Source: Nielsen Galaxy Explorer, 3/17/05. A18-49 Cov Rtg. Miss Cong (8-10:15pm). #1 Tie CSI (8-9pm).

CYNTHIA TURNER’S
Cynopsis

03/22/05

Good morning.  It’s Tuesday, March 22, 2005, and this is your first early morning briefing.

Though it has neither admitted nor denied the charges, Time Warner Inc., will pay a $300 million in civil penalties levied by the Securities and Exchange Commission, as part of Time Warner’s settlement deal with the SEC.  The SEC investigated and charged TW with “materially overstating online advertising revenue and the number of its Internet subscribers” in mid-2000 when the bottom starting falling out of the dot com business. The SEC also states that at that time TW “employed fraudulent round-trip transactions that boosted its online advertising revenue to mask the fact that it also experienced a business slow-down.”  In addition to the fine, Time Warner is required to restate its historical financial results for 4th qtr 2000 through 2002. In response to the fine, Time Warner Chairman/CEO Dick Parsons delivered this statement: “We’re pleased to have resolved the SEC’s investigation of the Company, based on the proposed settlement announced late last year. We’re committed to cooperating with the independent examiner as well as fulfilling all of our other obligations under the settlement. At the same time, we look forward to continuing to operate our businesses best in class and delivering sustained, superior growth to our stockholders.”

Jay Mohr and his production company Giraffe Prods., has signed a development deal with Sony Pictures Television to develop, produce and star in series for broadcast and cable network television.

ABC:

• Laws of Chance (20th/Roundtable Ink) has signed Viola Davis to join the growing cast that stars Kadee Strickland in the lead role as a Houston Asst. District Attorney using her unconventional methods to legally combat the good-ol’ boy defense attorneys.  The cast fills out with Bruce McGill, Fran Kranz, and Michael O’Neill.

FOX:

• Kitchen Confidential (20th/New Line/Darren Star), about a bad boy chef working in a high end NYC eatery, has cast its lead role with Bradley Cooper.  Other cast members include John Francis Daley, Owain Yeoman and Nicholas Brendon.

NBC:

• World of Trouble (NBC Universal TV) has added Orla Brady to the drama project about an elite FBI squad fighting/solving crimes committed against Americans on foreign soils. Other cast members include Vinessa Shaw and Idris Elba.
• Nobody’s Watching (NBC Universal/Doozer) a comedy about two guys who win a reality show and are given the opportunity to create their own sitcom, which they do while locked inside a sound stage (not knowing they are, of course, the living sitcom) – has added Mircea Monroe and Zach Braff to the cast which already stars Paul Campbell and Taran Killan, as the two winners, and Paul Adelstein as the studio head.

UPN:

• Talk Show Diaries (Touchstone TV/Coquette) a comedy pilot project about three “brutally honest” female morning talk show hosts, has cast Nancy Travis to star.

WB:

• Best Laid Plans (20th/Image), about a woman whose mother meets her anonymous sperm donor, has cast Jane Leeves as the mother.

Oxygen will launch a new reality series on April 25 at 8p called Making It Big with host Linda Kaplan Thaler, who is described as a “Madison Avenue branding guru.”  Oxygen has ordered 6 eps.  Each show focuses on the three contestants who are all participating in various challenges to win the approval of the client – a noted industry professional.  Contestants are judged on their final execution of the challenge as well as their process. Kaplan Thaler acts as each contestants mentor.  Each ep features a different group of aspiring professional – chefs, designers, wedding planners, etc.

If you’re in or around NYC’s Union Square today around 11am, you may want to keep an eye out for eight “cowgirls” on horseback, wrangling a group of 15 bachelors.  It’s all part of WE: Women’s Entertainment marketing effort to promote the second season of McLeod’s Daughters, which debuted last Saturday evening. Also on hand today will be the series star, Lisa Chappell.  The event/campaign is the brain child of Janice Moore, newly appointed SVP/Marketing (scroll down for her Executive Moves item).

Late last week, The Don’t Count Us Out coalition released a statement in regard to Nielsen Media Research‘s plan to launch its Active/Passive Meter (aka A/P Meter) which measures time-shifted viewing – i.e., DVRs, and other advances in technology.  DCUO says it takes exception to Nielsen’s decision to go forward with the new technology without first completing a Media Ratings Council audit. In its statement, the group said:  “Once again, the Don’t Count Us Out coalition is disappointed that the Nielsen ratings monopoly has chosen to roll out a new ratings technology without MRC accreditation.  The practical effect of this is that American viewers will once again be subject to a ratings system that has not been subject to any independent verification.  It is just the latest example of why we need accountability and oversight in the television ratings industry.  Nielsen has proven again why we need some  reasonable government oversight of this industry.”  In response, Jack Loftus, Nielsen Media Research spokesperson responded with: “Fox’s ambition is to control the TV ratings service. DCUO is a bogus organization bought and paid for by Fox. The A/P Meter is a major advancement in measuring digital television technologies. Every client has urged Nielsen to go forward with this amazing technology. It is doubtful that Federal Government regulation of the ratings will produce higher ratings for Fox, but hey, you never know.”  The new A/P Meters will begin measuring/reporting  DVR usage in January 2006.

Cdigix, a provider of legal digital media to the college marketplace, has sealed licensing deals with Buena Vista Pay TV and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.  With these two deals, Cdigix expands its broadband video-on-demand entertainment and news programming service Cflix, to include full-length feature films, TV shows, interviews and news specials. 

• The licensing agreement with Buena Vista Pay TV includes content from Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Miramax Films and Dimension Films and includes movies such as: Around the World in 80 Days; Hero; The Incredibles; Mr. 3000; and The Village.  Cflix also distributes a bevy of other BV Pay TV films.
• Content from the Turner relationship includes Cflix programming from Cartoon Network, NASCAR.com and ESPN.  Cflix subscribers can access Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming block including: Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Big O; The Brak Show; Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law; Home Movies; Sealab 2021; and Venture Bros.  Other shows are expected to be added soon.
• ESPN is providing programs including episodes of the World Series of Poker 2004 and No Limit Hold ‘Em 2004 as well as its new fictional poker series TILT.  Special ESPN programming includes the documentary 3, about Dale Earnhardt, and the 2003 ACC Basketball Championship.
• Programming content from TBS’s NASCAR.com includes racing highlights from races such as the Daytona 500; interviews with drivers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon; and various awards ceremonies.

The BBC has announced additional layoffs with the number set as 2,050 programming personnel receive pink slips.  Over 1,700 jobs in professional services will be eliminated as previously announced earlier in March.   The 3,000+ employees will be let go over the course of the next three years.  The breakdown includes 47 from its television unit, 150 from Radio and Music, 58 from New Media Central, 735 from Nations and Regions, 150 from Drama, Entertainment and CBBC, 424 from Factual and Learning, 420 from BBC News and 66 from BBC Sport.

Discovery Networks, U.S. has tapped Robert Voltaggio as VP/Advertising Sales Revenue and Planning, reporting to John Carrozza, SVP/Advertising Sales Revenue and Planning, Discovery Networks, U.S.  Among his responsibilities, Robert will make pricing decisions on upfront and scatter business, manage the inventory portfolio for Discovery’s 14 U.S. networks and forecast revenue for the company. 

TBS has named James Glasscock to Director/Business Development.  James is responsible for developing and executing non-linear distribution for the Turner brands, across broadband, VOD, interactive/enhanced television and wireless platforms.  He will be based in Atlanta and will report to Bill Stratton, VP/Business Development.

WE: Women’s Entertainment‘s GM Kim Martin named Janice Moore as SVP/Marketing.  She will oversee marketing for WE: Women’s Entertainment including the strategic direction of the WE brand and its ratings and awareness goals.  Janice will direct WE’s consumer and ad sales marketing campaigns and oversee the network’s brand identity.  She will also supervise the development of integrated promotional packages to enhance the network’s key initiatives. Janice reports to Kim Martin, GM.

MTV Russia named Leonid Yurgelas as General Director.  He will be responsible for daily creative and commercial operations and manage the programming, production, talent relations, distribution, ad sales, marketing and finance departments.  Leonid is taking over from MTV Russia’s president Linda Jensen.  He will be based in Moscow.

Sunday – A18-49 Analysis:   CBS was in front on Sunday night, thanks to a combo of 60 Minutes and Cold Case, delivering an overall 4.3/11 A18-49, according to fast affiliate numbers from Nielsen Media Research.  ABC was a close #2 with a 4.1/10, followed by NBC 3.3/8, Fox 2.6/7, WB 1.0/2.  At 7p CBS delivered a 4.6/13 with 60 Minutes, well ahead of #2 ABC which earned a 2.8/8 for AFV.  At 8p, ABC and CBS were in a dead tie, each posting an 11 share for an original Cold Case on CBS and a repeat of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on ABC. The Contender on NBC posted a soft 3.5/9, up a share point from last week.  At 9p ABC pulled out in front with a repeat of Desperate Housewives (5.1/12), while CBS and NBC tied at a 10 share.  Fox’s new Kelsey Grammer The Sketch Show earned a 2.0/5 at 930p, after a leadin of Simpsons [r] 2.7/6.  At 10p CBS was again out in front with the final hour of its movie Spring Break Shark Attack (4.2/11 from 10-11p), ahead of ABC’s Boston Legal (4.0/10).

Fast Affiliate HOUSEHOLD Ratings:  Sunday, March 20, 2005, for all Networks – program averages.  Source: Nielsen Media Research. 

CBS     9.3/15   60 Minutes 9.6/16, Cold Case 11.4/18, Movie: Spring Break Shark Attack 8.1/13

ABC     7.2/11   AFV [r] 5.5/9, EM: Home Edition [r] 7.0/11, Desperate Housewives [r] 8.7/13, Boston Legal 7.7/13

NBC     6.5/10   Dateline 5.7/10, The Contender 4.6/7, L&O: CI 8.0/12, Crossing Jordan 7.6/13

FOX     3.4/5    King of the Hill [r] 2.6/5 Malcolm 3.3/5, Simpsons 5.1/8, Arrested Development 3.5/5, Simpsons [r] 3.4/5, The Sketch Show 2.7/4

WB      1.4/2    Charmed [r] 1.3/2, Charmed [r] 1.6/2, Steve Harvey [r] 1.4/2

A18-49                CBS 4.3/11, ABC 4.1/10, NBC 3.3/8, Fox 2.6/7, WB 1.0/2

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM COURT TV

The History Channel presents This Day in History:
1974 – The Equal Rights Amendment is passed in the U.S Senate and sent to the states for ratification. First proposed by the National Women’s Party in 1923, the amendment prohibiting any discrimination based on sex went on to be ratified by thirty-one states within the year but failed to achieve the necessary thirty-eight needed to make it the 27th Amendment.
 
Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question:  This creature’s name was Aristotle – he was a house pet who lived in a tank and belonged to a very odd little boy. What kind of animal was Aristotle and in whose house did he live?  PUGSLEY ADDAMS had a pet OCTOPUS.  Kudos to:  Jim Ryan-A&E/NY; Pete George-More TV 32/Tampa; Eli Bailin-Mediavest/NY; Jamie Landers-Fletcher Martin/Atlanta; Pam Hughes and Brett Calvert-KSAT/San Antonio; Robert Ward-Ward Comm/LA; Stan Justice-Litton Ent/Hermosa Beach; Brian Dozer-KSTW/Seattle.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM COURT TV

Today’s Trivia Question:  The actual house of this sitcom home is the Villa Marre museum, in Little Rock Arkansas.  It’s a Victorian style home built in 1991 by Angelo and Jennie Marre.  The house is just down the street from the Governor’s Mansion. The exterior shot of this mansion was used in what TV sitcom?   (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 TV LAND

Chasing Farrah, a reality series.
Premieres Wednesday March 23, 10 PM ET/PT on TV

Watch the new reality series Chasing Farrah and you’ll see: she’s an icon, a sculptor, a centerfold, a mother and an actress, but she’s definitely no angel. For a sneak peek and information on how you can win a chance to meet Farrah, go to TVLand.com.

Later — Cyn
03.22.05   5:16am

To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change a subscription for any Cynopsis edition: www.cynopsis.com

Archived Editions: www.Cynopsis.com
Cynopsis Ad Sales 203-526-8978
Press Release Fax: 203-381-9318
All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free.
Copyright Cynthia Turner 2005

Cyn opsis  CLASSIFIEDS

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, ON-AIR PROMO/Discovery Nets: Direct all aspects of on-air promo for 4 nets (Travel, Military, Science, VOD). Min 10 yrs exp in on-air creative devel/prod/personnel mgmt. Apply: http://corporate.discovery.com/. (3/29)

JOB OPENING: MKTG COORD/OLN, Stamford, CT.Provide support to Media and Affiliate Mktg areas.2 yrs prior exp in mktg or media env; cable network exp a plus.See www.olntv.com for more info. Resume/salary req:
  (3/29)

JOB OPENING: ADMIN ASST, ProGRAMMING/OLN-Stamford, CT.Entry-level, supporting busy VPs.Proficiency w/MS Office, detail-oriented/deadline driven, interest in programming. More info: www.olntv.com. Resume/salary:
  (3/29)

JOB OPENING: BUSINESS AFFAIRS CONSULTANT-National Geographic Entertainment/LA. Assist in the legal work of business units: kids’ programming, feature films and primetime television development. Respond to: 
   (3/29)

JOB OPENING: TRAVEL & EVENTS MANAGER/LA. Solid promotions, travel and event marketing background for seasoned candidate. Email:
; see full job desc @ http://www.tpeinc.com/nowhiring/manager.html. (3/26)

JOB OPENING: VP, LOCAL AD SALES, Top North East Cable Network. Develop/execute LAS strategy & pgrms. 5+ yrs LAS/affiliate/ mktg exp req. Must have team building, excellent communication skills. Send to:
  (3/26)

JOB OPENING: BRAND DIRECTOR/NYC. Leading wireless entertainment co. seeking sr. mktg professional w/7-10 yrs exp in brand mgmt or agency client services 2 manage partner relationships & develop new biz.  Apply: 
  (3/26)

JOB OPENING: SR BRAND MGR-HIT Ent./NYC manage two leading children’s brands. Lead execution; anal; rec. adjustments; manage licensees; create integrated prod., del. target rev. 5+ yrs. brand & lic. exp. www.hitentertainment.com . (3/26)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA MANAGER, Discovery Networks, Silver Spring, MD. Oversee media plans, strategy, media research, buys. 3-5 yrs media mgmt exp & research tools – Nielsen, Mediatools, Simmons. Apply: www.discovery.com . Job req#2178  (3/26)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR-AD SALES/Cynopsis, NY.  3-5 yrs ad sales exp; print bkgd a must. Mktg exp a +; exceptional comm & presentation skills. Extensive media contacts. Resume/sal req:
  re: Ad Sales (3/26)

JOB OPENING: VICE PRESIDENT, CMT Dukes of Hazzard Institute.*  Forget working for Donald Trump, the real dream job is getting paid $100,000 to watch television. Stress-free job responsibilities include: watch The Dukes of Hazzard weeknight at 7 and 11 ET/PT on CMT; know the words to The Dukes of Hazzard theme song, Good Ol’ Boys; write The Dukes of Hazzard Institute online blog for cmt.com ; serve as expert on all things The Dukes of Hazzard and maybe take The General Lee for a spin now and then. Job Application: CMTDukesInstitute.com .  *The position requires the execution of a one-year, $100,000 Independent Contractor agreement with GREAT!   (3/25)

JOB OPENING: ACCT REP, AFF SALES/AETN, NY. Support NE Aff Sales thru presentations, client events, trade shows. BA/BS req’d. 2 yrs aff or local ad sales or cable op exp. Significant travel req’d. Email:
  (3/25)

JOB OPENING: ASSOC MGR/AD SALES MKTG/Nat Geo Chan. 3-6 yrs cable ad sales mktg exp., bachelor’s degree; develop and implement new ideas for on-air, online, and off-air sponsorship promo and pkgs. apply online: www.foxcareers.com  (3/25)

JOB OPENING: Sales Reps: Triptych TV, a full service creative consortium for television branding and content development is looking for Sales Reps – primary emphasis US and Canada. Contact:
  (3/25)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, AFFILIATE MARKETING, OLN- Stamford, CT – Develop/execute affiliate and LAS promos for anchor pgming. 5+ yrs affiliate mktg exp at cable network. See www.olntv.com Resume/salary:
  (3/24)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MGR/BET-Chicago. 3-5 yrs cable or agency res exp; Skilled w/MRI, NMR Systems & var. res tools; MS Office proficient. Analytical, detailed, pgm/rtg savvy spec to African-Amer mkt. Email:
(3/24)

JOB OPENING: CLIENT SERVICES -Nielsen Media Research/NY. Responsible for Installing, Training & Supporting NMR software at client sites. Training and Presentation exp a must. Ad*Views a+ www.Nielsenmedia.com ref:(20052482-JL) (3/24)

JOB OPENING: 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:
(3/23)

JOB OPENING: TRAFFIC MGR/KVVU, Las Vegas/Henderson. 5+ yrs station exp, HS Grad req. Wide Orbit or PC based traffic sys. A +. Will supervise 3. Detailed oriented, problem solver, team player.  Apply at:
   (3/23)

JOB OPENING:  Sony Pictures TV seeks SR ANALYST IN AD SALES for RESEARCH DEPT. 3-5 yrs experience req. Nielsen software proficiency req. Midtown Mnhtn. Please submit resume to
for consideration.   (3/23)

JOB OPENING:  Sony Pictures TV seeks EXEC DIR OF AD SALES FOR RESEARCH DEPT. 5-10 yrs exp; able to create sales materials and monitor/anticipate trends. Exc comm skills. Nielsen rtgs software. Contact
   (3/23)

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

SITUATION WANTED:  PRODUCER/CLIP SUPERVISOR L.A. Based but will relocate. 5+ yrs. experience, great contacts, excellent references. Email:
  (3/29)

SITUATION WANTED:  PHILADELPHIA SHOW RUNNER/PRODUCER/WRITER/MANAGER 9+ yrs experience, relocating to Philly from NYC. Experience with news, docs, series, live events, hidden camera. Contact:
(3/26)

SITUATION WANTED:  FREELANCE CINEMATOGRAPHER Detroit, all Midwest. 17 yrs exp; Disc, History, HGTV, Food, Travel, ABC, BBC, CBS, PBS, ESPN, et al.Details on credits, equip, etc. at www.ekcine.com or 248-705-8798 or
  (3/26)

SITUATION WANTED:  PERSONAL ASSISTANT with experience both on location and in office available to start immediately. Email
or 512.517.2615  (3/24)

SITUATION WANTED: REALITY SEGMENT PRODUCER; Major network experience; Creative; Results oriented; Great with comedy, games, surprises, and hidden camera; Great interviewer as well. 
LA based  (3/23)

SITUATION WANTED:  NYC OPERATIONS/PRODUCTION MANAGER. MBA. Twenty-five years experience network/local station level including fifteen at CBS and NBC. Seeking staff position with progressive company.  Contact:
  (3/23)

E-mail
for rates and specs for Job Openings.

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

WHAT’S ON TONIGHT:  MARCH 22, 2005:

ABC              My Wife & Kids, George Lopez, According to Jim, Rodney, Blind Justice
CBS              NCIS, Amazing Race, Judging Amy
FOX              American Idol, House
NBC              Will & Grace [r] (8-845p), Scrubs [r] (8:45-9:20p) Scrubs [r] (9:20-10p), Law & Order: SVU
PAX              Young Blade [r] , Lie Detector, Diagnosis Murder
UPN              All of Us [r] , Eve, Veronica Mars [r]
WB               Gilmore Girls [r], The Starlet
TELE             La Mujer en el Espejo, Gitanas, La Ley del Silencio
UNIV             Apuesta por un Amor, La Madrastra, Jugando al Amor