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ER DELIVERS IN ITS 12TH SEASON

TOP 10 PROGRAM THIS SEASON
WITH ALL ADULTS & WOMEN

ER
Available exclusively from Warner Bros. Domestic Cable Distribution
WBDCD.com:  Get with the programming – online.Source: NTI, Explorer, Season Premiere To Date (9/19-11/27/05), US Rtg.

CYNTHIA TURNER’S
Cynopsis

12/02/05

Good morning.  It’s Friday, December 2, 2005, and this is your first early morning briefing.

CBS and ABC ended the November 2005 Sweep in a dead tie in the all-important Adult 18-40 demo, each boasting a 4.4/12 for their efforts.  NBC and Fox were quite close, the space between a mere tenth of a rating point.  Same is true for UPN and WB. FINAL November 2005 Sweep (11/3-11/30/05), according to Nielsen Media Research:  A18-49:   CBS and ABC Tie at 4.4/12 (CBS -2% in rtg vs. same time frame Nov 2004, ABC +10%), NBC 3.3/9 (-18%), FOX 3.2/9 (+7%), UPN 1.5/4 (flat), WB 1.4/4 (-13%), Total Viewers: CBS 14.57 million (+2%), ABC 11.66m (+9%), NBC 9.56m (-11%), Fox 7.76m (+9%), UPN 3.69m (-1%), WB 3.56m (-9%)”Cancelled” may be too strong a word, and no one has said it exactly, but no matter what you call it, NBC has taken Joey off of Thursday nights.  In fact, off the schedule entirely. Also off the schedule is Three Wishes. The Apprentice will return post-Olympics.  Here’s NBC’s Midseason Schedule as of January 2: (new series in italics) Mondays:       Surface, Las Vegas, Medium Tuesdays:      Fear Factor, Scrubs, Scrubs, L&O: SVU Wednesdays: E-Ring, Biggest Loser: Special Edition (new title), L&O Thursdays:    Will & Grace, Four Kings, My Name is Earl, The Office, ER Fridays:          Most Outrageous TV Moments, Dateline NBC, Book of Daniel Saturdays:      Movies and stuff Sundays:        Dateline NBC, West Wing, L&O: CI, Crossing JordanBased on what we know so far (i.e., we still don’t have a premiere date for The Unit on CBS, and we have a TBA on Thursday at 9p on ABC) about the midseason broadcast schedule, here are some thoughts/predictions/observations:

• Mondays at 9p will be a sitcom race between ABC and CBS, though CBS has a clear advantage with its entrenched 2-1/2 Men at 9p leading into a new series starring Jenna Elfman.  Over on ABC, they begin the 9p hour with a new series, Emily’s Reasons Why Not, leading into Jake in Progress, a move that can easily backfire if Emily’s Reasons Why Not doesn’t provide enough reasons Why.
• Tuesdays at 8p American Idol is likely to dominate at 8p, while House and Commander in Chief deal with CBS’ new series Love Monkey at 9p.
• Wednesdays at 8p will again be dominated by American Idol at 8p, while all of the competing shows have their loyal viewers, the droves will tune to Fox.  NBC’s Biggest Loser: Special Edition at 9p will likely struggle against the likes of Criminal Minds and Lost, be they originals or repeats. And don’t discount Bones on Fox at 9p – with a huge lead-in this show will become a major competitor.  With all that said, there is some speculation that Fox will rework its Wednesday schedule some time in March, moving Bones to 8p, followed by American Idol (when it turns into a 30m results show) at 9p and the new series The Loop at 930p.
• Thursdays is clearly a night NBC would like see dubbed again their Must See TV night.  ABC hopes to derail NBC with its Dancing with the Stars 8p leadin show based on its previous success, while NBC’s success will hinge on its 8-9p Will & Grace and Four Kings combo. At 9p CSI will still be the topper and Without a Trace will benefit. Though NBC’s move to put My Name is Earl at 9p is bold, it will still have a tough road; and The Office has regularly fallen off significantly in the post-Earl position, leaving ER to draw viewers on its own.
• Friday nights may well still belong to CBS despite the new lineup on NBC; the introduction of ABC’s Crumbs to the 930p time period won’t effect the night’s outcome. Most Outrageous TV Moments is usually a great Plan B for viewers when there’s nothing else to watch.  Ghost Whisperer, Close to Home and Numb3rs on CBS has a momentum that will be tough to break into for NBC’s freshman series Book of Daniel.  Note: Book of Daniel is booked as a limited series with just 6 airings, winding up just as the Olympics kick off in February.
• Saturdays are still a ‘phone-it-in’ night, with the exception of Fox who hasn’t touched their Saturday night lineup in years and continues to do well.
• Sundays will still be ABC’s night, unless somebody else makes a big move.

 * NEW ORDERS / CASTING / DEVELOPMENT / PRODUCTION *CBS is looking at a new project from Paramount Network Television that would feature the Reverend Al Sharpton in his own sitcom.  That’s right, a sitcom. According to Variety, it’s called Al in the Family and will be written by Peter Ackerman with Jamie Widdoes set to direct and exec produce.

These days, producing a pilot is a considered a gamble.  But try this — producing an entire 10-episode series, purely on spec?  That’s the course taken by Blackjack Entertainment, the producers of Ultimate Blackjack Tour, Jon Moonves and Houston Curtis, says Variety.  Interestingly, these guy don’t see this as a gamble, as they confidently believe they will get the show on the air.  Meetings with various outlets have just begun, as well as discussions with potential promotional partners and sponsors.

Food Network has given a pick up order for a second season of Party Line with the Hearty Boys, the show that was a result of last season’s Next Food Network Star contest winners, Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh.

A&E has reportedly given a 10-ep order to a new series called Driving Force, a reality style program with cameras trained on the drag-racing Force family – dad John, and his three teenage daughters.  A&E plans to kick this show off in 2nd qtr 2006.

And speaking of cars, A&E has also ordered up a reality/doc series called King of Cars, this one focused on auto-dealer Josh Towbin and his Towbin Dodge dealership in Nevada.  It seems Towbin is locally famous for his so-called Chopper Show infomercials where he and his sales staff dress up in various costumes and perform, all promoting the dealership. The show will also track Towbin and staff as they go about their regular duties as car salesmen.  Look for King of Cars in late first quarter 2006.

* EXECUTIVE MOVES *FremantleMedia North America has named Eugene Young,  Chief Creative Officer.  He will oversee all development and programming for the rapidly expanding production company and will report to Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO.  Eugene will assume the role at the beginning of 2006.

Dario Spina has been promoted to SVP/Marketing and Promotions for Spike TV, reporting to Kevin Kay/GM, Spike TV. Dario will continue to oversee integrated marketing and adds Spike TV’s consumer, brand and trade marketing campaigns.
 
Janice Moore has joined the Gospel Music Channel as SVP/Marketing. Based in Atlanta she begins her role next week and will report to Charles Humbard, President and CEO. Janice will lead all marketing functions for GMC as well as establish an integrated marketing infrastructure for GMC.
 
VEE Corporation has promoted David Modica to SVP/Finance, effective immediately.  Most recently,  served as VP/Finance.   Additionally, VEE has named Kevin Kulas as Director/Booking, making a move from Clear Channel Entertainment.

* RATINGS *Nov Sweep: Day #28 – Wednesday — A18-49 Analysis:  The final night of the November sweep found CBS and ABC in a tie, each averaging a 5.4/14 among A18-49, according to final numbers from Nielsen Media Research.  As for the others, Fox 2.9/7, NBC 2.7/7, UPN 1.8/5, WB 1.3/3.  At 8p Rudolph’s Red Nose blinded the competition, earning a 5.8/15. At 9p viewers flocked to Lost, giving that show an overall 8.9/21, while Criminal Minds pulled a 4.8/11.  At 10p viewers switched channels again, this time tuning in CBS’ CSI: NY, earning a 5.5/14 over Invasion (4.2/11) on ABC, and L&O (3.9/10) on NBC.

FINAL HOUSEHOLD RATINGS: Wednesday, November 30, 2005, for all Networks – program averages. Source: Nielsen Media Research. 

CBS     9.5/15   Special: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 8.6/13, Criminal Minds 9.9/15, CSI: NY 10.1/16

ABC     8.1/13   George Lopez 5.4/9, Freddie 5.3/8, Lost 12.3/18, Invasion 6.4/10

NBC     6.4/10   NBC Special: Christmas in Rockefeller Center 6.3/10, The Apprentice Martha Stewart 4.2/6, Law & Order   8.7/14

FOX     4.2/6    That ’70s Show 4.4/7, Stacked 3.5/5, Trading Spouses 4.4/6

UPN     2.8/4   America’s Next Top Model 3.6/6, Veronica Mars 2.0/3

WB      2.0/3    One Tree Hill 2.2/3, Gilmore Girls [r] 1.9/3

A18-49            ABC and CBS 5.4/14, Fox 2.9/7, NBC 2.7/7, UPN 1.8/5, WB 1.3/3

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM NBC UNIVERSAL TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION

Martha Delivers in West Palm Beach
WPEC/C – 10:00-11:00am

Week of Nov. 21, 2005

• Up +107% vs. year ago time period
• Up +26% week-to-week
• #1 new strip, out-delivering Tyra by +81% and Judge Alex by +263%

 Source: NSI WRAP Overnights, 11/21/05-11/23/05 vs. Nov ’04 and vs. 11/14-11/18/05, Live HH rating, Tyra-WPTV 11am, Alex-WFLX-4pm

Friday Fun Fact:  More people are killed annually by donkeys than in plane crashes.

The History Channel presents This Day in History:
1804: Victorious in wars against most of the European powers, Napoleon Bonaparte crowns himself Emperor Napoleon I in Paris.  Napoleon’s rise to this point was spectacular: recalled from a campaign in Egypt, the diminutive Corsican general quickly consolidated control over the French government and army and decisively defeated his rivals on the battlefields of Europe.  After his coronation, Napoleon continued to extend the boundaries of the French empire until 1812, when military reversals culminated in his defeat at Waterloo in 1815.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:  She was a cover girl model and played the lead in a film about a woman anxiously awaiting the return of her soldier husband from World War II while getting friendly with a young hired hand.  Who is she?  JENNIFER ONEIL  in Summer of ’42.   Kudos to:  Bruce Kriegsies-Eagle TV Sales/NY; Gail Gleeson-Phoenix Strategic Resources/Atlanta; Sandra Manly-MSA Media/NY; Rita Mullin-Discovery Health Channel/Silver Spring MD; Laura Serbon-Blair Television/Chicago; Chris Schwieterman-Raycom Media Inc/Montgomery AL; Kelley Kirkpatrick/Dallas; Nancy Bergman-Comcast Spotlight /Sacramento; Dennis Amino-KABC/TV/LA; Greg Stewart-Evolution Film & Tape Inc/Burbank; Paul M. Brown-Flutie Entertainment/LA; Peter Johansen-New Hip Entertainment/Studio City CA; Stephen Kelley-Portfolio Entertainment Inc/Toronto

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM COURT TV

Need some fashion advice this holiday season ? 
Then check out the photos taken at the
Court TV ^® Providence party . 
You’ll see all the latest styles, including argyle, leopard, cool designer handbags – and that’s just the guys!  (Kidding.) 
Click on the link below to see what the best-dressed people in New York were doing on November 17.
http://www.courttvmediakit.com/party/

Today’s Trivia Question: What current cast member of ER was on an ’80s show of the same name?   (click here with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone with your answer. Unofficial rules: Only the second four correct answers from each time zone will be mentioned; and once you’ve been mentioned in any of the Cynopsis editions, you can’t be mentioned again that calendar week.)

Later — Cyn
12.02.05 – 5:24a
Cynopsis Ad Sales – Barbara Shapiro – 203-583-1224 /

Classified Ad Sales – Trish Pihonak – 203.381-9096 /

If you’d rather listen than read, you can sign up for the Cynopsis: In Your Ear podcast available for download each morning by 630a at www.cynopsis.com or via iTunes 4.9 listed in the podcast directory under “News”  as well as under Yahoo Podcast http://podcasts.yahoo.com/.

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Copyright Cynthia Turner 2005

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JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, AFFILIATE MARKETING, OLN- Stamford, CT – Develop/execute affiliate and LAS promos for anchor pgming. 7+ yrs affiliate mktg exp at cable network req’d. See www.olntv.com Resume/salary:
(12/08)

JOB OPENING: CLIENT MARKETING SOLUTIONS MANAGER/ Court TV, NY Develop/Execute added value marketing programs for ad sales. 3-5yrs exp. in cable or media planning a+. For info go to: http://www.courttv.com/about/careers/ (12/08)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER OF DEVELOPMENT/ National Geographic Channel/DC. Devlp concepts to meet aggressive ratings goals. 5-10yrs exp. TV prod, writing, program financial budget. Must apply on-line @ www.foxcareers.com FNG 1363.EOE (12/08)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, Mercury Media/LA: 3+ yrs experience in DR long-form buying or campaign mgt, strong communication & analytical skills. Email resume & sal history to
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JOB OPENING: TRAFFIC MGR, Mercury Media/LA: Seeking highly motivated ind w/ 2 yrs+ previous Traffic mgt exp in DR media-buying agency. Exc org’l skills & time mgt essential. Email resume & sal history to
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JOB OPENING: DIR OF SALES RES. Proactive contributor to work in a team-based envt/ provide sales res. materials, estimates, rating data, etc; min. of 7yrs of TV research Apply at http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html (12/08)

JOB OPENING:  MANAGER RESEARCH/Buena Vista TV, LA. 3+ yrs exp. Broadcast, Synd, Cable.  Nielsen Gal. Expl., N-Power, Mkt. Brks, WRAP Overnights/Sweeps, MS Ppt/Ex/Wd.  Top writing/analytical skills.  Email:
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JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR RESEARCH, OLN-Stamford  Provide research support to all depts.  7+ yrs exp nat’l cable/broadcast tv & sports exp req’d. More info: www.olntv.com Resume/Salary:
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JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF SALES/Petry International/LA: highly motivated w/ experience in the internat’l/multicultural sales & marketing area preferred. Client and agency contacts a must. Pls send resume to:
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JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST, The Golf Channel / ORLANDO, FL. 3 yrs media research exp preferred. Day-to-day will use NPOWER; Market Breaks; StarTrak. Golf exp. not mandatory. EOE. M/F/D/V Fax to: 407.363.7976. No calls please. (12/13)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/COMCAST SPOTLIGHT, MALVERN, PA  3 yrs research exp.  Analyze, interpret, and present data for cable Ad sales efforts.  http://careers.comcast.com/choices/searchjobs.asp enter requisition# 25278BR (12/06)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MGR-PROG Comedy Central: Combo of primary/secondary research-support network TV & multiplatform initiatives. Analytical/strategic thinker. Strong writing/presenting. 4+ yrs research exp. EOE MTVNCAREERS.COM (12/06)

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(12/06)

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JOB OPENING: MEDIA BUYERS and TRAFFIC COORDINATORS – SpotPlus/Dallas. Media Buying experience required. Hispanic exp. Desired. Will work on large direct response account.Send Resume to:
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JOB OPENING: WRITER/PRODUCER, CREATIVE SERVICES/Great American Country-Nashville: Dev/write & produce on air promotions. 4 yrs+ TV Station/Cable Ntwrk. College degree req’d. Resume:
& ref job # 4899-U (12/03)

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WHAT’S ON TONIGHT:  Friday, December 2, 2005

ABC              Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, AFV, 20/20
CBS              Ghost Whisperer, Knots Landing Reunion: Together Again
FOX              The Bernie Mac Show, Malcolm in the Middle, Killer Instinct
NBC              NBC Special: The Happy Elf, Three Wishes,  Dateline NBC 
i                America’s Most Talented Kid, Lightning: Bolts of Destruction
UPN              Friday Night Smackdown
WB               What I Like About You [r], Reba [r], Twins [r]
TELE             El Cuerpo del Deseo, Corazon Partido, Decisiones- Casos Extraordinarios, Decisiones
UNIV             Contra Viento  y Marea, La Esposa Virgen, Cristina

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM HISTORY CHANNEL

Da Vinci DecodedHow did Da Vinci do it?  How did he paint the Mona Lisa and find time to invent air travel five hundred years before the first airplane?  How did he design a military tank and perform an autopsy, both half a millennium before anyone else did?Discover what you didn’t know about:

Da Vinci and the Code He Lived By

Sunday at 9pm/8c

The History Channel

Click here for a chance to win a trip to Da Vinci’s Italy