Le Blog
Save Our Shows? Save Your Voices.
A quarter-century ago, the internet was nascent, premium original scripted content on basic cable was yet to exist and streaming was a term usually most commonly used among urologists. And USA Today was the dominant national newspaper, with dozens of thick, full-color editions readily available on newsstands and in almost hotel lobby in America. And
If 9-1-1 Is Seen As $9M-#1-<1, You Should Be Ready For A Long Strike
As writers and their supporters took to the streets of New York and Los Angeles with some of their better work for a while displayed on picket signs yesterday, almost lost in the news cycle was the news that FOX’s most successful scripted series, 9-1-1. would not be renewed. Instead, its seventh season, one that
We’re All In A Gig Economy
I had a lousy day yesterday, as those of you who had the tenacity to read yesterday’s musing already know, but it did get better as it unfolded. Today, I’m doing somewhat better. Less so, apparently, are the WGA members who indeed did go out on strike for the second time in 15 years. As
Mayday! May Day Sounds Many Alarms
Well, it’s a new month, and for many of us, it’s not off to a good start. Take the hard-working members of the WGA, who awaken today with the knowledge that by day’s end, they may be returning to the picket lines for the first time since 2008. As The LOS ANGELES TIMES’ Anousha Sakoui
Time To Fight With Intelligence, Not Sabers and Muskets
I came up in a media world that was on the last legs of the era so brilliant depicted in MAD MEN. Misoygnistic clients guiding subservient negotiators to pay as little as possible to buy time and space where options were often quite limited , especially on television (we didn’t call it video then). I
United We Fall, Divided We Stand
I have every reason in the world to despise Elon Musk. I nearly was side-swiped by a swerving Tesla while driving the other night, for which my rider blamed ME and dinged my record. I was appalled to see the celebration of his employees when his latest launch of a Space X rocket blew up
Who To Praise Or Blame? It Might As Well Be Springer
Jerry Springer died yesterday, and I was honestly stunned at to how many people in my professional and personal worlds were touched and impacted by this loss. While Springer was 79, few knew how severe the battle with pancreatic cancer that would claim his life was; as late as last week, he was actively giving
Signing Off Earlier Is Now The Norm
James Corden signs off tonight as the fourth and final host of CBS’ LATE, LATE SHOW, and in many circles it’s being lamented as all too quick a run. Corden only started in 2015, yet another out-of-the-box choice of former CBS czar Les Moonves, and was not among the 19 guest hosts that were given
She Tugged On Her Ear. And She’s Still Tugging On Our Hearts.
You better believe I’m gonna watch a good old fashioned network tonight that celebrates the life and legacy of a good old fashioned variety show performer and host. Carol Burnett turns 90 today, and NBC will show the party she recently produced and taped that will remind those of those who made her Saturday night