Source: Turner Research from Nielsen Media Research data. 9/27/1993-9/9/2007 among ad-supported basic cable networks.  Cablecast=Cable Telecast. Based on most current data available: Live+7 (12/26/05-8/26/07). Live+SD (8/27/07-9/9/07) and Live (prior to 12/26/05). The Closer 9/10/07; 6/18/07; 6/12/07 P2+ 000.

Cynopsis

12/21/07

Good Morning.  It’s Friday, December 21, 2007 and this is your first early morning briefing.

Comedy Central announced The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report will both resume production January 7, without their writing staffs. This return date follows a scheduled two-week, end of year hiatus. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert issued this statement about their return: “We would like to return to work with our writers. If we cannot, we would like to express our ambivalence, but without our writers we are unable to express something as nuanced as ambivalence.”

The response from WGA: “Comedy Central forcing Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert back on the air will not give the viewers the quality shows they’ve come to expect. The only way to get the writing staffs back on the job is for the AMPTP companies to come back to the table prepared to negotiate a fair deal with the Writers Guild.”

Tonight’s Premiere:
NBC: The Singing Bee at 8p

Tonight’s Finale:
FOX: The Next Great American Band at 9p

December 23 Finale:
ABC: Duel at 8p

December 28 Premieres:
Anime Network: Kanon
BBC America: The Catherine Tate Show at 920p

December 30 Finale:
NBC: Sunday Night Football: Kansas City vs. New York Jets at 815p

January 1 Premieres:
NBC: The Biggest Loser at 8p
ABC: Just for Laughs at 830p and According to Jim at 9p
HGTV: HGTV Dream Home 2008 at 9p

In the nick of time for holiday gift giving, an original KITT, one of four talking cars driven by David Hasselhoff in the ’80s Knight Rider TV series, is up for sale on eBay. As of yesterday, one bid for $20,000 was posted for the black 1984 Pontiac Trans Am. Another original KITT car sold in July for around $100,000.

BBC America debuts a new comedy sketch show, That Mitchell & Webb Look from British comedians Robert Webb and David Mitchell on February 8 at 920p. The comedy duo behind the sitcom Peep Show, collect a group of colorful characters and rely on Monty Python influences as well as Peter Cook and Spike Milligan.

MTV’s Tuesday finale of A Shot At Love With Tila Tequila (10p) posted a 5.9 P12-34 rating and 6 million total viewers on average. Based on the success of the show, MTV will introduce a spin-off romantic comedy, That’s Amore! starring Domenico Nesci, on the contestants from the first season. Six episodes will air in first quarter 2008.

ESPN made a deal to purchase SchoolSports Inc., a sports and lifestyle media company focused on high school athletics. The company publishes the magazines RISE, Gridiron, Hardwood and GIRL, in addition to RISEMAG.com, an online destination for teen athletes and fans. The entity also comprises RISE Events which produces the Boost Mobile Elite 24 Hoops Classic, a national high school basketball event. Jim Kaufman, SchoolSports CEO will remain in his position, reporting to James Brown, SVP/New Program Development, ESPN and Gary Hoenig, Editor-in-Chief, ESPN The Magazine and GM, ESPN Publishing. SchoolSports will continue to operate from Boston and New York.

Arts Alliance America partners with Sundance Channel to be the exclusive distributor of the network’s home entertainment library in addition to a first-look agreement on all original programming and one-off documentaries. Two Sundance Channel original series are the first to be released, the 13-episode Big Ideas For A Small Planet produced by Scout Productions and the eight-part Nimrod Nation produced in association with Fremantle International Distribution, Wieden + Kennedy Entertainment and Public Road Productions.

AMC announced four new series in development:

• Fort Smith – western series around the Civil War period about Isiah Parker and his posse who police the Five Points, a lawless region surrounded by five different Indian tribes.
• Uninvited Guest – about a man dealing with an uncontrollable multiple personality disorder. From Mandalay Entertainment.
• An Untitled Alison Anders Western – this series is about Quanah Parker, leader of the Comanche Indians, who fights the U.S. Army for his people’s land rights.
• Greenfields – about a psychiatrist who gets his patient out of jail, then the pair pose as father and son on the run.

Fox‘s pilot project Saint of Circumstance from ABC Studios has added David Denman (The Office) in the lead role, and Zack Braff (Scrubs) as Exec Producer/Director, reports THR. The story is about a guy who leaves his office job to become a paramedic.

The Consumer Electronics Association has retained former NATPE executive Nick Orfanopoulos of the Orfanopoulos Group, as a senior advisor for the 2008 International CES’ content and entertainment community and exhibits. This year’s conference will once again be held in Las Vegas, beginning January 7.  The 2008 International CES will feature product debuts from 2,700 exhibitors, covering more than 30 product areas, including the latest in content, wireless, digital imaging, in-vehicle electronics, home theater and audio.  You go Nick!!

Chicago Real Estate billionaire Sam Zell succeeded Dennis FitzSimons as Chairman and CEO of Tribune Co. after his $8.2 billion buyout of the company closed. Tribune also named former Clear Channel CEO Randy Michaels as EVP & CEO of Interactive and Broadcasting, overseeing the group’s 23 local stations and more than 50 websites. Gerald A. Spector also joins as EVP and Chief Administrative Officer.

Horizon Media has a slew of new hires and one promotion in its New York office. Scott Ledder advanced to Brand Planning Director up from Account Supervisor in the brand strategy group that handles Geico, Boar’s Head and Sobieski accounts. The new additions include: Alyse LaRue as Assistant AE in the brand strategy group, reporting to Tim McCarthy; Madeline Autiero as Media Planner in the brand strategy group, reporting to Tim McCarthy; Ashley Dudas as Planning Supervisor in the brand strategy group, reporting to Rob Kalman; Bernard Shepard as Director/Credit and Collections in the finance group, reporting to Mike Aiello; Arlene Warner as Senior Accountant in the finance group, reporting to Kenny Odeyemi; Ashley Claro as Assistant AE in the brand strategy group, reporting to Christine Calamari; and Michael Consani as CORE Specialist in the direct response group, reporting to Gene Turner. Additionally, Horizon Media added Michael Tang in its Los Angeles office as Help Desk Administrator in the IT support group, reporting to Michael Simpson.

Denise Perry was elevated to Sales Support Account Coordinator at Cox Media in Hampton Roads, VA.

Goodman Media International promoted three public relations executives: John Bianchi to VP up from Senior Account Director; Beth Olsen to Senior Account Director up from Account Director; and Sabrina Strauss to Account Director and Account Manager.

Chris McCumber was upgraded to EVP/Marketing, Digital and Brand Strategy with USA Network where he reports to Bonnie Hammer, President of USA Network and SCI FI Channel. Chris will continue in his role with overall strategy and creative vision for USA marketing that encompasses consumer marketing, media planning, on- and off-air creative advertising, interstitial programming and all digital efforts. Chris also handles WWE programming and the added responsibility of integrated sales marketing to his duties.

Today in Cynopsis Kids 

• DreamWorks Animation and Thomson SA to make movies in India
• Basil Brush to star in new version of Swap Shop
• BBC Drama seeks two new teen series

Today in Cynopsis International

• TV Azteca and Telemundo on better terms and settling differences
• Peace Arch Entertainment Group Inc. with takeover bid intentions for ContentFilm plc
• Three Latin American buys for Frecuencia Latina International’s My Problem with Women

Today in Cynopsis Digital, listen to the audio version here or subscribe to the iTunes Cyn Digital podcast 

• The FTC signs off on $3.1 billion Google/DoubleClick merger
• MTV and the AP create citizen journalist team to cover local and national races
• Sam Zell takes the reigns of Tribune, privatization process complete

Wednesday – A18-49 Analysis:  CBS finished first Wednesday night with 2.7/8 A18-49, according to final national ratings from Nielsen Media Research. Competition was thick at 8p, yet NBC’s Clash of the Choirs was first with 2.3/7, and ABC’s Duel and CBS’ Frosty specials tied for second at 2.2/7. CBS was the solo winner the last two hours as repeats of Criminal Minds won at 9p with 2.9/8 and CSI: NY matched the rating at 2.9/8 during 10p.

Live + Same Day Household Ratings: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 – time period averages. Source: NTI Galaxy, as dated. Live+SD.

CBS: 6.4/11       Frosty the Snowman [r] 4.4/8, Frosty Returns [r] 3.9/7, Criminal Minds [r] 7.4/12, CSI: NY [r] 7.7/13

NBC: 4.6/8           Clash of the Choirs 5.4/9, Journeyman [f] 3.2/5

ABC: 4.0/7           Duel 4.9/8, Private Practice [r] 3.7/6, A Holiday Celebration at Ford’s Theatre 3.3/6

FOX: 3.1/5          Back to You [r] 3.2/6, ’til Death [r] 3.5/6, Kitchen Nightmares [r] 2.9/5

UNIV: 1.8/3        Amar sin Limites 1.8/3, Pasion 1.9/3, Don Francisco Presenta 1.6/3

CW: 1.3/2           Crowned 1.3/2, Gossip Girl 1.3/2

MNT: 0.7/1         World Music Awards [r] 0.7/1

TELE: 0.7/1        Madre Luna 0.7/1, Victoria 0.7/1, Pecados Ajenos 0.5/1

A18-49: CBS 2.7/8, NBC 2.2/6, FOX 1.9/5, ABC 1.6/5, UNIV 1.4/4, CW 0.8/2, MNT 0.5/2, TELE 0.4/1

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM CABLEU

Friday Fun Fact:  Each year more than 10 percent of all the salt produced in the world, approximately 9 million tons, is applied to American highways for road de-icing. The cost of buying and applying the salt adds up to $200 million.

This day in History: 1898 – Scientists Pierre and Marie Curie discovered the radioactive element radium.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question: What is the name of the pizza place frequented by the Romano family on Everybody Loves Raymond? NEMO’s    Kudos to: Kerri Caruso-Univision National Sales/NY; Ed Russo-Lifetime Networks/NY; Kelly Guida-FOX 4/Cape Coral, FL; Brad Kolodny-The New York Times/NY; Peggy Dalland–KTTC/Rochester, MN; Kimberly Smiley-The Richards Group/Dallas; Emma Armstrong-SpotPlus/Dallas; Sally Sluss-Charter Media/St. Louis; Lori Coro-CBS Television Distribution/LA; Dale Warshaw-KMSB/KTTU/Tucson; Betsey Brohman-NBC Universal/Universal City, CA; Tommy Moffitt- COX Television/Reno

Today’s Trivia Question: Aha! No trivia question today – Cynopsis is off now for the holiday week, returning on January 2nd.  Have a wonderful and safe holiday – see you in the New Year!

Later  — Cyn
12.21.07

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JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MGR/Nickelodeon Animation/Burbank: Media-related research experience in the child development/arts education/child psychology filds for one of our newest preschool shows!Apply at www.mtvncareers.com   (1/8)

JOB OPENING: MGR,  ONLINE CONT. PROGRAM/Disney/N. Hollywood: BS in Bus, Mktg or related field. 5 yrs + online exp. Exc PC Skills, Exp working w/ website design and production. APPLY: www.disneycareers.com search for JOB ID: 131165 (1/8)

JOB OPENING: DIR CONSUMER MKTG/Fuse TV/NYC: Responsible for communicating mktg/promo plans for on and off channel activities supporting fuse’s TV prgrmng, live events & channel image. Please send resume to
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JOB OPENING: SR MGR, PROMOS & SPONS/Cartoon Network/ATL: Oversee the dev & execution of CN and Adult Swim promotions & sponsorships across platforms.  10+ yrs mkt/sales/promos exp in the ent ind.  turnerjobs .com #90643BR (1/8)

JOB OPENING: WARDROBE STYLIST/NY: Create/maintain wardrobe for 2 hosts for wkly show & lrg TV ntwrk. 2 wks to purchase wardrobe & work on set 1 day and/or night a wk to dress hosts for shoot. res/rate to:
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JOB OPENING: PROP MASTER/NYC: 8 Saturdays, (every 6 weeks) to work with promos of products for TV show. Experience in commercials & ability to create steam, flames, etc… Purchase props.  Res/Rate to:
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JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ONLINE SALES/ESPN/NYC: Need 3+ yrs online Ad sales exp.  Send resume to
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JOB OPENING: SR. RESEARCH ANALYST/HBO/NYC: BS/BA/2-3 yrs exp web traffic analy exp w/ Omniture & syndicated traffic sources (ComScore/Nielsen). Detailed/strong comm. skills/multi-tasking. E-mail:
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JOB OPENING: DIR OF SALES ADMIN/CBS TV DIST/NY: Mng ad sales admin w/ staff of 4 from order thru reconciliation. Finc’l background w/strong Excel, mngrl, & analytical skills pref’d  5+ yrs exp. Res/salary req:
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JOB OPENING: SR PUBLICIST/CourtTV/truTVNY: Pitch primetime series/generate creative media attention/press releases/events/support anchors. 3-5 yrs cable/network/entertainment PR exp. Apply:
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JOB OPENING:  WRITER/PRODUCER/G4TV/Los Angeles: To write & produce promos, campaigns, & interstitials. 5+yrs. exp. in On-Air Promo at broadcast or cable network. More information & to apply visit: www.cegjobs.com (1/3)

JOB OPENING:  SALES PLAN’R/BET, NY: Prepare Sales Plans, Mng mult Accts, 2 yrs exp in Cable Sales or buying a must. Detailed-oriented, org’d, multitasker, exc comm & math skills, BA req. Email resume:
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JOB OPENING:  INTERACTIVE, SALES PLANNER/NY: Work with the Interactive Ad Sales team for Scripps Networks. Must have Sales Planner or Interactive agency experience. Apply by going to our website, www.scrippsnetworks.com    (1/3)

JOB OPENING: SR PROMO PROD/Award winning 2C Media: Seeking high end prod for nat’l TV promo campaigns. Great writing a must, editorial a +! Send reel:
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JOB OPENING: RSRCH ANALYST/NBCU, NY: Analyze internal & 3rd party online data to support mktg & sales for NBC Oxygen properties. BA/BS, 2+ yrs exp in media, familiar w/ working data sources. www.nbcunicareers.com #784838 (12/22)

JOB OPENING:  MEDIA RESEARCH MANAGER @ RPA: 5+ yrs’ in media research. Will generate data analyses, critical media info, POVs; supervise Analyst. Nielsen, Arbitron, MRI, Scarborough, DDS, Galaxy req’d. Apply @ www.rpa.com . EOE (12/22)

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JOB OPENING: SERIES PROD/NYC: Oversee prod of a pre-schl animated series, inc. mngng day-to-day ops, guiding creative dir, & ensuring that project adheres to sched/bdgt. PRE-K ANIMATION EXP A MUST. Apply:
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JOB OPENING: SR. DRTV Buyer/Active Int’l in Pearl River, NY (15 miles from NYC): Min 5 yrs exp. in planning, negotiating and buying DRTV req’d. Resumes to:
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WINTER AND SPRING INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. They are posted for free, and students work for school credit only. For more information on the specs for posting an Internship ad, email Trish at
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WINTER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  Fox College Sports, Un-paid internship, for college credit.  Assist with running day to day operations; college sports interest & knowledge.  E-mail 
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WINTER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: MEDIA STRATEGY INTERN/National Geographic Channel/Wash DC: You won’t learn this in school! Seeking detail-oriented interns with great computer and organizational  skills. Email resume to
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SITUATION WANTED:  PROJ/OPS/TRAFFIC MGR/NYC: Prof. 5 yrs cable ntwk on-air promo/brand exp. Mng day-to-day ops of promo projs. Detailed, able to prioritize. Strong organiz skills. Meticulous. Temp or staff.
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WHAT’S ON TONIGHT – Friday, December 21, 2007

ABC: Duel, Women’s Murder Club [r], 20/20
CBS: 9th Annual a Home for the Holidays, Moonlight [r], Numbers [r]
CW: Friday Night Smackdown!
FOX: Don’t Forget the Lyrics! [r], The Next Great American Band [f ]
ION: Movie: Flood [7p]
MNT: Movie: White Christmas [r]
NBC: The Singing Bee, The Singing Bee [p], Dateline
PBS: Washington Week, Now, Bill Moyers’ Journal, Walking the Bible (Part 2) [r]
TELE: Madre Luna, Victoria, Pecados Ajenos
UNIV: Amar sin Limites, Pasion, Nuestra Navidad

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