Media News
Thursday, Jul 13
The Morning Newsfeed: 07.13.06
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Ted Koppel Makes A Discovery About Broadcast News (WaPo)
"The marketplace is exerting a far more dangerous influence on what gets on and what doesn't get on television news programming these days than any ... fear of political repercussions or consequences," said Koppel at the summer TV press tour in Pasadena. NYDN: Koppel rallies behind Rather.
AP Threatens to Boycott Fox Over Photo Policy (AP)
The Associated Press is protesting plans by Fox to bar photographers from its news conferences at the Television Critics Association press tour and says it will not cover the events unless the network changes the policy.
A Liberal Case Against the Times' SWIFT Story (Slate)
Jacob Weisberg: Conservative claims about the media's supposed motivations in publishing both the NSA and SWIFT stories reflect only ideology and ignorance. ... but the New York Times, while acting in good faith, made the wrong call by printing the SWIFT story. CJR Daily: The New York Times is this summer's pinata, writes Gal Beckerman.
In its continuing crackdown on on-air profanity, the FCC has requested numerous tapes from broadcasters that might include vulgar remarks from unruly spectators, coaches and athletes at live sporting events.
Novak on TV: Chat With Rove Lasted 20 Seconds (AP via E&P)
Regarding former ambassador Joe Wilson's CIA-sponsored trip, syndicated columnist Robert Novak said he told White House Advisor Karl Rove, "I understand that his wife works at the CIA and she initiated the mission." The columnist said Rove replied, "Oh, you know that, too."
The Angelina Factor?: CNN to Take a Closer Look at Africa (Guardian)
CNN is to launch Eye on Africa, a new series described as a 'landmark moment' in the TV network's history. The week-long season aims to redirect the media's focus on the continent to highlight "emerging trends and the positive impact they are having on growth and development."
"This wasn't what I wanted. I wanted to stay with Rocketboom, but Andrew pushed me out of the company," says the former Rocketboom anchor. "On July 4th, he gave me an ultimatum. [He said] I could be the face of the company, not an equal partner. He fired me." FishbowlNY: After delay, Rocketboom relaunches.
Nielsen's Plan on Ad Viewing Draws Fire (LAT)
Nielsen Media Research Inc.'s plan to begin releasing data on TV commercial viewership is already stirring controversy. "We are somewhat disturbed by Nielsen's plans," said Magna Global, which oversees ad-buy agencies. "These are not commercial ratings, nor are they an acceptable surrogate."
Katie Couric Spreading Perky Goodwill Across the Nation (USAT)
In terms of massaging affiliates, where local news programs provide the all-important ratings "lead-in," as well as creating goodwill for Couric who's unfamiliar with local CBS news staffs, "you've got to be impressed with CBS' rollout" of its new anchor, network news analyst Andrew Tyndall says.
Fallen media mogul Conrad Black must account for how he affords his high-flying lifestyle, including a $9,000-a-month gardening bill. A federal judge made the demand in a Chicago court amid allegations that Black has been fibbing about his finances.
Televisa Talks to Rival Bidder for Univision (NYT)
Grupo Televisa, the Mexican broadcaster that recently lost an auction to buy Univision, met with the consortium that won the bidding and discussed the prospect of continuing its investment in Univision.
Newspaper Drops Coulter's Column (E&P)
The first newspaper to officially drop Ann Coulter's column since the latest uproar began seems to be The Gazette of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where it had appeared for about 14 months.
In order to manage costs in a soft radio ad market and adjust to an increasingly competitive media landscape, CBS Radio pink-slipped 115 of its more than 8,500 employees across its radio station group. The cuts, representing less than 2 percent of its workforce, affected positions at all levels.
Too Much Choice in News Media (Fortune)
We're leaving the watercooler era, when most of us listened, watched and read from the same relatively small pool of mostly hit content," Wired editor-in-chief Chris Anderson writes in his new book. "And we're entering the microculture era, when we are all into different things."
Pulp Friction (SF Weekly)
Ryan Blitstein: The Independent Press Association was founded to champion alternative magazines, but now its members say it has become the kind of hard-hearted corporation it once opposed.
