Good morning. It’s Thursday, June 3, 2004, and this is your first early morning briefing.
And there goes the other shoe. Jonathan Dolgan has tendered his resignation at Viacom, effective July 15, as Chairman of Viacom Entertainment Group. Dolgan oversees Paramount Pictures, Paramount TV, Paramount Domestic Television, King World, Paramount Parks, Famous Players, and publishing house Simon & Schuster. In a statement Dolgan said, “Due to the recently announced changes in Viacom’s management structure, the time was right for me to step aside. It has been a privilege to work with Sumner Redstone for more than a decade and to have participated in the growth and success of Viacom.”
The statements on all sides of the Local People Meter discussion continues. Today marks the first day LPMs will be incorporated into the measurement in the NY DMA. Nielsen will continue with diary/meters in addition to LPMs until the first of September. Today’s statements are from first CBS and then Nielsen.
CBS: “CBS urges Nielsen Media Research to delay the implementation of their Local Peoplemeter (LPM) service in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, and the integration of these local market samples into the National Peoplemeter sample until they have addressed the current shortcomings of these new services as identified by the Media Rating Council in its recent audit of the New York service.” CBS also made it clear they continue to support Nielsen’s Peoplemeter-based measurement methodology, but believes its market effectiveness will be limited due to the “increasing evidence that these new services do not yet meet industry and community standards”.
You may have seen print ads from Don’t Count Us Out in recent days, all directed toward delaying the implementation of LPMs in NY, LA and Chicago. Nielsen responds to those ads beginning by pointing out ‘inaccuracies and distortions” and providing these points:
Nielsen has met with more than 100 community and political leaders around the country, including representatives of Don’t Count Us Out.
Nielsen has conclusively demonstrated to them that African Americans and Latinos are fully represented in our local and national People Meter samples.
Electronic People Meters, which automatically and accurately record what people watch on TV, do a better job of measuring the viewing patterns of all audiences, including African Americans and Latinos, than older paper diaries.
People Meters have been in use since 1987 in our national sample and have proved to be the most accurate and complete way of measuring television viewing by the diverse groups who make up our communities. People Meters in no way prejudice any viewer group.
Nielsen then strikes back with this: “We believe it is time for Don’t Count Us Out to explain where its extraordinary resources are coming from, and we urge the MRC to take appropriate action with respect to members who fund and support ads that affect not only our ability to obtain untainted samples, but also the television and advertising communities’ ability to receive fair and accurate ratings.”
PREMIERE: Come to Papa, NBC at 830p
It has been ten years since the OJ Simpson case. On June 9 Court TV‘s Catherine Crier on will host a live, all questions are safe, no holding back, unedited interview with OJ Simpson from 9-10p on Catherine Crier Live. The interview follows a one hour doc, The People v. OJ Simpsons: Unfinished Business at 8pm that evening, and kicks off comprehensive look at the investigation by Court TV. Coverage will include a full day of looking back on June 11th, further interviews with Catherine Crier with the Goldman family and the Brown family as well as lawyers involved with the case. She will also host a roundtable discussion analyzing how this one case managed to change how the media covers trials.
CBS has made a program change on its fall Saturday night lineup. The lineup now will begin with Amazing Race, then Crimetime Saturday and finish with 48 Hours. A start date has not yet been announced.
This must be Bill Clinton‘s week, or at least the week of the 20th will be. Sunday, June 20, he’ll be with Dan Rather to talk about his upcoming book,My Life, on 60 Minutes. Then he’ll tape a multi-part interview with ABC’s News anchor Charles Gibson, which will air on GMA beginning on Wednesday the 23rd. Clinton’s memoir, My Life, will be published by Alfred A. Knopf.
ABC Family has acquired the cable rights to Grounded for Life, a four year deal from Carsey-Werner-Mandabach to begin airing in January 2005. The show currently airs on the WB and has just been picked up for a 5th season. There are 75 episodes of the show which will be stripped, though a time period or daypart has not been announced.
WB‘s Tuesday night premiere of Summerland (8-10p) delivered a 2.0/6 A18-49 rating, and earned solid ratings in all key female demos: 2.8/8 W18-49 and 2.9/9 W18-34 (#2 in the time period), and perhaps most surprising a 2.7/7 among W25-54. Among teens it held the share with a 2.3/9, tho among female teens it jumped to a 3.8/14 making it #1 in that demo. Notably, the numbers it achieved in A18-49, W18-34 and female teens is the highest summer debut of any in WB history.
Top Ten Basic Cable Ad Supported Network Rankings among Total Viewers for the month of May 2004: Primetime (000) Total Day (000) TNT 3222 NICK 1935 NICK 2374 TNT 1458 USA 1940 NAN 1334 NAN 1814 CARTOON 1178 ESPN 1717 USA 919 CARTOON 1637 LIFETIME 904 LIFETIME 1411 TBS 825 TBS 1309 FOXNEWS 753 FOXNEWS 1258 ESPN 708 FX 1169 FX 594 Source Turner Research from Nielsen Media Research Data. All ratings based on Total U.S. Television Universe of 108,400,000 homes
Top Ten Basic Cable Ad Supported Network Rankings among A18-49 for the month of May 2004: Primetime (000) Total Day (000) TNT 1646 TNT 790 ESPN 890 NAN 662 USA 851 TBS 485 FX 657 USA 451 TBS 652 LIFETIME 440 MTV 636 ESPN 432 DISCOVERY 603 NICK 419 LIFETIME 574 FX 354 COMEDY 573 COMEDY 342 NAN 559 CARTOON 327 Source Turner Research from Nielsen Media Research Data. All ratings based on Total U.S. Television Universe of 108,400,000 homes.
News Viewer Index for the week of May 24 – 30, 2004 in Total Viewers Total Day Total Fox News/CNN/MSNBC/Headline Cable News Viewers 1.558(000) Total Viewers. (-.2% vs. previous week). Of the cable news viewership, Fox News had 47% of the viewing, CNN 28%, MSNBC 14%; and Headline News 11%. Primetime Total Fox News/CNN/MSNBC/Headline Cable News Viewers 2.509(0000) Total Viewers (+12% vs. previous week). Of the primetime cable news viewership, Fox News had 52%, CNN 29%, MSNBC 13% and Headline News 6%. Source Nielsen Media Research
Fuse is taking Uranium, its primetime series focusing on the world of heavy metal, and its VJ Juliya, on the road for the summer with a series of 30m specials called Uranium’s Hell Raisin’ Summer Shows, airing Fridays at 8p. Juliya will be going to all sorts of concerts and festivals, bringing viewers the backstage view of heavy metal and its hottest bands. On the tour list for Uranium is Velvet Revolver, Ozzfest, The New England Metal & Hardcore Festival Party, A Perfect Circle and Slipknot will kick it off on June 4 at 8pm.
Superstation WGN began carriage on Comcast in Baltimore and its suburbs today, adding 470,000 cable TV homes. The additional brings the full coverage for the channel to 61.7 million homes outside of Chicago.
Oracle has chosen their new ad agency, switching from Mediacom/San Francisco to Publicis Groupe’s Starcom MediaVest Group, Chicago. According to AdAge.com, Starcom Mediavest will handle the media planning/buying.
Is it me or is Kenneth Branagh just under-used as an actor?
The Horse TV Network. Heard of it? Based in Houston, its available in approx 10 million homes through the America One Network and available on DISH and DirecTV satellite systems. The channel airs approx 16 hours a day of horse related programming, from vintage racing to dressage and show jumping and rodeo. Later on this year the network plans to expand their programming to 24/7. Beginning on Friday, Horse TV will offer vintage harness racing, airing at midnight. Horse TV is also available online via a subscription service ($9.95/month) at http://www.horse-tv.com/.
Universal Studios has announced the creation of Universal Studios Partnerships, an agency-inspired entity that will oversee multi-divisional corporate initiatives both within Universal Studios divisions and its external partners, as well as theatrical and home entertainment promotions. Included under the USP banner will be the unit, known until yesterday as Universal Partnership Development, the group currently overseeing long term corporate alliances. USP will also serve as a central contact point for all brands that are Universal corporate or single-property partners. Heading up USP will be the newly promoted Stephanie Sperber, EVP/USP, who will report to March Shmuger, Vice Chairman/Universal Pictures. Sperber had been SVP/UPD. Current corporate partners include Coca-Cola, JP Morgan Chase, Kodak and MasterCard among others.
Donna Britt, currently host of the radio program Country Kitchen, has been named host of the new Lifetime Radio for Women. The announcement was made by Todd Unger, SVP/GM, Brand Extensions, Lifetime Entertainment Services. Lifetime Radio for Women launches later this year as a nationally syndicated service and a partnership between Lifetime and Jones Radio Networks.
PricewaterhouseCoopers announced the appointment of Senior Partner R. Wayne Jackson as Global Leader of the firm’s Entertainment and Media Practice. Wayne will oversee the company’s assurance, tax, and advisory work with many of the entertainment and media industry’s leading companies. He will spearhead the PricewaterhouseCoopers Entertainment & Media Practice’s business development, marketing, communications and knowledge management efforts, as well as serve as the firm’s primary media spokesman and public speaker on entertainment and media issues.
G4techTV has upped Gloria Jolley to VP/Affiliate Sales, Western Region. The announcement was made by Dale Hopkins, SVP/Distribution & Advertising Sales, G4techTV. Gloria has been with G4 since its launch in 2002.
Phil Fairclough has been named SVP/Production for the Discovery Channel. Phil will report to Jane Root, the incoming EVP/GM of the Discovery Channel. He will oversee the team that produces all of the original productions of the Discovery Channel. In this role, Phil supervises a creative team of 30, including executive producers, producers and production assistants who will produce 900 hours of original daytime, fringe and primetime programming in 2004.
Fox has named Melva Benoit as SVP/Research, reporting directly to Preston Beckman, EVP/Strategic Program Planning. Melva makes the move to Fox from NBC where she had been SVP/Research.
Casting Call: Evolution Film & Tape is looking for the All American Man. The new reality series slated for TBS will put 30 guys under one roof with the chance of winning cold hard cash, as these guys compete to be named the All American Man. Open casting calls are schedule – to find out more go to TBS.tv. Deadline for applications and 3m video tapes is June 25.
Monday, May 31, 2004. Fast Affiliate Household Ratings for all Networks. Fast affiliate numbers which reflect time period data, not program data, and can change slightly once the finals come in, particularly for LIVE programming (i.e. Football). Source Nielsen Media Research. Time Period Averages Only. [p] = Premiere; [o] = Original; [r] = Repeat
CBS 7.7/13 Yes Dear [r] 5.0/9, Still Standing [r] 5.3/9, Raymond [r] 8.5/14, Two & a Half Men [r] 8.9/14, CSI: Miami [r] 9.3/16
NBC 4.5/8 Fear Factor [r] 5.3/9, Special: The One That Got Away 4.1/7
ABC 2.3/4 NHL Stanley Cup 2.3/4 ** Due to the nature of live sports, Fast Nationals for ABC are approximate
FOX 2.3/4 O.C. [r] 2.2/4, O.C. [r] 2.4/4
WB 1.8/3 7th Heaven [r] 1.9/3, The WB’s Superstar USA 1.6/3
UPN 1.5/3 The Parkers 1.6/3, Eve 1.6/3, Girlfriends 1.5/2, Half & Half 1.4/2
A18-49 CBS 4.0/11, NBC 3.2/9, ABC 1.4/4, Fox 1.4/4, WB 1.0/3, UPN 0.8/2
Tuesday, June 1, 2004. Fast Affiliate Household Ratings for all Networks. Fast affiliate numbers which reflect time period data, not program data, and can change slightly once the finals come in, particularly for LIVE programming (i.e. Football). Source Nielsen Media Research. Time Period Averages Only. [p] = Premiere; [o] = Original; [r] = Repeat
NBC 6.2/10 Fear Factor: Miss USA 4.9/9, NBC Special: Miss Universe Pageant 6.9/11
CBS 5.7/10 Navy NCIS 6.5/11, The Guardian 4.7/8, Judging Amy 6.0/10
ABC 4.5/8 8 Simple Rules [r] 4.0/7, I’m with Her [r] 3.8/7, According to Jim [r] 4.7/8, Less than Perfect [r] 4.5/7, Primetime Special Edition 4.9/8
WB 3.1/5 Summerland [season premiere] 3.1/5
FOX 2.2/4 Special: Summer Music Mania 2004 2.2/4
UPN 1.7/3 One on One [r] 1.8/3, All of Us [r] 1.8/3, One on One [r] 1.8/3, Rock Me Baby [r] 1.4/2
A18-49 NBC 3.5/10, ABC 2.6/7, WB 2.0/6, CBS 2.0/6, FOX 1.5/5, UPN 1.0/3
A MESSAGE FROM WARNER BROS. DOMESTIC CABLE DISTRIBUTION
GEORGE LOPEZ REPEAT SHINES
#1 Time Period Rank!
#2 Program for the Night!
Top 10 Primetime Sitcom for the Week!
GEORGE LOPEZ Available exclusively from Warner Bros. Domestic Cable
Source: NTI Explorer, 5/27/04 or as noted. TP: Fri, 8-8:30pm. Based on M18-49. Ratings.
The History Channel presents This Day in History: 1800 – John Adams, the second president of the United States, becomes the first president to reside in Washington, D.C., when he takes up residence at Union Tavern in Georgetown
Answer to Friday’s Trivia Question:Paul Newman played Judge Roy Bean in the movies. Who played him on television? EDGAR BUCHANAN. Kudos to: Dave Aiken-WOLO; Tim Riviere-WPVI/Philadelphia; Jessica Akey-Regal CineMedia/NY; Bruce Heim-Horizon Media/NY; Dave Osborn-KTTC/Rochester MN; Jennifer Murphy-Goldberg & Osborne/Phoenix; Jack Hodgson-OSU School of Journalism/Stillwater; Heather Hawkins-WCIU/Chicago; Onur Aydin-Fox Sports Net/LA; Todd Gekoski-TV Guide Channel/LA; Mike Brennan-Writers Boot Camp/Santa Monica; Ken Dubow-Modern/LA.
Today’s Trivia Question: Walter Franklin was a judge in Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas. Who played him? (click hereto respond to the trivia question and please be sure to include with your answer your name, company, city and time zone. Only the second four correct responses from each time zone will be listed in tomorrow’s kudo list.)
Later — Cyn
Cynthia Turner’s Cynopsis 06/03/04 5:27am Subscriptions to Cynopsis: email
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JOB OPENING: MGR ORIGINAL SERIES, ANIMATION, Spike TV NY.4+ yrs TV dev/prod exp & 2 yrs scripted pgming. 2+ yrs exec level. Animation Dev exp pref. Find/dev/sprvse orig. series thru all phases. Apply: www.mtvncareers.com (6/10)
JOB OPENING: SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST, MTVN Int’l/NY. 2-3 yrs media/mkt research exp; Nielsen software or equiv. a plus; create presentations, reports, analysis. Int’l exp strongly pref.EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply: www.mtvncareers.com (6/10)
JOB OPENING: AD SALES RESEARCH analyst/ Galavision/ NY: 2-3 yrs experience; Proficient Knowledge of National Nielsen products; strong analytical skills required. Email ~ specify research (6/10)
JOB OPENING: HGTV, NYC. DIR. PROGRAM PROD. Will manage all commission prod & acquisitions. 5-7 years TV prod & dev. exp, lifestyle & series prog a must. Resume to: (6/10)
JOB OPENING: AFFILIATE SALES/DATABASE COORDINATOR-Oxygen-NY. Manage dept. database (Medea) Track sub info, act as launch support. Support 6 reps, maintain materials. Cover Letter/resume to Neily Buff @ nbuff
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JOB OPENING: JUNIOR BUYERS, SALES ASSISTANTS AND EXEC. ASST TO MEDIA DIRECTOR positions open for political period (June-Nov 15)– Encino, CA.Interested candidates should send their resume and references to (6/10)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, REVENUE PLANNING-ABC/NY. Manage comm’l inventory, develop rate cards, report rev. for ad sales group, negotiate scatter deals; Work w/sales, research, mktg; manage team of 13. Email: (6/9)
JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/Galavision cable ntwk, Dallas. 2-3 yrs TV ad sales; excellent written/ verbal skills reqd. Natl Nielsen data and dealmaker software knowledge helpful. Email: specify Dallas. (6/9)
JOB OPENING: VP PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION, Europe. Report to Senior VP, International Sales. Sports distribution experience required. Major studio or prior experience in region desired. Salary + Commission + Bonus.
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SITUATION WANTED: ADV. SERVICES TECHNOLOGIST/STRATEGIST: Exp. Producer/Manager available to assist you in navigating or marketing the brave new world of TV: VOD, iTV, HDTV, Long Form Ads/Sponsorships. Contact
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WHAT’S ON TONIGHT: THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2004
COURT TV:The Investigation Channel
SPOT CHECK: Saturday Night Solution A18-49 VPVH +11% vs 2003 + YOUR SPOT = Great ROInvestigation Click here for source
COURT TV: The I-Zone, Forensic Files, Body of Evidence, The Investigators ABC NHL Stanley Cup – Game 5 CBS Joan of Arcadia [r], CSI [r], Without a Trace [r] FOX Movie: Scream 2 NBC Friends [r], Come to Papa [premiere], Will & Grace [r], Scrubs [r], ER [r] PAX AFV, AFV, Early Edition, Diagnosis Murder UPN WWE Smackdown WB Pepsi Smash, JKE [r], Steve Harvey’s Big Time [r] TELE Prisonera,El Alma Herida, Mujeres Apasionadas UNIV Mariana de la Noche, Bajo la Misma Piel, Aqui y Ahora
A MESSAGE FROM AIM TELL-A-VISION
Coverage AND Content is King! More Full-power TV Coverage than Univision!
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A Cynopsis Message From ITN Wednesday April 22, 2026 IN THE NEWS Peacock’s ad-free Premium Plus tier is coming to Roku Premium Subscriptions through a new deal between NBCUniversal and Roku. The top-tier plan remains ad-free except for live sports and includes offline downloads and access to geo-targeted local TV stations. It’s […]
A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM PREMION Tuesday April 21, 2026 IN THE NEWS Midterm spending for the 2026 cycle is on track to top $10 billion – just 8% shy of the 2024 presidential cycle ($11.2 billion) and 16% higher than the 2022 midterms ($8.9 billion), according to Kinetiq’s The […]
