DHD is reporting that the FCC is looking more closely into the Comcast takeover of NBCU. A bump for Comcast/GE/NBCU. Link:
http://www.deadline.com/2010/04/finally-big-media-oversight-fcc-stops-clock-on-comcastgenbcu-deal-review/#more-32777
FINALLY, BIG MEDIA OVERSIGHT! FCC Stops Clock On Comcast/GE/NBCU Review
By Nikki Finke Friday April 16, 2010 @ 3:31pm PDT
Forget that May 3rd deadline for comments. The Federal Communications Commission is stopping its 6-month clock to have more time to review the Comcast/GE/NBCU deal. Specifically, the FCC is demanding that Comcast file two economic reports which the FCC's staff says it needs. The FCC filing says one report is on the "claimed benefits of the transaction", while the other addresses "the potential impacts of the transaction on online video distribution."
The FCC also said it is extending the May 3rd deadline for comments on the deal because of the lack of more info. Now all parties pro and con will have more time to state their positions. "The commission has a strong interest in ensuring a full and complete record, and we believe this action will ensure that all parties will have sufficient time to review and comment on the applications, including these supplemental materials, and will ultimately contribute to the efficient and expeditious review of the proposed transaction," the FCC stated.
This delay could possibly wreck Comcast's and GE's hoped-for timetable of getting the federal regulatory review done by end of 2010. But I say, Hurrah! Because, finally, the FCC is now under Democratic control and demonstrating it is intent on truly scrutinizing these Big Media mergers and acquisitions after a decade of Republican leadership which never met a Big Media conglomeration deal it didn't like.
Immediately, Comcast issued this groveling (and meaningless) statement: "We look forward to working with the Commission to submit the additional information they’ve requested. We know they want to conduct a thorough and expeditious review of this transaction and we’ll be submitting these reports as soon as possible. We understand and agree in this case with the Commission’s desire to have a full comment period on key documents submitted by the applicants.”
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Of Disney, Miramax and Weinsteins...
Here's the latest from the LA Times about the Weinsteins trying to buy back control of Miramax from Disney. Disney balked at the idea at first, but then realized that the Weinstein's money is as good as anyone else's. (Now, if only Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne can figure a way to wrestle New Line back from Time Warner. Yeah, right.)
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/04/exclusive-negotiations-between-the-walt-disney-co-and-bob-and-harvey-weinstein-who-are-backed-by-the-supermarket-magnate-ro.html
Miramax talks expected to extend through the weekend [Updated]
April 16, 2010 | 4:50 pm
Exclusive negotiations between the Walt Disney Co. and Bob and Harvey Weinstein, who are backed by supermarket magnate Ron Burkle, over the potential acquisition of Miramax Films are expected to stretch through the weekend, people with knowledge of the discussions said.
Meanwhile, competing bidders Alec and Tom Gores are awaiting the outcome and keeping their bid on the table for the moment, according to a person familiar with the situation. A third bid, from an offshore corporation being advised by beleaguered financier David Bergstein, also remains in the wings.
Disney hopes to wrap up a deal with the Weinsteins by next week, said a person close to the situation. Although the Weinsteins, who founded Miramax in 1979 and sold it to Disney in 1993, remain highly motivated to win back the specialty label, the negotiations still could break down.
Even though there's pressure to sweeten the deal, a person close to Burkle says the investor won't overpay for the asset. Burkle, who brings the money to the contemplated purchase through his investment firm, the Yucaipa Companies, doesn't have the same emotional attachment to Miramax as do the Weinstein brothers, said one person who knows him. To Burkle, it's an investment that is expected to generate a good return, and not, as it is for the Weinsteins, a bid to reclaim the company.
The Burkle-led bid, which was $600 million for the 600-film library, however, is expected to rise to $625 million with the addition of Miramax's remaining unreleased films, which include the animated "Gnomeo and Juliet" and "The Switch," a romantic comedy starring Jennifer Aniston about a 40-year-old woman who uses a turkey baster to become pregnant.
Updated 6 p.m.: A person familiar with the deal said some, but not all, of the unreleased films will be included in the sale.
Under the arrangement being discussed, Miramax's new owners would pay the marketing and distribution costs of releasing the movies and stand to reap most of the box-office revenue -- after paying Disney a 10% distribution fee.
-- Dawn C. Chmielewski and Claudia Eller
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/04/exclusive-negotiations-between-the-walt-disney-co-and-bob-and-harvey-weinstein-who-are-backed-by-the-supermarket-magnate-ro.html
Miramax talks expected to extend through the weekend [Updated]
April 16, 2010 | 4:50 pm
Exclusive negotiations between the Walt Disney Co. and Bob and Harvey Weinstein, who are backed by supermarket magnate Ron Burkle, over the potential acquisition of Miramax Films are expected to stretch through the weekend, people with knowledge of the discussions said.
Meanwhile, competing bidders Alec and Tom Gores are awaiting the outcome and keeping their bid on the table for the moment, according to a person familiar with the situation. A third bid, from an offshore corporation being advised by beleaguered financier David Bergstein, also remains in the wings.
Disney hopes to wrap up a deal with the Weinsteins by next week, said a person close to the situation. Although the Weinsteins, who founded Miramax in 1979 and sold it to Disney in 1993, remain highly motivated to win back the specialty label, the negotiations still could break down.
Even though there's pressure to sweeten the deal, a person close to Burkle says the investor won't overpay for the asset. Burkle, who brings the money to the contemplated purchase through his investment firm, the Yucaipa Companies, doesn't have the same emotional attachment to Miramax as do the Weinstein brothers, said one person who knows him. To Burkle, it's an investment that is expected to generate a good return, and not, as it is for the Weinsteins, a bid to reclaim the company.
The Burkle-led bid, which was $600 million for the 600-film library, however, is expected to rise to $625 million with the addition of Miramax's remaining unreleased films, which include the animated "Gnomeo and Juliet" and "The Switch," a romantic comedy starring Jennifer Aniston about a 40-year-old woman who uses a turkey baster to become pregnant.
Updated 6 p.m.: A person familiar with the deal said some, but not all, of the unreleased films will be included in the sale.
Under the arrangement being discussed, Miramax's new owners would pay the marketing and distribution costs of releasing the movies and stand to reap most of the box-office revenue -- after paying Disney a 10% distribution fee.
-- Dawn C. Chmielewski and Claudia Eller
Monday, April 12, 2010
Conan Goes to TBS!
Sure, it's reported everywhere that Conan O'Brien is going to TBS. But DHD has the best info. As for me, I'm quite surprised that FOX didn't get this done. I guess old Ruppert just doesn't appreciate liberal humor. It's a big coup for Time Warner. Here is the link to DHD:
http://www.deadline.com/2010/04/conan-obrien-makes-tbs-deal/
http://www.deadline.com/2010/04/conan-obrien-makes-tbs-deal/
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Rainbow Media To Use RSG's Rights-Management System
Here is an article near and dear to my heart from Multichannel News. It talks about Rainbow Media's deal to use RSG's Rights Management software. Contract accounting takes a big leap forward.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/451251-Rainbow_To_Use_RSG_s_Rights_Management_System.php
Rainbow To Use RSG's Rights-Management System
By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, April 9, 2010
Cablevision Systems' Rainbow Media Holdings has signed a multiyear deal to use RSG Media Systems' RightsLogic Program Planning & Scheduling and RightsLogic Acquisitions Finance software applications.
Financial terms weren't disclosed. Under the agreement, RSG is deploying the software for Rainbow Media to search its asset library, create programming grids and scenarios across multiple platforms, and validate rights availability for content it plans to broadcast.
RSG also is implementing its RightsLogic Acquisitions Finance software to help the programmer manage content-licensing deals. That application will allow Rainbow to monitor licensing deals as they are signed or amended, as well as create and adjust amortization and payment schedules, budget forecasting and track backend participation obligations.
"RSG's new RightsLogic apps will eliminate the need for time consuming manual updates and tracking of broadcaster's licensing deals and programming schedules," RSG Media CEO Mukesh Sehgal said in a statement. "With the implementation of these applications, we look forward to supporting Rainbow Media as they as they continue to grow their licensing business."
New York-based RSG Media's other customers include Discovery Communications and Viacom's MTV Networks.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/451251-Rainbow_To_Use_RSG_s_Rights_Management_System.php
Rainbow To Use RSG's Rights-Management System
By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, April 9, 2010
Cablevision Systems' Rainbow Media Holdings has signed a multiyear deal to use RSG Media Systems' RightsLogic Program Planning & Scheduling and RightsLogic Acquisitions Finance software applications.
Financial terms weren't disclosed. Under the agreement, RSG is deploying the software for Rainbow Media to search its asset library, create programming grids and scenarios across multiple platforms, and validate rights availability for content it plans to broadcast.
RSG also is implementing its RightsLogic Acquisitions Finance software to help the programmer manage content-licensing deals. That application will allow Rainbow to monitor licensing deals as they are signed or amended, as well as create and adjust amortization and payment schedules, budget forecasting and track backend participation obligations.
"RSG's new RightsLogic apps will eliminate the need for time consuming manual updates and tracking of broadcaster's licensing deals and programming schedules," RSG Media CEO Mukesh Sehgal said in a statement. "With the implementation of these applications, we look forward to supporting Rainbow Media as they as they continue to grow their licensing business."
New York-based RSG Media's other customers include Discovery Communications and Viacom's MTV Networks.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Sapan: Network Fees Should Be Pegged To Exclusivity
http://www.multichannel.com/article/450939-Sapan_Network_Fees_Should_Be_Pegged_To_Exclusivity.php
From Multichannel News:
Sapan: Network Fees Should Be Pegged To Exclusivity
'Video Value Index' Would Penalize Programmers Making Content Free On The Web
by MCN Staff -- Multichannel News, April 1, 2010
Network license fees should be based partly on how much content a programmer keeps exclusive to multichannel video providers, Rainbow Media Holdings CEO Joshua Sapan contends in an opinion piece in the current Multichannel News.
John Sapan of Rainbow MediaSapan, whose programming company (with networks AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and WE TV) is owned by a big multichannel video provider (Cablevision Systems), proposes a "Video Value Index." A subscriber fee would be adjusted up or down based on how much over-the-top content a network offers, he writes in the piece.
AMC, he notes, does not offer full episodes of popular series Mad Men and Breaking Bad free on the Internet.
From Multichannel News:
Sapan: Network Fees Should Be Pegged To Exclusivity
'Video Value Index' Would Penalize Programmers Making Content Free On The Web
by MCN Staff -- Multichannel News, April 1, 2010
Network license fees should be based partly on how much content a programmer keeps exclusive to multichannel video providers, Rainbow Media Holdings CEO Joshua Sapan contends in an opinion piece in the current Multichannel News.
John Sapan of Rainbow MediaSapan, whose programming company (with networks AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and WE TV) is owned by a big multichannel video provider (Cablevision Systems), proposes a "Video Value Index." A subscriber fee would be adjusted up or down based on how much over-the-top content a network offers, he writes in the piece.
AMC, he notes, does not offer full episodes of popular series Mad Men and Breaking Bad free on the Internet.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Time Runs Out on Jack Bauer and '24'
From The Wrap:
Time Runs Out on Jack Bauer and '24'
It's really over: "24" will end its eight-season run on Fox this May.
Following weeks of speculation, the network and showrunner Howard Gordon Friday confirmed that time's really up for Kiefer Sutherland's Jack Bauer -- at least on the small screen. The final two-hour episode will air May 24, Gordon said.
"We entertained creatively what a ninth season would look like, and frankly we came to the conclusion that the story had run its course in the 24-hour, real-time framework," Gordon told TheWrap.
But, as has been reported, Jack may be back -- on the big screen. Gordon confirmed that a feature film -- "a more modest framework," he calls it -- is in development and that Sutherland is on board to star.
Fox's feature arm hasn't made a decision yet on when, or even whether, to proceed, however.
TheWrap and other outlets reported March 9 that "24" had been essentially canceled. There had been some talk about a shift to another network, but that's not happening (at least not now).
Other tidbits from TVMoJoe's chat with Gordon:
-- Bauer won't die in the finale. Probably.
"We really explored the full spectrum (of possible endings), from Jack's demise to a happy ending," he said. "But those seemed reductive. Jack will probably survive."
Probably.
-- Does the finale set up where producers would like to see the movie go? "I don't know that it sets up the movie, but it set up where the movie likely begins," he said.
-- "The movie won't be a prequel," Gordon said.
-- If there is a movie, "I'd hope it would happen sooner rather than later," he said. "And I think that's Keifer's feeling, too." But, he added, "That's so above my pay grade."
-- Producers have been approaching this season as a likely series-ender for months, allowing them the chance to outline story arcs "that are riskier than we've done before. The last quarter of the season goes to places we wouldn't have dared go before."
Like maybe the bathroom? (Sorry, we couldn't resist).
-- The final call to end the show came just days ago, when Sutherland and Gordon, along with Fox Entertainment chiefs Kevin Reilly and Peter Rice met in Sutherland's trailer (along with studio reps) and discussed matters. "Our decision was in synch with what FBC wanted. Everyone has their own agenda, but from our point of view, the story was done," Gordon said.
-- Gordon says his highlight on eight seasons of "24" is happening right now, by shaping the show's finale. "There's always been this incredible, 'I dare you to fail' context to this show, but this is the moment I've been waiting for," he said. "You can't underestimate the sense of completion."
-- Series creators Joel Surnow and Bob Cochran are no long involved in running "24," but Gordon said he has briefed them "on the broad outlines" of how the series will end.
Source URL: http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/times-jack-bauer-and-24-15726
Time Runs Out on Jack Bauer and '24'
It's really over: "24" will end its eight-season run on Fox this May.
Following weeks of speculation, the network and showrunner Howard Gordon Friday confirmed that time's really up for Kiefer Sutherland's Jack Bauer -- at least on the small screen. The final two-hour episode will air May 24, Gordon said.
"We entertained creatively what a ninth season would look like, and frankly we came to the conclusion that the story had run its course in the 24-hour, real-time framework," Gordon told TheWrap.
But, as has been reported, Jack may be back -- on the big screen. Gordon confirmed that a feature film -- "a more modest framework," he calls it -- is in development and that Sutherland is on board to star.
Fox's feature arm hasn't made a decision yet on when, or even whether, to proceed, however.
TheWrap and other outlets reported March 9 that "24" had been essentially canceled. There had been some talk about a shift to another network, but that's not happening (at least not now).
Other tidbits from TVMoJoe's chat with Gordon:
-- Bauer won't die in the finale. Probably.
"We really explored the full spectrum (of possible endings), from Jack's demise to a happy ending," he said. "But those seemed reductive. Jack will probably survive."
Probably.
-- Does the finale set up where producers would like to see the movie go? "I don't know that it sets up the movie, but it set up where the movie likely begins," he said.
-- "The movie won't be a prequel," Gordon said.
-- If there is a movie, "I'd hope it would happen sooner rather than later," he said. "And I think that's Keifer's feeling, too." But, he added, "That's so above my pay grade."
-- Producers have been approaching this season as a likely series-ender for months, allowing them the chance to outline story arcs "that are riskier than we've done before. The last quarter of the season goes to places we wouldn't have dared go before."
Like maybe the bathroom? (Sorry, we couldn't resist).
-- The final call to end the show came just days ago, when Sutherland and Gordon, along with Fox Entertainment chiefs Kevin Reilly and Peter Rice met in Sutherland's trailer (along with studio reps) and discussed matters. "Our decision was in synch with what FBC wanted. Everyone has their own agenda, but from our point of view, the story was done," Gordon said.
-- Gordon says his highlight on eight seasons of "24" is happening right now, by shaping the show's finale. "There's always been this incredible, 'I dare you to fail' context to this show, but this is the moment I've been waiting for," he said. "You can't underestimate the sense of completion."
-- Series creators Joel Surnow and Bob Cochran are no long involved in running "24," but Gordon said he has briefed them "on the broad outlines" of how the series will end.
Source URL: http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/times-jack-bauer-and-24-15726
Monday, March 22, 2010
NBC Says "No" to Conan Idol Appearance
From Broadcasting and Cable:
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/450454-NBC_Nixes_Conan_Give_Back_With_Idol_.php
NBC Nixes Conan ‘Give Back’ With ‘Idol’
Peacock refuses to let O'Brien appear on Idol Gives Back as the former Tonight Show host finalizes deal to join Fox
By Marisa Guthrie -- Broadcasting & Cable, March 22, 2010
Conan O’Brien’s presumed debut on Fox will have to wait until the fall after all, following NBC’s refusal to allow the late-night host to appear on Fox’s Idol Gives Back.
Executives at Idol producer Fremantle Media approached NBC, seeking permission to have O’Brien appear on Idol’s April 21 annual charity broadcast, according to multiple sources. The entreaty was rejected by NBC, which negotiated a $32 million separation agreement with O’Brien that keeps him off television until Sept. 1. NBC would not comment.
And this fall is when O’Brien is expected to join Fox full time, according to sources with knowledge of network and affiliate plans. The network hopes to make the announcement with O’Brien at its May 17 upfront presentation in New York. Fox declined comment.
O’Brien is also prohibited from saying anything that a “reasonable person” would find disparaging of NBC until Sept. 1. But he could appear onstage at the Fox upfront.
On April 12, O’Brien will hit the road for his “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour.” There is no tour date on his schedule on May 17, the day of the Fox upfront presentation. He’s scheduled to be in Kansas City on May 16 and Minneapolis on May 18.
O’Brien’s representatives have also been shopping for studio space and are said to be keen on his old Tonight Show studio on the Universal lot, which cost $50 million to build and is only useful for variety programs with a studio audience. But NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker has not yet decided whether he will rent the space to O’Brien, who reveled in sticking it to NBCU executives during his final weeks on The Tonight Show.
Fox has not cleared an O’Brien program with affi liates, and many of them have been lukewarm to the idea since they have lucrative syndicated fare or local news in place in late night. The Fox affiliate board is scheduled to meet on April 13 in Las Vegas.
Some affiliate group heads say they would keep syndicated sitcoms in place at 11 p.m. and push O’Brien to midnight. (Ironically, it was NBC’s proposal to push The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien to 12:05 a.m. that prompted him to bolt the network.)
Numerous affiliates say they have not been approached by Fox about its plans for O’Brien. “We haven’t heard a thing from the network,” says a general manager at a leading Fox affiliate. “All we know is what we read in the trades.”
While O’Brien to Fox was considered inevitable by many, that didn’t stop multiple suitors from making proposals, including syndicators CBS and Debmar-Mercury.
Fox has tried numerous times to mount a late-night franchise, where even moderate success can yield many millions in ad dollars, despite the daypart showing some vulnerability in recent years.
CBS’ Late Show With David Letterman brought in $271 million in ad revenue for 2009, according to data compiled by Advertising Age. The Tonight Show reaped $175.6 million, and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live took in $138.1 million.
For Fox, a successful, long-running late-night franchise would be the final piece in its programming oeuvre, and could raise the top-rated network’s leverage during upcoming retransmission consent negotiations.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/450454-NBC_Nixes_Conan_Give_Back_With_Idol_.php
NBC Nixes Conan ‘Give Back’ With ‘Idol’
Peacock refuses to let O'Brien appear on Idol Gives Back as the former Tonight Show host finalizes deal to join Fox
By Marisa Guthrie -- Broadcasting & Cable, March 22, 2010
Conan O’Brien’s presumed debut on Fox will have to wait until the fall after all, following NBC’s refusal to allow the late-night host to appear on Fox’s Idol Gives Back.
Executives at Idol producer Fremantle Media approached NBC, seeking permission to have O’Brien appear on Idol’s April 21 annual charity broadcast, according to multiple sources. The entreaty was rejected by NBC, which negotiated a $32 million separation agreement with O’Brien that keeps him off television until Sept. 1. NBC would not comment.
And this fall is when O’Brien is expected to join Fox full time, according to sources with knowledge of network and affiliate plans. The network hopes to make the announcement with O’Brien at its May 17 upfront presentation in New York. Fox declined comment.
O’Brien is also prohibited from saying anything that a “reasonable person” would find disparaging of NBC until Sept. 1. But he could appear onstage at the Fox upfront.
On April 12, O’Brien will hit the road for his “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour.” There is no tour date on his schedule on May 17, the day of the Fox upfront presentation. He’s scheduled to be in Kansas City on May 16 and Minneapolis on May 18.
O’Brien’s representatives have also been shopping for studio space and are said to be keen on his old Tonight Show studio on the Universal lot, which cost $50 million to build and is only useful for variety programs with a studio audience. But NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker has not yet decided whether he will rent the space to O’Brien, who reveled in sticking it to NBCU executives during his final weeks on The Tonight Show.
Fox has not cleared an O’Brien program with affi liates, and many of them have been lukewarm to the idea since they have lucrative syndicated fare or local news in place in late night. The Fox affiliate board is scheduled to meet on April 13 in Las Vegas.
Some affiliate group heads say they would keep syndicated sitcoms in place at 11 p.m. and push O’Brien to midnight. (Ironically, it was NBC’s proposal to push The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien to 12:05 a.m. that prompted him to bolt the network.)
Numerous affiliates say they have not been approached by Fox about its plans for O’Brien. “We haven’t heard a thing from the network,” says a general manager at a leading Fox affiliate. “All we know is what we read in the trades.”
While O’Brien to Fox was considered inevitable by many, that didn’t stop multiple suitors from making proposals, including syndicators CBS and Debmar-Mercury.
Fox has tried numerous times to mount a late-night franchise, where even moderate success can yield many millions in ad dollars, despite the daypart showing some vulnerability in recent years.
CBS’ Late Show With David Letterman brought in $271 million in ad revenue for 2009, according to data compiled by Advertising Age. The Tonight Show reaped $175.6 million, and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live took in $138.1 million.
For Fox, a successful, long-running late-night franchise would be the final piece in its programming oeuvre, and could raise the top-rated network’s leverage during upcoming retransmission consent negotiations.
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