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Cynopsis

06.05.09

Good morning. It’s Friday, June 5, 2009, and this is your first early morning briefing.  And as always, if you prefer to watch this morning’s news instead of reading it, click here.  

Tonight’s Premieres:
Animal Planet: Whale Wars at 9p
Travel Channel: Ghost Adventures at 9p

Sunday’s Premieres:
A&E Network: Gene Simmons Family Jewels at 9p
Food Network: The Next Food Network Star at 9p
G4: Web Soup at 9p
WE tv: Bridezillas at 9p; Amazing Wedding Cakes at 10p
BBC America: How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? at 10p
E!: Kendra  nearly one-hour series debut starting at 10p; Denise Richards: It’s Complicated immediately follows at a special time
Lifetime: Army Wives at 10p
VH1: Brooke Knows Best at 10p
IFC: Z Rock at 11p

Sunday’s Finale:
BBC America: Any Dream Will Do at 8p

Despite reports, A&E Network has not yet made a decision regarding the renewal of the Patrick Swayze-starring drama, The Beast, produced by Sony Pictures Television. The series ran for 13 episodes with the finale airing on April 23.  

Disney-ABC Television, Hearst Corporation and NBC Universal formed a new powerhouse entity, merging the assets of A&E Television Networks and Lifetime into one cable company with ten channels in 145 countries, as well as 15 websites, according to B&C. President/CEO Abbe Raven of AETN will head the new entity while Andrea Wong, President/CEO of Lifetime will report to Raven. Other management restructuring has not been determined. The merging of the cable assets effectively changes the joint ownership stakes of the partners involved, potentially allowing NBCU to gain a bigger percentage in this larger newly-formed company and giving Lifetime a chance to be a part of a bigger cable company. Prior to this news, Disney-ABC TV and Hearst each held 37.5% in AETN while NBC has the remaining 25%. Lifetime is owned 50/50 by Hearst and Walt Disney Co. under the banner Lifetime Entertainment Services.

Actor David Carradine, best known for his starring role in the 1970s television series Kung Fu, was found dead Thursday in a hotel in Bangkok. He was 72 years old. David was part of a long-established acting family including his father, John Carradine and brother Keith. David appeared in more than 100 films working with such prestigious directors as Martin Scorsese, Ingmar Bergman and Hal Ashby and more recently starred in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill films as the title character.

Discovery Health is readying for a third season of Deliver Me, coinciding with the network’s BabyWeek starting June 16 at 10p. The series follows three friends who are also mothers and partners in an active OB/GYN practice. The series is produced by Alon Orstein for Discovery Health and Eric Schiff with Eric Schiff Productions in collaboration with Banyan Productions.

Howard TV On Demand kicked off a new season of its original comedy series Show in the Hallway this week. The series has Howard Stern Show cast and staffers play themselves in fictional plot lines interspersed with special guests such as Howard Stern and his wife Beth, Richard Lewis, Colin Quinn and Jerry O’Connell among others. Viewers can catch these new episodes through July 31 on Howard TV On Demand, a subscription video on demand service available via digital cable in the US and Canada.

Music Choice ushers in new original VOD programming starting this month centering on two of its popular fan interactive shows:

• Certified – With new episodes premiering every two weeks, fans of the show vote online or by texting for their favorite artists to be “certified.” From June 8 through August 2 the highlight will be “Who’s the King of the AutoTune?” with Lil Wayne vs. T-Pain vs. Kanye West. Then from June 22 through August 16, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga battle for “Who’s the Certified Pop Princess?”
• Demanded – Showcases top music videos and interviews with artists who are “most demanded” on Music Choice. From June 1 through July 26 the show will feature Rick Ross and Nickelback then from June 15 through August 9, Fall Out Boy and Hurricane Chris will be in the spotlight.

BET Networks acquired nationally syndicated The Wendy Williams Show from Debmar-Mercury. The talk show begins airing simultaneously July 13 on BET and on TV stations reaching more than 95% of the US. The Wendy Williams Show is taped live in New York and is a mix of Williams’ entertaining personality and commentary with celebrities spanning film, music, sports and television.

BBC Worldwide Channels picked up the talk show Friday Night With Jonathan Ross for its bevy of channels worldwide including a BBC America debut on June 12 at 8p. A popular show airing on BBC One, Friday Night With Jonathan Ross combines comedy, celebrity chats and music performances. The talk show will also air on BBC Canada, UKTV in New Zealand and the BBC Entertainment feeds throughout Latin America, Scandinavia and Africa.

Fresh off his role as villain Theodore “T-Bag” Bagwell on FOX’s Prison Break, Robert Knepper takes on the persona of another bad guy for NBC’s Heroes next season, reports THR. Knepper will appear in at least six episodes as Samuel, a charismatic yet evil “Jim Jones” type referred to as “Carnival Barker” in the series break-down. Production on the new season of Heroes, produced by UMS, started this week. Returning in the fall, Heroes will run in a new time period at 8p on Mondays and Chuck will slide into the same spot in midseason.

Actor Terrence Howard and Radical Media are developing a television drama called Pigs and Panthers about the life of undercover LAPD detective Ronald Farwell, according to Variety. A period piece, Pigs and Panthers will be set in the 1960s and 1970s Los Angeles when Farwell goes inside the Black Panthers organization. A Huge Quality Film, Howard’s own production company will develop the drama and produce along with Radical Media. Ron Hutchinson is writing the pilot. Radical Media, who also produces Sundance’s Iconoclasts, AMC’s Storymakers among other projects, is currently pitching the project. Executive producers include Radical Media’s Robert Friedman and Justin Wilkes along with Howard and Victoria Fredrick, co-owner and manager of A Huge Quality Film.

Sweden’s commercial television company, TV4 is commissioning its own edition of I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! the format which is owned by ITV Global Content. Stockholm-based production company Silverback, owned by ITV Studios will produce Sweden’s version with a primetime premiere slated for this fall. I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! (Sweden) will be filmed on location in Malaysia’s Taman Negara rainforest.

Casting Call: NBC Universal began its national search for funny comics with diverse backgrounds for its sixth annual Stand-Up for Diversity. Casting calls will take place in four cities beginning June 28 in Miami, followed by New York, Atlanta and San Diego with the final showcase slated for Los Angeles in early December. Anthony Anderson (NBC’s Law & Order) will be the celebrity spokesperson for the 2009 tour. The winner will receive a talent holding deal with NBCU in addition to other prizes. Information on the open casting calls can be found at www.standupnbc.com or www.diversecitynbc.com .

CYNOPSIS DIGITAL – TODAY’S TOP STORY:   Disney-ABC Television, Hearst and NBC Universal are discussing a change in their joint ownership of A&E Television Networks in a deal that would combine A&E with Lifetime, according to B&C. The agreement would expand the relationship between Disney-ABC and NBC Universal, which are now also partners in the video site Hulu.  Full edition: CYN DIGITAL. 

CYNOPSIS KIDS – TODAY’S TOP STORY:  Disney XD will premiere two new multi-part sports series, Next X (8 short-form segments and 1×30 special) debuts Monday, June 8 at 7:05p and X Games on Disney XD, a series of 4×60-second interstitials previewing X Games 15 and highlighting some of the top moments from the X Games on Monday, July 13.  Developed by Disney XD in association with ESPN, Next X features professional action sports athletes mentoring amateurs, all kids 9-12, to develop the technical skills and know-how to be an action sports star athletes.  Next X will also be featured online as DisneyXD.com debuts X-clusives, a series of webisodes that offer a further look at the kid athletes training with the pro mentors.  The site will also offer the Next X Challenge, where kids can take part in three rounds of action sports-themed online games, beginning June 29.   Full edition: CYN KIDS. 

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM TV GUIDE NETWORK^TM

Wednesday – A18-49 Analysis:  FOX kept the beat winning Wednesday night and the A18-49 demo at 3.4/10 A18-49, according to final national ratings from Nielsen Media Research. FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance ranked #1 at 8p with a 3.1/10 just a step ahead of ABC’s Wipeout at 3.0/10. FOX remained in the lead through 9p with the second half of So You Think You Can Dance at 3.7/11 while part two of the NBC News inside look at the Obama White House special came next at 2.3/7. NBC’s Law & Order finale did best at 10p with a 2.3/7 followed by CBS’ CSI: NY encore at 2.0/6. 

Live + Same Day Household Ratings: Wednesday, June 3, 2009 time period averages. Source: NTI Galaxy, as dated. Live+SD.

FOX: 5.4/9           So You Think You Can Dance 5.4/9

NBC: 5.1/9          I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! 3.2/6, The Obama White House: Brian Williams Reports  6.0/10, Law & Order [f] 6.0/11

CBS: 4.6/8         Old Christine [r] 3.0/6, Gary Unmarried [r] 2.9/5, Criminal Minds [r] 5.6/9, CSI: NY [r] 5.1/9

ABC: 2.7/5           Wipeout 4.7/8, The Goode Family 1.5/2, The Unusuals 2.0/4

UNIV: 2.2/4         Cuidado con el Angel 2.0/4, Manana para Siempre 2.5/4, Don Francisco Presenta 1.9/3

CW: 0.7/1           America’s Next Top Model [r] 0.7/1, Hitched or Ditched [r] 0.7/1

ION: 0.6/1          Wednesday PM Movie: Assassins 0.6/1

TELE: 0.6/1         Mas Sabe el Diablo 0.5/1, El Rostro de Analia 0.6/1, Sin Senos No Hay Paraiso 0.6/1

MNT: 0.5/1          World’s Funniest Moments [r] 0.5/1, Twilight Zone 0.5/1, Twilight Zone 2 0.6/1

A18-49: FOX 3.4/10, NBC 2.1/6, CBS 1.8/5, ABC 1.6/5, UNIV 1.6/5, CW 0.4/1, ION 0.3/1, MNT 0.2/1

Chase Carey is departing as President/CEO with the DIRECTV Group effective July 1, 2009, to take on a new position with News Corporation. DIRECTV’s board accepted his resignation and has established a committee seeking a replacement for Chase. In the interim period, Larry Hunter will act as CEO while maintaining his current duties as EVP/Legal, HR and Administration. Since joining DIRECTV six years ago, Chase led a subscriber surge from 12 million to more than 18 million US customers, and also took the company from a break-even financial position in 2003 to $1.7 billion in 2008. At News Corp., Chase will serve as Deputy Chairman/President/COO, reporting directly to Rupert Murdoch.

Jamila Hunter was appointed Head/Programming with OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network to supervise all facets of programming development for the network. Jamila begins her new position June 10 and reports to Christina Norman, CEO, OWN. Jamila’s career includes the launch of many successful non-fiction series for NBC, 20^th Century Fox Television and Bravo. While at Bravo, Jamila was part of the team involved in the network’s re-branding efforts, launching such shows as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Project Runway, Celebrity Poker Showdown and Blow Out.

Viv McGrath established a long-term freelance contract with independent production firm Darlow Smithson Productions, a division of IMG Media Company, joining their team of executive producers. Viv most recently was with Gecko as a Chief Executive until that company closed in February 2009.

American Latino Syndication promoted several executives involved in the production of two of the network’s national programs, American Latino TV and LatiNation, effectively splitting the production of both shows to its New York and Los Angeles studios:

• Erica Soto was upgraded from Show Producer to Supervising Producer for both shows in addition to managing daily creative details of LatiNation.
• Julio Pabon was upped to Show Producer, transferring to Los Angeles from New York in early July.
• Segment Producer Mercedes Sanchez will now be in charge of quarterly American Latino Presents specials in addition to web content production.
• Producer/Editor Pablo Barrera will now be involved with animation and promotions duties.

Former Microsoft Advertising Sales Director, Warren J. Mays was hired by online advertising company Peer39 as Director/Business Development. Warren will be based at Peer39’s New York City headquarters.

Friday Fun Fact:  Half way around the world is much farther than all the way around the world.

This day in History:  1752 – Benjamin Franklin flew a kite for the first time to demonstrate that lightning was a form of electricity.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:   A device was created to make sure TV viewers couldn’t change the channel during commercials.  The BlipVert took a 30-second commercial and condensed it down to a 3-second blip.  The blipvert had an unfortunate side effect — for the sedentary viewer the device caused a build up of electrical charges in their nervous systems, and they exploded.  Not good for ratings.  What clever reporter discovered this device and revealed its use to the viewing public?  EDISON CARTER on MAX HEADROOM  Kudos to: Kristine Cintron-The Vidal Partnership/New York; Chris Finnegan-Discovery Communications, Inc./Silver Spring; Paul Iacono-LumenNation Studios/Ridgewood; Tiffany Tate-BET News/Washington DC; Ted Tremper-20 West Productions/Chicago; Dan Whitford-RPM Advertising/Chicago; Eric Merrill-MFI/Austin; Shane Winter-Evil Twin Productions/Sherman Oaks; Chris Donnan-FremantleMedia Enterprises NA/Las Vegas; Steve Clune-Disney Channel Standards & Practices/Burbank; Hudie Ayalon-Peace Productions/Los Angeles; Sheldon Wiebe-EclipseMagazine.com/Calgary; David Ball-Comcast International Media Group, E! Entertainment/UK; Bernard Bourret-Verite Films/Toronto

Today’s Trivia Question:  If you’re a dog named Flash, who is your owner? (Email
with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. 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
06.05.09

Cynopsis Ad Sales:
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Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 /

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A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here    .

NOTICE:  On June 9 in NYC, Horizon Media will co-sponsor a workshop with Human Resources International for advertising media professionals who are looking to develop their personal brand to land a job and develop their overall job search strategies. Register at http://access.horizonextranet.com/anon/Shared%20Documents/adsmall.pdf

JOB OPENING: AD SALES PLANNER/Gospel Music Channel/NY: fast growing cable net seeking dynamic individual to build proposals & maintain schedules for advertisers. Industry experience req’d. Email
(6/12)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE DIGITAL CONTENT COORD/AETN/NYC:Manage digital assets, archiving, reports, w/strong tech skills, client focus, attn to detail, exlnt org & comm skills Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (6/12)

JOB OPENING: VP STRATEGY & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/MTV Networks/NYC: 7+yrs exp. in Strat/Biz Dev; 3yrs in M&A/Consultng, Strng Analytic Skills, Exp in Entrtainmnt/Digital, MBA A+ EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (6/12)

JOB OPENING: SR RSRCH ANALYST, DISTRIBUTION/AETN/NY: Support trad’l & new distrib platforms. Create reports/review synd res studies. 2+ yrs media res exp. Know Nielsen syst & other res sources. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (6/10)

JOB OPENING: LEGAL SECRETARY/IFC-SUN/NY: Admin support to Legal Dept. w/Heavy phone,calendar& contract asst. 4+ yrs admin exp legal dept/law firm pref. Exc comm, organztl & PC skills must. Res: www.cablevision.jobs ref #8734BR (6/10)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES ASSISTANT/Gospel Music Channel/NY: fast growing cable net seeking dynamic individual to assist sales team and schedule and maintain commercial units for advertisers. Email
(6/10)

JOB OPENING: SVP LEGAL AFFAIRS/DISNEY ABC CABLE NTWK/LA: Top legal counsel/Sr mgmt advisor; JD 20+ yrs ent legal exp w/expert knwldg of cable ind. child/family prgrmng, media regulatory issues. www.disneycareers.com Req # 196288 (6/10)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/TV One/NY: prepare post analysis, prepare advertiser’s scheds; create presentations; research; track liability schedules. Exp sales/plnnig preferred. Visit www.tvoneonline.com to apply. (6/6)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL PRODUCTION COORDINATOR/NYC: Seeking FT with strong Excel skills, self-motivated, able to work in a fast-paced, evolving and dynamic environment, ent. industry experience required. Apply:
(6/6)

JOB OPENING: SR. MGR, RESEARCH/Music Choice: Support sales, mrktng& prgrmng initiatives across multiple platforms w/accurate & actionable research. BA/BS, plus 6-8 yrs relevant media research exp. required
(6/6)

INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. These ads are always 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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FALL INTERNSHIP CREDIT ONLY: Intern for TV Syndication Co.Learn various aspects of TV Rsrch including ratings positioning, tracking and software. Min 10 hrs per wk in AM. Resume/Covr lttr to:
(6/12)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED …  There is no charge for placing your Situation Wanted ad … for more information contact Trish Pihonak at

SITUATION WANTED: Bilingual Latino PRODUCER/DIRECTOR specializing in documentary & TV of Women, LGBTQ and Urban Youth, including testimonial commercials in English and Spanish, contact
(6/12)

SITUATION WANTED: PR & MARKETING PROFESSIONAL with 13 yrs exp in non-profit fine arts, music, film, TV & finance is seeking FT opportunity in LA or NYC. Exceptional writer & communicator. Contact Marni at:
(6/12)

SITUATION WANTED: Mult-talented TELEVISION EXECUTIVE w 20 yrs exp in sales, marketing, programming, finance, research, operations. Cable, satellite, IPTV. VOD, PPV, subscription. Let’s talk! Contact
(6/11)

SITUATION WANTED: TV/PRINT/RADIO/ONLINE/EVENTS MRKTG/PRODUCTION EXPERT NY: Cost cutting, well rounded,client services expert who can get the job done. Fantastic references. Freelance or FT.
(6/11)

SITUATION WANTED: FILM/TV/Ent PR/NYC: Seeking F/T or Freelance opps. Write press releases/pitch to targeted print/online & brdcst media, track news clips, editorial calendar opps, build press lists w/Cision
(6/11)

SITUATION WANTED: WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER  Exceptional and fast writer, client friendly, EPK’s and DVD bonus features, webpods, video games for Disney, Universal, New Line etc. In LA, will travel or relocate.
(6/11)

SITUATION WANTED: Experienced MARKETING/EVENTS COORDINATOR with experience in the music and entertainment industry seeks freelance and/or full-time opportunity in NYC. Please contact via
(6/10)

SITUATION WANTED: ASST PRODUCER/COORD/MGR/PA (NY) Experience: ABC, NBC, CBS, BBC, MTV, Food Network, History Channel, Sesame Street, NY1. Seeks FT, PT, freelance. Resume: charles.goon.googlepages.com Email:
(6/10)

SITUATION WANTED: CELEBRITY TALENT BOOKER/RESEARCHER LA Looking for long-term freelance or staff position. Solid PR contacts, incredible research skills, great problem-solver. References on request.
(6/9)

SITUATION WANTED: EVENTS/PRODUCTION/TALENT BOOKING, COORD’N & MGMT NY – Produce high-profile int’l events/productions; corporate/non-profit; nat’l TV credits, superb contacts. Freelance or FT. Contact Jodi:
(6/9)

SITUATION WANTED: 3+ yrs as a dynamic, exp & results oriented sales professional w/ an extensive track record of creating new buz opportunities in North/Central America, Europe/Caribbean. MA graduate, email
(6/9)

SITUATION WANTED: EXPERIENCED GRAPHIC DESIGNER (LA) Reality-TV, Film, Commercial, Documentaries & Corporate. Creative & Flexible. Seeking Freelance or Staff Position, Remote or In-House. Reel & Contact Info: www.ChaztizedMedia.com (6/9)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/DIR. All things non-fiction. Vh1, NBC, TLC, CMT, CNN, E!.; field and post; reality treatments and sales tapes.
3 Emmy noms.
LA based, can travel. (6/9)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH DIRECTOR 20+ yrs media, Nielsen, Hispanic, research & sales experience. Save money over a FT director. Let’s talk.Email:
(6/9)

SITUATION WANTED: SCRIPT DOCTOR/PROD w 16 yrs as Brdcst exec can consult/edit/polish your TV/film/web pitch/bible/screenplay. Credits inc. DeGrassi, DaVinci, Dragon Boys. Exp w/ convergence models No freebies. Contact:
(6/6)

SITUATION WANTED: PROD/DIR/DEV: strong work ethic, able to communicate & utilize creative outside the box thinking.Live action& animation exp. in Film/TV/Web w/credits.LA based, will relocate.
(6/6)

SITUATION WANTED: Highly experienced HR/Talent Acquisition Specialist with 10+ years of experience within the creative, finance and IT spaces seeks a contract and/or full-time opportunity. Please contact via
. (6/6)

SITUATION WANTED: Recent Hofstra Grad with strong ad sales/media buying background looking for SALES ASSISTANT position, contact
for more information. (6/6)

E-mail
or call Trish Pihonak at 203.926.9878 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email
for specs.

WHAT’S ON TONIGHT –  FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009

ABC:  Wife Swap [r], Samantha Who? [r], Samantha Who? [r], 20/20
AZTECA: Lo Que Callamos Las Mujeres Edicion Especial, Extranormal de Impacto, Al Extremo
CBS: Ghost Whisperer [r], Flashpoint [r], Numb3rs [r]
CW:  Privileged [r], Everybody Hates Chris [r], The Game [r]
FOX: Don’t Forget the Lyrics, Mental [r]
ION:  Movie: Batman
MNT: WWE Friday Night Smackdown
NBC: Howie Do It [r], Howie Do It [r], Dateline
PBS: Washington Week, Now on PBS, Bill Moyers’ Journal, Inside
TELE: Mas Sabe el Diablo, El Rostro de Analia, Sin Senos No Hay Paraiso
UNIV: Cuidado con el Angel, Manana es para Siempre, Rosa de Guadalupe   

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