TV

  • Hollywood Week Begins

    TIME TO SET THE DVR You know what time of year it is. For many fans, “American Idol” didn’t officially begin until last night, when they programmed their season recordings three weeks behind the rest of us. For those of you who either haven’t enjoyed or didn’t even watch the seemingly endless a capella auditions […]

    By

    Jennifer Kelly

  • House Makes It Official: Digital TV Deadline Delayed

    The House voted today to delay until June 12 the deadline for transition of U.S. television signals from analog to digital transmissions.   On a 264-158 vote, the House agreed to delay the deadline beyond Feb. 17, 2009. The Senate had already passed the measure, which now goes to the president’s desk for signature.   […]

    By

    Johanna Neuman

  • Hard Knocks Hollywood: Howard Gordon of ’24’

    I keep on feeling that we’re pulling things out of our butts.

    By

    Howard Gordon (to Eric Estrin)

  • Superbowl Ads Reference Recession, But NBC Sold Out

    Although NBC sold out all its commercials for the Superbowl, somehow the economic recession still slipped into the annual showcase for American retailers.

    By

    Wrap Staff

  • When Is A Broadcast Network Really A Cable Channel?

    The decline of NBC may turn out to be a bellwether for the Big Four networks that once ruled the television landscape.

    By

    Kim Masters

  • And I Am Telling You Adeola Will Not Make It To Hollywood

    As Melinda Camille sang on last night’s episode, “It’s a new dawn; it’s a new day; it’s a new life for me.” It truly is a new dawn for all of us, as the entire country embraces an Obama-fied appreciation of unity. “American Idol,” never one to miss a trend (or a new cashcow), jumps […]

    By

    Jennifer Kelly

  • At ABC News, Pink Slips in News, Marketing

    Anne Sweeney announced this morning that the company is “now faced with the harsh reality of having to eliminate jobs in some areas.”

    By

    Wrap Staff

  • ‘Idol’ goes to Salt Lake City

    Last night’s “American Idol” found us surrounded by so many politely bland, “golly gee willikers” youngsters that it initially wasn’t clear where we were trapped (uh, I mean “visiting”): in a rerun of “The Donna Reed Show” or in the city that spawned David Archuleta.  Because the episode aired in color, though (mainly blonde, blue-eyed […]

    By

    Jennifer Kelly

  • New Landis Suit: “Thriller” Can’t Go to Broadway

    Landis argues that he has 50 per cent ownership over the Thriller video. Without his agreement, there can be no show.

    By

    Andrew Gumbel

  • Will Kimmel Replace ‘Nightline,’ Go Up Against Conan?

    The New York Times is reporting that Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night comedy show may be moving from midnight to the 11:35 time slot, which now is home to the venerable news show "Nightline." The move would allow Kimmel to compete directly with NBC’s Conan O’Brien, host of NBC’s "The Tonight Show."     No ABC executives […]

    By

    Wrap Staff

  • Starting over on ‘Idol’

    Same show, different year? Not quite.  While it’s too early to tell how some of the other changes (new wild-card round, longer Hollywood Week) will affect “American Idol,” it’s clear that the expert opinion of new judge Kara DioGuardi is a welcome addition (though, Paula may not agree).  It is refreshing to see another female […]

    By

    Jennifer Kelly

  • The Obama Era: Digital TV Switch Delayed Until June

    The Senate has passed a bill to move the nationwide switch to digital TV signals from February to June.

    By

    Amy Kaufman

  • Senator Oprah? Naah, that’s a demotion

    As his impeachment trial begins, embattled Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich appeared on "Good Morning America" and "The View," letting slip that he "considered" Oprah as a possible candidate for Obama’s Senate seat.    Does this make Blagojevich more credible? Does it reassure voters horrified by his alleged ethical and possibly criminal failings?  Who hasn’t he […]

    By

    Tim Doyle

  • Networks agree to reality TV settlement

    A number of big U.S. TV networks as well as the producers of reality shows like “The Bachelor” will have to pay over $4 million to settle two-class action lawsuits alleging violations of California wage rules.

    By

    Amy Kaufman

  • Oprah at the Inauguration

    Oprah Winfrey has been a very busy woman at this week’s inaugural festivities. Sunday night, the talk show queen attended a private buffet dinner at Blair House with now-President Obama, according to Entertainment Tonight. When approached by the outlet, Oprah pal Gayle King exclaimed "You guys are good! How did you hear that? Boy you people […]

    By

    Tim Doyle