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‘Iron Man 3’ to dominate box office. Networks plan busy summer.

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After the coffee. Before searching for a deeper meaning.

The Skinny: It’s no secret that I’m a fan of “Nashville.” However, I’m a little disappointed with where the writers are taking the Juliette Barnes character played by Hayden Panettiere. It feels lazy. Friday’s headlines include a preview of the weekend box office and a review of “Iron Man 3.” If you are interested in receiving an email alert when the Morning Fix is live please send me a note and we’ll try to get this going soon.

Daily Dose: Allbritton Communications, parent of ABC affiliate WJLA-TV in Washington D.C., is selling its TV stations. It’s not too often that a big city property like WJLA comes on the market. ABC parent Walt Disney Co. would be a logical buyer since it already owns ABC stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and other top markets. But ABC hasn’t bought a TV station in many years and seems more focused on cable and other platforms. Hearst and Cox each owns ABC affiliates and may kick the tires. As we say in the TV biz, stay tuned.

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Iron or gold? “Iron Man 3” opens this weekend and is expected to dominate the box office. According to industry observers, the latest installment in the Marvel franchise should take in north of $170 million. Overseas box office for “Iron Man 3” has already passed the $300-million mark. “Iron Man 3” will have no major competition as the rest of Hollywood is staying away from the box office. I will too. Previews from the Los Angeles Times and Hollywood Reporter.

PHOTOS: The billion-dollar box office club

Summer traffic. With box office down so far this year, summer has become even more important for Hollywood studios. The competition will be even more intense as many big budget movies will be going head-to-head. It also means the window for a movie to stand out will get even smaller. A preview of the summer box office from the Wall Street Journal.

Summer hours. While summer is the movie industry’s busy season, the broadcast networks have traditionally used the season for reruns and reality with mixed results. Now some networks are actually putting some real money into summer programming. Variety takes a look.

Set phasers to stun. “Star Trek Into Darkness” is expected to be a big hit here. But while the Starship Enterprise boldly goes where no man has gone before, not everyone around the world lines up to watch it. Apparently Captain Kirk’s appeal is uniquely American. The New York Times looks at the efforts Paramount is making to try to get the rest of the world to embrace the Enterprise instead of shrugging their shoulders and walking away.

PHOTOS: ‘Iron Man 3’ premiere

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Another golden age. The success of stand-up comedians such as Louis C.K. and Daniel Tosh recall the 1990s when it seemed like everyone who ever stood in front of a microphone landed a development deal. Vulture looks back at the hits and misses of that era and how the world has changed since.

Inside the Los Angeles Times: Kenneth Turan on “Iron Man 3.” Kids TV channel Sprout is on the move.
Follow me on Twitter. I’m like a big Hollywood production. @JBFlint.

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