Daily Marauder

BROADCAST/CABLE by Marauder

BROADCAST/CABLE

NBC Universal is signing an exclusive pact with the producers of “Project Runway,” as the hit reality series prepares to jump to Lifetime from NBC’s Bravo. NBC’s move means that Weinstein Co., which owns the rights to the show, must scramble to put together a new production team. (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-runway6-2008may06,0,3970030.story 5/6)

Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy on FOX, sealed an overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV that could be worth more than $100 million making him the highest paid TV writer/producer. Under the terms of the new deal, which reportedly took two and a half years to negotiate, Seth will remain at 20th TV through 2012. So far the deal includes Seth’s continued work on Family Guy and his two other animated series for 20th TV and Fox, American Dad! and the Family Guy spinoff The Cleveland Show. The agreement includes new media associated with Seth’s TV series in addition to the DVD and merchandising revenue. (Cynopsis 5/6)

If Rupert Murdoch doesn’t testify in a lawsuit that accuses one of his companies of corporate espionage, it could cost News Corp. hundreds of millions of dollars, says the federal judge in the trial. News Corp. unit NDS is accused of hacking into EchoStar/DISH Network’s security code. (http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4789512 5/5)

This video seems more appropriate for TMZ rather than ABC News.  And furthermore, this newscaster might want to work on his fitness level.  He sounds like he might pass out simply from walking down the street stalking Murdoch like the paparazzi stalk Paris Hilton.

Sumner Redstone is downplaying speculation of a “battle” between his Viacom and CBS, saying such talk “has been manufactured” by the media. Redstone also says: “We cannot tolerate piracy by anyone, including YouTube.” Plus: “I will not object” to the return of Tom Cruise. (Iwantmedia 5/6, http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080506/skorea_viacom_redstone.html 5/6, http://www.reuters.com/article/industryNews/idUSSEO13218720080506 5/6)

AP Photo: Viacom Chairman Sumner Redstone delivers a speech during a Seoul Digital Forum in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, May 6, 2008.

NBC Universal plans to announce that $3 million will be the entry price for a commercial at the 2009 Super Bowl. While individual slots have sold at that level before, it has never been the starting point for negotiations for the dozens of 30-second ads sold for the game. (Iwantmedia 5/6, http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121004269277469845.html 5/6)

The New York Times and MSNBC are joining forces for a new political show, “The New York Times Special Primary Edition,” hosted by John Harwood. Times-journos will handicap the election in the series of specials. Segments will also run on NYTimes.com. (Iwantmedia 5/6, http://origin.observer.com/2008/msnbc-and-times-team-new-political-show 5/5)

Adam Nagourney on the trail.

Eyeing research that shows children and their parents are watching more TV together, Nick at Nite is assembling a programming slate that appeals equally to both groups. Shows such as “Home Improvement,” “Full House” and “George Lopez” have already been added, and in January the Nickelodeon channel will begin running “Everybody Hates Chris.” (Variety 5/5)

Freelance news chasers will be the focus of a new series beginning on truTV in September. The show, titled “L.A. Stringers,” goes behind the scenes with those who will do just about anything for breaking news. (The Hollywood Reporter 5/5)

VH1′s next celebreality series I Love Money premieres July 13 at 9p and brings together seventeen contestants from Rock of Love, I Love New York and Flavor of Love vying for a cash prize while in Mexico. Hosted by Craig J. Jackson, the twelve episode series will have the stars battle for the $250,000 grand prize instead of love. Starting this week, VH1 will also have specific I Love Money info available on the VH1 Blog at Blog.VH1.com. (Cynopsis 5/6)

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