A generation ago, the battle for time slots on local television stations for first-run syndicated shows was fierce, passionate and strategic. As the “consigliere” to those on the front lines in the more expensive suits, I would frequently be brought into conversations and often business lunches with buyers and even competitors. While we were technically … Read more
Any sign of normalcy in a world inexplicably resistant to return to normalcy is seen here as exceptionally positive. For me, nothing was more positive than the fact that MIP-TV was held IN PERSON this week in Cannes, France. The fact that this week large contingents of actual people finally got on planes, congregated in … Read more
While I’ve never worked directly with and only have crossed paths briefly with incoming Warner Discovery chairman David Zaslav I personally know plenty of people who have. To a person, he’s been described as genial, accessible, fair, demanding and while he indeed has had loyal lieutenants through his career at both NBCUniversal and Discovery those … Read more
Music has always been a passion of mine, though I can personally barely carry a note. And since I consume so much sports, news and comedy information I don’t have as informed a knowledge base for the Grammy Awards’ nominees as I do for the other major awards’ personalities. But I did watch (sadly, joined … Read more
After the news cycle of the last couple of weeks, the return of Saturday Night Live to original episodes this past weekend was especially welcomed. I look forward to new episodes with eagerness and anticipation, and I’m not alone. Last year, SNL was the most-viewed network program among young adults in same-day viewing, and it … Read more
37 years ago today I reported to work in the state of California at a full-time job for the first time. It was, in a word, memorable. I had spent the weekend moving in to my temporary residence at the Oakwood Apartments near Universal Studios. I had my first Hollywood hot tub experience the night … Read more
After a week where like it or not we’ve now become more invested in the mental health of Will Smith, the honor of Jada Pinkett Smith and the safety of Chris Rock than anyone in their actual personal spaces and security protocols have been, I needed a night of pure escape. So I caught up … Read more
It seems every human being with a web address feels the compulsion to weigh in on the Slap Heard ‘Round The World that Will Smith bestowed upon Chris Rock on live television Sunday night. (Upon further review, it was considered more of a slap than a punch). As someone who passionately believes that what I … Read more
This morning CNN launched its long-awaited streaming service, unimaginatively called CNN+. Yes, I subscribed; don’t admonish me. I’m a bit of a news junkie, I’d like to think I’m a thorough observer of all things media, and I once worked for the company. For less than six bits a week, I now have access to … Read more
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Where there’s two Wills, there’s chaos. And perhaps it was all designed to be reminiscent of another time when ABC needed a WTF incident on live TV to breathe life into a struggling franchise. Will Packer was tasked with reinvigorating an Oscars awards broadcast that had hemorrhaged more … Read more