TV writer Alan Kirschenbaum died on Friday at age 51 from what authorities are calling an apparent suicide. Kirschenbaum wrote for sitcoms for more than 30 years, working on shows including "My Name is Earl," "Raising Hope," "Coach" and "Everybody Loves Raymond." He also co-created the CBS sitcom "Yes, Dear."

Syndicated entertainment magazine "Entertainment Tonight" has added Rocsi Diaz to its staff, naming her a correspondent. Diaz most recently appeared on BET's "106 & Park."

ABC has added actress Ming-Na to the cast of its drama pilot "S.H.I.E.L.D.," which will be co-written and directed by Joss Whedon. The actress will play agent Melinda May in the project, based on the Marvel comics peacekeepers. Clark Gregg had previously been cast in "S.H.I.E.L.D." to reprise his role as agent Phil Coulson from the movies "Iron Man," "Thor" and "The Avengers.

Actress Eva Longoria has signed a development deal with Universal Television, which includes an executive producer agreement through her company UnbeliEVAble Entertainment. Under the deal Longoria will develop both scripted and unscripted shows.

Saatchi & Saatchi has brought in Kesal Patel as creative technologist, working out of the agency's New York office. Patel was previously technical lead at BBDO in New York.

Starz has made two promotions, naming James Porter senior vice president of media system and IT development and Jodi Robinson vice president of internet and interactive technology. Porter has been with the network since 1994, Robinson since 2006.

The Weather Channel has promoted Helen Swenson, naming her senior vice president of live programming. Swenson joined the network in 2009 and was most recently vice president.

Former "Cheers" co-stars Rhea Perlman and Kirstie Alley are set to star in TV Land's comedy pilot "Giant Baby," about a Broadway star who encounters the now-adult son she gave up for adoption. Alley will play the Broadway star and Perlman will play her assistant.

ABC Family has added Dan Castellaneta and Mo Gaffney to the cast of its comedy pilot "Continuing Fred," about a recent college graduate who starts teaching at an elementary school. Castellaneta is best known as the voice of Homer Simpson, while Gaffney formerly appeared on "Absolutely Fabulous."

Lifetime has added Joe Flanigan to its drama pilot "The Secret Lives of Wives," playing the husband of Salli Richardson's character. Flanigan's most recent regular TV role was on Syfy's "Stargate: Atlantis."

Bloomberg Businessweek has named Janet Paskin assistant managing editor, as well as editor for Businessweek.com. Paskin, who will officially begin on Nov. 12, was previously digital editor at The Wall Street Journal.

Tags: Alan Kirschenbaum, Helen Swenson, James Porter, Janet Paskin, Jodi Robinson, Joe Flanigan, Kesal Patel, Kirstie Alley, Rocsi Diaz