Medium is the message for Van Praagh (Reuters)
April 17, 2006
Reuters - Medium and a
best-selling author James Van Praagh has signed a deal to
develop projects for CBS Paramount Network Television.
Ex-Disney CEO Eisner Invests in Online TV (AP)
April 17, 2006AP - Former Walt Disney Co. CEO Michael Eisner has made his first investment as a venture capitalist since leaving Disney last year.
Hardblogger: Live from New Orleans Mayoral Debate
April 17, 2006Chris Matthews blogs, "Preparation for tonight's 9 p.m. ET debate started early this morning. We've had plenty of phone calls during the last month with people from MSNBC (in both New Jersey and D.C.) and WDSU to get ready for tonight, but this was the first time that we were all able to sit together to hash out our thoughts"
HBO Series Elevates Dame Mirren's Status (AP)
April 17, 2006
AP - Helen Mirren is a little conflicted about being a dame.
Broadcaster PBS considers putting shows online (Reuters)
April 17, 2006Reuters - The U.S. Public Broadcasting System is considering making its television shows available on the Internet or portable devices like MP3 players, its new president and chief executive officer said on Monday.
ABC's "Brian" can't retain "Desperate" viewers (Reuters)
April 17, 2006
Reuters - Despite a strong boost from
"Desperate Housewives," millions of viewers didn't stay to find
out "What About Brian" in its Sunday night premiere.
"Idol" Not the Oscars...Yet (E! Online)
April 17, 2006
E! Online - American Idol bows down to no one, except maybe the
Oscars.
Vito on the Lam, Aching to Live Free (AP)
April 17, 2006AP - The juicy gossip about Vito Spatafore spread quickly on last night's episode of "The Sopranos," leaving Tony unsure how to respond. (Spoiler alert: Stop reading now if you've saved the episode for later viewing.)
'Housewives': Susan and Karl Kaput? (AP)
April 17, 2006AP - Looks like Susan has a new beau, while Bree and her litigious son Andrew may have buried the hatchet on this week's episode of "Desperate Housewives." (Spoiler alert: stop reading now if you've taped this edition for later viewing.)
"Idol" Demands Big Bucks
April 17, 2006
"American Idol" bows down to no one, except maybe the Oscars.
Fox will charge $1.3 million for 30-second commercials on May's "Idol" finale, AdAge.com reported Monday. The ad quote is expected to be the highest for any season-closing episode this year. But it's still short of the $1.7 million ABC extracted for the 2006 Oscars.
Traditionally, the Academy Awards is TV's most watched regularly scheduled event not named the Super Bowl. But the "Idol" finale is fast becoming its own tradition and is on track to draw well over 30 million viewers.
AOL to Show Programs From Shanghai Unit (AP)
April 17, 2006AP - AOL this week will begin broadcasting news programs supplied by Shanghai Media Group's broadband unit, the companies said Monday.
Video game pro circuit to air on USA Network (Reuters)
April 17, 2006Reuters - Major League Gaming, billed as the world's first professional video-game league, said on Monday that USA Network will air its entire pro circuit on the cable channel during the holiday season.
'Murder' most thrilling at BBC America (Reuters)
April 17, 2006Reuters - BBC America's new crime series "Murder Prevention Unit" is fast-moving and quick-witted. Creator Declan Croghan has shaped a cast and story that moves with lightning speed to engage viewers. Already seen in Britain, the series should have little trouble finding an American audience.
USA Network plays pro video gaming league (Reuters)
April 17, 2006Reuters - Top-rated basic cable channel USA Network is set to bring professional video gaming to a broader audience later this year.
Professional Video Gaming Set for TV Debut (AP)
April 17, 2006AP - Professional video gaming is set to debut on cable television later this year, potentially paving the way for the kings and queens of game controllers to become as familiar to American households as the faces of Johnny Chan or Annie Duke in televised poker.
History finds 'Lost Worlds,' relives 'Dogfights' (Reuters)
April 17, 2006Reuters - The History Channel is set to announce Monday a slew of new primetime series and specials, offering fresh perspectives on ancient developments.
Cable industry confab soft-pedals problems (Reuters)
April 17, 2006Reuters - Last week in Atlanta at the National Show, the cable industry's annual pep rally, a fragile but carefully cultivated suspension of reality permeated the air. This beleaguered business spins itself so thoroughly in executive panel sessions that it is relatively easy to lose sight of the challenges that lie ahead.
'Wheel' producers spinning new game shows (Reuters)
April 17, 2006Reuters - The companies behind the long-running syndicated shows "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!" have joined forces to create two game shows targeted to launch in fall 2007.
Elvira reality TV scary heir-raiser (Reuters)
April 17, 2006Reuters - Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, is looking for a possible heir to her throne, and she is hoping to find one via a new reality project being shopped to broadcast and cable networks.