Keeping TV Studies students informed of news, views, and reviews about television
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Last Hiatus
One last hiatus for the summer; I'm off for five days to a vast wilderness of no internet service (actually it's just northern Michigan), so I won't be blogging again until next week. The big events I'm missing will be at the Television Critics' Association tour, so you can keep up with the usual suspects (i.e. HitFix and the like) for breaking news. One final link: Brian Lowry reflects on how TCA today is different from the past.
Advice for New Showrunners
Ken Levine offers advice for first-time showrunners.
Labels:
labor,
production,
showrunners,
writing
ITV Micropayments
Starting in January, Britain's ITV will test out micropayments for access to some content on its online catch-up service ITV Player.
Labels:
britain,
internet,
itv,
micropayments,
online tv,
streaming,
time shifting
90s Nostalgia Success
Nickelodeon's '90s block is a big ratings success.
Labels:
demographics,
nickelodeon,
ratings,
reruns,
teens
VOD Ads
Comcast can now enable the placing of new advertisements each day in VOD reruns.
Labels:
advertising,
cable operators,
comcast,
nbcu,
reruns,
video-on-demand
Spectrum Debate Tied to Debt Ceiling
Marguerite Reardon explains how the spectrum auction may be factored into a debt ceiling package.
Labels:
broadband,
broadcasting,
revenue,
spectrum
Digicast Overview
TVNewsCheck offers an overview of the state of digital multicasting, i.e. broadcasting outlets on digital subchannels: "what kind of programming they offer, what their basic proposition to potential affiliates is and how far along they are in distribution."
Labels:
affiliates,
bounce tv,
broadcasting,
diginets,
digital,
distribution,
local,
me-tv,
multicasting,
networks,
programming
Good TVeets
I like to think Frank Darabont escaped the Walking Dead writers room by crawling a mile through a sewer pipe, to emerge cheering in the rain
BREAKING BAD is so good. AMC should re-title it BREAKING GOOD...because it's such a good show. It should be called "BREAKING GOOD:THE SHOW"
I want to create a reality show called "Making Friends" so I can say, "No, that's actually exactly what you're here to do."
Preparing to board Flight 815 to Australia. What could possibly go wrong? #ThisJokeWillWorkBetterOnReturnFlight
Follow @GoodTVeets
Labels:
tca,
the killing,
the walking dead,
tveets
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Darabont Steps Down
Deadline broke the story that Frank Darabont is out as showrunner of The Walking Dead. Alan Sepinwall has more.
Labels:
amc,
production,
showrunners,
the walking dead,
writing
Viewing Delays
Big story breaking: Fox is declaring that if viewers want to watch their content online within a day of airing, such as on Hulu, they have to be pay TV or Hulu Plus subscribers. Otherwise, they'll have to wait eight days to watch. Brian Stelter's take: "Fox is trying to protect its lucrative deals with cable & satellite distributors." Jeff Jarvis responded, "What matters at the end is that Fox' and the audience's interests are not aligned. That's bad for business." Ryan Lawler highlights this as an cord cutting counter-move. Will Richmond says this hurts Hulu. More coverage from James Poniewozik and Sam Schechner (WSJ paywalled, of course; News Corp. clearly likes a good paywall). In related news, Breaking Bad is available online only for pay TV subscribers.
Labels:
abc,
amc,
authentication,
breaking bad,
cable,
cord cutting,
dish network,
distribution,
fox,
hulu,
hulu plus,
networks,
online tv,
pay tv,
satellite,
spectatorship,
streaming,
tv everywhere
Netflix Streaming Killing Piracy
So says an article by Farhad Manjoo.
Labels:
distribution,
netflix,
online tv,
piracy,
spectatorship,
streaming
VOD Holy Grail
Brian Steingberg explains why VOD is seen as the Holy Grail for advertisers.
Labels:
advertising,
dvr,
marketing,
spectatorship,
time shifting,
tv everywhere,
video-on-demand
Internet TV Growth
Internet-connected TV is expected to grow greatly in the next few years.
Labels:
apps,
predictions,
set-top boxes,
smart tvs,
technology,
tv sets
PTC Warning
The Parents Television Council has warned NBC that it's prepared to really go after Playboy Club for indecency, saying the network would be best off not airing it in the fall.
Labels:
2011-12 season,
decency,
fall season,
fcc,
nbc,
ptc,
sex,
the playboy club
Emmy Episode Submission
Gold Derby lists the specific episodes nominees have submitted for Emmy consideration.
Anderson's Show
Sean Daly has some info on Anderson Cooper's new talk show, which he's trying to pattern on the old Phil Donahue Show.
Labels:
anderson cooper,
daytime,
syndication,
talk
Most Viewing BBC3 Later
Viewing figures show that audiences are watching BBC3 (a youth-targeted digital channel) programming more frequently via catch-up services and repeats than at the shows' scheduled broadcast time.
Labels:
bbc,
britain,
demographics,
dvr,
international,
online tv,
scheduling,
spectatorship,
time shifting
Netflix News
Netflix says it's bracing for a growth slowdown, it's surprised people didn't complain even more about its new plans, and US law will prevent Facebook integration in the US. And its shares are falling.
Labels:
age,
distribution,
dvd,
facebook,
netflix,
online tv,
pay tv rates/subscriber fees,
regulation,
revenue,
streaming
Wal-Mart Adopts Vudu
Turning away from declining DVDs, Wal-Mart is integrating the online video service Vudu (which it owns) with its website.
YouTube Dominates Mobile
About 22% of what people watch on their mobile phones around the globe consists of YouTube videos. And in the US, YouTube use is heavy.
Labels:
broadband,
globalization,
international,
mobile,
online video,
youtube
Arabic Dubbing
Bill Spindle explores the challenge translators have with dubbing American movies and TV shows into Arabic.
Labels:
dubbing/subtitling,
international,
language,
middle east,
movies
TV Poker
The WSJ describes how televised poker has changed in the wake of legal problems and a government crackdown on poker sites.
Local TV Tops on Twitter
A report ranking industry interaction on Twitter says local TV is the most social industry.
Labels:
broadcasting,
channel branding,
internet,
local,
local news,
social media,
twitter
TV Happy About NFL
Scott Collins discusses what TV has to be happy about now the that NFL lockout has been resolved.
Univision Upfronts
Univision had a big upfronts haul, with execs claiming it's the biggest in the network's history.
Labels:
ad rates,
advertising,
networks,
spanish-language,
univision,
upfronts
Good TVeets
If we substituted Gus Fring for Barack Obama tonight, I think the Republicans would be ready to compromise. #BreakingBad
Naturally we solve the NFL lockout before the debt crisis. One makes good TV, the other doesn't. #priorities #USAUSAUSA
Good news. @danharmon has just received authorization to raise the #angstceiling.
Follow @GoodTVeets
Labels:
politics,
the bachelor/the bachelorette,
tveets
Monday, July 25, 2011
ABC Done Paying
ABC News has declared that it will (for the most part) no longer pay for exclusive photos or interviews.
NAB Rhetoric
The National Association of Broadcasters is saying that TV stations could be shut down for good if the FCC's national broadband plan is enacted.
Labels:
broadband,
broadcasting,
local,
nab,
spectrum
Wire Connections
Jaime Weinman muses about former actors from The Wire getting new gigs (Omar comin' to Community, if you haven't heard) and Wire homages from showrunners.
Let TV Be
Margaret Lyons pleads for fans to let TV shows like Arrested Development and Veronica Mars remain at rest rather than lobbying for movie versions.
Nielsen Alternative
One Dallas-Fort Worth ABC affiliate is turning to a company other than Nielsen for ratings measurement out of dissatisfaction with Nielsen's methods.
Labels:
abc,
affiliates,
at+t,
broadcasting,
dish network,
local,
networks,
nielsen,
ratings,
ratings alternatives/buzz,
technology
Japan Goes Digital
Japan has become the first nation in Asia to shut down analog TV signals.
Labels:
asia,
broadcasting,
digital,
japan,
technology
Union Approval Needed
Before ABC's cancelled soaps can move online, they'll need new talent and crew union deals. That will likely delay the move for months.
Labels:
abc,
acting,
all my children,
labor,
one life to live,
online tv,
sag-aftra,
salaries,
soap opera,
unions,
wga,
writing
Cost Driving Cord Cutters
One study suggests the predominant reason people are dropping cable is not because of online TV but because of high subscription fees.
Labels:
age,
cord cutting,
online tv,
pay tv,
pay tv rates/subscriber fees,
spectatorship
Parks & Rec Interview
Todd VanDerWerff launches another awesome showrunner interview series (previously he talked with Community's Dan Harmon) by chatting with Mike Schur about every third season episode of Parks and Recreation.
Labels:
comedy,
nbc,
parks and recreation,
production,
showrunners,
sitcoms,
writing
Syndication Strong
Harry Jessell interviews the president of the Syndicated Network Television Association about syndication's strong upfront and why marketers like syndication.
Labels:
advertising,
broadcasting,
daytime,
dvr,
industry,
local,
oprah winfrey,
ratings,
syndication,
talk,
upfronts
BB Binge
Emily Nussbaum marathoned three seasons of Breaking Bad and discusses how much she enjoyed the experience (some mild spoilers in there but nothing too crucial).
Labels:
amc,
binge viewing,
breaking bad,
dvd,
narrative,
spectatorship
Cable Branding
Rob Owen discusses how cable channels brand themselves through the style of signature shows like Mad Men.
Labels:
aesthetics,
age,
amc,
cable,
channel branding,
demographics,
drama,
fx,
mad men,
pay tv rates/subscriber fees,
quality tv,
syfy,
tnt,
usa network
Netflix Threat
Joanne Ostrow outlines how Netflix is a growing threat to TV networks.
Labels:
distribution,
industry,
netflix,
networks,
predictions,
streaming
Netflix Gets DreamWorks
Netflix has a deal for streaming DreamWorks movies, taking them away from HBO.
Labels:
distribution,
hbo,
movies,
netflix,
premium channels,
streaming
Current State
Current TV's co-founder discusses the state of the channel.
Labels:
advertising,
cable,
channel branding,
current tv,
industry,
keith olbermann,
programming,
ratings,
social media
Xfinity Technology
Todd Spangler describes the technology Comcast is using for its TV Everywhere service.
Labels:
cable,
cable operators,
comcast,
distribution,
streaming,
technology,
tv everywhere
Good TVeets
Twitter: a place to have group discussions about Christina Hendricks' ass.
Bahahahahahahahahaahhahahaha . *catches breath* Hahaha RT @BaffledAddict #Glee writers promise this season writing will knock your socks of
Tried to explain to neighbor that I had been away on business while carrying a giant bag with Bugs Bunny on it. #entertainmentjournalism
There's NOTHING that can't be joked about. But if u choose to joke about a tragedy u better make sure it is REALLY funny.#ComedyPSA
Follow @GoodTVeets
Labels:
breaking bad,
criticism,
curb your enthusiasm,
glee,
true blood,
tveets
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Glee Controversy
You may have seen here about 10 days ago a link to a THR interview quoting Glee showrunner Ryan Murphy saying key cast members would be leaving after the upcoming season. Yet at Comic-Con today, writer Brad Falchuk said that's not true and criticized the reporter for claiming so. Adam Wright expresses his outrage over this and wonders why other entertainment media outlets aren't questioning these inconsistencies. Subsequently, Daniel Fienberg got some backstage clarification from Falchuk, which didn't necessarily clear things up but did make this even more interesting.
Labels:
controversy,
criticism,
glee,
showrunners,
trades
Hulu Boxed In
Offering a thorough account of the state of online TV streaming, Brian Stelter looks at the challenge Hulu has of providing enough content to keep users satisfied within parameters that will keep content providers satisfied.
Labels:
advertising,
contracts,
distribution,
hbo,
hulu,
hulu plus,
industry,
networks,
online tv,
pay tv,
revenue,
spectatorship,
streaming,
warner bros.
Good TVeets
If Zizek wrote a movie for the Lifetime Network, that movie would be "Another Earth." So if you like Zizek or Lifetime, that's good.
whenever I pass 2+ women talking to each other I always try to listen in to make sure they're passing the Bechdel Test.
The downside of reading scripts on the iPad is that you can't throw them across in the room in anger.
Follow @GoodTVeets
Labels:
tveets
Saturday, July 23, 2011
BBC Airs an Ad
The BBC accidentally aired a TV commercial during Wimbledon.
Labels:
advertising,
bbc,
britain,
international,
itv,
public broadcasting,
tennis
Good TVeets
"Damages" uses more soft lighting than "Days of Our Lives". I keep thinking I need glasses, then I realize it's just Glenn Close's contract.
I get confused and disoriented every time a "True Blood" question comes up that doesn't involve shirtlessness. #sdcc
I'd feel a lot more confident about the debt crisis outcome if it was a Sorkin script.
Follow @GoodTVeets
Labels:
tveets
Friday, July 22, 2011
Ownership Studies
The FCC has released three studies into local media ownership, with one concluding that broadcast-newspaper cross-ownership has a positive impact on local news.
Labels:
broadcasting,
cross-ownership,
fcc,
industry,
local,
local news,
magazines,
news,
newspapers,
station ownership
ABC News Automated
ABC World News has adopted an automated control room.
Labels:
abc,
abc news,
network news,
news,
production,
technology
More AMC Rumors
The future of soaps is as intriguing as a baby-stealing plotline, as now the word is All My Children will be online in January, not September, and General Hospital may be joining it.
Bad Numbers for Cable
Peter Kafka warns that the cable industry is about to see bad quarterly numbers in terms of lost subscribers.
Labels:
cable,
cable operators,
cord cutting,
industry,
pay tv
Emmy & Race
Tim Goodman discusses the Emmy Awards' problems with race.
Labels:
acting,
african-americans/blacks,
awards,
diversity,
emmys,
industry,
latino/a,
race/ethnicity,
writing
Glee Project a Hit
The first time I posted about the Glee Project, it was to note its very low early ratings. The numbers have improved markedly since then, though,
Labels:
demographics,
glee,
oxygen,
ratings,
reality tv,
summer
YouTube Live
D.M. Levine explains how YouTube is increasingly looking like a TV network.
Labels:
live,
networks,
online video,
programming,
streaming,
youtube
Real Muslims
TLC is developing a reality TV project focusing on Muslim families in Dearborn, MI. TCA coverage.
Labels:
cable,
islam,
reality tv,
religion,
representation,
social issues,
tlc
HD Ads Double
A study finds a dramatic increase in HD ads on TV over the past year.
Labels:
advertising,
broadcasting,
cable,
hdtv,
local
Cable at Comic-Con
Cable television channels like USA have a significant presence at Comic-Con this year.
Labels:
amc,
cable,
channel branding,
fx,
marketing,
starz,
the walking dead,
usa network
Storage Wars Popular
Stoarge Wars is now A&E's most popular series ever.
Labels:
a+e,
cable,
demographics,
ratings,
reality tv,
storage wars
UK Minority Representation
One study finds that representation of minorities of UK TV is below the proportion of population percentages.
Labels:
britain,
international,
race/ethnicity,
representation
Apple & Hulu?
Apple is the latest company reportedly interested in picking up Hulu (behind WSJ paywall). But Peter Kafka is skeptical.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Torchwood Cut
The BBC has decided to cut footage from a sex scene in the third episode of Torchwood, while it will air untouched in the US. The BBC has released a response to those who complained about this.
Labels:
bbc,
censorship,
decency,
international,
premium channels,
public broadcasting,
sex,
starz,
torchwood
G+ Drops Station
A local TV station had its Google+ account pulled because Google has a "no brand" policy on the social media service in its beta phase.
Labels:
broadcasting,
channel branding,
google,
marketing,
social media
Cable Thursdays
Media Life reports that cable is really digging into network share on Thursday nights this summer.
Labels:
cable,
demographics,
networks,
programming,
ratings,
scheduling,
summer,
thursday
UK PSB Spending Rises
MediaTel reports that spending on public service broadcasting in the UK was up last year, rising most at the BBC, while spending fell at Channel 4.
ESPN Official Practices
Deadspin has obtained a copy of ESPN's complete advertising and editorial guidelines.
Labels:
advertising,
cable,
channel branding,
espn,
industry,
marketing,
regulation,
sports
Stations for Sale
Nexstar Broadcasting, which owns some of the former affiliates Fox dropped in a retrans dispute, has put its group of 65 television stations up for sale. TV News Check sees this move as somewhat surprising. One analyst sees it as good for TV.
Labels:
affiliates,
broadcasting,
cbs,
fox,
industry,
local,
nbc,
retransmission,
station ownership
Iranian-American Jersey Shore
Ryan Seacrest is helping to develop a new reality show focusing on LA's Iranian expat community called Shahs of Sunset, patterning it on a combo of Jersey Shore and Real Housewives.
Labels:
iran,
jersey shore,
real housewives,
reality tv,
ryan seacrest
AGT Assessed
Myles McNutt takes a gander at America's Got Talent and tries to pinpoint why it's so popular.
Labels:
aesthetics,
america's got talent,
criticism,
nbc,
reality tv,
review
Sharpton to MSNBC
It's looking like Al Sharpton will be joining MSNBC as an anchor.
Labels:
cable news,
msnbc,
news
FCC Criticism About Kids
A set of TV watchdog groups are criticizing the FCC for not better policing children's television.
Labels:
activism,
advertising,
children,
effects,
fcc,
programming,
regulation
Data Impact
Ryan Lawler explains how a new social media and mobile data aggregate company could affect TV viewing.
Labels:
demographics,
industry,
mobile,
ratings,
social media,
spectatorship
McLuhan's Birthday
Today would be Marshall McLuhan's 100th birthday (he died in 1980). Douglas Coupland explains why McLuhan's ideas still resonate today.
Labels:
academia,
history,
marshall mcluhan,
new media
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Cord Cutting Projection
SNL Kagan predicts 4% of households will drop multichannel pay TV services by the end of the year and 10% will by 2015.
Labels:
cable,
cord cutting,
pay tv,
predictions,
spectatorship
Summer Blog Fun
Cory Barker at TV Surveillance has been offering some great summer reading, most recently with a Summer Watch series on Cheers and Hill Street Blues and a revealing Pilot Watch entry with Myles McNutt on St. Elsewhere and its place within the legacy of quality TV and the medical drama genre.
Fuller Suing
American Idol creator Simon Fuller is suing Fox and FremantleMedia over the upcoming X-Factor claiming breach of contract.
Labels:
american idol,
contracts,
fox,
industry,
law,
the x factor
Current Trends
Lauren Drell at Mashable highlights five current trends in TV, including targeted advertising and social TV.
Labels:
advertising,
demographics,
internet,
movies,
smart tvs,
social media,
spectatorship,
technology,
tv sets
Amazon Adds CBS Shows
Amazon's digital video service will now have a set of CBS library titles. Will Richmond says this doesn't really distinguish Amazon from Netflix, though.
Murdoch News
Brian Stelter notes that the News Corp. hacking scandal has led many to question media consolidation, Jay Rosen argues that News Corp. isn't focused on generating news and instead really wants influence, Alessandra Stanley looks at how Fox News covered the questioning of Rupert Murdoch, and in the wake of Murdoch testifying News Corp. stock rose 5%.
Afternoon update: News Corp. is trying to build back up some good will, and a whole new image might be needed; Rupert Murdoch may have undermined his credibility as CEO; and CNN and MSNBC are covering this story a whole lot more than Fox News is.
Afternoon update: News Corp. is trying to build back up some good will, and a whole new image might be needed; Rupert Murdoch may have undermined his credibility as CEO; and CNN and MSNBC are covering this story a whole lot more than Fox News is.
Labels:
cable news,
cnn,
conglomeration,
ethics,
fox news,
industry,
magazines,
msnbc,
news,
news corporation,
rupert murdoch
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
News & Doc Emmys
The nominations for News and Documentary Emmys have been announced. B&C has the list by network; CBS has the most noms, followed closely by PBS.
Interactive Screens
Todd Spangler discusses new technology enabling TV spectator interaction via smart phones and tablets.
Labels:
interactivity,
internet,
mobile,
networks,
screens,
spectatorship,
tablets,
technology
Post-Fox Lineup
If you're curious about how a local station programs a lineup after it's dropped a network affiliation, check out what WFFT is scheduling after being dumped by Fox.
Labels:
affiliates,
broadcasting,
fox,
independent,
local,
retransmission,
syndication
Hulu Deal
Forbes considers the new Netflix pricing plans in light of a possible Hulu deal, and Bloomberg's Andy Fixmer reports on some rumored details of that deal.
Triple-Play Subs Predicted
A new report predicts that by 2016, about 25% of TV households worldwide will have so-called triple-play TV/broadband/telephony subscriptions.
Labels:
broadband,
international,
pay tv,
predictions,
spectatorship,
technology,
telecommunications
HBO Sports Prez Leaving
The longtime head of HBO Sports is leaving under some controversy and spin.
Labels:
boxing,
hbo,
industry,
premium channels,
sports
TeenNick Nostalgia
Brian Stelter checks out TeenNick's return to the 1990s. Andrew Daglas has a response.
Labels:
age,
demographics,
history,
nickelodeon,
programming,
sitcoms,
teens
Forecasting Heroes
Kim Severson reports on how local TV news weather forecasters are taking center stage as summer weather continues to be newsworthy.
Labels:
broadcasting,
local,
local news,
news,
weather
Breaking Bad Big
Breaking Bad's fourth season shot out of the gate with a series high rating.
Labels:
amc,
breaking bad,
demographics,
ratings
Advertisers Sticking With OWN
Despite its early ratings struggles, advertisers haven't abandoned OWN yet.
Labels:
advertising,
cable,
industry,
own,
ratings
CNN, HLN Stream
Time Warner will offer live streaming of CNN and HLN on mobile devices to certain pay TV subscribers, though not Time Warner Cable subs.
Labels:
cnn,
distribution,
hln,
ipad,
live,
mobile,
pay tv,
streaming,
tablets,
technology,
time warner,
time warner cable
Friday, July 15, 2011
MOACA Done
TNT won't be bringing back Men of a Certain Age. Co-creator Mike Royce reacts. Kay Reindl chimes in.
Labels:
cable,
cancellation,
drama,
men of a certain age,
tnt
Friday Fun: Be Jesse Pinkman
To get ready for Sunday's return of Breaking Bad, you can play AMC's Jesse Pinkman game: The Cost of Doing Business. Also, see a photo tour of the set, and play Breaking Bad bingo.
Labels:
breaking bad,
friday fun,
gaming/consoles,
set design
TV/Film Fluidity
Steven Zeitchik argues that the Emmy nominations illustrate how fluid the boundaries between film and TV are today.
Conan Profile
Scott Tobias checks out what's going on over at Conan on TBS.
Labels:
conan o'brien,
late night,
nbc,
tbs,
the tonight show
Brooks Resigns
News Corp.'s Rebekah Brooks has resigned, and now so has Dow Jones CEO Les Hinton, the WSJ's publisher. And Rupert Murdoch is going to offer a public apology to News of the World readers.
Labels:
industry,
magazines,
news,
news corporation,
rupert murdoch
Soaps Still Matter
Columnist Carolyn Hinsey argues in a new book that daytime soaps still have a future. There are also some interesting comments in this interview about gay and minority representation on soaps.
Labels:
cancellation,
daytime,
lgbtq,
predictions,
race/ethnicity,
ratings,
representation,
soap opera
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Nickelodeon Boosts Viacom
Nickelodeon's success is pushing Viacom's stock up.
Labels:
children,
demographics,
industry,
nickelodeon,
ratings,
revenue,
viacom
Broadcasting Value
NAB president and CEO Gordon Smith touts the value of the broadcast TV airwaves.
Labels:
broadcasting,
local,
nab,
networks,
spectrum,
station ownership
Connected Disruptions
Ryan Lawler discusses how connected devices are poised to disrupt the TV ad market.
Labels:
advertising,
internet,
ipad,
mobile,
tablets,
technology,
tv sets
SeeSaw Saved
British online TV outlet SeeSaw has been saved from oblivion by a consortium of investors.
Netflix Backlash
Netflix says it expected some backlash against its new subscription plans, but perhaps as much as it got.
Labels:
age,
distribution,
dvd,
netflix,
pay tv rates/subscriber fees,
streaming
News Corp Latest
The FBI is investigating News Corp., Rupert Murdoch is defending his company, and many myths are floating about. Bloomberg has a good summary of the issues.
Labels:
james murdoch,
law,
magazines,
music video,
news,
news corporation,
rupert murdoch
CBS Criticism
Reality Blurred's Andy Dehnart criticizes CBS's official statement about a Big Brother cast member's homophobic comments.
Labels:
big brother,
cbs,
controversy,
lgbtq,
production,
reality tv,
representation
Egyptian TV Changes
In the wake of political and social upheaval in Egypt, major growth is taking place in Egyptian television.
Labels:
advertising,
broadcasting,
censorship,
egypt,
industry,
international,
middle east,
news,
pay tv,
politics
FNL Oral History
Grantland has a great oral history of Friday Night Lights (warning: finale spoilers at the end)
Labels:
acting,
characters,
directv,
drama,
friday night lights,
narrative,
nbc,
production,
writing
Emmy Noms
The Emmy nominations have been announced. The complete list (pdf). TV Line highlights major snubs. Analysis from Todd VanDerWerff, Mike Hale, Linda Holmes, Jaime Weinman, Nina Shen Rastogi, Alan Sepinwall, Jace Lacob, Myles McNutt.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Glee Changes
Cast changes are in the works for Season 4 of Glee, with some big names reportedly leaving after the upcoming season.
Spectrum Bill
A House panel has released the draft of a broadband network spectrum bill which broadcasters like and net neutrality advocates don't.
Labels:
broadband,
net neutrality,
regulation,
spectrum
CSI Effect
Author of a great book on CSI Derek Kompare discusses elsewhere how CSI has helped make juries smarter.
Labels:
csi,
effects,
law,
representation,
social issues
NBCU-Netflix Renewal
One of the things your increased subscription fees will help fund at Netflix is new NBCU content.
News Corp. Inquiry
As US criticism of News Corporation rises in light of the phone-hacking scandal, two US congressmen are calling for an investigation of New Corp's US practices.
Labels:
ethics,
james murdoch,
law,
magazines,
music video,
news,
news corporation,
rupert murdoch
Content Value
Reed Phillips notes that the numbers being thrown around estimating Hulu's value for sale reveal good news for content businesses.
Labels:
distribution,
hulu,
online tv,
streaming
BBC Spending
Great infographic: a breakdown of where the BBC licence fee money goes.
Labels:
bbc,
britain,
budgets,
international,
public broadcasting,
radio
Web Salary Negotiations
All My Children and One Life to Live stars are negotiating salaries for the shows' online airings.
Labels:
acting,
all my children,
one life to live,
online tv,
prospect park,
salaries,
soap opera,
web series
Web Series Exodus
Jake Coyle reports on the networks' retrenching from web series.
Labels:
industry,
internet,
networks,
production,
web series
Cable Trumps Broadcast
Ad spending on cable TV is forecast to exceed broadcast network spending.
Labels:
advertising,
broadcasting,
cable,
networks,
revenue
Summer News
ABC and NBC are leading the way in summer 18-49 ratings, and Amy Chozik reports that marketers are striving to reach 6-11 year old boys on cable this summer.
Labels:
abc,
advertising,
children,
demographics,
disney,
marketing,
nbc,
ratings,
summer
Oprah Becomes CEO
Oprah Winfrey has appointed herself CEO of OWN.
Labels:
cable,
industry,
oprah winfrey,
own
AMC Online Date
All My Children will premiere online three days after it ends on TV, September 26.
Labels:
abc,
all my children,
internet,
online tv,
prospect park,
soap opera,
web series
Dead Deal
News Corp. has dropped its BSkyB takeover bid.
Labels:
britain,
industry,
international,
magazines,
news corporation,
pay tv,
rupert murdoch,
satellite,
sky/bskyb
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
RIP Sherwood Schwartz
Classic TV producer Sherwood Schwartz has died. Robert Lloyd offers an appreciation, and THR has an affecting farewell letter from Schwartz. Josef Adalian has a remembrance.
Labels:
history,
obituaries,
sitcoms,
writing
Bounce TV Sets Date
The new independent broadcast network called Bounce TV, which will target African-American audiences, will launch on September 26 at noon.
BSkyB Bid Sours
Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB bid is looking doomed as it's losing supporters by the minute.
Netflix in Latin America
Ryan Lawler reports how Netflix is poised to dominate over cable TV in Latin America.
Labels:
cable,
international,
latin america,
netflix,
online tv,
pay tv,
streaming
New Netflix Plans
Netflix has announced new subscription plans, splitting up DVD and streaming and charging more for both combined. Ryan Lawer details why Netflix has made these changes. The consumer response to the changes has been overwhelmingly negative. Will Richmond calls this a surprising left turn.
First-Run Saturday
CBS is doing something shocking in the fall: airing a series first-run on Saturday night. (Though before you get too excited, you should know that the show is Rules of Engagement.)
Labels:
2011-12 season,
advertising,
cbs,
fall season,
rules of engagement,
saturday,
scheduling,
syndication
Boston News Archive
A group of local Boston stations led by WGBH are collecting and digitizing historical newscasts in order to create an online archive.
Labels:
academia,
archives/museums,
history,
local,
local news,
online tv
Beat Reporters Needed
Diana Marszalek believes local news could be improved with a return to the use of beat reporters who go out and find local stories and don't just recap existing ones.
Labels:
broadcasting,
local,
local news,
news
Sister Wives Lawsuit
The family featured on TLC's Sister Wives is fighting to have anti-bigamy laws changed.
Labels:
law,
reality tv,
sister wives,
social issues,
tlc
NBCU Ads
Anthony Crupi reports on NBCU Cable's record upfronts haul. In other NBCU news, NBC's Sports Group will now handle all national TV ad sales for the NHL.
Labels:
advertising,
cable,
hockey,
industry,
nbcu,
sports,
upfronts,
usa network
Median Age Up
Last season saw the median age of broadcast network viewers rise to 51.6.
Labels:
age,
broadcasting,
demographics,
networks,
spectatorship
PBS Analyzes Primetime
Look for a PBS documentary series analyzing American prime time television in the fall.
Labels:
documentary,
history,
pbs
Comcast v. Tennis Channel
The FCC thinks Comcast should be fined for discriminatory action against Tennis Channel, while Comcast will argue in front of a judge today that the FCC is full of it.
Labels:
cable,
carriage,
comcast,
fcc,
law,
regulation,
tennis,
tiering/neighborhooding
BBC Worldwide Sales
Speaking of Doctor Who, it is BBC Worldwide's biggest selling show internationally, among a wide range of revenue-earning shows for the BBC's commercial arm.
Labels:
bbc,
bbc worldwide,
distribution,
doctor who,
globalization,
international,
revenue
Facebook Viewing
Hulu and Facebook are on the verge of integrating, which has Ryan Lawler wondering if users will embrace the connection, and you'll soon be able to watch some Doctor Who on Facebook.
Labels:
bbc,
bbc worldwide,
distribution,
doctor who,
facebook,
hulu,
international,
internet,
online tv,
streaming
Monday, July 11, 2011
Networks & Original Online
Jake Coyle reports that networks are pulling back on their investments in original online series.
Labels:
industry,
internet,
networks,
online video,
web series
Premium VOD
Not much demand for premium video-on-demand yet.
Labels:
directv,
distribution,
movies,
spectatorship,
video-on-demand
Y Cord Cutting
About a quarter of Generation Y is cord cutting (or cord never) inclined.
Labels:
cord cutting,
demographics,
online tv,
smart tvs,
spectatorship
Typical Lady Cop
Eric Deggans outlines the stereotypical female cop on TV.
Labels:
characters,
convention,
drama,
gender,
narrative,
procedural
Save MOACA
TNT's Men of a Certain Age is on the bubble; Alan Sepinwall makes a strong case for its renewal. Maureen Ryan also makes a case, as does Tim Goodman. But Robert Seidman says you can't fault TNT if they cancel it. Jaime Weinman wishes TNT had done a better job of marketing the show, and Myles McNutt adds his thoughts.
Labels:
channel branding,
characters,
criticism,
demographics,
drama,
marketing,
men of a certain age,
narrative,
quality tv,
ratings,
renewals,
review,
tnt
Slingbox Potential
Alex Sherman and Jim Aley propose the Slingbox as the solution to TV Everywhere needs. (And I can personally say the Slingbox was a glorious helper during my time overseas.)
Labels:
cable,
directv,
distribution,
live,
slingbox,
spectatorship,
streaming,
technology,
tv everywhere
New Flow Issue
Some great new posts at Flow, including Steven Boyer on television viewing on game consoles, Taylor Cole Miller on Glee and gay representations, and Kristen Warner and Lisa Schmidt on The Killing as feminine narrative form.
Labels:
drama,
gaming/consoles,
gender,
glee,
lgbtq,
narrative,
representation,
screens,
soap opera,
spectatorship,
the killing,
tv sets
Spoiler Challenge
Mary McNamara considers the challenge of avoiding spoilers today. Related: spoiler alert manifesto.
Labels:
finales,
internet,
narrative,
social media,
spoilers
Food TV
Yvonne Villareal looks at the state of food TV.
Labels:
bravo,
cable,
cooking,
food network,
programming
BSkyB Deal Now Uncertain
With the News of the World phone hacking scandal continuing to unfold, and the latest allegations of improprieties going beyond just News of the World, Britain's deputy prime minister and a Labour Party leader have called for News Corps.' full takeover attempt of BSkyB to be dropped. Meanwhile, BSkyB shares are dropping, some say Rupert Murdoch's media empire is fracturing, News Corp. shareholders are suing, and Simon Dumenco speculates on what comes next for Murdoch and company. Fox-owned TV stations shouldn't be affected.
Update: the BSkyB bid is now delayed at least 6 months, after Murdoch withdrew the plan to spin off Sky News, based on logic Jeff Bercovici explores, and the bid is referred to a regulator.
Update: the BSkyB bid is now delayed at least 6 months, after Murdoch withdrew the plan to spin off Sky News, based on logic Jeff Bercovici explores, and the bid is referred to a regulator.
No Hulu for Netflix
The WSJ reports that Netflix won't be in the hunt to buy Hulu.
Labels:
conglomeration,
distribution,
hulu,
industry,
netflix,
online tv,
streaming
ESPN Gets Wimbledon
Another oldie but goodie: ESPN has snagged the rights to Wimbledon away from NBC.
Spitzer Out
Catching up on old news: the Eliot Spitzer era is over at CNN, causing CNN to reshuffle its evening schedule.
Labels:
cable news,
cnn,
failure,
news,
scheduling
Back...Sort Of
I'm back from my overseas travels, so I'll try to restart the blog again, though I still have a few family vacations on the docket that might limit posts on some days (and, unfortunately, probably still keep GoodTVeets on the shelf for the time being).
Friday, July 8, 2011
Soaps Online
I'm still mostly offline while traveling, but this news has to be posted: the canceled ABC soaps One Life to Live and All My Children will apparently returning intact but as online series. Joe Flint says the economics of this isn't easy, and Laura Hazard Owen wonders if fans will follow.
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