2.0 AA% / 2.1 GAA%
Up +43% vs. Debut Week
#1 in 13 Meters-NY, SF, DL, DC, AT, HN, SE, MI, SM, IN, SA, NF, TL
Sneak Preview: Fall 2006 from Program Partners Your Partners in Crime
www.programpartners.com (310) 399-4499

Source: Fastest Growing Weekend Hour = Nielsen Galaxy Explorer, 60 Min. Sat/Sun programs, NSS AA HH rtg w/o 10/03/05 vs. premiere week, % incr. on AA% HHs. #1=NSI Wrap Overnights+ Live w/o 10/03/05, rank in hour TP on HH rtg, includes tie in Tulsa (TL) w/Alias.  

CYNTHIA TURNER’S
Cynopsis

10/27/05

Good morning. It’s Thursday, October 27, 2005, and this is your first early morning briefing.

Sean McManus has been named President of CBS News and Sports, effective November 7. Sean succeeds Andrew Heyward, who will stick around thru the transition, leaving the network at the end of the year when his contract expires. In addition to his new role as President of CBS News, Sean will continue to serve as President of CBS Sports, and to be based in New York. Son of sportscaster Jim McKay, McManus began his career in 1977 at ABC Sports, where he was a production assistant and associate producer. He joined NBC Sports in 1979. In 1996 McManus made the move to CBS from Trans World International, where he was senior vice president of U.S. television sales and programming. Though he does not have “hard news” experience, and says he understand producing the Super Bowl or a major PGA event is clearly different than producing a major news event such as a Presidential Convention, McManus says the “lessons I’ve learned about story-telling [and] honest reporting … are skills transferable” to the news division. Season to date, the CBS Evening News has averaged approx 6.9 million viewers. In the past week of 10/17-10/21, CBS Evening News averaged 7.3 million viewers, in third behind NBC’s 9.4 million, and ABC’s 8.3 million.

* MORE GOOD STUFF *

Part 2 of Lifetime‘s mini series Human Trafficking delivered 5.8 million viewers, up from the 5.1 million viewers for part 1. W18-34 and W18-49 numbers were each up by 15% over part 1. Collectively, the miniseries is the highest rated original movie on ad supported basic cable in 2005, with 932,000 viewers in the W18-34 category; 2.0 million viewers among W18-49 and 1.99 million women 25-54. Human Trafficking was produced for Lifetime Television by For Sale Productions, Inc.

Verizon has signed a programming and distribution deal with TV One. The African American-focused network will be available immediately on the new Verizon FiOS TV, and be included as part of FiOS TV’s expanded basic service. The agreement was signed before the first FiOS TV launch in Keller in late September though the announcement was made just yesterday.

Google and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation have launched a joint effort to make the Foundation’s Archive of American Television interviews available for free viewing on Google Video. Starting this week, the first 75 interviews (out of a total treasure trove of 284 interviews) are available at http://video.google.com . The archive includes and extraordinary list of interviews with actors, producers, show creators, writers, artists, journalists and directors from the last 75 years of TV including Alan Alda, Sid Caesar, Diahann Carroll, Ossie Davis, Phyllis Diller, Michael J. Fox, Andy Griffith, Robert Guillaume, Florence Henderson, Angela Lansbury, William Shatner, Dick Van Dyke, Betty White, and James Garner. Producer/Creators on the list include Dick Wolf, Steven Bochco, Dick Clark, Sherwood Schwartz, Norman Lear, Grant Tinker, David Wolper, and Carl Reiner. And Directors/Executives such as James Burrows, John Frankenheimer, Bob Mackie, Gene Reynolds and Ted Turner.

Hello College Students! The December 1 issue of Cynopsis: Weekender will be entirely dedicated to and written by college students on the topic of television. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a journalism or communications major, or just like to write. At this point in your life, you’ve seen enough television to have formed an opinion or two about the medium, about the shows, about its future, what you liked about its past. Make it funny, or serious, poignant or silly. Whatever TV topic strikes your whim! Of all the stories submitted, only three or four will be chosen to be used in the December 1 edition, and those authors will be paid a buck a word (maximum of 350 words). Deadline is November 23. Submit your stories to me at
.

* NEW ORDERS / CASTING / DEVELOPMENT / PRODUCTION *

Telepictures Productions has entered into a production agreement with European producer Ludo Poppe, the founder of Kanakna Productions, to create new programming, under the banner Kanakna USA, for both the international and domestic television markets.

TV Land has ordered six episodes of a series called My Big Break from producer Scott Sternberg, based on the Before They Were Stars idea of how some of today’s biggest stars got their first big breaks in the business, according to Variety. The first episode will focus on Katey Segal and Jim Belushi. TV Land is looking at a primetime slot in 2006.

Fox has ordered a pilot script for Red Ball, a procedural drama from writer Craig Fernandez and producer Sergio Aguero, with 20th. The story is about a Latina woman who heads up a Houston police unit that focuses on high-profile crimes.

NBC is looking at a drama project about real life story of John Miller, a club owner who was part time club owner and discoverer of new music talent including the Sex Pistols, and a part time British spy. The project is from Niva Films, with NBC Universal Television.

ABC is considering an as yet untitled comedy project from Touchstone Television and Dave Caplan and Emile Levisetti, about a recovering alcoholic who is in the process of putting his life back together, while also balancing his role as an AA sponsor to another recovering alcoholic, and dealing with his job and family.

* EXECUTIVE MOVES *

Univision Communications Inc., announced the promotion of Phyllis Verdugo to SVP in addition to her current Deputy General Counsel position. She will continue to report to Doug Kranwinkle, General Counsel and EVP/Univision Communications Inc. Phyllis will oversee and manage the day-to-day activities and operations of the Legal Department.

Renetta McCann has been named CEO of Starcom MediaVest, the media buying firm owned by Publicis Groupe SA, according to The Wall Street Journal. Renetta takes over from Jack Klues who has been upped to Chairman of Publicis Media Group.

Smashing Ideas has appointed Brian Burke as Managing Director/Corporate Development. In his new role, Brian will oversee all corporate and business development efforts, focusing on strategic partnerships in media, entertainment, consumer products, mobile and emerging technologies.

Jeannie Kedas has been promoted to the newly created position of SVP/Communications for the MTV Networks Music/LOGO/Films Group. In this role, Jeannie will oversee internal and external communications activity for the MTV Networks Music/Logo/Films Group’s development in new brands and services, as well as spearhead public relations for the company’s multi-platform efforts.

Jerry Longarzo has joined UPN as SVP/Business and Legal Affairs. In his new role, Jerry will oversee the negotiation of all business deals on behalf of UPN. He will report to Dawn Ostroff, President/UPN.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. has upped Dan Levi to SVP/Marketing, overseeing brand development and the consumer and trade marketing of WWE’s televised entertainment products, including WWE’s weekly programs on USA Network and UPN, as well as WWE’s 15 annual Pay-Per-View events.

20th Century Fox Television has named Michael Peikoff as VP/Licensing. Michael will serve as a key member of the division’s leadership team, overseeing the company’s US licensing business with specific oversight of the category management team, its long list of domestic licensees, and retail initiatives.

* RATINGS *

Tuesday — A18-49 Analysis: Fox and the White Sox pulled out a win on Tuesday night, delivering a 4.9/13 A18-49 rating from 8p-2:20a! The game itself delivered a 5.7/18, according to final numbers from Nielsen Media Research. Elsewhere, ABC was #2 for the night with a 3.9/10, followed by NBC 3.8/10, CBS 3.8/9, WB 2.5/6, UPN 1.1/3. At 8p NCIS was in front with a 4.3/11, although ABC’s first half hour of prime–It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown–also delivered an 11 share. From there on out, the game was the big winner with its 18 share. In the non-sporting group, Commander in Chief and Amazing Race tied at a 10 share from 9-10p, My Name is Earl posted an 8 share. At 10p L&O: SVU was #2 behind baseball with a 4.0/10, while Boston Legal earned a 9 share, and newbie Close to Home followed with a 7 share.

FINAL HOUSEHOLD RATINGS: Tuesday, October 25, 2005, for all Networks – program averages. Source: Nielsen Media Research.  
FOX 10/4/16 Pregame 6.7/11, MLB World Series Game # 3 (ended at 2:20a!) 11.0/21 

CBS 8.2/12 NCIS 11.7/18, The Amazing Race 6.5/9, Close to Home 6.5/10

ABC 7.8/12 It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown 6.0/9, According to Jim [r] 5.2/8, Commander in Chief 10.2/15, Boston Legal 7.4/12

NBC 6.6/10 The Biggest Loser 6.1/9, My Name is Earl [r] 5.5/8, Law & Order: SVU [r] 7.7/12

WB 3.7/5 Gilmore Girls 4.1/6, Supernatural 3.2/5

UPN 1.8/3 America’s Next Top Model [r] 2.1/3, Love, Inc. [r] 1.5/2, Love Inc. [r] 1.4/2

A18-49 Fox 4.9/13, ABC 3.9/10, NBC 3.8/10, CBS 3.8/9, WB 2.5/6, UPN 1.1/3

The History Channel presents This Day in History:
1904 – The first rapid-transit subway system in America is opened in New York City by Mayor George McClellan. The first route of New York’s subway ran north from City Hall, under Lafayette Street and Park Avenue to Grand Central Station, west along 42nd Street to Times Square, then north on Broadway to 145th Street. At 2:35 in the afternoon, the first subway train emerged from the City Hall station, with Mayor McClellan at the controls. The mayor liked his job as engineer so much that he stayed at the controls until the train reached Broadway and 103rd Street. At 7p, the subway opened to the general public, and more than 100,000 people paid a nickel each to take a ride beneath Manhattan. Today, the New York subway system is the largest in the world.

Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question: You knew him from his commercials – he was the voice of one of the icons of American advertising. His real name was Elmer Len Dressler, Jr., and he “stood for goodness”. He began his career as a song and dance man, having recording several records with the group The Singers Unlimited. But it was probably this single series of commercials spanning decades that most will remember him. What was the commercial character he voiced? HO, HO, HO, GREEN GIANT! Kudos to: Joanne Milano-RJ Palmer/NY; Markie Wilson-Black Family Channel/Atlanta; Jane Ellen Dawkins-NBC Uni/Pittsburgh; Beth Krinock-Zenith Media/NY; Rusty Ricketts-WXIN/WTTV/Indianapolis; David W. Dole-Leo Burnett Co. (Retired); Rob Williams-WEW-TV/Evansville IN; Monica Marcott-NSM, KYES UPN 5/Turtletown MN; Ann Schwarz-Nina Stern PR/Sherman Oaks CA; Dave Sikula/Sunnyvale CA; Pat Wanner-OMD/LA; Coleen Raymann-Buena Vista TV/Burbank.

 
A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM COURT TV 
There’s a town in Southern California with a population of only about 300,000 people. But it’s a town that’s famous for telling stories, and everybody there has one to tell. The town is Hollywood .
Young viewers watch
Court TV’s HOLLYWOOD HEAT on Thursdays at 11PM E/P to keep current.
Learn more about our story at www.courttvmediakit.com . 

Today’s Trivia Question: “I’m a pepper, he’s a pepper, she’s a pepper, we are peppers, wouldn’t you like to be a pepper, too?” was the jingle sung by a man dancing in the streets. This same gentleman starred on a ’70s TV show. What show was it? (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.)

 
A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM WGN 
The Original Program, Ultimate Arena Paintball
Premieres on Superstation WGN

America’s fastest growing extreme sport premieres this Saturday on Superstation WGN.
“Ultimate Arena Paintball” is your chance to target young audiences with
great new marketing opportunities. Lock and load…
“Ultimate Arena Paintball” Every Saturday at 6p/et. Contact your Rep for more info.


 

Later — Cyn
10.27.05 – 5:17a
Cynopsis Ad Sales – Barbara Shapiro – 203-583-1224 /

Classified Ad Sales – Trish Pihonak – 203.381-9096 /

If you’d rather listen than read, you can sign up for the Cynopsis: In Your Ear podcast available for download each morning by 630a at www.cynopsis.com or via iTunes 4.9 listed in the podcast directory under “News” as well as under Yahoo Podcast http://podcasts.yahoo.com/.

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Copyright Cynthia Turner 2005 
Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS —  
JOB OPENING: OPS MGR, ORIG SERIES/IFC/Jericho: 4+ yrs ProdLine/Mgmt. TV or Prod Coexp a must.Line prod, budget, legal, contracts, vendor and asset mgmt exp. Strg analytical and business sense. Apply to
(11/3)

JOB OPENING: CASTING (LA): Seeking an experienced go-getter who can follow detailed instructions, with access to a mini-dv camera for casting for a pilot shooting.
(11/3)

JOB OPENING: FIELD PRODUCER (LA): Seeking a detailed-oriented, creative person for pilot with 5 years exp, with solid LA contacts.
(11/3)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE PROD/THE TENNIS CHANNEL-LA: Need exp’d producer to lead monthly newsmag on pro tennis tour field shoots. Responsible for bookings, content & overseeing edit. EOE. Rez to:
(11/3)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA PLANNERS/Universal McCann/ Los Angeles: Looking for media planners of all levels to join our awesome team to work on our growing entertainment account. Please e-mail your resume to
(11/3)

JOB OPENING: ADMIN ASST/Broadway Video-NY Organized multi-tasker w/ excellent comm skills & interest in sales/business to aid in distribution, biz dev, marketing for SNL, etc. Res:
(11/2)

JOB OPENING: MGR, Licensing CONSUMER PRODS/VIZ Media/SF: Min 3yrs intl. lic. exp, team player, contracts exp, negotiating, budgeting/forecasting, estd. industry relationships a plus. Email resume (NO ATTACHMENTS) to
(11/2)

JOB OPENING: CREATIVE SOLUTIONS ACTIVATION COORD/Katz Media/NYC. Execute and implement all aspects of value added radio-centric promotions. 1-5 yrs. exp. Send resume & cover letter to:
. Specify subject as CYN1 (11/2)

JOB OPENING: DIR OF RESEARCH, PROG/MKT Food Net/NY:8 yrs cable ntwrk primary/secondary res. exp, strong analytical skills/strategic thinker, exc pres. & writing. Expertise: Nielsen & secondary tools
(11/2)

JOB OPENING: MGR, LICENSEE COMPLIANCE/NY: Liaison w/licensing partners assur’g proper use/maint/integ sys & data that support bus. applicat’s. Effective comm/solutions. 4yrs+ licensing exp; excel skills. www.mtvncareers.com . EOE (10/29)

JOB OPENING: CBS Station in Detroit seeks solid GENERAL SALES MANAGER. Prior broadcast sales mgmt. experience required. See full listing online at www.cbsdetroit.com . Please email resume to
(10/29)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAMMING COOR/PBS KIDS Sprout/PHL: Support overall program planning, scheduling and ops needs.Serve as liaison for Network Partners, Affiliate & field requests. Apply at careers.comcast.com (22499BR) (10/29)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/VIACOM, NY: Station spec for assigned mkts. Process Reports. Strong org & PC skills. 1-2yrs b’cast exp, knwlg of Prime Next, Simmons, Adviews, Wrap & Galaxy Nav a + BA pref’d. Email:
(10/28)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIR/KVEA Telemundo/LA: Resp sales, prgrmmng, & news research activities. Exp TV research, Spanish pref’d. Knwldg Nielsen Ratings. www.gecareers.com or send res
(10/28)

JOB OPENING: SCHDLING ADMIN./ LIFETIME TV, NY: Thrive in a fast paced envt; strong writing skills/attn to detail/ BA/BS w/ exp. in cable, bcast or agency; Gabriel knwldge a plus Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs (10/28)

JOB OPENING: EXPERIENCED FREELANCE SEGMENT WRITERS & PROD/NAHB Prod Group/DC: Req’d Clear, Energetic scripts delivered in a timely manner. Knwldg home building & design ind. a plus. Res, writing samp/or reels to:
(11/03)

JOB OPENING: RES. MGR/DISNEY ABC CABLE NTWK GROUP/BURBANK: Mng variety of res. proj’s incl Nielsen Analyses & primary res. studies. 3+ yrs Nielsen ratings analysis exp/ cable, bcst or synd res dept. BA req’d
(11/03)

JOB OPENING: EXEC ASST to SVP/GALAVISION-NYC:Permanent part-time/25 hrs wk,flex hrs OK. Must be organized, detail oriented. Strong excel + PP required. Apply:
Subj: EXEC ASST (10/28)

WINTER 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
.

Winter Internship – Credit Only: Needed for live, syndicated TV show, ‘Martha’ in NYC. Asst w/ off procedures, runs, research. Det oriented, PC literate, reliable, & strong desire to learn about TV industry. Email resumes to
(11/3)

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

SITUATION WANTED: Seeking BUSINESS OR LEGAL AFFAIRS POSITION at film studio or production co (NYC or LA): Ivy league attorney with 3½ years exp. in corporate law at elite law firm plus prod/creative exp.
(11/02)

SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING ASSOC/MKT RESEARCH ANALYST 2+ yrs experience Mkt Research, Sports Mktg, Promo, PR. Know Nielsen; Galaxy, NPower, IAG. Trained at top 4 network, creative and analytical skill. Contact
(11/01)

SITUATION WANTED: MEDIA BUYER/PLANNER:-willing to relocate-worked at Starcom for a yr. Looking to get back into the media buying/planning market in the midwest 2+ yrs exp w/ large & small account
m , will send resume. (11/01)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCTION ASSISTANT, Fluent in French, English, and Italian, television media professional with great background looking for a position in the Los Angeles area.
(11/01)

SITUATION WANTED: EXP. PRODUCER/FIELD DIR./WRITER. Credits: Dr. Phil; VH-1; Starting Over; E!; Discovery; Extreme Expeditions; CNN. LA Based, will travel.
(11/01)

SITUATION WANTED: Experienced small market GSM / NSM / LSM looking to move to Central California. Have worked all aspects of advertising as a major agency AE, client, buyer too. A unique perspective! Reply to
(10/28)

SITUATION WANTED: PROMO PRODUCER (NYC): Production and creative experience. Worked production for Promos, Docs, Tv, Photog. & Graphics. Tech savvy w/ cameras and editing software.
(10/28)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCTION COORDINATOR. Exp’d production coordinator with strong background in broadcast and cable reality programming seeks position with LA based television company. Willing to travel.
(10/28)

E-mail
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Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email
for specs.  
WHAT’S ON TONIGHT: Thursday, October 27, 2005 
ABC Alias, Night Stalker, Primetime
CBS Survivor: Guatemala, CSI, Without a Trace
FOX Movie: Maid in Manhattan
NBC Joey, Will & Grace, The Apprentice, ER
i Doc, Diagnosis Murder, Gaither Homecoming
UPN Everybody Hates Chris, Love Inc., Eve, Cuts
WB Smallville, Everwood
TELE El Cuerpo del Deseo, Los Plateados, Decisiones
UNIV Contra Viento y Marea, La Esposa Virgen, Aqui y Ahora