The hearing is taking place at Operation PUSH in the Kenwood nieghborhood at 930 East 5oth Street, near Washington Park on Thursday. Rev. Jesse Jackson is expected to appear, though he is also expected to appear at a rally in Louisiana earlier in the day.
To download a schedule for the evening's events, you can click here (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.)
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
First week results in syndication
The first week results for the new programs (and freshman off-network shows) in syndication are in the book:
Source: Nielsen Media Research, Mediaweek
Thoughts:
- Despite bad reviews, TMZ is tops among syndicated rookies and may get an even bigger boost - thanks to the website becoming the first to snare an audio tape featuring O.J. Simpson during a robbery attempt.
- Steve Wilkos is up 10 percent from his lead-in and is flat from year-ago time period rating and shares, which is a good start.
- The national rollout of Morning Show with Mike and Juliet is tied with Steve Wilkos for second place, but since the program is on opposite Regis & Kelly in most markets, it's getting whacked (in Chicago, it has to face Regis & Kelly AND Oprah. Yikes!)
- The two new game shows are still struggling to find an audience.
- Judge David Young is flat all around. Could be better, could be worse.
- Two and a Half Men and Family Guy are both holding their lead-ins, which is a small victory for both shows. Let's see what the national ratings bring.
- With some weak time slots (it's on in overnight hours in New York), George Lopez isn't exactly burning up the charts. But it's holding it's lead-in and year-ago time period rating.
| Program | RTG/SHR | 9/06 TP | Lead-in |
| First- Run: | |||
| TMZ | 1.5/3 | 2.0/4 | 1.8/6 |
| Morning Show- Mk-Jul | 1.1/4 | 1.5/6 | 1.9/7 |
| Steve Wilkos | 1.1/4 | 1.2/3 | 1.0/3 |
| David Young | 0.9/3 | 0.9/3 | 0.9/3 |
| Crosswords | 0.8/2 | 1.3/4 | 1.0/3 |
| Temptation | 0.5/2 | 1.1/3 | 0.6/2 |
| Off-Network | |||
| Two and a Half Men | 2.0/4 | 2.3/4 | 2.0/4 |
| Family Guy | 1.8/4 | 2.0/4 | 1.9/4 |
| George Lopez | 0.9/3 | 0.9/3 | 0.9/3 |
Source: Nielsen Media Research, Mediaweek
Thoughts:
- Despite bad reviews, TMZ is tops among syndicated rookies and may get an even bigger boost - thanks to the website becoming the first to snare an audio tape featuring O.J. Simpson during a robbery attempt.
- Steve Wilkos is up 10 percent from his lead-in and is flat from year-ago time period rating and shares, which is a good start.
- The national rollout of Morning Show with Mike and Juliet is tied with Steve Wilkos for second place, but since the program is on opposite Regis & Kelly in most markets, it's getting whacked (in Chicago, it has to face Regis & Kelly AND Oprah. Yikes!)
- The two new game shows are still struggling to find an audience.
- Judge David Young is flat all around. Could be better, could be worse.
- Two and a Half Men and Family Guy are both holding their lead-ins, which is a small victory for both shows. Let's see what the national ratings bring.
- With some weak time slots (it's on in overnight hours in New York), George Lopez isn't exactly burning up the charts. But it's holding it's lead-in and year-ago time period rating.
Monday, September 17, 2007
WLS-AM drops in the trends
We usually don't report on the trends (the Summer book doesn't come out until October), but this is worth noting - Citadel's talk outlet WLS-AM dropped to fourteenth place with a 2.8 - the lowest rating in more than a decade.
Let's not read too much into this - keep in mind that WLS is still stronger now than it was in the late 1980's, when it was still playing music and was regularly stinking up the joint (it's average share in 1988 was around a 1.3.)
Let's not read too much into this - keep in mind that WLS is still stronger now than it was in the late 1980's, when it was still playing music and was regularly stinking up the joint (it's average share in 1988 was around a 1.3.)
KBIG dumps AC for Adult Hits
In a surprise move, Clear Channel's KBIG-FM in Los Angeles has dumped its longtime Hot Adult Contemporary format for an Adult Hits one, putting them in direct competition with CBS' KCBS-FM (Jack 93.1) and Emmis' KMVN-FM (Movin' 93.9)
Core artists include Beyonce, Christana Aguliera, and John Mayer.
Longtime radio personality Charlie Tuna (who is also a notable voice-over talent) was let go from the station today. He did the morning shift on KBIG.
The station is being re-branded as 104.3 MyFM (not affiliated with My Network TV or Myspace.com, which are both owned by News Corp.)
Core artists include Beyonce, Christana Aguliera, and John Mayer.
Longtime radio personality Charlie Tuna (who is also a notable voice-over talent) was let go from the station today. He did the morning shift on KBIG.
The station is being re-branded as 104.3 MyFM (not affiliated with My Network TV or Myspace.com, which are both owned by News Corp.)
Emmy winners (updated)
30 Rock for Best Comedy (why?), The Sopranos for Best Drama (yawn), and The Daily Show for Best Variety, Music, or Comedy Series (yay!)
The Office also won an Emmy for Best Writing in a Comedy Series, while The Sopranos took home an Emmy for Best Writing in a Drama Series.
HBO led with 21 Emmys, while NBC had 19. The CW did not win any Emmys at all (were they even nominated?)
To view a complete list of Emmy winners, click here.
As for the show itself, well... let's just say the person that made the most controversial comments on the show wasn't Kanye West (who appeared in a bit that was quite funny), but Sally Field, who called for an end to the war in Iraq. She was bleeped on the show, as was Ray Romano (now, that's a surprise...)
Ryan Seacrest wasn't bad, and for those of you who want to criticize him, remember Bryant Gumbel a couple of years ago?
At least the Emmy didn't have a distraction like the Academy Awards suffered earlier this year when some "major" celebrity died.
So how it do in the ratings? Second lowest rated Emmys ever, only beating the 1990 show, which was also aired on Fox (which at the time, was referred to as the "coat hanger network" - as in mostly UHF channels.)
updated 9:32pm
The Office also won an Emmy for Best Writing in a Comedy Series, while The Sopranos took home an Emmy for Best Writing in a Drama Series.
HBO led with 21 Emmys, while NBC had 19. The CW did not win any Emmys at all (were they even nominated?)
To view a complete list of Emmy winners, click here.
As for the show itself, well... let's just say the person that made the most controversial comments on the show wasn't Kanye West (who appeared in a bit that was quite funny), but Sally Field, who called for an end to the war in Iraq. She was bleeped on the show, as was Ray Romano (now, that's a surprise...)
Ryan Seacrest wasn't bad, and for those of you who want to criticize him, remember Bryant Gumbel a couple of years ago?
At least the Emmy didn't have a distraction like the Academy Awards suffered earlier this year when some "major" celebrity died.
So how it do in the ratings? Second lowest rated Emmys ever, only beating the 1990 show, which was also aired on Fox (which at the time, was referred to as the "coat hanger network" - as in mostly UHF channels.)
updated 9:32pm
Welcome to the second season
They said it wouldn't last...
They were WRONG.
We're back. And ready for more.
I'm Terence, your master of ceremonies, and welcome to the second season of The T Dog Media Blog. We're back, and ready to Rock the Casbah for season two.
This blog is targeted for media professionals, and we do a lot of serious stories in the business, and how they affect the industry, both locally and around the country.
But we also serve up some fun, too as many of our stories are offbeat reviews of the day's media stories, in television, radio, print, and the Internet. So, it's a 50/50 deal.
And yes, we do become quite opinionated on some of the posts, particularly when it comes to injustices, such as the unfair royalty fees that were being imposed of on webcasters and communist groups like the Parents Television Council, who are trying to impose their communist tastes on the viewing public. (See?)
And the Think Tanks are back too, but with a shorter name: From now on, they will be just known as T Dog's Think Tank. It is a serious thought piece written by yours truly, on major media issues.
There were no shortage of stories to cover last season. From Don Imus to Amy Jacobson, from Howard McGee's firing to Michael Richards, it was a wild ride. And this blog covered it all, thanks to hard working "staff" (which consists of me and... me.)
Yep, we developed quite an enemies list over the past year. We ripped the radio industry, the Sun-Times, Jay Mariotti, clueless network executives, the FCC, the RIAA, and numerous politicians. Yours truly has already been banned from posting on a few sites, including the Springfield Journal-Review and the Sun-Times. You think we're going to let up in our second season? Heck, naw!
But we made a lot of friends as well, and to them, I thank you.
And I also want to thank everyone who has stopped by in the past year to visit the blog. Your support is greatly appreciated. We will continue to improve the site to serve your interests.
Plus, feel free to comment on any story on this site, as long if its profanity-free and spam-free (if it's not, those comments will be deleted.)
And we are on Google! Type in "The T Dog Media Blog" in Google or Yahoo, and we will turn up.
So, without further to do, let's go to season two!
Sincerely,
Terence Henderson
Chairman of The T Dog Blog, Inc.
P.S. To inquire about job opportunities at the T Dog Media Blog, don't. We're owned by the Fiction Corp., and they don't do a lot of hiring...
They were WRONG.
We're back. And ready for more.
I'm Terence, your master of ceremonies, and welcome to the second season of The T Dog Media Blog. We're back, and ready to Rock the Casbah for season two.
This blog is targeted for media professionals, and we do a lot of serious stories in the business, and how they affect the industry, both locally and around the country.
But we also serve up some fun, too as many of our stories are offbeat reviews of the day's media stories, in television, radio, print, and the Internet. So, it's a 50/50 deal.
And yes, we do become quite opinionated on some of the posts, particularly when it comes to injustices, such as the unfair royalty fees that were being imposed of on webcasters and communist groups like the Parents Television Council, who are trying to impose their communist tastes on the viewing public. (See?)
And the Think Tanks are back too, but with a shorter name: From now on, they will be just known as T Dog's Think Tank. It is a serious thought piece written by yours truly, on major media issues.
There were no shortage of stories to cover last season. From Don Imus to Amy Jacobson, from Howard McGee's firing to Michael Richards, it was a wild ride. And this blog covered it all, thanks to hard working "staff" (which consists of me and... me.)
Yep, we developed quite an enemies list over the past year. We ripped the radio industry, the Sun-Times, Jay Mariotti, clueless network executives, the FCC, the RIAA, and numerous politicians. Yours truly has already been banned from posting on a few sites, including the Springfield Journal-Review and the Sun-Times. You think we're going to let up in our second season? Heck, naw!
But we made a lot of friends as well, and to them, I thank you.
And I also want to thank everyone who has stopped by in the past year to visit the blog. Your support is greatly appreciated. We will continue to improve the site to serve your interests.
Plus, feel free to comment on any story on this site, as long if its profanity-free and spam-free (if it's not, those comments will be deleted.)
And we are on Google! Type in "The T Dog Media Blog" in Google or Yahoo, and we will turn up.
So, without further to do, let's go to season two!
Sincerely,
Terence Henderson
Chairman of The T Dog Blog, Inc.
P.S. To inquire about job opportunities at the T Dog Media Blog, don't. We're owned by the Fiction Corp., and they don't do a lot of hiring...
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The season in review, Part II
Continuing our look back at the season that was....
Sam Zell wins Tribune auction (Apr. 2, 2007)
- The biggest media story in Chicago so far this year.
WLS-TV leader featured by Sun-Times (April 4, 2007)
- This post features The T Dog Media Blog Gold Club, a list of dominant local TV stations in their market, which includes WLS-TV in Chicago.
Let's Get into it. (Apr. 8, 2007)
- Let's not.
Is anyone really surprised? (Apr. 12, 2007)
- I wasn't, but a lot of people was.
Shut up already, Damn! (Apr. 12, 2007)
- The Imus controversy brings out the worse - and the mouth - in everybody.
Read This (Apr. 13, 2007)
- From Mark Roberts, who hits the nail right on the head...
Sniff 'n' S*** (May 3, 2007)
- My views on the state of the sitcom and the Blackhawks. At least there's some hope for one of them...
Grow Up, Chicago (May 19, 2007)
- And yes, we still act like a dysfunctional bunch of buffoons. No offense.
Bachelor's a hit again... Aw hell, naw! (May 22, 2007)
- Should we thank Hillary for this? So much for empowering women...
Howie Mandel heads back to daytime (June 11, 2007)
- A short bit on the history of syndicated game shows.
Mr. McMahon is dead. Dewey Defeated Truman, too (June 12, 2007)
- The dumbest wrestling angle of all time. Made worst when there was a real-life death in the WWE with tragic consequences.
Stupid is as Stupid does (Jun. 16, 2007)
- The top story on June 16, 2007 according to Channel 2's website: A baseball brawl at Wrigley Field. Slow news day?
Must Flee TV (Jun. 27, 2007)
- White Sox lose, viewers flee. Finally, something the CW and My Network TV can beat in the ratings that is not named the Blackhawks.
WTBS to become Peachtree TV (Jul. 1, 2007)
- A detailed history on WTBS and the future of the station, as it changes to WPCH-TV and splits from cable TBS.
NBC cutting originals on Fridays? (Jul. 5, 2007)
- Talking abut Friday night TV, where there hasn't been much to talk about lately.
The craziness ends here (Jul. 6, 2007)
- Howard McGee is axed at WGCI and Tom Joyner may be on his way out at WVAZ.
National Bingo Night to return? WTF? (Jul. 8, 2007)
- Ratings don't mean anything anymore. Do they? (If not, then cancel American Idol.)
What was she thinking? (Jul. 10, 2007)
- Amy Jacobson wasn't thinking. Neither was Channel 2. And Chicago journalism jumps the shark yet again.
Local media blows it again (Jul. 15, 2007)
- Another in our "blows it again" series...
Tom Snyder tributes (Jul. 31, 2007)
- A look back at the career of Tom Snyder.
The Viewer Alienation Plan (Aug. 8, 2007)
- Mostly applies to Channel 2, but you can slap that label to all TV news operations in town. Who watches this crap anymore?
Merv Griffin dies (Aug. 12, 2007)
- A true class act passes.
Twista fires back at Pflager (Aug. 15, 2007)
- And Chicago media hits yet another low point.
Get out of town, Harvey (Aug. 16, 2007)
- And Chicago media hits yet another low point. Did I just say that?
Is the off-network sitcom dead? (Aug. 20, 2007)
- Yes.
Nine FM's not an alternative (Sept. 1, 2007)
- And perhaps that's why the station has no ratings or no advertising.
Another Chicago message board shut (Sept. 6, 2007)
- Even Charlie Brown thought this post was a snooze...
The Cutout Classics:
- A Think Tank on Grey's Anatomy and the WWE called Blew the Limo, Capsized the Ferry, was posted on June 25 and pulled hours later after news on Chris Benoit and his family's death became public. The Think Tank was never reposted.
- A post about Joel Hollander destroying CBS Radio was deleted after I criticized Felicia Middlebrooks and somebody in the comments section roasted yours truly on it (my response was too awkward and decided just to blow the post up)
- A post on the Blackhawks was deleted because it contained too much salty language.
- A comment left on the B96 Summer Bash post was cut after the poster ripped yours truly and I told her where to go. To Philadelphia.
Sam Zell wins Tribune auction (Apr. 2, 2007)
- The biggest media story in Chicago so far this year.
WLS-TV leader featured by Sun-Times (April 4, 2007)
- This post features The T Dog Media Blog Gold Club, a list of dominant local TV stations in their market, which includes WLS-TV in Chicago.
Let's Get into it. (Apr. 8, 2007)
- Let's not.
Is anyone really surprised? (Apr. 12, 2007)
- I wasn't, but a lot of people was.
Shut up already, Damn! (Apr. 12, 2007)
- The Imus controversy brings out the worse - and the mouth - in everybody.
Read This (Apr. 13, 2007)
- From Mark Roberts, who hits the nail right on the head...
Sniff 'n' S*** (May 3, 2007)
- My views on the state of the sitcom and the Blackhawks. At least there's some hope for one of them...
Grow Up, Chicago (May 19, 2007)
- And yes, we still act like a dysfunctional bunch of buffoons. No offense.
Bachelor's a hit again... Aw hell, naw! (May 22, 2007)
- Should we thank Hillary for this? So much for empowering women...
Howie Mandel heads back to daytime (June 11, 2007)
- A short bit on the history of syndicated game shows.
Mr. McMahon is dead. Dewey Defeated Truman, too (June 12, 2007)
- The dumbest wrestling angle of all time. Made worst when there was a real-life death in the WWE with tragic consequences.
Stupid is as Stupid does (Jun. 16, 2007)
- The top story on June 16, 2007 according to Channel 2's website: A baseball brawl at Wrigley Field. Slow news day?
Must Flee TV (Jun. 27, 2007)
- White Sox lose, viewers flee. Finally, something the CW and My Network TV can beat in the ratings that is not named the Blackhawks.
WTBS to become Peachtree TV (Jul. 1, 2007)
- A detailed history on WTBS and the future of the station, as it changes to WPCH-TV and splits from cable TBS.
NBC cutting originals on Fridays? (Jul. 5, 2007)
- Talking abut Friday night TV, where there hasn't been much to talk about lately.
The craziness ends here (Jul. 6, 2007)
- Howard McGee is axed at WGCI and Tom Joyner may be on his way out at WVAZ.
National Bingo Night to return? WTF? (Jul. 8, 2007)
- Ratings don't mean anything anymore. Do they? (If not, then cancel American Idol.)
What was she thinking? (Jul. 10, 2007)
- Amy Jacobson wasn't thinking. Neither was Channel 2. And Chicago journalism jumps the shark yet again.
Local media blows it again (Jul. 15, 2007)
- Another in our "blows it again" series...
Tom Snyder tributes (Jul. 31, 2007)
- A look back at the career of Tom Snyder.
The Viewer Alienation Plan (Aug. 8, 2007)
- Mostly applies to Channel 2, but you can slap that label to all TV news operations in town. Who watches this crap anymore?
Merv Griffin dies (Aug. 12, 2007)
- A true class act passes.
Twista fires back at Pflager (Aug. 15, 2007)
- And Chicago media hits yet another low point.
Get out of town, Harvey (Aug. 16, 2007)
- And Chicago media hits yet another low point. Did I just say that?
Is the off-network sitcom dead? (Aug. 20, 2007)
- Yes.
Nine FM's not an alternative (Sept. 1, 2007)
- And perhaps that's why the station has no ratings or no advertising.
Another Chicago message board shut (Sept. 6, 2007)
- Even Charlie Brown thought this post was a snooze...
The Cutout Classics:
- A Think Tank on Grey's Anatomy and the WWE called Blew the Limo, Capsized the Ferry, was posted on June 25 and pulled hours later after news on Chris Benoit and his family's death became public. The Think Tank was never reposted.
- A post about Joel Hollander destroying CBS Radio was deleted after I criticized Felicia Middlebrooks and somebody in the comments section roasted yours truly on it (my response was too awkward and decided just to blow the post up)
- A post on the Blackhawks was deleted because it contained too much salty language.
- A comment left on the B96 Summer Bash post was cut after the poster ripped yours truly and I told her where to go. To Philadelphia.
The season in review, Part I
As we prepare to open season two of The T Dog Media Blog, let's take a look back at past posts from the first season, in two parts. Here is part one:
Welcome! (Sept. 18, 2006)
- We broke down and added Radio-Info to the sidebar, because it is a good source of radio and TV news - despite the nutballs that appear on the site. Couldn't find JamesMeeks.com, nor plan to.
- Yes, this blog is still a work in progress, and According to Jim is still around.
Deporable! (Oct. 6, 2006)
- A forerunner to The Think Tanks I would later write, I blasted WLUP management for firing Cara Carrievau because she blasted the radio business. Some people I guess don't like brutal honesty.
Google buys YouTube (Oct. 9, 2006)
- And the free ride ends...
No cable required (Oct. 26, 2006)
- Law & Order: CI is sold into broadcast syndication and I explain why stations typically shun off-network hours as daily strips.
Next thing you know... (Nov. 1, 2006)
- The first time I criticized the Parents Television Council, but referred to them as "Prick Tofu" and a word that will get you punched out by a female. Whoops. Quickly changed it to "Crud".
Ladies and Gentlemen: Your Canadiates for Governor (Nov. 3, 2006)
- And I still say we would have been better off than who we have in there now.
... and don't hit your ass out the door (Nov. 7, 2006)
- And the odd thing about it, Federline would land a gig on One Tree Hill. Man, Hollywood sucks (and yes, I was wrong on #6 and #7. But not on #8.)
The 2006 T Dog Blog Turkey Awards (Nov. 22, 2006)
- Classic.
NHL, Hawks, Broadcasters need to get with program (Nov. 28, 2006)
- The first T Dog Media Blog Think Tank.
Second Chances (Dec. 20, 2006)
- Read this and you can see why I did not include this in the groupings of other Think Tank posts on the sidebar. Not my best piece of work...
The Toilet Bowl 10, The Excellent 10 (Dec. 2006)
- The picks for best and worst of 2006 (as yes, Grey's Anatomy received an honorable mention from me. That is, until...)
Radio industry blows it again (Jan. 28, 2007)
- The "blows it again" phrase is commonly used around here...
Time's up, quack. Now get the hell off the stage. (Feb. 4, 2007)
- Dr. Keith Albow's show gets canned. Dr. Phil he wasn't.
Picture of the day (Feb. 12, 2007)
- The First Annual John Deere Tractor parade over the Eisenhower.
Idiot Fest 2007 (Feb. 13, 2007)
- It's about Donald Trump and wrestling, what else? (and yes, I swore here...)
Celebrity Comedian Smackdown (Feb. 15, 2007)
- Mr. UFC, Joe Rogan vs. Carlos Mencia (and yes, the link still works!)
It's official: Grey's Anatomy jumps the shark (Feb. 24, 2007)
- And the critics loved it! Credibility hit No. 1...
WFLD to launch 10 p.m. newscast (March 7, 2007)
- I explained why WFLD and other stations are expanding their newscasts (and yes, WGN did begin airing Family Guy at 10.)
No, we did not all turn gay (Mar. 14, 2007)
-The first (and only) T Dog Blog After Dark post explains further why guy's media choices are different than the gals...
You're on the clock (Mar. 30, 2007)
-Most inane idea we've ever tried at the blog. Talk about almost jumping the shark...
More coming up in Part Two!
Welcome! (Sept. 18, 2006)
- We broke down and added Radio-Info to the sidebar, because it is a good source of radio and TV news - despite the nutballs that appear on the site. Couldn't find JamesMeeks.com, nor plan to.
- Yes, this blog is still a work in progress, and According to Jim is still around.
Deporable! (Oct. 6, 2006)
- A forerunner to The Think Tanks I would later write, I blasted WLUP management for firing Cara Carrievau because she blasted the radio business. Some people I guess don't like brutal honesty.
Google buys YouTube (Oct. 9, 2006)
- And the free ride ends...
No cable required (Oct. 26, 2006)
- Law & Order: CI is sold into broadcast syndication and I explain why stations typically shun off-network hours as daily strips.
Next thing you know... (Nov. 1, 2006)
- The first time I criticized the Parents Television Council, but referred to them as "Prick Tofu" and a word that will get you punched out by a female. Whoops. Quickly changed it to "Crud".
Ladies and Gentlemen: Your Canadiates for Governor (Nov. 3, 2006)
- And I still say we would have been better off than who we have in there now.
... and don't hit your ass out the door (Nov. 7, 2006)
- And the odd thing about it, Federline would land a gig on One Tree Hill. Man, Hollywood sucks (and yes, I was wrong on #6 and #7. But not on #8.)
The 2006 T Dog Blog Turkey Awards (Nov. 22, 2006)
- Classic.
NHL, Hawks, Broadcasters need to get with program (Nov. 28, 2006)
- The first T Dog Media Blog Think Tank.
Second Chances (Dec. 20, 2006)
- Read this and you can see why I did not include this in the groupings of other Think Tank posts on the sidebar. Not my best piece of work...
The Toilet Bowl 10, The Excellent 10 (Dec. 2006)
- The picks for best and worst of 2006 (as yes, Grey's Anatomy received an honorable mention from me. That is, until...)
Radio industry blows it again (Jan. 28, 2007)
- The "blows it again" phrase is commonly used around here...
Time's up, quack. Now get the hell off the stage. (Feb. 4, 2007)
- Dr. Keith Albow's show gets canned. Dr. Phil he wasn't.
Picture of the day (Feb. 12, 2007)
- The First Annual John Deere Tractor parade over the Eisenhower.
Idiot Fest 2007 (Feb. 13, 2007)
- It's about Donald Trump and wrestling, what else? (and yes, I swore here...)
Celebrity Comedian Smackdown (Feb. 15, 2007)
- Mr. UFC, Joe Rogan vs. Carlos Mencia (and yes, the link still works!)
It's official: Grey's Anatomy jumps the shark (Feb. 24, 2007)
- And the critics loved it! Credibility hit No. 1...
WFLD to launch 10 p.m. newscast (March 7, 2007)
- I explained why WFLD and other stations are expanding their newscasts (and yes, WGN did begin airing Family Guy at 10.)
No, we did not all turn gay (Mar. 14, 2007)
-The first (and only) T Dog Blog After Dark post explains further why guy's media choices are different than the gals...
You're on the clock (Mar. 30, 2007)
-Most inane idea we've ever tried at the blog. Talk about almost jumping the shark...
More coming up in Part Two!
And remember, death is not an option...
Borrowing a line from Steve Rosenbloom's blog... Tonight's Emmys or Chargers-Patriots? Both right now make you seem thankful for 500 channels...
How to make it on a 1.0
How do you make money on a syndicated show that averages a 1.0 rating? Find new revenue streams, an interactive element (like home shopping), and a tried-and true format (like game shows and courtroom shows.)
The 1.0 rating cutoff for syndicated fare is quite low - in 2002, Pyramid was dropped with a 1.9. The bar was even higher way back in 1986, when the nighttime version of The Price is Right (with Tom Kennedy) went off the air with a 6.0 rating.
This comes as open time slots are harder to come by, thanks to the hold established shows have in the marketplace, not to mention the continuing expansion of local news in many markets (despite reports that some stations are giving up on 5 p.m. newscasts - they are just switching them to 7 p.m. - an ouch for syndicators.)
The 1.0 rating cutoff for syndicated fare is quite low - in 2002, Pyramid was dropped with a 1.9. The bar was even higher way back in 1986, when the nighttime version of The Price is Right (with Tom Kennedy) went off the air with a 6.0 rating.
This comes as open time slots are harder to come by, thanks to the hold established shows have in the marketplace, not to mention the continuing expansion of local news in many markets (despite reports that some stations are giving up on 5 p.m. newscasts - they are just switching them to 7 p.m. - an ouch for syndicators.)
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Critics have their say on the new fall shows
The nation's TV critics were polled, and they nominated Pushing Daises as their click to pick, while they pegged Cavemen as their pick to make them sick.
Friday, September 14, 2007
FCC waives rules for Decatur duopoly
The FCC has waived a duopoly rule in the Springfield-Decatur-Champaign market, allowing Gocom Media, owner of Fox affiliate WRSP-TV in Springfield, to buy CW affiliate WBUI-TV from Acme Communications in nearby Decatur.
One of the reasons for the waiver is because WBUI is a failing station in danger of going dark and a money loser, and the FCC generally makes those exemptions in this case. The FCC prevents duopolies in markets where allowing a owner to own two stations would not leave the market with eight independently owned stations in a market.
One of the reasons for the waiver is because WBUI is a failing station in danger of going dark and a money loser, and the FCC generally makes those exemptions in this case. The FCC prevents duopolies in markets where allowing a owner to own two stations would not leave the market with eight independently owned stations in a market.
TMZ on TV gets bad reviews
No surprise there, from the Chicago Tribune (is Steve Johnson an Internet critic or a TV critic this week?) and the Boston Globe. The TV version of TMZ is pretty much like a sitcom. And like most of today's sitcoms, the show isn't funny or entertaining.
"Family Guy" comes to town this weekend
Family Guy and American Dad creator Seth McFarlane, who is doing Family Guy Live at the Chicago Theater tomorrow night, is interviewed by both the Tribune and Sun-Times and talks about Family Guy (of course), the FCC, and South Park's recent zing (in "Cartoon Wars") at his show, and comparisons to The Simpsons.
Family Guy Live! is playing at the Chicago Theater for one night only with two shows - one at 7 and the other at 10. The cast features Alex Borstein (who grew up in Chicago), Seth Green, Mila Kunis, Mike Henry, and of course, Seth McFarlane.
-The season premiere of Family Guy is at 8 p.m. (CT) Sept. 23 on Fox (Tivo and VCR alert: The Bears are playing at the same time.)
-Family Guy also started its off-network run this week in syndication. The show runs Monday-Saturday at 6:30 and Sunday-Friday at 10 on WGN-TV.
-Family Guy: Volume 5 comes out this Tuesday on DVD.
-And yes, you can still catch Family Guy on cable on Adult Swim and TBS. Check your local listings for times as they do vary.
-Unfamiliar with Family Guy? The Tribune has a cliff notes' version.
WJBK, WDIV duke it out on Web
In this corner, it's Fox-owned WJBK-TV - in the other corner, it's Post-Newsweek's NBC affiliate WDIV - and they are boxing to see who will come out on top in the ultimate battle to become Detroit's ultimate website champion... (don't count out the spoiler, either - ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV.)
Both stations are upping the ante, including streaming their newscasts (WDIV streams its noon and 4 p.m. newscasts on the Web already, while WJBK plans to stream all of its newscasts online beginning with the debut of its 11 p.m. newscast on Sept. 24)
WJBK usually leads in the mornings, with WXYZ leading at 5 p.m. and WDIV leading at 11 p.m. The 6 p.m. race is a tight one with WDIV and WXYZ often in a very close race. CBS-owned WWJ-TV (say it with me, everybody) does not do news.
With her, You - Can - Go - All - The - Way!
Sun-Times relationship expert Laura Berman is joining B96's Eddie & JoBo & Erica morning show (scroll down) every Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. to dispense advice (just be thankful it's Laura Berman doing this and not Chris Berman.)
Also on the contemporary-radio beat, a new night guy has landed at KISS (WKSC-FM) - Billy Hammond has landed the late night 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. shift at the Clear Channel station. Hammond's career included stints at sister station WHTZ-FM (Z100) in New York and Sirius Satellite Radio.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
New season in syndication: Day 3
For the three day-averages of the new first-run and off-network series in syndication, click here.
TMZ continues to lead the rookies in day three, but continues to be down from lead-in and year-ago time period.
Another new off-network show to tell you about, Reno 911!, averaged a 0.6/2, down 25 percent from year-ago time slots and lead-in (time periods are mostly in late fringe.)
And Media Life profiles Steve Wilkos in an article today (Oddville: it seems Wilkos tapes on the same set Jerry Springer does. Both shows are on against each other at 2 p.m. in Chicago.)
TMZ continues to lead the rookies in day three, but continues to be down from lead-in and year-ago time period.
Another new off-network show to tell you about, Reno 911!, averaged a 0.6/2, down 25 percent from year-ago time slots and lead-in (time periods are mostly in late fringe.)
And Media Life profiles Steve Wilkos in an article today (Oddville: it seems Wilkos tapes on the same set Jerry Springer does. Both shows are on against each other at 2 p.m. in Chicago.)
The incredibly shrinking Chicago Reader
The Chicago Reader, sold recently to Tampa-based Creative Loafing, is cutting the size of its free alternative weekly - and cutting back staff as well - they are asking its drivers to become independent contractors. This comes as the newspaper industry continues to struggle with declining revenues thanks to the move of classified ads to the internet portals like Craigslist, not to mention increased competition from Chicago Tribune's free RedEye and Time Out Chicago.
The printing of the paper is also changing presses from Chicago's Newsweb Corp. to the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel.
The printing of the paper is also changing presses from Chicago's Newsweb Corp. to the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel.
Poll: Americans hate TV more than ever
Man, if you thought radio was a dying medium... according to an AP poll, television is even more so.
Not only that, just 7 percent of respondents could name at least one new fall show.
I can hear the Prick Tofu Crud popping Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice corks now....
Not only that, just 7 percent of respondents could name at least one new fall show.
I can hear the Prick Tofu Crud popping Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice corks now....
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
VMAs draws 7.1 million
Up 23 percent from last year. At least we know now that Britney Spears' performance had a lot in common with the Bears' and Browns' performances on the same day - you know, that aroma you smell when somebody passes gas.
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