Seven established performers from all realms of entertainment including Bobby Brown and Dee Snider will be given the chance to become country music’s next big star. John Rich, of the hit country duo Big & Rich, hosts this seven-episode series and guides the celebrities as they try for their big break in the country music industry. Watch Gone Country January 25 at 8/7c, only on CMT.

Cynopsis

01/17/08

Good Morning.  It’s Thursday, January 17, 2008, and this is your first early morning briefing.   

FCC chairman, Kevin Martin indicated it would be hard for the FCC to fine the ABC stations that aired Good Morning America on Tuesday morning when during an interview with Diane Sawyer, Diane Keaton let slip the “f-word.” Last year, the court threw out the FCC’s policy on “fleeting references” which now complicates any ruling the FCC might want to take against ABC and its affiliates, said Martin. ABC was able to bleep out the expletive for the Central, Mountain and Pacific time zones and the network said it regretted the incident. The current law and FCC policy states a broadcaster can be fined up to $325,000 per indecent incident for each station. 

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) concluded a comprehensive independent deal with Spyglass Entertainment, a company that finances, produces and distributes theatrical films like Seabiscuit, The Sixth Sense and the upcoming 27 Dresses. This agreement is similar to recent deals the WGA made with Worldwide Pants, United Artists and MRC.

PBS will air the 10-part series Carrier that unveils what daily life is like on a U.S. aircraft carrier deployed in the Persian Gulf. The series debuts April 27 at 9p and runs through May 1. The series was filmed aboard the USS Nimitz from May to November 2005 and is a production from Icon Productions, LLC and Carrier Project, Inc. WETA/Washington, D.C. is the presenting station.

MOJO HD will air in 2008 its new 20-episode series Experience from Traveling Light about people living life to its fullest. Each five-minute episode will be hosted by the people living these adventures.

Logo returns The Big Gay Sketch Show for a second season starting February 5 at 10p. The half-hour comedy show features satires of original characters and parodies classic shows from a gay perspective. During the eight episodes several celebrities will make special appearances from Chastity Bono, Christine Ebersole, Paul Vogt and Rosie O’Donnell, who is alone one of the show’s executive producers.

The Daily Buzz, the three-hour nationally syndicated morning news program from ACME Communications, Inc., is adding two windows each hour for local content. Starting March 3, local stations will be able to insert a live or taped segment or use them for local sponsorships. For those stations not using the segments, The Daily Buzz will fill the time with content.

Leland A. Jackoway, veteran of the syndicated television industry, died this week of natural causes in Richmond, VA. He was 78. Highlights of Leland’s career include in 1972 he joined the syndication unit of Crosley/Avco Broadcasting (later Multimedia Entertainment) and was involved in the start of The Phil Donahue Show, then taped in Dayton, OH. A decade later, as VP/GSM of Multimedia, Leland helped with the national launch of The Sally Jessy Raphael Show. Leland is survived by his wife, three children and six grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

Bravo’s new docu-drama series The Rachel Zoe Project (wt) stars celebrity fashion stylist, Rachel Zoe, her husband Rodger and her style team, as they work to build her business. Produced by Original Media, the program will depict Rachel and crew as they help her A-list celebrity roster, meet deadlines, and pull off fashion shows.

The new Fox series from J.J. Abrams and Warner Bros. TV, Fringe, has begun to compile its cast and lead roles have gone to Kirk Acevedo and Tomas Arana.  The story is about an woman FBI agent (a role not yet cast) who is teamed with a scientist and his son, and together they hunt for paranormal happenings. If you’re wondering, this script was written before the current WGA strike, and production is scheduled to begin next month.

CYNOPSIS DIGITAL – TODAY’S TOP STORY: Digital content producer and syndicator 60Frames rolled out its first slate of programming with 7 new online series including the comedy Cockpit, developed by creators of Prom Queen and Erik the Librarian Mysteries, written and directed by TV writer Brent Forrester (The Office). The company, founded by former head of UTA online Brent Weinstein, also announced syndication deals with MySpace, YouTube, iTunes, Bebo, Blip.tv, Break, Dailymotion, Heavy, Joost, Veoh Networks and Vuze to air its web series.   Full edition: CYN DIGITAL. (Or to listen to the Cynopsis Digital Podcast click here or subscribe to it at iTunes here .)

CYNOPSIS KIDS – TODAY’S TOP STORY:  Warner Bros. has put the brakes on the live-action Justice League movie, which director George Miller had been set to begin shooting soon for a 2009 release.  There are several issues at hand, including the studio wanting a re-write of the current script, which can’t happen until the WGA strike is resolved, as well as awaiting tax incentives related to shooting the movie in Australia.  Additionally, the studio has not exercised further options to hold the cast, most of whom are newcomers, though. Reportedly Warner Bros. does intend to stick with the cast as selected by Miller when the movie does go forward.  Full edition: CYN KIDS.

CYNOPSIS INTERNATIONAL – TODAY’S TOP STORY: Stockholm’s Zodiak Television is expanding outside of Europe with the finalization of its new acquisition of 35% of the Indian production company, Sol. Zodiak and the owner’s of Sol first entered into a Memorandum of Understanding this past fall. Sol specializes in non-fiction entertainment television and event management and produces, among others, The STAR Parivaar Awards, Koffee with Karan, and Nach Baliye.  Full edition: CYN INTERNATIONAL.

Top 10 M-F Syndicated Strip Series for the week of 12/31/07-1/6/08 ranked by HH Rtg
Wheel of Fortune (CTD)                                    7.5 AA
Jeopardy (CTD)                                               6.4 AA
Judge Judy (CTD)                                            5.0 AA / 7.7 GAA
Oprah Winfrey Show (CTD)                                4.7 AA / 4.8 GAA
Entertainment Tonight (CTD)                             4.4 AA / 4.5 GAA
Two and a Half Men (WB)                                 4.3 AA / 5.6 GAA
Dr. Phil Show (CTD)                                         4.0 AA / 4.0 GAA
Family Guy (2/T)                                             3.9 AA / 4.5 GAA
Everybody Loves Raymond (CTD)                      3.7 AA / 4.4 GAA
Seinfeld (SPT)                                                 3.3 AA / 3.7 GAA
Source Nielsen Media Research – Live + SD Data

Top 10 M-F Syndicated Strip Series for the week of 12/31/07-1/6/08 ranked by A18-49 Rtg
Family Guy (2/T)                                            2.8 AA / 3.1 GAA
Two and a Half Men (WB)                                2.4 AA / 3.1 GAA
Seinfeld (SPT)                                               2.1 AA / 2.3 GAA
Everybody Loves Raymond (CTD)                      2.1 AA / 2.5 GAA
King of Queens (SPT)                                     2.0 AA / 2.7 GAA
Wheel of Fortune (CTD)                                  1.8 AA
Friends (WB)                                                1.8 AA / 2.1 GAA
Oprah Winfrey Show (CTD)                             1.7 AA / 1.7 GAA
Entertainment Tonight (CTD)                           1.7 AA / 1.7 GAA
Judge Judy (CTD)                                          1.6 AA / 2.4 GAA
Source Nielsen Media Research – Live + SD Data

Tuesday – A18-49 Analysis:  FOX was the undisputed leader Tuesday night with 13.8/32 A18-49, according to fast affiliate ratings from Nielsen Media Research. FOX’s American Idol opened at 8p with a 12.7/31 and posted an even higher 14.9/33 during 9p. An estimated 33.2 million viewers tuned in to American Idol’s season debut; however, it was down -11% compared to the 37.4 million who watched the season opener in 2007. Then at 10p, NBC’s Law & Order: SVU won with 4.6/12.

Live + Same Day Household Ratings: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 time period averages. Source: Nielsen Media Research

FOX: 17.8/26         American Idol [p] 17.8/26

CBS: 8.7/13            NCIS 9.9/15, Comanche Moon (Part 2) 8.0/12

NBC: 5.8/9              The Biggest Loser 5 4.6/7, Law & Order: SVU 8.1/13

ABC: 3.4/5               Just For Laughs 3.1/5, Just For Laughs [r] 2.8/4, According to Jim 2.7/4, Carpoolers [r] 2.2/3, Boston Legal 4.8/8

UNIV: 1.8/3           Amar sin Limites 2.0/3, Pasion 1.9/3, Aqui y Ahora 1.5/2

CW: 1.4/2              Reaper [r] 1.1/2, One Tree Hill 1.8/3

TELE: 0.8/1            Madre Luna 0.8/1, Victoria 0.9/1, Pecados Ajenos 0.6/1

A18-49: FOX 13.8/32, NBC 3.5/8, CBS 2.6/6, ABC 1.4/3, UNIV 1.4/3, CW 1.0/2, TELE 0.5/1

SCI FI Channel appointed Dave Howe as President to provide oversight for Original Development, Programming and Marketing, Global Brand Strategy and Market Development, Strategic Planning, SCI FI Digital, SCI FI Magazine, Media Relations and SCI FI’s new public affairs effort, Visions for Tomorrow. He is also responsible for starting a new global brand identity for the network as well as expanding the business portfolio into such areas as video gaming, mobile, licensing and merchandising and the youth market. Dave will report to Bonnie Hammer, President, USA Network and SCI FI Channel.

Marc Mondry joined MSG Media as Senior Coordinating Producer/Original Programming, Features and Post-Production. Marc is charged with supervising all feature and original programming productions for the networks MSG and FSNY. He will also implement and execute programming to all platforms including TV, VOD and broadband.

The Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission elevated Steven J. Schupak at Maryland Public Television to SVP/Content Enterprises. Steven will now manage the development of strategic content partnerships with emphasis on licensing content to new media.

LATV, the national bilingual music/entertainment network which is distributed by digital multicast, hired Luca Bentivoglio as VP/Programming. Luca will manage all LATV content and program scheduling while reporting to Danny Crowe, President.

Fuse tapped Theresa Chillianis for the position of SVP/Strategy and Business Operations where she will manage the network’s business operations that encompass her working closely with senior management, strategic business planning and streamlining business goals with those of the network. Theresa will report to Eric Sherman, President.

Jonathan Block-Verk is the new President of Promax/BDA.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM CABLEU

This day in History:  Born on this day: Ben Franklin (1706), Al Capone (1899), Betty White (1924), Muhammad Ali (1942) and Jim Carrey (1962)

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question: What popular sitcom actor played Roseanne and Dan’s friend, Dougie, in several episodes of Roseanne?  BRAD GARRETT   Kudos to:  Ivan Tafur-Initiative/Atlanta; Buffy Johnson-Charter Media/St. Louis; Cody Stanton-Equity Media Holdings Corporation/Little Rock, AR; Jonny Umansky-Show Me Entertainment/LA; Deborah Collins/LA; Brion Neeley-KAZT/Phoenix

Today’s Trivia Question: Katherine Heigl plays Izzie (Isabel Stevens) on Grey’s Anatomy. On what other TV series did she play another character named Isabel?  (
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
01.17.08

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JOB OPENING: SR PRODUCER BRANDED ENT/Sundance Ch/NY:Create hi-concept interstitial series/promos for BE/Sponsorship. A+ copywriting; promo prod; quick idea generation; 7+ yrs exp. Res:
. (1/25)

JOB OPENING: ONLINE PRODUCER/ LIFETIME TV NY: Looking for a creative and experienced online producer to oversee the development of show and movie websites for LifetimeTV.com/ Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html (1/25)

JOB OPENING: SCHEDULING ASST/Lifetime: Admin Asst to SVP, Scheduling. Budget prep, phones, travel plans, prepare invs, attend mtgs, asst w/ presentation, etc. Exp in TV/cable & PC knwlg.Apply:
(1/25)

JOB OPENING: REGIONAL ACCT DIR/Screenvision Cinema, LA: 3-5 yrs exp, proven media sales performer to dvlp, present & sell cinema advrtsng to regional clients, BA req., regional travel req. Apply online at: www.screenvision.com (1/25)

JOB OPENING:  MGR, INDUSTRY SERVICES/ Interactive Advertising Bureau/NY:  Experience w/ project mgt/strategic planning/strong written & oral communicator/2+ years experience interactive ad space. Please send resumes to:
(1/25)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASSISTANT/BET, NY:Entry level position, detailed-oriented, organized, multi-tasker.Bachelors degree req. 1-2yrs sales exp. preferred Email resume:
(1/25)

JOB OPENING:  DIR, WEB OPERATIONS/KidRo Prods/NYC: Asst w/ dvlpmnt & lead implementation of a holistic strategy for celeb’s web site. Dynamic, self-motivated ind. w/ exp & skills in web content   Res: 
(1/24)

JOB OPENING:  ONLINE PRODCTN ASSOC/NYC: Work w/site planning, content development, HTML coding, Flash, graphic design & CMS skills. Exp w/video editing, webcams or writing/editing all huge +.. Resume:
(1/24)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGER/TURNER ENTERTAINMENT NEW MEDIA/NYC: Leadership opportunity. New media ad sales research projects/positioning/trending/reporting. 5 yrs media research exp. Apply:
(1/24)

JOB OPENING:  TRAFFIC COORDINATOR/Hallmark Channel/NY: Edits daily broadcast logs; executes agency traffic instructions; maintains commercial inventory. See full posting and apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (1/24)

JOB OPENING:  SALES ASST/DISCOVERY NEW MEDIA/NY: Provide general support and account maintenance for NY AE’s. New Media group is responsible for on-line, mobile, podcasting and VOD ad sales. Apply: www.discovery.com #7195  (1/24)

JOB OPENING: MGR, SYNDI CONTENT & PROMOS/MEDIA STORM/NY or CT: Create/execute/mng content strategy of clients to achieve max exposure/results. Exp: 5+ yrs Cable, Brdcst and/or Online. Resume to: 
(1/23)

JOB OPENING: MGR NEW MEDIA RESCH/E!, Style & G4/LA: BA 3+ yrs exp w/ new media analytics tools Report web, brdband, mobile & VOD usage/trends Exp w NetView, Site Census/Google Analytics & Rentrak pref’d
(1/23)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/DIRECTV/El Segundo CA: Sell commercial time on regional sports networks in the great LA area.Report into the VP of Ad Sales. For immediate consideration, please send resume to:
  (1/23)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE WRITER/PROD/Voom HD Ntwrks/NY:Seeking top creative to prod promo & interstitial material for HD movie channels. 5 yrs min exp w/major cable net. Edit/Photoshop skills & ability to quote “Evil Dead 2” a +.
(1/23)

JOB OPENING: VP, PRINT ADVERTISING/LIFETIME TV/LA/Extensive exp. running print dept. in cable network or ad agency.  Strong management and team building skills.  Apply to: 
  (1/23)

JOB OPENING: VP, GRAPHICS/LIFETIME TV/LA:  Exp. in on-air graphic design within broadcast or cable industry. Strong leadership skills req. Apply to:
(1/23)

JOB OPENING: SR.WRITER PRODUCER/LIFETIME TV/LA: Conceptualize, write and produce on-air and radio promos. Must have demonstrated exp. within cable or broadcast network.   Apply to:
(1/23)

JOB OPENING: ONLINE MKTG ASSOC/EXERCISE TV/LA: Write promot’l copy for banners, newsletters & web site.  Mng message boards & blogs.  BS/BA req’d (pref Bus/mktg) 1-3yrs exp online mktg/advrtsng. Apply: www.comcast.com (1/23)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE WRITER/PRODUCER/Voom HD Networks/NYC:Top creative to produce promos for HD movie channels. 5 yrs min exp w/major cable net. Edit/Photoshop skills & ability to quote “Evil Dead 2” a plus.
(1/23)

JOB OPENING: MGR DISTRIBUTION/CHICAGO/GSN, The Network for Games: Report to Exec Dir Dist. Mng Sales Activities & Mark/Sales Promotions. 3+ yrs. exp in Mktg/Sales. BA/BS degree in related field. Send Res/Cov Letter:
   (1/23)

JOB OPENING:  SENIOR INTERACTIVE RESEARCH ANALYST/Scripps Networks/Knox: Research support for all SN Websites. 3+yrs exp in on-line or mkt research. Field mgmt and data analysis is reqd. Apply at www.scrippsnetworks.com EOE. (1/19)

JOB OPENING: INTERACTIVE MKTG ADMINISTRATOR/WB Pictures/NY: Organized, 3-5 yrs. exp. digital mktg/media at agency/media co. Need exp. with plan/buy online media and ad creative. Email:
RE: UCTC/93360BR (1/19)

JOB OPENING: SPORTS SLS ASST/Univision/NY: Highly motivated. srvcng agencies/clients daily basis. Det oriented/time mgment/comm/PC/math skills. Prepare flowcharts/presentations. Soccer knowledge a +, EOE.Res:
(1/19)

JOB OPENING: SVP STRATEGIC RESEARCH/Disney ABC Dom TV/Burbank: 10 yrs broad-based TV exp + 7+ yrs mgmt; leading edge exec w/proven ability to assess media trends/developments. APPLY www.disneycareers.com Req #137377 (1/28)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING/Turner Entertainment New Media (NY):   5-7 yrs exp in ad sales industry; must have DIGITAL & mgmt exp; analytical & presentation skills. Apply online www.turnerjobs.com , Req#92471. EOE (1/19)

JOB OPENING: SR WRITER/PRODUCER/iN DEMAND/NYC:  Write, research & produce promo spots monthly.  Manage edit & audio sessions. 3-5 yrs on-air promo exp.  Reel required.  Apply
.  EOE. No relo. (1/19)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/FOX/NYC: BS/BA/Min 5 yrs ad sales exp at media firm or network. Working with the National Geographic Channel. Please apply at www.foxcareers.com (1/19)

JOB OPENING: COPYWRITER /In DEMAND Networks/NYC:  Develop ad/online/marketing copy.  BA + 5 yrs writing exp in TV/cable/studio/ad agency.  Apply at: 
(1/19)

JOB OPENING: PM SCHEDULER/POST PROD/LIFETIME/NY: 2-3 yrs related exp in TV or film/Degree in Broadcasting and/or exp in a hands-on tech broadcast environment/ See full posting and apply at: http://www.mylifetime.com/about/jobs.html (1/19)

JOB OPENING: SR MGR, MEDIA RELATIONS/NPR/DC: PR pro with great business/ad/trade/tech placement exp to promote NPR’s extensive gvt relations, digital, business, HD radio activities. http://www.npr.org/about/jobs/positions.html. (1/18)

JOB OPENING: PLAN’G/SCHED’G PROMOS & INTERSTITIALS FOR BROADCAST AIR LOGS: 2+ yrs exp media planning, program’g & sched’g, traffic, or related field. Strong GRiPIT and/or BMS database skills for content sched’g. Visit : www.disneycareers.com (Req ID 130381)  (1/18)

JOB OPENING:  SR COORD ADMIN/IFC/NY:  Coord all finance/adm process. Assist w/ business plan’g (forecasting& budgeting)&A/P. 1-3 yrs exp, Ent exp pref’d. Degree in Finance/Bus/Comm pref.
res: www.cablevision.jobs ref #5076BR (1/18)

JOB OPENING: NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCT EXEC/WTIC/WTXX/Hartford: seeking New Business Development AE w/ at least 1 yr media sales exp; broadcast TV, cable, or radio exp. preferred; strong work ethic; Resume:
(1/18)

JOB OPENING: INTEGRATED SALES MGR/AETN/NY: Looking for your next creative opp? Have  solid understanding of ad sales/media/ratings/mktg? Enjoy writing/presenting to groups? Take next step in career! Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (1/18)

JOB OPENING: MGR, RESIDUALS/RHI Ent/NY: Exp mngng a residual payment process. Knwldg of internat’l/domestic union & ind (film & talent) agreements, regulations. Strong org/negotiation/forecasting skills. Res:
(1/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR AFFILIATE SALES/ NY&LA: 4+ yr affil sls exp; strng presentation and comm skills; trvl up to 50%; strong PC and teamwork skills; BA degree req’d. Apply:
(1/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR AFFIL SLS MKTG/SiTV/LA: min 8yrs mktg/cable exp a must/resp to work w/Mktg & Affil Sls to lead/mng/and execute for multi-platform and event promos. BA req’d. Resume & salary history to.
(1/18)

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
.

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Immediate opening!/NYC (NO HO):  Boutique Entertainment & Lifestyle PR firm seeks motivated, bright intern. College Credit Only. Hands-On experience. Fun environment.  Apply to: 
  (1/25)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Rowdy Television & Film/ATL: TV & Film Production company looking for a fast paced assistant to work with the exec. assistant in production and administrative activities.  Email Brittany:
  (1/25)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: True Entertainment/NYC: TV Production facility looking for hard working, versatile interns for production, post prod & administration. Please email resume:
  (1/24)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED … Interested in posting your Video Resume?  Contact
for more information ….

SITUATION WANTED: Brian N. Potter, owner of LA-based premiere full service rights & clearances co. is avail. for hire for TV, film & new media prods.Visit www.clearlyrightentertainment.com for more info.  Contact: 310-709-7909  (1/24)

SITUATION WANTED: Former long time MTV staffer looking for work in TV & film prod industry. Exp in music composing/prod, music video, direction, & documentary film making. Vast ntwrk of connections & interesting res.
  (1/19)

E-mail 
for rates and specs for Job Openings. 

Interested in posting your Video Resume?  Contact
for more information ….

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

WHAT’S ON TONIGHT – Thursday, January 17, 2008

ABC: Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy [r], Big Shots
CBS: Without a Trace [r], CSI [r], Without a Trace
CW: Smallville [r], Supernatural [r]
FOX: Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?, Don’t Forget the Lyrics!
ION: Mama’s Family, Mama’s Family, Drew Carey Show, Drew Carey Show, Who’s the Boss?, Who’s the Boss?
MNT: My Thursday Night Movie: Diggstown
NBC: My Name is Earl [r], The Office [r], Celebrity Apprentice, ER
PBS: This Old House Hour, Antiques Roadshow, Soundstage
TELE: Madre Luna, Victoria
UNIV: Amar sin Limites, Pasion, Amas de Casa Desesperadas

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