A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM WARNER BROS. DOMESTIC CABLE DISTRIBUTION

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CYNTHIA TURNER’S
Cynopsis

04/17/06

Good Morning. It’s Monday, April 17, 2006, and this is your first early morning briefing.

Two separate court actions filed, both looking for the same outcome in response to the fines against networks and affiliates proposed by the FCC last month.  Fox and CBS filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals in New York, and ABC and Hearst-Argyle station group filed with the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. NBC filed to participate with the other broadcasters.  Both filings, as they relate specifically to language, claim the current FCC decisions of indecency are unconstitutional, allege the FCC overstepped its authority and the decisions are contrary to First Amendment rights.  Specific incidents cited include utterances by Nicole Ritchie at the Billboard Awards, Cher on the CBS Early Show and various scripted words on ABC’s NYPD Blue.  In its filings, CBS also asked for reconsideration on the fines levied from the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction, and the 2004 episode of Without a Trace. Aside from the monetary fines proposed by the FCC, at the heart of the matter is this statement made by the networks who are joined by more than 800 affiliated stations:  “…The FCC rulings underscore the inherent problem in growing government control over what viewers should and shouldn’t see on television. Parents currently have the ability to control and block programming they deem inappropriate for family viewing from entering their home through the use of the V-chip and cable- and satellite-blocking technologies.” 

Tonight’s Premiere:
NBC: Celebrity Cooking Showdown at 9p

Fall 2007 – if you’re not already thinking that far out, perhaps you should be.  King World and Sony Pictures TV will co-produce a pair of game shows for syndication, airing in a single 60m block.  King World will distribute, while Sony will handle all the national ad sales.  What the shows will be, or what the terms will be, remains under wraps. And if you’re wondering aboutNBC Universal’s primetime series Deal or No Deal and whether or not it too will be part of the Fall 2007 syndication market – they’re not talking yet.

The third season of My Super Sweet 16 on MTV and its broadband channel, MTV Overdrive, premiered Wednesday with back-to-back episodes, delivering a 2.3 rating with viewers 12-34 and was seen by more than 5.3 million total viewers 2+. The series has also produced more than 1 million streams, making it Overdrive’s most viewed program.

Correction:  Among the list of confirmed series or season finales, one was omitted, and another was listed on the wrong date.  Here are the corrected listings: May 8 – Girlfriends (UPN) and May 17:  America’s Next Top Model (UPN).

Weekend Box Office Estimates: April 14-16, 2006
Scary Movie 4 (Weinstein)               $41.0 million – opening weekend
Ice Age: The Meltdown (Fox)             $20.0 million – 3 wk total $147.2m
The Benchwarmers (SonyR)                $10.0 million – 2 wk total $35.9m
The Wild (Buena Vista)                  $9.6 million – opening weekend
Take the Lead (New Line)                $6.7 million – 2 wk total $22.5m
Inside Man (Universal)                  $6.3 million – 4 wk total $73.3m
Lucky Number Slevin (MGM)               $4.6 million – 2 wk total $14.1m
Thank You for Smoking (FoxS)            $4.5 million – 5 wk total $11.5m
Failure to Launch (Paramount)                   $2.6 million – 6 wk total $83.2m
V for Vendetta (Warner Bros.)                    $2.2 million – 5 wk total $65.9m
Source: Box Office Mojo

UPFRONT 2006:  THE HISTORY CHANNEL

At its upfront presentation tomorrow, The History Channel will present four new original series for the 2006-07 season making “history a blueprint for the future:

• Lost Worlds: Premieres third quarter, 2006 with 13 episodes and follows a team of historical detectives as they unravel clues about lost civilizations, such as the Jesus’ Jerusalem and Ramses’ Egyptian Empire, by sifting through the remains of excavations, scientific data and historical documents. The series will use state-of-the-art animation to make these lost cities come to life once again.
• Engineering An Empire: Premieres third quarter 2006 with 12 episodes and investigates the world’s most advanced civilizations by looking at their engineering triumphs. The series will focus on the leaders of each empire and examine their legacies left behind, such as roads, dams and temples. Peter Weller will host. The series begins with a two-hour special: Egypt: Engineering An Empire, followed by episodes exploring Greece, China, Russia, the Mayans plus others.
• Dogfights: Premieres fourth quarter 2006 with 13 episodes and recreates famous battles from history, such as a Desert Storm helicopter battle or fighter pilots attacking during the Korean War. This series will give the viewer an intimate perspective, as if they were really a part of the fight, by using rare archival footage and original shots to supplement the animation. Episodes include The Flying Tigers, Tanks in the Desert and Hellcats of the Pacific.
• Ancient Discoveries: Premieres first quarter 2007 with 10 episodes and travels back in time to re-discover inventions that may have existed since the ancient Greeks and Romans. Episodes include Machines of the Gods/Temple Magic, Ancient Robots and the Siege of Troy among others.

Series returning for another season include Digging for the Truth, Modern Marvels, Deep Sea Detectives, Man, Moment, Machine, UFO Files, ShootOut! and Decoding the Past.

Recently announced new series include Mega Movers (premieres tomorrow), Mega Disasters (premieres May 9), The Revolution (premieres June 2006), American Eats (premieres June 2006) and Where Did It Come From? (premieres third quarter 2006).

In addition, The History Channel will unveil a new and improved web site at History.com, which will include new digital media and broadband content such as more than 2,000 video clips of speeches and behind-the-scenes footage; interactive timelines; games and e-cards; and podcasts, RSS feeds and access to history.com via mobile phones and PDA devices.

Elvira is looking for her successor in a new reality series currently being shopped with exec producers Stuart Krasnow and FremantleMedia N.A.  The premise is simple – 10 contestants who would all like to be Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, for one year – and must submit to a litany of challenges in hope of avoiding elimination. According to Hollywood Reporter, the project promises a macabre approach to reality TV, all in hope of immortalizing Elvira.

The Motion Picture Assn. of America (MPAA) named Greg Frazier as SVP/International Trade Policy.  He will be replacing Bonnie Richardson, who has been with the association for 14 years.  Greg will collaborate with American studios and U.S. and foreign governments in addition to working on trade policies and piracy issues.  He was previously MPAA chair Dan Glickman’s chief of staff.

Media General has upped Station Manager Michael Pumo to VP/GM for its flagship station WFLA/Tampa. Michael hails from WBTW/Florence Myrtle Beach, another Media General station.

 
Thursday – A18-49 Analysis: CBS retained its Thursday night reign with a 6.1/18 A18-49, according to fast affiliate ratings from Nielsen Media Research. NBC came in second with 2.6/8, ABC a close third at 2.5/7, followed by FOX 1.8/5, WB 1.7/5, UNIV 1.6/5, UPN 0.8/3 and TELE 0.4/1. Survivor Panama at 8p took the hour with a 5.1/17 for CBS. The crowning glory for CBS, however, came at 9p when CSI delivered a 7.5/21, almost three times better than ABC with American Inventor and NBC with My Name is Earl/The Office at 2.8/8 each. CBS’ Without a Trace at 10p came in best with a 5.7/16.
 
Live + Same Day Ratings: Thursday, April 13, 2006 – time period averages. Source: Nielsen Media Research

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CBS    12.1/21   Survivor Panama: Exile Island 9.1/16, CSI 15.0/25, Without a Trace 12.3/21

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ABC     4.7/8      American Inventor 4.1/7, American Inventor 4.6/7, Commander in Chief 5.3/9

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NBC     4.1/7      Will & Grace [r] 4.0/8, My Name is Earl [r] 4.1/7, My Name is Earl [r] 4.5/8, The Office [r] 3.6/6, ER [r] 4.3/7

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FOX     2.7/5   That ’70s Show 2.4/5, The Loop – Finale 2.2/4, The O.C. 3.1/5

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WB       2.3/4   Smallville 2.4/4, Supernatural 2.1/3

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UNIV   2.0/3    Barrera de Amor 1.8/3, Alborada 2.4/4, Aqui y Ahora 1.8/3     

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UPN     1.5/3   Everybody Hates Chris 2.1/4, Love, Inc. 1.4/3, Eve 1.3/2, Cuts 1.2/2

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TELE   0.5/1   Tierra de Pasiones 0.6/1, Corazon Partido 0.5/1, Decisiones – Casos Extraordinarios 0.4/1, Decisiones 0.5/1

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A18-49:  CBS 6.1/18, NBC 2.6/8, ABC 2.5/7, FOX 1.8/5, WB 1.7/5, UNIV 1.6/5, UPN 0.8/3, TELE 0.4/1

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Friday – A18-49 Analysis: NBC came out a skosh ahead Friday night with a 2.5/8 A18-49, according to fast affiliate ratings from Nielsen Media Research. CBS was a very close second with 2.4/8; ABC third at 2.0/7; then FOX and UPN tied for fourth with 1.4/5 apiece, followed by UNIV 1.3/4, WB 0.9/3 and TELE 0.4/1. At 8p, NBC was a full point ahead of the next net with a repeat of Deal or No Deal at 3.1/12; CBS was second with a rerun Ghost Whisperer at 2.1/8. Then at 9p, it was a tight horse race between ABC with Primetime and CBS with a Close to Home repeat tied at 2.3/7; NBC was just a nose away at 2.2/7 with a repeat of Las Vegas. Also at 9p, the FOX finale of Trading Spouses and the second hour of UPN’s Friday Night Smackdown, tied with 1.6/5 each for fourth place. A rerun of Numb3ers on CBS came in #1 at 10p with a 3.0/9.
 
Live + Same Day Ratings: Friday, April 14, 2006 – time period averages. Source: Nielsen Media Research

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CBS      5.7/11    Ghost Whisperer [r] 4.7/9, Close to Home [r] 5.8/10, Numb3rs [r] 6.7/12

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NBC     5.4/10     Deal or No Deal [r] 7.0/14, Las Vegas [r] 4.6/8, Conviction 4.6/8

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ABC     4.5/8      Extreme Makeover: Home Edition After the Storm 2.9/6, Primetime 5.0/9, 20/20 5.4/10

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UPN     2.4/4   Friday Night Smackdown 2.4/4

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FOX     2.3/4   The Bernie Mac Show Finale -1 hour 2.1/4, Trading Spouses Finale 2.5/5

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UNIV   1.6/3    Cine Especial: La Vida de Nuestro Senor Jesucristo 1.6/3

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WB       1.4/3   Survival of the Richest 1.2/2, Reba 1.9/3, Modern Men 1.2/2

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TELE   0.5/1   Tierra de Pasiones 0.6/1, Corazon Partido 0.5/1, Decisiones – Casos Extraordinarios 0.5/1, Decisiones 0.5/1

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A18-49:  NBC 2.5/8, CBS 2.4/8, ABC 2.0/7, FOX 1.4/5, UPN 1.4/5, UNIV 1/3/4, WB 0.9/3, TELE 0.4/1

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Saturday – A18-49 Analysis: ABC went to the mount and came back a winner Saturday night with a 2.9/10 A18-49, according to fast affiliate ratings from Nielsen Media Research. In the second position was FOX with 2.2/8; with CBS at 1.8/6, NBC 1.7/6, UNIV 0.8/3 and TELE 0.2/1. ABC won every time period with a repeat of the classic movie of The Ten Commandments and a 2.9/10 overall three-hour average (the movie actually ran until 1145p). At 8p, ABC had a 2.3/9; FOX was second with back-to-back Cops episodes and a 2.0/8 average. ABC’s lead at 9p was a 2.9/10; followed by FOX again with America’s Most Wanted and a 2.3/8. At 10p, ABC held the top spot with a 3.4/11; CBS was second with 48 Hours Mystery at 2.2/7.
 
Live + Same Day Ratings: Saturday, April 15, 2006 – time period averages. Source: Nielsen Media Research

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ABC     5.6/11   Movie: The Ten Commandments [r] (to 1145p) 5.6/11

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CBS     4.6/9     Numb3ers [r] 3.3/7, CSI: Miami [r] 4.9/9, 48 Hours Mystery 5.6/11

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NBC     4.1/8      Dateline (2 hours) 4.1/8, Law & Order: Criminal Intent [r] 4.1/8

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FOX      3.8/7   Cops [r] 3.2/7, Cops 3.9/8, America’s Most Wanted (1 hour) 4.0/8

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UNIV   1.2/2    Sabado Gigante (3 hours) 1.2/2

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TELE   0.3/1     Corriendo y Grabando/Loteria 0.2/0, Movie: Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2 hours) 0.3/1

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A18-49:  ABC 2.9/10, FOX 2.2/8, CBS 1.8/6, NBC 1.7/6, UNIV 0.8/3, TELE 0.2/1  

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A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM COMCAST SPOTLIGHT

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The History Channel presents This Day in History:
1790 – Benjamin Franklin, the inventor, scientist, and American statesman passed away. An estimated 20,000 people attended his funeral, helping lay him to rest in Philadelphia.

Answer to Friday’s Trivia Question:  As Magnum PI, actor Tom Selleck often wore a baseball cap with a professional team logo on it. What baseball team was it?  DETROIT TIGERS    Kudos to:  THE ENTIRE PLANET!!!

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A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM WE: WOMAN’S ENTERTAINMENT

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Today’s Trivia Question: On what show did this family member knock on the door and announced himself by saying, “It’s Bert Buchman. Your Father”? ( 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.)

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A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM SUPERSTATION WGN

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Later  — Cyn
04.17.06 – 5:02a
Ad Sales – Barbara Shapiro – 203-583-1224 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak – 203.926.9878 (new number!) / [email protected]

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All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free.
Copyright Cynthia Turner 2006

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Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS

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JOB OPENING: NATIONAL ACCT DIR/SCREENVISION/CH: Dev, present & sell integrated media prgrms to clients in the midwest mrkts. Nat’l Sales exp B’cast, Cable, Print ind. a must. Much travel req’d. Email res: [email protected] (4/22)

JOB OPENING:  ADV SALES PLANNER /The Hotel Networks/Denver: Detailed-oriented, multi-tasker, w/exc comm & math skills. Prof w/excel. Based in Denver, CO. Send res. to [email protected] (4/22)

JOB OPENING: PUBLICISTS /Telepictures Prods/NY/LA: Unit pubs for daily synd talk show. Handle consumer PR/day-to-day pub activity. Pitch/secure stories. Interact w/ tal/prod staff. 5-8yrs exp. Res to: [email protected] (4/22)

JOB OPENING: PUBLICIST & AFFILIATE RELATIONS /Telepictures Prods/CHICAGO: Unit pub & mgr/aff rel for daily synd court show. Handle consumer PR. Contact w/ stations adv & promo needs. 5-8yrs exp. Res to: [email protected] (4/22)

JOB OPENING:  AD SALES MRKTNG MGR /Gospel Music Channel/ Northern NJ/ATL: Mng Mktg concepts, sponsorships, promos, client service for Adverts; 5yrs exp mktg, ad sales & promo in Cable/Media. Resumes: [email protected](4/22)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER /Superstation WGN,NY: Build proposals, steward deals, support AEs; develop relationships, Requires2yrs advertising exp, media math/Word/Excel proficiency, Deal maker a plus. [email protected]  (4/22)

JOB OPENING:  DIR DIGITAL RESEARCH/ MTV.com/NY. 5+ yrs resch; BA/BS; strong knwlge new media/ digital industry. Familiar w/web-tracking, syndicated resch sources. Dev adv resch initiatives. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (4/22)

JOB OPENING: SR WRITER PRODUCER /PBS KIDS/PHIL, PA: 3-5 yrs exp specifically in children’s market. Creativity a must.  Writing, producing, editing spots/programs for short & long form on-air promotion.  Apply to [email protected]  (4/22)

JOB OPENING: EXEC ASST/IFC/NYC: Admin supp for Sr Mgmt of Mktg & Event Mktg groups. 2+ years exp. Strong PC, org, comm skills a must. Tv/film a +. resumes to [email protected] (4/22)

JOB OPENING:  CHILDREN’S ONLINE EDITORIAL PROJECT DEVELOPMENT /Kidzbop.com/NY: NYC Music Entertainment Co seeks Original web site development & marketing for branded CHILDRENS properties. NO RELOCATION. [email protected] (4/22)

JOB OPENING: SR CHANNEL MRKTNG MGR /THQ/Agoura Hills CA: Oversee retail mrkting prgrms Responsibilities inc: project plnng, budget mngmnt, scheduling, execution of key promos, & mngng trade materials. Resumes to: [email protected] (4/22)

JOB OPENING: F/L WIRELESS PROD TEMPO/ MTV-NY: 3-4 yrs exp Web content dev. Strong understdng Web-based technology, prod, design & content mgmnt tools. Knwlge SMS, IVR, WAP wireless content. Apply [email protected] EOE/M/F/D/AAP  (4/22)

JOB OPENING: POST PROD ENG /A&E Networks/Stamford, CT: Support Avid Final Cut Pro HD editing suites & VOD, Any stream Agility systems as well as A/V equipment. 3+ yrs in post prod; Knwldg of PC & Mac. Resume: [email protected]  (4/21)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES ASSISTANT/Galavision, NY: Detail-oriented, exec comm/math/MS Office skills; asst Sales Team w/ presentations/reports/clerical work. Spanish speaking highly pref/not req. Resume: [email protected] (4/21)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER PROGRAMMING /NBC Universal/NYC: Assist w/dev and dist of program schedules for Bravo. 3-5 yrs exp in TV industry. Prof in Excel and Word. Able to travel as reqd. Submit: www.nbcjobs.com job # 515365 (4/21)

JOB OPENING: PROMO MGR/NY: Ent/Sports Mrktng Agency seeks Promo Mgr w/ 2-5 yrs client/agency exp. Must be proficient in PPT/Word/Exl & strong writer/executer/rules/regs. Avail immed. Send resume: [email protected] (4/20)

JOB OPENING: SR. RESEARCH PROJECT MGR ./TURNER CORP. STRATEGIC RESEARCH/ATL: Challenging position for seasoned & talented researcher. Strong analytic, project mgmt & team leadership skills. Support Turner PR, strategic & new media research initiatives. 6+ yrs TV research exp. required. [email protected] (4/20)

JOB OPENING: SR. AE OR PR MGR .(5-7 yrs) FERENCOMM/NYC: PR Pro w/ strong writing/pitching skills for TV/Ent. accts, placement track record & strong consumer & trade contacts a must. Email: [email protected] (4/20)

JOB OPENING: SR ANALYST /TBS-TNT Marketing Research/ATL: 3+ yrs mrkting rsrch; Proficient in quant analysis & media math; expert in media research software systems. [email protected] & http://www.turnerjobs.com (4/19)

JOB OPENING: MGR, SALES MKT /USA NTWK/NY: Dev & Mng Sales Mkt concepts, integrations, spnsrships for sales clients of USA &WWE. Exp in cable mktg a +. Great writer, detailed, passionate & creative. www..gecareers.com job # 510408 (4/19)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/ElectricArtists/NY: 3+ Yrs Online Mktg exp. Creative/strategic thinker. Exec online mktg/promotion campaigns: TV/film/music/video game/etc. Exp w/Ppt, Excel, Word. Resume/Salary: [email protected] (4/19)

JOB OPENING: ASSOC RESEARCH DIR /PHD USA/NY: 7+yrs exp mrkt & site analysis; segmentation; test, reporting, survey & analytical design, fielding & interpretation; strategy devel; stat/fin modeling. Apply: www.PHDUS.com EOE/AAE (4/19)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST /CNN-ATL: Research exp pref; Strong analytical/comm/computer skills. Solid presentation and problem solving abilities. Meticulous attention-to-detail and strategic thinker. [email protected]   (4/19)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCERS AND ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS/ NYC: Successful, established, nationally syndicated talk show looking for experienced Producers and Associate Producers. Please send your resume to: [email protected] (4/19)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, ONLINE CONTENT /WE/LI: Direct dev. & maint. of website. Exp w/branding, marketing and design nec. TV interactive and mgmt exp a must. resumes to [email protected] (4/19)

JOB OPENING: MARKETING MANAGER /GREAT!/Nashville: If you are passionate about radio promotion, help our team create buzz & wow our TV/entertainment clients. Requires 2+ yrs radio or TV exp. Letter/resume to: [email protected] (4/18)

JOB OPENING: MGR OF PRODUCTION & OPS /MONSTERS HD, TV’s first horror channel/NYC: Must know horror/sci-f fi genre. 3-5 years exp in tv& film, web promotion, production, scheduling, sample reel req’d. [email protected] (4/18)

SUMMER 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 [email protected] .

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: RADIO DISNEY NY needs internship applicants in ALL DEPARTMENTS.  If you have an interest in working with the most recognized name in family entertainment email: [email protected] or fax 212-615-3268 (4/20)

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

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/DIRECTOR seeks reality/doc position. Especially interested in women’s and health issues. Just finished a doc on infertility and ivf ( www.technostorks.com ) Contact [email protected] (4/23)

SITUATION WANTED: CONSULTANT— 20 years experience in syndication/cable programming, development and sales seeks position repurposing content for cable, home video and internet.Contact [email protected] (4/21)

SITUATION WANTED: (F/T NYC): CREATIVE MRKTNG RESEARCHER: Looking to help passion filled team navigate BB, Wireless, OnDemand landscape. 5+ yrs exp leading consumer learning for a top 3 portal [email protected] (4/21)

SITUATION WANTED: MRKTNG MGR 6 yrs consumer goods exp. MBA from top 5 school. Interactive online expertise w/strategic mindset. Passionate about films. Email: [email protected]. Resume online at www.marketingguru4hire.com (4/20)

SITUATION WANTED: ASSOC PRODUCER 2+ yrs experience engineering reality/doc programming for major networks. Field, legal, casting and research experience; strong shooter. Hard working, creative, problem solver. [email protected] (4/19)

E-mail [email protected] for rates and specs for Job Openings.

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

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WHAT’S ON TONIGHT: Monday, April 17, 2006

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ABC             Supernanny, Wife Swap, What About Brian?
CBS             The King of Queens [r], How I Met Your Mother [r], Two and a Half Men [r], Old Christine , CSI: Miami [r]
FOX             Prison Break, 24
NBC             Deal or No Deal, Celebrity Cooking Showdown [p], Medium
i               Sue Thomas F.B. Eye, Doc, It’s a Miracle
UPN             One on One, All of Us , Girlfriends Half and Half
WB              7th Heaven, Everwood
TELE            Tierra de Pasiones, Corazón Partido, Decisiones – Casos Extraordinarios, Decisiones    
UNIV            Barrera de Amor, Alborada, Cristina