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The article presents an interview with David Zaslav, the CEO of Discovery Communications Inc. When asked how he has prioritized his overhaul of the company, Zaslav responds by saying that the biggest horse in the company's stable is the Discovery Channel. Zaslav believes that the company will grow by viewing itself as more a content company and less as a cable channel company. He comments on the impact his changes will have on the company's employees.

The article focuses on an increase in U.S. television networks, including CBS, that are offering free merchandise to bloggers in an attempt to get them to write about the shows that they produce in a positive manner in an effort to gain viewers. The practice has been labeled blogola by some of the networks. A discussion of the gifts the networks have given to bloggers, including free trips and video iPods, is presented.

The article focuses on the 2007 plans of CBS Corp. to syndicate its entertainment, news and sports videos to as much of the world wide web as possible in a venture that will be called the CBS Interactive Audience Network. A discussion is presented of deals which have been implemented between CBS and several websites including Facebook Inc. and Slide Inc. to make CBS' plans a reality.

The article reports that ABC and ESPN have come to an agreement with the cable operator Cox Communications Inc. to allow their programs to be shown on demand, with caveats. ABC and ESPN have required Cox to disable the fast-forward feature that allows viewers to skip commercials. Television networks have been wary of offering commercial-free programming, for fear of lost revenues and a consumer base trained to view programs without interruption.

The article reports on the plans of Martha Stewart and her company Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia to develop and market a new line of products aimed at scrapbook hobbyists called Martha Stewart Crafts. The company and its CEO Susan Lynne plan to market the products in an effort to generate $100 million of annual sales by 2010 and compete in an industry which takes in $3 billion annually.

The article reports on ways to identify video content on the Internet. The author focuses on the possible applications fingerprinting technology could have for the identification and removal of copyrighted video content from online sharing sites. The lawsuit Viacom filed against Google's YouTube.com regarding the illegal use of copyrighted media is discussed.

The article reports on the firing of radio talk show host Don Imus by CBS Broadcasting Inc. and its CEO Leslie Moonves. A discussion of the factors including negative public and corporate reaction which led to the firing, that was related to Imus' use of racist remarks when referring to the womens' basketball team of Rutgers University, is presented.

The article reports on the decision of NBC Universal to cancel MSNBC's simultaneous broadcast of Don Imus' radio and television programs. NBC made the decision after marketers and several small companies withdrew their support for the shows after Imus made racist remarks about the Rutgers University womens' basketball team. A discussion of the social reaction to the comments including a call for a boycott of the show by the National Organization for Women is presented.

The article reports on an increase in changes which have been and are being developed at U.S. television station web sites on the Internet in response to a reduction in viewership caused by an increase in consumer viewing of cable television channel websites. The stations including those associated with Hearst-Argyle Television Inc. have begun offering exclusive online video content and offering other web attractions including blogs to increase viewership.

The article reports on the decision of the NBC television network to begin airing reruns of its show "The Office" in an unusual format. The network plans to air two previously seen half hour episodes that have been re-edited and made into a one hour show which contains previously unaired footage and a new story line. Industry analysts feel that the show will be successful because regular reruns of the show usually have an audience of 7 million people compared with 9 million for new episodes.

The article focuses on an increase in the number of U.S. television programs which are being developed with characters from television advertisements. A discussion of the television plans of several companies that have successful advertisements is presented. Burger King plans to develop a show based on its Burger King character, and Geico plans to develop a show involving cavemen from one of its commercials.

The article reports on an increase in the number of U.S. television studios that are attempting to replicate their hit television shows in foreign markets including Europe. Demand for U.S. television shows is up in many foreign countries especially young viewers who want original programming instead of programming that has been dubbed or has subtitles. A discussion of NBC which is attempting to market its hit show "Law & Order" in France is presented as an example.

The article reports on the proposed plans of Walt Disney Co.'s ABC television network to develop a spinoff of the show "Grey's Anatomy." The spinoff would be built around one of the show's most popular characters, Dr. Addison Montgomery-Shepherd, a neonatal surgeon played by Kate Walsh. A two hour special, which will serve as a pilot for the show that is set to air in May of 2007, is discussed.

The article reports on a lack of popularity and financial success which has been seen in News Corp.'s MyNetworkTV television network. The network, which was launched by the company in fall of 2006 features English-language versions of Hispanic soap operas. The network has seen some of the lowest ratings in television since its debut.

The article focuses on the effect a January 6, 2007 blackout of 22 television stations by the Sinclair Broadcast Group had on the cable industry of the United States, and specifically, cable operator Mediacom Communications Corp. Sinclair had wanted cable companies to pay cash for programs which were seen on its channels. When Mediacom refused, the blackout ensued. Fearing lost revenue related to the blackout interfering with the 2007 SuperBowl, Mediacom has since agreed to pay.

The article focuses on a January 2007 announcement from Leslie Moonves, the CEO of CBS Corp., which discussed his company's plans to implement deals with several Internet companies including Google Inc. in an effort to achieve his company's goal of becoming one of the television industry's leading innovators on the World Wide Web.

The article focuses on agreements which several cable companies in the United States, including Nickelodeon, Showtime and Starz, have made with Microsoft Corp. to allow consumers to easily move their computer's Web video to their television sets. A discussion of the possible negative impact the deals could have on the cable industry in the country is presented.

The article discusses the surprising success of the play "The Color Purple," on Broadway. A discussion of the difficulties involved with attempting to market a Broadway play with an all Black cast such as "The Color Purple" is presented. The creative marketing techniques of the play's producers Roy Furman and Scott Sanders is discussed.The financial involvement of talk show host Oprah Winfrey in the play's production are examined.

The article focuses on an increase in diversification in cable network services in the United States which is being seen due to a drop in ratings at cable networks including Discovery Communications Inc. and E.W. Scripps Co. A discussion of the financial impact the diversification will have on the networks is presented.

The article reports on the appointment of Randy Falco, a top executive at the NBC network, as chief executive of AOL Time Warner Inc.

The article focuses on an increase in game shows which is being seen in prime time television in the United States. The ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox networks have all developed, or will develop, game shows in an effort to improve poor ratings. A discussion of the history and popularity of game shows in the United States, and the potential for viewer "burnout" which could be caused from the increase is presented.

The article questions whether NBC will look past the lackluster ratings of "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" to the select group of affluent consumers who are loyal to the program. "Studio 60" attracts the highly educated, affluent viewers advertisers want. Television executives still look to straight numbers when deciding on programing, rather than looking at the quality of the audience.

The article reports that the 2006 midterm elections are an opportunity for new network news anchors to prove themselves in their first national election. ABC's Charles Gibson will get extra exposure through the news and the program "Nightline." CBS anchor Katie Couric will focus on local voters and have fewer pundits on air. NBC's Brian Williams will report on problems with voting technology.

This article describes how NBC has been the object of insults and jokes for years by rivals and anyone else who wants to poke fun at them. This year, though, NBC has been taking a beating from itself. Its prime-time lineup shows have been openly mocking the network's bosses, from Conan O'Brien's derisive routine on the Emmy Awards show to "30 Rock" complaining that NBC can't even afford decent coffee. Some feel that the network needs to restrain the self-loathing and foster a more positive image.

This article tells how and why television broadcaster NBC is changing its prime time TV schedule. NBC apparently will program its reality shows in the first hour of prime time and air its drama and comedy shows later in the evening. Kevin Reilly, president of entertainment for NBC, says that most viewers will not see much change. Rivals CBS, ABC and Fox do not plan to follow NBC's scheduling decision.

The article reports that NBC Universal will cut prime-time programs and slash its news budget in an effort to cut costs and spend more on new media and the Internet. The overhaul looks to cut operating expenses by $750 million by the end of 2007. The article also looks at the decline in broadcast network domination over the years, especially in light of the emergence of video-laden web sites. The strategies of other networks heading in a similar direction are also discussed.

The article reports on Tribune Co.'s CW network, which will replace two networks, WB and UPN. CW is co-owned by Warner Bros. and CBS Corp. Some of the shows to be featured on the network are "Smallville," "America's Next Top Model," and "Gilmore Girls." The network has received confirmation for a large number of advertisement sells, but will have to overcome challenges, such as lack of viewer awareness.

The article reports that improved ratings at NBC may help parent company GE increase it revenue. NBC was once considered a minor part of the corporation, but poor ratings had made it a liability for General Electric, dragging the company's 2005 revenue increases down to 6% from 10% without NBC. General Electric and investors hope that the success of shows like "Heroes" and "Studio 60 in the Sunset strip," and Sunday football will improve NBC's profitability.

The article reports that King World Productions is hoping to revive the fortunes of syndicated talk shows with its new offer, "Rachel Ray." Profits from syndicated talk, game, and court shows have been down 13% in the past year, with established programs like "Jeopardy" and "The Oprah Winfrey Show" losing audience and new programs failing.

The article reports on the recent dismissal of Viacom Chief Executive Tom Freston, who also helped found MTV. MTV Networks, which includes MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central, has been struggling to maintain its television audience after a dip in ratings and a slowdown in cable advertising. The network has also suffered from lack of internal corporate structure. Judy McGrath, the head of MTV Networks and associate of Freston will stay on. Viacom named Philippe Dauman as the new CEO.

This article reports that James Horner, composer of music for the motion picture "Titanic," was hired to write the theme song to the revamped "CBS Evening News" starring anchor Katie Couric. Rome Hartman, the program's executive producer, Leslie Moonves, CBS Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer, and Couric, all gave their opinions as to how the music should sound. INSET: Katie's the Anchor--That's the Way It Is.

The article reports that television networks are relying on familiar actors to boost their new shows' popularity. Once considered too risky, as audiences were likely to identify them with their old parts and be turned off by older characters, experienced actors are now being used to lure audiences whose attentions are divided by a number of new media.

The article focuses on a new broadcast network, MyNetworkTV, that will feature primetime soap operas. The over-the-top format is borrowed from Spanish-language broadcasts where story lines are wrapped up after 13 weeks. The episodes are taped inexpensively and the network has hired actors who, for the most part, have no experience. Morgan Fairchild and Bo Derek will star in one of the shows, called "Fashion House."

The article focuses on Paula Deen, a 59-year-old cook who will host the television show "Paula's Party" on the Food Network beginning September 29, 2006. Deen's accessible southern personality is a new approach from the Food Network, which made a name for itself giving shows to culinary chefs such as Mario Batali, Bobby Flay and others.

The article reports that the major broadcast networks are launching a number of online channels dedicated to providing web video to niche audiences. NBC's parent company General Electric is launching a online network aimed at gay men, another for comedy programming and a third featuring cancelled television shows. Other networks are launching similarly specific programs.

The article reports on the performance of CBS and Viacom stocks following the decision of Viacom Inc. Chairman Sumner Redstone to split the two companies into two. The division into two organizations took place in January 2006. Viacom stock has dropped 20% in value following losses in advertising revenue for the flagship cable channels MTV and VH1. The article also focuses on a public rivalry between the heads of Viacom and CBS, which are still controlled by Redstone, even though they are independent.

The article reports that local governments and tourism boards have been disappointed by the lack of interest in the bicentennial of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's journey to the Pacific. Towns across the route have seen low attendance to celebratory events, some ending up in debt. A lessening of interest in the American West and concerns about the toll of Lewis and Clark's journey on Native Americans have made the events less of a draw.

This article reports on the announcement by Nielsen Media Research that they will begin tracking viewership of commercials. Nielsen, the firm that calculates U.S. television ratings, had not previously gauged viewership of commercials, only television programs in their entirety. This new rating system is predicted to lower the cost of television advertising.

This article discusses the Broadway production "The Wedding Singer" in New York City, New York. The production is based on the Adam Sandler motion picture by the same title. Producers of the show are upping ticket sales by tapping into the wedding industry including advertisements with magazines, retailers, and by selling show themed gowns to create awareness of the show.

The article reports that local television affiliates are failing to bring in the revenue they once did. Parent companies are considering spin-offs and other deals to rid themselves of the local stations, once major sources of revenue. Competition from Internet advertising, online broadcasts of current television shows and cable is shrinking profits.

The article discusses how NBC Universal is treading cautiously into the downloadable media age in order to boost its brand image. At the same time that NBC Universal lawyers have issued legal warning letters to websites such as Bolt.com and other websites such as YouTube.com, the company has also sought to partner with such sites. A bevy of fan Internet sites have offered snippets of NBC television programming for free to users of the sites. NBC's own offering, NBC.com, is discussed.

The article reports on student-produced Internet television shows at colleges and universities across the U.S., which are running on a new, Internet-based TV network. Launched in April 2005, the Open Student Television Network (OSTN) has signed up a wide range of schools. OSTN is part of a trend of numerous TV channels that target college students, primarily over the Internet. The college channels will undoubtedly influence the way networks move content online, and may serve as incubators for future TV shows.

This article reports that the NBC television network has high hopes for the success of a new television program launched in 2006-07 season. The show, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," was developed by Aaron Sorkin. The series stars Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet and Bradley Whitford. General Electric, which owns NBC, is hoping that the show generates high ratings and will help repair the network's tattered fortunes.

The article discusses the initiative undertaken by fans of the television program "Veronica Mars." This program is threatened with possible cancellation by the new CW network, which replaces the Warner Brothers and UPN networks. The article discusses the deluge of letters and gifts that Dawn Ostroff, head of the CW Network, has received.

The article reports that Yahoo Inc. and NBC Universal's Telemundo are merging their Spanish-language websites to take advantage of the growing Hispanic market. The two companies are using the merger as a test for possible future collaborations. Hispanic internet use is growing, and the companies are eager to tap into the third-largest ethnic group of online users.

The article discusses an advertising deal between Toyota Motor Corp. and the Fox network, owned by News Corp. Toyota will sponsor, and be featured in, a mobile phone broadcast of a spinoff of Fox's drama, "Prison Break." Toyota will also sponsor a "Prison Break" themed web site. In exchange, Fox will offer Toyota an exclusive advertisement deal, allowing the car company to air advertisements during several May episodes of "Prison Break." A chart listing information related to Fox's previous mobile phone broadcast ventures is presented.

The article reports that John Lennon fans are protesting a pay-per-view television special that will allow viewers to watch a séance in which a medium attempts to contact the dead musician. "The Spirit of John Lennon" has drawn criticism from his widow Yoko Ono, who characterized the program as a betrayal of Lennon's affirmation of life. Producer Paul Sharratt counters charges of exploitation by noting the Lennon and Ono were reported to have held séances in their apartment.

The article reports that the television industry is reacting to Walt Disney Co.'s decision to offer some of its most popular programs as free web streams with un-skippable commercials. The company is upending a long-prevalent business model that gave local broadcasters first rights to a program and the profits associated with it. INSET: Free, Anytime.

This article reports that the Walt Disney Co. plans to make much of its television programming on ABC and other channels available on the Internet. The shows, which include "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost," will contain features which will not permit viewers to skip advertisements, thus making the free web service a profit-generating business for Disney. Ford Motor Co., Procter and Gamble, and Universal Pictures have agreed to sponsor programs.

the article reports that executives at NBC's "Today" show are planning to keep the highly profitable program on track even if co-host Katie Couric departs. Co-host Matt Lauer's contract expires in early 2008. NBC is already in crisis mode with its prime-time schedule. Couric and Lauer have declined to comment. CBS has offered Couric around $15 million a year to take over Dan Rather's anchor job at the "Evening News" and to contribute to "60 Minutes." Despite a lower salary, the CBS anchor job is more prestigious.