Sharks Here, Sharks There . . .

At least the folks at the Discovery Channel have a sense of humor, scheduling one of their most popular annual programming events--”Shark Week”--against the Democratic National Convention. Of course, the Discovery documentaries actually will follow the DNC on the West Coast, but in most of the country viewers will be presented such choices as Hillary Clinton’s speech or “Great White Down Under,” Bill Bradley’s address or “Shark Attack Files II,” presumptive vice presidential nominee Joe Lieberman or “Jurassic Shark,” and standard-bearer Al Gore or “Great White: The Elusive Giant.” This is Discovery’s 13th annual “Shark Week,” which in recent years has always incorporated some sort of gimmick. Last year, for example, featured a live special from a shark cage, while the current week kicked off Sunday with the cable network’s first 3-D telecast. Discovery estimates that more than 26 million people tuned in at least a portion of the festivities last year. Hosted by Nigel Marven, “Shark Week” continues through Sunday, closing out with a full day of shark-related programming--assuming, of course, that after a week rife with sharks and politics, people will still have an appetite for it.

Culture Clash: Hollywood Sizes Up Lieberman

The Hollywood versus Washington war of words begins in earnest today at a panel discussion in Santa Monica on cultural politics, kicking off the first day of convention week with what will surely be a major topic of debate at the Democratic National Convention. The Time Magazine-sponsored discussion at the Casa del Mar hotel will include “Politically Incorrect” host Bill Maher, director Barry Levinson, writer-producer Norman Lear and pollster Patrick Caddell. Now that Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.), the self-proclaimed “culture warrior,” is on the Democratic ticket, the Hollywood/Washington relationship is a hot topic around town. Panelists will discuss Washington’s attempt to push Hollywood into making less violent, more morally uplifting fare and whether the industry needs to fear a Lieberman vice presidency. The discussion on Hollywood and violence continues through the week, with Lieberman tentatively scheduled to speak Wednesday at a discussion on youth violence in America. Lieberman was invited two months ago, and organizers say he had confirmed his appearance. But Democratic insiders say it is unlikely he will attend. The panel also includes conservative commentator William Bennett, talk-show host Montel Williams and directors Levinson and Sydney Pollack. They will discuss the entertainment industry’s responsibility in balancing artistic freedom with creative responsibility. “The fact that [Lieberman] was chosen indicates a certain cultural shift out there,” said Max Keiser, co-founder of the Hollywood Stock Exchange, which is sponsoring the Wednesday event. “American culture is about ready to undergo a significant shift in terms of violence and entertainment. The economics of violence has been a workhorse for Hollywood--violent films sell all over the world. [But] I think gratuitous violence has reached a saturation point.”

Madonna’s Latest a Special Delivery

Madonna is now a mother for the second time, but has she also delivered another hit song? Watch this week for Madonna to celebrate her 42nd birthday--she got an early birthday gift Friday in newborn son Rocco Ritchie--and to keep tabs on the radio reception for her new song, the simply titled “Music.” Coming off the 1998 critical and commercial success of the electronica-informed “Ray of Light,” Madonna again has turned to producer William Orbit for his shimmering soundscapes on some tracks, but “Music” was guided by the material girl’s new studio partner, funk-loving French club DJ Mirwais. The song itself is yet another different sound from pop’s most celebrated chameleon, but will it click with the all-important community of radio programmers? “It’s off to a very good start at radio,” says Jeff Pollack, a consultant to scores of pop stations nationwide. “It fits in nicely [with today’s playlists]. . . . Madonna has an uncanny ability to understand the latest shift in music, and she’s always about a half-step ahead. My feeling is this is a hit, and she will do very well with this new album.” Madonna has told interviewers her next focus is tending to her new family member (fathered by Guy Ritchie, the U.K. film director who helmed “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”); she hopes to play some U.S. and European club dates and mull over a full-scale tour next summer.

--Compiled by Times Staff Writers