Friday, May 6th, 2005


A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM WARNER BROS. DOMESTIC CABLE DISTRIBUTION


HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE
SCORES ON ABC

#2 with A18-49
Improves the time period +27%

For the week beats: My Wife and Kids, Simple Life 3, Reba, Charmed,
Law & Order: SVU (Sat), Enterprise & Crossing Jordan (Sat)

WARNER BROS. MOVIES MAKE BROADCAST BETTER

Source: NTI Galaxy Explorer, A18-49 Rtg, 4/25-5/1/05.  TP=Sat 8-11p.  TP Hist=Prior 4 Wk (3/28-4/24/05)


CYNTHIA TURNER’S
Cynopsis


05/06/05

Good morning.  It’s Friday, May 6, 2005, and this is your first early morning briefing.

Early yesterday morning, Fox, American Idol, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment issued this statement, provided here in full:

         “We have concerns about the motives behind last night’s purported news special, as much of it was filled with rumor, speculation and assertions from a disqualified contestant who admitted during the special to telling lies.  Regardless, we are absolutely committed to the fairness of this competition.  We take any accusations of this nature very seriously, no matter their source, and we have already begun looking into them.
         “Despite documented procedures and multiple opportunities, as well as contractual requirements for contestants to raise any concerns, we were never notified or contacted by Mr. Clark or any other individual, nor presented any evidence concerning these claims.
         “Upon recently hearing rumors of Mr. Clark’s claims, we contacted him and requested that he detail his accusations to us.  That has yet to happen.
         “It should also be noted that the ultimate decision on which contestants move forward on “American Idol” has always been determined by the voting public.  We have gone to great lengths and great expense to create a voting system that is fair and reliable. Judges may offer opinions, but viewers vote using their own subjective criteria; and it is the voters who ultimately determine each season’s American Idol.”

Week #1 of the May Sweep: April 28 – May 4 according to Nielsen Media Research data:
A18-49:   Fox 4.3/12 (+8% vs. May 2004 sweep to date); ABC 3.9/11 +39%; CBS 3.8/10 +9%; NBC 3.4/9 -36%, WB 1.5/4 -6%, UPN 1.4/4 +27%
Total Viewers:  CBS 13.3 million (+7% vs. May 2004 sweep to date); Fox 10.1m +9%, ABC 9.9m +33%, NBC 9.88m -25%, WB 3.57m -7%, UPN 3.3m +17%

Tonight’s Finale:
NBC:  Third Watch at 9p [series finale]
ABC:  Hope & Faith at 9p

* NEW ORDERS / DEVELOPMENT / PRODUCTION *

CBS has ordered a pilot of an unscripted hidden camera project from Pottle Productions, set to shoot in Las Vegas next month. Signed to host is actor/comedian and former SNL-er, Jon Lovitz.

20th Television has signed a development deal for seven figures with Austin Winsberg, the creator behind ABC’s series Jake in Progress.  He will be looking at development both comedies and drama for the studio.  20th didn’t sit still for long, and went out and signed yet another development deal with writer/producer Bobby Bowman for two years.  Bowman will be charged with developing half hour comedy projects and could also join up with a current series. 

* MORE GOOD STUFF *

ABC has replaced its new drama Eyes (Wednesdays at 10p) for the May sweep with an episode of Supernanny.  Frankly, the show was only scheduled to air once – next Wednesday. ABC had 13 episodes produced, and thus far only five have aired.

A veritable bevy of unscripted series coming to CBS this summer including the return of Big Brother, now in its sixth season.   In premiere order, we begin with:

  • Fire Me…Please set to debut on June 7 at 9p. Each week the show features two new employees, both seeing who can get fired first, and before the 3pm deadline.
  • Tommy Hilfiger hosted unscripted series The Cut, will kick off on on June 9, Thursdays at 8pm (tho in July it will be moved to a new time period as it makes room for the return of Big Brother).  The Cut is similar to Project Runway in that it features designers who would like to be known as the “trendsetters of tomorrow”.
  • Big Brother premieres on July 7, and as in past seasons, Big Brother will air three times a week – Tuesdays at 9p, and Thursdays and Saturdays both at 8p. 
  • Premiering on July 11 at 9p is Mark Burnett’s Rock Star: INXS, the rock star wannabe search looking for the next new band member to join INXS, travel with the group and cut a new album. It too will air multiple times a week – Mondays at 930p, Tuesdays at 10p and Wednesdays at 930p.

CHUM Television, owners of 12 local stations in Canada, have come to terms with the NFL to carry Monday Night Football games in Canada for one season, beginning this fall. CHUM’s first game will be the September 8 match-up between the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders, the season’s opening game.

Gay/lesbian TV network here! launches here! News today, a standard news program comprised of political stories, human interest and feature stories, all geared specifically for the gay/lesbian viewing audience.  Paul Colichman, CEO/Founder of here! says, “With news media taking an increasingly exclusionary slant on gay and lesbian events of the day, “here News” will do its part to report on the historic and pioneering work that continues to thrive in the gay and lesbian community.”  here! is now available in 40 million homes via satellite and standard cable carriage.

Nickelodeon and Verizon Wireless are launching Nick Mobile today, a wireless phone video channel that will include Nickelodeon content for Verizon Wireless’ V CAST wireless phones.  Nick Mobile will start with feature music videos (1-3min long) from Nick Jr. shows (e.g. Dora the Explorer, Blue’s Clues, The Backyardigans and LazyTown), and plans to add more Nick TV programming this summer.  V Cast VPak requires an additional fee to Verizon wireless customers, but no airtime charges are incurred to download or stream and watch the clips.

Telemundo‘s WWSI affiliate has inked a television advertising sales agreement with Comcast Spotlight to represent the TV station in the Philadelphia metro area.  Telemundo sales team will continue on to work with Comcast Spotlight on local and regional ad generation.

April 2005 Pay Channel Ratings
Total Day:  HBO 1.1, Cinemax 0.9, Starz 0.7, Showtime 0.5, Encore 0.4, TMC 0.3
Primetime: HBO 1.9, Cinemax 1.2, Starz 1.2, Showtime 0.8, Encore 0.7, TMC 0.5
Source: Nielsen Media Research – Galaxy Explorer: Pay networks ranked on HH coverage rating percentages for Total Day (M-Su 6a-6a) and Prime Time (M-Su 9p-11p), March 28 – April 27, 2005.  Subject to qualifications available upon request.

* EXECUTIVE MOVES*

Sarita Smith has been upped to SVP/Research and Planning for Discovery Networks, US. She reports to Billy Campbell, President. Sarita oversees all research activities for Discovery’s US Networks, supporting programming, marketing, communications and affiliate sales divisions, and works with management to develop consumer-based strategies to grow Discovery’s U.S. audiences.  Smith also manages a team of research professionals who work across Discovery’s 14 networks.      

RL Public Relations + Marketing (RLPR), a leading national Hispanic public relations firm with offices in Los Angeles and New York, and Sportivo, its Latino sports arm, appointed Ana Lydia Ochoa as Account Supervisor.  She will be responsible for leading national consumer and community media relations for Sears Holding Corp. and local strategic communications initiatives for Telemundo.  She will report to Roxanna Lissa, founder and C.E.O. of RLPR.

* RATINGS *

Wednesday – A18-49 Analysis- May Sweep Day #7:  Fox was in front on Wednesday night, thus far one of the most competitive nights of the May sweep.  Fox delivered an overall 5.8/15 A18-49, according to final numbers from Nielsen Media Research, just a share point ahead of ABC’s 5.3/14.  CBS posted a 3.3/9, followed by NBC 3.0/8, UPN 1.8/5, WB 1.4/4.  At 8pm a new episode of LOST on ABC dominated with a 6.3/18, well ahead of #2 Fox with a 3.5/11 for the hour, and America’s Next Top Model on UPN with a 2.3/7 (among W18-49 Top Model delivered a 3.2/9, still #3 behind ABC and Fox). The CBS Dr. Phil Primetime Special featuring a one on one with Pat O’Brien delivered a modest 2.0/6. At 9p American Idol flew in with a 10.8/27, trouncing everyone. Alias (ABC) and Revelations (NBC) were tied with a 9 share for the hour. Stacked on Fox at 930p delivered a 5.1/12, virtually on par with last week’s performance. ABC’s Primetime Live Special: Fallen Idol at 10p won the time period handily with a 6.1/16 A18-49, ahead of CSI NY (4.4/11) and Law & Order (3.6/9).

FINAL HOUSEHOLD RATINGS:   Wednesday, May 4, 2005, for all Networks – program averages.  Source: Nielsen Media Research. 


ABC     8.3/14   Lost 10.3/17, Alias 5.7/9, Primetime Live: Fallen Idol 9.3/15


FOX     8.2/13   That 70’s Show 4.4/7, That 70’s Show [r] 5.2/8, American Idol 15.7/24, Stacked 7.4/11


CBS     7.4/12   Dr. Phil Primetime Special 5.3/9, Without a Trace 8.0/12, CSI New York  9.0/15


NBC     6.4/10   Dateline 5.2/9, Revelations 5.7/9, Law & Order 8.1/13


UPN     2.8/4    America’s Next Top Model 3.6/6, Kevin Hill 2.0/3


WB      2.3/4    Smallville 2.8/6, Jack & Bobby 1.7/3


A18-49                Fox 5.8/15, ABC 5.3/14, CBS 3.3/9, NBC 3.0/8, UPN 1.8/5, WB 1.4/4



Friday Fun Fact: 
The bite of a leech is painless due to its own anesthetic.  Good to know.

The History Channel presents This Day in History:
1994 – Queen Elizabeth II of England and President Francois Mitterand of France formally open the Channel Tunnel-a.k.a. the “Chunnel”-with elaborate celebrations on both sides of the Channel.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:  Christmas and Thanksgiving are the #1 and #2 days of the year where Americans consume the most food.  What is the third?  SUPER BOWL SUNDAY.  Of course!  Kudos to: Anthony Manupelli-WGBH NOVA Science Unit/Boston; Mark Altabe-Citigroup Globe Markets/NY; Gregory Chang-ImaginAsian Ent/NY; Marie Ostrosky-Emeril Live; Joe E. Dale-MeTV/Chicago; Loretta Norman-GSD&M/San Antonio; Burton Cooley-Jacobson Rost-Sheboygan; Roger Bare-KHWB/Houston; Mark Craig-Studio Talent Group/Huntington Beach; Wendell Foster-ABC/Burbank; Raf Gar-El Garcia Inc./LA; Mark Goodman-Goodymade/Oak Park; Kimberly Brown-Global Television/Toronto.


A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM COURT TV


Court TV’s Coming Attractions Contest: watch a clip, answer a question, and you could win an iPod, iTrip, or a flat screen TV!

Casino Takedown
Luck has nothing to do with it.

Today’s question: True or False: There’s no such thing as “magnetic dice.”

View the CASINO TAKEDOWN clip on www.courttvmediakit.com/contest and enter for a chance to win!



Today’s not-necessarily-about-TV trivia question:
  Where is Yorba Buena?  Hint: It’s here in the US, so I need a state/city location.  (click here 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
05.06.05  5:24am
Cynopsis Ad Sales – Barbara Shapiro – 203-583-1224 /

Classified Ad Sales – Cynthia Turner – 203.526.8978 /

Subscribe, unsubscribe, or change a subscription for any Cynopsis edition: www.cynopsis.com
Archived Editions: www.Cynopsis.com
Press Release Fax: 203-381-9318

All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free.
Copyright Cynthia Turner 2005


Cyn opsis  CLASSIFIEDS —


JOB OPENING: SENIOR AD SALES RESEARCH ANALYST/Discovery Nets-NY: Min 4 yrs research exp. & proficiency in Nielsen systems required. Strong communication/computer skills. Resume/salary req. to
   (5/13)

JOB OPENING:  SR. DIRECTOR NICK BRAND MKTG/NY. Dev/implement integrated mktg strategies/plans for Nick TV properties, initiatives, launches. 5+ yrs Consumer Mktg exp pref at network or kid ent co. Apply: www.mtvncareers.com EOE   (5/13)

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH ANALYST/Comcast Spotlight-Atlanta. 2+ yrs sales/mktg research exp. Exc comm & computer skills. Knwldg of industry res tools/sftwr; able to teach res concepts, sftwr/apps. Apply Online: www.Comcast.com EOE  (5/13)

JOB OPENING:  DIRECTOR, MEDIA RELATIONS/NPR/DC – Senior-level pro with great track record of media relations strategy, placement and staff supervision, preferably with broadcaster or news organization. EOE. #WEB79 at www.npr.org (5/13)

JOB OPENING:  SR. FINANCE ANALYST, STRAT & PLANNINGCourt TV, NY., For info go to: http://www.courttv.com/about/careers/ (5/12)

JOB OPENING:  SR. ACCT EXEC/World Wrestling Entertainment/NYC. Professional w/ proven sales record! 3+yrs Internet Sales/ 5+yrs Gen. Sales exp. required. Product knowledge a must. Travel required. BA/BS, Apply: www.wwe-careers.com (5/12)

JOB OPENING:  PROMO MGR/Current TV /San Francisco, CA. Outstanding writing/graphic whiz with kick-butt reel. Must know what’s going on with 18-34 year olds. EOE Apply: www.current.tv (5/12)

JOB OPENING:  DIRECTOR AD SALES RESEARCH/Hallmark Channel-NY: Support various depts. by supplying research materials. Min.5 yrs exp. See full posting at www.hallmarkchannel.com . Resumes:
(5/12)

JOB OPENING:  ART DIRECTOR/SR. DESIGNER/Hallmark Channel-LA: Conceptualize, design & execute print based cons & ent trade ads & collateral. 5+ yrs exp. Full posting: www.hallmarkchannel.com . Resumes:
(5/12)

JOB OPENING:  AIM TV-NY AD SALES EXEC. Working knowledge of natl. TV & Hispanic mkt. New Biz Development crucial. Existing base w/comp plan for new business. Email resume to
or Fax: Ana / Fax (212) 255-9232  (5/11)

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH ANALYST  24 hrs.per week  KTSF TV, San Francisco. 2+ yrs exp in TV, cable or advertising. Requires proficiency with Nielsen software including Galaxy Navigator and Profile-DMA. Resume to
   (5/11)

JOB OPENING:  PBS wants a KIDS BRAND & PROMO DIRECTOR with 6-8 yrs leadership exp in brand mgmt and promotions esp. with kids and parent brands; media background preferred. For more info and to apply, visit www.pbs.org/jobs. EOE  (5/11)

JOB OPENING:  AFFILIATE SALES & MARKETING ASSIST. /MTV Networks/Santa Monica/CA: General admin. duties., Ad Sales knowledge; exp. or interest in media buying and advertising. Apply: www.mtvncareers.com (5/11)

JOB OPENING:  NETWORK BUYERS WANTED! Initiative-NY 2-5 yrs exp, Oversee Network, cable & syndication buys. AWESOME account! Must know DDS. Email resumes to
  (5/11)

JOB OPENING:  SR AE-WLVI/Boston. 5+ yrs TV sales exp; exc. neg skills, strong work ethic. Major agency acct mgmt exp. Intimate knwldg of LPM Nielsen data, TVScan, Prime Next Qualitative sftwr. Resume:
  (5/11)

JOB OPENING:  STAFF WRITER/World Wrestling Entertainment/Stamford, CT. Showcase your Creative Writing talent! 3+yrs TV writing exper. Familiar w/ WWE product, storylines, talent. Extensive travel. BA/BS, Apply: www.wwe-careers.com . (5/10)

JOB OPENING:  MKTG MGR, Warner Bros. Develop/create messaging for presentations/packaging targeting potential buyers. Strong written skills & exp w/TV rtgs/pgm. Email:
; RE: UCTC/#40816BR  (5/10)

JOB OPENING:  EXEC ASST to docu film producer NYC F/T salaried, entry level, college grad, super responsible. Keep house and learn TV docu production. Email resume, cover letter
or fax 212 929 0210 No phone calls  (5/10)

JOB OPENING:  SR ANALYST, SALES RESEARCH/ABC FAMILY-NY. 2-3 yrs exp. media research, esp cable; savvy w/Nielsen, app. software; track net perf/competitors, adding perspective; develop/track estimates. Email: 
  (5/10)

JOB OPENING:  ON-AIR PLANNING COORDINATOR  Oxygen/NY. Coordinate & schedule on-air promos & elements. Contribute to strategy planning. Strong comm. skills/demonstrated computer experience. E-mail resume:
  (5/10)

JOB OPENING:  PRODUCER -NYC, Weekly Animal News series. Will oversee staff, host, writing, editing & delivery. Prior news/studio exp. a plus. Organizational skills a must. Email:
. Start: 6/1/05    (5/7)

JOB OPENING:  ASSOCIATE PRODUCER-NYC, Gay-themed clip show. Must have: extensive clip clearance experience, booking experience & ability to work w/ celebs. Email:
. Start: 6/13/05  (5/7)

JOB OPENING:  ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE-Fox Cable Networks/NY Heavy client interaction; responsible for generating sales revenue w/ new/existing clients. Min 2-4 yrs sales exp 4 yr college deg. Apply online www.foxcareers.com (ref #286)  (5/7)

JOB OPENING:  FUSE is looking for a RESEARCH ANALYST to support all network depts.  Min of 2 years media research experience. Knwlg. of Nielsen, MRI/Simmons. Send resume to
  (5/7)

JOB OPENING:  DIRECTOR OAP/FOX REALITY/LA. responsible for the operations, supervision & execution of on-air promos for FR. Reporting to VP of Mktg 5+yrs mgmt/on-air exp & 4 yr degree req’d. Apply @ www.foxcareers.com (ref: FNG 287)  (5/7)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP POSITIONS are all non paying jobs, available for school credit only. Nobody here gets paid – not even Cynopsis for the listing.  To learn more about posting your Internship position here, email
.
 
SUMMER INTERNSHIP – SCHOOL CREDIT ONLY:  Northstar Media, a TV dist. Co. in NORWALK, CT. Assist in presentations,sales strategy, website updates, dubbing, filing, and all aspects of the business. Resume and cover letter:
  (5/13)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP – SCHOOL CREDIT ONLY:  WE: Women’s Entertainment seeks WEBSITE INTERN. Long Island-based. Resume and cover letter to
.   (5/12)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP – SCHOOL CREDIT ONLY:  IFC, the Independent Film Channel seeks WEBSITE CONTENT INTERN. NYC-based. Resume and cover letter to
. (5/12)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP – SCHOOL CREDIT ONLY:  IFC, the Independent Film Channel seeks WEBSITE TECH INTERN. NYC-based. Resume and cover letter to
. (5/12)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP – SCHOOL CREDIT ONLY:  Montel Williams Mgmt. firm is looking for FT / PT INTERNS. Assist in faxing, filing, casting calls, bookings, scheduling auditions and meetings. Credit available. Resume and cover letter:
   (511)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP – SCHOOL CREDIT ONLY:  Nielsen TV Audience Measurement certificate program at New York University leads to jobs in media research. Classes, including internships, start June 5. Info: www.scps.nyu.edu/departments/course.jsp?courseId=53198 (5/7)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED —

SITUATION WANTED:  Persistent individual seeking an opportunity in PR . Person has previous experience at top NYC pr firms. Also continues to be involved in freelance projects. For further info contact
  (5/12)

SITUATION WANTED:  Non-credit summer INTERNSHIP/ASSISTANT in NYC film/TV production. 17 yr old high school junior seeking to gain knowledge of the entertainment industry. Responsible, hard working, smart. Contact:
   (5/11)

SITUATION WANTED:  BIZDEV/STRAT PROFESSIONAL-news,non-fict, speclty, intl prgmng;5 yrs top-tier strat consulting; strong quant/comm skills; versatile,driven,high standards;prof. in MSOffice; NYC-based but open;
  (5/11)

SITUATION WANTED:  NYC-based VOICEOVER TALENT with top representation and home studio avail. for audio commercials, promos,animation, etc.See www.thegenxvoice.com or email
for demos.   (5/10)

SITUATION WANTED:  VIDEOGRAPHY/EDITING Offering 24p quality shooting for your event, 1-3 cameras. And/or full post production and mastered DVD. For more info please contact
.   (5/7)

E-mail
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, MAY 6, 2005



ABC              AFV [r], Hope & Faith [f], 20/20
CBS              CSI: Miami [r], CSI [r], NUMB3RS
FOX              Movie: Rush Hour 2
NBC              Dateline, Third Watch [f], L&O: Trial by Jury
PAX              America’s Talented Kids, MGM Movie: Little Man Tate
UPN              Star Trek Enterprise, Top Model [r]
WB               What I Like About You, Reba [r], Reba, Living with Fran
TELE             La Mujer en el Espejo, Los Platedos, La Ley del Silencio
UNIV             Apuesta por un Amor, La Madrastra, Hospital el Paisa, Par de Ases

Related Stories

02/16/25: Cynopsis Jobs

Shaking Hands

Sunday February 16, 2025    FEATURED JOB VICE PRESIDENT, POLITICAL SALES >> NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC./WASHINGTON, DC: Lead the company’s political advertising revenue across its dynamic portfolio of broadcast stations. Responsible for developing sales strategies tailored to the fast-paced, high-stakes political advertising market. You will possess an understanding of the political advertising landscape, and the […]

Cynopsis 02/14/25: The Property Brothers Go West

The Property Brothers Go West

Friday February 14, 2025 Cynopsis will not publish Monday, in observance of President’s Day.    IN THE NEWS Democratic senators sent a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr accusing him of weaponizing the agency, one example being the investigation into CBS over its editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris. Sen. Ed Markey […]

Cynopsis 02/13/25: Muppeteer named Emmy honoree

Fran Brill to be Emmy honoree

Thursday February 13, 2025    IN THE NEWS Super Bowl LIX generated over $800 million in gross revenue from advertising sales across platforms, with record pricing for the sold-out game, reports Fox. The match-up peaked at 137.7 million viewers in the second quarter, according to Nielsen; pregame coverage averaged 23.4 million; and the Apple Music […]

02/12/25: Cynopsis Jobs

CLADS line up

Wednesday February 12, 2025    FEATURED JOB VICE PRESIDENT, POLITICAL SALES >> NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC./WASHINGTON, DC: Lead the company’s political advertising revenue across its dynamic portfolio of broadcast stations. Responsible for developing sales strategies tailored to the fast-paced, high-stakes political advertising market. You will possess an understanding of the political advertising landscape, and the […]

Cynopsis 02/12/25: CBS special ushers in new soap opera

CBS special ushers in new soap opera

Wednesday February 12, 2025    IN THE NEWS For the first time, YouTube is getting more total US viewership on television sets than on mobile, shared CEO Neal Mohan in his annual letter to the YouTube community. “In two decades, YouTube has transformed culture through video and built a thriving creative economy,” posted Mohan. “Today’s […]

CynCity

Cynsiders