CYNTHIA TURNER’S
CYNOPSIS

11/18/04

Good morning. It’s Thursday, November 18, 2004, and this is your first early morning briefing.

A couple of premieres and an OTO special were part of the landscape on Tuesday night, though NBC with neither premiere nor OTO was on top with a 5.0/13 A18-49 according to the final ratings from Nielsen Media Research.  CBS was #2 for the evening which included the premiere of The Amazing Race.  At 8pm NBC’s 90m Biggest Loser earned a 4.5/12, winning the block; CBS was again #2 8-9p with NCIS’ 3.6/10.  ABC was #3 with an 8 share for the hour of sitcoms; Gilmore Girls on the WB scored a 2.7/7, though tied with NBC among W18-34 (4.7/13); while Fox’s The Rebel Billionaire continues to struggle with a 2.4/6, though it also tied with NBC among M18-34 (2.7/9). At 9pm CBS led for the hour with the first hour of a 2-hour Amazing Race premiere, racking up a 5.0/12 for the full 9-11p debut. ABC’s sitcoms improved over their 8pm hour, building to a 10 share.  House made its season debut on Fox and earned a 2.7/6.  The VIBE Awards on UPN grabbed a 2.1/5 A18-49 rating, up 11% vs. last year, though found its niche among young women: W12-17 4.7/13 (+69% year to year); and W12-34 3.8/10 (+41%). At 10p NBC was in front with Law & Order: SVU’s 6.3/16, ahead of the final hour of Amazing Race’s 5.1/13. NYPD Blue collared a 2.9/7.

Casting / Development / Production

• NBC has ordered a pilot – cast contingent – for a new cop drama based on the 1970’s case work of Sonny Grasso and Eddie Egan, both NY detectives, and both made famous by the now classic 1971 film The French Connection.  Rand Ravich will write/produce; NBC Universal Television will produce with Grosso Jacobson Comm.
• 20th has signed Carmen Electra to a talent holding deal, with an eye toward a comedy project from producers Ashton Kutcher and Pete Aronson.  The premise is standard fish out of water – woman marries into a large middle America, heartland family.  Fortunately for Electra, the deal also calls for her to be cast in an alternative project if this one doesn’t work out.
• Fox has signed Angela Goethals to a recurring role in its primetime series 24 – set to return January 9, 2005.  Goethals will play the daughter of CTU director Erin Driscoll.
• Jane Lynch will join the cast of Blind Justice (ABC, Tuesdays at 10p after NYPD Blue concludes) in a recurring role as medical examiner.
• Showtime’s Brotherhood drama project has undergone some changes. Originally set in South Boston, the locale has been moved to Providence. Added to the cast which includes Jason Clarke and Jason Isaacs as the two brothers living on opposite sides of the law, is Kerry O’Malley in a recurring role as the men’s sister.
• Karen Sillas has been added to the cast of TNT’s Rush. The pilot stars Gary Cole and is about an elite police team in LA.
• Al Madrigal has signed a talent holding deal with CBS for a potential comedy project for next season.

Whether or not the FCC will take a pass on tackling ABC for its pre-Monday Night Football sketch is still up in the air.  FCC Chair Michael Powell said in part, “…As a legal matter, whether its a problem is yet to be determined. We only respond to complaints and evaluate them fairly and make a decision.”  He did decide however to take a speech out of every parent’s playbook by saying he was ‘disappointed’ in ABC and wondered aloud if “Walt Disney would be proud.”   Elsewhere, the Parents Television Council says they will not file a formal complaint about the promo, though they feel it was “grossly irresponsible.” The PTC is busy trying to decide if they will complain about a college football player at the end of the Notre Dame game over the weekend using the f-word in a fit of jubilation.  Personally, I’d like to complain to somebody about all the complaining, not to mention all the subsequent apologizing.

The fate of ABC News’ Nightline has come up again. In an article in today’s Wall Street Journal, Nightline’s co-exec prod Leroy Sievers is in the process of negotiating his exit package.  In a statement Sievers said, “The company has made it clear that it is considering fundamental changes to the format and the direction that the broadcast takes in the future. We were unable to agree on those changes and are negotiating the terms of my departure.”  This raises the question of what exactly are ABC News plans for late night – particularly since Ted Koppel’s current contract expires next year.  Meanwhile, in an effort to at least stick their finger in the dam for the time being, WSJ quotes an ABC spokesman as saying  the network is “extremely bullish on the future of Nightline.”

here! TV will make its way to New York and New Jersey as of this week through a new agreement with Time Warner Cable (TWC).  Nearly 30 hours of here! TV Movies On Demand programming will be offered to TWC digital consumers.  The gay/lesbian-oriented service can be found on Channel 1000 round the clock.

Cynopsis Question for You:  Barbara Walter’s 10 Most Fascinating People of 2004 is scheduled for December 8 at 9p on ABC.  Here’s the question, who would be your #1 pick as THE most Fascinating Person of 2004?  Send in your pick –
.  Top five names tomorrow. 

CORRECTION:  Mercury Entertainment and Debmar Studios will distribute Farscape to the US market for a Fall 2005 syndication launch. The show will be offered on a straight barter basis, with 88 episodes.

David Gleason has been upped to VP/Brand and Consumer Research for Spike TV.  David reports to Laura Wendt, SVP/Research for Nickelodeon Networks in the NY office.  David will continue to be responsible for developing research strategy for the network, overseeing all areas of consumer research from show testing, brand research to proprietary men’s trends studies, as well as expand Spike TV’s expertise with its male audience.

Michael Verrecchia has been named SVP/Marketing, DIC Entertainment.  In his new role, Verrecchia will oversee all marketing and promotional initiatives for DIC, including marketing strategies for DIC’s brand properties (e.g. Strawberry Shortcake, Trollz), as well as for creating and executing multi-layered retail and consumer advertising, promotions and publicity campaigns.  Verrecchia served for some 14 years as a marketing executive in various divisions at Hasbro Inc., most recently as Director/Marketing, Hasbro for Disney’s girl branded toys.

Mark Sonnenberg, EVP/Programming for E! Entertainment Networks has resigned effective December 1.  E! says it will not fill his position; rather his direct reports will now report to COO Ken Bettsteller.  As far as Sonnenberg’s plans – an announcement is forthcoming.

Tuesday, November 16, 2004. FINAL Ratings for all Networks – program averages.  Source Nielsen Media Research. Time Period Averages Only. [p] = Premiere; [o] = Original; [r] = Repeat

CBS     8.2/13  NCIS 9.8/15, The Amazing Race [p] 7.4/11

NBC     8.1/13  The Biggest Loser 6.9/11, Scrubs 5.6/8, Law & Order: SVU 11.1/18

ABC     6.1/9   My Wife & Kids 5.4/9, George Lopez 5.4/8, According to Jim 7.0/10, Rodney 6.4/10, NYPD Blue 6.1/10

FOX     4.1/6   The Rebel Billionaire 3.6/6, House [p] 4.6/7

WB      3.5/5   Gilmore Girls 4.0/6, One Tree Hill 3.0/4

UPN     3.3/5   Vibe Awards (OTO) 3.3/5

A18-49  NBC 5.0/13, CBS 4.5/11, ABC 3.3/8, Fox 2.6/6, WB 2.3/6, UPN 2.1/5

A MESSAGE FROM WARNER BROS. DOMESTIC CABLE DISTRIBUTION

Source: NTI Explorer, Premiere-to-date 9/20-11/14/04, US Rtg.  TP Rank= Thu, 8-9p, 11/4-11/11/04, ties CBS with W12-34.

The History Channel presents This Day in History:
1883:  Standard time zones are introduced in Canada and the United States by railroad companies frustrated with the variations in local timekeeping.  Moving from east to west through North America, railroad clocks were reset at noon, according to the new standard time..  Although local time was still kept in many places, “railroad time” was quickly accepted in most cities, becoming the beginning of a national time standard that would be formally adopted in 1918.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:   The Gizmo was invented in 1951 by two ABC engineers, and first used in the ABC series Tom Corbett, Space Cadet.  What did the Gizmo do?  Gave producers the ability to superimpose images over various backgrounds, thus allowing Space Cadet to ‘swim under the sea’, etc.  Kudos to:  Steve Woodward-UPN Atlanta TV; Hank Bordowitz-The Bordowitz Media Werx/NY; Christopher Dalrymple-Digital Verite/NY; Gary Stein-GMA/NY; Jerry Wise-KTVT/Ft. Worth; John Corthinos-Comedy Central/Chicago; Kenny Mueller-NCC/Dallas; Eddie Land-Pacific Television Center/LA; Aaron Lug-Court TV/LA; Daniela Onel-ALSA Design/LA; Patrick Reynolds-WBDCD/Burbank.

A MESSAGE FROM CYNOPSIS

In January 2005, this daily edition will introduce brand new ad space as well as make available previously sold out space.  New space includes Top of Page above the title (only Thursdays available). And becoming avail in 2005 for the first time in more than 4 years is Space A, immediately following the daily Nielsen Media Research household ratings chart. 

If you’d like to see a Media Kit outlining the demographics of the Cynopsis sub base as well as 2005 rates, send me a note at

Today’s Trivia Question:   “… He deals in danger, dices with death and always surrounded by a galaxy of gorgeous girls.”  Who is he?     (click
to 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.)

A MESSAGE FROM COURT TV

Later — Cyn
11.18.04   5:02am

In 2005, Cynopsis will offer new ad space. Interested?

Archived Editions: www.Cynopsis.com
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Copyright Cynthia Turner 2004

CYNOPSIS CLASSIFIEDS

JOB OPENING:  BE THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR! Both professionals and amateurs can apply.The winner receives a six-episode show on Food Network that will premiere in September 2005. Go to www.foodnetwork.com for more info  (10/25)

JOB OPENING:  VP BRAND MKTG/SCI FI, NY. 10+ yrs Ent. &/or TV exp, BA Mktg. Innovative strategist to dev break-through promotions/stunts & partnerships building buzz. Apply: www.universalstudios.com/jobs, keyword search #387096.EOE  (10/25)

JOB OPENING:  VP PUBLICITY/SCI FI, NY. 10+ yrs Ent. &/or TV exp, consumer press & publicity. Strong industry contacts. Solid relationships. Flair for building buzz. Apply: www.universalstudios.com/jobs keyword search #387308. EOE  (10/25)

JOB OPENING:  TRAFFIC ASSISTANT/The Oxygen Network-NY. 2 positions/commercial copy assistants. Gabriel/Traffic exp pref, detail orientation and org. skills a must. Great benefits / vacation policies. E-mail:
  (10/25)

JOB OPENING:  SALES ASSISTANT/World Wrestling Entertainment/NYC Assist w/advertising & other sales needs, e.g. coord. proposals, contracts, mailings, prospecting, client entertainment. 1+ yr Media/Ad Sales exp. www.wwe-careers.com (11/24)

JOB OPENING:  CASTING, REALITY SHOW, NY-BASED. 2 Yrs Exp Casting On Reality/Talk Show. Self Starter w/ Great Phone Skills, Exp Cold Calling & Ability To Spot Good Characters. Able To Meet Deadlines.  E-Mail:
  (11/24)

JOB OPENING:  ACCOUNT EXEC/Warner Bros. TV Dist. Inc./NY. Pgming sales or media research exp pref; extensive travel req; degree req. Exc comm & presentation skills. Email:
– “UCTC/25569BR” in subject line  (11/24)

JOB OPENING:  ADMIN ASST – L’Oreal USA, NY – Support SVP; Must have strong admin skills, ability to analyze numbers and College degree; French skills a plus.E-mail:
, subj Admin Asst.   (11/23)

JOB OPENING:   EXEC ASSIST/NYC. 5+ yrs exp. Strong interpersonal and computer skills required. Children’s entertainment experience in television, licensing and/or branding preferred. Please E-mail resumes to: wrdlgl
  (11/23)

JOB OPENING:  Denver. Exp. long-format TV PRODUCER/WRITER willing to relocate to Denver to write & produce segments & episodes for nat’l cable networks. Exp w/ HGTV or Food Network a +.  E-mail:
   (11/23)

JOB OPENING:  Comcast Spotlight/Chicago. INTERCONNECT TRAFFIC SUPERVISOR. Resp for all traffic, copy, reconciliation for 2M sub interconnect. Mgmt exp; 3+ yrs successful cable/bcst traffic exp. Email
  (11/23)

JOB OPENING:  SR AD SALES RESEARCH ANALYST/AETN, NY.Provide research tools for sales to properly position nets in mktplce. Knwldge of Nielsen systems/ad sales process. 3-5 yrs Tv, cable or agency exp. Email
  (11/23)

JOB OPENING:  MANAGER, PRIMETIME PROGRAM RESEARCH/ABC, LA. Min 5 yrs exp rtgs analysis& primary research; exc writing skills, insightful analysis essential; multi-tasker, meet demanding deadlines.  Resumes
   (11/20)

JOB OPENING:  TEMP/FILM FESTIVAL & AWARDS DEPT-NY. Asst w/ entries/talent travel & admin. 2 yrs exp w/hi volume, multi-deadlines. Cable,ent pr,studio bkgd pref. Resume & ref must verify. Apply:
   (11/20)

JOB OPENING:  CNBC, RESEARCH ANALYST: Ratings analysis, collaboration on strategic initiatives. 1-3 yrs exp pref in TV/Cable industry. Strong quantitative, analytical, communication & PC skills. NYC Area. Apply at www.nbcjobs.com
(11/20)

JOB OPENING:  AD SALES SR RESEARCH ANALYST, TBS/TNT-NY 3-5 yrs Nat’l exp; strong analysis/comm skills, able to interpret data; proficient in Nielsen systems; info www.turnerjobs.com #29520BR; resume-
   (11/20)

JOB OPENING:  EXEC PRODUCER/BET, NY. Resp for planning, dev & prod of pgming for Music dept. Oversee all aspects of prod incl format, content & graphic look, acq & places talent, coordinates activities of staff:
  (11/19)

JOB OPENING:  DIR FIN OPS, Cable TV Co, Stamford. Mge fin ops for Consumer Prods Div. Forecast/budget/inv control/manufacture/prod dist. BA/BS Acctg or Fin exp in acctg, fin & inv mgmt in manuf. or retail. Email
  (11/19)

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

SITUATION WANTED: Media Relations Pro with 15 year creative track record with branding media and legal organizations possessing extensive media contacts seeking challenging corporate position. Haznar
  (11/24)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH PRO–NYC, 14+ years with rep firms & syndication. Strong analytical, written, presentation and training skills. Detail oriented. MS Office, Nielsen software, MRI. E-mail:
   (11/20)

SITUATION WANTED: REALITY WRITER/PRODUCER:POSITION SOUGHT: L.A./NY. Versatile and experienced in both scripted and non-scripted. Creative and collaborative. Please email:
or call, (310) 435-5238 (11/20)

SITUATION WANTED: Studio-Experienced PROGRAMMING EXEC ACQ. & PROG. EXEC (Warner, Fox, PBS) shifted to the “real” world, but in need of chaos of The Biz.  Connected to producers globally!  Contact: 

(11/20)

SITUATION WANTED:  SALES/MKTG/BIZ DEV PRO w/12 years TV Synd exp + 4w/start-ups in New Media (Internet Video &mobile apps). Seeks opps in Affiliate sales, add sales, Mobile, VOD, PPV. Will relocate E-mail: chrisrovtar
(11/20)

SITUATION WANTED:  EP/PRODUCER/DEV EXEC. Award Winning-Live Action Series/TV Movies, ww exp, bcst/cable Nets, seeks permanent/freelance assignments-gets it done well & on budget. Motivator. -References.
@worldnet
(12/1)

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A MESSAGE FROM CYNOPSIS AD SALES

WHAT’S ON TONIGHT:  NOVEMBER 18, 2004:

ABC             Extreme Makeover, A Special Edition of Primetime Live, Primetime Live
CBS             Survivor, CSI, Without a Trace
FOX             The O.C., North Shore
NBC             Joey, Will & Grace, The Apprentice, ER
PAX             America’s Favorite Movies, America’s Favorite Movies, Diagnosis Murder, Diagnosis Murder
UPN             WWE Smackdown
WB              Movie:  The Whole Nine Yards
TELE            Prisionera, Gitanas, Te Voy a Ensenar a Querer
UNIV            Rubi, Amor Real, Aqui y Ahora