| March 17, 2009 | News for the cable and broadband industry |
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- Research shows Discovery Communications a cut above
New research from Thomson Reuters Ownership indicates Discovery Communications was targeted for more new hedge fund money than any other company in the last quarter in the U.S. Experts say even more factors put Discovery above other media investments: Its stock has climbed more than 20% in six months, it relies less on some of the hard-hit advertising sectors, owns national channels and has subscribers in 170 countries. Reuters
(3/16)      
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Discovery to outsource e-commerce: Discovery Communications has tapped Delivery Agent to handle all of its e-commerce operations. The shift -- in which Discovery will rely on a royalty business model, which is less risky -- includes DiscoveryStore.com as well as soon-to-launch sites TLCStore.com and AnimalPlanetStore.com. Broadcasting & Cable
(3/16), TVWeek.com
(3/16)
| Programming News | | |
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- HBO lands "Sopranos" team for new miniseries
HBO has landed David Chase and Brad Grey -- the masterminds behind "The Sopranos" -- to create a miniseries titled "Ribbon of Dreams" that will chronicle the birth and rise of the American movie industry. It's unclear, at this point, exactly how long the miniseries will be or when it will begin production. NYTimes.com
(3/16)
- Oxygen considers series with "Naughty" chef
Oxygen, according to this article, is nearing a deal to pick up a series based on saucy Dallas-based chef Blythe Beck. Sources quoted in this report say that the show, which has performed well in test screenings, would be titled "The Naughty Kitchen." The NBC Universal-owned channel said a deal had not yet been made final. Variety (subscription required)
(3/16)
| Eye on Video | | |
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- Results of media-activity study expected next week
The Council for Research Excellence next week will release what is described as "the largest and most significant observational study of media activity ever undertaken." It's expected that the results will indicate which age groups do the most media multitasking, if young viewers are abandoning traditional TV and the volume of commercial time viewers take in. Broadcasting & Cable
(3/16)
- Hulu advances its national campaign
Hulu this week will premiere another network prime-time ad, with a preview of it at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas. Following a Super Bowl ad featuring Alec Baldwin of NBC's "30 Rock" and a February ad featuring Eliza Dushku of "Dollhouse," the new spot will continue the theme of promoting Hulu as a way to watch TV shows and movies online. TVWeek.com
(3/16)
| Marketing Trends | | |
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- "Women and children first" no longer just for lifeboats
In tough times, consumers buy for children first, then mothers, pets and finally fathers, according to marketing wisdom. New ad campaigns for Pepperidge Farm Goldfish on Cartoon Network as well as J.C. Penney and State Farm on Disney Channel are indicative of the trend. NYTimes.com
(3/16)
- Univision takes its upfront show on the road
Instead of spending money on a glitzy upfront presentation, Univision Communications this year will send executives on the road hosting smaller meetings in five cities. The approach is quite different from last year, when 700 people gathered at New York's Lincoln Center, where Univision booked the cast of "In the Heights," or in 2007, when Jennifer Lopez and her husband, Marc Anthony, appeared. Advertising Age (tiered subscription model)
(3/16)
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| Association News | | |
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The 2009 Mark Awards have launched!
It's time to start putting together your 2009 Mark Awards entries. The categories, rules, "latest info" blog and entry form are all available now. Don't wait! Entry deadlines are March 24 and April 7. If you want to judge, the first round is June 9 and 10.
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Join Texas cable leaders at TexTAM
See Jamey Cootes, Houston Texans; Jerry Dow, Suddenlink; Jon Gary Herrera, Time Warner Cable; Tony Speller, Comcast; plus moderator Frank Guerra, formerly of CBS and an expert strategist, at TexTAM in San Antonio, March 26. Hear how to stay ahead of the competition despite the challenges of today. Last chance to register!
| People & Personalities | | |
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- Two executives join Lifetime's advocacy efforts
Danielle Carrig has joined Lifetime as senior vice president of advocacy and public affairs, and Amanda Crumley has joined the network as vice president of advocacy and public affairs. The female-focused network has a long history in public affairs on issues such as raising awareness about breast cancer, ending domestic violence and encouraging women to seek political office. Broadcasting & Cable
(3/16)
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