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The article focuses on the projects that actor Ben Stiller keep himself busy. His Red Hour Films production banner has a burgeoning of film and television projects. He says that being largely focus on a motion picture like "Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian" has helped keep his nerves from being too wracked by a theatrical premiere. He emphasizes that project like "Tropic Thunder" has gotten made by working consistently on people who are not interested with the film. INSET: Stiller champions Project A.L.S..

The article reports on the digital distribution of the coverage of Showtime Channel on 2009 Emmy Awards in the U.S. It states that the network has extended its digital distribution of the Emmy Awards to mobile devices such as iPhones and iPods. Moreover, the network states that this trend is an another option for those television academy members who want to see the awards anytime and anywhere.

The article reports that ABC Family Worldwide Inc. has rolled out its summer primetime television program to advertisers in New York City, showcasing returning hits including "The Secret Life of the American Teenager."

The article reports on the licensing of television rights to the U.S. films directed by Tyler Perry. Cable company Turner Networks has bought the first television rights to such films as "Madea Goes to Jail and "The Family That Preys" as well "The Bank Job," "Transporter 3" and the upcoming "Crank: High Voltage." Turner Networks will air "The Bank Job" in 2010 and the other films in 2011.

The article focuses on the inaugural programming slate of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). It notes that the programming plans of the soon-to-launch cable network will rely heavily on Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions Inc. It mentions several of OWN's programs which include "Excellent Adventure," "Lisa Ling Investigates," and "Master Class." The cable network will be launched in more than 70 million homes in early 2010.

The article reports on the transfer of the hit reality competition series "Project Runaway" from NBC Universal to Lifetime. This is after the joint announcement from NBC Universal Inc., Lifetime, and Weinstein Co. on the settlement of the litigation after a Manhattan, New York City court placed an injunction on the highest-rated show on NBC U's Bravo cabler. Weinstein Co., show's producer, will pay NBC U an undisclosed amount to release its interests on the series under terms of a settlement.

The article reports that AMC will develop a multigenerational family drama television show entitled "True West" to be produced and directed by Brett Morgen. It states that the television program aims to establish a brand identity and achieve high ratings from primetime viewers. It also notes that the show is designed to suit for everyone.

The article reports on the upcoming nonseries programs of the National Geographic Channel in 2009. The slate includes documentary television programs such as "Inside the Iraq War," from Towers Productions, "Garbage Moguls," the "Gallon of Gas," from Mike Mathis Productions" and "Plastiki," from Renegade Pictures." It states that the company's plan to air these programs was due to the high ratings of its documentary specials and to increase its sales.

The article focuses on the upcoming latenight comedy-themed talkshow in the Turner Broadcasting System Inc. (TBS). It says that comedian George Lopez has signed a contract to host the still-untitled nightly talkshow which will run from Monday to Thursday. The talkshow will feature celebrity guests as well as musical and standup performers.

The article announces that Jeff Wachtel was appointed president of U.S. cable television operator USA Network.

The article focuses on the two most watched television programs in the U.S. It states that the television broadcast of the Broadway show "You're Welcome America: A Final Night With George W. Bush," starring Will Ferrell, has drawn the biggest audience of 2.3 million for any Home Box Office Inc. (HBO) special since 2004. Meanwhile, the Blue Collar comic "Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy," has captured the largest viewers for Comedy Central in 2009.

The article reports on the continuous increase in the audience ratings of Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show," at Comedy Central in the U.S. Jim Cramer's appearance in the late night show came at the request of CNBC executives which resulted to the second-highest rating for 2009 for the show. With an average audience of 2.3 million, it ranked second only to January's Inauguration Day episode which scored 2.6 million.

The article reports on the success of "Late Show With Jimmy Fallon" hosted by Jimmy Fallon. It notes that the show averaged nearly 2.4 million total viewers for the week of March 2-6, 2009, topping its closest 12:35 a.m. competitor "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson." Furthermore, the total viewer counter for Fallon's premiere week was 11% above his adults 18-49 season rating and 21% higher than Conan O'Brien's 991,000 "Late Night."

The article reports on the good ratings garnered by the daytime TV business in the U.S. as they guested the controversial Octomom Nadya Suleman. The Southern California mother who gave birth to octuplets has delivered double-digit ratings increases for "Dr. Phil" with her two-part appearance. In addition, an Octomom-themed episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" also produced ratings gains over the top-rated talkshow's season average.

The article reports that the National Geographic Channel has prepared a new program schedule for 2009-2010. It notes the plan to offer 10 new shows, 11 returning series and several specials in the programming slate. It also features the nonfiction and upcoming series which include "Fight Science," "Known Universe" and "Explorer."

The article reports that ESPN Films has three film projects in development and documentaries to comply with cable networks. It states that ESPN will also have two theatrically targeted biographical films including one on the life of Jim Jones Jr. and one about the fallen firefighter Louis Mulkey. Senior vice-president of ESPN content development Ron Semiao said that it was driven by the inconsistent ratings result of films related to sports.

The article reports on the move of Time Warner Inc. (TW) to urge television viewers to subscribe to cable or satellite services for them to have free online access to its television shows in the U.S. It cites that TW has conducted a trial of the broadband service so that cable subscribers are able to watch online all the shows they pay for.

The article reports that Showtime Networks Inc. will offer of its full episodes television (TV) series to U.S. voters of the 2009 Emmy TV academy through the iPhone and the iPodTouch mobile devices. It cites that voters for the Emmy will now have a chance to access and vote for their favorite full screen TV episodes through online. Showtime's full episodes include "Dexter," "Weeds," and the "United States of Tara."

The article reports that Lifetime Television has reuptake its biggest hit "Army Wives" for its fourth season. It states that Lifetime acquired rights on 18 more episodes from its producer ABS Studios which became a hit for women 18-49.The new series that will start in 2009 features stars Kim Delaney and Sally Pressman who track the struggle of military families.

The article focuses on the business performance of Turner Networks, an Atlanta-based cable conglomerate. It notes that the company will once again hold its dog-and-pony show for advertisers on May 20, 2009 in New York. It mentions numerous plans for the Turner Network Television (TNT) and Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc. (TBS) channels as well as the new shows that will be offered by these channels.

The article reports that Conan o'Brien and Andy Richter are back together again on the new version of the television program "The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien." It notes that Richter was once became O'Brien's sidekick in the show "Late Night." It states that Richter has also been involved in several comedy series and films.

The article reports on the television performance of TNT's "Trust Me." According to the report, the television program declined almost 65% viewers compared to its former cable show "The Closer." It also features other television programs from TNT including "Saving Grace" and "Raising the Bar." Meanwhile, HBO Corp. season's premier "Big Love" increases 29% of its total viewers.

The article reports that the animated television program series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," will be rebroadcast by cable television network TNT beginning on February 14, 2009. The program drew record high ratings when it was first broadcast on the Cartoon Network. Both networks are owned by Turner Broadcasting.

The article reports that Christina Norman, a veteran executive at MTV Networks, has been hired as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), a joint venture of Discovery Communications and Harpo Productions, the television production company owned by television talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

The article reports on the defeat of the bill which aimed at pushing on June 12, 2009 the deadline by which TV stations must surrender their analog spectrum allotment in the U.S. This mandatory transition to digital broadcasting has caused confusion over households and this frustration has emerged as one of the results of the partisan situation of the new President Barack Obama administration. The failure of the bill leaves the original February 17 deadline for that transition intact.

The article focuses on the significant role being played by comedian John Stewart on the growth and development of "The Daily Show." It notes the statement of Doug Herzog regarding the discovery of Stewart as the new personality that would lead the show on its future accomplishments. Moreover, it also mentions the necessary changes that Stewart had made on the show.

The article offers information on the growing business of Showtime Networks Inc. As stated by Matthew Blank, chief executive officer (CEO) of Showtime Networks, the CBS Corp. owned cabler was up 1 million subscribers by the end of 2008, bringing its total sub base to 1.5 million whereas its revenue touched the new record. Bob Greenblatt, president of Showtime said that the network reached equivalent to its rival Home Box Office Inc. (HBO) in terms of quantity and quality of origin series.

The article reports on the coverage of BET Networks on the inauguration of the first African American president Barack Obama on January 20, 2009 in Washington D.C. It states that the goal of the network's inauguration coverage is to share the experience with their audience and to tell the story of a dream realized. Nick Cannon will host the network's one-hour inauguration celebration special, "Yes We Will!" which will feature live shots from BET's Inaugural Ball at the Mandarin Oriental hotel.

The article reports that Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The actor was undergoing a chemotherapy and set to promote the A&E drama "The Beast" as soon as he gets well. According to network president Bob DeBietto, they are looking forward for the success of the drama despite Swayze's condition.

The article offers information on the second season of the animated comedy "The Life and Times of Tim," from Media Rights Capital to be featured by the HBO cable network. Among the highlights of HBO's series of panels were the appearance of Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange. It is believed that Nickelodeon has exerted effort for the episodes of the upcoming Dream Works Animations movie series.

The article reports that TNT is strengthening its bid to grow into a Monday-through-Friday network broadcasting original series from top producers and featuring big-name talent. Reflecting on roughly a half-dozen pilots, the cabler chose to move forward with "The Line," a crime drama produced by Bruckheimer and starring Dylan McDermott. Also getting a 10-episode order is medical drama "Time Heals," which stars Jada Pinkett Smith.

The article reports that a federal court has rejected Lifetime Network's request to move the fight surrounding the reality series 'Project Runway' out of a New York state court. It is stated that in September 2008, a state court judge imposed an injunction on the hit reality series. It also prevented producer Weinstein Co. from moving the skein from Bravo Cable Network to Lifetime until matters are legally settled with NBC Universal Inc.

The article reports on the agreement between Harpo Productions Inc. and Home Box Office Inc. regarding the production of television host Oprah Winfrey's films scripted series and documentaries. According to head administrative officer of Harpo Kate Forte, their engagement has nothing to do with American Broadcasting Corp. In addition, Oprah will launch her new cable channel under Discovery Networks Inc.

The article reports on the plan of Spike to premiere "Toughest Cowboy" on the cable channel by January 29, 2009. The reality television program is produced by Mark Burnett. 12 cowboys will compete. One contestant will be eliminated every week during the eight-episode season. The winner will receive a ranch in Wyoming.

The article focuses on the pilot episode of the television series "Leverage" from Turner Television Network Inc. (TNT). It notes that the series has scored five million viewers on December 7, 2008, as well as garnered 2.1 million adults from 18-year-old to 49-year-old in its demonstration. It states that the series has proven itself that it can be successfully launch without the aid of the network's biggest franchise. Nonetheless, it did not score the network's biggest ratings for the night.

The article reports on the broadcast schedule plans of the National Broadcasting Co. Inc. (NBC) for 2009. It mentions that the television series "ER" will end its 15-season with a two-hour finale on March 12 along with an hour-long episode of "The Office" that leads out of the Super Bowl XLIII. It also states that NBC will premiere several television series for the year which include the "Medium" on February 2, "Celebrity Apprentice" on March 1, and "Kings" on March 19.

The article reports on the development of the U.S. comedy festival business. Home Box Office Inc. (HBO) bailed on the business almost immediately after Chris Albrecht resigned from the network in 2007. However, the U.S. Comedy Arts Fest of Aspen in Colorado ended after 13 years. Enter Turner Networks established its TBS "Very Funny" brand on-air which matches high-profile off-net acquisitions. Moreover, festivals businesses are considered relevant for TBS.

The article discusses the court case on the countersuit filed by Lifetime Movie Network against Bravo Cable Network, NBC Universal Inc. and Weinstein Co. in a federal court in Manhattan, New York City. The lawsuit indicates Lifetime's effort to get the case moved to a federal court on the ruling of a judge in state court that stopped Time Warner Cable TV-produced show "Runway" moved to Lifetime. It maintains that its rights are protected by federal copyright laws.

The article reports on the success of the "Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special" television program from Comedy Central. It reveals that the 6.6 million viewers of the program beats the company's former 6.2 million viewer records and overcomes the top-rated episode of "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" with President-Elect Barack Obama as guest. Spokesperson of the company affirms that the 6.6 million viewers are more than enough of what they are expecting from the program.

The article reports on the partnership of Mark Burnett with the owners of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Sacramento Kings to develop the reality television program, "Rebuilding the Kingdom." The reality series will present the team's players, coaches, management and operational personnel as they attempt to work their way back to the top of the league. "Rebuilding the Kingdom," will focus on the moribund Kings basketball franchise as it rebuilds and restructures.

The article reports that the USA Network has ordered 16 episodes of the detective series of the television program "Monk," in its eight and final season on the U.S. cable network. The final season of the program will have its premiere in summer 2009. The television program features Tony Shalhoub, a three-time Emmy winner for his role as a brilliant detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder who uses his unusual eye for details to solve crimes.

The article reports that Comedy Central has begun its production of two pilots namely "Ugly Americans" and "Evan and Gareth Are Trying to Get Laid." "Ugly Americans" is an animated project focusing on a social worker who aids new U.S. citizens while the latter centers on two guys working at an online advice site. The names of the persons who will manage the projects are included.

The article focuses on the diverse motion pictures under the production of Red Hour Films. The films "Duplex" and "Zoolander" represent a disappointing step back for the company. The company has also enjoyed a steady stream of comedic hits like "Starsky & Hutch," "DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story," and "Tropic Thunder." This hit has freed the company to explore new realms.

The article reports on the developing of the series "Camelot." According to the author, Michael Hirst, Morgan O'Sullivan and Douglas Rae will become executive producers of the series while Ecosse Films and Octagon Filmes will be the producers. Hirst, moreover, will also work as the writer of the series. "Camelot," the author adds, is developed by Showtime.

The article reports on developments concerning cable television in the United States as of October 23, 2008. BET Networks and the Weinstein Co. have signed a first network-window deal on a multi-picture package of theatrical releases. Hallmark Channel has signed a deal for 80 pictures from Fox's Twentieth Television.

The article reports on the production of the television drama "White Collar," by USA Network. The network has selected actor Tim DeKay to star in the show. DeKay will star as a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent who forms a partnership with a con artist played by Matthew Bomer. Jeff Eastin is creator and executive producer of the show from Fox TV Studios.

The article reports that the U.S.-based cable television station Showtime has secured the rights for the fourth and fifth season of the television drama series "Dexter." Production for season four is set to begin in Los Angeles, California in the spring and each campaign will span 12 episodes. Season three is executively produced by John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Clyde Phillips and Charles H. Eglee.

The article reports on Lifetime's attempt to move the litigation surrounding "Project Runway" to federal court. Lifetime has filed the motion on October 17, 2008, two hours before lawyers for the Weinstein Co. and NBC Universal were to meet with a New York state Supreme Court judge to outline the next phase of the case.

The article announces that Susan Kantor was promoted as executive vice president for Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution.

The article reports developments at the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) in the U.S. The association has extended the term of Rick Feldman as president and chief executive officer (CEO) for another three years. Meanwhile, NATPE reveals its plans for the 2009 conference, which will include Lionsgate Inc. executive Jon Feltheimer as a keynote speaker.