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AP Planning Massive Celebrity Coverage (Deadline Hollywood Daily)
Nikki Finke: At a time when major media organizations are cutting back on the most vital news coverage, how discomforting to know that some are increasing their celebrity reporting instead. I've learned that the venerable Associated Press is pouring major dollars into beefing up its already huge entertainment coverage by hiring an additional 21 new employees in 2008 spread across Los Angeles, New York, and London.

Gibson, Stephanopoulos to Moderate ABC News Democratic Debate (B&C)
World News anchor Charles Gibson and This Week's George Stephanopoulos will moderate ABC News' second prime-time debate, the network announced Thursday. Co-sponsored by Philadelphia's ABC station, WPVI-TV, the 90-minute debate will take place Wednesday, April 16 at 8 p.m. from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

China Sidesteps Internet Criticism (Guardian)
A senior Chinese government official has said that he welcomes closer international ties to develop the country's burgeoning digital media sector, but also delivered a stark warning to foreigners not to use "Internet issues" to meddle in China's "internal affairs."

Print Reviews Less of a Sure Thing for Small Films (Hollywood Reporter via Reuters)
An increasing number of films aren't getting reviewed in key U.S. outlets, damaging their slim chances at the box office. If the trend continues, it could make it even more difficult for smaller independent films to secure a release. Reviews from established media outlets are the only reason many low-budget films make it to theaters today. But as more and more indie films have flooded the market, they are overwhelming critics.

Cosmo to Launch Bikini-Clad August Issue (Mediaweek)
Cosmopolitan is planning the mother of all bikini shoots that'll expose more than just women's bodies. The Hearst title plans to assemble 1,200 bathing beauties at Miami's Nikki Beach April 18 and take an aerial shot of them spelling out "Cosmo" that will run as a four-page spread in the August issue. The magazine was inspired by a similar stunt by its Australian edition in 2007.

Consumer Magazine Ad Share Up Slightly (Folio:)
The consumer magazine segment saw the highest increase in advertising revenue share of non-digital media categories in 2007, according to TNS Media Intelligence. In 2007, consumer magazine ad share reached nearly 18.5 percent, up only slightly from 17.5 percent in 2006. U.S. Internet online display advertising (not including search) also saw a share growth of one point.

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