The Morning Fix: Taking on Nielsen; Ellen in for Paula; DC Comics makeover; clock ticking for MGM; sex and the Web
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After the coffee. Before the national numbers for ‘Glee’ come out.Measuring madness. A group of 14 major media companies and advertisers including Time Warner, Viacom, Procter & Gamble and Walt Disney announced this morning the creation of the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement, which is code for ‘We don’t trust Nielsen numbers and want to do it ourselves.’ More details will come today after the news conference, but here’s the early analysis from the Los Angeles Times and Broadcasting & Cable.
Makeover for DC Comics. In the wake of Disney’s deal to acquire Marvel, Warner Bros. is giving its own comic book brand DC Comics a big makeover that includes the creation of DC Entertainment. Diane Nelson, who had been in charge of all things Harry Potter for the studio, will now oversee DC Entertainment. Details from Deadline Hollywood, the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times.
Goodbye, Paula. Hello, Ellen. Now we know Fox was serious about washing its hands of Paula Abdul. The network and producers of ‘American Idol’ have signed talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres to be the fourth judge on the talent show. DeGeneres has a multiyear deal and extended her deal with Warner Bros. for her daytime show. Details and analysis from the Los Angeles Times, USA Today and the Wrap.
Clock ticking for MGM? MGM and its financial advisors are scrambling to restructure in the face of crushing debt. The Hollywood Reporter says the studio’s creditors expect a new plan by next month. The story says MGM’s new chief executive, Steve Cooper, recently said on a call with creditors, ‘All right guys, the debt owns the equity.’
Sex and the Web. It’s not what you think. Candace Bushnell, the author of ‘Sex and the City’ has launched her own Web series today called ‘The Broadroom’ about women in the workplace that features Jennie Garth and Jennifer Esposito. Bushnell, who had two of her books adapted for television, told the Wall Street Journal’s Digits blog that ‘it’s always a little bit difficult to get female-driven programs’ on television. Uh huh, no violins here.
Inside the Los Angeles Times: So much for friends in high places.Lu Parker, a KTLA anchor who has become more well-known for dating Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has been bumped off the desk to beat reporter. New rumblings about General Electric and NBC. Is Disney rethinking Redbox?
-- Joe Flint
