Another New TV Network
February 23, 2006
Less TV? Never.
One month after it was announced the WB and UPN would be downsized into the all-new CW, Fox has decided to build a new sixth network of its own.
My Network TV, the broadcast venture and not a personalized Web browser feature, will launch Sept. 5 on 10 Fox-owned stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Baltimore, Orlando and Washington, D.C.
The star attractions of the network will be a pair of hourlong dramas inspired by telenovelas. "Desire" and "Secrets" will air Monday-Friday, and commit to wrapping up their soapy storylines in 13 weeks.
Judy Woodruff Back With PBS (AP)
February 23, 2006AP - Veteran broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff will return to her one-time home, PBS, for a project examining young people's views on religion, politics and other issues, including America's role in the world.
Ill. Governor Confused by 'Daily Show' Bit (AP)
February 23, 2006AP - Gov. Rod Blagojevich wasn't in on the joke. Blagojevich says he didn't realize "The Daily Show" was a comedy spoof of the news when he sat down for an interview that ended up poking fun at the sometimes-puzzled Democratic governor.
ABC Cameraman Leaves Hospital (AP)
February 23, 2006AP - ABC cameraman Doug Vogt, injured with anchorman Bob Woodruff in an Iraqi roadside bombing on Jan. 29, has checked out of Bethesda Medical Center, ABC News said Thursday.
'Deal or No Deal' Back With Bigger Prizes (AP)
February 23, 2006
AP - The promise of an easy million bucks, a stage crowded with sexy models and the smoothly calibrated charm of host Howie Mandel made "Deal or No Deal" an unexpected hit in television's December dead zone.
Sussin Ups the Curve on Smart Comedy (AP)
February 23, 2006
AP - "Oooh, the memories are flying back," coos comedian Christen Sussin outside the Commons dining hall at the University of Southern California, her alma mater.
FCC and CBS Not Breast Friends (E! Online)
February 23, 2006
E! Online - CBS will have to finally pay up for putting the boob back in the
boob tube.
Poll: TV Viewers Want Choice in Cable (AP)
February 23, 2006AP - Victoria Schaefer was thunderstruck when her 9-year-old daughter asked her what "pedophile" means.
Martha vs. Donald: Round Two (E! Online)
February 23, 2006
E! Online - Forget primetime. The best battle to hit The Apprentice is
taking place off screen.
FCC Upholds CBS' Boob Fine
February 23, 2006
CBS will have to finally pay up for putting the boob back in the boob tube.
That's the verdict from the good folks at the Federal Communications Commission, who will reportedly uphold their record $550,000 fine against 22 of the Eye network's affiliates for broadcasting Janet Jackson's now infamous wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show.
FCC sources tipped off Bloomberg News ahead of the official public announcement, expected any day now. The commissioners had been reviewing an appeal from CBS, which called the punishment excessive. Ultimately, however, the FCC has deemed the fine to fit the crime.
Swag Machine Is Big Hollywood Business (AP)
February 23, 2006
AP - Karen Wood was just trying to keep the beautiful people happy.
Pesci Won't Be Charged for Alleged Punch (AP)
February 23, 2006
AP - Oscar-winning actor Joe Pesci will not be charged for allegedly punching a fan who photographed him in a shopping center parking lot, officials said Wednesday.
Highs and Lows From NBC's Olympic Coverage (AP)
February 23, 2006
AP - Sasha Cohen's strong figure skating routine from the night before was rerun, while an important day in men's hockey — the U.S. and Canadian teams are eliminated — was ignored in prime-time. We know that figure skating pays NBC's bills, and that hockey was shown on cable earlier in the day. But wasn't it just 26 years ago that a U.S. hockey team provided the most lasting winter Olympic memory?
Journalism Center to Be Named for Jennings (AP)
February 23, 2006AP - The National Constitution Center will use part of a $6.4 million grant to establish a journalism institute named after late ABC News anchor Peter Jennings.
Electra Promises to Stay Clothed in Vienna (AP)
February 23, 2006
AP - Former Playboy cover girl Carmen Electra promised to stay fully clothed during the premier event of Vienna's society set — the Opera Ball.
CBS 4th-qtr loss narrows as ad sales rise (Reuters)
February 23, 2006
Reuters - CBS Corp. on Thursday posted a
narrower quarterly loss in its first earnings report since the
spin-off from Viacom Inc., helped by higher advertising sales
at its namesake television network, home to such hit shows as
"CSI."
CBS Records $9B Loss on TV, Radio Charges (AP)
February 23, 2006AP - CBS Corp. reported a loss of $9.1 billion in the fourth quarter on hefty charges to write down the value of its radio and television businesses, the media company reported Thursday.
Wallace Donates Papers to U. of Mich. (AP)
February 23, 2006AP - Veteran television newsman Mike Wallace has given papers from his 40-year career at CBS News to University of Michigan, his alma mater.