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GSNN
Instant Replay Wheel Bonus Round: LIVING THINGS Click for answer!
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Primes Update It's so extensive, it's not even done yet. Enjoy. |
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WHAT'S ON TODAY Monday TBA - Family Feud Big Money Tournament (Syn) TBA - Merv Griffin's Crosswords (Syn) TBA - Temptation: The New Sale of the Century (Syn) TBA - Wheel of Fortune (Syn)*  12n - GSNLive (GSN) 3p - Bargain Hunt (BBC America) 3:30p - Bargain Hunt (BBC America) 6p - Ninja Warrior (G4) 6:30p - Ninja Warrior (G4) 7p - Bingo America (GSN) 7p - ¿Què Dice la Gente? (Telefutura) 7:30p - Jeopardy! College Championship (Syn/CTV)* 7:30p - Pass Time (Speed) 8p - American Gladiators Season Premiere (NBC) 8p - Dancing with the Stars Live (ABC) 8p - High Stakes Poker (GSN) 9p - Paradise Hotel 2 (My Network TV) 9p - World Poker Tour (GSN) 10:02p - The Bachelor: London Calling Season Finale (ABC) 11p - Bingo America (GSN) 11:30p - Pass Time (Speed) 1a - Paradise Hotel 2 (Fox Reality) 2:05a - Poker After Dark (NBC)*
WHAT'S ON
GSN? * = markets vary |
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GSNN Originals It's Sweeps Again... |
Posted 5/6/08 |
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Jason goes through all the
news of the week, as sweeps begins its descent. Meanwhile, Chico offers
a handy-dandy guide to the month ahead. |
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New Gladiators, New Events... New Season Begins Tonight From NBC Universal Media Village |
Posted 5/12/08 |
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NBC has unveiled three of the all-new
American Gladiators who will join the team of existing warriors to take
on 40 new fierce competitors when the iconic competition show returns
Monday, May 12 from 8-10pm E.T/P.T. Three new unstoppable Gladiators
make their debut in the premiere episode. In addition to the new Gladiators, an all-new state-of-the-art Gladiator Arena hosts a second season filled with both new and classic events. The LA Sports Arena has been equipped for events that are bigger and more intimidating then ever before. A new pool that holds over 200,000 gallons of water, a new Wall that is over 50 feet high, and an all new, tougher "Eliminator" are just some of the updates to the new home of the Gladiators. Seven new heart-pounding events will be introduced this season, including Rocketball and Vertigo, which will be revealed in the premiere episode. Iconic host Hulk Hogan weighed in on the newest installment of the hit series. "Season two of "American Gladiators" is going to be bigger and badder than before! We have new gladiators, new events and a new gladiator arena. All those gladiator maniacs out there are going to be blown away." The three new Gladiators include both season 1 champions Evan Dollard & Monica Carlson (since rechristened Rocket & Jet), as well as Phoenix (figure competitor and track athlete Jennifer Widerstrom). New events include Rocketball (sort of a reversion of Swingshot), Vertigo (taken from the UK series), and Atlasphere. |
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Next Stop: "Earth's Last Eden" Probst Talks Season 17 of Survivor From Entertainment Weekly |
Posted 5/12/08 |
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With Survivor: Micronesia in the books, the
reality franchise is now gearing up for season 17 by going back to
Africa. The show will be setting up shop on the continent’s west coast
in the country of Gabon.
“I didn’t know where it was,” confesses
host Jeff Probst. “I had to look it up on a map. It is probably the most
remote place we have ever gone.” What does that mean in terms of
wildlife? “We don’t know,” Probst says. “No one’s really ever hung out
there. We’re going to leave a boma with some sticks and stuff, and the
contestants will be given instructions that they need to finish it since
we’re a little concerned because it’s so unknown. In Kenya [season 3],
we had armed guards everywhere so that if something did happen, we could
take care of it. We’re not gonna have that because they’re telling us it
is so remote and will probably be remote forever. But a gorilla could
wander into camp.” |
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Wowowee Runs Into More Trouble Hosts No-Show in Hawaii Party From Asian Journal |
Posted 5/12/08 |
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More than 200 fans waited for hours and paid
$100 each to attend a private party that was supposed to include the
cast of the television game show, “Wowowee,” but the stars never showed
up, they said. Dave Tiu, spokesperson for Bigatin Productions, producer of the “Wowowee VIP Bash,” said most of the cast members did attend Thursday night’s event, held at Rumours nightclub at the Ala Moana Hotel here, including some of the stars. But fans and nightclub doorman Mel Buted said only three of the show’s dancers turned up and none of the stars. “I felt really sorry for all those people, especially the older people,” Buted said. “I was upset.” When asked to comment, Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN corporate communications, said in a text message: “We are gathering details as to what exactly was the participation of the supposed Wowowee talents in what seemed to be a privately organized party.” Wowowee, a popular television noontime game show in the Philippines, is touring the United States. Thousands of fans were expected to turn out at Aloha Stadium here on Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) to watch a performance of the show, which will be broadcast on The Filipino Channel and ABS-CBN as an international two-hour special. Expected to arrive from the Philippines are more than a dozen celebrities, including game show host Willie Revillame and co-hosts Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion, Precious Lara Quigaman, Pokwang and RR Enriquez, as well as the Wowowee Dancers.
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MTV Picks Up Justin Timberlake's "Phone" Reality Project Comes from Netherlands From THR |
Posted 5/12/08 |
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MTV has greenlighted a game show from Justin
Timberlake and "American Idol" producers FremantleMedia North America. "The Phone," based on a Dutch format by Park Lane Prods., pits contestants in a race against time and each other to accomplish a mission and win a cash prize. "Genre-busting and reinvention is at the core of what we do, and 'The Phone' does just that," said Tony Disanto, executive vp programming and series development. "We're turning the reality competition format on its head and plunging the contestants into a real life 'Bourne Identity' -- not just in the tone and creative, but also in terms of the visual style and pacing. Each week will be an action packed mini-movie." Added FMNA CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz: " 'The Phone' is an exciting, innovative reality game that will make the viewer feel they're part of an espionage thriller that is gripping to the very end." Timberlake, David Schiff and Frot-Coutaz are the executive producers. Maira Suro is the executive overseeing production for MTV.
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Simon Wants Ant & Dec for Idol Judge Goes to Fox with Concern From Daily India |
Posted 5/12/08 |
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Simon Cowell wants
his pals Telly duo Geordies Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly,
popularly known as Ant and Dec, to take over as hosts of his American
Idol show. The entry of the pair in one of America's biggest reality shows means that they would have to face the biggest TV audience in the world - more than 150 million viewers in 18 countries. "Simon believes Ant and Dec will become an overnight sensation. He ranks them the best presenters around and he's determined to help them break into the US," The Daily Star quoted a source, as saying. The chances of McPartlin and Donnelly to join could come in the next two or three months when current show host Ryan Seacrest is expected to take over a top US talk show from veteran host Larry King. Cowell is looking forward to the change also because he is not happy with figures for the seventh series of the show that have slumped 7 percent to 29 million. Last month, there was an all-time low of just 23.3million for one of the broadcasts. "He's been trying to beg and bully Fox TV bosses to give the Idol formula a massive shake-up," the source said. "Now the opportunity has fallen into his lap with Ryan's impending departure and he'll be able to make good on his promise to help his buddies. "Simon says they can provide Idol with the boost it needs to recapture viewers and increase the ratings," the source added. |
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GSN's Roberts Leaves for New Venture GSN Signs First Look From THR |
Posted 5/12/08 |
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Jamie Roberts has stepped down as head of
programming at GSN. Roberts said Friday that he is launching an independent production firm based in Los Angeles that will focus on cross-platform programming for the global market. The company has signed a first-look production deal with GSN. A search for his replacement is under way, with Roberts staying in his current role as senior vp programming until his successor is found. Roberts is the latest in a line of executives to depart the network since David Goldhill became CEO in August. In a statement, he said he'd been mulling the change for a while. "I've been itching to get back to producing and have been thinking about making the switch for some time," Roberts said. "I see an incredible opportunity ahead and look forward to working together with the new head of programming in continuing to create and produce new cross-platform content which keeps audiences entertained and engaged." British-born Roberts, who came to GSN in 2006 after 10 years at Sky Networks, was responsible for developing original programs for the network, including "Grand Slam" and the upcoming "Catch-21." Goldhill said Roberts was "an architect of GSN's shift in focus and has helped us gain our footing in creating new and innovative cross-platform franchises that drive audience participation." Participatory and cross-platform content has been a primary focus of GSN's. New initiatives under Roberts included daytime block "GSN Live," which gives viewers the chance to participate to win cash and prizes and advertisers the opportunity to integrate with game content, and "Bingo America," in which viewers can print cards and play along for a chance to win money. |
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Seacrest, NBC Deal for "Momma's Boys" "Idol" Host to Produce, Not Host From Zap2it TV |
Posted 5/12/08 |
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NBC and Ryan Seacrest want to help single
men find a good woman -- provided the guys' mothers approve. The network has greenlit a reality series called "Momma's Boys," which takes the awkwardness of the home-visit episode of "The Bachelor" and builds an entire show around it. The show, executive produced by Seacrest and Andrew Glassman ("Average Joe"), is scheduled to premiere in late summer, following NBC's Olympics coverage. The show will feature a group of mothers and their "complacent sons" -- just what every girl is looking for, no doubt -- living together with several potential mates. The moms will evaluate the best matches for their boys, and presumably comedy and drama will ensue. "Anytime I make a decision either personally or professionally, I have to ask myself ... what would my mother say?" self-professed momma's boy Seacrest says. "She is the most important woman in my life and she is never short of opinions. This series throws mom right in the middle of all the drama. It's loud, it's wild and it's real." The show is Seacrest's first producing effort for a broadcast network; the "American Idol" host is an exec producer of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and the upcoming Denise Richards series at E!, where his company has a first-look deal. In addition to "Average Joe," Glassman's credits include NBC's "Three Wishes" and GSN's "Bingo America." |
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Idol Stage Dad 86ed Jeff Archuleta's Backstage Privileges Revoked From People |
Posted 5/12/08 |
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Archuleta family friends are speaking out in
support of Idol finalist David Archuleta’s father, Jeff, whose backstage
privileges have been revoked until further notice, according to reports. Jeff Archuleta was accused of interfering in the production when he wanted David, 17, to alter his “Stand By Me” performance by adding a verse from Sean Kingston’s 2007 summer hit “Beautiful Girls,” against producers’ wishes. The move cost "American Idol" royalty dollars. “I get frustrated with this because of course they never get the story the way it really is,” says Richard Parkinson, 35, of Murray, Utah, who for the last three years has been working with David Archuleta on arrangements, and has also written and performed with the young Idol star. “It is completely unfair that he be taking the brunt of this, if that’s exactly what’s going on. It’s awful … It’s really awful.” David’s voice coach, Dean Kaelin, said Saturday: “He is just not allowed to go into the arranging sessions with David. It is more of a fairness issue than anything else, since the other two contestants don’t have people on site to help with their arrangements. It is not a punishment.” |
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Former Deal Model to Strip Club: "No Deal" Scott Pholo Allegedly Used in Promotions From UPI |
Posted 5/12/08 |
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A former model on the TV show "Deal or No
Deal" has filed a lawsuit against a Las Vegas strip club for using her
image in a promotion, court documents say. Los Angeles Superior Court documents said model April Scott is suing Deja Vu Inc. for allegedly using a picture of her in a promotion for the company's Little Darlings strip club in Las Vegas. In addition to wielding suitcases in the popular NBC game show, Scott appeared as Daisy Duke in a straight-to-video film based on the TV series "Dukes of Hazzard." The actress is seeking more than $25,000 in damages from Deja Vu Inc. The company has offered no comment on the suit, the report said. |
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Comedy Central Gets Ready to Gong Dave Attell Hosts Revival July 17 From B&C |
Posted 5/9/08 |
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Comedy Central gave the green light to The
Gong Show with Dave Attell, resurrecting the classic game show and
bringing the comedian back to the network’s programming. Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions is executive-producing the series, which will premiere on Comedy Central July 17. "We are very excited to welcome Dave Attell back to the network and put the Comedy Central touch on such a classic game/variety show," said Lauren Corrao, president of original programming and development for Comedy Central, announcing the pickup. "Dave is the perfect guy to host this series. His dry, comedic wit, paired with the outspoken personalities of our celebrity judges and the outrageous acts, will create a fresh, new take on the famed series." Each episode will feature 8-10 oddball acts, judged by a revolving panel of three celebrity judges. Attell, who made a name for himself as the host of Insomniac with Dave Attell on the network, will host. The network is currently casting for acts to appear on the show. |
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ITV Hit Hard with Fine Ant & Dec Hand Back Comedy Award From British Press Association & THR |
Posted 5/9/08 |
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ITV has been hit with a fine of 5.7 million
pounds ($11.2 million), the biggest in U.K. television history, for
misleading millions of viewers phoning in to quizzes on some of its
biggest shows. The broadcaster was accused by media watchdog Ofcom of having a "completely inadequate" compliance system and of "totally disregarding" the broadcast code in shows including "Saturday Night Takeaway" and "Soapstar Superstar." "The result was that millions of paying entrants were misled into believing that they could fairly interact with some of ITV's most popular programs," said Philip Graf, head of Ofcom's sanctions committee. Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said ITV's failure had been "institutionalized." ITV executive chairman Michael Grade said he fully accepted the sanctions, which are related to events before he came on board. He restated ITV's "unreserved apology" to viewers and said ITV had cleaned up its editorial, compliance and training procedures since the events were uncovered. But though Grade conceded "serious breaches of trust" and "gross editorial errors" he maintained they were made to enhance the viewer experience. "In no case is there evidence that there were any corrupt attempts to generate further revenues," Grade said.
Meanwhile, in a semi-related story,
superstars Ant and Dec have handed back an award after details of the
massive TV phone-in scam were made public.
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More on "I Love Money" Contestants Released on VH1.com From Zap2it TV |
Posted 5/9/08 |
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VH1 is nothing if not thorough in exploiting
its original series to their fullest degree. So it will be with the
newest cog in the "celebreality" machine, a summer show called "I Love
Money." As the title indicates, the series will be about the pursuit of cash -- and extending the franchise of other VH1 shows with "Love" in the title. "I Love Money" will bring together 17 former contestants from the various seasons of "Flavor of Love," "Rock of Love" and "I Love New York" to battle for a $250,000 grand prize. As VH1's Jeff Olde puts it, ""'I Love Money' is the perfect 'celebreality' storm as it takes the biggest, boldest and most outspoken characters from VH1's hit series and puts them on one giant show. ... We couldn't resist the opportunity to make those breakout characters the true stars of their own show." Details about both the show and its contestants will roll out on the VH1 Blog over the course of this week. Monday the network announced four guys from "I Love New York" -- season one's 12 Pack, Heat and Mr. Boston and season two's The Entertainer -- as the first contestants. "I Love Money," if you're keeping track, is a fourth-generation derivation of a VH1 show: "The Surreal Life" begat "Flavor of Love," which both spun off "I Love New York" and set the template for "Rock of Love." As with all the other shows, Mark Cronin and Cris Abrego are the executive producers. |
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Adding "Gladiators" To Your Facebook NBC Releases App From Yahoo!/Reuters |
Posted 5/9/08 |
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NBC is launching an application on Facebook
based on its "American Gladiators" series. "The Official American Gladiator Challenge" will present interactive games based on the show's competitions, including Hit & Run, Pyramid and the Wall. Users will be able to compete against their friends and the greater Facebook community and will be able to measure their success with a dashboard built into the application, which will feature scores, status, challenges and a leader board. One of the top prizes will include an official joust stick signed by the gladiators. The revamped "Gladiators" premiered on NBC in January and will return for its second cycle Monday (May 12). The show is hosted by Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali. Facebook opened its platform to developers May in 2007, and the destination currently features a wide array of applications. CBS Sports, ABC News and Paramount all have launched applications on the social-networking giant. |
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Will "Runway" Run from Elle to Marie
Claire? Move In Anticipation of Garcia's Departure From Conde Nast Portfolio |
Posted 5/9/08 |
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The murky future of Project Runway is
getting even murkier. Unconfirmed reports have been flying this week that Marie Claire is set to replace Elle as the partner magazine of the show following season five, which shoots next month. Now it looks like that could happen even sooner, with rumors that Nina Garcia, the former Elle fashion director who is one of the show's judges, is about to accept a position at Marie Claire. Asked about that scenario, a spokeswoman for Hearst Magazines would only say, "We have no personnel announcements to make at this time." But WWD reported earlier this week that Marie Claire has been lobbying hard for the Project Runway partnership. The synergies make sense: Hearst owns half of Lifetime, which will be Runway's new television home starting with season six. (One source says Marie Claire may also pay the Weinstein Co. for the privilege.) But if Garcia does land at Marie Claire sooner than later, it presents quite a quandary for Elle, which has seen a revival in its circulation and advertising performance since the show became a hit. According to sources close to the situation, Elle has more or less resigned itself to parting ways with Runway after season five -- but not before that. On the assumption that Garcia would be credited as an Elle editor-at-large, the magazine has already sold significant ad inventory against the new season; it's not clear what would happen if Garcia suddenly switches her allegiance. |
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A Younger Idol? Cowell Prognosticates 14-Year-Olds From Digital Spy |
Posted 5/9/08 |
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Simon Cowell has said the minimum age for
American Idol contestants will eventually be lowered to 14. Speaking to girlfriend Teri Seymour on Extra, he said: "All these shows, including Idol, in the future are going to have to go younger. We're going to have to drop the age from 16 to 14 soon." He also urged future hopefuls to turn on the waterworks to win votes, saying: "[Crying] doesn't do you any harm when you're in a competition, especially if you're a girl." |
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More on "Your Place or Mine" Catch It on TLC June 8 From The Futon Critic |
Posted 5/8/08 |
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TLC launches its first-ever game show hosted
by mega soap star and television personality Cameron Mathison on Sunday,
June 8 at 8pm. Each week "Your Place or Mine?" pits two families against
each other for a chance to win brand-new furnished rooms for their
homes, or the ability to steal rooms from their competitors. With a
unique format combining trivia and friendly competition with home
decorating, viewers get to play along while obtaining great tips and
ideas for redecorating their homes. Adding to the excitement of the game, the show definitely has its share of twists. When the families get a question correct, they have the choice of picking a new furnished room or stealing one of the rooms their competitors have won. The biggest surprise throughout the show is that movers are already at each of their houses, ready to take out all their old furniture on the spot and replace it with the new room. In the case of stealing a room from the other team, the contestants see the furniture taken out of one home and put into the winner's home. Through all the back and forth, viewers will see the genuine shock and excitement from each of the competing families, as they witness their havens being taken over. "It's often difficult to create programming that's appropriate for the entire family," said Brant Pinvidic, SVP Programming. "With its fresh and modern take on competition, "Your Place or Mine?" is perfect for everyone and will feature great families that will no doubt garner some cheerleaders at home. Cameron's experience with hosting and competing in competitions, combined with the fact that he's just a charming and relatable guy, makes him the perfect host for this type of show." "I'm thrilled to be a part of TLC's first game show, and extremely excited about the fun concept," said Mathison. "I think both men and women, of all ages, are really going to enjoy the show because there's a little something in it for everyone." |
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STRIKE WATCH: AMPTP, AFTRA Meets Pact Covers On-, Off-Camera Talent From THR, Esp. |
Posted 5/8/08 |
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After two delays at the request of SAG and
the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers, AFTRA came to the
negotiating table and formally started talks Wednesday on its three-year
primetime/TV contract with the producers. But not before SAG and the
AMPTP put a spin on their 18 days of formal talks, which broke off
Tuesday in a stalemate, with no new deal and both sides remaining far
apart on the issues. SAG claims the AMPTP walked away from the bargaining table, despite its negotiating committee's objections and offer for round-the-clock talks. "It is unfortunate and deeply troubling that the AMPTP would suspend our negotiations at this critical juncture," SAG president Alan Rosenberg said. "We have modified our proposals over the last three weeks in an effort to bargain a fair contract for our members." The AMPTP, however, said there was no reason to continue because "insufficient progress" had been made in the negotiations, which had been extended twice before, most recently on a day-to-day basis. The AMPTP said SAG from the get-go refused to respect the deals struck by the WGA, the DGA and AFTRA in its Network Code, which included a new-media residual platform. SAG negotiators instead came to the table with more than 36 major new proposals to the new-media framework, "and more than a few of those were deal-breakers," according to the producers. However, SAG claims it was the AMPTP that submitted to the union three documents that contained 36 provisions that differed from the deals with the other unions. Among the AMPTP's demands is the ability to use several minutes worth of actors clips without paying them, which SAG claims is unacceptable. The SAG-AMPTP deal ends June 30. |
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Weak Monday All Around Monday Games All Post Slides From Reuters |
Posted 5/8/08 |
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Broadcast networks received more bad news
Monday night, when most shows' ratings registered week-over-week
declines. ABC won the night among
total viewers, led by "Dancing With the Stars" (18 million, 4.2/12),
which won the 8 p.m. hour and was down a couple of points from the
preceding week. "Samantha Who?" (10.5 million, 3.0/7) and "The Bachelor"
(7 million, 2.4/6) were down a peg. |
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Downward Spiral for WPT Finances Continue Company Places Blame on Lessened Take from GSN Airings From Poker Listings |
Posted 5/8/08 |
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World Poker Tour Enterprises announced its
first-quarter results for 2008 this week, reporting a larger net loss
for the quarter than the company reported during the same period last
year. The company's net loss for the quarter is $2.8 million, or $0.14 per fully diluted share, compared to a net loss of $2.3 million, or $0.11 per fully diluted share, during the 2007 first quarter. The loss came despite a 10% revenue increase in the first quarter of 2008. The company reported $5 million in revenue compared to $4.5 million in the same period in 2007. World Poker Tour Enterprises credits hosting and sponsorship revenues, primarily driven by international TV sponsorship revenues it didn't have in 2007, for the increase. International licensing revenues were up 69% to $800,000, compared to $500,000 in 2007. The increase was due to lower-than-expected third-party distribution costs. However, domestic TV license revenues were $2.1 million during the 2008 first quarter, down from $2.4 million during that period in 2007. WPTE attributes the decrease to lower per-episode license fees under the GSN contract compared to the Travel Channel agreement. Product licensing revenues also decreased from $900,000 in the first quarter of 2007 to $700,000 in 2008. WPT Enterprises has been working to get its online poker site up and running again as well. In 2007, the site was operated by WagerWorks and was then switched to the CryptoLogic network. The result was a drop in revenue from $600,000 in the 2007 first quarter to $200,000 in the 2008 first quarter. However, the company remains confident that its online gambling sector will improve and continue to play a big part in the future of the company. "Our first quarter results reflect the delivery of seven Season VI episodes, increased international television and sponsorship revenues, and moderate progress in our online gaming and ClubWPT.com businesses," said Steve Lipscomb, WPT Enterprises president and CEO. "The company is focused on capitalizing on our three primary growth initiatives: real-money online gaming, ClubWPT.com and WPT China. We are excited about our prospects in 2008 and are confident in our ability to continue to expand the World Poker Tour brand, both in the domestic and international markets, and execute our strategic plan." The WPT Enterprise's work on those projects is part of what created the higher loss in the 2008 first quarter as well. |
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Bachelorette: Meet the Men Catch It May 19 on ABC From Zap2it TV |
Posted 5/8/08 |
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A trio of professional athletes, a pair of
teachers and an oyster farmer have won the right to compete for a
woman's heart on the coming season of "The Bachelorette." ABC unveiled the 25 guys who will woo recent "Bachelor" finalist DeAnna Pappas on the fourth installment of "The Bachelorette," which debuts Monday, May 19. Pappas became known to viewers last fall when Bachelor Brad Womack picked her as his final woman -- but then opted not to propose or continue their relationship. The viewer response led the network to resurrect "The Bachelorette" for the first time since 2005 -- when, coincidentally, Jen Schefft opted to stay single rather than pick one of her two final guys. Among the 25 men who will meet Pappas in the May 19 premiere are three who are described as professional athletes: snowboarder Jesse, basketball player Graham and football player Ryan. Because the network has released only the first names of the contestants, it's tough to check just where and how well the three ply their trades. The other contestants include a single father, a personal trainer, a barber-shop owner, a chef and two guys named Brian W, who will have their home states appended to their names for as long as they're on the show. In a slight twist on the show, DeAnna will invite three guys at a time to live with her in the mansion rented for this season. The rest of the guys will have to make do with an "unspectacular bunkhouse" nearby. |
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SYTYCD Heads to Canada This Fall US Version Airs in Tandem This Summer From Prince George Citizen |
Posted 5/8/08 |
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CTV is loading up on American-made favorites
this summer, and is exploring a Canadian version of a Fox megahit as
well. The private broadcaster's summer schedule is chock full of buzzed-about shows apparently aimed at attracting a younger audience, including the new reality series "High School Musical: Summer Session". Among other shows on the schedule this summer: -"So You Can Think You Can Dance," which kicks off the summer season on May 22. A Canadian version is slated for the fall. -"Canadian Idol," Canada's version of the U.S. mega-hit and the summer's most-watched series. -Game shows "The Moment of Truth" and Regis Philbin's "Million Dollar Password," a modern version of a former popular American game show. "Mass appeal reality, hot summer drama, fresh family series, Saturday night comedy and hit game shows - there's something for all viewers," CTV programming head Susanne Boyce said in a news release. |
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DWTS' Ballas, Bryan Split Dancing Faves "Just Friends" From Us Magazine |
Posted 5/8/08 |
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Dancing With the Stars pro dancer Mark
Ballas and Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan have split, Ballas tells
Usmagazine.com. "We are just friends now," he says. The pair met in November 2007 when they were partnered together on season five of DWTS. "We've gotten so close, and I guess the friendship started from the moment we met," Bryan said in 2007. "Now that the show is over, we definitely couldn't stand the thought of not being in each other's lives at this point." She added: "You see all this love and chemistry we have? It's really so vibrant, and that's really how our friendship and relationship is." |
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"Bachelor" Andy, Maples Split Couple "Just Friends" From Us Magazine |
Posted 5/8/08 |
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Bachelor Andy Baldwin and his girlfriend
Marla Maples have called it quits, he tells Usmagazine.com. Baldwin's recent move to Washington, D.C. to take a job as an advocate for Navy Medicine put a strain on their relationship, he tells Us. "The big move coupled with the long distance relationship wasn't working for us so I decided we were better off as friends," Baldwin says. He first broke the news to the Washington Post. "We were friends, it got romantic for a little while, but we're just friends," he told the paper. Baldwin, 31, and Maples, 44, met last year and spent New Year's together. They recently celebrated Easter in Hawaii. "He's just a good soul," Maples told Us in April. "He's an absolute, complete gentleman." |
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Heather Mills Heading to Celebrity
Apprentice? Former "Dancing" Star Approached, Not Cast Yet From Access Hollywood |
Posted 5/8/08 |
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Heather Mills might have fallen short in her
quest to be crowned the “Dancing” queen – but now she might be getting
ready to take on the boardroom. Mills has been approached to be a contestant on next season’s “Celebrity Apprentice,” Access Hollywood has learned. She has reportedly not yet decided if she will join the cast. However, if she does join the show, it would mark her second stint on reality TV following her turn on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” during Season Four. It would also be a reunion of sorts for Mills and “Apprentice” head honcho Donald Trump – Mills served as a judge at this year’s Miss USA pageant, which Trump produces. When contacted by Access Hollywood, a rep for NBC was not immediately available for comment. |
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Hole in Nine's Wall American Version Continues Casting From News.com.au |
Posted 5/8/08 |
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Host of Channel 9's new weirdo game show
Jules Lund admits he had his doubts when approached to front latest
venture Hole in the Wall. Based on a Japanese format, contestants contort their bodies to fit through oddly shaped holes in a moving wall - losers are pushed into a pool. "To be honest, I had concerns. I watched the YouTube clips and I thought . . . is there enough for a half-hour show?" Lund admitted. "Watching the test episode, the answer is yes. It goes at a million miles an hour. We've put a lot of energy into making it compelling." The show will feature "celeb" contestants including Candice Falzon, Rob "Millsy" Mills and Warwick Capper. "It's absurd, it's silly, it's mindless, therefore I'm perfect to host it," joked Lund. |
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Bravo Seeks "Runway" Injunction Deals Keeps Producers, Publicity from Going to Lifetime From THR, Esq. |
Posted 5/7/08 |
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Bravo seems to be stitching its "Project
Runway" tear. Parent NBC Universal announced it filed a request for a preliminary injunction to prevent the Weinstein Co., the producers of "Project Runway," from marketing and promoting a version of the show on the Lifetime network. TWC announced last month a $150 million deal to bring the popular reality program to Lifetime. Meanwhile, NBC Uni also signed "Runway" producers Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz to an exclusive first-look deal. Conceivably, Cutforth and Lipsitz could create a "Runway" knockoff (without Heidi Klum, who is going to the Lifetime program) and may even be able to secure Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia, and Michael Kors, who have yet to sign deals with the Weinsteins. "We love the world of fashion; we feel we have a lot more to give in that arena," Lipsitz said. "It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for us to be developing something under our new deal." If that happens, the Weinsteins could conceivably bring a countersuit for idea theft. Maybe next year they can hold Fashion Week in the New York district courthouse. |
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Soccer Match Game Univision to Air US-Mexico Series From World Screen |
Posted 5/7/08 |
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Univision and The Vidal Partnership have
teamed up for the soccer-based entertainment property El Juego Supremo
(The Ultimate Match), with Nissan North America and Sprint as the
exclusive network sponsors. El Juego Supremo will air on the Univision Network in fall, and will bring together five soccer legends from Mexico and five from the Americas, including the U.S., to train a team of rookies. Each episode will end with an elimination match for each team, headed by two legends, with the final match between Mexico and the Americas broadcast live from a premier soccer stadium in the U.S. Both Nissan North America and Sprint will have the opportunity to integrate their products in select scenes throughout the series. “We are thrilled to partner with The Vidal Partnership, Nissan North America and Sprint to bring our viewers an exciting new soccer reality competition,” said David Lawenda, the president of advertising sales and marketing for Univision Communications. “This innovative property represents Univision’s commitment to delivering our viewers exciting, quality programming that allows our marketing and advertising partners to connect with our viewers in a meaningful way.” “The Vidal Partnership is very excited to join forces with Univision Network to bring this new and innovative entertainment property, developed exclusively for our clients, Nissan North America and Sprint, as well as creating an entirely new format for this genre,” said Oswald Mendez, the managing partner and director of integrated communications for The Vidal Partnership. |
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Syndies: Sweeps Not Good for Most Part Results for Week Ending April 27 From B&C |
Posted 5/7/08 |
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Five talk shows were up for the week ending
April 27, which included the first four days of the May sweep, making
talk the only genre to see so much improvement. CBS’ Wheel of Fortune remained the top-rated game and overall syndicated show, inching up 1% to a 7.2. CBS’ Jeopardy! dipped 2% to a 5.9. Disney-ABC’s Who Wants to be a Millionaire slipped 4% to tie the show’s season-low 2.7. Debmar-Mercury’s Family Feud eased 6% to a 1.7. Program Partners’ newcomer, Crosswords, was flat at a 0.8. Twentieth’s rookie, Temptation, fell 20% to a 0.4. |
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No Ifs, Ands, or Buts... Families Have Got
"Guts" Nick Revives Early 90s Series for Families From PR Newswire |
Posted 5/6/08 |
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GUTS, the groundbreaking, original hit game
show from the '90s, is being recreated for a new generation of families
as Nick at Nite greenlights My Family's Got Guts, a new extreme sports
competition series. Nick at Nite will commence production on two
10-episode tournaments, (20 new half-hour episodes and two hour-long
specials), created and executive produced by the digital entertainment
studio Worldwide Biggies. The series will be shot on location at
Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., beginning in August and is scheduled
to premiere in prime time on Nick at Nite in fall 2008 with the finale
on the Worldwide Day of Play. "A new generation of kids and their families can now enjoy My Family's Got Guts, the new incarnation of the original hit Nickelodeon game show that is back and better than ever," said Marjorie Cohn, Executive Vice President Original Programming & Development, Nickelodeon Networks. "My Family's Got Guts celebrates sports and fun, healthy competition and lifestyle, while building on Nickelodeon's history of creating top-notch game shows for kids and their families. The series that asks, 'Do You Have It?' will challenge families to get active and use teamwork to prove they have what it takes to win." My Family's Got Guts is an extreme sports competition series that brings families together where every member of the team -- from the smallest to the strongest -- plays a vital role and works together to complete each challenge. Each episode will feature a host (TBA), and three teams of four players (two adults and two kids) who gather in the Extreme Arena to compete against each other in four rounds of events inspired by today's extreme sports. The point values increase each round giving all teams a chance to come from behind. The family with the lowest score is eliminated after round three. In the final round, two players from the highest scoring teams face each other on The Crag, a new updated 3D, super challenging version of the original GUTS' Aggro Crag fantasy mountain. The team with the most points at the end of all four rounds wins the competition. Albie Hecht, founder and CEO of Worldwide Biggies and part of the team that developed the GUTS franchise and Executive Producer of My Family's Got Guts added, "Biggies is excited about the opportunity to expand our relationship with Nick at Nite to invent family gaming for the 21st century. GUTS will bring out the kid in all of us as we challenge families to live out their greatest sports fantasy." The original GUTS was hosted by Mike O'Malley (Yes, Dear, Get the Picture) and aired on Nickelodeon from September 28, 1992, until October 1995. The half-hour action-sports game show allowed kid contestants to live out some of their great | |
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