'
TV director John Rich dies at age 86
Cuba Gooding Jr. starring in ABC's 'Firelight'
Eddie Marsan and Dash Mihok join Showtime's 'Ray Donovan'

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Overnights
'Alcatraz' slides but Fox still wins Monday
New drama averages a 2.7 in 18-49s, down 10 percent from last week and 18 percent from its debut. Fox takes the night with a 2.8.

New media
Facebook sees a huge jump in advertising
Now accounts for 27.9 percent of all online display ads, up from 21 percent in 2010, with forecasters seeing even more growth

Sports TV
Buyers: Sunday's game will set a record
Majority think Super Bowl XLVI will top last year's 111 million viewers, thanks to the popularity of the Giants and Patriots

Sports TV
A media buyer's primer to Super Bowl
The facts and numbers you need to know for Sunday's game, as well as who's advertising and what this year's spats are about

Sports TV
The great Super Bowl ad buzz machine
Nowadays the push to build awareness for spots begins weeks before the game. Speaking with SpotBowl's Michael Pavone.

Here & there
Super Bowl abortion ad stokes controversy
Other shorts: Patriots score Twitter touchdown - NFL's most marketable player: Rodgers - 'X Factor' boots Jones and Scherzinger - Programming notes

TV Reviews
'Key & Peele,' playing the race card
The comics in this Comedy Central show are biracial, and they play off that, but the humor is in the quality of the sketches

TV This Week
Celebrating Hollywood's leading man
The timing could not be better, heading into the Oscars, for a sitdown with George Clooney on Bravo's 'Inside the Actors Studio'

People
Julian Assange guesting on 'The Simpsons'
Patrick Syms becomes group planning director at Euro RSCG
Susan McPherson rises to director of global marketing at Fenton
Monica Lovett becomes associate director of media at Mercury Media
News Corp. SVP of communications Teri Everett exiting
Ida Chacon becomes VP of marketing at Latinum Network
Sasha Emmons and Jennifer Allen Kay rise at Bonnier's Parenting Group
Georgia Galanoudis rises at Meredith Xcelerated Marketing
Betsy Rella becomes VP of ad sales research at The Weather Channel
Regina Thomas rises to VP of programming at BET
Dan Arnall becomes EP at Bloomberg Television
Shirley MacLaine joins 'Downton Abbey'
Ryan Murray becomes director of sales at StrikeAd

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Overnights
Stronger tune for Fox's musical comedy 'Glee'
Michael Jackson tribute episode averages a 3.6 in 18-49s, best rating since October and leading the network to an easy nightly win

Television
'X Factor': Bloodied but still a contender
Fox talent show undergoes a major makeover, shedding three from cast, after failing to pull boffo ratings. But a stinker it's not.

Here & there
Nielsen: Auto leads in Super Bowl ad buys
Other shorts: Monthly cable ratings: Football scores for ESPN - Fox News Channel hits 10 years at No. 1 - Programming notes: ABC picks up Cherry pilot

Broadcast recap
In faceoff, 'Big Bang' tops 'American Idol'
CBS sitcom takes a 12 percent lead in 18-49s over Fox hit in half hour they compete, and it also outpaces in viewers (charts)

Cable recap
For HBO's 'Luck,' a jump start of sorts
Network renews the racehorse drama after just one airing and poor ratings, largely based on positive reviews by critics (charts)

TV Reviews
'Beast Tracker,' full of good information
Discovery series is one of those rare reality shows that actually informs, teaching us lots about alligators and tiger sharks

Webinars
How to leverage LinkedIn, and at no cost
Bill DeRosa of Talking Finger explains how to get the most out of this important social media site by using free tools available to all

TV This Week
Ahead of Super Bowl, a peek at the ads
CBS airs 'Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials 2012,' a look at great game ads of the past and some that will air Sunday

People
Justin Bieber appearing on 'SNL'
Natalie Ravitz becomes chief of staff at News Corp.
Gabe Vehovsky becomes EVP of digital strategy at Discovery
Jane Wooldridge becomes cruise editor at Travel + Leisure
Adam Deutsch becomes senior director of product development at ESPN
Michael Blauner, Becky Allegra and Renee Hartman rise at Christal
Sandra Dewey rises to EVP at Turner
T.C. McCarthy rises to social media coordinator at Newsday
Ted Hong becomes CMO at M-GO
Christy Benson rises at and Russell Cooper joins Outdoor Channel
Michael Breedlove rises to digital media director at Inspiration Networks
Jeff Rossen becomes national investigative correspondent at NBC's 'Today'
Stephen Amell joins CW's drama pilot 'Arrow'

Thursday, February 02, 2012

Overnights
'Idol' slides 9 percent as Fox wins the night
Hit singing show averages a 5.9 in 18-49s, down from a 6.5 last week, but Fox earns an easy victory with a 4.4 for the night

Television
For 'American Idol,' the bloom's finally off
Ratings for the hit Fox show are down a quarter this season, its eleventh, and on Thursdays it's finishing in second place

Sports TV
This Super Bowl's going social big time
Advertisers are integrating social media into their own game plans in ways that will engage viewers as they watch the game

Here & there
The lessons from Facebook's IPO
Other shorts: Hearst intern sues over lack of pay - News Corp.'s case of the deleted email - Programming notes - Newspaper sites draw 111M users

Sports TV
When a Super Bowl ad makes sense
Some big brands may see a return on investment, but not all. For niche brands, it's a waste. Talking with Baylor's Kirk Wakefield.

TV Reviews
'How to Rock,' better to hide under one
Nick tween series copycats the worst elements of the genre, from the stock characters and plots to the ham acting and lazy writing

Media economy
The next wave: Spots face the challenge
In the first internet wave, print took a beating as readers and advertisers moved online. Now TV and radio are feeling the heat.

TV This Week
Aging yet still spry: 'Grey's Anatomy'
ABC drama excels at the art of integrating new characters, and that's helped it hold a devoted audience after all these years

People
Networks remember Don Cornelius
John O'Hea joins DOJO San Francisco
Rocky Sisson rises at Clear Channel Outdoor
Michelle Lee becomes SVP of content at Hollywood.com
Nancy Lane becomes executive producer at CBSNews.com
Eric Czechowski becomes head of insight at Ink
Germaine Deagan Sweet rises at National Geographic Channels
Olivier Knox becomes White House correspondent at Yahoo News
Kelly Evans becomes on-air reporter at CNBC
Andrew Beaujon becomes senior online reporter at The Poynter Institute
Kevin Bacon joins Fox drama pilot
Alexis Clark becomes editor at Charity & Social Datebook
Chris Klein guesting on TNT's 'Franklin & Bash'

Friday, February 03, 2012

Overnights
'Bang' beats 'Idol' in shared timeslot again
CBS sitcom averages a 5.4 to Fox reality show's 5.0 during the 8 p.m. half hour. But 'Idol' grows to a 5.8 in second half of show.

Media economy
Early upfront outlook: A merry May
Forecast: Big Four broadcast networks will see 8 percent CPM gains over last year, with total sales coming in flat to last year

Sports TV
Super Bowl ads getting the most buzz
Tops on the list is VW's 'Little Darth' sequel, 'The Dog Strikes Back.' Also in the top 10: Ads from Acura, Century, Audi and H&M.

Alternative media
Madonna, Madonna, all across the skies
Talk about timing: Pop star's new video will debut on seven Clear Channel digital billboards leading up to her Sunday Super Bowl gig

Here & there
Study: Second screens big this Super Bowl
Other shorts: Super Bowl ad targets distressed Green Bay fans - More new shows to pump Nick ratings - Kodak wants out of theater sponsorship

TV Reviews
'Napoleon Dynamite,' more like a bomb
Fox animated series mangles the 2004 feature film from which it's adapted, substituting mindless action for the original's satire
Rachel speaks

Rachel, I need to mend some fences
The writer is estranged from someone she worked for at the beginning of her career and wants advice on how to reconnect with her

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Knicks vs. Celtics on ESPN; Saturday: Super Bowl Fan Jam on CMT; Sunday: Super Bowl and 'The Voice' on NBC

People
Lex Fenwick becomes Dow Jones CEO
Ramond Romero becomes VP of digital media activation at Horizon
Jourdan Laik becomes lead developer at Bader Rutter
Turner EVP of operations Jim McCaffrey exiting
Sean Cocchia rises to SVP and GM at Disney Channels Worldwide
Chris Mohney becomes editor in chief at Tumblr
Randy Suchy becomes project manager at Cannella Response TV
Jon Lovett becomes a correspondent at The Atlantic
Liza McGuirk becomes EP at CNN International's 'Amanpour'
Jim Avila rises and Reena Ninan joins at ABC News
The word: Cowell wants Beyonce for 'X Factor'
Jonathan Hills becomes general manager at AllYou.com
Timothy Boell becomes group head of distribution at Asia TV USA

Monday, February 06, 2012

Overnights
Early numbers: Third-best Super Bowl ever
Averages a 47.8 metered-market household rating, just 0.1 behind last year's record-setting game. 'Voice' debut averages a 19.4.

Market profile
Milwaukee: Flat rates and lots of inventory
The primary is two weeks off yet political ads are not clogging airwaves, though conditions have tightened for news inventory

Here & there
Halftime shocker: M.I.A. gives the finger
Other shorts: Crunch time: Doritos is early ad winner - Super Bowl sets a tweets-per-second record - Fox revamps Tuesdays - Weekend overnights

TV Reviews
'Smash,' old-fashioned drama that works
New NBC series builds on all the familiar characters and themes about Broadway musicals, and the cast is able and well-chosen

TV This Week
For NBC's 'Voice,' a hard act to follow
Last year's surprise hit returned in the cushiest of timeslots, post-Super Bowl. Now it gets tough, competing on Mondays at 8.

Overnights
'Bang' beats 'Idol' in shared timeslot again
CBS sitcom averages a 5.4 to Fox reality show's 5.0 during the 8 p.m. half hour. But 'Idol' grows to a 5.8 in second half of show.

This week in out of home
Your client at antique shows
Here's a way to reach older, largely affluent consumers as they enjoy a favorite pastime, and it can be surprisingly affordable

What's new in alternative media
Madonna, Madonna, all across the sky
Just like hard time: A night on the Rock
Living small: Life on a subway platform
A Mary with a very different message

People
Andre Braugher joins ABC's 'Last Resort'
Sara Rad rises to director of advertising Good Housekeeping
Paul FitzPatrick becomes CEO at RLTV
Jim Oliphant becomes deputy magazine editor at National Journal
Catherine Mayer rises to Europe editor at Time
Paul Singer becomes politics editor at USA Today
L.A. Reid remaining on Fox's 'X Factor'
Bobby Cannavale joins HBO's 'Boardwalk Empire'
Portia De Rossi joins ABC's 'The Smart One'
Selma Blair joins FX's 'Anger Management'
Filmmakers Michael deGruy and Andrew Wight die in helicopter crash
Kate Julian becomes senior editor at The Atlantic
Ryan Moore becomes director of digital sales at Fisher Interactive Network

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Overnights
'Voice' draws NBC's best rating since 2007
Timeslot debut averages a 6.6 in 18-49s, the night's top show, and boosts lead-out 'Smash' to a strong 3.8 in its debut at 10 p.m.

Television
Huge ratings for post-Super Bowl 'Voice'
Talent search averages 37.6 million total viewers, best showing for NBC non-sports show since 'Friends' series finale in 2004

Sports TV
Super Bowl sets record with 111.3 million viewers
Bests last year by 300,000, the third straight year the game has set an all-time best mark. Peaks with 117.4 million in fourth quarter.

Here & there
Super Bowl is most social event ever
Other shorts: What people talked about during the game: Ads - Univision and Disney launching news network - Redbox and Verizon team - DVR ratings

Sports TV
Big thing in Super Bowl ads: Our past
Nostalgia is a dominant theme in this year's ads, aiming to evoke warm feelings. Speaking with AdBowl's Emily Howard Griebel.

TV Reviews
'The River,' get out your waders
ABC paranormal drama, set in the Amazon, is too implausible for adults to buy into, and some scenes are downright amusing

TV This Week
For CBS's 'NCIS,' yet another record
Cop procedural, now in its ninth year and the long-reigning top drama on television, is airing its 200th episode this month

People
Jonathan Groff joins Starz' 'Boss'
Elisabeth Lucas and Adele Martin join Bemis Balkind
Ellen Sluder becomes director of business development at CoreBrand
Tom Weber becomes assistant managing editor at Time
Kassie Means becomes publisher and CRO at Country Living
Jeff Tkach rises to publisher at Organic Gardening
Walter Kirn becomes political columnist at GQ
Devin C. Johnson becomes COO at Studio One Networks
John McKeon becomes publisher at the San Antonio Express-News
Jim Acosta becomes national political correspondent at CNN
Maribel Aber becomes correspondent at CNN Newsource
Chi McBride joins CBS's 'Golden Boy'
Thorsten Kaye joins NBC's 'Smash'

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Overnights
An okay premiere for ABC's 'The River'
New drama averages a 2.4 in 18-49s, an 11-week high for the timeslot. But it shows worrisome viewership decline through the night.

Magazines
Magazine newsstand sales slide again
Off 10 percent during the six months ended in December, the biggest slide in four reporting periods. Overall circ down 1 percent.

Broadcast recap
For NBC, one big night and new hopes
Super Bowl and 'Voice' debut bump it ahead of ABC in what could be the start of a better spring for the No. 3 network (charts)

Here & there
Super Bowl's second record: Online viewing
Other shorts: ABC sells out Oscar ad inventory - 30-second spot costs rise - Pew: Fewer following this year's election - Online spending up 14 percent in Q4

Cable recap
'How to Rock' breaks Nick's bad spell
Debut scores solid ratings among 2-11s and 6-11s, lifting network after a ratings slump and increased heat from Disney (charts)

TV Reviews
'The Bronson Pinchot Project,' fun
One-time sitcom star renovates his 1840 Greek Revival house room by room on this DIY series. He and it are quite amusing.

TV This Week
How tweet: Stars talking live to their fans
What better way to show engagement with viewers than for actors to tweet with them during shows, as on ABC's 'Modern Family'

People
Tim Tebow going 'Dancing'?
David Krupp and Tanza Bove rise to EVPs at Kinetic
Gerhard Zeiler becomes president at TBS International
Cristina Schwarz becomes VP of programming at Univision Cable
Andre J. Fernandez becomes president at Journal Communications
Marietta Hurwitz becomes SVP of digital at Travel Channel
Scott Young becomes VP of video sales at Alloy Digital
Alfred Amoroso and Maynard Webb join Yahoo board
Kathryn Schulz becomes book critic at New York
Lois Romano becomes senior political reporter at Politico
Tony Shalhoub and Allison Janney join NBC's 'Friday Night Dinner'
Detroit News opinion page editor Manny Lopez exits
'Survivor' winner Richard Hatch's IRS request denied

Thursday, February 09, 2012

Overnights
Finally 'American Idol's' ratings level off
Averages a 6.0 in 18-49s, flat to last week, a first this season. It's also the night's top show, lifting Fox to an easy nightly win.

Television
Fox pulling the plug on fading 'House'
Doctor drama, once the No. 2 show on broadcast, will end in May after eight seasons, a victim of falling ratings and rising costs

Here & there
New radio smackdown: Limbaugh vs. Huckabee
Other shorts: News Corp. settles more NOTW civil lawsuits - Programming notes - Doritos has most-liked game ad - Amazon streams Viacom shows

Magazines
Celeb titles take biggest hit at newsstands
All eight see declines in single-copy sales in second-half 2011, led by OK!, off 27.5 percent, making a shakeout more likely (charts)

Sports TV
Super Bowl's top ad: Bud Light's 'Weego'
Media buyers name the spot the best of this year's spots. Second was VW's 'Dog.' The worst? CareerBuilder's and GoDaddy's.

TV Reviews
'Full Metal Jousting,' too much ado
Folks on this History channel reality series talk talk talk, and we see little of armored men on horseback charging one another

TV This Week
For 'Swamp People,' a moment of glory
History channel show was with the best of company in Super Bowl, its ad among the likes of Bud and VW. Will it pay off?

People
CNN suspends Roland Martin
Garret Vreeland and Chris Cloney join Accordant Media
Marie Gentile becomes VP at Widmeyer Communications
Amber Simpson becomes senior marketing manager at SearchDex
Sara Libby becomes associate editor at Talking Points Memo
Adam Chandler and Shane Rahmani join Thrillist Media Group
Christina Aguilera signs for third season of 'The Voice'
Mandy Moore starring in ABC pilot
Alona Tal joins CW's pilot 'Cult'
Daisy Betts joins ABC's pilot 'Last Resort'
Maya Rudolph hosting NBC's 'Saturday Night Live'
Jon Favreau directing NBC's pilot 'Revolution'
Tim Tebow going 'Dancing'?

Friday, February 10, 2012

Overnights
'American Idol' sees first week-to-week rise
Hit Fox show grows 6 percent over last Thursday, to a 5.7 in 18-49s, boosting the network to a nightly win. 'Grey's' rises too.

Cable
Fox Business Network axes its primetime
Will rerun its 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. lineup of Gerri Willis, Neil Cavuto and Lou Dobbs in place of ratings-starved political chat shows

Here & there
Gannett offers buyouts to 665 employees
Other shorts: Broadcast-only TV households grow - Super Bowl sets Hispanic record - News Corp. pays $87M in scandal - iPad 3 arrives next month

Alternative media
Turning NYC taxis into virtual stores
Passengers, seeing a TV ad for something they like, can scan a product tag with their smartphone and complete the purchase

TV Reviews
'Comic Book Men,' indescribable
AMC reality series, about a New Jersey comic book shop, while a bit of this and that, is a mostly enjoyable hour of pop culture

Rachel speaks
Rachel, can I have fun with my resume?
The writer is just out of college looking for her first media job. She wants her resume to stand out, and thinks some humor might do it.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Knicks vs. Lakers on ESPN; Saturday: Hallmark Channel's 'Cupid;' Sunday: Grammy Awards on CBS

People
Oprah Winfrey hosting Oscar special
Matt Bonin becomes chief production officer at Ogilvy
Ron Wechsler becomes VP of programming at NBC Sports Network
Jim Ackerman becomes SVP of alternative programming at CNBC
Deidre Depke becomes executive editor at The Daily Beast
Lisa Klem Wilson becomes SVP of sales at NewsRight
Amy Odell becomes editor at BuzzFeed
Peter Risafi becomes VP of brand creative at Food Network
Sophia Kercher becomes associate editor at Pasadena Magazine
Jon Voight and Elliott Gould join Showtime's 'Ray Donovan'
Craig Ferguson close to re-signing at CBS
Marysol Patton, Lea Black and Audriana de Moura returning to 'Real Housewives'
David W. Keeley and Ron White join BBC America's 'Copper'

Monday, February 13, 2012

Overnights
Huge tune-in to honor Whitney Houston
CBS's Grammy Awards on pace for second-biggest audience ever while Houston-focused 'Dateline NBC' draws best rating since 2009

Television
For the Grammys, a return of the glitter
Ratings have been up, and so is the pricetag on spots, after several years of decline, reflecting the revival of the album biz

Here & there
News Corp. woes grow: Five arrested at Sun
Other shorts: The word: Chicago Tribune erecting paywall - Friday overnights: CBS edges ABC - Saturday overnights: 'Voice' lifts NBC

Market profile
Minneapolis-St. Paul: Demand on the rise
Leading categories are local car dealers and home improvement stores. Political spending won't kick in until later in the year.

TV Reviews
'Paul the Male Matchmaker,' no match
New Hulu series of mini-episodes might be diverting while stuck in traffic but as mockumentary it falls flat on a big screen

TV This Week
Remembering Whitney at her best
Among the best tributes will be BET's '106 & Park,' which will air three hours of videos of the late star's greatest performances

This week in out of home
Your client at college basketball tourneys
Here's a way to reach young, largely upscale males and interact with them at playoff games leading up to March Madness

What's new in alternative media
Turning NYC taxis into virtual stores
Madonna, Madonna, all across the sky
Just like hard time: A night on the Rock
Living small: Life on a subway platform

People
John Goodman reuniting with Roseanne Barr
Jill Rosenbaum becomes director of strategy at Media Storm
Karina San Jose becomes manager at Intuic
Jessica Flint becomes lifestyle editor at Marie Claire
Steve Gandel becomes Wall Street writer at Fortune.com
Jim Barnum rises to deputy general counsel at Hubbard Broadcasting
Charlie Kammerer rises to group publisher at Time Inc.
Ryan Phillippe joins CBS's 'Golden Boy'
James Wolk joins USA's 'Political Animals'
Blythe Danner joins ABC's 'Gilded Lilys'
'Last Lecture' author Jeffrey Zaslow dies at 53
Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy sell comedy pilot to CBS
Becki Newton joins Fox's 'The Goodwin Games'

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Overnights
Lower-rated 'Voice' still dominates Monday
Hit NBC reality show averages a 5.9 in 18-49s, down 12 percent from last week, leading network to easy win. 'Smash' falls to 2.8.

Cable
'Walking Dead' sets new cable records
AMC zombie series averages 5.4 million 18-49 viewers and 4.4 million 25-54s, making it the most-watched drama in cable history

Here & there
Men say 'bah humbug' to V-Day on Twitter
Other shorts: Nielsen to Oprah: Remove that tweet! - Naked man scales radio tower - 11.9M OOH viewers watched Super Bowl - Bloomberg launches mag

Magazines
Behind magazines' newsstand woes
The economy's but one of a handful of factors to blame for the tumble in single-copy sales. Talking with analyst John Harrington.

TV Reviews
'Lilyhammer,' you won't get whacked
Mobster saga, Netflix's first original series, while no 'Sopranos,' is good enough to perhaps justify the cost of the movie service

Television
Grammy Awards draw 39.9 million viewers
Ceremony on CBS is second-most-watched ever, behind the 1984 show, with tributes to the late Whitney Houston driving viewership

TV This Week
For 'Cougar Town,' a fight for survival
The show's producer and stars campaigned to get it back on the ABC lineup, and now comes the big hurdle: Pulling in the ratings

People
Playboy heir Marston Hefner arrested
Tom Florio becomes CEO at Advanstar Fashion Group
Krishan Bhatia rises to digital EVP at NBCUniversal
Jamie Horowitz rises to VP of original programming at ESPN
Jacqueline Stone and Steve Sutton join Spanfeller Media Group
Edward M. Anderson becomes international VP at Fox TV Distribution
Jose Castaneda becomes director of East Coast sales at nuvoTV
Three rise at Katz's CBS and Entercom Radio Sales
Marie-Amelie Sauve becomes senior fashion editor at W
Simon Cowell: Whitney Houston was interested in 'X Factor'
The new SI swimsuit cover model: Kate Upton
Rose Tilson joins Cooking Light and MyRecipes
Robin Roberts and Tim Gunn hosting ABC's Oscars pre-show

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Overnights
'Cougar' returns to a series low on ABC
Third-year sitcom's debut averages a 1.8 in 18-49s, down from last year, when it aired behind 'Modern Family,' on a slow Valentine's Day

Television
Ratings soar over Whitney coverage
Newsmagazines in particular see a climb in their numbers, led by a 36 percent spike for 'Entertainment Tonight' on Monday

Here & there
Survey: ABC is No. 1 in brand perception
Other shorts: Fox's 'House' finale airing on May 21 - 'Angry Birds' descend on Facebook - Study: Lots of HDTVs but few HD ads

Broadcast recap
Dim outlook for a longtime staple: Cops
Two of the top procedurals, 'L&O: SVU' and 'CSI: NY,' are at risk of being axed, and 'CSI: Miami' may not have much longer (charts)

Cable recap
Linsanity delivers a timely lift to MSG
Network sees ratings surge over Knicks star Jeremy Lin's winning streak, leverage in its Time Warner carriage dispute (charts)

TV Reviews
'The Slap,' a finely crafted drama
DirecTV's Australian miniseries has the feel of a documentary in the way it unfolds, carried by fine writing and acting

TV This Week
For 'Survivor,' surviving and then some
CBS reality series opens its 24th season, this one in Samoa, and it's still drawing hefty audiences, averaging a 3.3 in 18-49s

People
Zachary Levi joins Fox's 'Let It Go'
Tim Surowiecki becomes VP of digital media at Horizon Media
Dave Damman rises to CCO at Carmichael Lynch
Jenny Gadd joins Johannes Leonardo
Gustavo Lauria becomes CCO at The Vidal Partnership
Maria Laino DeLuca rises to VP of trade marketing at Bravo
Shari Kaufman becomes VP of talent relations at Showtime
Rob Wussler becomes VP of sales at Twentieth Television
Barry S. Baer becomes CFO at NeoMedia Technologies
Samuel Homburger becomes account manager at New York Media
Regis Philbin guesting on TV Land's 'Hot in Cleveland'
John Hodgman guesting on NBC's 'Community'
Itai Elizur becomes audience development associate at Jewish Daily Forward

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Overnights
'American Idol' paces Fox to Wednesday win
Hit reality show averages a 6.0 in 18-49s, even to last week and 28 percent ahead of the No. 2 show, ABC's 'Modern Family,' at 4.7

Television
This sweeps, NBC is ahead by a mile
Lifted by a huge Super Bowl, network is averaging a 5.7 in 18-49s, nearly double the 3.2 of CBS, host of the highly rated Grammys

Here & there
Advertisers: TV ads getting more effective
Other shorts: Union protests job cuts at Philly papers - AP streaming Houston funeral - Programming notes - NYC broadcast stations go online

New media
Ad-wise, the bad news for news sites
They just don't do a very good job attracting advertisers and delivering their messages. Talking with Pew's Amy Mitchell.

TV Reviews
'Life's Too Short,' just about right
This HBO series, from the creators of 'The Office,' will likely run only as long as the jokes are funny, which is a good thing

Webinars
The quiet revolution reshaping local media
Big changes are sweeping though the nation's media markets, with more to come. Hear Gordon Borrell explain those changes and their impact.

TV This Week
'Parks and Recreation': Call it a sleeper
Sitcom has risen to become NBC's best Thursday show, ahead of 'The Office' and '30 Rock,' even if ratings are only modest

People
Hamish McLennan joins News Corp.
Tim Bierman and Olaf Kroll join Unruly Media
Janelle Dixon becomes SVP at MSLGROUP
Tim Allen becomes experience design CD at SapientNitro
Glenn Curtis rises to president at Starz
Kitty Morgan becomes editor in chief at Sunset
Marc Ambinder becomes contributing editor at GQ
Larry King severs ties to CNN
Ron Jaworski leaving 'Monday Night Football' booth
Daniela Bobadilla joins FX's 'Anger Management'
Correction: Itai Elizur did not work at Sony
Toni Trucks joins CBS's 'Baby Big Shot'
Zach McGowan becomes series regular on Showtime's 'Shameless

People
Hamish McLennan joins News Corp.
Tim Bierman and Olaf Kroll join Unruly Media
Janelle Dixon becomes SVP at MSLGROUP
Tim Allen becomes experience design CD at SapientNitro
Glenn Curtis rises to president at Starz
Kitty Morgan becomes editor in chief at Sunset
Marc Ambinder becomes contributing editor at GQ
Larry King severs ties to CNN
Ron Jaworski leaving 'Monday Night Football' booth
Daniela Bobadilla joins FX's 'Anger Management'
Correction: Itai Elizur did not work at Sony
Toni Trucks joins CBS's 'Baby Big Shot'
Zach McGowan becomes series regular on Showtime's 'Shameless'

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Overnights
'Voice' leads NBC to third straight Monday win
Averages a 5.8 adults 18-49 rating, easily the night's top show, and up 23 percent from last season. But 'Smash' falls to a 2.3.

Cable
Coming, a new channel for music fans
Rap impresario Sean Combs is behind the network, which is expected to launch by year-end. Big question: Is there a need for it?

Here & there
Murdoch: We're starting a Sunday Sun
Other shorts: MSG finally returns on TWC - ESPN: Sorry about slurs in Lin coverage - Weekend overnights - Colbert's back after mysterious absence

Overnights
CBS pulls out a squeaker on Sunday
Averages a 2.2 in 18-49s, just ahead of NBC and ABC, which tie for second with a 2.1. ABC's 'Once' is the night's top show.

Market profile
New Orleans: Healthy without politicals
TV pricing is up mid-single digits, lifted by a range of categories, from auto to furniture stores to cable service providers

TV Reviews
'The Revolution,' turn off your TV set
ABC daytime show packs one hour full of the most inane advice one could imagine. Either we've heard it before or it's plain dumb.

TV This Week
Uplifting message: 'It Gets Better'
Airing on MTV and Logo, the special reaches out to gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders who are suffering from bullying

This week in out of home
Your client's message at golf shows
Here's a chance to mingle with a very upscale audience of men while they're looking at new gear and getting tips from pros

What's new in alternative media
Suddenly Paris, on a wintry Seattle day
Turning NYC taxis into virtual stores
Madonna, Madonna, all across the sky
Just like hard time: A night on the Rock

People
Lindsay Lohan appearing on 'Saturday Night Live'
Lee Newman becomes president at Ogilvy & Mather Chicago
Joe Warren becomes director of client services at MPG U.S.
Jerome Austria becomes group digital CD at Deutsch L.A.
Joe Alexander rises to ECD at The Martin Agency
Mike Danko and Kate Hildebrant rise at CP+B
Brendan Gleeson becomes CFO at Viamedia
Roger Mincheff becomes president at MySpace Entertainment
Jack Klunder rises to president at Los Angeles Newspaper Group
The word: Janet Jackson may join Fox's 'X Factor'
Matthew Perry joining CBS's 'The Good Wife'
Ana Ortiz joins ABC's 'Devious Maids'
Charles Shaughnessy re-joining NBC's 'Days of Our Lives'

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Overnights
ABC shows struggle on Tuesday night
'Cougar Town' falls from last week's debut to a 1.7 in 18-49s while 'River' continues to struggle. But 'Stars' will be back soon.

Television
Huge tune-in for Whitney Houston funeral
CNN peaks at 5.4 million viewers as the nation says good-bye to an adored star. Huge numbers for online viewing as well.

Television
Buyers: Fox will win February sweeps
Believe the network will edge out NBC in the final days, even though NBC was boosted to No. 1 by a huge Super Bowl tune-in

Here & there
Comcast targets Netflix with streaming service
Other shorts: NBC slates 'Community' - Comcast picks up minority-owned nets - Study: Hispanics most engaged with social media - Programming notes

Television
Why Oscar night is so hot with advertisers
Though ratings are down, spots for next Sunday's show sold out early at a record $1.7 million. Talking with Kantar's Jon Swallen.

TV Reviews
'Swamp People,' still thrills and chills
The drama is certainly hyped on this returning History series, but it's done very well, so it comes off as genuinely scary

TV This Week
The stars before they became famous
ABC '20/20' special looks at Oscar nominees on their way up, talking to other actors from the early years and even some moms

People
Two journalists killed in Syria
Tod Duke-Yonge rises to head of design at Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney
Jay Farrell becomes EVP of agency development at commonground
Courtney Menzel becomes SVP of domestic distribution at Discovery
Tim Bruno rises to SVP of event production at Viacom Entertainment
Zach Seward becomes senior editor at Atlantic Media
Mike Wilson rises to managing editor at The Tampa Bay Times
Pam Stinson becomes senior director of marketing at WFN
Charlie Sheen apologizes to Ashton Kutcher on Twitter
Former JWT and SFM employee Jim Quinn dies
'Seinfeld' actor Philip Bruns dies at age 80
Actor Laurie Main dies at age 89
Dominic Monaghan starring in BBC America's 'Wild Things'

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Overnights
Another night of declines for broadcast
'American Idol' slides 16 percent from last week, to a 5.1 in 18-49s, while CBS's 'Survivor' dips 10 percent from its premiere

Cable
Up a creek without a paddle, Canoe sinks
Consortium to develop addressable advertising platform shuts down, dogged by technical glitches and fading support from agencies

Broadcast recap
Another year, another dip in ratings
Big Four networks are down 1 percent in 18-49s year to date, to an 11.5, as a stronger fall is offset by weaker midseason (charts)

Cable recap
For TBS, 'Conan' is still all worth it
Ratings are well down for the late-night talk show, but it's got that cachet, and that will count a whole lot at the upfront (charts)

Here & there
Gannett: We're rolling papers behind paywalls
Other shorts: Web companies acquiesce on do not track button - 'Loser' contestants walk off the set - Programming notes: OWN renews 'Lifeclass'

TV Reviews
'Monsuno,' sure to zonk kids out cold
Nicktoons series seems a throwback to the early 'Pokemon' era, exploiting all the tired themes and stock characters of that time

TV This Week
ABC's 'Wipeout': Bringing up the rear
Messy stunt show lacks glamour and pulls only modest ratings, yet it has done better than higher-priced scripted series at 8 p.m.

People
Katy Perry guesting on 'Raising Hope'
Tracey Boudine becomes corporate communications manager at Arnold
Alex Perez becomes team leader at The Phelps Group
Kenny Hulshof becomes senior advisor at MSL Washington
Angelica McDaniel rises to SVP of daytime at CBS
Jeff Giles rises to deputy managing editor at Entertainment Weekly
Alexandre Frota becomes MD at Edicoes Globo Conde Nast
Laura Giacalone and Libby Richman join Discovery Fit & Health
Laura Volker becomes Midwest account manager at Women's Health
Jim Nantz and Clark Kellogg lead NCAA tourney pairings
'Amazing Race' producer Jeff Rice dies at age 39
Suresh Khanna becomes VP of sales at AdRoll
Lou Piniella becomes contributor at YES Network

Friday, February 24, 2012

 Overnights
CBS ties Fox for first on final Thursday of sweeps
Networks average a 3.2 apiece in adults 18-49 as Fox's 'Idol' slips to a season-low 4.4. 'Bang' is night's top show with a 5.2.

Television
'Downton Abbey': PBS's smash hit
Second-season finale of the high-toned British soap averages 5.4 million viewers, best since 2009, even outdrawing 'Jersey Shore'

The year in out of home
Strong 2011 for out of home advertising
Ad spending grows 4 percent, to $6.4 billion, well ahead of media overall, driven in part by digital signage. Hot category: Financial.

Here & there
Oscars' social media winner: 'The Help'
Other shorts: Google eyes TV service - Study: Women protect privacy more than men - Smaller audience for CNN's last debate - Programming notes

Television
Last-minute lowdown on Oscar night
Who'll win the big awards and what the possible upsets might be on Sunday. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly's Dave Karger.

TV Reviews
'Lab Rats,' running around in circles
But that's not such a bad thing for this Disney XD sitcom. Tweens will be engaged by the energy and won't mind the over acting.

Rachel speaks
Rachel, tell me how to run meetings
She's gotten a promotion and new responsibilities, one of which is to lead meetings, and she finds it all very frustrating

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: TNT's NBA Rising Stars game; Saturday: Missouri vs. Kansas on CBS; Sunday: Academy Awards on ABC

People
Alain Groenendaal becomes Grey Latin America CEO
Dre Wright becomes senior business development director at UEG
John Hogan rises to chairman and CEO at Clear Channel Media
Rich Vicente and Brock Davison rise at Katz Radio
Fifteen become imaging coordinators at Clear Channel
Nancy Miller and Elina Shatkin join Los Angeles magazine
The word: Britney Spears may join 'X Factor'
Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis join CBS drama pilot
Lily Tomlin joins ABC comedy pilot
Ty Burrell guesting on Disney Junior's 'Doc McStuffins'
Naked Cowboy Robert John Burck loses CBS lawsuit
Aimee Teegarden joins CW's 'The Selection'
Mira Sorvino close to joining CBS's 'Trooper'

Monday, February 27, 2012

Overnights
ABC's Oscars crush the competition Sunday
Network draws a 22.6 metered-market household rating for the night, more than double the other three networks' averages combined

Television
As Oscar nights go, better than most
Returning host Billy Crystal was smooth and funny, and there were fewer flubs than last year. Still, expect ratings to be down.

Here & there
Rain postpones Daytona 500 to today
Other shorts: LA Times ducking behind a paywall - News Corp. settles suit with singer Church - Friday and Saturday overnights

Market profile
Las Vegas: Buyers snapping up TV spots
Anxious to lock in ad inventory ahead of an expected crush from political campaigns. Pricing is up 25 percent over a year ago.

TV Reviews
'Awake,' at risk of drifting off
The premise laid out in the premiere of this NBC drama, though certainly original, fails to hold viewers in the episodes that follow

TV This Week
Post-Oscars dishing, with Joan Rivers
The ageless and often clueless comedian rips up what the stars wore to the Academy Awards last night on E!'s 'Fashion Police'

This week in out of home
Your client's message on inflatables
They're certainly eye-catching, wafting in the air or floating on the water, and advertisers have the choice of renting or buying

What's new in alternative media
Strong 2011 for out of home media
Suddenly Paris, on a wintry Seattle day
Turning NYC taxis into virtual stores
Madonna, Madonna, all across the sky

People
The latest: Avril Lavigne wants to join 'X Factor'
Simon Porter becomes Asia Pacific head of trading at Maxus
Liesel Olson becomes social media specialist at Bader Rutter
Kinsey Wilson rises to chief content officer at NPR
Matt Monos and David Angehrn rise at G4
David Morrissey joins AMC's 'The Walking Dead'
Bill Pullman joins NBC's '1600 Penn'
Martin Lawrence joins CBS comedy pilot
Scott Foley joins Fox's pilot 'The Goodwin Games'
Ethan Peck joins CW drama pilot 'The Selection'
Syndication executive Brian Davidson passes away
Actress Lucy Lawless arrested for oil ship protest
Police: 'Amazing Race' producer Jeff Rice died from contaminated cocaine


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Overnights
Fox races to Monday win with Daytona 500
Snaps NBC's three-week winning streak with a 4.5 in 18-49s for a wild race twice delayed by rain. 'Voice' is night's top show with a 5.4.

Media economy
Brisk 2011 for cable and a stronger 2012
Ad spending rose 7.8 percent, to a record $22.1 billion, well ahead of most other media, thanks to its rising share of viewers

Television
Academy Awards viewership rises 4 percent
Oscars on ABC average 39.3 million total viewers, up 1.4 million over last year's disappointing ceremony. Stays even in adults 18-49.

Sports TV
A solid NBA All-Star Game after all
Off 13 percent from last year, to a 5.4 household rating, but the second best in seven years and coming after a divisive lockout

Here & there
Urkel alert: Meet the new 'DWTS' cast
Other shorts: Police say Sun is a hotbed for bribery - Streep is hot Twitter Oscar topic - Post-Oscars Kimmel scores - Fox moves 'Touch' behind 'Idol'

TV Reviews
'Green Lantern, The Animated Series,' ugh
The animation is much better these days for shows like this on Cartoon Network, but the dialogue and storylines are flat as ever

TV This Week
For NBC's 'Parenthood,' an uncertain fate
It's no sure bet the family drama, which ends its third season with ho-hum ratings, will be renewed, but it has much going for it

People
James Spader leaving 'The Office'
Eduardo De La Herran, Jaume Leis and Munia Bilbao join La Comunidad
Mary Murcko becomes president of sales at Gannett
Karen Schuchardt becomes SVP of digital media sales at MSLO
Cheryl Grimley and Shelly Bayne join Crown Media Family Networks
Gillian Gorman Round becomes brand development SVP at Conde Nast
AOL CTO Alex Gounares exiting
Stephen McIntyre and Shailesh Rao join Twitter
Nick Schifrin becomes London correspondent at ABC News
Michael Hastings becomes political reporter at BuzzFeed
Politico associate publisher Mike McGrath dies at 41
Lucy Liu joins CBS pilot 'Elementary'
Anna Sophia Robb joins CW's 'The Carrie Diaries'

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Overnights
Fox scores best Tuesday this season with 'Idol'
Averages a 5.0 in 18-49s for the singing show, down 34 percent from last year but dominating the competition on the Big Three

Newspapers
James Murdoch quits as UK head
Leaving post as chief of News Corp. newspaper division as the scandal widens over hacking and bribery by its London papers

Sports TV
Skid in the ratings for the Daytona 500
NASCAR season opener is off 12 percent in viewers, averaging 13.7 million after rain pushed it to Monday night from Sunday

Broadcast recap
A cooling for CBS's 'Two and a Half Men'
CBS sitcom hits a season-low 3.6 in 18-49s, well off from fall. Why? Competition's tougher and Sheen's quieted down. (charts)

Here & there
Moonves: Upfront will be up smartly
Other shorts: Netflix: Someday we'll be bundled with cable - Coming next week, the iPad 3 - Conde Nast leads Digital Ellie nominees - Programming notes

Cable recap
Cable's mysterious February dip
A number of networks saw ratings decline for the month, and for some there are ready explanations. Not so for others. (charts)

TV Reviews
'Katy Brand's Big Ass Show,' expired
British comic is off and on funny but the material is dated in this BBC America rebroadcast of UK TV show from several years ago

TV This Week
Queen bee: 'America's Next Top Model'
CW show, which helped define the reality genre, returns for its 18th season with yet another twist: Brits against American girls

People
MTV bombshell: Snooki is pregnant
Elizabeth Coveney becomes managing partner at Arnold Worldwide
Teri Everett becomes EVP of communications at Time Inc.
Daryl Goldstein becomes VP of business development at Piranha Media
Adam Lau becomes creative director at The Barbarian Group
Lynn Brindell becomes SVP of marketing at CNN Worldwide
Liz Huszarik rises to EVP of media research at WB Domestic TV
Shirin Peykar becomes VP of direct response at Univision
Douglas Darfield becomes EVP of research at Telemundo
Eileen McCarthy becomes ED of brand insights at Cooking Light
Bob McPhee becomes director of sales at Inspiration Networks
Jeff Young becomes healthcare reporter at Huffington Post
Cuba Gooding Jr. joins Fox's 'Guilty'

Thursday, March 01, 2012

Overnights
Fox wins final night of February sweeps
Averages a 4.9 in adults 18-49 with a two-hour episode of 'American Idol,' down 37 percent from last year but still night's No. 1 show

New media
Facebook is rolling out new ad positions
Advertisers on the top social media site will have five new options to choose from, including one on mobile news feeds

Here & there
What Murdoch's resignation really means
Other shorts: Police arrest 11th Sun employee - Lucky strike: Judge kills graphic tobacco ad images - Study: Samsung had most effective Oscar ads
This year's Obie nominees

Toys that come alive for generous hearts
A shopper scans a QR code to donate a toy in the store window to charity. The toy nods in thanks. From Venables Bell & Partners.

TV Reviews
'GCB,' straight from the sitcom bible
What saves this ABC comedy is its talented cast, which pumps real life into the show's tired and overdone plotlines and jokes

New media
The smarts on smartphone shopping
More folks are comparison shopping while in stores, and some even make their purchases by phone. Talking with JiWire's David Staas.

Webinars
How to get the very most out of Facebook
There's lots one can do to enhance a brand and attract fans to spread the word. Hear Bill DeRosa of Talking Finger explain how to do it.

TV This Week
NBC's best hope for 'Awake': It wakes up
LA cop drama debuts in a tough timeslot, Thursday at 10, which most recently sank 'The Firm.' A 2.0 in 18-49s would be good.

People
Davy Jones dies at age 66
Jen Soch becomes global account director at MEC North America
Bill McCabe rises to president and CEO at A. Eicoff & Co.
Cindy Ransier and John Papadopoulos join The Phelps Group
Mo Husseini becomes creative director at Jack Morton Worldwide
Christopher McLoughlin becomes publisher at Men's Journal
Tim Castelli becomes EVP of digital sales at Clear Channel
Eric Sack rises to VP of revenue planning at AMC Networks
Dianne Hatlestad becomes VP of talent management at NBC
Meredith Kopit Levien and Mark Howard rise at Forbes
Andy Singer rises to GM at Travel Channel
Four rise in NBCU's integrated media group
Brian Carr becomes VP of strategic sales and planning at WGN America

Friday, March 02, 2012

Overnights
'Awake' perks up deadly timeslot for NBC
Averages a 1.9 in 18-49s, not a great number but the network's best non-sports rating in the 10 p.m. hour since last May

Television
NBC wins sweeps with Super Bowl
Record-setting game pushes network to No. 1 for the February rating period. Then come Fox and CBS in a tie, with ABC fourth.

Here & there
Remembering Andrew Breitbart, a crusader
Other shorts: Enquirer's Houston coffin photo fires up sales - Bomb squad called to Limbaugh's house - Study: Smartphones outnumber traditional cells

Survey
Shows on the bubble: Which will survive?
It's that time when the networks decide which under-performers get the axe. Tell us the shows you think will get renewed.

TV Reviews
'Stevie TV,' pop culture on a skewer
Stevie Ryan is often spot-on in her VH1 sketch comedy show, and her humor carries a broader message about our celebrity culture

Rachel speaks
Rachel, do we hire a star or a worker bee?
The writer's agency is talking to several people to fill a position. One is highly skilled in one area. The others are more well-rounded.

Webinars
How to get the very most out of Facebook
There's lots one can do to enhance a brand and attract fans to spread the word. Hear Bill DeRosa of Talking Finger explain how to do it.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Gifted Man' finale on CBS; Saturday: Duke vs. UNC on ESPN; Sunday: 'GCB' premiere on ABC

People
Initiative CEO Richard Beaven steps down
Jon Drawbaugh and Donald Tench IV join Draftfcb San Francisco
Jon Webber and David Adams join Zulu Alpha Kilo
Marilou McFarlane becomes VP of strategic partnerships at CBS Radio
Mandi Dyner becomes VP of sales at Spotlight Cinema Networks
James Goldston rises to SVP of content and development at ABC News
Nelson Wang becomes personal finance editor at Yahoo
Dana Wood becomes beauty director at Brides
Gabe Gutierrez becomes correspondent at NBC News
James Brown becomes special correspondent at CBS News
Matthew Perry joins NBC's pilot 'Go On'
Cary Elwes joins ABC's pilot 'Prairie Dogs'
Natalie Zea joins Fox's Kevin Bacon pilot

Monday, March 05, 2012

Overnights
So-so start for new ABC dramedy 'GCB'
Averages a 2.2 in adults 18-49 at 10 p.m., well ahead of former timeslot occupant 'Pan Am' but second to 'Apprentice' in the hour

Radio
Rush Limbaugh: So, okay, I kinda blew it
Conservative radio talker apologizes for his slut tirade as advertisers yank support. Will the damage be lasting? Not likely.

Market profile
New York: Healthy from auto and telecom
TV spending is up low- to mid-single digits, with dayparts the tightest, but buyers say inventory is still widely available

Here & there
Study: Digital $ isn't healing papers' woes
Other shorts: FBI eyes Russian News Corp. bribery allegations - Lohan lifts 'SNL' to second-best rating this year - Weekend overnights

TV Reviews
'Love Broker,' an amusing diversion
Bravo show about an obnoxious matchmaker has its moments-- as in the things she says to clients--but this is not must-see TV

TV This Week
On the road tasting what America eats
Guy Fieri's 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' wraps up its 13th season on Food Network. It's now a cult thing dedicated to comfort food.

This week in out of home
Your client at blogger conferences
Here's a way for advertisers to reach a small yet very influential audience, folks who shape consumers' product choices

What's new in alternative media
Toys come alive for generous hearts
Your client's message on inflatables
Strong 2011 for out of home media
Suddenly Paris, on a wintry Seattle day

People
Oprah interviewing Whitney Houston's daughter
Jesse Redniss rises to SVP of digital at USA
Chris Walters becomes COO at The Weather Channel
Willie Lora rises to news director at CNN en Espanol
Melani Benedetto-Valente joins The Week and mental_floss
Alex O'Loughlin taking a break from CBS's 'Hawaii Five-0'
Julia Stiles joins NBC's 'Midnight Sun'
Leah Remini joins ABC's 'White Van Man'
Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson and Lily Rabe return to FX's 'Horror Story'
Amber Stevens joins CW's 'Joey Dakota'
Magazine designer Amid Capeci dies at age 50
Jamie-Lynn Sigler joins NBC's 'DILFs'
Kirk Cameron criticized by GLAAD for comments on 'Piers Morgan Tonight'

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Overnights
NBC's 'Smash' hits a three-week high note
Averages a 2.7 in adults 18-49, up 17 percent from last week and winning its timeslot against repeats on ABC and CBS. NBC takes night.

Radio
Rising stink over Limbaugh's trash talk
Two more sponsors pull their advertising over talker's slut rant, and his apologies appear to be doing little to quell the furor

Television
Fox chops lush and pricey 'Terra Nova'
Much-anticipated time-travel series averaged a 2.5 in 18-49s, and that against a reported cost of $2.2 million per episode

Here & there
CW plumps up thin summer schedule
Other shorts: Up next at Yahoo: Deep job cuts - Romney wins Super Tuesday Twitter buzz vote - ABC's 'Modern Family' sets DVR record

New media
Behind the Google-Facebook faceoff
Facebook may be getting all the buzz but Google is moving to No. 1 in display ad dollars. Talking with eMarketer's David Hallerman.

TV Reviews
'My Crazy Obsession,' cheery-eerie
Tinkly background music creates a horror-movie ambiance for this new TLC series about obsessive personalities, and it's off-putting

TV This Week
Back from the dead: Fox's 'Breaking In'
Sitcom is brought back to fill out a Tuesday comedy block after being axed last May for poor ratings, a few months after its debut

People
Imagine Tim Tebow as 'The Bachelor'
David Klein and Gerry Borsellino join TargetCast tcm
Ian Mirmelstein becomes VP of strategic accounts at Medialets
Three join Venables Bell & Partners' new venture vbp orange
Sylvia Rosabal becomes SVP of network news at Telemundo
Geoff Russell becomes executive editor at Golf Channel
Foursquare co-founder Naveen Selvadurai exits
Sunil Soman rises to VP of strategic insight and analytics at NCM
Alicia Chang becomes environment reporter at the AP
Kyle Martino becomes soccer analyst at NBC Sports Network
Bush impersonator Steve Bridges dies at age 48
Eric Close joins ABC's 'Nashville'
Rachelle Lefevre joins CBS's 'Applebaum'

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Overnights
Fox wins a slow night with new comedy block
Averages a 2.1 in adults 18-49 with CBS and ABC mostly in repeats. But 'New Girl' is the only show that does well, with a 3.0.

Radio
More sponsors yank ads from Limbaugh
Some 30-plus have withdrawn support from the radio talker's show over his slut remarks, with more cancellations likely to come

Radio
Buyers to clients: Dump Rush Limbaugh
Most tell Media Life they'd advise against running spots on his radio talk show after he calls law student a slut and a prostitute

Here & there
Tragedy in the UK: Sun staffers attempt suicide
Other shorts: Netflix talking to cable providers - Programming notes: Syndie deal for 'The Middle' - Study: Oprah's book club was actually bad for booksellers

Broadcast recap
Iffy future for many midseason shows
Just two are likely to earn renewal, 'Rob' and 'Smash.' As for the rest, they're either DOA, or it's too early to say. (charts)

Cable recap
'Big Bang' delivers a big bang for TBS
Reruns of No. 3 broadcast sitcom lifts 18-49 viewers 36 percent in February, pushing the network to No. 1 in the demo (charts)

TV Reviews
'Million Dollar Listing New York,' fine views
The real estate brokers on this Bravo series are not likeable, nor are the clients, but the properties make it worth watching

TV This Week
The real story on kung fu's Bruce Lee
Spike is airing 'I Am Bruce Lee,' a documentary on the martial artist and movie star. (No, he was not murdered, as some have it.)

People
Sigourney Weaver joins USA's 'Political Animals'
Bill Westcott becomes managing director at Sullivan
Chad Hopenwasser rises to director of video production at CP+B
Rob Malda becomes chief strategist at WaPo Labs
Kelly McAndrew becomes VP of communications at Cablevision
Matt Bean rises to VP of digital at Rodale
Brian Lando rises to SVP of development at Scripps Networks
Bill Carter becomes president and CEO at ALM
Chris Smith becomes SVP of sales at Think Realtime
Danny Sullivan becomes contributing columnist at CNET
Kelly Ripa hosting the TV Land Awards
Anthony Anderson joins NBC's 'DILFs'
Mamie Gummer joins CW's 'First Cut'

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Overnights
First night of 'Idol' finals push Fox to first
Reality competition averages a 5.6 in adults 18-49, up 14 percent from last Wednesday but off 30 percent from same night last year

Television
Buyers to NBC: Keep these four shows
'Smash,' 'Up All Night,' '30 Rock' and 'Parenthood' top the list of shows on the bubble that readers think should be renewed

Dayparts update
ABC's 'GMA' creeps up on NBC's 'Today'
Shrinks the gap in total viewers and adults 25-54 to its narrowest in 16 years, as the No. 2 gains and the longtime leader ebbs

Here & there
Rush Limbaugh: Sponsors are not fleeing
Other shorts: Coming surge in political spending - 'Voice' going to two nights a week - Fox News wins Super Tuesday - 2011 saw big boost in coupons

Media economy
Globally at least, a robust 2012
Worldwide ad spending is forecast to rise 4.9 percent this year, versus 2.7 for the U.S. Talking with Strategy Analytics' Leika Kawasaki.

TV Reviews
'Game Change,' a well-drawn Sarah Palin
Julianne Moore captures the personality of the politician in this HBO movie, taking her beyond the parody created by Tina Fey

TV This Week
In the Oscars afterglow, 'Saving Face'
A week after winning an Academy Award, the short documentary about the disfiguring of Pakistani women is airing on HBO

People
Tommy Hilfiger joins 'American Idol'
Calle Sjoenell becomes CCO at Ogilvy New York
Felix DiFilippo becomes publisher at Car and Driver and Road & Track
Sarah Tomassi Lindman becomes SVP of program strategy at Oxygen
A.G. Sulzberger moves to Metro desk at NY Times
Four join the national sales team at EYE USA
Jeffrey Brown becomes associate publisher at Motor Trend
Ed Palluth rises to EVP of distribution at AMC/Sundance Channel
Brian Carr becomes VP of strategic sales at WGN America
Harry Sawyers becomes features editor at Gizmodo
News artist Franklin McMahon dies at age 90
Andrea Au Levitt becomes senior editor at Reader's Digest
Mark Wahlberg developing 'Teamsters' at A&E

Friday, March 09, 2012

Overnights
Fox and CBS tie for first in 18-49s
CBS has the night's top show with 'Big Bang Theory' averaging a 5.1 at 8 p.m. Fox's 'Idol' is down 27 percent from last year

Television
Come fall, look for a slew of comedies
Some 46 sitcoms are in development, the most in many years, as the genre flourishes, accounting for half the top 10 shows

Dayparts update
ABC's 'The Revolution': Bombing big time
Talk show is off 39 percent from the soap it replaced, 'One Life to Live,' to the delight of 'Live' fans, who are still fuming mightily

Here & there
PETA to Rush: How about running our ad?
Other shorts: Time Inc's Laura Lang picks her lieutenants - TLC cancels 'All-American Muslim - ABC slots a summer singing competition

Media economy
What's behind the dip in job ad spending
Hiring is actually up but employers are turning to other means to attract applicants. Talking with Borrell's Kip Cassino.

TV Reviews
'Shahs of Sunset,' spoiled Iranian brats
Think 'Real Housewives' with singles with lots of money from their immigrant parents but not much else going for them--or viewers

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: 'Ultimate Fighter' live on FX; Saturday: 'Big Time Movie' on Nick; Sunday: NCAA selection show on CBS

People
Britney Spears close to joining 'X Factor'
Angie Vieira Barocas becomes partner at Mother NY
Brian Marks becomes VP of motorsports at Front Row Marketing
Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes buys The New Republic
Susan St. Ledger becomes president at Buddy Media
Gemma Sieff joins and Stellene Volandes rises at Town & Country
Eric Wieffering rises to AME at the Star Tribune
Willa Paskin becomes TV critic at Salon
Holly Hines becomes VP of development at FremantleMedia
Bryan Bell becomes EP at 'CNN Newsroom'
Andy Cohen and Giuliana Rancic hosting 'Miss USA'
Carrie-Anne Moss joins CBS drama pilot
Tommy Hilfiger joins 'American Idol'

Monday, March 12, 2012

Overnights
ABC's 'GCB' sees lift in its second week
Drama averages a 2.3 rating among viewers 18-49, No. 1 in its timeslot and up slightly from a 2.2 for last week's premiere

Sports TV
A media buyer's guide to March Madness
The tourney tops them all when it comes to fan engagement, and it's a big deal for advertisers, with spots going for $1.24 million

Here & there
Full-year 2011 spending up just 0.8 percent
Other shorts: Pew: Friends' politics are often a surprise - Special 'The Mentalist' gives CBS a Friday lift - Big falloff for ABC's 'Affliction' on Saturday

Market profile
Chicago: Cools as national demand eases
Outlook is for a solid 2012, with TV spending rising by the low single digits, following a slowing from a strong start in January

TV Reviews
'Navajo Cops,' off the reservation
National Geographic Channel series hypes the suspense element with scant effect, and it's not helped by a supernatural twist

TV This Week
Bachelor Ben beware: Courtney's cunning
ABC's 'Bachelor' has one thing going for it entering its season finale, a truly villainous contestant. But it's not helped ratings.

This week in out of home
Your client's ad in supermarkets
Everybody shops, including a surprising number of dads, and advertising is a smart way to catch them in a spending mood

What's new in alternative media
Your client at blogger conferences
Toys come alive for generous hearts
Your client's message on inflatables
Strong 2011 for out of home media

People
Barack Obama appearing on truTV
Christophe Cauvy becomes European head of digital at JWT
Nate Smeltz joins and Jenn Toner rises at Turner
Billboard publisher Lisa Ryan Howard exits
Rene Rodriguez becomes VP of digital media at Viacom
Nicholas Thompson becomes editor at NewYorker.com
Sports writer Tony Grossi leaves the Cleveland Plain Dealer
Dennis Albano becomes CEO at ZiXi
Stephanie Green becomes arts and leisure reporter at Bloomberg
Susan Lucci joins ABC's 'Devious Maids'
Angela Bassett joins Fox drama pilot
Vanessa Williams joins ABC's '666 Park Avenue'
Carla Gugino joins USA's 'Political Animals'

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Overnights
Less spark for ABC's 'Bachelor' finale
Averages a 2.9 in adults 18-49, its lowest ender ever and down 36 percent from last year as bachelor Ben makes an unpopular choice

Cable
They're off: Disney Channel leads upfronts
Top network in kids 6-11 slates its new schedule, including movie 'Teen Beach Musical,' beginning three months of presentations

Cable
Oprah shows she's still got the spark
Sunday's exclusive chat with Whitney Houston's daughter, a major get, pulls 3.5 million total viewers, triple the network's record

Here & there
Latest tally: 141 advertisers abandon Rush
Other shorts: Ex-NOTW editor Brooks arrested once more - ABC's 'Family' shatters DVR ratings record - Programming notes: A 'Housewives' end date

Sports TV
March Madness: All the time, everywhere
With more coverage of the games comes more eyeballs and more advertising to be sold. Speaking with Kantar's Jon Swallen.

TV Reviews
'Fashion Star,' a poorly cut knockoff
NBC series does poorly what Lifetime's 'Project Runway' does so well, failing both as a show about fashion and as a reality show

TV This Week
Living in limbo: Fox's 'Raising Hope'
Much hangs on how the sitcom does leading the new Tuesday comedy block in bid for renewal. At this point ratings are modest.

People
Britney Spears says no to 'X Factor'
Ingrid Vax becomes business development director at Spurrier Media
Jim Wisnionski rises to president at SourceLink Ohio
Leo MacCourtney and Craig Broitman rise at Katz Television
Jim Hoffman, John Kelly and Seth Winter rise at NBC
Luis de la Parra rises to SVP of innovation at Univision
Andrew Wang becomes VP of scripted development at Bravo
Jessica Perry becomes digital VP at National Journal Group
Alex Duda becomes executive producer at 'Steve Harvey'
Larry King hosting online series
Investigative reporter Jay McMullen dies at age 90
Martha Stewart guesting on CBS's '2 Broke Girls'
Stockard Channing and John Fuller join ABC pilot

Monday, March 19, 2012

Overnights
Basketball boosts CBS to first on Sunday
Barely edges ABC with a 2.3 adults 18-49 rating, as hoops lifts '60 Minutes' to a 2.5. ABC has top show with 'Once Upon A Time.'

Sports TV
March Madness off to a strong start
First weekend draws best ratings in 18 years, averaging 6 million viewers, up 3 percent over last year, when it expanded to cable

Here & there
Nielsen: We're doing TV-online ratings now
Other shorts: OWN axes low-rated 'Rosie' - HGTV Magazine gets launch date - 'Life' retracts Apple story - Programming notes - Weekend overnights

Market profile
San Francisco: Buoyed by automotive
TV spending is up 3 percent this year with the return of the largest category and strong demand for sports. Pricing remains flat.

TV Reviews
'Styled by June,' case of crossed stars
The lead character is upstaged by her effeminate assistant in this VH1 reality series, which makes her--and it--easy to forget

TV This Week
For ABC's 'Stars,' hoping to find the beat
Show took a ratings hit last fall over a cast that proved a turnoff to viewers. Now it has a new cast but must face NBC's 'Voice.'

Overnights
So-so debut for new ABC drama 'Missing'
The rating wasn't great, a 2.0 in 18-49s, but it improved the timeslot despite lower overall viewing levels due to daylight saving

Newspapers
Yet another rough year for newspapers
Ad revenue falls 7.3 percent in 2011, to $23.9 billion, lowest since 1984. One bright spot: Online, which rose 6.8 percent.

This week in out of home
Your client's ads at the hospital
More than 100 million people visit them each year, and advertisers can reach that audience through digital video networks and signage

What's new in alternative media
Hotel from hell: Welcome to Alcatraz
Toys come alive for generous hearts
Strong 2011 for out of home media
Suddenly Paris, on a wintry Seattle day

People
Dennis Miller joins ABC comedy
No verdict in Nicollette Sheridan's 'Housewives' case
C-Span founder and CEO Brian Lamb leaving
Bill Rosolie becomes SVP of national ad sales at ReelzChannel
Carl Lavin becomes homepage editor at CNN
Sara Libby becomes associate editor at Talking Points Memo
Alan Shifman becomes senior editorial programmer at Yahoo Canada
Lisa Ling hosting CBS's 'The Job'
Ellen K narrating TLC's 'My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding'
Matthew Rhys joins FX's pilot 'The Americans'
Yunjin Kim joins ABC summer series 'Mistresses'
John Corbett joins CBS's pilot 'Widow Detective'
Danai Gurira joins AMC's 'The Walking Dead'

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Overnights
Out of step: ABC's 'Dancing' debut drops
Averages a 3.5 in 18-49s, down 13 percent from last fall, airing against NBC's hit 'The Voice,' which dips to a season-low 4.5

Cable
Another blow for struggling OWN: Layoffs
Oprah Winfrey Network cuts 30 jobs, a fifth of its workforce, as part of a broader move by Discovery to get the network on track

Here & there
Fist pumps and baby bumps: MTV reups 'Shore'
Other shorts: ABC Family slates three new shows at upfront - Programming notes: Fox sets finale dates - Pew: 57 percent of kids 12-13 have cells

Cable
For AMC, a hot year, and not likely to cool
Zombie drama 'Walking Dead' ends season setting cable record with 9 million viewers. Up next: Return of critic fave 'Mad Men.'

New media
How mobile is changing our news habits
More than a quarter of Americans get news via mobile devices, way ahead of social networks. Talking with PEJ's Tom Rosenstiel.

TV Reviews
'Bent,' a sitcom to wrap your arms around
NBC show takes a tired premise--a couple deciding whether to hook up--and gives it life with smart writing and a strong cast

TV This Week
Fitting match: 'Hardcore Pawn' and hoops
Hit truTV series returns for season five after heavy promotion in last week's NCAA basketball tourney. Expect a ratings bump.

People
Mistrial declared in Nicollette Sheridan lawsuit
Scott Schwartz becomes senior partner at MEC
Scott Justis, Justin Fortier and A.J. Freysteinson join Pearl Media
Radha Subramanyam becomes EVP of sales research at Clear Channel
BBC director general Mark Thompson stepping down
Rose Catherine Pinkney becomes VP of development at TV Land
Chris Phillips becomes mountain group publisher at Bonnier Corp.
Brian Nyemchek rises to VP of NBC Sports Vertical
Chris Batty becomes publisher of Atlantic Media's business brand
Brian Kightlinger rises to VP of corporate sales at Meredith
Former Star Tribune publisher John Cowles Jr. dies at 82
Steve Bannon and Laurence Solov rise at Breitbart News Network
Tommy Pizzo, Brian Colbert and Brian Mikalis join Pandora

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Overnights
'NCIS' paces CBS to a Tuesday night win
Drama averages a 3.3 in 18-49s, easily the evening's top show, helping network to a 29 percent advantage over No. 2 NBC

Newspapers
NY Times: We're jacking up our paywall
Reducing to 10 the number of free articles per month, down from 20, in a move that should bring in hefty subscription revenues

Here & there
OMG: 'Liars' finale sets social media record
Other shorts: TV One and IFC upfronts - Study: Young women get news from social media - Wired and New York lead Digital Ellies - Programming notes

Broadcast recap
Fox chugs along to its eighth season win
Even as 'American Idol' plunges 25 percent, network still holds a lead over No. 2 CBS, averaging a 3.3 in 18-49s to a 3.1 (charts)

Cable recap
Smart Super Bowl play for 'Swamp People'
History show hits a series-high 5.2 million total viewers after the network ran a spot for the show during the big game (charts)

TV Reviews
'VH1 Couples Therapy,' let's just call it off
The couples on this new VH1 series, an unlikeable lot, should probably split, and viewers will likely follow them out the door

TV This Week
Midseason's hot trend: The comedy block
'Bent' joins NBC's 'Whitney' and 'Chelsea' in a two-hour shot of comedies, coming weeks after Fox launched a Tuesday block

People
Kathy Bates guesting on 'Two and a Half Men'
Matt Haynes and Kerry Antezana join Banyan Branch
Justin Booth-Clibborn becomes head of integrated production at BBH
Gregory McCastle becomes president at Cablevision Media Sales
Dom Rossi and Roger Domal rise at Fox News Channel
Greg Maurer and Susan Gonzales join Facebook
Ellen Lovejoy rises to VP of international sales at A&E
Emiliano Saccone becomes president of MundoFox
Rene Morales becomes Las Vegas GM at Univision Radio
Meredith Marakovits becomes clubhouse reporter at YES
Eddie Izzard joins NBC's 'Mockingbird Lane'
Marston Hefner pleads no contest to domestic violence charge
'Real Housewives' star Kim Zolciak expecting second child

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Overnights
NBC's 'Bent' bombs in Wednesday bow
New sitcom averages a 1.0 in 18-49s in its first episode and a 0.9 in its second, despite earning good reviews. Fox wins the night.

Cable
Cable sees a strong first quarter after all
Grows 3 percent in 18-49s, led by TBS and smaller networks like AMC, even as some top networks decline. Also off: Broadcast.

Media economy
For buyers, a case of haves and have-nots
Some media people are benefiting from the recovery, but others complain they are seeing few or no raises for their long hours

Here & there
Report: OWN will lose $142.9 million this year
Other shorts: Brown: Newsweek will make money eventually - Romney win votes, but Paul wins web followers - GSN upfront - Programming notes

Alternative media
'Off to the slopes we go, on the heli-bus'
Half bus, half helicopter, it delivers skiers to the mountain top. It's also a clever sight gag that generates lots of laughs.

TV Reviews
'Leave It to Niecy,' a sitcom you can skip
Comedian Niecy Nash's life may indeed be like a sitcom but this new series on TLC works neither as a sitcom nor a reality series

TV This Week
Big question: Can 'Touch' now deliver?
Fox series returns behind 'American Idol' after a January preview that was the season's second-best debut for a new drama

People
Gary Pruitt takes the top job at the Associated Press
Derek Green becomes ECD at Cramer Krasselt
Scott Loos becomes VP of national sales at Adspace Networks
Tracy Pitcher, Rebecca Scilingo and Amy Stipandic rise at Comcast
Adam Dolgins becomes SVP of original programming at truTV
Justin Breton becomes senior integrated marketing manager at W
Erin Medley becomes senior producer at VH1.com
Jolene Bouchon becomes deputy digital editor at Everyday Food
Elijah Wood and Donald Sutherland starring in Syfy's 'Treasure Island'
Jenna-Louise Coleman joins BBC America's 'Doctor Who'
Patrick Stewart hosting the Peabody Awards
Famke Janssen and Bill Skarsgard starring in Netflix' 'Hemlock Grove'
Stephanie March joins CBS's 'Baby Big Shot'

Friday, March 23, 2012

Overnights
Fox's 'American Idol' slides to a season low
Averages a 4.0 in 18-49s, off 13 percent from last week, but new drama 'Touch' draws a solid 3.2 with overall TV viewership dropping

Television
Encore for NBC's musical drama 'Smash'
Network orders a second season of the show, its top drama with a 2.6 rating in 18-49s, thanks to a lift from lead-in 'The Voice'

Here & there
Bloomberg TV slashes 30 jobs in digital push
Other shorts: Media Matters launches anti-Rush ad blitz - Programming notes- Blogger resigns over Obama photo - PBS reverses on 'Lens' move

Cable
What makes 'Mad Men' so buzzworthy
AMC drama returns after a long absence amid a storm of hype, despite its low ratings. Talking with Syracuse's Robert Thompson.

Rachel speaks
Rachel, how do I ask my boss for a raise?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions of Media Life's career strategist. Rachel responds with her best advice.

TV Reviews
'Ball Boys,' a solid hit, if not a home run
There's something infectious about this ABC series about a sports memorabilia shop. It's in the passion of the men who work there.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Fox's 'Fringe' returns; Saturday: OWN's 'Unfaithful' finale; Sunday: 'Mad Men' premiere on AMC

People
Hugh Dancy joins NBC's 'Hannibal'
Amy Stepp and Shelby Siurek join the Brandon Agency
Heather Gregg becomes associate media director at Media Storm
Jordan Atlas and Troy Scarlott rise at Ignited
Carl Raymond joins the Lisa Ekus Group
Cameron Harris becomes creative director at Crispin Porter + Bogusky
Dan Menzel rises to SVP of cable sales at Warner Bros. Domestic TV
Charlie Foley rises to SVP of development at Animal Planet
Bill Barker and Randy Gaeckle rise at Clear Channel
Bernhard Glock joins the advisory board at Zooppa
Edith Chapin becomes senior foreign editor at NPR
David Millikin becomes Washington bureau chief at Agence France-Presse
Radio One president Barry Mayo resigns

Monday, March 26, 2012

Overnights
Basketball bounces CBS ahead of ABC
Averages a 2.3 in adults 18-49 Sunday night, boosted by Kansas-UNC game, which bled into primetime. ABC posts a 2.2, led by 'Time.'

Sports TV
College hoops ease after a hot start
NCAA tourney averaging a 5.5 household rating, down 4 percent from last year, after early games earned best start in 18 years

Alternative media
In Times Square, a Texas-sized stunt
A man in a cowboy hat is shown on a billboard taking a shower, real steam rising around him. The message: 'Dallas' is back.

Here & there
James Murdoch quits another News Corp. post
Other shorts: LA council to radio: Clean up your act - Friday overnights: Basketball scores for CBS - Saturday overnights: Another CBS win

Market profile
Philadelphia: Off to a slow start in 2012
TV demand and pricing are off, unlike in so many other markets, but it could turn around with auto and political expected to rise

TV Reviews
'Brooklyn 11223,' take the very first exit
The feuds between these Italian-American kids may be real on this Oxygen series, but their lives are dead-end, and not interesting

TV This Week
For Fox's 'Alcatraz,' the jury's still out
New drama airs its season finale against tough competition, NBC's 'Voice' and ABC's 'Stars,' its prospects for renewal unclear

This week in out of home
Your client's ad out with the trash
Ads on public trash cans and recycling bins reach a wide audience. Bonus: They're cheaper than most out-of-home signage

What's new in alternative media
'Up the slopes we go, on the heli-bus'
Hotel from hell: Welcome to Alcatraz
Toys come alive for generous hearts
Strong 2011 for out of home media

People
Camille Grammer leaving 'Real Housewives'
Jason Friedlander becomes senior director at Trailer Park
Jeff Wellington becomes group publisher at Meredith Parents Network
Princell Hair rises to SVP of news and talent at NBC Sports Group
Stephen H. Segal becomes editor in chief at Philadelphia Weekly
Lisa Tonlin rises to East Coast entertainment editor at the AP
Dan Mihalopoulos joins The Chicago Sun-Times
Maria Bello joining Fox's 'Touch'
Eva LaRue guesting on ABC comedy pilot
Jenny Slate joins CBS's 'Super Fun Night'
Ella Rae Peck joins NBC's 'Notorious'
Rus Blackwell joins Cinemax's 'Banshee'
Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott expecting fourth child

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Overnights
NBC wins seventh Monday in eight weeks
Averages a 3.7 in 18-49s to ABC's 2.9, paced as usual by 'The Voice,' the night's top show with a 4.4. 'Stars' draws a 3.3.

Sports TV
As Tiger roars, Masters prospects soar
Beleaguered golfer's victory on Sunday lifts hopes that he'll be a contender in next week's Masters, in a sure ratings boon for CBS

Here & there
YouTube restricts Madonna's naughty new video
Other shorts: Police detain NY Times wall crawler - Programming notes: VH1 renews 'T.I. & Tiny' - Nat Geo upfront: Six new shows on tap

Cable
A record return for much-hyped 'Mad Men'
Fifth-season premiere averages a series-high 3.5 million total viewers, up 21 percent over season four, after a 17-month break

Media economy
Behind the slowdown in local advertising
Ad spending fell 2.4 percent last year and for a variety of reasons it will grow slowly the next few years. Taking with BIA/Kelsey's Mark Fratrik.

TV Reviews
'The Pauly D Project,' not all that bad
Imagine 'Jersey Shore' meets 'Real World' and you could end up with a truly awful show. This 'Shore' spinoff is not that show.

TV This Week
On '19 Kids,' real reality meets TV reality
Michelle Duggar miscarries her 20th child on the season finale on TLC, then explains the loss to her other 19 children

People
Nick Pahade leading Initiative North America
Jimmy Kimmel hosting the Primetime Emmys
Clay Mills rises to managing director at Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam
Sara Nelson and Dan Weston rise at Knock
Andrew Jackson becomes production EVP at Discovery Channel
Lincoln Millstein rises to deputy group head of Hearst Newspapers
Jenna Boyd and Brian Wright rise at Nickelodeon
Graig Hale rises to VP of business development at Sportsman Channel
Melanie Bromley and Alicia Quarles join E!
Correction: We got Stephen H. Segal's work history wrong
Former National Review managing editor Priscilla L. Buckley dies at 90
Graham Greene joins Syfy's 'Defiance'
Jack Osbourne undergoes appendectomy

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Overnights
ABC gets a lift from the return of 'Stars'
Results show averages a 3.0 in adults 18-49, second on the night behind CBS's 'NCIS' and boosting the network 77 percent over last week

Broadcast recap
Q: Who's got the top shows? A: NBC.
Network may be struggling but it's got two winners, No. 1 'SNF' with an 8.0 in 18-49s and No. 2 'The Voice' with 7.0 (charts)

Here & there
Arbitron settles suit over minority listeners
Other shorts: News Corp.'s woes spread to Australia - Netflix: We'll pass on 'Terra Nova' - Study: NASCAR tops in sponsorship recall - Programming notes

Cable recap
Peyton signs, and NFL Network scores
Channel's primetime average shoots up 269 percent in a week when Manning joins the Broncos and Tim Tebow's traded (charts)

TV Reviews
'Mary Mary,' double dose of not much
The big draw of this WE tv series about the gospel sister act is figuring out which sister is which. It's pretty routine after that.

TV This Week
A broader take on Trayvon Martin
NBC's 'Rock Center' revisits the death of the Florida teen from a different angle: What it's like to be black in America

People
Ashton Kutcher close to returning to 'Men'
Chad Walker becomes creative director at Victors & Spoils
Serena Ehrlich and Anthony Ward join Mogreet
Suzanne McDonnell becomes SVP of sales strategy at Discovery
Gary Garfinkel and Kent Sevener rise at Showtime
Gary Drevitch becomes senior editor at Next Avenue
Morgan Bohannon rises to market manager at Clear Channel
Brian Gruseke becomes publisher at Sunset
Isoul H. Harris rises to executive editor at Uptown
Herb Ford becomes account executive at Live Well Network
Whoopi Goldberg guesting on Fox's 'Glee'
Michelle Obama appearing on Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards
Martina Navratilova booted from 'Dancing with the Stars'

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Overnights
'American Idol' boosts Fox to another win
Averages a 5.0 in 18-49s, bettering the other Big Four networks combined, on a night littered with reruns. CBS finishes No. 2.

Cable
For OWN, promising numbers, at last
Just when things look darkest for the Oprah Winfrey network, first quarter ratings are out, and they're up smartly in key demos

Sports TV
News Corp.'s big play: Taking on ESPN
Fox parent aims to launch a major sports network by year's end with rights deals already in place with its smaller channels

Here & there
Nielsen and ABC exploring iPad video ratings
Other shorts: New site targets anti-Limbaugh campaign - Programming notes - Cartoon Network upfront - Study: Social media ad spending soars

Research
On social media, we put on our best face
Call it our idealized self. It likes high-minded brands. But there is another, private self, our true self, say these researchers.

TV Reviews
'Punk'd,' hanging on star power
MTV reboot will be hosted by a different celeb each week, and few will have the pop appeal of the original host, Ashton Kutcher

TV This Week
A true survivor: 'Rules of Engagement'
CBS sitcom, now in its sixth season, may get low marks for quality but it's an ace placefiller, all but ensuring its renewal

People
Chris Rock producing FX talk show
John McNeel becomes global managing director at Fleishman-Hillard
Anatole Kaletsky joining Reuters as a columnist
John Curbishley becomes EVP of business development at AccentHealth
Nicholas Jackson and Todd Hodgson join Outside
Oprah Winfrey guesting on 'CBS This Morning'
Joe Levy becomes editor in chief at Billboard
NeNe Leakes joins NBC's 'The New Normal'
Ken Howard joins ABC's 'Counter Culture'
Trent Ford joins CW's 'Shelter'
Chaz Bono eyeing a reality dating series
Barbara Walters wins defamation lawsuit
Rosario Dawson and Gale Anne Hurd developing A&E drama

Friday, March 30, 2012

Overnights
Fox wins 11th straight Thursday with 'Idol'
Averages a 3.5 in 18-49s with CBS just behind at a 3.2, lifted by the return of the night's No. 1 show, 'Big Bang,' with a 4.5

Cable
Sheen to media buyers: 'I'm sane again'
Actor hawks his new show at the FX upfront with assurances he's clean, sober and focused (never mind last year's shenanigans)

Here & there
Nielsen: Almost half now have smartphones
Other shorts: Fox renews veteran drama 'Bones' - News Corp. fights sabotage charge - Food Network upfront - Clear Channel: No ads for iHeart Radio

Dayparts update
Bumpy start for 'CBS This Morning'
Longtime third-place news show falls 11 percent in total viewers during first quarter with new hosts Charlie Rose and Gayle King

TV Reviews
'Magic City,' lots of glitter, little gold
Starz drama recreates a romantic era in the manner of 'Mad Men,' and it's beautifully done, but the script fails to live up to its promise

Rachel speaks
What do media people make, on average?
This may be the most frequent question asked by media planners and buyers. Here Rachel does her best to provide an answer.

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Fox's 'Nightmares' finale;' Saturday: Final Four on CBS; Sunday: 'The Killing' returns on AMC

People
Katie Couric guest-hosting 'GMA'
Monica Karo becomes president at PHD
Sloan Schroeder and Julia Lafferty rise at CP+B
John Temple becomes managing editor at The Washington Post
Randi Siegel rises to executive fashion director at Men's Health
Hana Zidek becomes director of EMEA content sales at A&E
Lee Gardner joining The Chronicle of Higher Education
New York Daily News managing editor Bob Sapio exits
Stu Woo becomes sports writer at The Wall Street Journal
Erik Yates becomes East Coast integrated ad director at EW
Catherine Mallette becomes senior features editor at The Baltimore Sun
New Jim Rome show bows on CBS Sports Network next week
Martha Stewart appearing in Zynga social game

Monday, April 02, 2012

Overnights
Country music awards lift CBS on Sunday
Show averages a 3.1 in 18-49s, tops for the night though down 6 percent from last year. ABC's 'Time' boosts network to second place

Cable
Current to Olbermann: You're fired
Al Gore network boots testy host after less than a year (and months of feuding). Network's challenge: Where to go from here.

Here & there
CBS nets best Final Four since 2005
Other shorts: Lottery fever lifts ABC's '20/20' - Vieira returns to 'Today' - OWN makes new Comcast deal - SAG and AFTRA merge - Tribune fighting DirecTV

Market profile
Los Angeles: Slow but starting to heat up
TV is down 3 to 5 percent to start the year, but auto spending is strong and political will rise sharply in the second half of 2012

TV Reviews
'Betty White's Off Their Rockers,' off-ful
She's 90 and still the consummate trouper but this NBC skit show fails to tap into her talent, instead delivering tired, unfunny shticks

TV This Week
For 'Bones,' a well-deserved early pickup
It's the network's first renewal, and it comes as the utility player moves to yet another new timeslot, with ratings still steady

This week in out of home
Your client giving folks a free lift
Advertisers can sponsor a bus, a pedicab or even a rickshaw to cart people around town while getting in a push for their product

What's new in alternative media
In Times Square, a Texas-sized stunt
'Up the slopes we go, on the heli-bus'
Hotel from hell: Welcome to Alcatraz
Toys come alive for generous hearts

People
Bobbi Kristina Brown joins TBS comedy
Mauro Cavalletti becomes chief integration officer at JWT Brazil
Deirdre Foley-Mendelssohn becomes a senior editor at Harper's
Paul Johnson becomes executive director of marketing at Al Jazeera
David Millikin rises to regional director at AFP
Emiliano Saccone becomes president at MundoFox
Anna Dickson becomes senior photo editor at AOL/Huffington Post
Dermot Mulroney joins HBO's 'Enlightened'
Ricky Whittle joins VH1's 'Single Ladies'
Erin Way joins the cast of Syfy's 'Alphas'
Ben Cross joins Cinemax's 'Banshee'
Stone Phillips appearing on PBS's 'NewsHour'
Newseum gets Andy Rooney's desk

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Overnights
'Stars' and 'Voice' slide against CBS's hoops
Reality shows fall to season lows opposite the Kentucky-Kansas game but a couple dramas see gains: NBC's 'Smash' and Fox's 'Bones'

Cable
Wounded return for AMC's 'The Killing'
Second-season bow dips 18 percent from season one finale after fan outrage over failure to name Rosie Larsen's murderer

Here & there
James Murdoch resigns as BSkyB chairman
Other shorts: Oprah: I made a lot of mistakes with OWN - ANA: More marketers slash budgets - Philly papers get fourth owner in six years - Programming notes

Sports TV
With the start of baseball, whiff of change
Two more teams will make the playoffs, under a change of rules. How will fans react? Talking with Northwestern's Irving Rein.

Alternative media
'Ah, spring, the ice melts, and off we ride'
Bikes are encased in giant ice blocks and placed around town. As the ice melts, the bikes are freed. Client: Bike share program.

TV Reviews
'Best Friends Forever,' maybe not forever
Friendship can exact a toll, and this show exacts one as well in its explicit talk and tired sitcom devices, but it may be worth it

TV This Week
Now it's the women's turn in the spotlight
Notre Dame plays Baylor for the national title on ESPN, UConn having been eliminated. What to watch for: A player who can dunk.

People
Martin Sheen playing Charlie Sheen's dad
Madhvi Pahwa becomes global talent director at Maxus
Michael Riley and Sam Hart join Titan Air
Stu Garrett becomes creative director and art director at Doremus
Deborah Bart becomes VP of production at Syfy
Lauren Gellert becomes SVP of production at WE tv
Artie Altman, Chris Jordan and Dave Bisceglia rise at Katz TV Group
Megan Sullivan becomes VP of digital sales at PGOA Media
Paul Goldberger becomes contributing editor at Vanity Fair
Maria Mager becomes manager of integrated promotions at RLTV
David Slade directing NBC's 'Hannibal'
Robert and Michelle King sign new CBS deal
Actress Lisa Robin Kelly arrested on domestic violence charge

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Overnights
'Voice' carries NBC to a tie for first place
First results show averages a 3.2 in 18-49s, No. 1 for the night. ABC's falling 'Stars' is No. 2. Fox's 'New Girl' dips to new low.

Magazines
It's here, finally: The digital newsstand
Next Issue Media's new app allows tablet users access to three dozen magazines for a monthly price. Call it Netflix for magazines.

Here & there
'Today' stays ahead of Couric's 'GMA'
Other shorts: Lauer to Seacrest: You'd be great at my job - Olbermann on Current - Nielsen: Tiger not very marketable - Mort-al combat: NY tabs feud

Broadcast recap
A final bounce for March Madness
Title game rises 4 percent, to 20.9 million viewers, but overall tourney ratings fall 4 percent from 2011 as Kentucky wins (charts)

Cable recap
For 'Game of Thrones,' a kingly return
HBO drama pulls a series-high 3.9 million in second-season bow, up 74 percent over last year's not so promising debut (charts)

Magazines
It's New York and The New Yorker, again
Titles receive six nods apiece for the National Magazine Awards, including general excellence. GQ is up for five and Wired four.

TV Reviews
'Scandal,' much Rhimes, little reason
Steamy goings-on power the medical dramas of the creator of this new ABC political drama. Here they come off as improbable.

TV This Week
Early line on the World Series: The Phillies
Defending champion Cardinals, who open play on ESPN, aren't likely to repeat. What's Philadelphia's edge? Strong pitching.

People
David Letterman re-ups at CBS
Erica Farber rises to president and CEO at the RAB
Matt Corey becomes CMO at Mass Relevance
Aaron Finely becomes VP of sales at The Daily Caller
Dena Potter rises to news editor at the AP
Scripps Networks chief legal officer A.B. Cruz III stepping down
David Crowl becomes regional VP at Cumulus
Marci Weisler becomes COO at EachScape
Sitara Nieves becomes a producer at American Public Media
Neil Patrick Harris hosting the Tony Awards
Christopher Mintz-Plasse joins CBS's 'Friend Me'
Dean Cain starring in VH1's 'Bounce'

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Overnights
Fond farewell: 'Hill' series finale lifts the CW
Two-hour ender averages a 1.4 in network's target women 18-34, its best Wednesday in a year as WB holdover ends a nine-year run

Television
Buyers pick 'Voice' over 'Idol' as top show
Supplants the long-running Fox hit as the No. 1 singing competition. Best network: CBS. Best new show: 'Revenge.'

Here & there
Bravo upfront: 11 new shows and 8 renewals
Other shorts: Arab spring inspires three Peabody Awards - Study: 12 mags closed in Q1 - Programming notes - Pew: A fifth have now read e-books

Television
Katie Couric fails to end 'Today's' reign
Gives ABC's 'GMA' a lift sitting in as a guest host but not enough to nip the NBC show's longtime lead among morning news shows

New media
What it will take to turn Yahoo around
The online giant just cut another 2,000 jobs, and its prospects seem bleak under its new CEO. But it can be saved with the right moves.

TV Reviews
'The Client List,' trashy to its very core
Lifetime drama gets away with the most implausible nonsense largely because it doesn't pretend to be anything more than it is

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Thursday: ABC's 'Scandal;' Friday: Royals vs. Angels on ESPN; Saturday: Sofia Vergara on NBC's 'SNL;' Sunday: CBS's Masters

People
William Marimow returning to Philly Inquirer
Lourdes Marquez becomes director of local broadcast at Media Storm
Adam Khan becomes senior digital strategist at Valtech Digital
Stephanie Dolgins and Cris Barrett join Outcast
Karen K. Miller rises to executive director at Disney Channel
Jeff Haley becomes president and CEO at Marketron
Perry Priestley becomes VP of sales at Thomson Broadcast
Sports reporter Hakem Dermish joins ESPN
Report: Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg and Jason Sudeikis leaving 'SNL'
Josh Duhamel guesting on Disney's 'Jake and the Never Land Pirates'
Briga Heelan joins ABC's 'Counter Culture'
Lisa Vidal joins BET's 'Being Mary Jane'
Alan Perris re-ups at the Academy of TV Arts & Sciences

Monday, April 09, 2012

Overnights
Masters lifts CBS to an easy Sunday win
Two-hole playoff averages a 3.5 adults 18-49 rating, the top show of the night. NBC's 'Apprentice' grows 11 percent to a 2.0.

Television
Fox switches to sports on Saturday nights
Replacing reality shows with NASCAR, UFC and MLB in a bid to lift ratings on the night, which has become a wasteland of reruns

Television
Remembering Mike Wallace, crusader
'60 Minutes' reporter didn't so much interview people as interrogate them, and it made him a legend. He died Saturday at age 93.

Here & there
Matt Lauer re-signs with 'Today' after all
Other shorts: NBC axes producer who edited Martin call - FCC may require stations to post political $ online - Weekend overnights

Market profile
Detroit: Improving with a surge in auto
Spending and pricing on TV are flat to last year, which is an improvement for the long-lagging market. Radio is up slightly.

TV Reviews
'Mama's Boys of the Bronx,' stuck in first
TLC reality series, while entertaining, sticks so closely to the cliches about Italian men it's at risk of running out of material

TV This Week
Looking back to the first modern 'Family'
'Family Ties' was ahead of its time, tackling topics like racism and alcoholism. Here's a warm retrospective on TV Guide Network.

This week in out of home
Your client with the Harlem Globetrotters
These masters of comedy and basketball draw a large family crowd, with ad options including silly on-court contests and giveaways

What's new in alternative media
'Ah, spring, the ice melts, off we ride'
In Times Square, a Texas-sized stunt
'Up the slopes we go, on the heli-bus'
Hotel from hell: Welcome to Alcatraz

People
Current countersues Keith Olbermann
Scott Berwitz becomes corporate communications director at Mindshare
Jim Harper rises to partner at Boxing Clever
NY Daily News' Richard Huff jumps to CBS News
John Driscoll becomes VP of corporate sales at Bonnier Corp.
Erick Schurenberg rises to editor at Inc.
Jimmy Smits joins FX's 'Sons of Anarchy'
John Amos, Ethan Suplee and Sydney Park join CBS comedy pilot
Peri Gilpin joining CBS's 'CSI'
Dick Wolf and Mark Burnett developing reality competition
TV journalist Gil Noble dies at age 80
David Walton joins CBS comedy pilot
Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino leaves rehab

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Overnights
'Voice' buoys NBC to another Monday win
Averages a 3.9 in 18-49s, a season low but still the evening's top show. CBS sitcoms slide to new lows too, and Fox dramas drop.

Sports TV
Bubba's Masters win is a bogey for CBS
Sunday round averages an 8.1 household rating, down 22 percent from last year and lowest since 2004. Easter holiday didn't help.

Here & there
'Today' keeps its lead over Couric's 'GMA'
Other shorts: Facebook buys Instagram for $1 billion - Nielsen: U.S. ad revenue fell in fourth quarter - Programming notes: ABC sets summer schedule

Television
Fox renews three more comedies for fall
Picks up 'New Girl,' 'Raising Hope' and 'Glee,' which join five animated shows. The question now: Which dramas will be back?

New media
The argument for a digital video upfront
Almost half of viewers look up brands mentioned in videos, including a large share of baby boomers. Talking with Digitas' Stephanie Sarofian.

TV Reviews
'Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23,' do
ABC sitcom breaks no new ground in its premise or its humor but it has a likable cast, which makes for an amusing half hour

TV This Week
For ABC's 'Body,' proof is in the pulling
Network is yanking the second-year drama early to make way for 'Private Practice,' not a good sign for renewal after ratings dip

People
Cathy Saidiner becomes president at Blitz
Suzy Harvey rises to director of results at Merge
Tim Hartman becomes president at Government Executive Media Group
Karen Marderosian becomes regional manager at The Weather Channel
Mark Medici becomes VP of audience at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Remy Stern becomes digital consultant at The New York Post
Kjerstin Beatty rises to VP of media at Showtime
Yahoo chief product officer Blake Irving exits
Jessica Pressler rises to business columnist at New York
Sheila Monaghan and Greg Emmanuel join Details
Bryan Curtis becomes a writer at Grantland
Carly Zipp becomes PR director at XO Group
CNN apologizes for offensive language

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Overnights
NBC and Fox surge to tie for first on Tuesday
Average a 2.5 in 18-49s, with 'Voice' the night's top show with a 3.5. 'New Girl' soars 17 percent with 'Glee' returning to the schedule.

Media economy
Brighter outlook for the upfront market
Auto and the improving economy will fuel 6 to 10 percent gains for Big Four, according to analysts, with CBS and Fox leading the way

Here & there
Alas, AMI kills off Soap Opera Weekly
Other shorts: HBO renews 'Thrones' - Report: Pay TV bills will double - Bloomberg to FCC: Comcast not playing fair - IAB's new video ad guidelines

Broadcast recap
CBS bounces ever closer to Fox
Wins fourth straight week among 18-49s, with the gap between the two networks down to 0.1, thanks to basketball (charts)

Cable recap
Va-va-voom: Hot start for racy 'Client List'
Drama posts best debut on Lifetime in three years with 2.8 total million viewers, equaling 'Drop Dead Diva.' Quite the trick. (charts)

TV Reviews
'Titanic,' overloaded to the point of sinking
ABC miniseries is crammed with characters and subplots yet fails to bring anything new to the story, falling short of the 1997 movie

TV This Week
Ice to meet you: It's NHL playoff time
Penguins and Flyers open play on NBC Sports Network, and it's a must-see game, never mind the seeding. Player to watch: Crosby.

People
Another nasty Chevy Chase voicemail hits the internet
Tore Erickson becomes VP of sales at Clash Media Mobile
Jennifer Utz rises to VP of development at New Media Strategies
USA Today publisher David Hunke retiring
Maurie Perl moves to SVP of media and communications at Conde Nast
Ryan Payne becomes VP of marketing at Source Interlink Media
Dylan Howard becomes editor in chief at Celebuzz
Joel Schwartz becomes director of affiliate sales at ReelzChannel
Prasad Akella becomes SVP of product management at Intermedia
Matt McKay becomes director of communications at Mendeley
Former NYT Productions producer Edward Harbert II dies at 88
Poppy Harlow becomes reporter at CNN
Sadie Nardini hosting Veria Living series

Monday, April 16, 2012

Overnights
Lackluster debut for CBS's 'NYC 22'
New procedural averages a 1.5 in 18-49s, down a third from what 'CSI: Miami' averaged, though winning the hour in total viewers

New media
Here they are: America's great unwired
Twenty percent of Americans don't use the internet and don't want to, according to Pew, despite the many new methods of delivery

Here & there
Study: Tablets used heavily during TV time
Other shorts: Oops! New Republic cancels WHCA dinner contest - Weekend overnights - Programming notes: BET slates late-night show

Market profile
Seattle-Tacoma: Strong auto boosts TV
Television was down in the first quarter but that's turning around, thanks to cars, along with financial services and liquor retailers

TV Reviews
'Eden's World,' adults behaving badly
She's a 7-year-old beauty pageant star surrounded by bickering grownup handlers on this Logo reality series. The show is awful.

TV This Week
Winning ways: Fast cars and superstars
'Top Gear' returns for its 18th season on BBC America, and it's also birthing a new spinoff, 'Richard Hammond's Crash Course'

This week in out of home
Your client hanging at the barbershop
It's a great place to target men, especially ethnic males, with ads and samples as they get their hair cut and socialize

What's new in alternative media
You too can sip from the Stanley Cup
'Ah, spring, the ice melts, off we ride'
In Times Square, a Texas-sized stunt
'Up the slopes we go, on the heli-bus'

People
Richard Loomis rises to CMO at Disney Channel
Mike Caguin and Eric Husband rise at Colle+McVoy
Laura Fegley becomes creative director at BBH New York
Mike Abbink becomes creative director at Wolff Olins
Chicago Sun-Times editor Don Hayner retires
Saira Stahl rises to VP of strategy at Gannett
Curt Hecht becomes chief global revenue officer at Weather Channel
Steven Lerner rises to VP of programming at HGTV and DIY Network
Ellen Burstyn joins USA's 'Political Animals'
Jesse Eisenberg appearing on HBO's 'The Newsroom'
Julian Assange's talk show launching tomorrow
Skyler Day joins Lifetime's 'Army Wives'
Dan Stevens narrating BBC America 'Planet Earth' special

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Overnights
'Men' rebounds from last week's series low
CBS sitcom averages a 3.7 in 18-49s, well off from earlier this season but still the night's top show as it awaits word on renewal

Dayparts update
ABC: 'GMA' ends 'Today's' 16-year win streak
Early ratings show ABC with a 13,000 lead over NBC, its first victory since 1995. But final numbers won't be out until Thursday.

Here & there
NHL playoff ratings soar on NBC
Other shorts: Murdoch walls off Herald Sun - 'Girls' bow nothing special - Oprah returns to acting - Study: TV viewers interact with social media

Newspapers
NY Times leads with two Pulitzer Prizes
Winners also include 24-year-old who broke the Penn State scandal and first-time awards for web sites Huffington Post and Politico

TV Reviews
'Braving the Elements,' the joy of heights
Weather Channel series captures the excitement of men working on giant windmills in the face of challenging weather conditions

Social media
Here it is, Media Life's Pinterest webinar
Just follow this link to listen to 'A media buyer's guide to Pinterest,' led by Talking Finger's Bill DeRosa. It runs an hour.

TV This Week
For CW's 'Ringer,' the ultimate cliffhanger
Older-skewing drama heads into its finale with an uncertain fate. While a creative success, the show's ratings don't justify renewal.

People
Mike Tunnicliffe rises at GroupM
Caroline Pennartz rises to social media specialist at LevLane
Tim Castelli rises to president of national sales at Clear Channel
Rena Shapiro becomes director of political ad sales at Pandora
Andrea Ching rises to SVP of CNN and Turner digital ad sales
Evan Shapiro becomes president at Participant Television
Stephen Collins and Gregg Savage join Active Broadband Networks
Gregg Hano becomes CEO at Mag+
Sari Tuschman becomes editor in chief at Foam
The Beach Boys performing on SiriusXM Radio
Mitt Romney invited to host NBC's 'SNL'
Christine Estabrook guesting on ABC's 'Desperate Housewives'
Sarah Stillman wins the Michael Kelly Award

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Overnights
'Practice' slides in new Tuesday night slot
Veteran ABC drama averages a 1.7 in 18-49s, off 29 percent from its Thursday average and a season low, though it still wins hour

Broadcast recap
Meet the Friday night all-stars (really)
NBC's 'Grimm,' ABC's 'Shark Tank' and CBS's 'Boss' are thriving on the low-rated night, topping shows on other evenings (charts)

Here & there
Court bounces Stern's suit against Sirius XM
Other shorts: AOL first to use TV standards for web - FCC to Supremes: Take up Jackson again - Programming notes - Suit claims 'Bachelor' discriminates

Cable recap
Where the boys are: Watching 'Ninjago'
Cartoon Network show, based on the line of popular Lego ninjas who chop and spin, is No. 1 among boys 2-11 and 6-11 (charts)

Alternative media
Sign of the times: Logos on NBA uniforms
They've yet to be approved but they seem imminent as league looks for ways to make money with many of its teams struggling

TV Reviews
'Park Secrets,' but first a bite to eat
Travel Channel show promises visits to little-known gems of parkland but too often delivers side trips to nearby delis and bars

Webinars
Here it is, Media Life's Pinterest webinar
Just follow this link to listen to 'A media buyer's guide to Pinterest,' led by Talking Finger's Bill DeRosa. It runs an hour.

TV This Week
On 'Suburgatory,' a love worth waiting for
'Clueless' star Alicia Silverstone reunites with Jeremy Sisto, and that's drawing buzz for the comedy, which will likely be renewed

People
Vin Scully returns to broadcast booth
Laura Fegley becomes creative director at BBH
Catherine Warburton becomes SVP at Zoom Media
Iain Tait becomes executive creative director at Google
Jason Hyde becomes VP of research at Discovery Channel
Gina Garrubbo becomes SVP at Hearst Magazines International
Chris Kevorkian rises at the Association of Magazine Media
Euridice Ventura becomes VP of affiliate marketing at SBS
Ilima Loomis becomes managing editor at Spirituality & Health
Toronto Star reporter Randy Starkman dies at age 51
Actor Garry Walberg dies at age 90
Jesse Tyler Ferguson guesting on 'Submissions Only'
Gavin DeGraw eliminated from ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars'

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Overnights
ABC's 'B----' holds up decently in week two
Averages a 2.6 in 18-49s, down 10 percent from last week as lead- in 'Modern Family' also falls. Fox wins the night with 'Idol.'

Television
Television legend Dick Clark dies at 82
From 'Bandstand' to New Year's, he was omnipresent as a host for seven decades, though slowed in recent years by a stroke

Television
Remembering Dick Clark, music man
He was a man of many hats, from DJ to host to producer, but his real legacy was mainstreaming rock and roll on 'Bandstand'

Here & there
Online ad spending breaks records in 2011
Other shorts: Another arrest in Sun bribery scandal - Study: Tablet owners are watching TV shows - BET and Style Network upfronts

Research
Despite alternatives, TV viewing is steady
People watch the same amount as three years ago, even with the competition from new media. Talking with RPA's David Scardino.

TV Reviews
'Jennie Garth: A Little Bit Country,' dull
CMT reality series tries too hard to make its star seem interesting, and one effect is to make her even less relatable

Webinars
Here it is, Media Life's Pinterest webinar
Just follow this link to listen to 'A media buyer's guide to Pinterest,' led by Talking Finger's Bill DeRosa. It runs an hour.

TV This Week
Kathy Griffin, from D list to talk show host
The brash comedian gets her own Bravo chatfest, but don't expect her to coddle her guests. She's more likely to start a feud.

People
Harvey Weinstein tops Time 100
Maria Kolosova becomes GM at MEC Russia
Linda Saindon becomes SVP at Social@Ogilvy
John Schuldt becomes account manager at JPG Group
Tom Kelly becomes CRO at Los Angeles News Group
Amy Lloyd and Jacie Brandes rise to associate publishers at Bonnier
Jon Werther becomes chief strategy officer at Meredith Corp.
Julie Arkin becomes associate publisher at Redbook
Pierre Celerier, Florence Biedermann and Christian Chaise rise at AFP
Rozanne Gold and Naomi Duguid join Cooking Light
George Lopez hosting Fox's 'Take Me Out'
Gavin Newsom hosting new Current TV show
Giuilana and Bill Rancic hosting NBC's 'Ready for Love'

Friday, April 20, 2012

Overnights
ABC's 'Grey's' hits a 10-week ratings high
Veteran drama averages a 3.2 18-49 rating, up 10 percent over last week and boosting ABC to second place on the night behind Fox

Media economy
Buyers: It's going to be a strong upfront
Predict total broadcast sales will be up 3 percent or more, bettering analysts' projections. More readers than not think cable will top broadcast.

New media
For Hulu, it's all about original content
Introduces four new shows at the first-ever newfront, emphasizing growth for its premium site. Up next: YouTube, Microsoft and AOL.

Here & there
Final numbers: 'GMA' ends 'Today' win streak
Other shorts: Nielsen: Dramas generate most ad $ - Village Voice loses another advertiser over Backpage - 46 more suits against News Corp. - Ovation upfront

New media
Behind the surge in mobile advertising
Apple is leading the way with the most impressions, and eCPMs are up 33 percent this year. Talking with Velti's Krishna Subramanian.

TV Reviews
'Veep,' witty sendup of Washington antics
In this HBO satire, Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays the vice president bumbling through one improbable situation after the other

Rachel speaks
Rachel, our boss is out to lunch
His attention is all over the place but on the job at hand, and the writer complains it's making for more work for her team

TV This Week
Best tube bets this weekend
Friday: Pens vs. Flyers on NBC Sports Network; Saturday: '20/20' on ABC; Sunday: 'Fox 25th Anniversary Special' on Fox

People
Martha Stewart hosting new PBS series
Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity set to re-up at Fox News
Susan Claxton becomes director of program integration at MEC
George Cheeks becomes EVP of business operations at NBC
John Pavley becomes CTO at The Huffington Post
FremantleMedia CEO Tony Cohen stepping down
Jamie Engel becomes publisher at Scholastic Parent & Child
Keith Pollock and Nicole Vecchiarelli become co-editors at Du Jour
Julie Smartz becomes GM of brand development at Bonnier Corp.
Rob Riggle hosting ESPN's ESPY Awards
'Dark Shadows' actor Jonathan Frid dies at age 87
Tatyana Ali joins BET's 'Second Generation of Wayans'
Hugh Bonneville joins BBC America's 'Twenty Twelve'

Monday, April 30, 2012

Overnights
'Time' boosts ABC to No. 1 on Sunday
Averages a 2.2 in 18-49s, 16 percent ahead of No. 2 Fox, with new drama finishing as the top show with a 2.9. 'Family Guy' is second.

Sports TV
NFL scores second-most-watched draft
ESPN averages 6.66 million total viewers, up 16 percent over last year, while NFL Network draws record 1.4 million. Trades abound.

Here & there
Cameron: The Murdochs never influenced me
Other shorts: OWN slates six new shows for summer - Hulu: We're walling off some of our free content - Weekend overnight ratings

Market profile
Dallas: Auto is driving a hot TV market
Car sales are up 22 percent, and high demand from dealers and manufacturers is pushing TV and radio pricing up 20 percent

TV Reviews
'Money From Strangers,' amusing pranks
New MTV reality series pays folks to make fools of themselves, and they do a quite capable job of it, all of it in good fun

TV This Week
On 'Two and a Half Men,' it's, yes, Charlie
Not Charlie Sheen but the character he played, Charlie Harper, appearing to his brother in the form of a ghost (this is sweeps)

Overnights
After long layoff, CBS shows fall to new lows
'Bang' slides to season-low 4.0 in 18-49s, though it's still the night's top program, besting 'Idol.' Fox wins first night of sweeps.

This week in out of home
Your client's message in restaurants
Advertisers can target by venue, reaching families, professionals and ethnic groups via placemats, restroom ads and digital networks

What's new in alternative media
Bras, bras, as far as the eye can see
Sign of the times: NBA uniform logos
You too can sip from the Stanley Cup
'Ah, spring, the ice melts, off we ride'

People
Howard Stern's lawsuit is back on
Entravision COO Philip C. Wilkinson resigns
Ariel Kaminer becomes features writer at The New York Times
Maya Pope-Chappell rises to Asia online editor at Wall Street Journal
Michael Squires becomes chief content officer at The Arizona Republic
Zena Weist becomes VP of strategy at Expion
Gary Schreier joins CNBC's 'Closing Bell'
Cee Lo Green performing at the Billboard Music Awards
Ryan Seacrest joins 'Today' as a special correspondent
Miami TV reporter Jeff Burnside fired over Trayvon Martin story
Mexican journalist Regina Martinez found dead
Dominic Monaghan joins Crackle's 'The Unknown'
David Hudgins signs new Universal TV deal

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Overnights
Big bump for ABC's veteran drama 'Castle'
Jumps 14 percent to a 2.4 in 18-49s, retaining 89 percent of its 'Dancing with the Stars' lead-in. CBS wins night with comedies.

Dayparts update
Early numbers: 'GMA' beats 'Today' again
ABC morning show averages 5.297 million, 166,000 ahead of NBC rival, its second win in three weeks after a 16-year drought

Here & there
E! upfront: A new focus on scripted fare
Other shorts: TruTV upfront: Four new series on tap - Programming notes - Microsoft: We're investing $300M in Nook - Pinterest among Webby winners

Alternative media
Oops! Kenneth Cole axes ad after stink.
Clothier apologizes for NYC billboard that pits teachers against students, drawing protests and threats of a nationwide boycott

New media
The early promise of Facebook's timeline
It's led to better engagement with fans for big-name brands that made the switch. Talking with Simply Measured's Adam Schoenfeld.

TV Reviews
'Failure Club,' in the American spirit
Morgan Spurlock's Yahoo series follows a group of people setting out to realize their long-held dreams. It's genuinely engaging.

TV This Week
The LA riots, seen through different eyes
VH1's 'Uprising' interviews dozens of hip-hop artists for their take on the racially charged riots, which happened 20 years ago

People
Mark Zuckerberg introduces organ donor program
David Maharaj becomes VP of technology at Blitz
Jennifer Caserta rises to president and GM at IFC
Chad Harris rises to SVP of business development at Crown Media
Scott Fishman rises to SVP at Spike TV
Dana Bowen becomes executive editor at Every Day with Rachael Ray
Michael Rosenberg becomes senior writer at Sports Illustrated
James Dimonekas rises to president at Worth Media Group
Aaron Martinez rises to PR manager at ReelzChannel
Chrisie Dorton and Lisa Schizas join Fulcrum
Adam Mazmanian becomes correspondent at National Journal
John Legend joins ABC's 'Duets'
Teri Hatcher directing and guesting on ABC Family's 'Jane By Design'