CYNTHIA TURNER’S
Good morning. It’s Tuesday, June 14, 2005, and this is your first early morning briefing. Unless you’ve been stuck in an elevator without mobile service since late yesterday afternoon, you probably know Michael Jackson was acquitted of all charges. It’s hard not to know — all the broadcast networks broke in to syndicated and/or local time; all the 24/7 cable news nets carried live coverage, as did the Spanish-language networks, many carrying live audio of the verdict being read. And in primetime last night, Court TV as you would expect, had wall to wall coverage, as did the cable news networks. CBS included a special 30m of 48 Hours at 8p; and NBC scheduled a special Dateline ep. More coverage tonight – Larry King has scheduled an interview with Jackson’s defense attorney, as well as two of Jackson’s brothers. Best quote of the day goes to Brian Williams at the conclusion of the NBC Nightly News: “In the time since Jackson’s arrest, a President’s been elected, a Pope has died and been replaced, a tsunami has changed the world and Iraqis have voted. Also, consider this: Since the Jackson arrest: 1,322 Americans have died and another 11,000 have been wounded, in two armed conflicts overseas. Tonight, at long last, it is time to move on.” Tonight’s Premiere: Tonight’s Season Finales: * NEW ORDERS / DEVELOPMENT / PRODUCTION *
Touchstone Television has signed Peter Horton to a two year development deal – a deal which will keep him tied to Grey’s Anatomy as co-exec prod., per Variety. During his two year stint, he will also develop/direct at least one new project each year. Touchstone also signed the show’s creator Shonda Rhimes to a long-term deal; exec prod Mark Gordon already has a deal in place. By virtue of these deals, the creative minds behind Grey’s Anatomy will be sticking together for at least the next two years. 20th TV/Imagine Entertainment have signed Mitch Hurwitz to stay on as showrunning for Arrested Development for season #3 as well as season #4, if the show returns for a fourth season. * MORE GOOD STUFF *
TNT‘s premiere episode of Steven Spielberg’s Into the West delivered 9.6 million total viewers on Friday night for the combined 8p and 10p airings. During the primetime hours (8-11p), TNT out-delivered ABC, CBS, Fox, UPN and The WB in total viewers and among A25-54 (2.4 rtg). The first airing at 8p scored a 4.0 national household rating – making it cable’s highest rated entertainment program for the year in total viewers with 6.47 million. In key demos, the 8p airing delivered 1.8m A18-49 viewers, while the 10p delivered another 1.17m A18-49 viewers. And Spielberg out-performed Spielberg: the director’s multiple part series Taken on Sci Fi Channel last December delivered 6.1 million total viewers. Into the West has been picked up by the BBC for a scheduled airing in 2006 on BBC Two for an undisclosed amount. Sundance Channel, a premiere cable network, is currently available in 23 million homes and expects to be in 25 million by year’s end. Its mission now is to bring this uncut and unedited network to a level of “higher impact and broader entertainment” says new EVP/Programming & Marketing Laura Michalchyshyn. The network will continue to be original, innovative and cutting edge, but it will also have approx 25% of its programming set in original and acquired programming fare; the remaining 75% films and documentaries. And a new tag line has been nailed down: “Sundance Channel. For a change.” Sundance Channel presented its Fall Programming Schedule and development slate in a small informal luncheon in NYC yesterday. Coming to the channel before year’s end are:
Returning this fall to Sundance Channel is The Al Franken Show, now in its second season. And a new hosted movie block called Midnight Snack with Alan Cumming presenting eccentric, outrageous and over-the-top films for the late night crowd, on Fridays at 1230a.
Court TV has acquired the limited off-net series Fastlane, which originally aired on Fox in 2003, and repurposed on MTV. Court TV has picked up all 22 eps and will begin airing the series next month. As you know, not everyone agrees with Nielsen Media Research‘s release late last week that Local People Meters have found more adult male viewers in San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles in a direct May 2004 vs. May 2005 comparison. Yesterday in Cynopsis, Fox Television Stations had provided daypart numbers for NY, Chicago and LA pointing specifically to the Men 18-49 demo, which was down in nearly all key prime access and primetime instances. Not to be left out, herewith are the San Francisco numbers, provided by another source – with not nearly the same negative overtones, though quite different from the wider M-Su 7a-1a time frame. According to Nielsen, San Francisco was showing a sizeable uptick in M18-49 in this market (+31.3% M-Su 7a-1a). ABC News will launch its new documentary series Hooking Up on Thursday, July 14 at 9p. The five ep run explores the world of online dating. Viacom Inc. has entered into an agreement to sell its Canadian-based movie theater chain Famous Players to Cineplex Galaxy LP for a price-tag of $400 million US dollars. The deal has already been cleared by the Canadian Competition Bureau, subject to the terms of a consent agreement entered into with the Competition Bureau, and is expected to be completed in 3Q 2005. Famous Players is an 85-yr old movie house chain that has 81 locations (787 screens) across Canada, including joint venture with Imax theaters and partnership with Alliance Atlantis. Casting Note: TLC is looking for a show host. Not your everyday, big hair perfect tie type of host. They’re looking for a gritty, REAL host with any (or all) of the following credentials for a new show: Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Social Worker, Youth Outreach Director, Former Gang Member Currently working with delinquent teens or similar. And they caution – if you aren’t any of these things – don’t bother sending in your info. They aren’t int he business of “discovering” new talent for another project while casting this one. Host needs to be likable and relatable; not well-known or too “polished,” i.e., no Dr. Phils. They want someone with a keen way of tackling real family issues. Send your name, bio, photo and info to Brenda Della Casa at * EXECUTIVE MOVES*
Univision Communications Inc. announced the appointment of Maryam Banikarim to the newly created position of Chief Marketing Officer. As CMO, Banikarim will be responsible for coordinating the marketing of the company and its four areas of operation: television, radio, music and online. Banikarim was previously SVP/Strategic Marketing for the Univision Networks. She will remain based in New York and will report to Ray Rodriguez, President/COO. Foote, Cone & Belding‘s NY based President, Lynne Seid has resigned. A memo went out to staff yesterday which read in part that Seid is “currently weighing a couple of significant offers on the client side in the new media and technology space.” Overseeing the office for the immediate future is Chris Becker, Chairman/Chief Creative Office. Kevin Harry has been named a Managing Editor of Inside Edition. The announcement was made by the show’s Executive Producer, Charles Lachman. Judy Tygard has been named a Senior Producer for CBS News’ 48 HOURS MYSTERY, effective immediately. Susan Zirinsky, executive producer of the series, made the announcement. Hunter Nickell has been named EVP/GM of SPEED Channel, reporting to Tony Vinciquerra, Fox Networks Group President/CEO. Hunter is responsible for all day-to-day management of SPEED, and will relocate from FSN South headquarters in Atlanta to SPEED headquarters in Charlotte, effective July 1. ABC announced Jill Gershman will rejoin the network as VP/Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night Promotions for ABC Entertainment Marketing. The announcement was made by Mike Benson and Marla Provencio, SVP/Marketing for ABC Entertainment. Jill was VP/Creative Director for On-Air Promotion at ABC, from 1999-2003. Paramount has announced Ryan Devlin has been tapped as Host of ET on MTV and ET on VH1, said Bradly Bessey, co-executive producer of both shows. Ryan will report on music, television, film and fashion for the highly rated newsmagazines now in their fourth seasons, respectively. In addition to his current responsibilities, Lions Gate Entertainment president Nicolas Meyer will now solely manage the company’s international unit following former co-president Sergei Yershov’s decision to leave Lions Gate. Nicolas will continue to be responsible for distribution, finance, marketing, sales and co-production of Lion Gate’s features, TV programming and its library. The company also named Stephanie Denton as President of Film Sales for Lions Gate Films International and Craig Cegielski as VP of Programming and Sales for Lions Gate International Television. Stephanie will manage global theatrical film sales. She was previously president of distribution at Initial Entertainment. Craig will focus on growing and managing Lions Gate International Television’s slate of television programming. He was previously director of international production and development at CBS/King World International Television. Both will report to Nicolas. * RATINGS *
Friday- A18-49 Analysis: A less than sterling night for the broadcasters when the A18-49 high-water mark is a 2.4/9 from NBC, according to final numbers from Nielsen Media Research. The other remaining five networks all had a lackluster night: Fox 1.6/6, ABC 1.4/5, CBS 1.1/4, UPN .8/3, WB .7/3. At 8-10p NBC’s Dateline was on top with the highest rating of the night, a 2.6/10. At 10p, ABC and NBC tied, each posting a 2.0/7. FINAL HOUSEHOLD RATINGS: Friday, June 10, 2005, for all Networks – program averages. Source: Nielsen Media Research. NBC 5.6/11 Dateline 5.9/11, L&O: Trial by Jury [r] 4.9/9 CBS 3.2/6 Joan of Arcadia [r] 2.4/5, JAG [r] 2.9/6, Numb3rs [r] 4.1/8 ABC 3.3/6 8 Simple Rules [r] 2.7/6, Complete Savages 2.2/4, Hope & Faith [r] 2.3/4, Less Than Perfect [r] 2.5/5, 20/20 5.0/9 UPN 1.5/3 Movie: Angel Eyes 1.5/3 FOX 3.0/6 Movie: Exit Wounds 3.0/6 WB 1.4/3 What I Like About You [r] 1.2/2, What I Like About You [r] 1.2/2, Reba [r] 1.5/3, Living with Fran [r] 1.5/3 A18-49 NBC 2.4/9, Fox 1.6/6, ABC 1.4/5, CBS 1.1/4, UPN .8/3, WB .7/3
Saturday- A18-49 Analysis: As usual, Fox won on Saturday night among A18-49, according to fast affiliate ratings from Nielsen, posting a 2.2/9 overall. CBS followed with a 1.6/6, and then ABC and NBC tied at 1.4/5. At 8p Fox’s double bill of Cops earned a 2.2/9, outpacing CBS’ repeat of Without a Trace (1.4/6). At 9p Fox again won the hour with a 2.2/8 for AMW, and again outpacing CBS’ repeat of CSI: Miami (1.9/7). At 10p CBS led with a 1.9/7 for a repeat of 48 Hours followed by AFHV on ABC. Fast Affiliate Ratings: Saturday, June 11, 2005, for all Networks – time period averages. Source: Nielsen Media Research. CBS 4.5/9 Without a Trace [r] 3.6/8, CSI: Miami [r] 5.0/10, 48 Hours [r] 5.0/10 FOX 3.7/8 Cops [r] 3.1/7, Cops [r] 3.67, America’s Most Wanted 4.1/8 NBC 3.1/6 NBC Movie: The Thomas Crown Affair 3.0/6, Crossing Jordan [r] 3.5/7 ABC 2.8/6 Movie: Tarzan 2.6/5, AFHV [r] 3.2/6 A18-49 Fox 2.2/9, CBS 1.6/6, ABC and NBC 1.4/5
Sunday- A18-49 Analysis: ABC led on Sunday night among A18-49, according to Nielsen Media Research numbers, posting a 3.4/10, ahead of Fox 3.1/9, NBC 2.1/6, CBS 2.0/6 and WB 0.7/2. At 7p, it was a three-way tie between ABC, CBS and Fox, each net posting a 7 share. Fox pulled in front at 9p with back-to-back Simpsons delivering a 3.4/10. At 9p ABC jumped in front with the second game of the NBA Finals (Detroit vs. San Antonio), earning a 4.1/11 for the time period over Family Guy and American Dad on Fox (3.8/10). At 10p ABC held tough with a 4.6/12, well ahead of all the competition. Fast Affiliate Ratings: Sunday, June 12, 2005, for all Networks – time period averages. Source: Nielsen Media Research. CBS 6.0/11 60 Minutes 7.0/14, Cold Case [r] 6.5/12, CBS Movie: Raising Waylan 5.2/9 NBC 5.3/9 Dateline 4.4/8, Law & Order: CI [r] 6.4/10, Crossing Jordan [r] 6.2/10 ABC 5.3/9 AFHV 3.9/8, Extreme Makeover [r] 4.6/8, NBA Game Finals #2 6.4/11 FOX 3.9/7 Malcolm In the Middle [r] 2.3/5, King of the Hill [r] 3.1/6, Simpsons [r] 4.0/7, Simpsons [r] 4.7/8, Family Guy 5.0/8, American Dad 4.3/7 WB 1.2/2 Charmed [r] 1.1/2, Charmed [r] 1.3/2, Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge [r] 1.4/2 A18-49 ABC 3.4/10, Fox 3.1/9, NBC 2.1/6, CBS 2.0/6, WB 0.7/2 A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM COURT TV When something is this exciting, and this much fun,
it’s probably illegal and probably on Court TV…
Answer to Yesterday’s trivia question: The lead character in Gone With the Wind, Scarlett O’Hara, was originally given another name and then changed to Scarlett. What was the original name? PANSY O’Hara. Kudos to: Marge Pistulka-Empower Media Marketing/Coral Springs; Adam Bright-Grey Lake Productions/West Palm Beach; Gloria Price-CBS News/NY; Bobby Rivers-Food Network/NY; Chuck Gordon-Charter Media/Birmingham AL; Jordy Luft-Tribune TV/New Orleans; Jackie Blumer-Charter Advertising/St Louis; Melissa Rauch-NBC Universal/LA; John Amato-KTTV/LA; Dan Matson-Anything To Win/Studio City, CA; Nancy Dixon-Welch-Eclipse TV & Sports Marketing/Tortola
A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM COURT TV THE TAKEDOWN
Premiering tonight at 10:30pm ET. Only on Court TV! For strictly above-board advertising opportunities,
A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM TNT
A PERFECT 10!
10 million people watched TNT’s INTO THE WEST on Premiere Night. The #1 Most-Watched Show on Television on Friday! This weekend watch an ALL-NEW EPISODE Friday, Saturday or Sunday at 8/7c Only on TNT!
Subscribe, unsubscribe, or change a subscription for any Cynopsis edition: www.cynopsis.com Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS — JOB OPENING: Web Positions – BBC America, NY: ONLINE DIRECTOR, SR. WEB PRODUCER, JR. WEB PRODUCER AND WEB DESIGNER. Send resumes and salary reqs to JOB OPENING: DVD BRAND MGR – Resp for all aspects of new product line at MSO. Manage day-to-day, dev and mktg; execute home ent strategy. 6-9 yrs product mgmt exp pref. Resumes: JOB OPENING: Starz Ent. Group, EXEC DIR, PROGRAM & PROMOTION PLANNING/SCHEDULING, CO, Job #404 10387CY, for 6 Starz PayTV movie channels. Min 8 yrs exp in Sr-level programming role & 10 yrs cable/sat exp. Apply www.starz.com EOE (6/18) JOB OPENING: COORDINATOR, PROGRAMMING/ BBC Worldwide- NY, NY: Coordinate sales activity for BBC America and New Media clients. 2-3 exp. Resumes: JOB OPENING: AMC is looking for a MANAGER OF ADVERTISING in NY. Min 5 yrs marketing exp in cable TV or ad agency. Production exp in devel successful marketing programs. Send resume to JOB OPENING: AMC is looking for a DIR OF ADVRTSNG in NY. Min 8 yrs marktng exp in cable TV or ad agncy. Ablt to devel succefl mktg pgms w limited lead times. Mangmt exp & budgetng exp. Send resume to JOB OPENING: WE is looking for a PROMO PLANNING MANGR in LI. Min2 yrs broadcast/cable network within traffic or schedling. Musts-strng knwldg of schedlng/mang exp. Knwldg of Gabriel a plus. Send resume to: JOB OPENING: EXPERIENCED PRODUCERS, SERIES PRODUCERS AND SHOOTER/PRODUCERS for US cable series. MIN 3 yrs producing experience, must work in DC, submit resume with references to jobs JOB OPENING: SALES ASSISTANT/HALLMARK CHANNEL NY-Provides administrative & sales support to the Direct Response & Paid Programming Department. See full posting and apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (6/18) JOB OPENING: PROMOTIONS, SR. WRITER/PRODUCER; BBCA NY: 5+ yrs exp writing/producing promos; highly creative; familiar with BBCA brand; editing skills A+; resume & sal reqs to JOB OPENING: AD SALES ASSISTANT/Galavision, NY. Detail-oriented, exc comm/math/MS Office skills; asst Sales Team w/presentations/reports/clerical work. Spanish speaking highly pref/not req. Resume: JOB OPENING: ABC Family/NAT’L AD SALES DEV MGR/NY 4+ yrs ad sales & mktg exp in TV; mng creative exec of sales materials & pres; trade adv & premiums. Knwldg of mnging creative agencies & Nielsen based res a + JOB OPENING: AE-NEW BUSINESS/WLVI-Boston. Entry level sales. Tenacious, organized, goal-oriented; able to prospect, develop & close new business essential. Resume: HR, 75 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125; fax: 617- 474-5334. EOE (6/16) JOB OPENING: VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER/Nexstar Broadcasting Group is seeking an experienced GM to run KARK-TV, the NBC Affiliate in Little Rock, Arkansas. Contact: Brian Jones at JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OAP/FOX REALITY/LA. responsible for the operations, supervision & execution of on-air promos for FR. Reporting to VP of Mktg 5+yrs mgmt/on-air exp & 4 yr degree req’d. Apply @ foxcareers.com (ref: FNG 287) (6/16) JOB OPENING: DIR/MGR, ORIG. PROGRAMMING/ACQ. Current TV- SF, CA. 3+ yrs. exp in devt/prod at tv network. Passion for TV & 18-34 demo. Exper. creating entertaining, smart content. Email JOB OPENING: MEDIA COORDINATOR–Orange Cnty/CA. 2-5 yrs exp. in buying TV/Cable/Radio/Print.Exp in Harris/Donovan a plus. Resp for maintenance of buys, traffic, air scheds, ROI tracking,etc. Email JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, KUSI-TV/San Diego. Sell for one of the top independent,cutting edge, stations in the country. Want to join a winning team, email your resume to JOB OPENING: NATIONAL BROADCAST BUYER – Initiative – LA and NYC. Seeking experienced Network Buyer to work on key clients. Must have Network TV and Cable buying exp. Submit resume to JOB OPENING: MARKETING ASSISTANT – Court TV, NY For info go to: http://www.courttv.com/about/careers/ (6/15) JOB OPENING: AVID EDITOR – Court TV, NY For info go to: http://www.courttv.com/about/careers/ (6/15) JOB OPENING: SR AE-WLVI/Boston. 5+ yrs TV sales exp; exc. neg skills, strong work ethic.Major agency acct mgmt exp. Intimate knwldg of LPM Nielsen data, TVScan,Prime Next Qualitative sftwr. Resume: JOB OPENING: SR AE-WLVI/Boston. 5+ yrs TV sales exp; exc. neg skills, strong work ethic.Major agency acct mgmt exp. Intimate knwldg of LPM Nielsen data, TVScan,Prime Next Qualitative sftwr. Resume: SUMMER INTERNSHIP POSITIONS are all non paying jobs, available for school credit only. Nobody here gets paid – not even Cynopsis for the listing. To learn more about posting your Internship position here, email SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED — SITUATION WANTED: CREATIVE/ DEVELOPMENT EXEC. With Assoc Prod. credits, experience in indie film, film and TV development and acquisitions, seeks similar position at dynamic studio or production company. SITUATION WANTED: STUDIO/FIELD PRODUCTION. Recent college grad. with B.A looking for Manhattan/Long Island TV Production job. Interned with OLN, ESPN, True Entertainment and IFC. SITUATION WANTED: LOS ANGELES TV PUBLICIST Dynamic publicist seeks freelance TV projects with possibility of full time job. Excellent media contacts. Fabulous writer & pitcher. Contact: SITUATION WANTED: Los Angeles-MID-LEVEL LOCAL MEDIA BUYER with experience in multicultural and general markets. Worked in top DMA. Relocating from NY to LA. First avail 7/18. SITUATION WANTED: STUDIO/FIELD PRODUCTION Recent college grad. with B.A. ready to start career in TV Production FL based but can relocate to NY/NJ. Interned with The Golf Channel and The Outdoor Life Network. E-mail Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email WHAT’S ON TONIGHT:Tuesday, June 14, 2005 ABC My Wife and Kids [r], NBA Finals Game # 3 |
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