The latest

Another week, another embarrassment for radio

This time, its WFNY-FM’s (“Free FM” – or “FraudFM” as many have dubbed it) The Dog House with JV and Elvis, suspended indefinitely for racist comments made on the air in a phone prank made to a Chinese restaurant. This follows another incident last week at a Augusta, Ga. station, where a talk-show host repeated Don Imus’ infamous comments on […]

Where’s Your Game?

Chicago sports fans are going to be in a tizzy trying to find their games tonight, as the Bulls, Cubs and White Sox are in action all at the same time. Comcast SportsNet will air Game 2 of the Bulls-Heat quarterfinal (also available on TNT), while the Cubs-Brewers game will be on CLTV (or Comcast SportsNet Plus), and the White […]

NBC picks up figure skating

Continuing in the tradition of picking up events nobody else wants (Miss USA, the NHL), NBC has agreed to a three-year deal with U.S. Figure Skating to air figure skating events. ABC and ESPN has held the rights for the last 12 years, but passed on the upcoming contract. Hey NBC, Miss America is now available… make it a hat […]

Corno promoted at Comcast SportsNet

Jim Corno has been promoted at Comcast Sportsnet Chicago to president effective immediately, from vice president and general manager. This move was a part of a management realignment at the three CSN regional sports networks. New presidents were also named at SportsNet New York (Steve Raab) and Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia (Stephanie LaFair Smith).

You’re late on your rent for the last time…

Bob Vila is being evicted from his home at CBS – The syndication outfit has pulled the plug on Bob Vila’s Home Again, ending a 28-year run on television. Low ratings and sub par weekend time periods (i.e. between midnight and 8 a.m.) apparently are to blame. Bob Vila began hosting PBS’ This Old House in 1979, but was dropped […]

Pump up your May

It’s a month that has Mom’s day, the NBA and NHL playoffs (Chicago doesn’t apply for the latter – thank you Mr. Wirtz) – and lots of new TV. It’s sweeps. Get ready for a month that features 24, Lost, and American Idol blowouts, Bulls playoff basketball, and to top it off – the network upfronts, which comes with its […]

From the has-been file…. (or in this case, X-File…)

Former X-Files star Gillian Anderson bashes TV in this piece from the London Telegraph via The New York Post, saying she’s doesn’t watch it, and doesn’t care for it, and saying it’s destroying society. Talk about biting the hand that fed you… Gee Ms. Anderson, how’s that film career working out for ya? Still living off those X-Files residual checks? […]

‘Betty’, ‘Grey’s’ hit season lows

And October Road hits a 4.2 in adults 18-49. With Grey’s Anatomy idiotic ferry boat death arc and Ugly Betty’s angling to become the next Will & Grace (as in too many long-faded guest stars), October is stepping up to the plate and deserves a second season renewal.

Clear Channel TV sold

Providence Equity Partners purchased the Clear Channel TV station group for $1.2 billion, in a deal that should close by this fall. Among the stations included in the deal are top-rated WKRC-TV (CBS) in Cincinnati, WAWS (Fox)/WTEV (CBS) in Jacksonville, and WOAI-TV (NBC) in San Antonio.

Hope

According to a story in Radio and Records, the Sound Exchange, which distributes and collects royalties from Internet broadcasters, are in negotiations with some commercial and non-commercial (public) broadcasters about future “business arrangements” that will help foster the growth of Internet radio, and fair compensation to the artists. Stay tuned.

Was it the right call?

NBC’s move to air a videotape featuring Virginia Tech killer Cho-Seung-Hui has sparked outrage around the country, from victims’ families to people in the journalism profession, forcing NBC to confront the issue on the Today show on Thursday. The video was also picked up and aired by other news outlets. Remember, this is the same news organization that revealed the […]

Get a grip

Parents are upset at a teacher for appearing in the current installment of The Bachelor – and the fact that she lied to school administrators in the Houston suburb of Sugarland – particularly during students’ testing period (which were given by a substitute.) Scenes were even filmed in the classroom. Get a grip, people. It’s not like they found a […]