ViacomCBS rebrands as Paramount Global

The “V of Doom” officially dies as Viacom name is retired after 51 years as focus shifts to streaming During an investor event conference call on Tuesday, ViacomCBS announced a rebrand of its entire company as it becomes Paramount Global, though its being referred to as simply Paramount (the name and website domain of Paramount Global was already taken by […]

The Media Notepad: WGN-TV’s new “Daytime Chicago” a hit

Also: Paramount Plus adds new streaming channels; Pictionary gets green light for full-time series; Jussie Smollett found guilty Newsflash: There is a new hit on linear TV not named Ghosts or Law & Order: Organized Crime. In fact, it’s not even in primetime – and it’s local.  It’s WGN-TV’s new morning show Daytime Chicago, and it pulled out a ratings […]

Sony fires “Jeopardy!” EP Mike Richards

Also out as Wheel showrunner due to controversial comments in past weeks after he stepped down as Jeopardy host The other shoe dropped Tuesday as Mike Richards, who stepped down as host of Jeopardy due to comments made on a years- old podcast, was removed from his position as executive producer of Jeopardy and Wheel Of Fortune by Sony Pictures […]

Mike Richards out as Jeopardy! host

Remains exec producer of show and Wheel Of Fortune After numerous episodes of an old podcast surfaced a few days ago, Mike Richards – who self-appointed himself as host of Jeopardy! after a long search has stepped down after nine days. The decision to move aside came after The Ringer published excerpts from a podcast he produced and hosted called […]

It’s Mike…and Mayim? “Jeopardy” names new hosts

Primetime specials also coming to ABC With the worst kept secret in Hollywood, Jeopardy! producers named Mike Richards as host of the long-running game show as expected. But in a bit of a curveball, actress Mayim Bialik was named host of several prime-time special editions starting next year, with the Jeopardy! National College Tournament first on tap.  The news was […]

“Jeopardy” close to picking its new host: It’s Mike?

Comes after months of guest hosts News leaked Wednesday on who would be the successor of the late Alex Trebek as host of one of television’s most popular and iconic game shows. Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune executive producer Mike Richards (not the Kramer guy from Seinfeld) is now the front runner to take over the long-running game show starting […]

Entercom becomes Audacy

The country’s second-biggest radio owner rebrands  It’s not exactly atrocious as Tegna or Tronc, but Entercom’s name change to Audacy is meant to reflect radio’s future.  Or something like that.  On Tuesday, Entercom disposed of its corporate name after 53 years and became Audacy, whatever it means. Also gone is the Radio.com name.  “We have transformed into a fundamentally different […]

The Media Notepad: Entercom launches new sports gambling station “The Bet”

Also: Dan Bongino takes Rush’s place; ET makes history; Fox Sports Net name change set Hey remember HD Radio? No? Well believe it or not, it’s still around and here’s your reminder: On Monday, Entercom’s WCFS-FM became 105.9 The Bet, a format devoted to sports gambling.  However, it’s not on WCFS-FM’s main frequency, where a simulcast of Newsradio 780 continues. […]

Syndication update: MGM pulls plug on court shows’ original production

Court genre thins out, but still viable After being one of the most reliable genres in first-run syndication during the last decade, the courtroom show pack is thinning the herd a little bit.  According to Broadcasting & Cable, MGM (through production company Orion, the former film studio acquired by MGM) has halted production on three court shows – Couples Court […]

CBS Television Distribution rebrands as CBS Media Ventures

New name reflects additional responsibilities in addition to selling to TV stations After fourteen years as CBS Television Distribution, ViacomCBS’ syndication arm announced Monday it was rebranding as CBS Media Ventures. The decision to rebrand comes as the company feels it’s more than just a syndicator serving traditional TV outlets but also to streamers and creating digital content and running […]

Spin the Wheel: “Wheel of Fortune” comes to prime-time for first time

Wheel gets first prime-time exposure  Another syndicated game show is taking a spin in primetime.  Wheel of Fortune is heading to primetime with a first-ever celebrity edition where it’ll air on Thursday nights starting January 7 on ABC. Those celebrity contestants have a chance to win a million dollars for their favorite charity.  Sony Pictures Television produces Wheel of Fortune […]

“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek dies

Iconic game show host dies at 80 after a battle with pancreatic cancer for the last 20 months Fans are mourning the loss of beloved game show icon Alex Trebek, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer Sunday morning at the age of 80. Trebek was host of long-running Jeopardy!, which has received a surge of buzz in recent years, […]

The Media Notepad: Judy Sheindlin strikes deal with Amazon

Also: This TV/Light TV has new owner; Rock 95.5 does modestly well in first survey As anticipated following her announcement on Ellen earlier this year, Judy Sheindlin released more information about her new project Thursday in a press release. For one, the her new courtroom show is still untitled – but perhaps the biggest takeaway is beginning next year, her […]