Media Musings

Jeopardy-gate?: Putting focus groups in focus

Jeopardy-gate?: Putting focus groups in focus

A report from The Week (https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/jeopardy-s-dual-hosting-plan-reportedly-came-about-because-mayim-bialik-was-too-busy-for-the-main-gig/ar-AANibW4?ocid=msedgntp )emerged this morning that Sony TV executives actually wanted Mayim Bialik as the new host if the daily version of Jeopardy!, citing focus group testing that confirmed that audiences thought her performance was best.  This new tidbit emerged in light on the ongoing criticism of their choice of executive … Read more

Tooning In Nightly

Tooning In Nightly

Yet another sleepless night on the edge of Culver City.  Thank goodness for Stephen Colbert, algorithms and the brilliant minds behind Paramount Plus’ (and, thankfully, You Tube’s) TOONING OUT THE NEWS. If you haven’t yet discovered this wonderful wormhole, imagine if your favorite cable news channel was taken over by animated cohorts and given some … Read more

The answer is–adequate?

The answer is–adequate?

So after an emotional and elongated search for who will succeed Alex Trebek as the host of Jeopardy! the decree has come down from top Sony TV execs that Mike Richards, the current executive producer of the series, will take over the daily syndicated series this fall and Amy Farrah Fowler herself, actress/neuroscientist Mayim Bialik … Read more

A Bronze–With An Asterisk

A Bronze–With An Asterisk

After a year’s delay and more snags than Totie Fields’ panty hose (Google it, anyone born after 1970), the 2020 Summer Olympics are history. Much has been written about the myraid problems and challenges these star-crossed Games have endured, from the staging without crowds to the mental anguish of numerous competitors to the complete or … Read more

Up-Dating A Genre The Right Way

Up-Dating A Genre The Right Way

In the world of reality television, no sub-genre has proliferated and endured more than dating shows.  The latest innovative twist was dropped on Netflix on July 21. Sexy Beasts is a spirited reboot of a British series from a few years ago that breezily mashes up the WTF (that’s watch-the-f**k in Leblanguage)-ability of the 90s … Read more

I Need a–Genius

I Need a–Genius

A good friend of mine pointed out that my recent Life Lesson that called Rupert Murdoch one of my “heroes” was, in her opinion, “unconscionable”.  Even though she conveyed her thoughts by text her anger was clearly evident and, frankly, justified.  She attacked Leblanguage at its core–say what you really mean, not what you think … Read more

What the fauna??!?!?!

What the fauna??!?!?!

Every now and then I am stopped dead in my insomniac tracks by something truly shocking that catches my eyes when scanning for media news.  These days, it’s anything that breaks a 1.0 rating in adults 18-49. WHEN NATURE CALLS was far and away the most-watched television program on broadcast television last Thursday night, delivering … Read more

Unmasking the truth?

Unmasking the truth?

Disclaimer:  I am fully vaccinated and own nearly 50 masks, none I wear prouder than my color-coordinated New York Mets triple-layer with deodorized filter resting on cap attachments that allow it to be worn without pulling on my ears. Reality: I currently live in Los Angeles, where masks have recently been reinstated for all adults … Read more

Seeing Double? Ask Jim and Pam

Seeing Double? Ask Jim and Pam

In the wake of the Allen and Company meetings in Sun Valley, Idaho last week reports began to surface this week that the media ownership landscape is about to change even more dramatically.  Among the juicier ones was the revelation that two of the key mega-competitors, Comcast and ViacomCBS, are exploring ways to combine resources.  … Read more

I Stream, You Stream?

I Stream, You Stream?

This week the 2021 Emmy Award nominations were announced, and if anybody had any questions that broadcast television–indeed, linear television, had crossed the threshold into irrelevance one only look at the breakdown of which networks–er, platforms–led the way. Of the 530 major nominations announced the other morning, more than 80% of them were from series running on services uniquely … Read more