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BROADCAST/CABLE by Marauder

BROADCAST/CABLE

After 72 years, “Guiding Light,” the longest-running U.S. soap opera, will end its network run Sept. 18. “Light” is the lowest-rated of the eight network soaps still on the air. Producer Procter & Gamble says it will explore other avenues to keep the show alive, such as an online version. (Iwantmedia 4/1, http://www.tvweek.com/news/2009/04/cbs_will_turn_off_light_in_sep.php 4/1)

NBC Universal, the Weinstein Co. and Lifetime are resolving their dispute over the hit fashion reality show “Project Runway.” Weinstein will pay NBCU for the right to move the show to Lifetime, which will start airing the show this summer. Terms of the deal are not being disclosed. (Iwantmedia 4/1, http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20090401/FREE/904019963 4/1)

Despite the recession-induced advertising slump, 13 of the top 40 ad-supported cable networks recorded double-digit ratings increases in the first three months of the year, according to Nielsen. Some of the biggest gains came in the so-called second tier — cable networks that rank between 11 and 40 — such as Headline News (up 54%), Oxygen (up 24%), MSNBC (up 23%) and BET (up 20%). Mediaweek (3/31) , The New York Times (3/31)

The value of mergers and acquisitions in the media and information sectors fell to a record low of $1.3 billion in the first quarter, according to Jordan, Edmiston Group. The media investment bank, however, says it is “starting to see a bit of sunlight at the end of the tunnel.” (Iwantmedia 4/1, http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090401/FREE/904019969/1078 4/1)

Comcast has reached the 11-billion views milestone for its On Demand video services since the launch of the feature 6 years ago. The cable operator threw out some interesting factoids to help measure the magnitude of its milestone. (http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/04/01/comcasts-ondemand-reaches-11-billion-views-nearly-twice-the-number-of-itunes-music-downloads/ 4/1)

Comcast, which already owns 50% of New England Cable News, apparently wants to acquire the other half from Hearst Corp. A spokesman for NECN, which reaches 3.7 million homes in New England, said that the two companies were “engaged in discussions about a change in ownership,” but that a deal had not yet been made final. Mediaweek (3/31)

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