Filed under: BROADCAST/CABLE
News Corp. exec Peter Chernin is reportedly telling Hollywood pals that “the strike is over.” Also: Informal talks between Hollywood’s striking writers and the major studios are said to have eliminated the major roadblocks to a new contract, which could lead to a tentative deal within days. (http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/chernin-tells-super-bowl-pals-strike-is-over 2/3, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/02/business/media/02cnd-writers.html 2/2)
CNN’s coverage of the debate Thursday night between Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton clocked 8.3 million viewers — the highest-rated primary debate in cable television history. The debate drew 1.2 million viewers in the age 18 to 34 demo. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/01/AR2008020103050.html 2/2)
Way to mobilize the youth of the country. I am inspired by the interest of the younger demo in the government of our country. Whatever your political background, I hope you can agree that progress is getting people to start caring. With 1.2 million viewers in a demo that usually remains indifferent, it appears people are finally caring and talking. Originally shown at an Obama rally at UCLA, the video below is a visual reminder of the mobilization of the young. No matter who you’re voting for, I hope this is something you can get behind.
The struggling CW could be a canary in the coal mine for the broadcast television industry. Declining viewership and increased competition from video games, cable TV and the Internet are affecting ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. But they are hitting the youth-focused CW harder. (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cw4feb04,1,600010.story?ctrack=5&cset=true 2/4)
A new attempt by USA Network to keep viewers interested through commercial breaks has surpassed expectations, according to this article. The channel learned last week that its Jan. 11 showing of “Psych,” which contained short, branded cartoon vignettes, earned the show its highest index report from Nielsen Media Research’s C3 ratings. (Mediaweek 2/4)
A new market survey conducted by Nielsen Media Research found that 56% of 18- to 34-year-old adults use digital video recorders, the Internet, video on demand and MP3 players to keep up with TV series. The survey also found that 22% of homes use DVR technology, marking an increase of 2 percentage points from 2006. (Los Angeles Times 2/4)
Cablevision today launched its Popcorn DVDs on Demand program, which allows subscribers to order movies on VOD the same day they are available on DVD. The next major release for the service, in which subscribers are also buying the DVD, which is mailed to them later, will be Denzel Washington’s “American Gangster” on Feb. 19. (Mediaweek 2/4)
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