Filed under: BROADCAST/CABLE
In support of Hollywood’s striking writers, the Screen Actors Guild is threatening a boycott of this year’s Academy Awards. Oscar producer Gil Cates hints that he might not need actors onstage: “There are enough clips in Oscar history to make up a very entertaining show.” (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/business/la-et-oscarplan19jan19,1,5449080.story?ctrack=7&cset=true 1/19)
Spurred by the new employment deal signed by the Directors Guild of America, Hollywood’s striking writers and the major studios are agreeing to resume talks as early as Tuesday. Writers Guild of America reps plan to meet with News Corp. boss Peter Chernin and other top execs. (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-strike19jan19,1,2347780.story?ctrack=6&cset=true 1/19)
On Tuesday, truTV debuts a new 30m, eight-episode series The Real Hustle at 10p that uses hidden cameras to capture professional scam artists in action as they con unsuspecting people out of money, items such as cars and jewelry and identities. Starting off with two back-to-back episodes the series will offer insider knowledge on the techniques and psychology behind the capers. The series is produced by Objective Productions/Crook Productions.
This series seriously scares the crap out of me. How about this? Can we, perhaps not, explain each of these cons.
Strong performances by NBC’s film unit and cable networks — including Bravo, Sci Fi, USA and CNBC — propelled the General Electric division to $15.4 billion in total revenue for 2007 and accounted for about 75% of NBCU’s windfall, according to President and CEO Jeff Zucker. The company also reported that earnings for the period were $3.5 billion, which Zucker said was a 6% increase over 2006. (Variety 1/20)
Jeff Zucker, CEO of NBC Universal, plans to seize on the writers’ strike to eliminate “extravagances,” such as the pilot season and the splashy upfront presentations. “Things like that are all vestiges of an era that’s gone by,” he says. Also: The business model for online is “still not developed.” (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22758787 1/21, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22758786 1/21)
NBC Entertainment co-head Ben Silverman is selling his production company, which makes “The Office” and “Ugly Betty,” to a London-based firm owned by Elisabeth Murdoch. Silverman put the company, Reveille, up for sale last year to deflect conflict-of-interest charges. (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-reveille19jan19,1,4487548.story?ctrack=8&cset=true 1/19)
Lachlan Murdoch plans to return to the media industry by teaming with James Packer to buy out Australia’s Consolidated Media Holdings in a deal worth nearly $2 billion. Murdoch, who quit News Corp. in 2005, is raising funds for the deal from outside the company. (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23083604-30538,00.html 1/21)
News Corp.’s Fox network, seizing on marketers’ demand for advertisements viewers won’t skip, may sell its last 30-second spot for the Super Bowl as soon as this week. Fox is holding out for about $3 million for the slot; CBS got as much as $2.6 million last year. (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601204&sid=adUgrzGvSnR4 1/18)
Comcast shareholder Chieftain Capital is launching an attack on CEO Brian Roberts, calling his reign a “comcastrophe.” The cable giant is issuing a response: “We welcome input from our shareholders. We will review Chieftain’s correspondence and respond in due course.” (http://blog.wired.com/business/2008/01/comcast-ceo-bri.html 1/18)
Oprah Winfrey is being called a “traitor” by some of her female fans for supporting Barack Obama instead of Hillary Clinton. Oprah.com is being flooded with a barrage of negative comments. One female reader sniped that Winfrey is “choosing her race over her gender.” (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3216586.ece 1/20)
Cable networks and some online sites will become a more important source of shows for the syndication market in the future, according to an annual report from Katz Television Group. “With dozens of cable channels now producing original programming and a burgeoning content engine called the Web, this pipeline will continue to grow more vibrant in the future,” Katz director of programming Anthony Spirito said. (Broadcasting & Cable 1/20)
A little more than a year into his tenure as general manager of cable net AMC, Charlie Collier says the critical success of the network’s “Mad Men” series will translate into a ratings bonanza in its second season. In this Q-and-A-style interview, Collier also touched on future programming plans, CPM parity with the broadcast networks and transforming the AMC brand. Broadcasting & Cable (1/19)
TiVo Chief Executive Officer Thomas S. Rogers talks about the path his company has taken to boost profitability and gain a foothold in today’s changing media industry in this interview with the Los Angeles Times. TiVo has recently inked deals with Comcast and Amazon.com to bring its services to a wider audience. (Los Angeles Times 1/21)
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