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www.americanradiohistory.com BroadcastigiCable October www.broadcastingcable.com Volume 129 Number 42

OF THE WEEK / 8

AT&T g ets its waywa New FCC cable regulationsg mayY allow -A- .1 telco giant to own both MediaOne and its Time Warner Enter- tainment stakes. / 7 Who wants to be a castaway? In a cross between `Real World' and 'Gilligan's Island,' CBS game show to award AT&T $1 million to the `survivor' of 39 -day desert island series. / 16 hangs up Fox Family's money woes Fox Family Channel's rat- on Hindery ings snags are translating into a financial pinch for its parent Leo 1lindery company. with earnings falling short of expectations. 17 was angling to / get ousted from Sinclair hurls DTV gauntlet 13 station groups join call AT &T Broad- for giving stations choice of digital transmission standards. / 19 band -and For more late- breaking news, see "In Brief" keep all the on pages 108 -109 perks. / 8

BROADCASTING / 68

The peacocking of Pax NBC will have wide - 'em ranging impact on new partnership. / 68 Count Lessons from Littleton FBI praises coverage; broadcasters harder on themselves at RTNDA panel. / 74 Those wild kingdom cops Reality show about game wardens finds a niche in syndication. / 78 CABLE / 81 Opponents become equals $9.2 billion merger of Gemstar and TV Guide ends costly six -year lawsuit. / 81

With its S23.5B buy of AMFM, Allen broadens ambitious play for broad- Clear Channel can deliver band Head of Charter spends $1.65 billion to boost his like network TV stake in overbuilder RCN. / 82 Merged Clear Channel/AMFM blankets U.S. TECHNOLOGY 184 with hundreds of radio stations. 12 / 'Eco-Challenge' gets HD debut Discovery will give Sony HDCAM gear tough field test. / 84 SPECIAL REPORT / 24 Building a high -tech home Fisher, Seattle broad- More originals in caster, needs new facility as it expands TV holdings. / 86 the cable mix Maine public DTV vote due Referendum on $9.4 Original programming million bond issue for digital move set for Nov. 2. / 86 has become increasingly Mk, 'i #-l-,ItitTOMI important in establishing brand identities; cross - CBS plays for portal winner Network to onner media promotions hype cash prizes to draw visitors to its new Internet hub. / 88 the shows; and a list of 16 networks highlights Changing Hands 101 Fates & Fortunes 105 In Brief 108 the role original pro- Classifieds 92 Fifth Estater 104 Nielsen Ratings...80, 82 gramming plays. /24 Datebook 103 Get %%t/the Program 76 Station Break 79 Editorials 110 Hooked Up 83 Washington Watch ....20

4 BROADCASTING & CABLE OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com Blind Date Dream Maker Dr. Joy Browne Show Family Feud Judge Mathis Leeza Martin Short Show National Enquirer Queen Latifah

What's Better Than Beating Every

Source: MSS, Explorer, 9/20 -26/99, W18 -49 & W25 -54, GAA% (where avail.)

www.americanradiohistory.com W18 -49 611AVi W25-54 6

JUDGE JUDY 4.$ JUDGE JUDY

THE OPRALA WINFREY SHOW 3.6 THE OPRAR WINFREY SNOW

JERRY SPRINGER 2.6 JUDGE JOE BROWN DIVORCE COURT Z.5 DIVORCE COURT JUDGE JOE BROWN 2. JERRY SPRINGER

THE ROSIE O'DONNELL SHOW 2.3 I THE ROSIE O'DONNELL SNOW MAURY 2.1 MAURY

SALLY JESSY RAPHAEL 2.8 SALLY JESSY RAPHAEL

RICKI LAKE 1.9 LIVE -REGIS a KATHIE LEE THE MONTEL JUDGE WILLIAMS SNOW 1.8 I MILLS LANE LIVE -REGIS a KATHIE LEE 1.6 j THE MONTEL WILLIAMS SHOW JUDGE MILLS LANE 1.6 RICKI LAKE

THE JENNY JONES SHOW 1.5 PEOPLE'S COURT

PEOPLE'S COURT 1.3 THE JENNY JONES SHOW DONNY a MARIE 1.0 DONNY a MARIE THE DR. JOY BROWNE SNOW 0.7 THE DR. JOY BROWNE SNOW

LEEZA 0.7 LEEZA

THE MARTIN SNORT SNOW 0.6 THE MARTIN SHORT SHOW

THE ROSEANNE SHOW 0.3 THE ROSEANNE SHOW

Source. NSS, Explorer, 9/13- 19/99, W18-49 A. W25 -54, GAA90 ( where ava

www.americanradiohistory.com 2.5 1 2.4 J

2.5 1 2.8 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.6

www.americanradiohistory.com BroadcasfmgdCable TOP Of n WEEK AT&T getting its way New FCC cable rules may allow telco to own both Media One and its TWE stake By Bill McConnell the TWE subscribers should not qT &T may have to do a little count against the pruning to pull off its takeover of cap because AT &T MediaOne Group, but new cable will have no say in ownership rules approved by the FCC programming for last Friday mean the company probably those subscribers. won't be forced to sell key investments That would leave in Time Warner Entertainment or AT &T with just FCC's Kennard: 'We're trying to Cablevision. keep big cable in check when it 27% of all video The new rules give most cable oper- comes to their core. dominant subs. ators plenty of room to acquire more business, but give them room to The new rules systems. Instead of being limited to grow into new businesses.' also change the way owning systems serving 30% of cable the FCC calculates subscribers, the new rules let an opera- buying MediaOne will give AT &T an how investments in cable systems count tor serve 30% of all video subscribers, interest in 32.1 million subscribers, the toward the ownership cap, however. including satellite TV homes. That revamped rules may permit the acquis- Generally, any voting interest of 5% of effectively raises the cap to about tion, including MediaOne's 25.6% equity will remain attributable toward 36.7% of cable subscribers -that's stake in Time Warner Entertainment. the limit. But now, limited partnership around 24.6 million of the 67 million MediaOne serves 4.9 million sub- investments will not be attributed cable homes. scribers; TWE, 11.2 million. That would toward ownership if the investor can AT &T-the largest MSO-current- give AT &T 41% of all video homes, prove that it is not "materially involved ly serves 16.2 million cable homes, well over the cap. However, the new in the video -programming activities" of 24% of all cable homes. Even though rules allow AT &T to make the case that the partnership. Previously, investors were required to prove they were not taking part in any "media activities." Investors employed as officers at the Hearst Argyle inks DTV data deal cable company or holding board seats In one of the first major deals for DTV data applications, Hearst -Argyle may also be exempt from attribution if Television and Geocast Network Systems are teaming up to deliver broad- they receive a waiver from the FCC. cast multimedia content to PCs using Hearst -Argyle's DTV spectrum. "We are encouraged that the FCC The multimedia service, expected to launch in late 2000, will be deliv- will take into account a company's actu- ered within the DTV broadcast streams of Hearst -Argyle's DTV stations al participation in video programming and received by a $299 peripheral device with local disk storage that con- in making ownership decisions," said nects to a PC for display. The Geocast receiver can be customized to per- AT &T General Counsel James Cicconi sonalize the content to consumer preferences and can use a PC's exist- in a prepared statement. "As we have ing Internet connection as a backchannel. pointed out on several occasions, there According to Hearst -Argyle Chairman Bob Marbut, the Geocast service are cable systems in which our minority may include segments from local Hearst -Argyle station newscasts, finan- interest clearly does not give us a mate- cial information, weather and traffic updates, or Hearst newspaper con- rial role in video programming" tent. Marbut also wants to pursue e- commerce. This is a national platform Asked if he sees any bad news, with good target demographics that gives people a personalized version AT &T Chairman Michael Armstrong of what they want," Marbut says. "That ought to be a rich environment for said, "You've always got to read the certain types of advertising" The Geocast service will be promoted on fine print, but not that we've found yet." Hearst's NTSC stations. He does, however, object that the cap Hearst -Argyle is investing up to $10 million in Geocast, and Marbut will remains as low as 30% of video subs. gain a seat on the Geocast board, which already includes Hearst heir Chairman William Kennard said last William Randolph Hearst III, one of Geocast's initial backers as a partner week's changes are necessary to pro- in the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. Other Geocast vide cable companies and other investors include Institutional Venture Partners and the Mayfield Fund. telecommunications companies suffi- Geocast CEO Joe Horowitz says his company will pursue other deals cient breathing room to combine and with broadcast groups before launching the service next year. bring new local telephone and broad- -Glen Dickson and Richard Tedesco band services to consumers. "We're trying to keep big cable in

8 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK check when it comes to their core, dom- man. "It only takes a small stake in a reach is 35% of U.S. households. inant business, but give them room to broadly held company to influence its What's more, he said, only two days grow into new businesses," said Kennard decision on programming," he said. before Friday's cable rules decision, "There is a contingent at the FCC that Cable industry officials had a luke- the FCC approved SBC Corp.'s acqui- says we're not going to get local phone warm reaction to the FCC decision sition of Ameritech -a move that gives competition unless AT &T does it for because of the continued audience the combined company more than one- real, on a wide scale," said Ray Katz, reach limit. "Continuation of the 30% third of the local telephone market media analyst for Bear, Stearns & Co. cable ownership cap does not seem Indeed, the industry almost won the But the hope of local phone compe- justified," said Robert Sachs, president fight for a 35% cap, as FCC Republi- tition doesn't make up for the reality of of the National Cable Television Asso- cans Harold Furchtgott -Roth and more cable concentration, countered ciation. Michael Powell fought to raise the Consumers Union's Gene Kimmel- He noted that the broadcast audience standard late on the eve of the vote. Leo makes his break Hindery was angling to get ousted from AT&T Broadband-and keep his perks

By John M. Higgins AT &T's deals in progress, such as its negotiations with America Online over Leo Hindery got his wish last week; the open access fight, but also his dim AT &T Corp. Chairman Mike view of AT &T's management. Armstrong kicked out him out. For example, as a guest at an eco- The president of AT &T Broadband & nomics class at Trinity College in Hart- Internet Services had been angling for ford, Conn., Hindery openly expressed months for a way out of the five -year his frustration at AT &T's bureaucracy. contract he signed as part of the tele- "As industries mature, it gets harder to phone company's takeover of Tele -Com- run them, because they get more set in munications Inc. last March, said AT &T their ways." He further derided the and industry executives close to him. company as "staff- centric." Frustrated by the company's bureau- Hindery also made a verbal "com- cracy and the disappearance of the corpo- mitment" to buy $1 billion worth of rate carte blanche he enjoyed after TCI advanced digital set -top converters Chairman John Malone brought him on from General Instrument Corp. without to run TCI two years ago, Hindery pri- fully informing Armstrong. Sources vately told associates that he wanted out. said executives at AT &T's Basking Simply quitting meant that he would Ridge, N.J., headquarters first learned have to give up a package of stock options Hindery: `I'm not going to run another about it in BROADCASTING & CABLE. and rights. But if AT &T Chairman Ann - cable company. I've run the best one: Then, after the public release of the strong and other executives got fed up deal, they found that Hindery hadn't enough to push him out, they would have Northern California. actually signed a deal. "There's no to cut him a deal preserving his options AT &T executives were no less paper that says they have this commit- and perhaps giving him other benefits. happy, particularly after the stock price ment," said one AT &T executive. So Hindery wasn't irate when he edged up on the news. "Some people Hindery will be replaced temporari- returned from a golfing trip to Scotland are gloating," one AT &T executive said. ly by AT &T CFO Dan Somers, who with a group of AT &T cable executives Hindery wouldn't discuss the terms of said not to expect major changes in the to be confronted by Armstrong. He had his severance deal, but associates said he cable operations. "We'll move for- already been tipped that a headhunter had been angling to get the full value of ward," Somers said. "It's on target." had been contacting executives about his options and stock appreciation rights. Former Continental Cablevision Chair- filling his job. Data provided Bob Gabele, president of man Amos Hostetter, nonexecutive "He was doing just enough so that he CDA/Investnent, indicate that if immedi- chairman of ABIS and an AT &T board couldn't get fired for cause," said one ately exercisable, those would be worth member, will spend more time at the senior industry executive close to Hin- $52 million at AT &T's current, relatively cable unit, particularly dealing with dery. That would have cost Hindery his low stock price. Hindery has exercised strategic and lobbying issues. options package. "But he was irritating other options and sold stock actively in Hindery will stay on as a consultant to them plenty and he knew it." recent months, netting $40 million. He help wrap up AT &T's planned $58 billion Last Wednesday, Hindery wouldn't continues to hold $124.4 million worth takeover of MediaOne Group and some discuss his "resignation" in detail. "It of AT &T shares and $130 million worth other cable deals. He said he hasn't deter- was time. It wasn't time yesterday, it of Liberty Media Corp. stock. mined his next move. "I'm not going to was time today." The following day he Hindery associates said that's why run another cable company," he said. took off to drive his Ferrari in a race in Hindery was so vocal not just about "I've mn the best one in the world."

OCTOBER 11, 1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 9

www.americanradiohistory.com Family Feud Grows HH R

MARKET STATION TIME PERIOD HH RTG /SHR % GROWTH MARKET Los Angeles KCAL 7:00 PM +58 / +75 Baltimore Chicago WPWR 11:00AM +127 /+125 Philadelphia WCAU 10:00 AM +50 / +57 Nashville Boston WBPX 12:30 PM +200 /+400 Kansas City Washington WJLA 10:30 AM +88 /+100 Salt Lake City Detroit WWJ 12:00 N +21 / +13 Jacksonville j Cleveland WOIO 10:00 AM +60 / +29 10:30 AM* +190 /+120 Norfolk Sacramento KQCA 1:00 AM +22 / +20 Las Vegas Orlando WRBW 2:00 PM +143 /+150 2:30 PM* +171 / +200

www.americanradiohistory.com '011111 2.i -Nd /

Market Stations in All Dayparts SUCCESS IN ACCESS LOS ANGELES KCAL 7 P.M.

STATION TIME PERIOD HH RTG /SHR % GROWTH INCREASES ITS LEAD -IN! WUTB 2:00 PM +22 / +67 6:30 PM REALTY 3.8 2:30 PM* +33 / +67 7:00 PM FAMILY FEUD 4.1 r WZTV 9:00 AM +100 / +200 KSMO 12:00 M +157 / +133 KTVX 3:00 PM +3 / +18 +S% WAWS 10:00 AM +60 / +67 IMPROVES YEAR-AGO HH RTGs! 10:30 AM* +15 +25 / SEPT. '98 HARD COPY 2.6 L WTKR 10:30 AM +41 / - SEPT. '99 FAMILY FEUD 4.1 KVUB 2:00 PM +19 / -

* Second -run +58% Source: NSI Overnights 9/20 -24/99 vs. 9/21 -25/98 Source: NSI Overnights 9/20 -24/99 vs. 9/21 -25/98

www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK Count 'em: 830 Merged Clear Channel/AMFM blankets U.S. with hundreds of radio stations

By Elizabeth A. Rathbun

Last week's merger of radio titans Clear Channel Communications Inc. and AMFM Inc. creates a radio company that can reach an audience previously enjoyed only by network television. To absorb AMFM, the nation's largest radio group, Clear Channel, the third largest, agreed to pay $17.4 billion in stock and assume $6.1 billion in debt. Total deal: $23.5 billion. With a combined 830 radio stations (after divesting 125 stations to comply with FCC and Justice Department requirements), the new Clear Channel will allow advertisers to "reach three to fives times more [people] at a significant discount than what it would cost to do on TV," says Vinton Vickers, a media analyst with INF Baring, Furman, Selz. 1998 AMFM's estimated revenue of Clear Channel Chairman Lowry Mays (I) triggered the last round of negotiations with $1.87 billion plus Clear Channel's AMFM Chairman Thomas Hicks (r). The two had been close to a deal in March after $1.22 billion (for a total of $3.08 bil- Hicks ousted President Jeffrey Marcus from the company. lion) makes Clear Channel Communi- cations, as it will be called, the nation's tune into an AMFM or Clear Channel can sell you Florida. You want CHR lis- largest radio broadcaster -by far. No. 2 station for at least 15 minutes over the teners across the United States, we can Infinity Broadcasting Corp., controlled course of a week, according to David sell you CHR listeners across the United by CBS Corp., has $1.67 billion in esti- Lebow, COO of AMFM's Office of States," Mays says. (CHR stands for the mated 1998 revenue and a mere 163 Product and Strategy. contemporary hit radio format.) stations, according to BIA Research. That puts Clear Channel in the same What the new Clear Channel will not Clear Channel will do $2.4 billion in league as the major broadcast TV net- be able to do is monopolize any particu- broadcast cash flow next year, says works. During the week of Sept. 20 -26, lar market, Mays says. Under existing Thomas O. Hicks, chairman of AMFM, ABC says it reached 133.6 million FCC and Justice Department regula- who will become vice chairman of the unique viewers. tions, "we'll have no more pull in any new Clear Channel. In an average quarter hour between 6 given market than we do today," he says. How the merged company will be a.m. and midnight, some 17 million lis- The FCC and the Justice Department organized has not yet been determined. teners tune in to Clear Channel and limit local station ownership by a sin- What is known is that Clear Channel AMFM stations, Lebow says. gle owner. While the FCC looks at Chairman Lowry Mays will remain in By contrast, ABC averaged 12.2 mil- sheer numbers, Justice focuses mostly that job and sons Mark and Randall lion viewers in prime time the week of on share of revenues. To comply with will continue to run overall day -to -day Sept. 20 -26, an official there says. the federal limits, Clear Channel says it operations. Radio -segment chiefs Households ratings leader CBS aver- will spin off around 125 stations. James E. de Castro (of AMFM) and aged 13.16 million viewers between 8 Calling the merger the "zenith of Randy Michaels (of Clear Channel) are p.m. and 11 p.m. the week of Sept. 4- [radio] consolidation," which was keeping those jobs -at least for now, 10, a network spokesman says. launched with the Telecommunications according to Mark Mays. "Radio's reach far exceeds the reach Act of 1996, PaineWebber Inc. media "They're hugely talented people, of any television show just because of analyst Leland Westerfield says Clear [and] there's going to be a lot for every- the pervasiveness of [the medium]," Channel got a good deal in valuing body to do," Mays says. Lebow says. AMFM at about 19 times 2000 broad- That includes harnessing the reach "We are huge," says Mark Mays. And cast cash flow. "It's the premium you of the huge new Clear Channel, which advertisers also can target specific demo- expect," particularly with the reach the boasts 100 million radio listeners graphics or regions. "You want Ohio, we new Clear Channel can deliver. "That's nationally-the number of people who can sell you Ohio. You want Florida, we really the hinge of the deal," he says.

12 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK This "truly colossal radio merger money. That could launch a lot of cre- "From a local standpoint, it's bad now ushers in a very exciting organic ativity in the industry, in programming news. The top stations are really in the i growth phase for radio," he adds. By and on the management and sales hands of a few -one or two [radio that he means instead of growing the sides, he says. groups] in many cases," which could bottom line by endlessly acquiring sta- Advertisers had a mixed reaction to drive up advertising prices, says tior:.s, broadcasters have to turn inward the creation of such a colossal radio Ogilvey & Mather Senior Vice Presi- and find more innovative ways to make company with such a large reach. dent Reyn Leutz. "On a national basis, it [the merger] is awesome," says Luetz, who also is the agency's associate director of And here's the deal national broadcast sales. It will allow The merger of AMFM Inc., Dallas, into Clear Channel Communications advertisers to reach a broad, national Inc., San Antonio, Texas, unites the nation's No. 1 and No. 3 radio groups, audience with one buy, he says. respectively (as ranked by BIA Research using estimated 1998 revenue). "I don't think it's particularly good to The tax-free deal is valued at $23.5 billion: $17.4 billion in Clear Channel have that kind of concentration. We need stock plus assumption of about $6.1 billion in AMFM debt. AMFM share- to operate in a free and open market- holders will end up owning 37% of Clear Channel. place," says Allen Banks, North Ameri- The new Clear Channel Communications will have: can media director for Saatchi & Saatchi 830 U.S. radio stations (512 from Clear Channel and 443 from and chairman of the media policy com- AMFM, less 125 to be divested). mittee for the Washington -based Ameri- $3.08 billion in estimated revenue. can Association of Advertising Agencies. $2.4 billion in broadcast cash flow (estimated for 2000). "If the industry intends to raise its Clear Channel also contributes: rates because of its monopoly power, 19 network -affiliated TV stations (Ranked No. 25 TV station group radio brokers would find that inappro- by B &C). priate," says John Kamp, senior vice 425,000 outdoor displays in more than 35 domestic and 29 overseas president of the agencies' association. markets. Advertisers "should be embar- 29% of Hispanic Broadcasting Corp. rassed" to suggest that Clear Channel Some 240 radio stations in England, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, will hike prices, says Mark Mays. Norway and Czech Republic. Clear Channel will continue to have AMFM also contributes: "cost- effective rates.... Always have, AMFM Radio Networks. always will." 30% of Lamar Advertising Co., which owns 42,500 billboards. "There's still going to be major, Katz Media rep firm. major competition in the markets that vm Chancellor Marketing Group. [the new Clear Channel is] in," says The management: Gary Fries, president of the Radio Clear Channel Chairman L. Lowry Mays retains Advertising Bureau. "I don't see where position. the competitive values change one bit," AMFM Inc. Chairman Thomas O. Hicks becomes even on a national level. vice chairman of Clear Channel. Hicks' invest- However, the merger "is definitely ment firm, Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Inc., will be going to increase radio's advertising Clear Channel's largest shareholder with about clout. It is a continuation of the cycle of 10% of stock. radio being viewed as a dynamic, Mays' sons, Mark and Randall, retain their titles- growing medium," Fries says. and day -to -day operation of the company. Mark is The merger agreement, which is president; Randall is executive vice dated Oct. 2, came together over the .amen de Castro president/chief financial officer. course of three weeks, though the prin- James E. de Castro, AMFM co -vice chairman cipals have been talking off and on for and president of AMFM Radio, keeps those two years, Mays and Hicks say. Mays titles -for now. kicked off the most recent negotiations Clear Channel Radio President Randy Michaels by calling Hicks. keeps that title -for now. Why now? Clear Channel and Hicks' brother, R. Steven, continues to oversee AMFM were in serious deal discus- AMFM's Internet explorations. However, last sions this past March, when Hicks Wednesday, AMFM named Gary Lee, vice presi- ousted company President Jeffrey A. dent for information partnerships and new media, Marcus. At that time, B &C reported and said he will report to AMFM Radio COO Ken that the reorganization of then-Chan- O'Keefe. cellor Media Corp. was engineered to Randy Michaels Clear Channel keeps its eight board members make the company a more attractive while AMFM adds five of its own. merger candidate [March 22, July 19]. What's next Chancellor had been suffering from a Assuming FCC and Justice Department approval, closing is expected lagging stock price based on percep- by the end of next June. -E.A.R. tions of the company's debt (then $6.7 billion) and the burden of purchasing

OCTOBER 11, 191111 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 13

www.americanradiohistory.com Source: NSI WRAP Overnights 9/20'99- 70/3/99, Weigttod meter3d market average: double runs, LMAs combined; HH Rating.

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www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK Tom Hicks' LIN Television Corp. (that $1.5 billion deal was called off as part of the March restructuring). Spinoffs serve Justice, FCC rules Indeed, "the cleaned -up company The new Clear Channel Communications Inc. would own nearly 1,000 was ... actually hitting Wall Street esti- radio stations, but for federal ownership caps and antitrust limits. mates and we gained more confidence The FCC bars broadcasters from owning more than eight radio stations in the numbers," Mark Mays says. in the nation's largest markets. That's further limited to no more than five "Our choice was to stay independent of a kind, AM or FM. Meanwhile, the Justice Department reviews radio and [continue to] pay down debt or do it mergers worth more than S15 million with an eye on several factors that it now and enjoy the benefits of the growth considers anticompetitive: controlling more than about 40% of a market's the two companies will have" together. radio revenue; owning too many top- ranked stations; and dominating cer- Both Hicks and Mays agree that it was tain demographics via format control, for example. better to do a deal sooner rather than With that in mind. Clear Channel and merger partner AMFM Inc. have later, because as both companies contin- identified about 125 radio stations to spin off. Clear Channel President Mark ued to acquire radio stations, overlaps Mays puts the value of the stations to be divested at $4 billion -$4.5 billion - that would require stations divestitures nearly 20% of the total value of the $23.5 billion stock -and -debt deal.The would get even more unwieldy. As it is, spinoffs would give the company 830 radio stations rather than 955. the merged company figures it will have Clear Channel already has a track record of selling stations to minori- to divest 125 radio stations valued at up ties, and in last Monday's announcement of its merger with AMFM it said to $4.5 billion by Mays. this deal further advances that goal. That is a top priority of FCC Chairman Viacom Inc.'s $37.3 billion stock - William Kennard, and proclamations like Clear Channel's are widely seen and -debt deal for CBS was also in the as helping pave the way for deal approvals at his agency. back of Hicks' mind, he admits. Conver- It's already clear that the new Clear Channel will have to make divesti- sations about that deal put him in "the tures in at least 35 markets just to meet the FCC cap. In Los Angeles, for right frame of mind to be receptive" to example, the combined Clear Channel would own nine FMs and four AMs. Clear Channel's overtures, he says. And, In No. 10 market Houston, it would control 10 FMs and six AMs, while in adds the consummate deal- maker, "all No. 119 Jackson, Miss., it would have eight FMs and four AMs. deals kind of have their own timing." But it's not as easy as getting down to five FMs and three AMs in a mar- Running AMFM has "been a chal- ket. Justice has to be served, too, and that could mean Clear Channel won't lenge for us," Hicks say. Wall Street be able to own all five of a market's top FMs, for example. Perhaps it won't be darling Clear Channel is made up of able to own all the country formats in a market, or all the rock formats. A Jus- "people we are thrilled to hook our tice Department official was not available last week for comment. wagon up to," he says. "Let them drive But Clear Channel has already been talking to federal officials, Mays this train." says, to make sure "we know how they think." -E.A.R. Who wants to be a castaway? CBS game show to award $1 million to `survivor' of 39 -day desert island series

By Joe Schlosser Ten separate camera crews will be placed on the island to catch the action. How far will CBS go for ratings? CBS executives say they will have How about a deserted island off "some of the world's top outdoors spe- Borneo. cialists," along with medical and psy- The Tiffany network is taking the chological teams standing by in case of new trend in prime time game shows emergency. The island, CBS executives all the way to the South China Sea for a say, is filled with deadly snakes, lizards 13- episode series that is half game and other dangerous wildlife. show, half adventure series. Kelly Kahl, CBS' senior vice president CBS looks to turn a Gilligan into a Mr. Survivor, which will run next summer Howell with its new island adventure. of program planning and scheduling, à la ABC's summer hit Who Wants To Be says the network has been working on a Millionaire ?, will pit 16 contestants (covering three days on the island), the Survivor for over a year and that, danger- against one another on the deserted contestants will hold a secret -ballot to ous animals notwithstanding, the series island with little more than the clothes expel one, possibly two, of their fellow will not be dangerous for the contestants. on their backs in a battle for $1 million contestants. By the final episode, two "This is something that captured our In March, CBS executives will fly the contestants will be left standing, and imagination and, based on the feedback contestants, picked through regional the $1 million winner will be chosen by that we have already been getting, it's interviews and tests at the 16 CBS owned- the 14 already cast-off castaways. capturing the public's imagination as and- operated stations, to Borneo and The limited series will be produced well," Kahl says. "Part of the success of leave them on Pulau Tiga for 39 days. by Mark Burnett, creator and producer the show will depend on making...view- At the conclusion of each episode of Discovery Channel's Eco Challenge. ers feel like survivors as well."

16 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com FINANCIAL BROADCASTING & CABLE /BLOOMBERG STOCK INDEXES BROADCAST TV (1017/98- 10/8/99) CABLE TV (10/7/98 -10/8/98) RADIO (1017/98 -10`1 WRAP -UP 300 350 800 250 Week of 4 - 8 250 600 October 200 500 200 WINNERS 150 400 150 300 10/8 midday % change 100 100 200 Hearst -Argyle $2E.38 19.20 50 50 100 Echostar $109.50 17.70 o o o Paxson $12.88 14.44 Week ending 10/e Week ending 10/8 Week ending 10/8 Sinclair $9.44 14.39 Close 282.75 Close 308.44 Close 782.94 Valuevision $2E.63 12.80 High 282.75 High 308.44 High 785.06 LOSERS Low 272.68 Low 305.68 Low 775.58 10/8 midday %change DOW JONES NASDAQ S TiVo $4C.63....(14.60) &P 500 Week ending 10/8 Week ending 10/8 Week ending 10/8 Shop at Home $9.63 (6.49) Close 10649.80 Close 2886.57 Close 1336.02 Cumulus. $32.00 (6.10) High 10649.80 High 2886.57 High 1336.02 Emmis $62.00 (5.60) Low 10400.60 Low 2795.97 Low 1301.35 Saga $22.00 (4.50) Mighty Morphin debt collectors Financial crunch follows Fox Family Channel's ratings slide; some see `loan -shark loan'

By John M. Higgins demo that advertisers don't find par - ox Family Channel's ratings titularly attractive. snags are translating into a finan But a year after cial pinch for its parent company, " the Fox Family with earnings falling well short of schedule overhaul, expectations. "' an initial spurt of The earnings shortfall was signifi- { ,, growth in more cant enough for 50% -owner Fox appealing demos Broadcasting Corp. to inject cash into ' has leveled off, and the company at interest rates up to 20% f the network's rat - to forestall technical default on a $710 ings are flat or million bank -loan package. falling. Comparing The financial glitch is far from life September 1999 to threatening, but points to the fallout September 1998, from the network's mixed ratings per- just after Fox Fami- formance over the past year. Fox Fami- ly's relaunch as an ly has seen overall ratings drop 30% Fox Family Worldwide Chairman Haim Saban is hoping a "edgy" but friendly over the past year. While the network revamped lineup will stop falling ratings and earnings. channel, household had been generating strong viewership ratings are off 25% gains with its kids programming, slide in Fox Family's ratings since Fox for the full day, down around 50% in the recent data show that even that growth Broadcasting parent News Corp. and daytime and flat in prime time. In one of began dwindling last month. kids TV partner Saban Entertainment the network's targeted demo categories, Fox Family Worldwide President Mel acquired the Family Channel in 1997. adults 18 -49, the kids programming Woods said that some bondholders' sud- Borrowing heavily to finance the $1.9 unsurprisingly has wiped out viewing den concerns over the company's finan- billion takeover, Fox Family Worldwide during the daytime. But in prime, which cial moves are overblown. "There's Chairman Haim Saban moved to repeat is designed to get adults, ratings are flat some confusion out there," he said, his success in syndicating kids program- at 0.4 compared to last September. pointing to a drop in the company's bond ming to TV stations on a cable network. Fox Family officials have spent the price last week. Woods contends that the Out went Family Channel's heavy past year bragging about big gains in terms of the Fox Broadcasting money reliance on Bonanza reruns. In came the network's kids audience. Indeed, are misunderstood. "I'm shocked that all-new shows and movies, particularly daytime viewers aged 2 -11 jumped the reaction has been anything other than a long kids block during daytime. So 50% -100% in some periods compared positive." But some Wall Street execu- far, however, the move is not paying to Family's old schedule. But in Sep - tives are less shocked. One analyst who off. Saban has alienated the channel's tember, kids dropped 33% in daytime has studied Fox Family's debt maneu- longtime viewers, resulting in house- and 25% in prime time. vers called the Fox Broadcasting invest- hold ratings falling more than 30 %. Fox Family President Rich Cronin ment a "loan-shark loan." That was partly a goal since those said that the network delayed premier - The problem stems from the steep viewers were primarily in the 50 -plus ing new kids series until October to

OCTOBER 11, 1999 I BROADCASTING S CABLE 17

www.americanradiohistory.com TAP IF TIE AEE[ avoid getting lost among the broadcast networks' new fall season, so he expects ratings to pick up. A new Securities and Exchange CLOSED CIRCUIT Commission filing shows that for the BEHIND THE SCENES, BEFORE THE FACT fiscal year that ended in June, Fox Fam- WASHINGTON Strategy" made the rounds in Wash- ily Worldwide's reported cash flow fell ington. According to the report, set 4 %. Further, the company's $1.8 billion Friendly resolution manufacturers, equipment suppliers in debt leaves the programmer's lever- New partners NBC and Paxson and broadcasters at the meeting age at a huge 10.8 times annual cash Communications are fmding it new 8 flow. Even many debt -heavy cable aren't all convinced -VSB easy to cooperate. The two put solve indoor DTV operators shoot to get their leverage tuner chips will their heads together to head off a reception problems discovered by down below 6 times cash flow. fight over digital TV allotments in But that's using conventional Sinclair Broadcast Group. ATSC Miami. Each had asked the FCC to Chairman Robert Graves says the accounting methods in which program- let it drop its current DTV channel mers count programming expenses information in the report was taken assignments and broadcast on ch. that new 8 -VSB only as they air the shows. Looking at it out of context and 31, which would allow it to locate chips represent a significant differently by zeroing in on the checks a DTV transmitter on Miami's Fox Family Worldwide actually wrote improvement. "Somebody's playing antenna farm rather than search for dirty pool;' says Graves. for programming last year, the compa- tower sites. The two companies ny's cash flow dropped about 40 %. began talks in early spring to settle LOS ANGELES Hence the loan problem. The loans their competing applications. But, from a bank group, led by CitiCorp, with the help of FCC engineers, Kellner: Wrong DTV horse? require Fox Family to hit certain cash - they figured that Paxson could WB President Jamie Kellner isn't flow targets to keep its leverage, or move to the antenna farm anyway signing Sinclair's petition to the debt -to -cash flow ratio, below a cer- by tweaking the signal for its chan- FCC to add COFDM modulation tain level. Before the end of the fiscal nel 26. The negotiations were put to the ATSC standard, but he will year, it was clear it was going to fall on the back burner when the corn- send a letter to the FCC urging an well short. panies decided to discuss the NBC independent comparison of So they turned to Fox Broadcasting, investment stake, they say, but last COFDM and VSB. "I am very con- which is controlled by News Corp. month they reached agreement on cerned, both from my observations in Securities filings show that June the Miami market. and data from our engineers, that Fox Broadcasting advanced $125 mil- we're on the wrong horse [with 8- lion to Fox Family, which in turn paid Digital radio on docket VSB] and that COFDM is a better down a bank loan. No payments were The FCC is expected to launch its standard," says Kellner, who adds supposed to be due until September effort to devise a standard for digi- that Acme Broadcasting, the sta- 2000. "It was a prepayment, in order to tal radio at its Oct. 21 meeting. Top tion group he controls, would help stay in compliance," Woods said. But among the FCC's questions will be pay for such testing. he added that "we have financial whether the agency should rely on covenants we were required to meet, in -band, on- channel technology DENVER and we have met them." that would allow stations to trans- Internet riches Woods said that he and Fox Broad- mit analog and digital signals on casting regard the loans not as debt but Investing in the Internet sector isn't the same frequency, or require for the faint of heart, but for those as equity. The 10-year notes don't pay broadcasters to operate a second any cash interest and are deeply subor- who can handle extreme volatility, channel for their digital signals as the payoffs can be remarkable. Just dinated, paid off only after all other TV stations must do. The regula- lenders get their money back. "That's ask Julian Brodsky, vice chairman tors also will ask for input on the of Comcast and chairman of Com- an equity return," he explained, adding three competing IBOC technolo- that "if we were paying cash interest on cast Interactive Capital Group. gies being pushed by USA Digital, CIC, created to invest in new media them it would be different." Digital Radio Express and Lucent. Two tests will come in October. First, businesses, invested about $25 mil- more new shows will come on Fox NEW YORK lion in 11.7 million shares of Inter- Family's schedule with the potential to net Capital Group (Nasdaq: ICGE), improve the ratings. Also, Woods said A mole at the ATSC? which facilitates business -to -busi- that he expects an event that will have As the debate over the Advanced ness e- commerce. ICGE went pub- "much further impact on the leverage Television Systems Committee's lic in early August at $12 a share situation of this company in a positive digital transmission standard rages, and shot up to about $30. Thus, in way." He wouldn't elaborate, but other it appears there is no unity at the the space of a day, CIC's $25 mil- executives familiar with the company ATSC in defense of 8 -VSB. Feath- lion investment increased 14 -fold. said that Fox Family Worldwide plans ers at ATSC headquarters were ruf- It gets better: As of last Friday, to take its European division public. fled last week after an unofficial ICGE shares were trading at nearly About $100 million of that cash will go report on a meeting of the "ATSC $96, making CIC's investment straight back to News Corp. Chairman Ad Hoc Group on Transmission worth about $1.1 billion. Rupert Murdoch.

18 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 19E9

www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK Sinclair hurls DIV gauntlet 13 station groups join call for giving stations choice of digital transmission standards

By Bill McConnell and putting their future in the hands of one FCC staffer. the cable industry, Sinclair said. But Sinclair officials complained inclair Broadcasting, joined by FCC officials say the commissioners that the FCC report appears to be a pre- broadcast owners controlling 250 are keeping their minds open, despite emptive strike aimed at dampening stations across the country, last the recommendations of agency engi- sentiment for any change to the trans- week followed through on its pledge to neers. "They can be persuaded," said mission standards and they have tried fight for a new digital TV transmission standard. The Baltimore -based station group officially asked the FCC to give broadcasters a choice in DTV modulation September 1999 standards and had harsh words for an Oct. 1 government report recommend- ing no changes from the current method, known as 8 -VSB. Sinclair, in its petition, said its HAMPSHIRE EQUITY PARTNERS request is backed by Gray Communica- tions, Paxson Communications, Pappas Telecasting, Granite Broadcasting and a founding equity sponsor of nine other station groups. Those groups will send a formal endorsement of the petition to the FCC this week, Sinclair officials said. InterLink Communications Partners "We came into this as skeptics, but we were totally converted by Sinclair's am/ demonstrations," said LeBon Amber - crombie, head of planning and devel- Rifkin Acquisition Partners opment for Pappas during a Sinclair press conference transmitted to broadcasters via satellite. In August, Sinclair announces the sale of these conducted demonstrations at six sites two cable television partnerships to in Baltimore to demonstrate 8 -VSB's indoor reception problems, primarily in areas with tall office buildings. Sin- Charter Communications, Inc. clair also documented reception problems at 34 other sites. for aggregate consideration of In interviews, Sinclair officials called FCC engineers "naïve" for pre- dicting that digital television reception problems will be solved without major $1,460,000,000 changes to transmission methods. "For the FCC to draw this conclusion is a large mistake," said Sinclair technology director Nat Ostroff. We are pleased to have partnered FCC engineers also concluded that with Rifkin & Associates, the manager of 8 -VSB transmission and tower con- these highly successful build -ups struction would be less expensive for broadcasters as well. Supporters of 8 -VSB say a switch now would needlessly delay the shift Hampshire Equity Partners to DTV. 520 Madison Avenue Sinclair wants the FCC to let stations choose between 8 -VSB and COFDM, a New York, NY 10022 modulation standard prevalent in 212 -453 -1600 Europe and elsewhere. Without satis- factory indoor reception, broadcasters will be giving away their "birthright"

OCTOBER 11, 1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 19

www.americanradiohistory.com TOP OF THE WEEK to cast as much doubt as possible on its have duplicated the demonstrations to reproduce the "multipath" problems validity. because some of the locations were pri- created by high -rise construction, said Ostroff said the agency was hood- vate residences. Furthermore, Ostroff Bruce Allan, president of the compa- winked by faulty data, noting that questioned Harris' impartiality because ny's broadcast communications divi- much of the FCC's report was based on the company has a stake in NxtWave sion. As for the NxtWave investment, Harris Corp. tests showing the latest Communications, a company develop- he said: "We have COFDM technology generation of 8 -VSB receivers works ing new 8 -VSB receiver chips. too; investing in technology doesn't fine. Harris says it successfully tested Harris officials said Sinclair's mean we're not impartial." new 8 -VSB receivers by duplicating attacks are unfounded. First, Harris For their part, FCC staffers say they Sinclair Baltimore demonstrations. was able to pick duplicate test sites that relied on their own analysis of data from Ostroff argued that Harris could not were sufficiently close to the originals several sources, not just Harris.

Kennard's effort to add "predictability and trans- parency" to merger WASHINGTON WATCH reviews comes as legislation limiting FCC merger examinations to no more By Paige Alhiniak and Bill McConnell than six months awaits a Senate vote. Despite plans NAB: Honor thy the same market. The the advertising rights to speed reviews, Kennard grandfathers agency also replaced a applied to all stations or said criticism of the complicated waiver only to those located in Existing TV local market- agency's current practices process with set rules for states where gambling is ing agreements and has been too harsh. "What in- market radio/TV com- legal. FCC lawyers radio/TV combinations often goes unsaid...is how bos. A land rush of appli- stressed, however, that should have priority over many mergers the FCC cants seeking to establish their legal opinion doesn't new applications to form has been called upon to same- market broadcast necessarily give all sta- in- market broadcast deal with in the past three - groups is expected tions a green light to groups, the National Asso- and -a-half years," he said. because the number of advertise casinos. If a TV ciation of Broadcasters "Many of the large and combos allowed to any station located in an anti - said last week. The NAB complicated mergers have one market is limited by gambling state airs casino is asking the FCC not to been done in record time." FCC media "voice" tests. ads, the commission require current operations Kennard also said the The Minority Media would be to seek permission for obligated to agency has received con- Telecommunications review any complaints and their combinations on gressional approval to Council said the lottery a final decision would be Nov. 16, the date the consolidate into two cen- agency begins accepting system should be scrapped made at that time. Also, tralized offices the and priority given instead the applications for in- market Congress or federal enforcement and public groups. The agency has to broadcast groups that appeals court in Philadel- information duties now proposed that applications plan to spin off stations to phia could overrule the carried out by separate "socially and economical- FCC lawyers. be processed on a first - bureaus. come, first-served basis. ly disadvantaged" small FCC - Applications that arrive on businesses. forms merger Teeing up to honor the same day will be prior- review squad Terry Mahony A jackpot for itized by lottery. "NAB Starting Jan. 3, FCC Gen- NBC is sponsoring a golf sees no justification for broadcasters? eral Counsel Christopher tournament in memory of disrupting preexisting sta- A recent Supreme Court Wright will head a merg- Terry Mahony, an NBC tion combinations that decision apparently gives er- review team charged lobbyist who died last have resulted in public broadcasters the right to with examining thorny February. The tournament interest benefits," the asso- air casino ads regardless legal issues created by the will take place Oct. 27 at ciation said. The FCC on of whether their stations agency's examination of the Washington Golf and Aug. 5 said station owners are based in states that merger applications. "The Country Club in Arling- who operate a second sta- allow gambling, FCC goal will be to expedite ton, Va. Proceeds from the tion in their markets via lawyers say. The agency's the review process so that $400 -per -person event will LMAs must count the sec- Oct. 1 statement resulted issues arising in even the go to the Terry Mahony ond outlet toward their from a June high court rul- most complex transactions Memorial Scholarship national and local owner- ing that strikes down a law may be resolved within Fund at University of ship caps. However, the barring TV and radio definite time periods," Notre Dame in Notre agency also voted for the operators from running FCC Chairman William Dame, Ind. The National first time to permit TV casino ads. It was unclear Kennard told the Federal Association of Broadcast- duopolies, or two com- immediately following the Communications Bar ers is sponsoring a recep- monly owned stations in ruling, however, whether Association last week. tion following the event.

20 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com CLEAR CHANNEL JACKSONVILLE cdoor Radio Television

Josh McGraw President

Radio WROO 107.3 WPU 93.3 WQIK 99.1 1, 1999 WFS) 97.9 October Wlgr 92.7 WSOL 101.5 & CEO WplyS AM 930 President Valentine, & Marketing 1320 Dean W)GRAM Mr. ware' Chief e. VP, Affiliate Relations W yAZ AM 1400 Carlston, Mr, Steve Television FOX 30 WAWS UPN Wilshire Blvd. UPN 47 \VW CA 90025 Outdoor Los Angeles, ELLER MEDIA team, the entire UPN 47 in Steve and BV UPN Dean, Adam, a roll and wTdayparr Dear UPN is on every makes! grow in a year you as we UPN has a difference ong with launch of What rolling the successful l400o for the year. Jacksonville and ratings local sal leseffortsstremendously, our ea up 41 is up are up, sales UPN sales Our ratings assisted our UPN is taking. direction We thrilled with the are are sky high. and our spits comeback! on a great Congratulations

Best regards, ti/// 74, Josh McGraw _Jacksonville President el Clear Charm

Inc. Fa *: 904-646-0115 Communications, , Inc. 60413 Clear Channel Phone: Florida 32224 Jacksonville, Parkway 11700 Central l ".

UNITED PARAMOUNT NETWORK

www.americanradiohistory.com Blind Dat

wok t We 2

New York WM OR m-f/llp 2.5 3.1

Los Angeles COP m-f/6p 2.0 2.5

Phoenix KUTP m-f/10p 2.9 3.3

St. Louis KPLR m-f/la 2.5 3.0

Raleigh WRAZ mf/11:30p 2.2 2.9

Milwaukee WISN rn-f/ilp 3.7 4.3

Memphis WLMT m-f/9:30p 2.4 3.6

1 UNIVERSAL

www.americanradiohistory.com e Scores...

WEEK 1 TO WEEK 2 MARKET TIOWAFF. % RTG INCREASE New York WWO R/U +24% Los Angeles KCOP/U +25% Philadelphia WPHL/W +14% Boston WSBK/U +50% Dallas -Ft. Worth KDAF/W' +5% Washington, DC WUSA/C +8% Detroit WDWB/W +6% Seattle KTWB/Ih +27% Cleveland WKYC/l +25% Phoenix KUTP/U +14% Denver KTVD/U +58% Pittsburgh WCWB/W +7% St. Lois KPLR/W +20% San Diego KSWB/W +86% Hartford WBNE/W +25% Charlotte WJZY/U +11% Raleigh- Durham WRAZ/F +32% Kansas City KMCl/1 +17% Milwaukee WISWA +16% Salt Lake City KUWB/W +44% San Antonio KABB/F +16% Birmingham WBMA/A +13% Memphis WLMT/U +50% Norfolk WVBT/F +15% Greensboro WBFXNV +150% Jacksonville WAWS/F +6%

www.americanradiohistory.com O R I G I N A L C A B L E P R O G R A M M I N G

hen it works, an programming for AT &T BIS. "Cus- in 10 years, accounting for the biggest original program tomers really value original content, jump in overall programming expenses, is a voice above [and] we value quality original program- according to Paul Kagan Associates. the clamor in an ming more than quality acquired pro- Fragmentation is at the heart of the increasingly gramming. Cable can't just be reruns." growth in originals. As more and more crowded and This year, basic cable networks will networks emerge on cable, it becomes noisy cable uni- spend more than $3 billion on original harder and harder for any one to stand verse -one heard by cable operators programs, about 52% of all program- out, especially if they're running a rota- and the public alike. ming expenses. That figure is expected tion -heavy schedule full of off-network "Original programming is essential to to reach $8.3 billion, or 64% of the total acquisitions, and even if they're doing cable's success," says Madison original movies. Acquisitions and Bond, executive vice president of By Deborah McAdams movies bring people in, but it takes

24 BROADCASTING & CABLE I OCTOBER 11, 1990

www.americanradiohistory.com O R I G I N A L C A B L E P R O G R A M M I N G

a well -done original series to keep them, says Margaret Loesch, president of Odyssey, a Hallmark & Henson Net- work. Odyssey will launch eight new series next spring. "We recognize to be really successful, we've got to have series franchises to get people to come back every night," she says. Another result of fragmentation is a dwindling supply of anything to acquire. "Given the marketplace, there's hardly anything available," says Rob Sor- cher, executive vice president of programming and development for Fox Family Channel. Sorcher was brought in last month to help create hits for the network, which was still reeling after a relaunch more than a year ago. "It's hard for any cable network trying to establish 'MTV Total Request Live,' which is produced from the network's Times Square studio, a brand identity to go out and find it, gets good ratings despite its modest programming budget. Odyssey and Fox Family are trying to establish new identities with original Hughes, vice president of programming Originals are one place where cable programming, established networks are for TNN. "You have networks like Life- operators and programmers are on the using originals to extend their identities. time and Turner doing original movies. same page. When it's done right, original Two of cable's largest networks -TNT These are very aggressive strategies, programming gives viewers something and TNN-recently announced plans to and [other] cable networks have to com- they can't get anywhere else, something go into the original series business for pete with that." For example, a movie MSOs can use as a selling point with the first time in their respective histo- with a $3 million budget was a big deal subscribers. It also helps a programmer ries. Eleven -year -old TNT, consistently a few years ago; now network offerings at the negotiating table, "especially if a one of the top-10 rated cable networks, such as TNT's recent movie Animal network comes back for a rate increase," is developing at least a dozen pilots for Farm can cost as much as $24 million. as one MSO spokesman puts it. original series. TNN, launched in 1983, After foreign rights are taken into When original programming is done will present its very first original drama account, TNT's cost for a movie that really right, subscribers may even ask series next January. generated an OK 4.2 first -mn rating is for it. Discovery's Animal Planet, for "Those are the things cable networks still double the license for a theatrical example, went up in June 1996, with a have to do to stick out," says Brian that might get a rating 50% higher. handful of acquired programs and a However, networks do bulk up at the scant smattering of subscribers in the lower end of the scale, with MTV Midwest. As the network matured and spending as little as $15,000 per half added originals, its popularity explod- hour on some of its originals. ed. Animal Planet now reaches nearly Hughes hopes TNN's original series, 54 million households, easily more which he calls "a cross between Walker than twice what Discovery expected. Texas Ranger and Night Rider," injects AP's growth was partly because of Dis- new vigor into the network. covery's connections, but mostly "Over the last several years, we because there was nothing like it on TV haven't seen any growth, and we need- and subscribers asked for it, according ed to see growth," he says. "In a lot of to a Discovery representative. our research over the years, an original The one downside of originality - dramatic series is something people about which all programmers seem to have been yearning for," he adds. agree -is the difficulty of creating the "These are the types of properties that so- called "buzz." are excelling out in the marketplace." "Look at TV Land," says Discov- Original properties are becoming so ery's Senior Vice President of sales and hot, even cable's top pay -per -view dis- affiliate marketing Bill Goodwyn. "All tributor is getting into the game. 'View- they have to do is get tuned in, because er's Choice, on the way to becoming iN people already know what they're pro- 'Movie Lounge' with host Kent Osborne DEMAND, is creating a content divi- gramming. If all your programming is is one of TBS' signature shows that help establish the network as a well- watched sion in Los Angeles to come up with new, it has to be explained because movie destination. new ways to exploit the PPV category. people don't know what it is."

OCTOBER 11, 1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 25

www.americanradiohistory.com O R I G I N A L C A B L E P R O G R A M M I N G The original hard sell Cable networks use cross -media promotional campaigns to hype new shows ost cable networks At Comedy Cen- have a difficult time tral, which is jointly marketing any new owned by Viacom show, partly because Inc. and Time cable originals usu- Warner, there are ally can't piggyback fewer opportunities onto highly rated for free, blanket, programs like Friends or Monday cross -channel pro- Night Football. Just getting viewers to motions. But with a tune in to a show they've never seen boost in its advertis- before, especially when acquired pro- ing budget, the net- gramming like Law & Order or Chica- work says it is go Hope comes pre -packaged and usu- about to launch its ally with a built -in audience, means the largest off-channel costs of promoting a new show are con- effort to date, mar- siderable by comparison. Plus, there's USA Networks keting the second - no guarantee of success. partnered with half season of The Man But sometimes a well -publicized electronic Show, which premiered production strikes a nerve with its audi- retailer Circuit in June. The new sea- ence and City to promote takes off-surprising even the the miniseries son begins on Nov. 3. most hardened of pitch artists. 'Journey to the Cathy Tankosic, Take TES's First Daughter, for exam- Center of the senior vice president ple, an original made - for -television Earth.' of marketing, said the movie about a female secret service agent budget for The Man (Mariel Hemingway) assigned to protect Show would be a little the president and then his daughter, who says of WCWs 25 -54 male demo. under $3 million. "That's large because is kidnapped. It became a record- break- In contrast to First Daughter, some it's a single show," says Tankosic, noting ing smash hit earning a 6.9 rating /12 larger originals bowed with modest mar- that $4.5 million was spent to promote share when it premiered Aug. 21. keting efforts. CNN's epic documentary the network's 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. lineup. "Beyond our expectations," says covering a thousand years in 10 consec- The show will be advertised extensively Constance Barkley- Lewis, senior vice utive episodes, Millennium -which first in print media, such as Playboy's year- president of marketing at TBS. "It was aired Sunday, Oct. 10, with an hour-long end issue, Rolling Stone, GQ, Maxim a strong cast and a great story. And we look at the 11th century had a market- and TV Guide, plus ads for exterior bus went heavy with [advertising] in con- ing budget of $12 million in off-network wraps, telephone kiosks and billboards. sumer publications like Entertainment promos. That's a fraction of what the "We're also doing spot radio in 10 mar- Weekly and People magazine a week network spent on its 24 -part Peabody kets, and we will do spot cable;" she says. prior to the premier." award -winning Cold War series, accord- 'We found that The Man Show has been First Daughter was generally targeted ing to Pat Mitchell, president of CNN performing very well and deserved a mar- for adults 25 -54, but the network aggres- Productions and Time Inc. Television. keting push because we think it can do sively pursued the coveted 18 -34 male "We had a very limited off- network even better," says Tankosic, noting that the audience by running promos of the film budget for marketing. I wish we had had show's core audience is males 18-49. on Thunder, its Thursday night wrestling more, but there's only so much money to go Marketing partnerships are another franchise. One of the program's wrestlers around and most of it is for [CNN] news- way to spread the word about a show. is WCW's Diamond Dallas Page, who gathering," said Mitchell, who is also exec- USA Networks hooked up with Circuit plays a militiaman in the thriller. utive producer with Jeremy Isaacs of the City, which has 600 electronic stores "We promoted the movie with a spe- Millennium series. She notes, however, that across the county, to promote its minis- cial promo featuring Diamond Dallas CNN had the advantage of promoting Mil- eries Journey to the Center of the during the match," Barkley -Lewis says. lennium gratis on seven Turner networks. Earth, based on the book by Jules "We ran it like a trailer. We were able to Verne. USA's promotion included a reach 70% of the male audience," she By Mary Reinholz sweepstakes in which five winners and

26 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com V10 VENTU PÄiR

Over the past five months, Fox Family Channel's original movie ratings have increased 60 %,

led by Au Pair with a 5.0 rating

and the largest audience in the 22 -year history of the Channel.

New original children's series increased kids ratings 34 %.

www.americanradiohistory.com Original Movie Original Movie Original Comedy Series Patrick Bergn, Susannah York and Malcolm Mcd)owes Jacqueline Bisset and John Rh75- Davies hosted by )avid Alan Crier JUST WATCH OU'

Holiday Premiere Movie Hallorveen Premiere Movie Original Children's Series Martin fiftill, Lesley Ann Warren and Eugene- Livy Daryl Hannah and Tm Curry :rom tèe creator of Pepper Arn

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their families could win trips to Aus- Sopranos] became a tralia, said Isabel Miller Sternlieb, vice tremendous critical and president of consumer marketing. popular success. We are "We sent out a circular that went to using the series not only 44- million households in Sunday news- get people to turn on the papers announcing the sweepstakes. We show, but to make a state- also ran trailers of the movie in all of ment about the brand," [Circuit City's] 66,000 [in- store] televi- says Kessler. sion sets," Sternlieb said of the promo, While most campaigns which began three weeks in advance of are multimedia, networks the film's airdates on Sept. 14 and 15. generally target their efforts "We did print advertising, advertising to a specific audience. VH1 on buses and billboards," she added. SEASON PREMIERE SUNDAY. JUNE. 6. 9PM promoted one of its two NEW EPISODES EVE Community events can also entice original telefilms-Sweet- potential viewers to tune in to a new show. water: A True Rock Story, A &E Networks pulled out the stops to HBO's Kessler: about the first band that performed in the plug its ambitious Emmy- winning Hora- `Sex sells.' 1969 Woodstock festival- during the tio Hornblower series, which premiered Especially in 1999 summer tour of the all- women's the case of the April 4, staging mock battles with tall pay network's Lilith Fair. The campaign included play- antique ships in eight harbor cities. adult hit 'Sex ing tapes and pop-up videos on outdoor The campaign also included a nation- and the City.' screens of Lilith performances at every wide retail sweepstakes involving 40 date from Seattle to Boston. Windjammer cruise grand prizes and "All the messaging was about Lilith message-in -a -bottle mailers that invited and the artists. And at the end we would affiliates, retailers and libraries to partici- though, that HBO, a pay -TV service, run the trailer for Sweetwater, so the pate. The result was a publicity bonanza supports programming that helps to dif- content was relevant as to why we were representing the equivalent of a $10 mil- ferentiate it from everything else on tele- there," says Jim Corboy, senior vice lion campaign, according to Michael vision. "In developing advertising, we president of marketing at VH1, the adult Mohamad, vice presi- have to rein- music channel of MTV Networks. "I A &E Network's national promotional dent of marketing. efforts for its History Channel includes force the think people want to be informed and While A &E's promo- different treatments for exposure on attributes of entertained rather than marketed to" tion was successful, billboards, subway and bus the brand VH1, Corboy adds, also ran its Mohamad says that col- posters. and the Sweetwater trailer at 1,000 movie the- laborations have to be brand's basic aters about three weeks in advance of germane to the position that the Aug. 9 premiere. product. "Other- sole: it's not TV There are, however, times when origi- No j*e°te^s wise, it would be ete °kes but HBO," nal shows provoke news- independent like my trying to says Kessler. of marketing -that merits big -time cov- advertise a love He calls the erage. That happened this summer when story on ESPN." Sex and the City an expedition for Discovery Channel's To dramatize , r,,;,,,'...,+. campaign an two -hour film, In Search of Liberty Bell the subject of "incremen- 7, which is set to premier on Dec. 12, sex among f% tal" effort went on location and found the missing today's singles, «f" involving Liberty Bell space capsule -which had HBO took its a variety been lost for nearly four decades. They brand straight to of venues hit pay dirt on July 20, when the capsule the public last such as spot - was retrieved on the 30th anniversary of summer with Sex market television, the moon landing. These and other and the City par- print and local newspa- angles were a natural for TV news. ties to promote the first a °` pers, affiliate partnerships on "The Today Show covered it three season of its comedy series ;" local campuses, ads on buses and times, and the story was on the NBC on dating in New York. subways, along with direct mail and Nightly News with Tom Brokaw," said "We had them in major direct response television. Mary Claire Baquet, director of adver- cities before the premiere show so that Although he declined to put a price tising and promotion on air for Discov- young people could cruise and tag on the campaign, Kessler insists ery. "CNN covered it. And so did 26 schmooze. The purpose was to create a that the marketing push for the second cable networks and market affiliates. buzz and get people talking," said Eric season of The Sopranos, HBO's We're using that [coverage] to our Kessler, executive vice president of acclaimed series about a modern -day advantage in reminding consumers in marketing at HBO. mob boss, will be a much larger and the current campaign that they saw this "Sex sells," Kessler admits, adding concerted multimedia venture. "[The in the news."

30 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com C(3R©OON pEpWOR©

It may look like a sweet little cartoon about little girls, but The Powerpuff Girls packs a pretty powerful punch when it comes to connecting with viewers. It's one of the new originals we call Cahtoon Ccutoorce. Programs like this, combined with the classic favorites like the Flintstones, have given us a new power with viewers, which in turn, gives you a powerful connection with your customers.

www.americanradiohistory.com ORIGINA( CRR! F PROGRAMMINO Made -for -Cable Nets

his BROADCASTING & CABLE report looks at 16 cable networks where original productions play a particularly important role in the programming strategy, with special emphasis on entertainment. The report includes highly rated channels and those otherwise found interesting, but excludes news, children's and sports networks.

A &E Network 34

Court TV 36

Discovery Channel 37

Disney Channel 40

Food Network 42

Fox Family Channel 44

HBO 46

Lifetime Television 47

MTV 50

SCI Fl Channel 52

Showtime 54

STARZI 56

TBS Superstation 60

TNT 62

USA Network 64

VH1 66

A Explanation of information in network profiles: The average household viewing statistics -for total day and prime time as well as rankings - are based on Nielsen Media Research data for the year -to -date through the 3rd quarter of 1999 (from 12/28/98 through 9/26/99). The prime time ranking is among cable networks overall, including those specializing in news, children's and sports programming, which are not included in this survey. The original programming budget information is based on data from Paul Kagan Associates.

32 BROADCASTING & CABLE ! OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com Or boy. Or show. Dexter's Laboratory, starring the boy genius, is one of the originals we call Cartoon Canioone. Shows like this, plus all the classic cartoon favorites like yogi Bear, add up to a smart lineup that has captured your customers' attention. All of which makes Cartoon Network the best way for you to capture your customers' minds and hearts.

www.americanradiohistory.com O R I G I N A L C A B L E P R O G R A M M I N G

Homes reached: 15 million Average homes viewing: 675,000 Programming budget: S138.9 million A&E Network For A &E Network, most of its prime time is filled with original productions including daily series such as Biog- raphy and Investigative Reports, along with four to At a glance eight original movies a year. The network is developing 140 Description' 24 -hour, hours of new Biography programs and 130 hours of new basic, ad- supported entertain- Investigative Reports episodes that will air this year and next. ment network that includes original series, mysteries, And this fall two new series documentaries and original movies have been added to A &E's schedule. The Love Chronicles, a week- Owner: ABC, NBC and Hearst ly documentary series that explores the "sociological, scien- Launched: February 1984 tific and historical elements of love, romance and human behav- Avg. homes in prime time (rank): 1,002,000 (8) ior," is scheduled to air this week. And last month another new weekly series debuted, A &E Signature shows: Biography (d); Investigative Reports Top 10. The "best of the best," A &E Top 10 this month pres- (d); The Love Chronicles (w); A &E Top 10 (w); Murder ents two episodes: "Greatest Television Commercials" and in a Small Town (m); Dash P.T. "Cars That Changed the Automobile Industry." and Lilly (m); Barnum "These two shows represent an area that A &E is getting (m); Horatio Hornblower (m); Biography of the Millenni- into- entertainment- oriented factual programming," says A &E um (sp) Senior Vice President of Programming Michael Cascio. This year, the network began airing original movies for In the works: The Crossing (m); The Lady In Question which A &E was the primary producer. Murder in a Small Town, (m); The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (m); Lord Edgware a two -hour mystery created by and starring Gene Wilder, aired in January. Dash and Lilly aired in May. Small Vices with Joe Dies (m); Great Gatsby (ms); In Search of Atlantis (sp) Mantegna aired in July, and P.T. Barnum with Beau Bridges ran in September. The upcoming Crossing, featuring Jeff Daniels as Highest -rated original program: Murder in a Small George Washington, is also a movie A &E commissioned. Town, Jan. 10, 1999; 3.4 million households For the most part, A &E's original movies have been co- productions. "We've always been doing movies in one form Most expensive production: P T Barnum, Sept. 12 or another. It's just that we're stepping up our efforts com- and 13, 1999; cost not available missioning them more directly and trying to get subject matter that is even more appropriate for A &E," says Cascio. In April, the network aired Horatio Hornblower, which was a series of four two -hour movies and a co- production with United Broadcasting & Entertainment. A &E is planning two Hercule Poirot movie mysteries for next year, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and Lord Edgware Dies. A Great Gatsby miniseries is also on A &E's agenda for 2000. Creating successful original programming is a "difficult proposition in a growing marketplace of choices," says Cas- cio. "How do you attract a viewer in a way that makes them come back to you? You need to do programming that not only is good entertainment or information but also repre- sents what you're all about." On The History Channel, A &E's sister operation, 90% of its prime time lineup is original programming. Several new The original daily weekly series were launched this fall including Military series `Investigative Blunders, The Wrath of God and History's Lost & Found. Reports' (I) is a prime -Kim McAvoy time winner for the network. `A &ETop 10' (above), a new weekly series that chronicles (w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; the best of the best, (m) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special debuted last month.

34 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com In 1999 STARZ! Pictures brought viewers outstanding movies like Free Money

and Funny Valentines. In 2000 STARZ! Pictures will unveil an exciting year of new

movies, showcasing Hollywood's hottest stars in remarkable roles. Each month viewers will see a new original movie featuring unique, provocative story lines. STAlL Bring extraordinary entertainment to your customers with STARZ! Pictures. an encore network

www.americanradiohistory.com O R I G I N A L C A B L E P R O G R A M M I N G

Homes reached: 35 million Average homes viewing: 62,000 Programming budget: S23.6 million Court TV It was about a year ago that Court TV embarked on a new programming strategy to become a network about crime and justice. At a glance is a fascinating genre and great subject matter for a "Crime Description: 24 -hour, basic, ad- supported network that wide audience," says Art Bell, Court TV's executive vice president of strategic planning and programming. "We realized we airs courtroom trials during daytime hours and crime - could do original documen- related original and acquired series in prime time tary programming that cov-

® I ` ered crime." Owner: Time Warner- Liberty Media partnership In January, Court TV established a 10 p.m. strip with Crime Stories, an hour -long Launched: July 1991 documentary series focusing on high -profile crime and crim- inals. Crime Stories began its new season on Sept. 14 with Avg. homes in prime time (rank): 105,000 (40) Virus of Violence. The documentary, hosted by Martin Sheen, looked at violence among America's youth. Signature shows: Crime Stories (d); Pros & Cons (d); "We understand our genre is about real crime and real justice, Live From Cell Block F (w); DC Insider (w) and that's what we're going to remain committed to," says Bell. At Court TV, the bulk of the network's programming is In the works: Badge of Courage: Police Officer of the original with live courtroom coverage, and shows such as Pros Year (sp); Anatomy of Crime (w) & Cons, a magazine show about legal issues hosted by Nancy Grace. The weekly call -in show, Live From Cell Block F, host- Highest -rated original program: Richard Ramirez.' ed by Sheriff Gerald K. Hege of Davidson County, N.C., is Night Sept. 7, 1999; 288,000 households another original program that executives at the channel feel The Stalker,' offers a different perspective on the criminal justice system. Most expensive production: Virus of Violence; cost New to the network is DC Insider, a weekly series with Fred Graham, Court TV's chief anchor and managing editor. not available Launched in September, Graham's first show featured Ken Starr. Later this month, Court TV will air Badge of Courage: Police Officer of the Year, a special produced with Parade magazine that highlights the winners of the country's top law- enforcement award. Expected to debut in early January is a daily series with TV journalist Catherine Crier that will take a close look at topical legal news stories. Bell says the network is also looking to do an hour series for its 8 p.m. strip. "We're hoping to launch this strip in January," says Bell. John Langley, creator of COPS, is already working on Anato- my of Crime, a weekly one -hour documentary show, which could air in either the 8 p.m. time slot or as the 10 p.m. strip, says Bell. "We're working with a number of great producers," he says. Arnold Shapiro, who did the Emmy -winning documentary Scared Straight, is developing a pilot for the network Fred Graham that also may play in either strip, Bell notes. hosts 'DC Insider' "One of the things we're looking to bring to the network is (above with guest Ken Starr), which more of a focus on good guys and bad guys," he explains. debuted last "More of their stories. People want more information about month. 'Pros & what was going on in the mind of the criminal, how did he get Cons,' with host that way, where did he come from. We're going to focus on that Nancy Grace, is an original magazine more in upcoming documentaries in January." -Kim McAvoy show that airs daily and explores (w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; contemporary (m) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special legal issues.

36 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com O R I G I N A L C A B L E P R O G R A M M I N G

Homes reached: 75.3 million Average homes viewing: 486,000 Programming budget: S156.6 million Discovery Channel

At the Discovery Channel more than 90% of its programming is original. "When you're nonfiction 18 hours a day, we basically have to create [programming]," says At a glance Mike Quattrone, senior vice president and general manager, Description: 18 -hour, basic, ad- supported cable net- Discovery Channel. "We can't buy things off of other networks. For strategic reasons, if there's no place to buy it, why work that offers original series and documentaries as not make it specifically for well as other adventure, science and entertainment pro- EXPLORE YOUR WORLD" you what people expect -for gramming of Discovery Channel. "Unlike a lot of networks, we DIR oueru. Owner: Discovery Communications Inc. CHANNEL tend to rely on high- profile specials-things that really distin- Launched: June 1985 guish us," says Quattrone. One of the best examples is Discov- Avg. homes in prime time (rank): 876,000 (10) ery's Expedition Adventure, a series devoted to uncovering lost treasures or ancient civilizations, as well as making scientific Signature shows: On The Inside (d); Wild Discovery discoveries. The cable network actually sponsors the expedi- (d); SCI -TREK (w); Discovery Showcase (w); Science tions. This year alone, the series has included Cleopatra's Palace: In Search ofA Legend and Napoleon's Lost Fleet. Mysteries (w); Cleopatra's Palace: In Search of a Discovery is particularly excited about its December special, Legend (sp) In Search of Liberty Bell 7, which will attempt to recover part of the lost Mercury capsule that sank in the waters off the Bahamas In the works: Supernature (sp); The Ultimate Guide: in 1961 its off. a after hatch blew "It was great expedition, but it's House Cats (sp); In Search of Liberty Belt 7 (sp) going to be an extraordinary film," says Quattrone. In March 2000, Discovery will present Raising the Mam- Highest -rated original program: Titanic: Anatomy of moth. Part of the Expedition Adventure series, this special will uncover a perfectly intact frozen mammoth from the a Disaster, April 13, 1997; 3.19 million households Siberian Arctic and remove it by helicopter for scientific Most expensive production: 16, study and possible exhibition. Titanic Live; Aug. Next month, Supernature, a three -part miniseries and a co- 1998; $1 million plus production with the BBC, will air. "It will push the boundaries of what people can expect things to look like," says Quattrone. Another special for later this year is City of Steel: Carrier, which closely follows the construction of the aircraft carriers Harry S. Truman and Ronald Reagan. On the Inside is a daily prime time series that premiered in Jan- uary. A new season of episodes kicks off on Oct. 18 with viewers getting a behind- the -scenes look at the TV show Friends. Because documentaries are the basis of its programming, Discovery strives to make the nonfiction form as contemporary as possible, says Quattrone. "Whatever subject we decide to go after, we have to make that feel as if it were produced in 1999 or 2000," he says. As for next year's programming agenda, Discovery is looking The three -part originel at "some things for later in 2000, but they're still in development miniseries and under wraps," he explains. Not only is the cable network 'Super sature' (above), co -pro iuced with the involved in serious negotiations, "But we're doing some real BBC, will run next deep thinking about how can we do something a little bit differ- month. In Search of ent. We're really intrigued with how we can best use technology Liberty Bell 7' (I), to include viewers and consumers." -Kim McAvoy which ietails the recovery of the Mercury capsule from the waters off the (w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; Bahamas, will air as a (m) movie; (ins) miniseries; (sp) special specia in December.

OCTOBER' 11, 1999 / BROADCAETING & CABLE 37

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www.americanradiohistory.com O R I G I N A L C A B L E P R O G R A M M I N G

Homes reached: $54 million* Average homes viewing: 455,000 Programming budget: $135 million Disney Channel Original programming allows every network to really show their personality," says The Disney Channel's Rich Ross, general manager and executive vice presi- At a glance dent, programming and production. Description: 24 -hour basic /pay -TV service that offers "We are really a general-entertainment service and use original programming to drive all age groups as well as all day - original series, movies, specials and animation classics parts," says Ross, who estimates for kids and families that Disney's original movies usually cost between $3 million and $4 Owner: Walt Disney Co. million. "We have segued from a very acquisition -driven budget to an Launched: April 1983 originals -driven budget " To make the point, The Disney Avg. homes in prime time (rank): 791,000 (11) Channel is airing 12 original CHANNEL movies a year. Signature shows: In Concert (sp); Bug Juice (w); Z "Our movie franchise [Disney Games (w); So Weird (w); The Jersey (w) has two or three movies on six nights a week] has been incredibly healthy," says Ross. This month, the channel's In the works: Up, Up and Away (m); The Color of original movie was Don't Look Under the Bed. Horse Sense Friendship (m); Circus Kids (w); Horse Sense (m) is slated for November, and Up, Up and Away with Robert Townsend will run in December. Highest -rated original program: Halloweentown; In February, Disney will air The Color of Friendship, a movie about apartheid and two teenage girls in the 1970s. October 17, 1998; 1.9 million households One is an African American and the other is a white visiting *Note: Homes reached include only basic subscribers; 1 mil- exchange student from South Africa. lion Disney premium subscribers are not included. "We knew that if we did original movies, we would do the The original live - right movies for our audience. Our audience would under- action series 'The stand that we do movies, and that our original movies are just Jersey' debuted last for them," says Ross. "It's not as easy when people just throw month. Sports on movies. They become more like specials. And as we all superstars such as Steve Young of the learned in television, some specials get found and some spe- San Francisco 49ers cials don't. It's really important to us that kids and families (I) will make guest are able to find movies six nights a week on Disney Channel." appearances. Disney's new live- action series, The Jersey, debuted last month. The show, which is about two teens who love sports and an old football jersey with magical powers, will include regular guest appearances by sports superstars such as running back Jamal Anderson of the Atlanta Falcons. Ross says the channel is also shooting four pilots for possible series that could be added in mid to late 2000. Disney won't discuss those pilots, however. The channel has ordered 15 episodes of Circus Kids, slated for late 2000. It's a documentary-style reality series about the kids who travel and perform in Circus Smirkus, an international traveling youth circus. Disney's reality series Bug Juice and Z Games are both returning for second seasons. The channel's live -action dramatic series, So Weird, is in its second season of production. The Backstreet Boys And the In Concert series that features hot, young music (above) was one of the remains on the schedule. McAvoy acts featured on the In stars, -Kim Concert' series. The original weekly show 'So Weird' (r) depicts (w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; the dramatic life of (m) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special teens.

40 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com 60 million subscribers? Everyone loves a victory.

Thanks to our affiliates and advertisers, The History Charnel has reached Eo million subscribers. THE HLSTORY CHANNEL. Perhaps our finest hour to date. WI-ERE THE PAST COMES ALIVE. rr 1999 A&E Television Networks. fil 'Rights ReSaiveè. Source tvlEaa Resewcr www.americanradiohistory.com O R I G I N A L C A B L E P R O G R A M M I N G

Homes reached: 41 million Average homes viewing: 19,000 Programming budget: S22.5 million Food Network

By the end of this month, the Food Network will have nine new original productions on the air, including a weekly game show, Taste Test, a prime time, live cook- At a glance ing show and a series of specials called Legendary Hangouts. Description: 24 -hour, basic, ad-supported network "Since July 4, we've debuted over 1,000 hours of new programming," says Eric Ober, president and general manager offering original and acquired series and informational of the Food Network. At least programming about food and entertaining 90% of Food Network programming is original, includ- Owner: E. W. Scripps ing such staples as Essence of Emeril, Hot Off the Grill With Launched: November 1993 Tt Bobby Flay, In Food Today and Molto Mario. Avg. homes in prime time (rank): 136,000 (38) "We are trying to move beyond just food preparation," says Ober. Indeed, the network is trying to broaden its pro- Signature shows: Cooking Live Primetime With Sara gramming base, he explains. "We've added to the mix new Moulton (d); Essence of Emeril (d); Hot Off The Grill programming that involves storytelling, news about food and With Bobby Flay (d); Ballpark Café (sp); Legendary more travel around the country. We want to do all things food," Ober maintains. He says the network has doubled its Hangouts (sp); Taste Test (w); Extreme Cuisine (w) budget each year and will do it again next year. In July, the network added Cooking Live Primetime With In the works: Doorknock Dinners (w) Sara Moulton. The show airs at 7 p.m., and later at 10 p.m. Moulton is on again for another hour. The first segment focuses largely on cooking for the family, while the second half is devoted to entertaining. The program is carried Mon- day through Thursday. Another new weekly series, Extreme Cuisine, "tackles the outlandish aspects of the culinary world and transports you to bizarre food festivals," says a network programmer. The Best Of ..., also new to Food, will take viewers across the nation in search of the best food and restaurants. Ober also thinks the network's Calling All Cooks, takes a different approach by featuring "regular people who cook." To beef up its original programming lineup, the network has added specials to its Sunday night schedule. "We're going to do specials every Sunday night at 9 p.m. We may possibly add another hour," says Ober. And the network's new documentary-style program, Legendary Hangouts with Morley Safer, will appear as a series of specials throughout the year. The first episode aired Sept. 6, and featured some of New York's famous watering holes. Ober has high hopes for next Doorknock Dinners. month's `Hot Off the Grill With This weekly show, with former talk -show host Gordon Elliot, Bobby Flay' (above) will have a humorous bent as Elliot arrives unannounced at and 'East Meets somebody's home with a celebrity chef to prepare dinner. Food West' with host Ming Network will also provide entertainment to go along with the Tsai (r) are examples of the original dinners. A special preview show will air live on Oct. 31. programming the Ultimate Kitchens is another new weekly original that Food Network veers away from the traditional food preparation fare on the continues to network. -Kim McAvoy produce. Several new shows, including 'Extreme Cuisine' and 'Calling All (w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; Cooks,' have debuted (in) movie; (ins) miniseries; (sp) special this season.

42 BROADCASTING & CABLE I OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com 60 million subscribers?

It's genius, I tell you!

Thanks to our affiliates and advertisers, Th t Chi n has reached on s

It's brilliant. WHERE THE PAST COMES .LIVE.

Homes reached: 74 million Average homes viewing: 317,000 Programming budget: $111.7 million Fox Family Channe

As a network, we are intensely committed to original programming," says Rob Sorcher, executive vice president, programming and development, Fox Family At a glance Channel. "We've even started a new department dedi- that's Description: cated to the development of scripted entertainment." 24 -hour. basic, ad- supported network that Fox Family's goal is to have all original programming every airs original and acquired series, movies and specials night in prime time. As of last designed for children and families week, the network is offering five original programs includ- Owner: News Corp. and Saban Entertainment ing, Famous Families, an hour -long series hosted by Launched: premiered as The Family Channel April Mariel Hemingway, and 1977; re- launched as Fox Family Channel Aug. 15, 1998 World Gone Wild, a new one- CHANNEL hour reality -based wildlife Aug. homes in prime time (rank): 651,000 (14) series. Other original series include Exploring the Unknown; Extraordinary World of Ani- Signature shows: Extraordinary World of Animals (d); mals, a prime time half-hour wildlife series, began airing in Famous Families (w); Random Acts of Comedy (d); August; and also slated for prime time is Random Acts of Com- edy, a combination game show and improvisational comedy. World Gone Wild (w) In January, Fox Family will debut its first one -hour drama, Cliffhangers, about a high school for at -risk kids in the In the works: Cliffhangers (w); Britannic (m); Ice wilderness. "It's very powerful. It's network -quality drama. Angel (m); Saint Patrick, The Irish Legend (m) It's really taking on real issues," says Sorcher. "We're working on a magic show. It's unclear if it will be Highest -rated original program: Au Pair: Aug. 22, a regular series or specials," he says. However, Fox Family 1999; 3.7 million households is airing The World Magic Awards on Oct. 22, the first time the awards are being telecast. "We've got a big investment in The original movie the whole franchise called magic that will be executed in lots 'Au Pair' (r) gave a ratings boost to the of different ways," says Sorcher. network's family "We're really looking for things that can get ratings, but programming. Fox also be appropriate family entertainment. That's what people Family has expect of us. It's an important function we play within this introduced several nature -adventure cable universe," he adds. series into its prime Original movies are also a key part of Fox Family's program- time lineup, ming strategy. Au Pair, an original that ran in August, garnered including 'World Fox Family's largest audience with 3,699,000 households. Gone Wild' (below), a one -hour, "We will be making 10 to 11 films per year. We'll make some reality -based that are more effects- driven, more event -like movies, and wildlife show. lighter family films. But they'll all add up to the idea that Fam- ily Channel is seen as a place for original movies," says Sorcher. "A big event movie for us is Britannic, about the sinking of the sister ship of the Titanic," says Sorcher. It will air in January. Ice Angel, a lighter family film, is slated for early 2000. Sorcher says their original movies cost between $3.5 million and $5.5 million if the network produces them. Fox Family Channel is also planning four to six prime time specials a year. And the network wants to air documentaries every quarter that take on `relevant, contemporary family issues," says Sorcher. "We really want to be the touch point for American families." -Kim McAvoy

(w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; (m) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special

44 BROADCASTING & CABLE I OCTOBER 11, 1999

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O 1999 ASE Television Networks. All Ríatts Reserved. Source Niesen Media Research -- www.americanradiohistory.com O R I G I N A L C A B L E P R O G R A M M I N G

Homes reached: 34.6 million* Average homes viewing: 910,000 Programming budget: NA HBO HBO plans to eventually step up its original -movie production from 10 to 17 movies a year, according to network programmers. "We're going to try and certainly At a glance have more than 10 in 2000, hopefully 12," says Chris Description: 24 -hour, pay -TV service that offers Albrecht, president, HBO Original Programming. "We won't get up to full speed until 2001," he adds. movies, original series, documentaries, sports and spe- Several new movies are cial entertainment events already under way. If These Walls Could Talk II, starring Owner: Time Warner Sharon Stone, Ellen DeGeneres H and Vanessa Redgrave, among Launched: November 1972 others, is slated for March 2000. It will take a look at the lives of lesbians over three Avg. homes in prime time (rank): 1 ,715.000 (2) decades. Cheaters with Jeff Daniels, based on a real -life academic- cheating scandal, is slated for April 2000. The Corner, Signature shows: The Sopranos (w); Sex and the City about an inner-city Baltimore family, is a six-hour miniseries (w); Oz (w); Arli$$ (w); RKO 281 (m); Witness Protec- also set for April. Band of Brothers, executive produced by Tom tion (m) Hanks and Steven Spielberg, is a 13 -hour World War II miniseries scheduled for 2001. In the works: If These Walls Could Talk II (m); The network's original movies are usually between $8 million and $11 million. HBO is hoping to do some lower- Cheaters (m); The Corner (ms); Band of Brothers (ms) budget movies that might be more demographically targeted. Highest These Walls Albrecht says the network also wants to expand its series -rated original program: If Could franchise. "We'll add more series as we find the right ones," Talk; Oct. 13, 1996; 4.8 million households he says. "Unlike a broadcast network, we don't put on 10 new series a year. Our goal is to have them stick and start to Most expensive original production: From the Earth build recurring time slots for them like we've established a to the Moon: April 5 through May 10. 1998: $68 million beachhead on Sunday nights with The Sopranos, Sex and the City and Arli$$. This summer, we started `Destination The Chris Rock Wednesday,' which included returns those shows plus pre- Show,' one of of HBO's weekly miere episodes of Oz and Spawn, an adult, animated series." series, helps HBO's hit series, The Sopranos will air with new episodes define the in January. Sex and the City, Arli$$ and Oz have been network's image. renewed. This past season of Sex and the City cost $25 mil- The Tom Hanks - directed big - lion; the next season of The Sopranos will run about $30 mil- budget lion, says Albrecht. miniseries HBO is shooting two half -hour comedy pilots to debut 'From the Earth either this summer or a year from January. "It would be nice to to the Moon' scored big have something for the summer," says Albrecht. One of the ratings. pilots is from Peter Tolan, who was a writer for The Larry Sanders Show. The other comedy was created by actor George Clooney. The network will also do a new dramatic series with the producers of Oz. And HBO had an Austin Powers animated show lined up, but unfortunately it wasn't something Mike Myers wanted to do right now, Albrecht adds. "We're going to try and hit the different subscriber groups. We're really trying to please our subscribers so that they'll resubscribe and tell their friends to subscribe." -Kim McAvoy

* HBO + Cinemax subscribers included

(w) weekly series; hi) daily series; (mo) monthly series; (m) movie; (As) miniseries; (sp) special

46 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

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Homes reached: 14.8 million Average homes viewing: 764,000 Programming budget: 8196.4 mllion Lifetime Television After making a substantial commitment to producing original series for prime time, Lifetime is creating more originals for daytime -even though nearly 50% At a glance of the network's programming is already original. Description: 24 -hour. basic, ad- supported network that "We will be doing more daytime programming. It is something that is in the aggressive development stages," says Life- airs original and acquired series, original movies and time's Dawn Tarnofsky- specials, as well as lifestyle information programming Ostroff, executive vice presi- for women Li dent, entertainment. etime The network is looking at Owner: joint venture of Disney and Hearst Television for Women all different genres -except soaps -for daytime. "We're Launched: February 1984 looking at game shows, reality shows, lifestyle shows and an informational show with a news element to it," she says. Avg. homes in prime time (rank): 1.179.000 (6) "It will be a mix of different kinds of programming, and it will be very cost -effective. It will offer our viewers very spe- Signature shows: Intimate Portrait (mo); Any Day cific Lifetime branded shows," Tarnofsky -Ostroff notes. Now (w); Oh Baby (w); Beyond Chance (w); My Little The network currently airs Next Door With Katie Brown, a daily half -hour lifestyle program, at 9:30 a.m. And an early Assassin (m); Ruby (w) morning exercise program, Denise Austin: Fit & Lite, also airs on the daytime schedule. In the works: The Courage to Love (m): Beauty and Lifetime is starting its own in -house production unit, she Aging in America (sp); American Daughter (m) says. "We're going to do a lot of production in- house, particularly the daytime product." Highest -rated original program: Almost Golden: The Lifetime is not ignoring its prime time slate, however. Jessica Savitch Story: Sept. 4, 1995: 5 million households Several projects are under way for next fall's prime time schedule. "We're going to be shooting a dramatic pilot, a reality pilot and a comedy pilot," says Tarnofsky-Ostroff. "Our goal each year is to add more original programming" Tarnofsky -Ostroff says the network is sticking with 12 original movies a year. This week, Lifetime is running My Little Assassin with Gabrielle Anwar and Joe Mantegna. A Dolly Parton movie called Blue Valley Song Bird is planned- for November. In January, The Courage to Love, starring Vanessa Williams and Stacy Keach, will debut. It's an "epic movie," Tarnofsky-Ostroff says. Also planned for next year is a documentary with Sela Ward called Beauty and Aging in America. Lifetime airs four documentaries a year. In November, it will offer One Hundred Years of Women about women who are 95 to 106 years old and what they have seen in their lifetimes. Part of Lifetime's Tarnofsky -Ostroff says times have changed for cable net- prime time lineup, works. "We really struggled because we were one of the first 'Ruby.' hosted by cable networks to do prime time original programming. It comedian Ruby Wax will was very hard to convince these studios to do business with be accompanied by additional original us." But that's no longer the case. Now Lifetime is doing programming. One of business with Spelling Entertainment (Any Day Now): two original breast - Columbia TriStar Television (Oh Baby); and Viacom Pro- cancer awareness ductions (Beyond Chance). -Kim McAvoy specials. 'Intimate Portrait: Linda Ellerbee (r). is one of the network's weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; signature On) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special series. 1

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Homes reached: 72 million Average homes viewing: 443,000 Programming budget: S189.0 million MTV

We're going to do one a quarter," says Brian Graden, executive vice president, programming MTV, explaining that the network will take a different At a glance approach by premiering its original movies commercial - Description: 24 -hour, basic, ad- supported music net- free. "We're really trying to make these more like theatrical movies than television movies," he says. work that airs documentaries, original strip program- "We felt pretty strongly about ming, concerts, music news, original series as well as doing only four a year," he adds. music videos "We don't want to use them as commodity filler." Owner: Viacom The first original MTV picture, 2GETHER, is the story of an Launched: August 1981 "inept music mogul trying to create the next hot boy- band." It's Avg. homes in prime time (rank): 668,000 (12) slated to air before the end of the year. MTV has movies in development for next year and beyond including, Tupac: The Signature shows: MTV Video Music Awards (sp); The Early Years, Love Song starring R &B artist Monica, Anatomy Tom Green Show (w): Undressed (d); The Real World of a Hate Crime, The It Girl and Lady in a Cage. "We've had incredible success with Total Request Live. (w); Road Rules (w): MTV's Making The Video (w) It's become the absolute afternoon destination for anyone under 25," says Graden. The show, which airs daily, debuted In the works: 2GETHER (m); webRIOT (d): Tupac :The September 1998. It counts down the top 10 music videos of Early Years (m); Jailbait (m) the day. The network's other big music show is called MTV's Making The Video, which airs weekly and takes viewers Highest -rated original program: 1999 MTV Video through the process of creating a music video. Music Awards, Sept. 9, 1999; 8.2 million households On what Graden calls "the attitude front," is The Tom Green Show, which launched in January. The show has been Most expensive original program: 1999 MTV Video a runaway hit. And Undressed, MTV's new daily series that Music Awards; Sept. 9. 1999; cost not available looks at modern relationships, has been a success for the network this summer, he notes. "Not only did it give us record President ratings at 11 p.m., but we really pioneered a new form. It was Clinton and Ken Starr mix it up the world's first scripted soap anthology series." on MTV's Next month, the network will launch webRIOT, an inter- 'Celebrity Death active daily television game show. "With webRIOT, 25,000 Match' (r), and viewers can log on their computers and can actually play the denizens of 'The with winning Real World' in game along their television and see their scores Hawaii (below), back on the television," Graden explains. the network's As for specials, MTV will ring in the year 2000 with a 12- long- running hour live show and a party in Times Square. "We're going to series. watch it turn midnight in a lot of different time zones around the world, while we're counting down in Times Square," he says. Next year, MTV is going to offer original programming at 10 p.m. virtually every night. It also has four new series in development for early 2000 for MTV's "10- spot." MTV will air The Lyricist Lounge Show, an urban variety- sketch comedy show; Diary, an up -close portrait where the network turns over its cameras to the artist; Spy Groove, an animated spy - spoof; and Senseless Acts of Video, a half -hour video stunt show. Graden says viewers will also see more music- perform- ance shows on the network in 2000. -Kim McAvoy

(w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; (m) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special

50 BROADCASTING & CABLE I OCTOBER 11, 1999

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Homes reached: 52 million Average homes viewing: 249,000 Programming budget: $97.9 million SCI FI Channel In March, SCI FI launched its first full night of prime time, original programming. On Friday's from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET, viewers can now see Poltergeist: The Legacy, At a glance Farscape, Sliders and First Wave. Description: Programmers at SCI FI think Farscape has tremendous 24 -hour, basic, ad- supported network that potential. "It has breakout potential," says Bonnie Hammer, airs original and classic science -fiction programming senior vice president, SCI FI Channel programming Owner: USA Networks and USA original productions. "It's such good televi- Launched: September 1992 Sion. It's such big television. Avg. homes in time With the right exposure and prime (rank): 428.000 (20) right marketing, it's really SCI F I Signature shows: Poltergeist: The Legacy (w); going to take off," she says. Hammer would not discuss how much money SCI FI is Farscape (w); Sliders (w); First Wave (w) spending on the show. However, she says, Farscape is probably the "most ambitious" series on cable TV, both in terms In the works: Invisible Man (w); Metropolis (w); of financing and the attention put into the production of the Stormwatch (w): Taken (ms); Dune (ms) program. The series is produced by the Jim Henson Co., Hallmark Entertainment and Nine Network Australia. Highest -rated original program: Sliders; June 8, "We're making a major financial commitment to new 1998; 1.17 million households original fare for SCI FI," says Hammer. Moreover, she says SCI FI's programming budget increased by 50% between 1998 and 1999. The channel will present Invisible Man, a new hour -long series, in March 2000. "It's very strong, quirky, funny and smart and should fit right in our Friday night block," says Hammer. Invisible Man will replace Slid- ers, which the network will use as a strip. "We are developing other shows, and hopefully sometime in 2000, we will have a second night of originals as well," says Hammer. Programs that are currently in script development are Stormwatch, what SCI FI calls the "Dragnet of the 21st century," and Metropolis, a half-hour series featuring two cops who work in the "supernatural" town of Metropolis. SCI FI is also working on a pilot for a short-film series. Hammer says the program will highlight a variety of independent movies-from animation to videos, to the first films of well -known directors, to those from students and independent filmmakers. "We're looking for the next Spielberg, the next Lucas," says Hammer. The channel also has two miniseries in development, one Produced by Jim is a project with Steven Spielberg called Taken. It will be 10 Henson Co., Hallmark two -hour installments. Dune, a six -hour miniseries is sched- Entertainment and uled for October 2000. Hammer says SCI FI is also working Nine Network to put on a slate of original movies for 2000 and 2001. Australia. ' Farscape' "What we are trying to become is the absolute destination (above) is SCI F1's for most ambitious science fiction," notes Hammer. She says the network is series. Part of the also trying to inject more humor into its programming. network's first "We're trying to make it friendlier and lighter. We're trying full slate of prime to make people aware that this is a fun place." -Kim McAvoy time original programs, `First Wave' (r) is part of the channel's (w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; Friday night (m) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special lineup.

52 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

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Homes reached: 22.3 million* Average homes viewing: 228,000 Programming budget: NA Showtime Showtime is keeping its original production output pretty much the same. Next year, the pay network will again air between 35 and 40 original movies and prob- At a glance ably six to seven prime time series. "It really is working for Description: 24 -hour, pay -TV service that offers the- us, so why change it," says Mark Zakarin, executive vice president, original programming for Showtime Networks. atrical releases, original movies and series as well as Doing that many movies sports programming is popular with cable operators and subscribers, Owner: Viacom ffJ'W11ME according to the network. "Cable operators love the Launched: July 1976 fact that we're able to do this many quality movies. We've heard from our subscribers Avg. homes in prime time (rank): 477,000 (18) that they're happy with it too," says Zakarin. He says the network spends around $3.5 million to $5 million to produce Signature shows: Strange Justice (m); Hayley Wag- original movies. ner, Star (m); In A Class of His Own (m); Rude Awaken- "We have been doing and getting credit for movies that ing (w); Linc's (w); The Hoop Life (w) really take some risk," says Zakarin. "These are not the kind of movies that are being made in the theatrical motion pic- In the works: Rated X (m); Harlan County (m); The ture marketplace right now and not particularly made by the broadcast networks either. We tackle some of the more con- Warden (m); Common Ground (m) troversial and more difficult subject matters honestly and with candor," he says. Highest -rated original program: StarGate SG -1: Chil- In August, Showtime aired Strange Justice, about the nom- dren of the Gods; July 27, 1997; ratings not available ination and subsequent confirmation of Supreme Court Jus- tice Clarence Thomas. Execution of Justice, about Dan White, Most expensive production: Bonanno: A Godfather's the man who murdered San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Story; July 25 -26. 1999; $13 million -$15 million Milk and Mayor George Moscone, will air next month. Showtime's original movies for 2000 include Rated X with Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen and another about the Har- lan County coal strike in the 1970s with Holly Hunter. Zakarin also says Showtime will continue running family movies. "We make 10 to 12 pictures for all ages that are intend- ed to allow the family to sit down and watch them together." The network's original series such as Total Recall: 2070 and The Outer Limits, now air in prime time. Next year Zakarin says it should be about the same. Showtime is not yet ready to announce next summer's series. Rude Awakening and Linc's stand out in the TV landscape, says Zakarin. " Linc's is a very grown -up, sophisticated show that takes a look at being African American in this culture from an African -American perspective," he says. Rude Awakening, which is about an alcoholic struggling to Showtime aired the stay sober, is getting a lot of attention according to Zakarin. original movie The Showtime executive didn't want to discuss how much `Strange Justice' the network's original productions cost. But he did note that (above), starring hour -long series such as Beggars and Choosers, a comedy- Mandy Patinkin and Delroy Lindo, in drama about the television business, and The Hoop Life are August. The weekly shot in Canada where costs are lower. -Kim McAvoy comedy series 'Rude Awakening.' which Showtime +TMC + Flix subscribers included stars Sherilyn Fenn (I), chronicles the life of a recovering (w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; alcoholic and runs in (m) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special prime time.

54 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

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Homes reached: 10 million Average homes viewing: NA* Programming budget: NA STARZ! Encore Media's STARZ! has revved up its original movie production activity. Since November 1998, the pay service, which includes five movie channels, has At a glance aired one original movie every month. Description: 24 -hour, pay -TV service that offers first - STARZ!, launched in 1994, ran on average two or three original movies a year. "We've made a full commitment to run movies, original programming and special events running one new movie a month," says Stephan Shelanski, senior Owner: Liberty Media vice president of program acquisition, planning and scheduling for Launched: February 1994 Encore Entertainment Group. Avg. homes in prime time (rank)' NA* "We're going to continue that commitment for the foreseeable Signature Shows: The Directors future," he adds. The network Encore: (m) STARZ!: Funny Valentines (m); Free Money (m); The Tic Code on encore network underscored its plan to make movies last month, when it named (m); Woman Wanted (m); With Friends Like These (m) Paige Orloff to the newly created position of vice president of original movie development. In the works: The Unknown Cyclist (m); Must Be STARZ! co- produces three to four movies in -house per Santa (m); Faeries (m) year, explains Shelanski, with the rest acquired from outside Í sources. Eventually, STARZ! wants to produce all 12 origi- Most expensive production: Funny Valentines: aired nal movies in- house, he notes, adding that the service is spending between $3 million and $6 million per movie. Feb. 14, 1999; $5 million This year's movies included February's Funny Valentines with Alfre Woodard. In March, STARZ! aired Free Money with Marlon Brando. And in September, it was With Friends Like These, starring Adam Arkin, Robert Costanzo, Beverly D'Angelo, and Bill Murray. This month, STARZ will present Gideon with actors Charlton Heston, Shelley Winters, Carroll O'Connor and Shirley Jones. Must Be Santa, a comedy featuring Dabney Coleman, will run in December. Shelanski is particularly enthusiastic about a project slated for January 2000, an animated family movie called Faeries, with Jeremy Irons and Kate Winslet providing the voice -overs for the lead characters. "We're hoping this will become a franchise for us," he says. "We want to try and get a varied audience with our originals." In March, Encore Channel began airing The Directors, its first original series, which profiles famous filmmakers such as Spike Lee, Lawrence Kasdan and Sydney Pollack. Docu- Ron Howard (above) in Encore's monthly mentary specials are also part of Encore Channel's original documentary series program fare. Dial "H" for Hitchcock: The Genius Behind The Directors,' which the Showman, aired Aug. 13 to mark the 100th anniversary debuted in March. of Hitchcock's birth. STARZ! plans to "Our main strategy is always going to be increase the number theatrical films of movies it from our studio partners," says Shelanski. `But this [produc- produces, like last tion of original work] allows us to stay with our strategy of month's With only playing movies" -Kim McAvoy Friends Like These' (r), and hopes Recently included in Nielsen ratings to expand its audience with even more (w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; original (m) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special programming.

56 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

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Homes reached: 78 rniUor Average homes viewing: 885.000 Programming budget: 8301.5 million TBS Superstation

At TBS Superstation, documentaries and National Geo- graphic specials are no longer part of the network's original-program offerings. This year, TBS began air- At a glance ing original movies and introduced a new weekly half -hour Description: 24 -hour, basic, ad- supported network that comedy series, The Chimp Channel, while documentaries were shifted to co -owned CNN. features movies, original programming, sports and spe- In January, TBS will roll out cial events a one -hour weekly reality series, Ripley's Believe It Or Owner: Time Warner Not! The superstation has ordered 22 episodes of the Launched: December 1976 tf'U1 S'1,1I/l1 show from Columbia TriStar Television Distribution. Aug. homes in prime time (rank): 1,332,000 (5) "We're very proud of our original -programming franchise. It's the cornerstone of our branding strategy going forward," says Signature shows: WCW's Thunder (w); The Chimp TBS' Jim Head, senior vice president of original programming. Channel (w); Fatal Error (m); Silent Predators (m); First In order to compete effectively, he says, "You have to have orig- Daughter(m); The TimeShifters (m) inal programming. You have to offer your viewers and cable operators programming that's unique to and exclusive you" In the works: Ripley's Believe it Or Not! (w), High TBS is premiering four original movies this year and at least four next year. "Ultimately we want to do eight to 12 Noon (m); Philip Margolin's After Dark (m); Sweepers movies a year," says Head. "Our movie franchise is premised (m); Nowhere To Land (m) on creating movies that fit our audience. We do high -concept, male- oriented movies that are female friendly." TBS Highest -rated original program: First Daughter; Aug. will be sticking with action -adventure movies, disasters, 15, 1999; 5.3 million households thrillers, Westerns, and courtroom dramas. In March, Fatal Error with Antonio Sabato Jr., Janine Turner and Robert Wagner, debuted, followed in June by Silent Predators, starring Harry Hamlin. In August, the superstation says, First Daughter with Mariel Hemingway attracted TBS' largest audience ever for a single program, with 5,309,000 households watching. The 7imeShifters with Casper Van Dien and Martin Sheen, premieres Oct. 17. And in development for possible air date next year: Nowhere To Land, an airplane disaster movie; Sinkhole, about a sinkhole that threatens to envelop New Orleans during Mardi Gras; and Sweepers, about a CIA assassin. The super - station is also working on a remake of High Noon for 2000. Head wouldn't say specifically how much TBS is spending on its original movies. "We spend what it takes to create a high- quality original television movie. We spend commensurate what the networks spend on original movies," he says. He also points out that Ripley's Believe It Or Not! is a show that was sought after by the broadcast networks. Columbia The series `Dinner chose TBS. "We competed toe -to -toe with the broadcast net- and a Movie' (above) is a staple works and we got the show. That shows you how the televi- for TBS. 'The sion landscape has changed. Series that might have in the past Chimp Channel' gone to the broadcast networks are now premiering on TBS (far left) debuted Superstation," says Head. -Kim McAvoy this year, and the movie `First Daughter' (I) brought in the (w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; highest ratings On) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special this season.

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Homes reached: 76.7 million Average homes viewing: 775,000 Programming budget: $479.6 million TNT TNT airs roughly 14 to 16 original movies and miniseries a year. "That's double what we were doing three or four years ago," says Robert DeBitetto, executive vice presi- At a glance dent of TNT Originals. On average, the network spends about Description: $8 million for a two -hour movie. But this month's Animal 24 -hour, basic ad- supported channel that Farm movie, a joint venture with Hallmark Entertainment, is airs new and vintage movies, original motion pictures, a $24 million production. And children's programming, sports and special events a four -hour miniseries costs the network from $12 million Owner: Time Warner to $25 million, he notes. Next year, DeBitetto estimates TNT Launched: October 1988 will increase its budget for originals by 10% to 20 %. Avg. homes in prime time (rank): 1,422,000 (3) "The world's changed," he says. "The traditional two - hour movie -of- the -week business has kind of gone away. Signature shows: WCW Monday Nitro Live (w); Now everybody is very actively seeking those movies that Screen Actors Guild Awards (sp); All -Star Tribute to will distinguish and help to brand themselves." A prime Johnny Cash (sp); Purgatory (m); Pirates example of that brand name programming strategy is TNT's of Silicon Val- Pirates of Silicon Valley. ley (m); The Hunley (m); A Slight Case of Murder (m); Pirates, which aired June 20, became an event for the net- Animal Farm (m) work. "The movie became a PR executive's dream," DeB- itetto says. In the works: Bob Marley All-Star Tribute (sp); A key component of TNT's movie and miniseries strategy Hostage Hotel (m); A Christmas Carol (m); The. Virgin- is "event programming." A handful of times every year, "we need to deliver movies that rise to that event status- movies ian (m); Nuremberg (ms); David Copperfield (ms); Bull that rise above the clutter," he says. Nuremberg, another orig- (w); Power (w); The Whole Truth (w); Total Eclipse (w) inal-starring Alec Baldwin -is a four-hour miniseries slated for next year that TNT thinks will become a TV event. Highest -rated original program: Last Stand Original movies work well for TNT, but the network is at Saber River,; aired Jan. 19, 1997; 5.18 million also getting into the dramatic series business, says DeBitet- to. TNT has already ordered a pilot from co -owned Warner households Bros. Television. Bull, is a one -hour drama about Wall Street Most investment bankers and traders who start their own compa- expensive production: Animal Farm: Oct. 3. ny. "We're looking at shows that are costing from $1 million 1999; $24 million to $1.6 million an episode," he says. "A successful series builds that appointment television that is so valuable on so many levels to any network," he adds. TNT wants to have at least two good one -hour drama series on the air by the end of next year. The network has 12 to 14 projects under way, including The Warden, about the first female warden at a maximum security prison for men, and The Best Defense, based on the career of criminal defense attorney Alan Dershowitz. For TNT, the series business will always be a "special bou- tique business," says Julie Weitz, executive vice president of original programming for TNT. "It's something we're going to do carefully and do out of passion and out of relationships. I don't think that's too dissimilar to the way HBO's been approaching their business in terms of series. But it's vastly different than the [broadcast] networks." -Kim McAvoy TNT's 'Animal Farm' (I) was a $24 million original production and a joint venture with Hallmark (w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; Entertainment. Hulk Hogan (r) is one of the superstars of (m) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special the network's weekly WCW wrestling series.

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Homes reached: 77 million Average homes viewing: 811,000 Programming budget: S550.2 million USA Network USA Network will add two more hours of original programming next year, according to David Eick, senior vice president, original series development, USA Networks. At a glance USA already airs originals Pacific Blue, La Femme Nikita Description: and GvsE in prime time on Sunday nights. Now, Eick says the 24 -hour, basic, ad- supported entertain- network is looking to launch another new night for originals. ment network airing original and acquired series. original "We're not sure and acquired movies, specials and sports programming ...... which night or U I when," he says. But Owner: USA Networks Inc. '. the network has several series in devel- Launched: April 1980 N E T W O R K opment. Some of these projects may Avg. homes in prime time (rank): 1,861,000 (1) also appear on the network's Sunday night schedule in 2000. In addition, USA is looking at original programming that Signature shows- Pacific Blue (w); La Femme Nikita may take a different approach from much of the action - (w); WWF Raw (w); WWF War Zone (w); WWF Sunday adventure fare currently found on the network. The network Night Heat (w); Judgment Day: The has already ordered Brown Parcels of Land, a half -hour, sin- Ellie Nesler Story gle- camera comedy series about an urban cop and his son (m); The Color of Courage (m); A Face to Kill For (m) who move to a small desert town to start over. "It's a smartly written, sharp, very funny half hour. I think it In the works: Brown Parcels of Land (w); Maternal is something that will establish USA in an arena it hasn't had Instinct (w); Under Contract (w); Attila The Hun (ms); a reputation in yet -that is [the] smart half -hour," says Eick. Depraved (m); The Huntress (m); The The network also believes the one -hour drama tentatively Avenue (d) titled Just Act Normal, which is being written and executive IIk?'hpct -r tO oriprinal program: WWF Raw; May produced by Shaun Cassidy, is also something different for USA. "It's more character- driven. It's an examination of a 10, 1999: 6.16 million households family in a way that's ironic and emotionally compelling," Newcomer says Eick. 'GvsE' (r), a Two one- hour -drama pilots are also being shot: Maternal supernatural Instinct and Under Contract. Maternal Instinct, according to detective the network, is about a thriller, joins 'La "femme fatale who seeks and upends Femme Nikita' men's fragile egos and -for fun -punishes them." And (below) as part Under Contract is "loosely based upon the cases of a cop of USA who goes undercover as a hit man." Network's "Our costs are commensurate with what television Sunday night shows original series cost. We're basic cable, so we don't spend as much as a show prime time like ER might spend, but I don't think we're in a different lineup. arena," says Eick. The network does 12 or 15 original movies a year and has already announced 12 original movies and miniseries for 2000. Among those are The Mary Kay Letourneau Story, The Huntress, Prisoner in Paradise, The Nest, and a four hour miniseries Attila The Hun. USA also airs wrestling on Saturdays and Sundays, which continues to bring some of the highest ratings on cable. USA's Monday night WWF Raw and WWF War Zone are also popular. USA sports programming includes The Ryder Cup, The French Open and the early rounds of tennis' U.S. With the success of ` Nikita,' Open. -Kim McAvoy (I) the network is planning to launch a new night of original programming, some of which will be a (w) weekly series; (d) daily series; (mo) monthly series; departure from USA's usual (m) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special action -adventure series.

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Homes reached: 68.3 million Average homes viewing: 197,000 Programming budget: 898.3 million VH1

Most of VHI's original fare has been reality -based programming, documentaries and live music performances. But this year, the network turned the cor- At a glance ner with the debut in August of two original movies and its first scripted- comedy series, Random Play. Description: 24 -hour, basic, ad- supported music The movies, Sweetwater: A True Rock Story and Ricky channel that features new and classic pop music videos, Nelson: Original Teen Idol, did "very original series, documentaries, original concerts, music well, they were the second and third highest rated programs for us all news and special events year," says VH1's Jeff Gaspin, execu- Viacom tive vice president of programming Owner and production. VH1 plans to air even Launched: January 1985 more original movies. "We're slated to do eight to 10 next Avg. homes in prime time (rank): 352,000 (24) year," says Gaspin. Two of Us, with Aidan Quinn as Paul McCartney and Signature shows: Random Play (w); Behind The Music MUSIC FIRST Jared Harris as John Lennon, is planned for March 2000. "We're doing the (d); The List (d); Before They Were Rock Stars (w); Where Meatloaf story. We're doing the Monkees, and a couple of fic- Are They Now (w); VH1 Divas Live '99 (sp); Sweetwater: A tional stories as well," says Gaspin. The network's original True Rock Story (m); Ricky Nelson: Original Teen Idol (m) movies range from $2.7 million to $3.5 million to produce, but since VH1 is licensing them, they don't pay that much. In the works: Two of Us (m); The Jon Brion Show Typically, VH1's originals are like its highest -rated series, (tbd); The Agent (tbd): Animal Tracks (tbd); Scan (tbd); Behind the Music, a nightly documentary-style show. But airing a scripted comedy like Random Play is new for the Time Capsule 2000 (tbd) network. The program hasn't "exactly found its audience yet," says Gaspin. "It is starting to build. It's been a critical Highest -rated original program: VH 1 Divas Live success. What we do with most of our series is play them in 99; April 13, 1999; 2.4 million households different time slots to see where they work best." On Oct. 4, The List, a new, daily talk show debuted. It features celebrity guests discussing a music -related topic such as who are the greatest stars of rock 'n' roll. They'll try to come up with a definitive list at the end of each show. The network has already shot 25 episodes. A new documentary series called Behind the Music II: Road to Fame, may air as early as this December. And Rock & Roll Record Breakers is another new series VH1 is working on. The network has several animated series in development for 2000. The Agent is a behind-the- scenes look at the music business through the eyes of an agent- manager. Animal Tracks is about a music label that happens to be run by animals. "One of the things we realized in order to grow our audience is that we had to get them to stay longer," says Gaspin. So VH1 began adding more long -form programming to its schedule. "We've been able to retrain our audience to not only expect music videos on the channel but to expect programs about music," says Gaspin. "I don't think we'll ever have 22 hours of original series on the air like the broadcast networks do. That's not the business model that works for us," he says. -Kim McAvov' Duran Duran (top) and Cher (I) were both featured on 'Behind the Music,' VH1's nightly documentary -style (w) weekly series; daily series; (d) (mo) monthly series; series. The original program 'Storytellers' profiled Alanis (n) movie; (ms) miniseries; (sp) special Morrisette and her music this year.

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D E N V E R L O S A N G E L E S N E W Y O R K H O N G K O N G www.americanradiohistory.com kukadigialk BROADCASTING The peacocking of Pax NBC will have wide - ranging impact on new partnership, despite owning only 32% By Steve McClellan would pay NBC for "special event" former CBS Entertainment president says programming and would be forbidden same -week repurposing "is going to be NBC may have bought only a third to pre -empt any NBC -fed program- the model for all the broadcast networks:' of Paxson -to stay within FCC ming, unless the pre -emptions are He cites recent examples at other rules-but it appears to have 50- required by FCC rules. networks, including Lifetime's licens- plus percent of the decisionmaking The stations would also be required ing of ABC's freshman entry Once power over a wide range of issues to carry NBC's high- definition signal if and Again and USA's same -week air- affecting the family- friendly network the station has made the switch to digi- ing of NBC's Law and Order spin-off, and its stations. Given what the Pax TV tal. NBC in turn would help Pax find Special Victims Unit. "You have six people see as NBC's contribution to the replacement distribution in any market networks in the greatest year the net- team, however, that appears to be just where it snatches an affiliate -and bear works have had [in terms of ad sales] fine with them. half the cost of acquiring that replace- and yet those networks are going to be With NBC as its new partner, Pax TV ment distribution. lucky to break even this year." Thus, may get the right to air episodes of Prov- The two sides haven't done a Provi- maximizing the return on production idence, NBC's hit Friday series. The dence deal -yet -but Sagansky says dollars by carving out more exhibition family -friendly network is also consid- he'd love to see the show, produced at windows for programs will be a top ering commissioning CNBC to develop NBC Studios, on Pax TV. "Providence priority, he says. one or more financial programs targeted would be fabulous to have on the [Pax Technically, NBC is now a minority to its core audience, women 25 -54, says TV] air," he says. And shareholder in Paxson Communications, Jeff Sagansky, president and CEO of while there are but for all practical purposes "they're an Paxson Communications. affiliate and equal partner," Sagansky says. NBC Those are just two of the ideas for licensing issues does not have legal control of Paxson - series that might bear fruit from the to resolve, the it can't under current FCC regulations strategic alliance that NBC and Paxson that limit TV station ownership to 35% Sagansky: 'We formed three weeks ago. If things go think they're coverage of U.S. TV households. according to plan, there will be a long going to give us But under the deal the companies list of programs -of varying formats a tremendous struck giving NBC 32% of Paxson for and genres -that the alliance will pro- amount of help $415 million, Paxson has to get NBC's duce for Pax TV. and that the rights that we're approval for just about every move it And the ideas don't stop at TV shows. giving up aren't makes of any consequence. Paxson is planning up to a half-dozen going to be NBC has approval digital channels in the next five years - onerous at rights over Paxson's including a home shopping service to all.' budget as well as debut in 2000 -that NBC will help cre- the right to ate, shape and provide content for. approve all NBC's input doesn't stop there, shows devel- either. NBC's control over Paxson is oped for the Pax far more extensive than its 32% stake in network and the company would suggest. "same market It has the final say on Paxson's budg- stations" (i.e., ets, program acquisitions and develop- markets in ment, even some employee hires. NBC which both will also shape Paxson's marketing and companies sales strategy. own local The deal, as outlined in Securities stations) that and Exchange Commission filings two exceed five - weeks ago, also gives NBC affiliates a hours per lot to think about. And it gives a clear season. indication of how NBC sees the network NBC also affiliate relationship evolving in the h a s future. For the next 10 years, NBC has approval the right to convert any Pax TV stations rights for in the top 50 markets to NBC affiliates. Paxson's dig- Any Pax station making the switch ital spectrum would not be paid compensation; plans; any deal

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www.americanradiohistory.com BROADCASTING Lessons from Littleton FBI praises coverage; broadcasters harder on themselves at RTNDA panel

By Dan Trigoboff did about the pluses and minuses of their cover- Broadcast journal- CC) RTE Y KA age that day (B &C, ists have to April 26), were a bit understand, said tougher on themselves. the FBI's Gary Noes - Assembled news ner, "that a lot of law directors from Denver enforcement view you have already acknowl- as the enemy." But, he edged -and did so added, law enforcement again in Charlotte - must recognize that that there were a few providing accurate and accidental and quickly timely information can corrected camera shots reduce the risk of harm. that might have When he trains revealed police posi- agents for crisis situa- MEW tions; that there were tions, Noesner said, he i calls that should not teaches that "you must BREAKING NEWS have been aired live; defeat the shark or the AT LEAST 2 GUNMEN AT TA C K STUDENTS L I V E and there was that shark will defeat itself." AT DENVER AREA HIGH SCHOOL txlw 8.02 infamous video of a The student shoot- young man dangling ings at Littleton, Colo., from a school window. last April, said Noesner, Denver news directors now say that this scene from the school massacre should not have been aired. Koa(AM) and KUSA -TV reporter Cheryl Preheim: But Denver News addressing a packed 'You're as much a member of the community as [you are] a reporter.' Directors Patti Dennis room of broadcast jour- of KUSA -TV, Diane nalists at the Radio -Television News killings riveted the nation. Mulligan of KMGH -TV and Angie Directors Association convention in Bob Steele, who wrote the Poynter Kucharski of KCNC -TV were also aware Charlotte, N.C., was generally an exam- Institute's widely distributed guide- of their roles beyond restraint as infor- ple of law enforcement and the media lines for crisis coverage -which were mation providers to a near- hysterical working well together. Noesner praised praised by the FBI -and served as community, and to the nation as well. law enforcement for its cooperation with moderator for the panel, also compli- "You're as much a member of the com- the media and praised broadcasters for mented the Denver newspeople for munity as [you are] a reporter," said restraint on that extraordinary day at "high quality coverage." Cheryl Preheim, a reporter with Columbine High School when the mass The broadcasters, who have been can- KoA(AM) and KUSA -TV Denver, and one of the first reporters on the scene. Mulligan reminded news directors Gibson gets into TV not to forget the physical and emotion- The first TV project from Mel Gibson's Icon Productions will reinstate the al toll on their reporters from covering "Lethal" combination of Academy Award winning director Gibson and mar- a tragic and stressful story. Station tial arts expert Jet Li. Gibson and Li, who starred together in the feature management needs to make sure they film, Lethal Weapon 4, are executive producing a new hour action series. are provided with food, sleep, coffee, The show's working title is Invincible. time to talk with their families, and, Icon is producing along with Alliance Atlantis, which holds worldwide when necessary, she said, "hugs." distribution rights to the show. Alliance Atlantis began seeking pre -sales at In general, the news directors agreed MIPCOM in Cannes, France, last week. that they need to exercise caution and The series will be set in San Francisco and will feature choreographed defer to tape more often when airing live martial arts action sequences, overseen by Li. The storyline begins with from a crisis. Beware, they warned, of the induction of five members into the ancient secret society Choi Shang. people who call in looking to go on the The members' job is to combat the treacherous Su -Tao to preserve the air. Most people who call in to TV or balance of good in the world. radio stations are looking for information. Chad and Carey Hayes are the show's writers. The duo's credits include But guidelines and warnings can the recent cable movie First Daughter, which aired on TBS. only go so far, they agreed. "I have yet Gibson established Icon Productions with long -time partner Bruce to see a newsroom where they all pull Davey in 1989. The company has produced many feature films, including out their binders" to find instructions on the Oscar -winning Braveheart, Payback and An Ideal Husband. crisis coverage, said Kucharski. "Every -Melissa Grego day we should get into the practice of stopping to take a `gut check. "'

74 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

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® Eastman Kodak Company, 1999. Kodak and EXR are trademarks.

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WB up 17 %, 13 %in women 18 -34 The WB showed signs of GET WITH THE PROGRAM improvement in its second week of the season in the By Joe Schlosser & Melissa Grego demographics the young network touts most: young Week two: NBC wins Tom Hanks ceeds from the tournament adults. The WB averaged a 18 -49s; CBS overall returning to TV support a Brandeis Univer- 3.4 rating/5 share for the sity scholarship in memory week Powered by the season Tom Hanks is coming ending Oct. 3, up of Don Menchel, the late 17% from its first premiere of ER, NBC cap- back to network TV as the week of MCA Television executive. the season, according tured the second week of executive producer of a to Nielsen Media Research. the new season in the key planned military series for Big Ticket signs The network was up 13% adults 18 -49 demo, while Fox. The network has Katey for the week in women CBS won the second week committed to a pilot, West Sagal 18 -34 versus the same of the season in total view- Point, from Columbia Paramount -owned Big time last season and 5% ers and tied for first with TriStar Television and Ticket Television has signed among adults 18 -34. NBC in households on the Hanks' Playtone Produc- an exclusive development strength of three new dra- tions. The hour drama is deal with actress Katey Sagal. The ABC gets real with mas. NBC won the week being developed for the deal includes a 2000 -2001 season TV series. Sagal, best MTV Productions ending Oct. 3 among 18- and will follow the lives young known for her role as Peg 49s with a 5.5 rating/15 of ABC has ordered a new cadets at the famed Bundy on Married... With share in the demo, accord- mili- reality series from MTV tary institution. Hanks' Children, currently lends ing to Nielsen Media Productions that will look planned series was her voice to the role of Research. ABC finished into the making of a young announced just days after Leela on Fox's Futurama. pop -music second with a 4.5/13 aver- group. The NBC picked up a similar untitled half -hour series is age in adults 18 -49. ER series from Steven Spiel - Does that make the being developed for fall scored a 15.7/41 in the berg and Dreamworks. weekly a strip? 2000 and will be produced demo and attracted 31.5 U.S. Women's with Lou Pearlman, the million viewers in its first Clearing shows and soccer player Brandi music executive who dis- outing of the 1999 -2000 Chastain has signed sand traps on to be covered such pop acts as season. NBC had the top a special correspon- The syndicators barely beat dent on Raycom Sports' `N Sync and the Back- six entertainment pro- the station community in syndicated series More street Boys. The series will grams for the week in both the annual three -day Than a Game. Chastain document Pearlman's next adults 18 -49 and in total Menchel Cup golf tourna- scored the winning overtime music act in development, viewers. ER led the way, ment in Las Vegas. The goal in the U.S. team's a culturally diverse male followed by Friends, syndicators topped a hand- World Cup championship band. Bunim/Murrary Pro- Frasier, Stark Raving Mad, ful of station executives in match earlier this year and ductions, creators of Jesse and Law & Order. a Ryder Cup -format 40 f became a TV moment when MTV's The Real World CBS averaged 13.16 mil- to 39 0 at Shadow Creek she took off her shirt to cel- and Road Rules, are also lion viewers for the week Country Club. The pro- ebrate the victory. on board the project, work- ending Oct. 3, topping ing in association with NBC's 13.09 million and MD/ Productions. ABC's 10.41 million viewer average. NBC and CBS tied Gumbel dons sports in households with a 9.1 rat - hat for sports awards ing/15 share according to Bryant Gumbel wil host Nielsen Media Research. Sports Illustrated's televi- CBS' Judging Array scored sion special, The 20th an 11.2/19 and averaged Century Sports Awards. 15.7 million viewers in its CBS is carrying the two - second outing, up 15% in hour event live on the East households and 2.2 million Coast Dec. 2 from New in viewers over the previous York City's Madison week. Family Law was the Square Garden. Sports top rated Monday night legends Muhammed Ali, drama with a 10.9/18 and an Columbia TriStar Television Distribution's (l -r) Magic Johnson and average of 15.03 million Steve Mosko, Barry Thurston and John Rohrs celebrate their victory in the Arnold Palmer will be viewers. Menchel Cup golf tournament in Las Vegas. among the stars on hand.

76 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

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By Joe Schlosser ity series, which aired in 71 markets in niche areas in which the "big guys" its first go- around last year, enters the didn't have interest. Apair of former King World and 1999 -2000 season on more than 120 sta- Two years ago they met with execu- Twentieth Century Fox salesmen tions covering 75 percent of the country. tives at Indianapolis -based Creative and a couple of production guys Game Warden Wildlife Journal is sold in Street Inc. and decided to go forward from Indiana have teamed up on a 45 of the top 50 markets, including Los with a series based on the trade maga- weekly syndicated series that goes Angeles (KAESC -TV), Chicago (wmAQ- zine for national game wardens. In addi- behind the scenes with natures' cops. Tv) and Philadelphia (wcAu -Tv). tion to the success that Game Warden is Game Warden Wildlife Journal, a Gary Grandolph and Dennis Juravic, now enjoying in syndication, the two half -hour weekly series from who worked in syndication sales for companies are set to launch a consumer Grandolph /Juravic Entertainment, King World and Twentieth Century magazine next year based on the show, enters its second season with a bunch of Fox, respectively, up until a few years as well as a series of books and videos. upgrades and clearances in new mar- ago, decided they wanted to run their There is a Website (www.GameWar- kets. The Creative Street- produced real- own syndication company and find denTV.com) as well and there is talk of a companion series for next fall. "When we left the major companies, N.C. broadcasters bring home $2.3M we went looking for quality shows because if we were to going to call on stations we had relationships with in the past, it was very important for us to come knocking with nothing less than top -quality programming," says Grandolph. "We know we are dealing with a weekly half -hour series, as opposed to a strip like Wheel of For- tune that generates millions of dollars for stations. So the priority is certainly not as strong, but there is a need there and we are filling it with what we feel Henry Hinton of wczl(FM)- is a great product." wGPm(FM) Greenville, N.C. Game Warden Wildlife Journal is host- interviews East Carolina ed by former M *A *S *H regular Josh Head Coach Steve Bryant and each episode is broken into Logan during Oct. 3 statewide telethon. three segments featuring different wildlife stories. Creative Street producers, who North Carolina broadcasters raised $2.3 million for victims of Hurricane now own the trade publication Game Floyd after holding a six -hour statewide telethon on Sunday, Oct. 3. The Warden Wildlife Journal (formerly Inter- 110 radio and TV stations broadcast the event across the state and in national Game Warden), have used their South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. North Carolina was hit hard by connections with the magazine to get the hurricane, with more than 3,000 homes destroyed. access and stories from behind- the -scenes The telethon raised money for Governor Jim Hunt's North Carolina with wardens not just in North America, Hurricane Floyd Relief Fund, which is managed by the United Way of but throughout the rest of the world. North Carolina. The entire operation was run "99 %" on donations and "People were very nervous about the volunteers, says Mike Weeks, president of WITN -TV in Greenville, N.C., TV producers owning the industry trade and president of the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters. NBC publication, but we have shown them donated satellite time and NBC O &O wNCN -Tv in Raleigh donated a we are not out to exploit what they do, truck for TV stations to uplink the signal, while Capitol Broadcasting in but rather to tell these great stories most Raleign, N.C., provided uplinks for radio stations. Weeks called the of us don't get to see or hear about," says event the "granddaddy" of all telethons. "This is an unprecedented pub- Steve Katzenberger, one of the show's lic service effort by the broadcast industry stretching to help our state co- executive producers. "Now we're and communities at this difficult time," he said. Corporations offered up a getting more story ideas and calls from sizable chunk of change, with Sprint dialing in $100,000, BB &T Bank wardens and people in the industry than signing over $110,000, Harrah's Cherokee Casino anteeing up we can actually produce." $100,000, McDonald's franchisees serving up $110,000, the Michael Creative Street is producing 26 new Jordan Golf Classic teeing up $50,000 and the N.C. Cable Telecommu- episodes for this season, with stories nications Association plugging in $50,000. -Paige Albiniak coming out of Africa, Europe and Asia as well as the U.S. and Canada.

78 BROADCASTING & CABLE í OCTOBER 11, 1999

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minds, the station will edit the comments before showing them on a daily segment of its First News STATION at 4:30 p.m. KPxo -Tv plans to put TalkBoxes in By Dan Trigoúofi other locations around the area such as malls and Rosie recoups Chicago vet heads Although the bureau will sporting arenas. Meredith Belo's Texas in Shreveport to San Diego serve all of Corp. says it plans to put stations, it will be funded the TalkBox in others of Rosie O'Donnell brought a Phyllis Schwartz, who and run by KHOU-TV. its 12 stations as well. personal touch to her helped restore credibility to Angela Kocherga, current- Meredith credits the Talk - efforts to keep her show on WMAQ -TV Chicago follow- ly a reporter at Belo's Box concept to Canada's in Shreveport, La. When ing the controversy over WFAA -TV, is expected to be progressive CityTV and its KTBS -TV took her show off Jerry Springer's commen- named bureau chief. charismatic co- founder, the air in early September, taries in 1998, is leaving Moses Znaimer. she called Station Manager the station to run KNSD-Tv George Sirven and prom- San Diego. San Diego is ised him a personal visit if Schwartz's hometown and LA station honored he'd put her back on the the station, like WMAQ -TV, by Associated Press her we'd love to is owned by NBC. air. "I told KCBS -TV was honored last Schwartz left the news see her come to our Cele- week in Charlotte when the directorship at wts -Tv bration '99," which is a Associated Press awarded when the new WMAQ -TV station -sponsored all -day the station not only its general manager, Larry event geared toward WBZ -TV joins Boston's award for Best Television Wert, offered her a vice Museum of Fine Arts in Shreveport's over -50 Enterprise News, but also She did (Oct. 1), presidency for news and promoting an exhibit on crowd. its overall Award for Excel- high- creative services. Schwartz Egyptian culture. and planned to put lence. Following up on its of her visit on her took with her (from wls- lights Land of Pharaohs 1997 behind -kitchen -doors The Tv)Frank Whittaker, who syndicated talk show. exposé, which gained the put her back on the will replace Schwartz now, and Red Sox station station considerable atten- although if ratings and Vickie Burns, who now WBZ -TV Boston will air a air, tion, the station found that up by the becomes news director. six -part series of special don't pick health inspectors were book she'll be reports on the Pharaohs of November soliciting bribes in 3 p.m. to late the Sun: Akhenaten, Nefer- moved from Houston TV plans exchange for favorable night. And if O'Donnell's titi, Tutankhamen exhibit inspections. The disturbing ratings have slipped in Mexico bureau at Boston's Museum of yet entertaining piece Shreveport, she was appar- A.H. Belo's KHOU -TV Fine Arts next month. The offered one inspector's ently a hit during her visit. Houston is expected to series will feature Joyce explanation for his con- Sirven said people have open a news bureau in Kulhiwil, reporting from duct he had bills to been calling the station Mexico City in January, Cairo and Amarna. The -that pay then showed the volunteering to be Nielsen prompted by increasing station and museum will -and luxury home and cars families in order to pump links between Mexico's also broadcast the series behind those bills. Broad- up Rosie's ratings. and Texas' economies. over satellite to classes in cast journalists were gath- Massachusetts and 21 . , ering in Charlotte late last p rip other states. Rosie O'Donnell tries to boost month for the Radio -Tele- ratings in Shreveport, La. vision News Directors TalkBack TV tried Association convention, in Phoenix but Larry Perret, who had KPHO -TV Phoenix is taking been news director during it to the streets in an effort the reporting of the story, to get viewer comment. In was not there to accept three kiosks placed at the either award, because he Arizona State Fair last had been fired from the week, viewers will be able station in late August. to sound off by standing in front of the TalkBox cam- All news is local. era and pressing a button. Contact Dan Trigoboff at Although the station (301) 260 -0923, e -mail encourages participants to dtrig @erols.com, or fax say whatever is on their (202) 463 -3742.

B, OCTOBER 11 , 1999 / BROADCASTING CABLE 79

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SEPT. 27 -OCT. 3 CHOICE

Braadcas/ nelwerk prime lime ratings NBC's Thursday night lineup took five of the top six slots in Week 2, according la Nielsen Media Beseard including the season premiere of `ER' at number one with a 21.5/35. Week abc

11.5/18 10.4/16 8.7/13 2.2/3 4.7/7 8:00 28. King of Queens 9.0/14 76. Suddenly Susan 5.4/9 84. That '70s Show 48.20/20 7.4/12 4.9/8 118. Moesha 2.0/3 8:30 33. Ladies' Man 68. 7th Heaven 5.8/9 Q 8.6/13 61. Veronica's Closet 6.2/9 85. That '70s Show 4.8/7 115. The Parkers 2.3/3 Z9:00 9. Ev Lvs Raymd 5. NFL Monday Night 12.2/18 24. Law & Order: Special 114. Grown -Ups 2.4/4 61. Ally McBeal 6.2/9 100. C 9:30 12. Becker Victims Unit 9.6/14 Safe Harbor 3.5/5 Football -San Fran- 11.2/17 117. Malcolm & Eddie 2.2/3 10:00 cisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals 13.3/22 14. Family Law 10.9/18 16. Dateline NBC 10.6/17 10:30 8.8/14 7.8/13 6.2/10 1.2/2 3.0/5 8:00 37. Spin City 8.3/14 41. Just Shoot Me 8.0/13 80 Ally* 5.1/8 121 Dilbert 10. JAG 11.1/19 1.4/2 107. Buffy the Vampire 8:30 59. It's Like, You Kn 6.3/10 Q 40. 3rd Rock fr/Sun 8.1/13 53. That '70s Show 6.8/11 122. Redhanded 1.3/2 Slayer 2.8/5 MÁ 9:00 28. Dharma & Greg 9.0/14 26. Will & Grace 9.3/14 58. TV Guide 18.60 Minutes Il 10.3/16 Sitcom 125. Star Trek: Voyager 04. Buffy the Vampire 25. Dharma & Greg 9.4/15 9:30 67. Mike O'Malley 5.9/9 Scandals 6.4/10 1.0/2 Slayer 3.2/5 10:00 21. Once and Again 9,8/17 12. Judging Amy 11.2/19 10:30 8.4/14 8.4/14 9.4/15 5.0/8 3.2/5 4.2/7 8:00 49. Two Guys a Girl 7.3/12 52. Cosby Q 6.9/12 74. Garth Brooks /Chris 65. Beverly Hills, 90210 111.7 Days 2.6/4 88. Dawson's 9 8:30 44. Norm 7.6/12 57. Work With Me* 6.5/11 Gaines 5.5/9 6.0/10 Creek 4.6/8 Z 9:00 23. Drew Carey 9.7/15 93. Star Trek: Voyager 20. West Wing 9.9/15 93. Get Real 44. 27. CBS Wednesday 3.9/6 96. Popular 3.8/6 9:30 Oh Grow Up 7.6/12 3.9/6 ee Movie-Breakdown 10:00 9.2/15 üü 28.20/20 9.0/15 6. Law & Order 12.9/22 10:30

8:00 90. Whose Line Is It 4.5/8 » 28. Diagnosis Murder 3. Friends 15.8/27 85. World's Wildest Police 91. WWF 112. Popular* 2.5/4 8:30 79. Whose Line Is It 5.2/8 9.0/15 6. Jesse 12.9/21 Videos 4.8/8 Smackdown! 4.1/7 g 9:00 2. Frasier 16.3/25 100. Family Guy 3.5/5 35. Chicago Hope 8.4/13 74. ABC Big Picture 98. Charmed 3.7/6 D 9:30 4. Stark Rvg Mad 13.4/21 100. Action Show-Beverly Hills 3.5/5 105. Shasta McNasty 3.1/5 10:00 Cop 3 5.5/9 59.48 Hours 6.3/10 1. ER 21.5/35 10:30

8:00 82. The Hughleys 5.0/10 64. Kids /Darndest 6.1/12 119. Jamie Foxx 1.9/4 19. Providence 10.2/19 103. Terror on the Job 3.3/6 8:30 76. Boy Meets Wrld 5.4/10 65. Candid Camera 6.0/11 120. UPN Special Q 115. Jamie Foxx 2.3/4 Presentation G 9:00 55. Sabrina/Witch 6.6/12 -Piranha 88. Wrld's Most Shocking 106. Steve Harvey 2.9/5 46. Now and Again 7.5/13 46. Dateline NBC 7.5/13 1.5/3 E 9:30 69. Odd Man Out 5.7/10 Moments 4.6/8 107. For Your Love 2.8/5 10:00 34.20/20 8.5/15 28. Nash Bridges 9,0/16 72. Cold Feet 5.6/10 10:30 4.0/8 7.0/13 5.0/10 5.4/10 KEY: RANKING /SHOW TITLE/PROGRAM RATING/SHARE 8:00 82. Cops 5.0/10 61. Early Edition 6.2/12 96. Freaks & Geeks 3.8/7 TOP TEN SHOWS OF THE WEEK ARE NUMBERED IN RED 8:30 76. Cops 5.4/10 TELEVISION UNIVERSE ESTIMATED AT 99.4 MILLION 92. ABC Saturday Night r4 9:00 HOUSEHOLDS; ONE RATINGS POINT IS EQUAL TO 994,000 TV Movie -12 Monkeys 55. 69. AMW: America Fights Martial Law 6.6/12 69. The Pretender 5.7/10 HOMES YELLOW TINT IS WINNER OF TIME 9:30 SLOT 4.0/8 Back 5.7/11 Q (NR)=NOT RANKED; RATING /SHARE ESTIMATED FOR PERI- 10:00 37, Walker, Texas Ranger OD SHOWN *PREMIERE SOURCES: NIELSEN MEDIA 72. Profiler 5.6/11 10:30 8.3/16 RESEARCH, CBS RESEARCH GRAPHIC BY KENNETH RAY 6.5/10 10.9/18 8.5/14 5.2/8 2.9/5 7:00 (nr) NFL Football 15.7/29 107. World's Funniest! 2.8/5 93. Wonderful World of 42. Dateline NBC 7.7/13 110. 7th Heaven 7:30 85. King of the Hill 4.8/8 Beginnings 2.7/5 Disney-H -E- Double 8.60 Minutes 12.5/20 8:00 Hockey Sticks! 3.9/6 51. The Simpsons 7.1/11 21. Third Watch 9.8/15 99. Felicity 3.6/6 Z 8:30 16. Touched by an Angel 54. Futurama 6.7/10 O 9:00 10.6/16 49. Snoops 7.3/11 CA 80. The X -Files 5.1/8 9:30 39. NBC Sunday Night 112. Jack & Jill 2.5/4 35. CBS Sunday Movie - Movie -Road Rage 10:00 Forget Me Never 15. The Practice 10.7/18 8.2/13 10:30 8.4/14 WED( AVG 7.3/12 9.1/15 9.1/15 5.1/8 2.4/4 3.4/5 STDAVG 7.8/13 9.4/16 9.5/16 5.2/9 2.4/4 3.1/5 $o BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com BroadcasfingBCable

Opponents become equals $9.2 billion merger of Gemstar and TV Guide puts costly six -year lawsuit to rest

By Price Colman ment, Scientific - Guide because of Atlanta and Pio- the litigation cloud. The multibillion dollar merger of neer, have wound In announcing Gemstar and TV Guide creates a up in court with the merger, Yuen giant likely to dominate the Gemstar. Last sought to play electronic program -guide business. week, an arbitra- down his strained But while the deal is gradually win- tion panel ruled history with the ning approval from investors, some in that GI had cable industry - the cable industry aren't so sure it's a breached its con - whose business he strongly needs good-thing. -- - ct with Gemstar - Kiener: `In strategic - Boylan: The deal "[Gemstar Chairman -CEO] Henry will unlock tremen- subsidiary Star - terms, it's a stock- and instead focus Yuen is left holding the cards," says an dous shareholder Sight and misap- for -stock merger on improving their executive at a large cable company. value.' propriated certain of equals.' relationship: "Even "There's not another strong player in the trade secrets. The ruling could end up though the area we have been litigating industry to counterbalance him." Says costing GI more than $50 million. in is a very small part of the business for another cable executive: "We don't TV Guide, in which Liberty Media these two companies, the litigation has know if [the merger] is good for con- and News Corp. each own 44% stakes, been casting a cloud. My hope is there is sumers until we see what kind of deals had achieved limited success in deploy- no better way than a total aligning of our they're offering the industry together." ing its new TV Guide Interactive EPG. interests...to finish the litigation on a The merger announced last week Its only large contract for the advanced very positive note [and] to start making resolves a contentious and costly six- EPG is with AT &T Broadband & Inter- peace and positive relationships with year lawsuit between Gemstar and TV net Services. Most cable operators were service providers as we move forward" Guide over patents for electronic pro- reluctant to sign with Gemstar or TV Similarly, executives at TV Guide gram guides (EPGs), which today are a relatively minor component of the mul- tichannel television world. A &E drafts cable vet The Gemstar -TV Guide legal fight generated extraordinary attention Cable sales executive David Zagin joined A &E Net- because the EPG of today is about to works last week as senior vice president of affiliate metamorphose into something far sales. In his new capacity, Zagin will oversee all broader, and potentially far more valu- domestic affiliate and local ad sales for A &E and The able. "The real gravy in this business History Channel, as well as digital networks The Biog- model is the piece of recurring rev- raphy Channel and History Channel International. enues from advertising and com- Zagin's arrival from NBC Cable coincides with merce," says Stephens Inc. analyst A &E's efforts to hike its rate card, as much as 33% in John Corcoran. some cases, sources say. His challenge will be tak- Thus, whoever controls the EPG ing that rate increase to the negotiating table.

on- - -TV- dial controls-the --T-V- "What they need from him is renewals," one source space the David Zagin is the A deals are coming up version of an Internet portal, with one new senior VP of says. Many of &E's distribution key difference: There are 100 million affiliate sales. for renewal, he continues. Zagin will have the added U.S. television households compared difficulty of negotiating carriage for A &E's two addi- to roughly 30 million homes with Inter- tional digital networks. "At the same time you're jam- net-connected personal computers. ming for aggressive rate increases, you're trying to Gemstar and TV Guide are hardly the sell these two digiservices," the source adds. only EPG players, but Gemstar clearly A &E is girding for the negotiating trenches by has the farthest reach. Microsoft and bringing in Zagin to oversee affiliate sales opera- America Online have licensed Gemstar's tions, and having his predecessor focus on the digi- technology to develop their own EPGs. tal properties. Randy McKey, formerly vice president Several consumer electronics manufac- of affiliate sales, is now vice president of digital turers including Sony, Philips and sales. He'll report to Zagin, who will report to Ronald Thomson -RCA have similar licensing Schneier, executive vice president of sales, both affil- - iate and advertising. Neither Zagin nor McKey was agreements and are incorporating Gem Randy McKey star EPGs in their TV sets. moves to VP available for comment. Other companies developing EPGs, of digital sales. -Deborah D. McAdams including TV Guide, General Instru-

OCTOBER 11, 1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 81

www.americanradiohistory.com CABLE 4

played down past differences with Gem - was announced early last week, the total star and highlighted the potential of a value was roughly $9.2 billion based on combination. "The transaction...will a recent Gemstar share price of $83.625. Allen broadens unlock tremendous shareholder value for Since then, however, the overall value both of us," says TV Guide President - has fluctuated as Gemstar share prices ambitious play COO Peter C. Boylan III. "The cable fell and TV Guide shares rose. industry has been very much looking for a The new company will have a 12- resolution to years of, in their viewpoint, member board with six members from for broadband senseless, time -consuming litigation." Gemstar and six from TV Guide. Yuen, News Corp. and Liberty have agreed as chairman, will hold the tie -breaking Head of Charter spends to vote in favor of the merger that com- vote and effectively control the board. bines not only each company's EPG The executive structure divided titles and $1.65 billion to boost his business but also gives Gemstar TV responsibilities evenly between TV stake in overbuilder RCN Guide's brand name and print -guide Guide executives Joe Kiener and Boylan operation. News Corp. and Liberty will and Gemstar brass Yuen and Elsie Leung. By Price Colman each own just under 20% of the new As for which company came out on company, TV Guide International. top, it's immaterial, says TV Guide With his $1.65 billion invest- Terms of the transaction call for TV Chairman -CEO Kiener. "At the end of ment in RCN Corp., Paul Guide shareholders to receive .6573 the day, it's six of one, half dozen of the Allen buys himself deeper into shares of Gemstar for each TV Guide other," he says. "Technically, it's an the broadband big -time, but he may share. Gemstar, the smaller of the two acquisition of TV Guide by Gemstar. also be buying himself challenges. companies, also will assume $600 mil- But in strategic terms, it's a stock -for- First, the transaction announced last lion in TV Guide debt. When the deal stock merger of equals." week marks the first time a cable operator has plunked down big money on a company attacking cable itself. On the East CABLE'S TOP 25 and West coasts alike, RCN is overbuild- ing nearly every top cable operator, including AT &T, Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, Adelphia and Cablevision Systems. Indeed, Allen's Charter Communica- TNT's adaptation of the classic book 'Animal tions is the only large operator not Farm' ranked No.5 with a 4.2 rating/6.1 share. butting heads with RCN, so it will be no making it cable's top -rated movie last week. surprise if Allen is not voted "most popular industry newcomer" at the next Following are the top 25 basic cable programs for the week of September 27 - October 3, ranked by National Cable Television Association rating. Cable rating is coverage area rating within each basic cable network's universe; U.S. rating is board meeting. of 98 million TV households. Sources: Nielsen Media Research. Turner Entertainment. On the other Rating HHs Cable hand, by increasing his Rank Program Network Day Time Duration Cable U.S. (000) Share 4.5% stake in RCN to 27.4% (voting 1 NFL/Raiders /Seahawks ESPN Suri 8.15P 182 9.4 7.3 7245 14.3 control is limited to 15%), Allen reaf- 2 WWF Entertainment USA Mon 10:00P 65 7.0 5.4 5372 10.8 firms his belief in the superiority of the 3 WWF Entertainment USA Mon 9:OOP 60 6.5 5.0 5030 9.1 hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) cable platform, 4 NFL Prime Time ESPN Sun 7:30P 45 4.9 3.8 3776 8.1 says PaineWebber analyst Tom Eagan. 5 Movie: 'Animal Farm' TNT Sun 8:OOP 120 4.2 3.3 3234 6.1 "It validates the cable approach [to 6 WCW Monday Nitro Live! TNT Mon 8:OOP 60 4.1 3.2 3163 6.1 7 NFL Sportscenter ESPN Sun 11:17P 74 3.7 3.0 2884 8.2 broadband]," says Eagan, adding that 8 WWF Sunday Night Heat USA Sun 7:OOP 60 3.6 2.8 2769 5.8 with the deal, "Allen is hedging his bets 9 NASCAR /NAPPA Auto... ESPN Sun 1:OOP 243 3.5 2.7 2677 7.6 a little." In other words, if the cable 10 Rugrats NICK Sat 9:00P 30 3.2 2.4 2423 5.6 sector gets blindsided by new regula- 10 Rugrats NICK Sat 8:30P 30 3.2 2.4 2402 5.7 tion or some other unforeseen blow, 10 NCAA/Maryland @ GA Tech ESPN 7:30P Sat 190 3.2 2.5 2458 6.1 RCN may be somewhat insulated. 13 Rugrats NICK Tue 7:30P 30 3.1 2.4 2361 5.3 14 Rugrats NICK Sun 9:30A 30 3.0 2.3 2242 8.9 Princeton, N.J. -based RCN, a video 14 Rugrats NICK Mon 7:30P 30 3.0 2.3 2242 4.8 newcomer with roots in telephony, has 16 Rugrats NICK Sat 8:OOP 30 2.9 2.2 2224 5.6 demonstrated its ability to build a 16 Rugrats NICK Thu 7:30P 30 2.9 2.2 2213 5.3 sophisticated, high- capacity, two -way 16 Real World VIII MTV Tue 10:OOP 30 2.9 2.2 2148 4.6 HFC network that, at 860 megahertz 16 Big Ten /Purdue a Michigan ESPN Sat 12:OOP 224 2.9 2.3 2261 8.7 and 150 homes per node, may 16 Law & Order A &E Wed 11:OOP 60 2.9 2.2 2159 5.7 hold an 16 Dragon Ball Z TOON Thu 5:OOP 30 2.9 1.8 1743 7.6 edge over what many other cable oper- 22 Rugrats NICK Sat 9:30P 30 2.7 2.1 2056 4.7 ators are building. 22 Rugrats NICK Sat 9:30A 30 2.7 2.1 2061 8.9 But as many cable companies have 22 Hey Arnold NICK Mon 7:00P 30 2.7 2.1 2081 4.8 discovered, building is one thing, mar- 22 Movie: 'Beyond Betrayal' LIF Sun 8:00P 120 2.7 2.0 1998 3.9 keting and connecting 22 NCAA/Maryland @ GA Tech ESPN Thu customers is 7:57P 201 2.7 2.1 2077 4.3 another. There 22 Law & Order A &E Tue 11:00P 60 2.7 2.0 1998 5.3 are anecdotal reports 22 Dragon Ball Z TOON Fri 5:00P 30 2.7 1.6 1609 7.4 that RCN cable installation times are 22 Dragon Ball Z TOON Mon 5:OOP 30 2.7 1.6 1633 6.6 an hour and a half or more. RCN executives acknowledge that the company 82 BROADCASTING & CABLE OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com CABLE faces operational challenges. In addition to the operations hurdles of what is effectively a startup, RCN also faces the financial demands of a fledgling. Its debt -to -cash -flow ratio, an important gauge of borrowing ability, was a whop- HOOKED ping 10.5:1 at the end of the second quarter, ended June 30. More established play- By Nolan Marchand ers in cable, after struggling for years, have succeeded in bringing that ratio WWF veterans Nitro Live and WCW time delivery for week down to between 7:1 and 5:1. defect to WCW Thunder carried on No. 2 (Sept. 27 -Oct. 3) From RCN's perspective, Allen's TBS, says Bill Busch, was nearly 24.4 mil - writer /pro- investment through his Vulcan Ven- Two veteran executive vice president lion-up 2 million ducers for USA's top - tures arm could hardly have come at a of WCW, a Turner sub- homes (8.9 %) from the rated World Wrestling better time. With long -term debt at sidiary. same period last year. more than $1.7 billion, RCN was con- Federation extravagan- Also, prime time rat- templating a near -term future of fre- zas suddenly quit the Cable ratings up, ings rose 1.7 points WWF last week and quent financings to keep network con- broadcast down (7.6 %), to 24.2, and struction rolling. immediately signed on share climbed three Ad- supported cable "The why of the transaction is both with the competing points (8 %), to 40.7. record strategic and financial," said RCN Chair- World Championship continues to The broadcast net- man-CEO David McCourt during a con- Wrestling, carried by viewership gains for works continue to ference call last week. "[Allen is] fund- TNT. Vince Russo and the new TV season. decline, according to ing the risk out of the business plan so we Ed Ferrara, formerly of According to a CAB. The weighted can focus on execution:' McCourt also Titan Sports Inc., will Cabletelevision Adver- gross prime time share suggested that Allen's move could galva- oversee all creative tising Bureau analysis of ABC, CBS, NBC nize interest in RCN in much the same development and writ- of Nielsen data, cable's and Fox slid to 49.1, a way that Bill Gates' $1 billion investment ing for TNT Monday gross household prime loss of 3.6 points. in Comcast sparked a widespread investment in traditional cable operations. "Worry about the need for capital should be the furthest thing from investors' minds at this point," McCourt said. With Allen's money, RCN can fund to network construction through 2003, at When it comes least two years past when the company expects to hit cash -flow break -even. Cable, We're the Nonetheless the company's network will be only about one -third built out Specialists. by 2003. That means RCN will have to tap public debt and equity markets, as Some of the most successful cable networks and industry count on well as private investors, to keep the production companies in the for our expertise. Why? Because ball rolling Talent PayMaster we save them money and time. How? We In conjunction with Vulcan's invest- negotiate union and talent agreements for them ment in RCN, RCN and Charter are directly so they don't have to. In fact, we've forming a joint venture to provide cable negotiated several network- specific cable telephone service in the Los Angeles agreements as well as countless single produc- cable system Charter acquired from tion agreements. And we've been doing this Falcon. But it's a second joint venture for more than 13 years. So called Broadband Partners that high- whether you're an industry lights Allen's "wired world" strategy. powerhouse or producing The Broadband Partners consortium a single project, call the brings together companies Allen owns cable specialists today. either all or part of: Charter, RCN, High -Speed Access Corp. and Go2Net. Together, they intend to develop and deploy content and services to the TV, TI\LE\ using a set -top box. PAYMASTER T: While Charter and RCN customers 1-800-656-8088 301-656-8088 in DC, MD & VA will be the first to receive offerings www.talentpaymaster.com from Broadband Partners, it won't stop there, says Mark Peterson, spokesman for Go2Net: "We're not planning to limit ourselves in any way."

OCTOBER 11, 1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 83

www.americanradiohistory.com Broadcasfioga`Cablc TEChNOtOGY //1 `Eco -Challenge' gets HD debut Discovery will give Sony HDCAM gear tough field test covering endurance race By Glen Dickson

Discovery Channel and Sony Elec- tronics are partnering to create Dis- covery's first HDTV programming effort, a 1080i production of the Discov- ery Channel Eco- Challenge endurance race that will be the most ambitious HDTV field production to date. Fifteen ENG crews (with five backup crews) armed with Sony HDCAM camcorders will cover the 300 -mile team event, which will be held in Argentina in December and will include kayaking, whitewater Competitors in last year's race splash through the surf off Morocco; 55 four-person canoeing, rock climbing, teams from 33 nations will brave the wilds of Argentina this year. horseback riding and mountaineering. The HDCAM camcorders, equipped with premieres in April 2000) to all Discov- than provide breathtaking pictures." Fujinon lenses, will be used on foot, in ery satellite and cable outlets capable HDCAM tape will serve as the source helicopters and boats outfitted with of carrying the HDTV format. for both the HDTV and NTSC versions Wescam's gyrostabilized camera system. Sony Broadcast President Ed Gre- of the Eco- Challenge, says Discovery "It will be a challenge for our techni- bow says Discovery's use of HDCAM Director of Special Projects Angus cians," says Discovery Networks Presi- tape for the Eco- Challenge, which had Yates. The online editing will be per- dent Johnathan Rodgers, who adds that been shot on 16 mm film in previous formed on HDCAM tape decks to gener- he expects the HDCAM equipment to years, should send a powerful message ate both HDTV and letterboxed NTSC capture "the best images ever in this to documentary filmmakers and versions. Discovery will also use some race." Rodgers says the hi-def version wilderness photographers about the Sony standard -definition equipment, of the Eco- Challenge will be offered HDTV format's viability in the field: upconverting the SDTV material before along with the NTSC version (which "It will show that HDTV can do more inserting it in the HDTV master.

Morita remembered as `visionary' Sony co- founder Akio Morita died of pneumonia Oct. 3, 1959. The next year, Sony after years of failing health following a stroke in Novem- launched the first transistor ber 1993. He was 78. TV sets, and in 1963 intro- "With the passing of Akio Morita, the broadcast indus- duced the first transistorized try has lost a true visionary," said Sony Broadcast Presi- videotape recorder. Those dent Ed Grebow. noting Morita's role in moving broad- innovations were followed cast news from film to tape and his quest for a worldwide by Trinitron color television HDTV standard. "Only someone with his keen sense of tube technology in 1968. the future and diplomatic ability to promote these ideas In 1971, Morita became could have such a global impact." president of Sony.That year, Morita, who was named Sony's honorary chairman in the firm launched its U -matic 1994, served at Sony's forefront for more than 45 years. VCR, which it coupled with a While most famous for his consumer electronics innova- camera and, in effect, invent- Morita a tions, such as the Walkman, Morita was pioneer, was also responsible leading the industry from ed electronic newsgathering. for Sony's move into broadcast television equipment and film, to tape to digital. By 1980, TV news had virtu- its acquisition of music, film and television studios. ally abandoned film. Morita founded Sony with partner Masaru Ibuka in May On the content side, Morita oversaw Sony's partner- 1946 as Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering. The ship with CBS in music software and its acquisition of firm's first technological achievement was the magnetic CBS Records and Columbia Pictures. Morita's legacy tape and tape recorder it introduced to Japan in 1950. The extends to Sony's pioneering role in the digital age. The first year it introduced a product with the brand name company has a wealth of digital imaging and storage Sony (from the Latin "sonus." meaning sound) was 1955. products, including a line of HDTV television equipment Morita became executive vice president of Sony in it first introduced in 1984. -Glen Dickson.

84 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

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www.americanradiohistory.com TECHNOLOGY Building a high-tech home Fisher, Seattle -based broadcaster, needs new facility as it expands its TV holdings By Karen Anderson directly from the Clipboxes for on -air playout. In addition, the station will use Ffisher Broadcasting is growing - two Cachebox servers for playout. earlier this year it added 11 stations Quantel's Paintbox graphics system to the two it already owned. To and Picturebox still-store system, both accommodate the expansion, the com- staples at the station, also will be inte- pany is constructing a new high -tech grated into the system. home, Fisher Plaza, just a stone's throw The station plans to use an Edit - away from Seattle's Space Needle. box FX editing system independent- In addition to being Fisher's new cor- ly of Inspiration for porate quarters, the facility will serve as Fisher Broadcasting's state-of- nonlinear editing the broadcast plant for its flagship sta- the -art headquarters will originate digital signals from applications. tion, ABC affiliate KOMO -TV, complete its location in downtown Although Fisher with station and news automation. Seattle, by the Space Needle. has settled on some Fisher Broadcasting Director of major components of Engineering Pat Holland has been tern and AP Broadcast's Elec- its plant, it still has a researching new equipment for two tronic News Production Sys- way to go. For exam- years and started making purchases tem (ENPS). ple, it is still design- this summer. "We've been pretty flexi- The OmniBus installa- ing its routing infra- ble in our search over the last two tion -worth about $1 mil- structure, which Hol- years," Holland says. "In fact, it was lion- provides total station land says will be able only three months ago that we really asset management and mas- to support HDTV started to drive the stakes in the ground ter control automation for four chan- throughout the plant. The station has around manufacturer solutions. [We nels of play -to -air for KoMO -TV's selected Grass Valley switchers for mas- will purchase equipment that will] NTSC ch. 4 and DTV ch. 38. It also ter control, although no decision has meet the needs of the future and have includes OmniBus Hy -Brow desktop been made on the router. as much long -term viability, extensibil- browse editing software and GAMMA The broadcast group expects to ity and `migratability' to the digital remote access and browsing software, move into its new digs by April 2000. future as possible." and will work in tandem with the Fisher's new facility will house all At the heart of the new KOMO -TV plant ENPS newsroom computer system and administrative staff for the group. In will be an OmniBus automation system, Inspiration news production system. addition to KOMO -TV, Fisher owns which will handle all station master con- KoMo-TV's Inspiration system, with 12 KATU -TV Portland, Ore., and in April it trols. The OmniBus system will be journalist workstations, will be centered completed the $215 million purchase linked to Quantel's new Inspiration inte- on two Quantel Clipbox video servers. of Retlaw Broadcasting;s 11 medium - grated news and sports production sys- News editors will be able to edit material and small- market stations. Maine public DiV vote due Referendum on $9.4 million bond issue for transition to digital set for Nov 2

By Karen Anderson The publicly funded broadcaster has evision is all about. "Their first reac- been prepping the people of Maine for tion is: `You're messing with my TV n Nov. 2, the fate of Maine's pub- two years with educational programs and I love my TV, and it's going to cost lic broadcasting system will lie explaining what DTV is and how it will me money!' " Peotter notes. with the voters. benefit viewers by offering eye -popping It's a classic case, he adds, of "shoot- By then, Maine Public Broadcasting pictures and new interactive services. It ing the messenger." Feasibility studies Corp. (MPBC), which operates five has run spots explaining that the decision have shown that MPBC would not be PBS stations, has to convince voters that to do DTV was not made on a whim by able to raise enough money with fund it needs millions of dollars in state fund- the network, but is federally mandated. drives to cover the cost of converting to ing to make the transition to digital tele- The public doesn't seem to be buy- DTV, which includes adding new trans- vision, and that if they don't approve a ing it, says Russell Peotter, MPBC mitters and antennas at several sites. referendum, MPBC may eventually lose director of marketing and develop- So in January MPBC took another some or all of its stations. Convincing ment. The problem, he says, is that tack -it went to the state legislature and folks hasn't been easy. people just don't know what digital tel- secured a $9.4 million bond issue to cover

88 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com TECHNOLOGY the estimated cost of shifting its five sta- MPBC has hired pollsters and is run- licenses and we [just] won't be." tions to DTV. The people will have the ning DTV- related programming like That's not to say that if the DTV ref- last word in a referendum on Nov. 2. Made in Maine's Oct. 21 broadcast, erendum fails on Nov. 2, MPBC's digi- In a final and fervent effort to edu- "Going Digital," which tours the Ray- tal plans will go dark on Nov. 3. The cate voters on the DTV issue, MPBC mond, Maine, plant of antenna -maker public broadcaster would still have until has registered itself as a political action Dielectric Communications and visits 2003 to try to secure as much funding committee - required by the state -to tower climbers at Gabriel Electronics as possible to get DTV stations on air. lobby its cause and embark on an in Scarborough. The message, accord- Peotter remains optimistic: "This is "aggressive public education cam- ing to Peotter, is: "If we don't have the our only chance to get the money, and I paign," Peotter explains. money, we won't have the [FCC] hope we're going to win."

The joint company will also purchased 480p pro- build integrated circuits to duction equipment, be used by chip makers for which CTV plans to rent CUTTING EDGE digital video displays and to other Pittsburgh sta- PC/TV conversion prod- tions. ucts. By Karen Anderson The deal, worth as much as $42 6 million, is USA taps Itelco subject to regulatory and Lucent ca as its VP unveils of cable busi- stockholder approval and is transmitters ness development. Tanner LINKrunner expected to close in USA Broadcasting has says Sharp is excited November. selected Italian transmitter Lucent Digital Video last about the retail possibilites manufacturer Itelco to pro- week introduced its new for set -top cable boxes and NewsEdit replaces vide it with DTV and is also interested in sup- LINKrunner product line Tape at WHDH -TV NTSC transmitters for all for video plying OpenCable- compli- USA -owned stations. The networking over Boston NBC affiliate ATM (asynchronous trans- ant boxes to MSOs. He initial agreement calls for WHDH -TV has installed two fer mode). The LINKrun- adds that his departure new DTV and NTSC Itelco from the ATSC has noth- Vibrint NewsEdit systems ner interfaces are designed transmitters to be installed ing to do that replace tape -based at KSTR-TV Dallas, which is with the editing systems. WHDH -TV scheduled ongoing will use them to edit to go on -air in controversy breaking news and to cre- December. KSTR -Tv will over the via- ate teasers and highlights install a 25kW model bility of the packages for its six hours T644KV for DTV tranmis- 8 -VSB mod- of daily news program- sion and a 120kW B6125K ulation stan- ming. The NewsEdit sys- for NTSC. Itelco will then provide 12 Lucent's new LINKrunnerTXA dard. "I'm tems are integrated with transmitters for getting more the station's Avstar news- other USA stations. Sys- tem integration for the to work with Lucent's and more encouraged that room computer system facilities will be provided VideoStar MPEG -2 that whole debate is get- and Grass Valley Profile by Digital encoder (marketed to ting resolved in the right video server. Systems Tech- broadcasters as Harris way," says Tanner. Before nology of Irvingdale, Calif. FlexiCoder) to allow the joining the ATSC in July CTV buys DVCPRO transport of compressed 1997, Tanner served as for compatibility Conus buys Wegen- video over telecommuni- senior VP of advanced er decoders Cornerstone Television cations networks. The first technologies for TELE- (CTV) of Wall, Pa., has Conus Communications product in the TV Systems, VP of new line, purchased Panasonic has ordered Wegener LINKrunner TXA, is a advanced television proj- DVCPRO50 equipment Unity 4422 MPEG -2 inte- "video gateway" that sup- ects for CableLabs and VP of planning for CBS' engi- worth $430,000 to grated receiver /decoders ports IP networking for for its member stations, control of remote equip- neering and development replace analog Panasonic MII gear. The along with Wegener's ment and is slated for department. "backward compatibility" is what Compel Network Control release later this month. system with Compel CA Faroudja wants sold CTV Chief Engi- neer Blake Richert on encryption. The Wegener Tanner leaves ATSC Focus for PC -to -TV the DVCPRO50 equip- IRDs, which will be given for Sharp Labs Faroudja Inc., a manufac- ment. "Five or six years to member stations at no Advanced Television Sys- turer of video converters, from now I'll still be charge, will be used in tems Committee (ATSC) last week agreed to acquire able to play back what I conjunction with a Sony Executive Director Craig Focus Enhancements, recorded last week," he MPEG encoding and mul- Tanner is leaving ATSC to which builds PC -to -TV says. CTV's flagship sta- tiplexing system to distrib- join Sharp Labs of Ameri- and TV-to -PC converters. tion, WPCB -TV Pittsburgh, ute 4:2:2 feeds to stations.

OCTOBER 11, 1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 87

www.americanradiohistory.com CBS plays for portal winner Network to offer cash prizes to draw visitors to its new Internet hub

By Richard Tedesco player game site, and such utilitarian sites as Apartments.com, Autoweb.com, CBS swooped into the Web portal Mail.com and Realtor.com. playoffs last week with a sweep- Fred Reynolds, CBS chief financial stakes site that aggregates its dis- officer, says the sweepstakes differenti- parate Web properties. ates the CBS portal. "Just doing anoth- fiSIMININSe UMW The new portal, iWon.com, is er portal wouldn't have given House Boosts designed to drive traffic by offering lobbying.. us as much attention."

a...... daily, C monthly and annual sweepstakes A -CW.kh pou, entries ow!) But some Internet observers prizes of $10,000, $1 million and $10 Dlet PfUä ,. question CBS' strategy. "I T.

million, respectively. Web surfers rack salllarnanl Stls Health and melt+nç have no idea why they want to up entries for the drawings by clicking mown on M io get into the wars," says Collect enbses by

entries per banner click). Cíw.n7,..rna met for Cambridge, Mass. -based ob. 1a Iwp nn N.n CBS is sinking $30 million into the boon" bade tam,M Forrester Research. "It's a sweepstakes and is committing $70 CBS is spending $30 million on the bloody, messy space that'll be very million to TV and radio promotion next iWon.com sweepstakes and will spend expensive and yield very little for them." year. The ad spots push the sweepstakes more than twice that next year. The Charron points to the lackluster per- portal links to CBS Web sites. as the prime selling points against other formance of Disney's Go Network and unnamed portals, and the cash prizes NBC's Snap portals as evidence that will be awarded on CBS TV segments. MarketWatch and other partly owned the CBS move is a risky one. "There Prizes aside, iWon offers links to CBS Web properties. Other content needs to be more meat behind this por- CBS News, CBS SportsLine, CBS partners include Gamesville, a multi- tal than just a cash giveaway. Other- wise, it's a gambling portal." Others view it as a sensible exten- AOL 5.0 reads speed sion for CBS. "It's the next logical step for CBS as it develops its Internet busi- America Online rolled out AOL 5.0 ness," says Paul Sweeney, broadcast last week, incorporating the capacity analyst at Salomon Smith Barney. to deliver a video -rich version of the "They clearly have had a different service to broadband subscribers. strategy, as opposed to developing their That feature, AOL Plus, detects own branded portal; they've chosen to when the PC user has a high- aggregate content." speed connection. It then automat- But CBS is still contemplating a co- ically launches a window, or "multi- branded portal that would play to the media tower," enabling display of network's appeal rather than sweep- video, audio and games that other- stakes surfing, according to Reynolds: wise would be inaccessible. "We've looked at CBS.com as a sepa- The latest version allows users to You've Got Pictures, an online rate currency, and that probably makes transmit e-mail to Palm units. photo feature developed with a lot of sense." Kodak, and My Calendar, a person- Meanwhile, CBS is essentially alized calendar, are among the other new features in 5.0. The new AOL throwing hard currency at prospective also provides an enhanced search function and is able to transmit e-mail surfers to score traffic numbers on the to, and use the calendar on, non -PC devices, such as 3Com's portable new site developed by Irvington, N.Y. - handheld Palm units. "We're at the beginning of the next chapter in this based iWon Inc. industry," says Barry Schuler, president of AOL Interactive Service Group. CBS has been building its Web pres- "It's not just computers anymore." ence gradually and fairly inexpensively, Promising a "more interesting and more lively" AOL, Schuler showed trading for equity in Hollywood.com, a streamed video from CBS News, AOL's broadcast news partner, as part new Medscape.com and other sites, in of a 5.0 demonstration in New York last week. exchange for promotional dollars. AOL 5.0 is part of the company's AOL Anywhere effort to make the service Its biggest imminent play, an Infin- accessible beyond PCs. It's being distributed on disks through 5,000 retail out- ity.com service leveraging streamed lets, and AOL claims it's already been downloaded by 2 million AOL users. content from the Infinity radio sta- AOLs next technological leap is the debut of AOL TV, its answer to tions and CBS TV stations, will prob- WebTV, to be launched through Hughes Electronics set -tops on DirecTV ably launch early next year, according next year. -Richard Tedesco to Reynolds.

88 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

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www.americanradiohistory.com iBeam SITE OF THE WEEK net streams www.nyl.com By Richard Tedesco broadcast as a point-to- multipoint distribution method. iBeam delivers single IBeam Broadcasting is establishing a streams that are dispersed at the respec- new multi- streaming model for tive ISP nodes to individual PC users. x«L0rq_sAcsnt vméa:áato.. Internet video with the Webcast of a "We're building infrastructure that Playoff name. Chris Isaak concert this week. makes the Internet behave like a broad- Yankees Look ro iBeam claims its network could cast network," says Tom Gillis, iBeam deliver up to 300,000 simultaneous vice president of marketing. /rump Fo,m. P. ..! n.:F!± video streams (at 28.8 kb /s) for its The BBC; independent Internet film Enga.lon CamMl..

inaugural concert, produced by Web programmer AtomFilms; FasTV, a Web Çlmton.4ow hranfa'!ür music programmer Launch.com. video news content aggregator; and iBeam previously multicast several Launch.com are among current iBeam MAU Calvinro Mein mar nut 'Foe tram me 9aNlii events in a beta phase, the annual clients. And Peter Desnoes, iBeam 9A m on Fashion Empire Pa.r

music video awards for MTV and the CEO, says his company is in conversa- Cawtvc.meonnPYa Bi fMIK4 sJOSIblean weigh -in preceding the recent Oscar de tions with a major movie studio about ....-...... -.....-.. EtYry La Hoya -Felix Trinidad welterweight multicasting PPV features. "We can title fight for BoxingLine.com. guarantee quality of service," he says. NY1 News This week, a new group of iBeam plans to apply its latest round investors including heavyweight of financing to upgrading its network, Time Warner Cable Microsoft weighs in with $41 million deploying to 150 ISPs by year's end in financing for iBeam. Intel Corp., a and eventually reaching 1,000 distribu- New York previous investor of $20 million, leads tion points nationwide. Site features: Regional New York the group that also includes Liberty Calculating transmission rates on a Media and DSL provider Covad, one of cost -per- thousand basis, a three- minute news site rich with video clips in the the competitive local exchange carriers streamed multicast at 300 Kb /s would wake of relaunch late last month; (CLECs) receiving iBeam signals. cost a programmer $67.50. At 300 Kb /s clips accompany text of 80 % -90% Those signals are delivered by satellite per stream, iBeam could deliver 20,000 of all stories that appear online, which reflect nearly the entire con- to approximately 60 CLECs and Internet video streams. Time Warner's regional cable service providers around the country to Upcoming events over iBeam's net- tent of news channel; current weather and ensure signal clarity for the end users work include the House of Blues pay - community calendar information viewing the Webcasts. The satellite deliv- per -view concert Webcasts, with Public ery also effectively lowers the cost for the Enemy on Oct. 19 and Robert Palmer Site launched: 1996 multicasting model iBeam is trying to on Oct. 28. PC users pay $4.99 for Site director: Marc Nathanson, push with Web programmers. access to Webcasts at 100 Kb /s or 300 executive producer of new media, Multicasting mirrors traditional Kb /s streams. NY1 Number of employees: 4 Site design: Outlook Technolo- Woolly? Bully! gies Can a 23,000 -year -old woolly mammoth Streaming technology: be brought back to life? Real Video That's one of the questions French Traffic generated: Averaging explorer Bernard Buigues seeks to answer 500,000 to 1 million hits monthly on a Siberian expedition being tracked by Discovery Online. Buigues and his team Advertising: Banner ads must first carve the Jarkov mammoth out Revenue: N/A of the Siberian permafrost and fly it by hel- Highlights: NY1, frequently out in icopter -still encased in an earthen front of the competition on air, is block -300 kilometers to an ice cave in now trumping them online too, Khatanga, Siberia to carry on their work. most notably with breaking stories Ultimately, Buigues hopes to clone a about the flap between Mayor living behemoth from DNA to be extracted Discovery Online is following Rudolph Giuliani and the Brooklyn from the ancient specimen. the Siberian mammoth trek. Museum over a controversial art Web surfers can see streamed video exhibit; site has also been on top of about the expedition in progress along with photos of wolly mammoth continuing news of outbreak of remains. They can also follow dispatches filed by Discovery Online special West Nile virus transmitted by mos- correspondent Dirk Hoogstra from the field in Siberia. The online build -up quitoes in New York metro area. is a long lead -in to a two -hour special, Raising the Mammoth, slated to air on Discovery Channel next March. -Richard Tedesco -Richard Tedesco

90 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1988

www.americanradiohistory.com BroadcastigaMe CLASSIFIEDS

RADIO TELEVISION HELP WANTED TECHNICAL

Chief Engineer: HELP WANTED MANAGEMENT HELP WANTED SALES F/T Chief Engineer wanted for leading Spanish -language "Univision" TV station in the San Francisco market. Responsible for Radio Syndication Manager: For national and Multi- faceted sports company seeks a take directing daily broadcast operations. Oversees international distribution newstalk show. Minimum charge, hands on, results oriented, energetic the acquisition, installation, maintenance and re- five years experience. Top compensation sales leader with a proven track record to train pair of all broadcast equipment and well as man- package. Fax resume 770- 541 -6770 and motivate small sales staff. Successful candi- agement of engineering staff. This "hands on" date will be a highly organized, excellent position requires thorough familiarity with broad- negotiator with good research and communica- SITUATIONS WANTED MANAGEMENT cast equipment. Must be team -oriented, or- tion skills and a knowledge of licensing. Familari- ganized and capable of communicating effective- ty with international television business a plus. ly. The ideal candidate will have 5 -10 years' ex- Send letter and resume with salary expectation Current Vice President perience as a Chief working at a UHF station in a /General and history to Box 01601. EOE Excellent top ten market. Competitive salary and benefits. Manager of six station group located In medical/dental package. Fax resume to: 415-538 -8053, EEO /M/F the Midwest. We started five years ago with a stand alone AM. Stations are sold. Account Executive: New York based strategic Young, aggressive and ready to take on communications & marketing firms seeks an KPBS, public broadcasting for San Diego, seeks a RF Systems Engineer (Equipment Tech new challenges In same capacity. I value experienced account executive with a minimum of and respect good people and have three years sales experience, applicants must be II). 2 or more yrs exp. required in the installation, always worked to create a Team motivated, persistent, organized, and must be able maintenance & operations of broadcast systems, Philosophy. Looking for something in the to develop new business. We are looking for a incl at least 1 yr specializing in high power television & radio broadcast transmitters Orlando FL or South Bend area. TV "People Person ". Great company with many & microwave considered. Please respond to benefits. Salary plus bonus. Fax resumes to 212- relay equipment. A valid General Class FCC Li- Box 01056 223 -8833. cense or SBE certification is desired. KPBS (TV) & KPBS -FM recently completed construction of state -of-the -art studios. The successful candidate Sales will participate in the installation of new DTV & LEASED PROGRAMMING FM transmission facilities. Excellent benefit Local TV or cable sales professional package. Salary commensurate w /exp, knowl- needed for immediate Produce, host your own radio show, and gen- opening. Excellent edge & skills. EEO Employer. For application call compensation and benefits package. erate hundreds of qualified Leads 50,000 watt (619) 594 -5837 or visit http://bfa.sdsu.edu /ps/ Successful exp. with Philadelphia ad agen- NYC radio station. Call Ken Sperber 212 -760- cies required. Call Bob Beckman for a 1050. CONFIDENTIAL interview now The National Digital Television Center -LA is at 215- 923 -2661. Sel l forthefastest growing looking for a Production Engineer to construct in network broadcast history! PAX TV is an & maintain studios for production, edit facilites, HELP WANTED NEWS EOE WF. and master control utilized in a multi- channel TV facility. Will be responsible for installing, maintain- Radio: Broadcast Meteorologist/Toronto Can- ing, & repairing all types of audio & video equip- ada's top rated all news radio station seeks ment to include: professional audio mixers, an Television Account Executive/Fox 4 in F . experienced meteorologist capable of developing Myers -Naples market is seeking an exper'- analog & digital production switchers, routers, in- tercom and delivering exceedingly accurate forecasts. enced salesperson that can do it all. Agencies to systems, cameras, & other associated Send resume to Dereck Berghuis, VP /GM, Mom and Pops; CPP to CPM, direct national and production equipment. Assoc. degree in 680News, 36 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario, local, renewing established accounts, recruiting electronics or equivalent. Three plus years of Canada, M5C 1H3. Fax (416)864 broadcast video & audio equipment operation -2116. EOE. new business. Must be goal driven, self - & motivated, detail orientated and an experienced repair exp. Exp. in maintenance and repair of multiple format broadcast communicator. Send resume to LSM, Fox 4, 621 video tape machines. HELP WANTED SALES SW Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral, FL 33991 or fax Please no phone calls. Drug test and background 941/574 -2025. Emmis Communications is an check req'd for successful candidate. EOE. Please equal opportunity employer. fax resume to attention HR at 310 -207 -4128. GSM Great Northeast Mkt To: 100K This market is big enough to be well known but small enough to WFOR (CBS O in beautiful TV Microwave Technician: be very livable. 3 station cluster 2 FM's 1 AM. &O) Miami Florida is Arkansas Educa- Lead/inspire /sales managers and staff at all 3 sta- seeking Account Executives. We are looking for tional Television Network, the PBS system serv- tions. Excellent Base Salary plus override makes heavy weights, middle weights and entry level ing Arkansas, seeks a RF technician to maintain six figure income very reachable for the right per- positions. If you have a solid track record in full power television transmitters and microwave son. Major Chain room for great growth. Contact: media sales, a strong work ethic, and a deep STL equipment. This position is based in Lee Rudnick, President DBI Media Executive seeded desire to win, CBS4 is the team for you. Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Candidates should have Search, Fax: 212- 338 -0632, Ph: 212-338 -0808 Contact: Human Relations, Fax: 305- 639-4448, formal education equivalent of a high school Ext.5, E -Mail: dbimedia @mindspring.com Email: [email protected] M/F EOE diploma; plus two years vocational or related training in electronics, plus two years experience in electronic repair and maintenance. Proven maintenance experience, ability to independently The Liggett Broadcast Group in Lansing, Michi- HELP WANTED TECHNICAL gan seeks a Director of Sales with vision, drive and trouble shoot, knowledge of digital audio /video entrepreneurial spirit to take this ultra successful transmission equipment, and FCC general class six-station cluster to the next level. Strong motiva- Transmitter Maintenance Engineer: KCCO/ license is desirable. Valid drivers license, minimum requirements tional and leadership skills are a must. We have all KCCW -TV has an immediate need for a Broad- for the state vehicle safety of the tools for you to excel. You will manage three cast Engineer with at least one year's experience program, and extensive in -state travel required. sales managers with a large sales staff along with in transmitter maintenance. Both tube -type and Starting annual salary range is $20,466 - $25,591. a national sales in a dynamic and exciting work envi- solid -state television transmitter maintenance ex- Submit State Application, current resume with letter, ronment. This is a tremendous opportunity. If you perience is preferred. Experience with microwave cover three professional re- are passionate about the radio business and have maintenance is a plus. Please send your resume ferences and salary history to: AETN -Human Re- a proven high performance track record in sales to Wayne Quernemoen, Chief Engineer, KCCO/ sources Supervisor, PO Box 1250, Conway, AR management, contact Rod Krol at Liggett Broad- KCCW -TV, 720 Hawthorne Street, Alexandria, 72033. Application review begins October 29, 1999. cast, Inc., 3420 Pine Tree Road, Lansing, MI MN 56308. KCCO/KCCW -TV is an Equal Op- AETN is an AA /EO /ADA employer. 48911. EOE. portunity Employer. Minorities and Women are encouraged to apply.

OCTOBER 11,1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 91

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HELP WANTED TECHNICAL HELP WANTED TECHNICAL HELP WANTED NEWS

Chief Engineer- Hands-on position perform- Senior Maintenance Engineer /Television Assistant News Director: Aggressive medium ing preventive maintenance, operation, and WITF, Harrisburg, PA: WITF, Central PA's pub- market ABC affiliate needs an assistant news diagnosis /repair of UHF and VHF transmitters, lic broadcasting station, is seeking qualified can- director who can help take this 33 person news satellite equipment, STUTSUIntercity microwave didates for the position of Senior Maintenance department to the next level of excellence. The and maintenance of studio and production Engineer. Reponsibilities include: Monitor & main- successful applicant will be a strong leader with facilities. Must be familiar with and able to trou- tain studio production, origination, and good people and organizational skills and ex- bleshoot, re- program and maintain computer transmission equipment such as cameras, cellent news judgement. Duties include daily based broadcast systems. Knowledge of perti- videotape equipment, distribution equipment, assignments and special projects planning. De- nent FCC rules and ability to ensure stations' com- switchers, special production equipment, editors, gree required. Must have at least 3 years experi- pliance is mandatory. Ability to successfully deal and related equipment; determine specification ence in a newsroom supervisory position. Knowl- professionally with other staff members, clients and requisitions for new equipment and main- edge of the Texas Panhandle area is helpful. and the public is required, together with absolute tenance supplies; advise management on avail- E.O.E. Send resume to: Diane Dotson, News honesty, integrity, strong work ethic and sincere able new technologies; train employees on pro- Director, KVII -TV, One Broadcast Center, desire to help other team members achieve per handling and operation of equipment. Amarillo, Texas 79101, Fax: (806)373 -news, group goals. Great lifestyle in one of America's Qualifications: Previous experience in main- Email: [email protected] most livable places! Detailed resume /cover letter tenance of origination and transmission equip- to: CE Position, WGTU/WGTQ, 201 E. Front ment; technical school or college level training KIRK -TV is looking for an outstanding News Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. EOE and /or education, with a minimum of three years Producer. Applicants should have significant ex- experience in broadcast television; working perience in newscast producing, and be able to knowledge of RF, microwave and satellite build a solid, informative, fast -paced program. required. Ability to keep Supervisor I, Radio/TV Engineering WLRN -TV/ transmission systems You should have a good sense of graphics, and FM, PBS and NPR affiliates in Miami, Florida, equipment operational; maintain standards and be able to make good use of all production and has an immediate opening for a highly motivated good engineering practices. IS technology - pre- technical tools available in a major market sta- and dynamic leader to supervise its engineering ferably networking engineering skills; strong tion. Outstanding writing skills are required, as operations and assist the stations in maintaining verbal & written communications skills essential. well as the ability to motivate and supervise its commitment to providing the highest quality FCC General Class License or SBE Certification others. You must have great story ideas, and be programming to the South Florida community. preferred. Excellent compensation and benefits able to explain them to others. A great producer The successful candidate should have strong package. Letter, resume, salary requirements can respond to breaking news, spot news and communication skills and desire to be part of a and 3 professional references to SME Search, severe weather. You must be able to do all of team effort. Duties include: Ability to identify and im- WITF HR, Box 2954, Harrisburg, PA 17105. AN that, and more, and do it better than anyone else. plement distance learning technology and com- EOE Interested applicants should rush a resume, re- munication for Miami -Dade County public schools ferences, cover letter and non -returnable Beta or VHS resume tape to: Clay Kirby, News Director, and the community; Overseeing WLRN's transi- INTERNET SERVICES tion to digital technology; Supervising the KTRK -TV, 3310 Bissonnet Street, Houston, Tex- purchase, installation, maintenance and opera- as 77005. No Telephone Calls. Equal Opportuni- tion of engineering equipment and facilities includ- Broadcast on the Internet: Live and on- demand ty Employer M /FN /D ing microwave channels, two cable channels and audio and video streaming services for broad- television master antenna systems located at caster and producers. Call 800 -841 -9532. Media General Broadcast Group school sites; Assuring compliance with FCC rules videorelay.com Susan Brantmeyer. www.mgbg.com, WJTV Chief Videographer to and regulations; Supervising engineering staff supervise Videographers; assist News mgmt. in and facilities staff; Managing the purchasing main- projects/planning; manage TV equipment; share tenance and use of the stations' computer HELP WANTED NEWS responsibility for product quality control and show networks. To qualify, candidate should possess a content; shoot/edit videotape of news, sports and Bachelors degree in a related field and a mini- special features; work creatively w/ reporters/ mum of five (5) years experience in radio and News Producer: Top 20 Market needs self - producers to package news stories for broadcast. television equipment installation, maintenance reliant producer with solid judgement to maintain Operate all editing /recording eqpt. Education and operations. Knowledge of PC based com- groundbreaking morning newscast. Prefer 3 equiv. of BS in Journalism. Five yrs exper. in TV puters and networks. Experience with public years or more experience. Send tape and re- newsroom. Supervisory exper. preferred. EOE M/ broadcasting system including DACS, PBS Ex- sume to: Jim Chiappelli, Executive Producer, WPX- F Drug Screen. Send resume to HR Dept. 1820 press, and NTIA/PTFP grants helpful. Manage- I-TV, 11 TV Hill, Pgh., PA 15214. EOE TV Road, Jackson, MS 39204 -4148 ment experience preferred. FCC first class radio telephone license required. Compensation Truck package includes competitive salary, excellent Assignment Editor: Award -winning Cosmos Photographer /Satellite Newsgathering a satellite newsgathering benefits and the opportunity for professional NBC affiliate is looking for a news assignment Operator: Conus, and satellite transmission service is growth. For consideration, send resume and cov- editor. This position requires an energetic, cooperative highly motivated individual to join our er letter to: Professional and Technical Staffing, mature leader. We want someone with excellent seeking a include working Attn: Ms. Brenda Miles, 1500 Biscayne Boule- organizational skills and news judgement. You team. Primary responsibilities manager & reporter as a Photo - vard, Suite 144, Miami, Florida 33132. EOE. will be required to develop and maintain contacts with the regional throughout the community. Newsroom experi- grapher/SNG Truck Operator to cover the Florida capitol, in addition to breaking news stories ence is a must. Send letter and resume to state & To for this posi- Veronica Bilbo, EEO officer, KPLC -TV, P.O. Box within Florida nationally. qualify Assistant Chief Engineer: Excellent opportunity exp shooting/ 1490, Lake Charles, LA 70602. EOE (Please no tion you must have professional for television Engineer with two or more years cov- phone calls or e- mails.) editing videotape for television newscasts, exp experience. Good pay and benefit package. UHF ering hurricanes & breaking news helpful; exp experience helpful. Mail/fax resume or call David with SNG or ENG trucks (truck training provided), Cavileer, WXVT -TV. 3015 E. Reed Road, News Producer: KGW, a Belo station, has an im- Florida TV markets; must have ability to un- Greenville, MS 38703. Phone 662-334 -1500, Fax mediate opening for a News Producer for the derstand & operate electronic equipment; must 662-378 -8122. EOE. 6:30 PM weekend newscast. Responsibilities will be self starter, able to handle deadline pressure include producing and writing on the weekend. & work long hours as needed. Interested candi- During the week, individual will work as an Asso- dates please send resume to: Conus, Human Re- ciate Producer to support weekday newscasts. sources Dept., Job #115 -99, 3415 University Av- Send Blind Box responses to: This individual may be required to fill in for other enue, St. Paul, MN 55114; Jobline: (612) 253- Box newscasts as required. Position requires ex- 5780. No Telephone Calls Please. Equal Op- cellent writing skills, solid news judgement, good portunity Employer. BROADCASTING & CABLE organizational skills, ability to work under cons- 245 W. 17th St. tant time pressure deadlines, creative, and strong KCEN -TV, NBC for Temple/Waco, Texas is 7th Fl. computer skills. Previous news experience and seeking a director for fast paced newscast. Must applicable college degree. Interested individuals be experienced with all phases of news produc- New York, NY 10011 should send their resume, tape and references: tion and excellent people skills a must. KCEN -TV Human Resources, KGW, 1501 SW Jefferson Personnel Dept 24, PO Box 6103, Temple, TX St., Portland, OR 97201 76503, Equal Opportunity Employer.

92 BROADCASTING & CABLE /OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED NEWS HELP WANTED MARKETING

Managing Editor -Nashville, TN- Are you a Producer: New York based strategic highly motivated person who can develop reporters communications & marketing firm seeks an ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, into a hard -charging, fire breathing news team? experienced producer with excellent writing ability & RESEARCH Supervise reporters and assignments editors. for VNR's, B -Roll packages, and event production. MARKETING Three years experience as an aggressive news You must be motivated, organized, persistent and ABC7 Los Angeles is seeking an Assistant reporter, plus a college degree required. If you Three is a must and travel creative. years experience Director of Marketing & Research that has have great story ideas, love writing, and hate to is Required. Knowledge of Hi -tech industry a plus. at least 2 -3 years of experience in televi- lose, this is your job! Send a non -returnable tape Great company with many benefits. Salary plus and resume /news philosophy to News Director, bonus. Fax resumes to 212 -223 -8833. sion research, media buying or planning. NewsChannel 5 Network, 474 James Robertson Candidate must be familiar with NSI rating Parkway, Nashville, TN 37219. EOE. data and its applications. Individual must News Reporter -Nashville, TN. (CBS affiliate). possess good analytical, presentation and Nashville's top network affiliate is looking for a Senior Producer: New York based strategic top notch general assignment reporter. If you are computer skills. Knowledge of qualitative communications & marketing firm seeks an a storyteller and a team player, send us a tape. data applications and computer -generated experienced producer with excellent writing ability Tape and live reports that win viewers are must! sales presentations, including graphics, a for VNR's, B -Roll packages, and event production. Minimum three years reporting experience. Send You must be motivated, organized, persistent must. Position also requires maintenance and non -returnable tape, resume and letter of interest creative. Five years experience is a must and travel of in -house research system for the Sales to News Director, NewsChannel 5 Network, 474 is Required. Knowledge of Hi -tech industry a plus. James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37219. department. Great company with many benefits. Salary plus EOE. bonus. Fax resumes to 212 -223 -8833. Please send your resume to: ABC7 Los Topical Promotions Producer: Washington Angeles, Attn: Kimberly Castillo, Dept. DC's ABC -7, owned by Allbritton Communica- AD /BC, 4151 Prospect Avenue, Los tions, is looking for the right person to join our pro- Angeles, CA 90027. No phone calls please. mo team. We want a topical producer who can Equal Opportunity Employer. deliver audience lead -in and show a can -do attitude. No beginners! If this is you, please send your latest tape and resume to: WJLA -TV, Hu- atit man Resources, Tilden NW, Wash- 3007 Street KSBW ington, DC 20008, EOE.

our team and live in one KABC ,OS ANGELES Join dominant news Producer - Top 10 O &O. This is a rare opportuni- of the most beautiful places anywhere! ty for the right creative independent person to KSBW -TV on California's magnificent helm a winning a.m. newscast at a great shop. At least three years producing experience a must. Central Coast - including Monterey, Salinas, Please forward resume and cover letter to Box Santa Cruz and Silicon Valley - has open- 01600 EOE /MF /DN. ings for two newsroom managers: RESEARCH EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Chief Photographer: Responsibilities include ANALYST managing a staff of photojournalists where 5 years line -producing experience required pictures and natural sound still means some- ABC7 Los Angeles is seeking a Research for this fiercely competitive and creative thing! In addition, you will have to shoot and edit, person ready to jump on board the manage- recruit and train new staff members, inventory Analyst to maintain our research system ment track. equipment, and order supplies. We are DVC- for the Sales department. Proficiency in MS PRO, with 2 micro -wave trucks and a sat. truck. Word, Excel and PowerPoint, along with a ASSIGNMENT MANAGER A full benefits package is included. Please reply working knowledge of computer- generat- Responsibilities include coordinating daily to Doug Spero, News Director, WCTI -TV, P.O. ed sales presentations to include graphics, news coverage, supervising reporters and Box 12325, New Bern, NC 28561. is necessary as is excellent math and writ- photographers, and special projects. Lead- ing skills. The ability to meet deadlines and ership skills and grace under pressure a must! HELP WANTED MANAGEMENT work independently, in addition to per- Great opportunity to get on the management forming general clerical duties is essential. track: current assignment manager promoted Chief Executive Officer: MySanAntonio.com A college degree and /or TV research expe- to another Hearst -Argyle Station! The Hearst Corp. and Belo have created an In- rience, as well as a background with ternet portal for San Antonio and South Texas. Nielsen data and qualitative resources, Applicants should rush resume, cover letter This is a start-up. Your job is to grow the busi- Scarborough and MRI is preferred. outlining your approach to news, along with ness with a targeted initial staff of 25. The best candidates will have a strong business and lead- a tape and/or writing samples if available to: ership background. Working familiarity with the Please send your resume to: ABC7 Los web is a must. We want someone who has Angeles, Attn: Kimberly Castillo, Dept. NEWS DIRECTOR, KSBW -TV, 238 John started his /her own substantial business and RA/BC, 4151 Prospect Avenue, Los Angeles, St., Salinas, CA 93901. KSBW -TV is an been active in its growth or begun and successful- CA 90027. No phone calls please. Equal Equal Opportunity Employer. ly expanded a new division in a corporate setting. Opportunity Employer. Competitive salary, incentive, and benefits package. Send your resume, salary history and compensation expectations to: KENS -TV Human Hearst Argyle Resources, PO Box TV5, San Antonio, TX TELEVISION, INC. 78299; fax: 201-341-3946; e -mail: ncash@express- news.net. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS Call - 800 -554 -5729

OCTOBER 11,. 1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 93

www.americanradiohistory.com CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED PRODUCERS HELP WANTED PROMOTION HELP WANTED CREATIVE SERVICES

The WB is the fastest growing network in the country. You can be a part of the excitement. ZATLRNTR Join the team of the newest WB affiliate in WGNX46 Louisville, Ky. WWWB -TV is looking for a promo- DESIGN tion guru, who has been in the promotional CBS ATLANTA is expanding again -this trenches for at least three years and is ready to be the head honcho of a promotions department. time in the morning and we need smart, At least three years production and writing expe- DIRECTOR! creative and talented people to help craft a rience required. Promotional planning experience unique AM newscast in a very competitive a must. Send your explosive, highly effective reel marketplace. The following positions are to: WWWB-TV, 218 N. 3rd St., Bardstown, KY, Are you mady to lead available: 40004. No phone calls please. an Emmy award winning staff of 4 hot designers beyond the EXECUTIVE PRODUCER WBTW TV has an opening for a Promotions year 2900? Manager. Responsible for overall "look" of the At least four years experience as a produc- station. 4 -year college degree preferred, plus 3 How about worrdng In a er and /or executive producer is required as years of broadcast experience. Ability to edit, HUGE Art Deptartment with You will is a passion for morning news. write, produce and shoot. Ability to operate 17separate graphics systems? create and design this show and hire its videotape editing/dubbing equipment. Must have This Includes 3 workstations staff. You will oversee daily production and flexible schedule. Job involves some heavy lifting (camera). Travel required/ personal vehicle. Must and 4 rlenderboxes Just for 3-D1 serve as the program's creative leader. have good driving record and valid driver's li- We cense. Send resume to Lou Kitchen, VP /General also havre 2 Paintbox PRODUCER Manager, WBTW TV, 3430 N. TV Road, Bravas,Hal,and a Mac DDR combo. Florence, S.C. 29501. EOE/M -F You'll be collaborating You know what makes a great television with the management team newscast tick and how to keep it moving Media General Broadcast Group, and interesting during these important www.mgbg.com WFLA-TV (NBC). On -Air Promo- who've created content, hours. At least two years experience as a tion Manager needed at Media General's flagship promotion and design show producer, preferably with morning station. This is the #2 position in the Marketing that's the buzz of the business. department and requires strong creative skills experience along with terrific writing skills and previous supervisory experience. The ideal You'll need to be news friendly, are important here. candidate is a medium market promotion man- "have a knack for the big picture ager who'd rather work on creative than budgets. and also possess superior people ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS (2) If this is you, here's your chance to work in an all - new digital facility in the #13 market. Rush VHS skills. Hal, Paintbox & After Effects tape and resume to: WFLA -TV, P.O. Box 1410, Writing for the broadcasts, working on pro- ability required. 3-D skills Is a plus, Tampa, Florida 33601. EOE, M /F, Drug Screen. duction details and providing overall assis- Send resume to HR Department. especially In LIghtwavre 5.6 tance to the producer and EP are key Wpm resin end non- rehnreòle tape ex aspects of these jobs. You will also train to Kaieii Koch work as backup producers for the program. Promotion Manager: UPN affiliate in 69th Dir. of Advertising Great opportunity for smaller market pro- market seeks creative manager to develop and supervise on -air image and promotions, sales pro- &Promotion ducers who want to move up. motions, and community affairs activities. At least IPRGTV two years of promotions or promotion -related ex- Please send your tapes, resumes and perience and a bachelor's degree required. Prior 8181 SW Freeway salary requirements to: radio or television promotions experience pre- Houston, TX, 77074 ferred. Send tape and resume to: Personnel pm/ Mike Cavender KPRC bc, UPN 32 WACY TV, PO Box 19099, Green News Director, CBS Atlanta Bay WI 54307. EOE. POST-NEWSWEEK 1810 Briarcliff Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30329 S T A T I O N S H N C. Fax: 404 -327 -3074. No phone calls HELP WANTED RESEARCH No phone calls please. please. Indicate the job for which you are An Equal Opportunity Employer applying by writing the job title on the Research Director - Baltimore NBC WBAL -TV envelope. Meredith Broadcasting is an in Baltimore is looking for a new Research EOE Director to join our #1 team. Successful candidate should have solid working knowledge of Nielsen & overnight ratings, TVScan, CMR, PowerPoint, Marshall Marketing (or other Graphic Designer: WTVR -TV, a Raycom Media A1eredith qualitative service). Candidate should also be station, in Richmond, VA is looking for a Graphic able to exhibit good analytical and presentation roadcasting Group Designer to help design broadcast, motion, and skills. Great opportunity to join one of America's print graphics for the CBS affiliate. The qualified top broadcasting company, Hearst -Argyle Televi- -TV's live morning talk show De candidate must have a degree in Communication Producer: KTRK sion. Please send cover letter and work history bra Duncan has an immediate opening for a Arts and Design and must have experience in to: Robert Fein GSM WBAL -TV 3800 Hooper Producer. Looking for a creative genius, who can designing computer graphics on a Macintosh. Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211. WBAL -TV is an equal consistently recognize and generate compelling Must be proficient in Adobe Photoshop, II- opportunity employer. and promotable show content and guests. Must ustrator, and After Affects. Knowledge of Adobe be able to work on multiple projects as well as GoLive, Infini -D, Electric Image and QuarkXpress possess strong writing, research and production a plus. A minimum of two years experience is skills. Special event field producing, news pro- RESUME TAPE required and three -dimensional animation is jects or assignments -desk experience a plus. nelpful. Please send resume, sample reel, and Three years television producing experience pre- three printed samples to: Director of Marketing, ferred. Qualified applicants should send tapes Career Videos prepares your personalized WTVR -TV, 3301 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA and resumes to: Ms Wendy Granato, KTRK -TV, demo. Unique format, excellent rates, coaching, 23230. WTVR -TV is an EOE M /F. Pre- 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005, No phone job search assistance, tape critiques. Great track employment drug screening required. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer. record. 847- 272 -2917. calls please.

94 BROADCASTING & CABLE /OCTOBER 11, 1888

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HELP WANTED CREATIVE SERVICES CABLE

Design Director: WTVR -TV, a Raycom Media HELP WANTED TRAFFIC station, in Richmond, VA is looking for a Graphic Design Director to direct design broadcast, motion, Website design, and print graphics for the CBS affiliate. The qualified candidate must have and Design and MANAGER a degree in Communication Arts must have 3 -5 years experience in designing computer graphics on a Macintosh. Must be proficient SALES /TRAFFIC in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Affects. for a Knowledge of Adobe GoLive, Infini -D, Electric Lifetime Television, the dynamic cable network, has an immediate opening for the Image and QuarkXpress is a plus. A minimum of Manager of Sales/Traffic. This self- motivated individual will be responsible and one year of supervisory experience is required management, training and development of Log Staff. Individual will develop of and three -dimensional animation is helpful. revise working systems as needed, oversee and coordinate the maximization Please send resume, sample reel, and three inventory through commercial spot placement and manipulation, ensure maximum printed samples to: Director of Marketing, WTVR- advertiser distribution, develop training scenarios and contingency plans. Additional TV, 3301 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23230. responsibilities include placement of sponsored promotions, interstitials and WTVR -TV is an EOE M /F. Pre -employment drug vignettes. Position requires coordination with on -air Promotions and Operations screening required. No phone calls please. departments regarding sponsorships and format issues. Position requires 5 years experience in a cable broadcast or agency Commercial Traffic environment with a minimum of 2 -3 years in a managerial role. Working HELP WANTED FlNANCEAND ACCOUNTING knowledge of commercial copy application essential. Individual must possess excellent communication and organization skills and must have the ability to set, A high level of computer proficiency in a Director of Finance and Accounting: an excit- meet and enforce tight daily deadlines. and knowledge of Traffic systems is a must. Gabriel a plus. ing opportunity to manage the accounting and Windows environment business functions of our television station is Lifetime offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. Please mail, available at Virginia's 13, an ABC affiliate located fax or e-mail resume with salary requirements to: in central Virginia. Our Director of Finance and LIFETIME TELEVISION Accounting serves as a key member of our man- Source Code TTM99 agement team, handling G /L, NP, NR, F /A, TM (Reference Source Code credit, budgeting and financial reporting. TTM99 on cover page) Bachelor's degree in accounting and CPA would Lifetime Resources Department be helpful, but we will consider candidates with pro- Women Human ven track records and relevant experience. Prog- Television or Manager Sales/Traffic ressively responsible supervisory experience and 309 West 49th St, New York, NY 10019 strong computer skills a must. Experience in the Reference Source Code TTM99 on cover page or subject line. broadcast television industry, Enterprise traffic FAX: (800) 905 -8977 E -MAIL: [email protected] system and Great Plains - Dynamics accounting EOE MN system are preferred. To apply send a cover letter and resume to: Attn: Director of Human Re- TELEVISION HELP WANTED MANAGEMENT sources, WSET -TV, PO Box 11588, Lynchburg, VA 24506 -1588. Equal Opportunity Employer. TRAFFIC COORDINATORS (Commercial Copy) MANAGER, HELP WANTED PRODUCTION Successful candidate will have 1 -2 years experience GOVERNMENT AFFAIR Associate Director /Production Assistant: scheduling commercial instructions for TELEVISION Applicant should have a minimum of 2 years using JDS or Gabriel software. Primary responsibilities are Cablevision's NJ area operations has an broadcast television production experience which assigning commercial codes to advertising schedules and excellent opportunity for a hands-on directing fast includes directing and technical contacting agencies for tapes and instructions. Applicants professional to act as a liaison with various operating audio con- paced newscasts. Experience must be able to work independentlyand manage multiple government bodies/officials. Position also equipment during newscast a soles and graphics projects while meeting deadlines. Customer service focus franchise Production involves implementing plus. Send resume to: Jeffrey Hester, is required to handle heavy phone contact with major 11 ABC, P.O. developments and compliance and Manager, WTVD Newschannel advertisers/buyers. Box 2009, Durham, NC 27702. No phone calls. continuing a positive perception of our EOE Interested candidates should send their resume company to customers, appointed officials (indicate desired position) and salary requirements to: and the media. A minimum of 5 years in govemment relations HELP WANTED TALENT Att: Human Resources - CH experience BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION activities within a similar environment One BET Plaza /1900 W Place, NE highly desired. Ability to interpret State and Washington, DC Federal regulations and legislation VOICE TALENT 20018 -1211 required. A background in the franchise

phony catis, renewal process along with a background NFL Films is looking to augment its No please illlia Equal Opponuniry Employer - M/F in the Government Arena is preferred. Voiceover Talent team. If you think Excellent public speaking and writing skills you can make the cut, hand off Traffic Manager: New England Cable News along with a BS or BA degree a must. NECN, the nation's largest regional news chan demo reel to: your nel, has an immediate opening for a Traffic Man Cablevision offers competitive salary and This position will be responsible for the ager. excellent company benefits. Please mail or overall management of the traffic department. Re- \G sponsibilities include inputting contracts, billing fax resume to: Staffing Dept TT01/99, adjustments, program formatting and reconciling Cablevision, 275 Centennial Ave, monthly activity. This person will also oversee the Piscataway, NJ 08854. Fax: 732-885-3350. internal and external reporting of other sales related activity. The ideal candidate should have a Equal Opportunity Employer WFIDN NFL Films minimum of two years traffic experience, preferably with BIAS. Strong organizational and Attn: Voice Talent spreadsheet skills are also important. Send re- 330 Fellowship Road sume to: David Buonfiglio, NECN, 160 Wells Av- enue, Newton, MA 02459, fax #617-630 -5057, SICIBï,USION Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 email: dbuonfigliosnecnews.com. No phone calls please.

OCTOBER 11, 1999 I BROADCASTING & CABLE 95

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96 BROADCASTING & CABLE /OCTOBER 11, 1999

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HELP WANTED SALES HELP WANTED VARIOUS POSITIONS

Account Executive

'©D©nrcvc Close sales with the name that opens doors. .ra.n nrn.or Time Warner City Cable Advertising has an for an experienced, excellent opportunity Up Link (EIC) Engineers account executive to compliment our dynamic Reporting to the Manager. Systems Support, the successful candidate will supervise technical operations Manhattan team. Must be strong in new business for remote broadcast equipment set -up, maintenance and repair, up link/down link set -up and operation, as development as well as handling advertising well as provide technical support to the live broadcast and post production facilities. agencies. Ideal candidate will have TV ad sales or related experience and a creative outlook on Maintenance Engineers selling with adaptable sales style. Must be highly Reporting to the Manager, Systems Support, the successful candidate will be responsible for repairs of motivated, self -disciplined, goal oriented and broadcast equipment including digitaVanalog beta decks, cameras. routers, and switchers. Requirements have excellent communication skills. Generous include: electronics or an equivalent combination of training/experience in broadcast engineering, ability to of non -linear editing systems, very strong computer compensation package with excellent benefits. troubleshoot at the component level; detail knowledge skills (PC, Mac, Windows NT, UNIX and CAN hardware and software). Please send resume to: Human Resources AE, Account Executives Time Warner Cable WARNER Houston based Global Sports and Cultural Cable TV Networks seeks experienced account executives with a many 41 -61 Kissena Blvd., C I T V C A S L I minimum of two years experience. Applicants must be able to develop new business. Great company with Flushing, NY 11355 benefits. Salary plus bonus Fax resumes to President/CEO Vice President Sale/Marketing (713) 682 -2970. Fax: 718-888 -4006. ME. M/F/DN Business Development Associate Global Sports Network seeks applicants for Sports Pacific Network Inc. Duties will include identifying and Sales and sales management candidates analyzing new business opportunities, negotiating contracts, coordinating projects and developing advertis- needed for over 150 positions in 30 states. Re- ing marketing search. Marketing, Traffic & Billing. Technical sales and strategies. positions also available nationwide. Free service to candidates. Confidential. Fax resume to 303- Satellite Coordinator 368 -9675 or email to jbirsch @birschbachmedia.com. Detail oriented professional to manage relationship with our satellite provider. Must be flexible and work well or at our birschbach media sales recruitment apply under pressure during the management of pre -taped and live broadcasts. website at www.birschbachmedia.com. For immediate consideration, please submit your resume and salary history indicating position of interest to

Sunshine Network. Florida's #1 sports SPN Sports Pacific Network network, and one of the Nation's premiere Re- Human Resources gional Sports Networks, is looking for a 5737 Mitcheldale salesperson to be based in either our Orlando or Houston, Texas 77092 Hollywood, FL office. You must posses strong sales skills, the desire to succeed. and a love of sports. Please send your resume to Local Sales Manager, Sunshine Network. 390 N. Orange Ave.. Suite 1075. Orlando, FL 32801. HELP WANTED ALL POSITIONS ALLIED FIELDS

HELP WANTED PROMOTIONS if you have talent, vision, courage and a willing- ness to try grits.... read on. With a booming econ- HELP WANTED FACULTY Promotion Director - USA Broadcasting Promo- omy, great weather and unparalleled quality of tion Hub (Miami). You're brilliantly creative. You life, it's no wonder so many people have decided think outside the box. You have the gift to inspire to call Atlanta home. And Turner is set to open a Georgia College & State University invites fault. You others. You're organized to a promote state -of- the -art production facility. the largest all - applications for a ten- month, tenure -track posl- movies, original programming. sitcoms, NBA, etc. digital facility on the East Coast. As for TBS? tion teaching broadcast journalism and coordinat- You desire to work with one of the best promo- Well it's the most watched cable network in the ing the mass communication program. Rank will tion teams in the biz! (We just won 4 Promax country. The Superstation is euphoria for those of be at the assistant or associate level. depending Golds and 7 Emmy's) And You Hate the Cold! you who want to push the envelope. have your on candidate's qualifications. Appointment begins Sound like anyone you know? Come oversee our ideas heard and love the world of promos. So August 1. 2000. Excellent teaching facilities in- on -air promo effects for WAMI and our new send your reel. your resume and tell me if you clude audio- and video -production suites and a ful- Dallas and Atlanta stations from our brand new, want biscuits with your eggs and grits...or do you ly equipped television studio. Applicants must be all digital facility in the heart of South Beach. This want Sourdough toast (we are very cos- qualified to teach broadcast production and is one of the most exciting and challenging jobs mopolitan). We're looking for a few superior broadcast writing classes. Ability to teach mass in all of broadcasting. Previous 2 years manage- writers /producers. a couple of brilliant graphics media law and ethics is a plus. Additional re- ment experience required. If you have the right artists. an organized and creative On -Air Projects sponsibilities include advising students and stuff, send your reel. resume. references, and Manager and a dazzling Comedy Writer. Send re- managing weekly student broadcast. Ph.D. in salary requirements to: USA Broadcasting. Pro- sume to: Siobhan Bissell, TBS On -Air Promotion, journalism or related field required. Broadcast mo Director Search, 604 Lincoln Rd. 4th Fl.. 1010 Techwood Drive. Atlanta. Georgia 30318: experience preferred. Effective teaching. Miami Beach, FL 33139, Attn: Chris Sloan. SVP Fax (404) 885 -4529: No phone calls please. scholarship, and service are required for promo- Marketing On -Air Promotion. tion and tenure. Review of applications will being on November 1, 1999. and will continue until position is filled. GC &SU (approx. 5000 students). Georgia's Public Liberal Arts University, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution (www.gcsu.edu). Send letter of application and www.broadcastingcable . co vita to Dr. M.J. Land, GC &SU. CBX 44, Milledgeville. GA 31061.

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HELP WANTED FACULTY

Assistant Professor of Corporate Video: A Los Angeles University seeks an Assistant Pro- Video Production: Tenure track. At the Depart- Teach range of introductory, production and post - fessor, full -time, tenure track, to teach beginning, ment of Communication, SUNY Fredonia: to production courses in corporate video option. intermediate and advanced courses in television teach Video Production beginning Fall 2000. Re- Tenure -track. Terminal degree in Mass Commu- production. Terminal degree (Ph.D. or MFA) from quires specialization in practice and theory of nication or related field or ABD with significant pro- an accredited institution highly desired. A candi- analog and digital video production and post, and fessional experience in the broadcast media or date without a terminal degree, but with signifi- ability to teach courses in field and studio, post, corporate setting. Candidates are required to cant, high -level professional achievement, may media writing, and computer multimedia. show evidence of quality teaching in corporate be considered for the position. Demonstrated suc- Appropriate Ph.D. or MA and significant pro- video courses, a record of sustained professional cessful teaching experience at the university or fessional experience required. Visit the Depart- accomplishment, promise as a communication college level preferred. Demonstrated evidence ment Web site for a complete description at scholar, previous teaching experience on the col- of substantial professional experience in televi- www. fredonia .edu /department/communication/ or lege level, and evidence of active participation in sion production. Background in both multi - call (716)673-3410 for more information. Review appropriate media organizations. Demonstrable camerea studio production and single camera begins November 15. SUNY Fredonia is an affir- commitment to the teacher/scholar model, public field production. Experience in video postproduc- mative action, equal opportunity employer. We and University service, and a culturally diverse tion necessary. Experience in television directing actively seek applications from women, minorities learning environment. A strong background in desired. Ability to work with an ethnically and cul- and people with disabilities. production and digital post -production in the turally diverse campus community. Additional re- media or corporate setting is preferred. August, sponsibilities include service on departmental, col- 2000. Applicant should submit letter of applica- lege, and university committees, and student HELP WANTED INSTRUCTION tion, resume, official transcripts, pertinent advisement. A master's degree and continuing re- teaching evaluations, and three letters of recom- search or professional activity will be required for Doctoral Assistantships: The University of Ten- mendation by November 19, 1999. Search con- tenure and promotion. $40,488 to $43,404 per nessee seeks outstanding candidates for tinues until position is filled. Dr. R. Ferrel Ervin, academic year depending upon qualifications. doctoral study. Coursework emphasizes commu- Chairman, Department of Mass Communication, The review process will begin on November 15, nication research. Broadcasting, journalism, pub- Southeast Missouri State University, MS 2750, 1999, and continues until the positions are filled, lic relations, advertising, speech communication, One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO but no later than April 14, 2000. Address: Pro- and information sciences concentrations. M.S. 63701, (573) 651 -2241. The department of Mass fessor Karen Kearns - Chair Search and Screen degree and GRE required. 2 -3 years coursework, Communication with its 350 majors is the fourth Committee; Radio -Television -Film Department,; plus dissertation. Assistantships available. largest department at Southeast Missouri State CSU, Northridge; 18111 Nordhoff St.; Northridge, Application for Fall 2000 due March 1. Also, M.S. University, a regional, multi -purpose institution, CA 91330 -8317. California State University, in media management. Contact Dr. Ed Caudill, that enrolls more than 8,500 students. Cape Northridge, located approximately 25 miles Communications, University of Tennessee, Knox- Girardeau, a community of 35,000, located on northwest of central Los Angeles in the San ville, TN 37996 -0347. the Mississippi River, 120 miles south of St. Fernando Valley, is a comprehensive university Louis, has been listed as one of the nation's most with a enrollment of approximately 27,000 stu- liveable small cities. Southeast Missouri State dents. CSUN is committed to educating students HELP WANTED VIDEO University is An Equal Opportunity /M -F/ and prospective teachers who will work to sustain Affirmative Action Employer. a democracy in which diverse people share in the Video Network position open for an individual who rights and responsibilities of citizenship, who are provides technical, design, delivery, and proficient in applying technology to wise implementation leadership consulting and training purposes, and who are dedicated to securing a in the areas of Distance Learning and Video Instructor/Assistant Professor of Radio Broad- humane world community. The University espe- Networking to Oakland Schools Video Network casting - The Department of Communications at cially seeks faculty who will contribute to their projects and programs. Strong technical and the University of Tennessee at Martin has an chosen disciplines and who will advance the Uni- production background is required. Bachelors opening for a tenure -track instructor /assistant pro- versity's commitment to teacher preparation an Degree in Video Networking /Production fessor to teach Radio Broadcasting beginning general education. An Equal Opportunity/ Applications and Design, with three to five years August 1, 2000. A master's degree in communi- Affirmative Action Title IX, Section 504 employer. related experience in video communications, cations and significant professional experience design, programming and broadcasting. Experience are required. PhD is required for assistant pro- in communicating effectively with groups and fessor rank and for tenure consideration at any individuals of all types and at all levels. Application rank. The person holding this position will teach Deadline: Letters of interest and a resume shall be broadcasting courses, including Radio Produc- submitted Assistant Professor. Communication Program by 4:30 p.m., October 13, 1999 or until tion. Duties also include advising the campus filled. Send To: Oakland Schools Human Resources radio station, WUTM of the English Department, tenure track, be- -FM. Expertise in non -linear Center, Attention: Recruitment, 2100 Pontiac Lake audio ginning Fall 2000. Primary teaching re- production, multimedia and the World Wide Road, Waterford, MI 48328; Phone: sponsibilities will be courses in video 248.209.2503 Web is desired. Salary is negotiable. Interested production; Fax: 248.209.2503 Email: persons must submit a letter of secondary specialties might include speech, application, state- Jacque.Jimenez @ oakland. kl 2. mi. us ment of their teaching philosophy, resume, unof- technical writing, and desktop publishing. ficial transcript for highest degree earned, a short Teaching load might include such core courses spec tape of production work, and three recent as freshman composition, sophomore literature, EMPLOYMENT SERVICES letters of recommendation to: Dr. Robert Nanney, and senior seminar. Terminal degree, or master's Radio Broadcasting Search Committee Chair, plus substantial professional experience in video Department of Communications, The University production, is required. Applicants should de- of Tennessee at Martin, 305 Gooch Hall, Martin, monstrate strong evidence of effective teaching, TN 38238 -5099. 901 -587 -7556. Fax: 901 -587- potential for publication, and interest in mentoring Radio & TV Jobs in the Beautiful Northwest 7550. Women and members of minority groups, students toward careers in the Communication pro- On -air, sales, engineering, production, especially those of African- American descent, fessions. Please send full dossier, including cur- management. Washington State Association of riculum vita, letters of reference, and a short writ- are urged to apply. The Search Committee will Broadcasters Job Bank. begin a review of applications ing sample, to Lynn McMartin, Director of Human on November 15, Phone: 360- 705 -0774 Fax: 360- 705 -0873 1999, and the search will continue until the posi- Resources, Le Moyne College, 1419 Salt Springs tion is filled. The university strongly encourages Road, Syracuse, NY 13214 -1399. Application applications from minorities and women. UTM is deadline is December 1, 1999. Le Moyne College an EEO /AA/Title VUTitle IX/Section 504/ADA/ is an equal opportunity employer, and en- HELP WANTED ADEA Employer. We are particularly interested in courages women, persons of color, and Jesuits ASSOCIATE PRODUCER receiving nominations and applications from to apply for employment. women and minority candidates. Associate Producer: RIFNET, Washington, DC/ Ft. Washington, MD. AP wanted for exciting, innovative 5 year broadcast video, multimedia project promoting children's literacy development. Min. FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS 3 years production experience as AP or unit manager, computer skills, travel required. Call - 800 -554 -5729 Fax resume to 301 -292 -0829.

98 BROADCASTING & CABLE /OCTOBER 11, 1999

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FOR SALE EQUIPMENT PUBLIC NOTICL

BROADCASTING & CABLE'S CLASSIFIED RATES Lowest prices on videotape! Since 1979 we All orders to place classified ads & all correspon- have been beating the high cost of videotape. dence pertaining to this section should be sent to Carpel for a catalog. 800 -238 -4300. Call m BROADCASTING & CABLE, Classified Department, PBS 245 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011. For information call Brent Newmoyer at (212) 337 -6962 or The Public Broadcasting Service Annual Meet- UHF TRANSMITTER AND ANTENNA Yuki Atsumi at (212)337 -6960 . ing of Members will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Octo- Payable in advance. Check, money order or credit 26, 1999 at the Capital Hilton Hotel in FOR SALE ber card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express). Full Washington, DC. The tentative agenda includes and correct payment must be in writing by either let- RCA TTU -66 UHF Transmitter, dual presentation of annual and financial reports ter or Fax (212) 206-8327. If payment is made by from officers of the corporation. credit card, indicate card number, expiration date -44 one ITS exciter, RCA TTUE exciters, and daytime phone number. and RCA TFU -28 DAS channel 51 pylon Meetings of the Public Broadcasting Service Deadline is Monday at 5:00pm Eastern Time for the will be following Monday's issue. Earlier deadlines apply for antenna. Great for service or parts, still Board of Directors and its committees held at the Capital Hilton Hotel, 16th & K issues published during a week containing a legal in operation at this time. Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C., on October holiday. A special notice announcing the earlier deadline will be published. Orders, changes, and /or can- Contact: Richard Large 619 -505 -5150 25-26, 1999. Schedule and tentative agenda for TELE- each meeting follows: cellations must be submitted in writing. NO PHONE ORDERS, CHANGES, AND /OR CANCELLA- The Education Committee will meet at 12:00 TIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. When placing an ad, indicate the EXACT category noon on October 25. The tentative agenda desired: Television, Radio, Cable or Allied Fields; Help includes a strategic discussion of PBS's learning Wanted or Situations Wanted; Management, Sales, ventures activities. News, etc. If this information is omitted, we will STOCK determine the appropriate category according to the will also meet at The Membership Committee copy. NO make goods will run if all information is not 12:00 noon on October 25. The tentative agen- included. No personal ads. da includes discussion of the membership mora- The publisher is not responsible for errors in print- ANSWERS. torium, common carriage report, a proposal ing due to illegible copy -all copy must be clearly For video duplication, demos, presented by WFYI, and discussion of the Pro- typed or printed. Any and all errors must be reported audition reels, work tapes, our gram Differentiation Plan policy jurisdiction. to the Classified Advertising Department within 7 recycled tapes are technically days of publication date. No credits or make goods up to any task and downright The Finance, Budget and Audit Committee will will be made on errors which do not materially affect on the advertisement. Publisher reserves the right to bargains. All formats, fully guar- meet in executive session at 2:00 p.m. Octo- internal alter classified copy to conform with the provisions anteed. To order call: ber 25. The tentative agenda includes auditor's report, financial report, program par- of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amend- X800 238.43 CARPEL ticipation levels for FY 2000, status of station on ed. Publisher reserves the right to abbreviate, alter or VIDE O deferred payment plans, reports from officers, reject any copy. Per issue: and other business. Rates: Classified listings (non -display). Help Wanted: $2.50 per word, $50 weekly minimum. Situations Wanted: 1.350 per word, $27 weekly mini- The Programming Policy Committee will meet mum. Optional formats: Bold Type: $2.90 per word, WANTED TO BUY EQUIPMENT at 4:00 p.m. on October 25. The tentative agen- Screened Background: $3.00, Expanded Type: $3.70 da includes a report on the National Program- Bold, Screened, Expanded Type: $4.20 per word. All Used videotape: Cash for 3/4" SP, M2 -90's, fund, discussion of an edu- ming Service growth other classifications: $2.50 per word, $50 weekly Betacam SP's. Call Carpel Video 301 -694 -3500. cational channel, and an evaluation of the pro- minimum. gramming plan for fiscal 2000. Word count: Count each abbreviation, initial, single FOR SALE STATIONS figure or group of figures or letters as one word each. The Board of Directors will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Symbols such as 35mm, COD, PD etc., count as one October 26. The tentative agenda includes word each. A phone number with area code and the RADIO/TV STATIONS, SOUTHEAST election of new directors and officers; reports zip code count as one word each. / PBS board committees on display 1 inch, upward from officers and Rates: Classified (minimum cash flow $1.9M 2X AM & 2FM great market & membership, finance, new technologies, pro- in half inch increments). Per issue: Help Wanted: FL. - FM - C3 25kw top 60 market $2.7M PBS's $218 per inch. Situations Wanted: $109 per inch. FL. - FM - C3 25kw Gulf Coast 950K gramming and education; reports on oper- FL. - FM - C2 50kw S. Fla. resort $1.3M ating departments, and other business. Public Notice & Business Opportunities advertising TV - UPN Net, Full Power & LPN $7.5M require display space. Agency commission only on TV - 5 X LPTV Network Affiliate $4.0M display space (when camera -ready art is provided). - LPTV Network. South Florida $3.5M TV Frequency rates available. HADDEN & ASSOC. Color Classified Rates (0) 407-365-7832 (FAX) 407-366-8801 Non -Display: Highlighted Position Title: $75. Dis- / 4 play: Logo 4 /C: $250. All /C: $500. Online Rates: $50 additional to cost of ad in magazine Florida: Gulf Coast community oriented AM, ex- Blind Box Service: (In addition to basic advertising cellent facilities; Central AM close to tourist attrac- costs) Situations Wanted: No charge. All other classi- tions; ideal owner- operator opportunities. Mayo fications: $35 per issue. The charge for the blind box Communications, 813- 971 -2061. INTERNET- service applies to advertisers running listings and display ads. Each advertisement must have a separate box number. BROADCASTING & CABLE will now for- SERVICES ward tapes, but will not forward transcripts, portfo- TV in Central For Sale: Low power station lios, writing samples, or other oversized materials; Georgia. Includes property, buildings, equipment, such are returned to sender. Do not use folders, tower, transmitter. (912) 537 -9721 Ask for Parrot Media Network (www.parrotmedia.com) binders or the like. Replies to ads with Blind Box offers online databases of over 70,000 Dianne. Must sell. numbers should be addressed to: Box (number), c/o media executives with extensive up -to- date info on thousands of media Broadcasting & Cable, 245 W. 17th Street, New York, outlets. U.S. and International TV NY 10011 Call Yuki at Stations, Networks, Groups, Reps, Confidential Service. To protect your identity seal Cable Systems, MSOs, Cable your reply in an envelope addressed to the box num- Networks, Satellite Operators, Radio, ber. In a separate note list the companies and sub- Press /Publicity, 212- 337 -6960 Newspapers, sidiaries you do not want your reply to reach. Then, Advertising Agencies, Movie Chains in a envelope addressed to CON- and Movie Theatres. $49.95/month. enclose both second to place an ad in the Call for FREE one day password. All FIDENTIAL SERVICE, Broadcasting & Cable Maga- information also available in directory and zine, at the address above. Cable or Allied Fields Section computer disk formals. 1- 800 -PARROTC

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100 BROADCASTING & CABLE /OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com wow& CHANGING HANDS The week's tabulation of station sales

COMBOS ough/Concord, N.H. PROPOSED STATION TRADES Price: $3.6 million 124 AMs and 318 FMs in 97 ranked and By dollar volume and number of sales; Buyer. Vox Radio Group, Claremont, 14 unranked markets does not include mergers or acquisitions (Jeff Shapiro and Bruce Involving substantial non -station assets N.H. Price: $23.5 billion ($17.4 billion in stock Danziger, principals); owns five AMs plus $6.1 billion assumption of debt) and eight FMs, including WKXL -AM -FM Buyer. Clear Channel Communica- also has interest in TVs SO 0 Concord. Shapiro tions Inc., San Antonio (L. Lowry one other AM and two other FMs Combos ] 5 Mays, chairman; Thomas O. Hicks, to $23,506,325,000 Seller. RadioWorks Inc, Concord be vice chairman); owns/is buying 19 FMs $9,991,628 6 (Lindsay Collins, president); no other Ns, 173 other AMs and 339 other AMs $2,759,500 11 broadcast interests FMs (see next item) Total $23,519,076,128 22 Facilities: wjvv: 105.5 MHz, 1.55 KW, Seller. AMFM Inc., Dallas (Thomas O. ant. 456 ft.; WNHI: 93.3 MHz, 300 w, Hicks, chairman; James E. de Castro, ant. 1,020 ft.; wRCI: 107.7 MHz, 3 158 co -vice chairman/president, AMFM TVs L $2,545,727,005 KW, ant. 738 ft. Radio); no other broadcast interests Combos $26,067,216,886! 152 Formats: WJYY: AC; WNHI, WRCI: rock FMs $1,181,889,817 216 WONW(AM)- WZOM(FM) AMs, $187,723,223 159 Defiance/Napoleon /parts of Bowling Construction permit for FM in Total o 585 N.C. Green and WNDH(FM) Napoleon/parts of $29,982,556,931 Wrightsville Beach/Wilmington, Bowling Green, Ohio Price: $1,148,628 Wilm- Price: $4.25 million owns WRMJ(AM) Aledo Buyer. Cape Fear Radio LLC, Buyer. Clear Channel (see preceding Seller. Coleman Broadcasting Co., ington (siblings Hannah Dawson principals); item)Seller: Maumee Valley Broad- Galva (Roger H. Coleman, presi- Gage and John Dawson, casting Inc., Napoleon (C. Richard dent). Coleman owns 50% of no other broadcast interests McBroom, president); no other wcRA(AM)- wcRC(FM) Effingham and Seller. Wrightsville Beach Radio L.P., further broadcast interests wcBH(FM) Casey /Effingham, Ill. Bald Head Island, N.C. (no information available) Facilities: woNw: 1280 KHz, 1 KW Facilities: AM: 1500 KHz, 250 w day; 93.7 MHz, 2.4 KW, ant. 456 ft. day, 500 W night; wzoM: 105.7 MHz, FM: 102.5 MHz, 3 KW, ant. 328 ft. Facities: 6 KW, ant. 347 ft.; WNDH: 103.1 MHz, Formats: Both AC WXLQ(FM) Gorham/Berlin, N.H. 3.3 KW, ant. 300 ft. Price: $450,000 KVSV -AM -FM Beloit, Kan. Formats: WONW: C &W; wzoM: oldies; Public Radio, Price: $500,000 Buyer. New Hampshire WNDH: AC (Mark D. Handley, presi- Buyer McGrath Publishing Co., Beloit Concord Broker. Associated Broadcasters dent); no other broadcast interests (Harry B. McGrath Jr., president - Seller. GEP Investments Inc., Berlin KNEA(AM) Jonesboro, KOCY(FM) owner); no other broadcast interests (Gladys E. Powell, president). Powell Hoxie/Jonesboro and KJBR(FM) Marked Serer: Solomon Valley Broadcasting owns 45% of wMou(AM) Berlin, N.H. Tree/Jonesboro, and construction permit Inc., Beloit (Charles K. Frodsham, pres- Facáities: 107.1 MHz, 6 KW, ant. 157 ft. KBGQ) Harris - ident); no other broadcast interests for KKEY(FM) (formerly Format: Music of the '70s burg/Jonesboro, Ark. Facilities: AM: 1190 KHz, 2.5 KW Price: $1.025 million ($675,000 for KNEA day; FM: 105.5 MHz, 50 KW, ant. CP for WAAQ(FM) MacKinaw City- and KKEY; $350,000 for KOCY and KJBR) 443 ft. Cheboygan, Mich. Buyer. Studio Four LLC, Jonesboro Formats: AM: AC; FM: Beautiful Music Price: $108,000 (Dean and Angela Tyrer and David Buyer: Broadcast Music Ministries and Mindy Worlow, each 25% own- FMS Inc., Cheboygan (Del Reynolds, ers); no other broadcast interests president/owner); no other broadcast Sellers (all Jonesboro): KNEA, KKEY: John Construction permit for WCHR -FM Man - interests J. Shields Inc. (John J. Shields, presi- ahawkin/Trenton, NJ. Seller. Great Lakes Broadcast Acad- dent); no other broadcast interests Price: $4.675 million emy Inc., Stanwood, Mich. (James J. Km: Air Network Inc. (David Worlow, Buyer. Nassau Broadcasting Partners McCluskey, president/owner). president/owner). Worlow is a mem- Inc., Princeton, N.J. (Lewis F. Mer- McCluskey has applied to build 40 ber of buyer KocY: Mindy Worlow; also catanti Jr., president/33.4% owner); noncommercial FMs in Michigan a member of the buyer owns /is buying four AMs and seven Facilities: 88.5 MHz, 3.8 KW, ant. 381 ft. Facilities: KNEA: 970 KHz, 1 KW day, FMs, including WCHR(AM),WNJO(FM) CP for KTU(FM) Elk City, Okla. 41 W night; KocY: 105.3 MHz, 25 and WPST(FM) Trenton; has time bro- Price: $10,000 KW, ant. 382 ft.; KJBR: 93.7 MHz, 3 kerage agreements with three AMs Buyer. Spirit Broadcasting LLC, Flower KW, ant. 288 ft.; KKEY: 95.9 MHz, 16 and three FMs Mound, Texas (David F. Reeder, KW, ant. 328 ft. Serer: Great American Communica- owner); no other broadcast interests Format KNEA: gospel; KOCY: adult hits tions, Union, N.J. (Patricia Stokes, pres- Seller: Women, Handicapped Ameri- of '60s, '70s and '80s; KJBR: AC ident); no other broadcast interests for Facilities: 105.7 MHz, 4.1 KW, ant. cans and Minorities Better Broad- WHHKFM) Ill. Inc., N.H. WGEN(AM)- Galva, 456 ft. casting Barrington, Price: $550,000 (Doreen Hubert, president); no other Buyer. Hoscheidt Broadcasting, WJYY(FM) Concord, WNHI(FM) Bel - broadcast interests Aledo, Ill. (John Hoscheidt, principal); mont/Concord and WRCI(FM) Hillsbor- Facilities: 98.5 MHz, 100 KW, ant. 1,089 ft.

OCTOBER 11, 111119 I BROADCASTING & CABLE 101

www.americanradiohistory.com CHANGING HANDS AMS Price: $68,000 (for stock) Buyer: Sara K. Comander, De Funi- KKLOIAM) Leavenworth, Kan./Kansas ak Springs, Fla.; no other broad- City, Mo. cast interests Price: $1.3 million Sellers: Spouses Wesley and Jennifer Buyer: New Life Evangelistic Center Wilkerson, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; Inc., St. Louis (Rev. Lawrence W. no other broadcast interests YTD Rice Jr., president); owns two TVs, Facilities: 890 KHz, 2.5 KW five other AMs and three FMs Format: Tourist info Seller: Chara Communications Inc., WGIAIAM) Blackshear, Shawnee, Kan. (William Neeck, Ga. Price: $65,000 in president/owner); no other broadcast interests Buyer: Yates Broadcasting, Burleson, Texas (David and Marci Yates, own- Facilities: 1410 KHz, 5 KW day, 500 ers); no other W night broadcast interests Seller: Christian Media Network 1999 Format: Christian Inc., Blackshear (Joseph Chalk, presi- WHLD(AM) Niagara Falls/Buffalo, N.Y. dent); no other broadcast interests Price: $385,000 Facilities: 1350 KHz, 2.5 KW Buyer: Mercury Radio Communica- Format: Contemporary Christian MVP has Sold tions LLC, Buffalo (Charles W. Banta, WSBI(AM) Static, TennJAlbany, Ky. president); owns WHTT- AM -FM, More Price: $60,000 TV Stations WEDG(FM) and WGRF(FM) Buffalo Buyer: Donnie S. Cox, Cookeville, Seller: Butler Communications Corp., and Tenn.; no other broadcast interests Grand Island, N.Y. (Paul A. Butler, Seller: Hank Thomas, Albany; More Radio Stations president); no other broadcast inter- no other broadcast interests for ests Facilities: 1210 KHz, 1 KW day Facilities: 1270 KHz, 5 KW day, 147 Format: More total Dollars W night Country than any other Format: Big band WYNI(AM) Monroeville, Ala. Price: $36,500 Brokerage Firm! WOONIAM) Woonsocket, R.I. Buyer: Southern Media Price: $380,000 Communica- tions of Monroeville Inc., Atmore, Buyer: O -N Radio Inc., Woonsocket Ala. (Walter J. Bowen, president); (David LePage, president); no other broadcast interests owns WYDH(FM) Atmore /Mobile and wacA(AM) Bay Minette /Mobile, Ala. Seller: Willow Farm Inc., Hamilton, Seller: McKissick Enterprises, Mon- Mass. (Keating Wilcox, president); roeville (Joe McKissick, president); owns /is buying six AMs, including no other broadcast interests WNRi(AM) Woonsocket and WGAW(AM) Facilities: 930 KHz, 5 KW day, 48 KW Gardner, Mass. (see item, below) night Facilities: 1240 KHz, 1 KW Format: Classic country BRIAN E. COBB Format: News /talk 202 -478 -3737 WTCHAM) Tell City, Ind. WLIRIAM) Spring Valley, N.Y. Price: $25,000 Price: $270,000 CHARLES E. GIDDENS Buyer: Hancock Communications 941-514-3375 Buyer: Alexander Broadcasting Inc., New Inc., Nashville, Tenn. (Bayard H. Wal- York (Alexander Medakovich, president - ters, president/owner). Walters ELLIOT B. EVERS owner); no other broadcast interests owns three other AMs and 16 FMs 415-391-4877 Seller: Tsooris Corp., Nanuet, N.Y. Seller: James Roland Brewer Trust, (Eugene Gugig, president/owner); no Chattanooga N. other broadcast interests (Maytha and James L. Brewer [mother, son], trustees). James Facilities: 1300 KHz, 500 W day, 83 RADIO and TELEVISION Brewer owns two AMs and four FMs BROKERAGE APPRAISALS W night Facilities: 1230 KHz, 1 KW Format: Nostalgia Format: News /talk WGAW(AM) Gardner, Mass. WAGS(AM) Bishopville, Price: $150,000 S.C. Price: $20,000 Buyer Willow Farm (see wooN[AM] Iv( Buyer. Bishopville Broadcasting Co. item, above) Inc., Bishopville (Sheryl B. Carr, pres- Seller: WGAW Inc., Gardner (Dou- ident); no other broadcast interests Vti glas J. Rowe, president); no other broadcast interests Seller. A.L. Group, Bishopville (spouses Argent D. and Arie Landrum, prin- Facilities: 1340 KHz, 1 KW MEDIA VENTURE cipals); no other Format: AC broadcast interests Facilities: 1380 KHz, 1 KW PARTNERS Broker Sales Group day Format: Classic oldies 82.6% of WGTX(AM) Freeport/Destin, Fla. -Compiled by Alisa Holmes

102 BROADCASTING 8 CABLE I OCTOBER 11, 1809

www.americanradiohistory.com DAT E B O OK

Oct. 26.28 -1999 Eastern Show, Cable Conference and Exhi- sented by the California Cable Television Association. Los Angeles bition presented by the Southern Cable Telecommunications Convention Center. Contact: (510) 428 -2225. Association. Center, Orlando, Fla. Orange County Convention Jan. 24 -29, 2000 -36th annual National Association of Televi- Contact: Patti Hall (404) 255 -1608. sion Programming Executives Conference and Exhibition. Ernest 8 annual Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame Nov. -9th N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans. Contact: (310) 453 -4440. Reception and Program. New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York. Contact: Steve Labunski (212) 337 -7158. April 10-11, 2000 - Television Bureau of Advertising Annual Market- Nov. 17.19 -The International Council of the National Acad- ing Conference. Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas. Contact: (212) 429 -1111. emy of Television Arts and Sciences United Nations Television April 10.13, 2000 -National Association of Broadcasters Forum. The United Nations, New York. Contact: (212) 963 -9670. Annual Convention. Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas. Con- Nov. 19.20- Society of Motion Picture and Television Engi- tact: (202) 429 -5300. neers 41st Technical Conference and Exhibition. Jacob Javits May 7-10, 2000-Cable 2000, 49th Annual National Cable Televi- Convention Center, New York. Contact: (914) 761 -1100. sion Association Convention and Exhibition. Ernest N. Morial Con- Dec. 14.17 -The Western Show Conference and Exhibition pre- vention Center, New Orleans. Contact: Bobbie Boyd (202) 775 -3669.

THIS WEEK Hotel, Brussels, Belgium. Contact: Mark Rebholz Continental, Los Angeles. Contact: (800) 647 -7600. (202) 429 -3191. Dec. PaineWebber 27th Annual Media Con- Oct. 5 -13- Telecom '99 8th World Telecommuni- 6.10- Oct. 25-Nov. 5 -The Museum of Television ference. The -Hill New York. cations Exposition and Forum. PALEXPO, Geneva, McGraw Building, Contact: and Radio 5th Annual Radio Festival. Museum of Amy Rosenberg (212) 713 -8510. Switzerland. Contact: +41 22 730 5111. Television and Radio, New York. Contact: Tracey Dec. 13-DBS Digest DBS 2K: Pathways to Profits Oct. 8 -Nov. 28 -Rapid Eye Movement: R. E. M. Halliday (212) 621 -6785. on Television Exhibition at The Museum of Televi- Conference. Barnabey's Hotel, Manhattan Beach, Oct. 26-28 -1999 Eastern Show, Cable Confer- sion and Radio.The Museum of Television and Calif. Contact: (719) 586 -9761. ence and Exhibition presented by theSouthern Radio, New York and Los Angeles. Contact: Tracey and Cable Telecommunications Association. Orange Dec. 14-17-The Western Show Conference Halliday (212) 621 -6785. the Cable Televi- County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla. Contact: Exhibition presented by California Cable East Coast Oct. 12.14- Atlantic Show Patti Hall (404) 255 -1608. sion Association. Los Angeles Convention Center. Cable '99. Waterfront Convention Center, Baltimore. Contact: (510) 428 -2225. Oct. 28-HRTS Newsmaker Luncheon Jupiter Contact: (609) 848 -1000. Communications. Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, America Cable Telecommuni- JANUARY Oct. 12.14 -Mid- Calif. Contact: (818) 789 -1182. 2000 cations Association Mid -America Show. Overland Jan. 11.13, 2000 -The Society of Cable Park International Trade Center, Overland Park, NOVEMBER Telecommunications Engineers 2000 Conference Kan. Contact: (785) 841 -9241. Nov. 8 -9th annual Broadcasting and Cable Hall on Emerging Technologies. Marriott Hotel, Chicago. Oct. 13.14- Television Bureau of Advertising of Fame Reception and Program. New York Marriott Contact: Glenda Calcaterra (610) 363 -6888. 7th Annual Research Conference. McGraw -Hill Con- Marquis Hotel, New York. Contact: Steve Labunski Jan. 17 -18, 2000- University of Nevada, Las New York. (212) 486 ference Center, Contact: -1111. (212) 337 -7158. Vegas and Television News Center World Televi- Oct. 13 -14 -Kagan Seminars'"Wireless Telecom Nov. 10.11 -Kagan Seminars' Sports Values & sion Journalism Conference. Tropicana Hotel and 2000: A Communications Revolution." The Park Finance." The Park Lane Hotel, New York. Contact: Resorts, Las Vegas. Contact: Herb Brubaker (301) Lane Hotel, New York. Contact: Marie Hook (831) Marie Hook (831) 624-1536. 340 -6160. 624 -1536. Nov. 15.17- Virginia Cable Television Associa- Jan. 24-29, 2000 -36th annual National Associ- Oct. 13- 15-The Folio Show 25th Anniversary tion 33rd Annual Cable Show. The Williamsburg ation of Television Programming Executives Con- Conference and Exhibition. Hilton Hotel, New York. Inn, Williamsburg, Va. Contact: Barbara Davis (804) ference and Exhibition. Ernest N. Morial Convention Contact: (800) 927 -5007. 780 -1776. Center, New Orleans. Contact: (310) 453 -4440. Oct. 14 -16- National Religious Broadcasters Nov. 17 -18 -Kagan Seminars - Motion Picture Midwestern Regional Lied Conference Conference. Production & Finance." The Wyndham Bel Age FEBRUARY 2000 Center, Nebraska City, Neb. Contact: Martin Jones Hotel, Los Angeles. Contact: Marie Hook (831) 624- (402) 464 -6440. Feb 3-5, 2000 -Eckstein, Summers & Company 1536. The Television Industry's Annual Conference on New Oct. 15- Georgia Association of Broadcasters Nov. 17- 19-The International Council of the Business Development. Marriott Mountain Shadows Board Meeting. Sandpiper Cove, Destin, Fla. Con- National Academy of Television Arts and Sci- Resort and Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz. Contact: tact: (770) 395 -7200. ences United Nations Television Forum. The United Roland Eckstein (732) 530 -1996. Nations, New York. Contact: (212) 963 -9670. OCTOBER Feb 5.8, 2000- National Religious Broadcast- Nov. 13 -Dec. 6 Museum of Television and -The ers 57th Annual Convention and Exposition. Marriott Oct. 18- Broadcasters' Foundation Fall Classic Radio 8th Annual International Children's Television Hotel, Anaheim, Calif. Contact: (703) 330 -7000. Golf Tournament. Manhattan Woods Golf Club, Festival. Museum of Television and Radio, New York. West Nyack, N.Y. Contact: Gordon Hastings (203) Contact: Tracey Halliday (212) 621 -6785. Feb 17 -19, 2000- Broadcast Cable Credit 862 -8577. Nov. 19.20 -The International Council of the Association Credit Conference 2000. Seattle Shera- Oct. 19 -Kagan Seminars'"TV Station Values National Academy of Television Arts and Sci- ton Hotel, Seattle. Contact: Mary Teister (847) 296- and Finance: New Deals for the New Century." The ences iEMMY's Nominee Festival. The United 0200. Park Lane Hotel, New York. Contact: Marie Hook Nations, New York. Contact: (212) 594 -5351. (831) 624 -1536. Nov. 19 -20- Society of Motion Picture and Tele- MARCH 2000 Oct. 20-The Aerospace States Association vision Engineers 41st Technical Conference and March 7 -8, 2000 -The Carmel Group DBS "Export Rules: Finding a Balanced Solution" Semi- Exhibition. Jacob Javits Convention Center, New 2000: The Five Burning Questions. Airport Sheraton nar. Rayburn House Office Building, Washington. York. Contact: (914) 761 -1100. Hotel, Los Angeles. Contact: (831) 643 -2222. Contact: Jim Pagliasotti (303) 329 -3991. Nov. 22 -The International Council of the March 27.28, 2000 -The Citizenship Educa- Oct. 20.21 -Kagan Seminars "'Radio Acquisi- National Academy of Television Arts and Sci- tion Fund `Minority Broadcast Advocacy: Turning tions & Finance." The Park Lane Hotel, New York. ences 27th International Emmy Awards Gala. The the Tides for Minority Entrepreneurship" Conference. Contact: Marie Hook (831) 624 -1536. New York Hilton Hotel, New York. Contact: (212) 489- The International Trade Center, Washington. Contact: Oct. 21- National Association of Broadcasters 6969. (202) 544-6708. 14th Annual Bayliss Media Roast. The Pierre Hotel, Nov. 30- Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau New York. Contact: (831) 624 -1536. Traffic and Billing/Sales Automation business interest APRIL 2000 Oct. 22- National Academy of Television Arts group regional workshop. Wyndham Los Angeles Air- April 10.11, 2000- Television Bureau of Adver- Silver Circle port Hotel, Los Angeles. Contact: (212) 508 -1229. and Sciences/Southern Region tising Annual Marketing Conference. Las Vegas Awards. Grand Hyatt Hotel, Atlanta. Contact: Mari- Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas. Contact: (212) 486 -1111. lyn Ringo (770) 414 -8777. DECEMBER Oct. 24.26- National Association of Broad- Dec. i -3-DTV4, Digital TV Forum and Conference -Compiled by Nolan Marchand casters European Radio Conference. Sheraton Presented by World Research Group. Hotel Inter (nmarchand @cahners.com )

OCTOBER 11, 1999 / BROADCASTING & CABLE 103

www.americanradiohistory.com FIFTH ESTATER Aftwassmiim This Kissinger's president

David Kissinger is not your average primary offices to Los Angeles. So I fol- Hollywood studio executive. First, lowed her out" he is the son of former U.S. Secre- As a Daily Variety reporter, Kissinger tary of State Henry Kissinger. He grew up got to know the television industry top traveling around the world with his father, Hollywood executives, including Dean meeting various heads of state and hang- Valentine, then the head of Walt Disney ing out at the White House during the Television, now the president of UPN. Nixon administration. Valentine says he saw a lot of potential in Second, this current president of pro- Kissinger and offered him a position at the gramming at Studios USA Television studio in 1992. "He was gracious enough to holds an undergraduate degree from Yale kiss my ass in print, so I had to hire him," and a law degree from New York Universi- says Valentine, also a former journalist, ty. At NYU, Kissinger and the late John F with a laugh. "He loved television, and I Kennedy Jr. became good friends, trudg- could see that. And his background was a ing through three years of legalese at the real plus. I figured he was worth taking a downtown Manhattan campus. In shot on and he was. I held -and still between, Kissinger worked for a member hold-a very high opinion of David. There of Parliament and attended classes part Studio jobs, "in my is no sleazy Hollywood guy in him. He is time at the London School of Economics. very open, straightforward and caring. Kissinger, who now oversees the pro- opinion, are built There are no tricks up his sleeve" duction of such series as Law & Order and primarily on As the vice president of comedy devel- the new spin -o,ff Law & Order: Special Vic- opment at Walt Disney Television, tims Unit, says that he has had an unbeliev- common sense, Kissinger's job was to oversee Disney's able life -one that would probably make taste and good stable of comedy writers and series that for a good network pilot someday. But he included Home Improvement, Ellen and also says he has kept his head on straight judgement." Boy Meets World. Three years later, he through all of his experiences, because he was named senior vice president of come- had both a normal and abnormal childhood. dy and drama development, and he Kissinger's father and mother divorced in David remained at Disney until 1997. Kissinger 1963 when David was only two years old. says making the transition from journalist After that, he lived with his mother outside Alexander to studio executive was daunting at first, Boston, spending vacation time away from but he caught on after realizing what it school traveling with his father. Kissinger takes to succeed. "The bottom -line about "I would take these extraordinary vaca- these [studio] jobs, in my opinion, is they tions where I would travel to China and Programming President, are built primarily on common sense, taste Russia, then I would go back to a middle - Studios USA Television, Los and good judgement. I don't think there is class, suburban existence, which I guess Angeles; b. July 31, 1961, any special training that one person could kept me kind of grounded," he says. Boston; B.A., Yale University, do to be better prepared" After Yale and NYU, Kissinger went to 1983; J.D., New York University, After a stint at Twentieth Century Fox work as a law clerk for a federal court 1987; lawyer, Patterson Television as a consultant, Kissinger was judge in Providence, R.I. A year later he Belknap Webb & Tyler, New hired by Universal Television in early 1998 accepted a job at an entertainment law York, 1989 -90; staff writer, as senior vice president of comedy pro- firm in New York. After just one year, he Daily Variety, New York and Los gramming. Shortly thereafter, Barry Diller's says, he realized "this lawyer thing" was Angeles, 1990 -92; Walt Disney company acquired the majority of Univer- not for him. "I just found it too boring" Television, Los Angeles: vice sal's television assets and renamed them Near the end of his year at the law firm, president, comedy development, Studios USA Television. Kissinger 1992 -95; senior vice president, he began writing freelance music articles remained, and this past April he replaced comedy and drama for Rolling Stone. He also did some work Ken development, 1995 -97; Solomon as president of programming. for Daily Variety, and the editors there consultant, Twentieth Century Studios USA has a number of projects offered him a full -time position. In 1990, Fox Television, Los Angeles, in the works, including a series about Kissinger began covering the television 1997 -98; senior vice president, young executives working in Washington, industry in New York and was transferred comedy programming, Universal called DC. Kissinger says it has nothing to to Los Angeles soon after. He says he had Television/Studios USA do with him or his father. ulterior motives for moving West: "I took Television, 1998; current Kissinger still accepts plenty of advice the offer in all sincerity to chase my then - position since April 1999; m. from his father, but not about TV. "He girlfriend and now wife" (Alex Rock- Alex Rockwell, Aug. 8, 1992; likes CNN and watches a lot of soccer on well). "She was working for Jim Henson's children: Sam, 5, and Sophie, 3. satellite TV, but he doesn't know this side company, and they had just moved their of the business too well." -Joe Schlosser 104 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1099

www.americanradiohistory.com BroadcashogaCable FATE run fUNES

Roy Frostenson, news director, Skip Baldwin, BROADCAST TV KNOE -TV Monroe, La., named station sports director and manager. anchor, KUSI-TV Appointments, Katz Television San Diego, joins Group, New York: Michael Hugger, PROGRAMMING wzrv(Tv) president, Katz Television, named Nashville in same executive VP, Katz Television Group; Appointments, capacity. Michael Spiesman, VP, general man- Children's Tele- ager, Katz Continental Television vision Workshop, Cheryl Grant, Sales, named president. New York: Melvin assistant news director, Appointments, Ming, chief financial officer, treas- Baldwin wzzM(TV) Grand Blair Television, Rapids/Kalama- New York/San urer and VP, administration zoo/Battle Creek, Mich., named news Francisco/Los director. Angeles: Leo M. and operations, MacCourtney Jr., Museum of Tele- Cale Ramaker, news anchor and inves- vision and Radio, president, Blair Ming tigative reporter, wSYM -TV Lansing, USA Sales Group, New York, joins Mich., joins KSTP -TV Minneapolis /St. named president as executive VP, finance and admin- Paul as weekend co- anchor. Joe Diaz, VP, legal and and chief execu- istration; Heather Weber, weathercast business affairs, Children's Televi- tive officer; Cindy anchor/producer, WOTO /wuAB -TV MacCourtney York, named Murrah, account sion Workshop, New Cleveland, joins Ohio News Net- and executive, named sales manager. She group president, products inter- work, Columbus, Ohio, as weekend is based in San Francisco. Kate national television. meteorologist. Mortensen, account executive, Appointments, King World Produc- Dodgers Team, named group sales tions, New York: Ted Bookstaver, RADIO manager, Angels Team. She is based in director, sales, King World Interna- Francis X. Murphy, general sales man- Los Angeles. tional, named VP, international sales; ager, Oldies 99.9 FM/WEEx -AM Allen- Appointments, UPN, Los Angeles: Rich Cervini, director, production and technical operations, named VP. town, Pa., joins Radio Disney wwJZ- Dale Lanier, executive director, mar- AM Philadelphia as general manager. keting and special projects, named W. Edward Martiny Jr., director, sales, VP; Felicia Green, associate director, Appointments, Twentieth Television, Baton Rouge, affiliate marketing, named executive Culver City, Calif.: Richard DuMont, Guaranty Broadcasting, director. director, named executive director; La., joins AMFM Inc., Houston, as Matthew Rodriguez, manager, on -air VP, rock sales, KLOL- FM/KKRW -FM. Alan Duke, senior marketing, named director; Hiro Zeoli, VP, business and relations, named CABLE legal affairs, Walt supervisor, affiliate Disney Television, manager. David Zagin, VP, affiliate sales, local Burbank, Calif., Akihiko "Kiko" Washington, VP, sales and alternate technology, NBC joins ABC Day- human resources and administration, Cable, New York, joins A &E Televi- time there as sen- HBO, New York, joins Time Warner sion Networks as senior VP, affiliate ior VP, business there as VP, staffing and human sales. affairs. resources planning. Jamie Davis, deputy general manager, Star Entertainment Channels, Hong Appointments, JOURNALISM Duke KRON- TVBayTV Kong, named senior VP, program- San Francisco: Stacey Simms, ming, Star TV. Linda Maynard, manager, on -air pro- morning anchor Jack Bryant, presi- motion, BayTV, named director, and health dent, American advertising and promotion, KRON -TV reporter, WSTM -TV Urban Radio Net- and BayTV; Jill Davidson, BayTV Syracuse, N.Y., works, New York, administrative assistant and acting joins wwrv(rv) joins African Her- producer, Documentary, BayTV, Charlotte, N.C., as itage Network named producer, Documentary and health reporter. there as president, Talkin' Pictures with Jan Wahl; Tricia Nancy Ambrose, advertising sales Tong, account executive, DG Systems, executive news and radio ventures San Francisco, joins as promotion Simms producer, Wash- group. coordinator. ington bureau, Bryant Manish Jha, direc- Roger Moody, general sales manager, CNN, Washington, named CNN tor, affiliate opera- KLKN -Tv Lincoln, Neb., named VP and Washington deputy bureau chief and tions and planning, ESPN, Bristol, general manager. senior executive producer. Conn., named VP, affiliate sales devel-

OCTOBER 11, 1999 I BROADCASTING & CABLE 105

www.americanradiohistory.com FATES & FORTUNES opment and operations. keting, U.S., Leitch Technology ASSOCIATIONS/FIRMS Jenifer Hosack, account executive, Corp., a provider of digital solutions Lifetime Television, New York, named to broadcasting, post-production and Gordon Henry Hastings, president and VP, sales, Western region. She will telecommunications industry, chief executive officer, wNET(TV) New relocate to Los Angeles. Chesapeake, Va., named senior VP, York, named executive director, New strategic relations. Appointments, TNT, Los Angeles: York Chapter, National Academy of Marc Evans, director, business opera- Richard Yelen, Television Arts and Sciences. tions, TNT Originals, named VP, director, cable TV Seth Morrison, VP, marketing, finance and strategic planning. marketing, Cox CTAM: Cable & Telecommunica- Candace Snyder, director, post-produc- Communications, tions Association, Alexandria, Va., tion, named VP. New York, joins named senior VP. ACTV Inc. there Ray Bradford, Mitch Leff, assignment manager, GCI as senior VP, mar- community relations Group, Atlanta, joins Turner Learning keting. coordinator, Suburban Area Agency on Inc. there as public relations director. Aging, Chicago, joins The American Charles Williams, Federation of Television and Radio Catalina Recalde, assistant VP, group manager, Artists, new York, as director, affirma- Velen enterprise IP tive action. Johnson & John- products and son Mexico, Mex- solutions, Global One, Baltimore, Christa Mallick Dahlander, director, ico City, joins joins Comsat International, Bethes- marketing, Media Sports Partner- MTV Latin Amer- da, Md., as VP, product management ship, Dallas, rejoins Radio Advertis- ica, Miami, as and sales support. ing Bureau, New York, as VP, com- director, integrat- munications. ed marketing. Stephen M. Calk, VP, Lehman Broth- ers, New York, joins High Speed DEATHS Appointments, Access Corp., Denver, as VP, Recalde Fox Family investor relations. Martin Davis, 72, creator of Paramount Worldwide, New Communications, died Oct. 4 of a Appointments, SoftCom Inc., New York/Los Angeles: Barbara heart attack. Davis, who started his York: John Rosenberg, director, Bekkedahl, VP, New York sales, career as an office boy at the New sales, Buena Vista Television divi- named senior VP, sales; Marisol 011er, York headquarters of Samuel Gold- sion, New York, joins as VP, business VP, Western region ad sales, named wyn Productions, went on to shepherd development; David Pachter, VP, Pro- senior VP. She is based in Los Ange- the careers of executives Michael Eis- gressive Resources, New York, joins les. Robert Voltaggio, manager, plan- ner, Brandon Tartikoff and Jeffrey as senior VP, operations; Oliver ning, named director. He is based in Katzenberg. In 1983, he assumed con- Mitchell, VP, marketing and sales, New York. trol of Gulf & Western from company AmeriCash, New York, joins as VP, chairman Charles Bluhdorn. At the Adam Shaw, VP, affiliate strategy, business development; David Hartt, time, the company had a stake in affiliate sales division, Fox Sports Net, designer, Razorfish, New York, joins everything from agricultural products New York, named senior VP, network as design director. development. to motion pictures. He soon over- INTERNET hauled its structure until it was left Jane Fletcher, events marketing man- with three businesses - entertainment ager, Food Network, New York, named Ben Tatta, VP, marketing, Polycom, and publishing, consumer and com- director, marketing and promotions. New York, joins USA Networks Inter- mercial finance and consumer and active there as group VP. industrial products. In 1985, consumer ADVERTISING/MARKETING,' Judy Fearing, senior VP, global mar- and industrial products were sold for PUBLIC RELATIONS keting and studio development, Disney $1 billion. The financial unit was sold in 1989. The company was then Graham Avery, president, Anderson Consumer Products, Burbank, Calif., named senior VP, marketing, for co- renamed Paramount Communications, Advertising, Toronto, rejoins Bates as it kept film and television studios, Canada there as president and chief owned Buena Vista Internet Group and go.com, North Hollywood, Calif. Simon & Schuster publishers and executive officer. entertainment companies such as USA Trisha Matthieu, project manager, Marie Pasetsky, director, new media, Networks. When Davis sold the com- Leopard Communications, Boulder, Middleberg +Associates, New York, pany to Viacom (led by his former Colo., joins Event by Nora Inc., Den- joins MTV Networks Online there as employee Barry Diller) in 1994, the ver, as event manager. VP, communications. value of Paramount's shares increased Appointments, ReacTV, an Internet at more than double the rate of the TECHNOLOGY newscast service, San Francisco: Craig stock market. Davis had been a man- Mans, found, president and general aging partner of Wellspring Capital Yoshio Aoki, corporate VP and repre- manager, NorthWest Cable News, Management, an investment firm in sentative director, Iomega Japan Corp., Seattle, joins as VP, business develop- New York, since 1995. He is survived Los Angeles, joins SanDisk K.K., ment and affiliate relations; Mike by his wife, Luella, and a son, Philip. Sunnyvale, Calif., as president. Rausch, news director, wFrv(Tv) -Compiled by Mara Reinstein Thomas VP, Jordan, sales and mar- Orlando, joins in same capacity. mreinstein @cahners.com 106 BROADCASTING & CABLE /OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com Broadcasting & Cable SPECIAL REPORT

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Senate Commerce after discovering that response by the end of on the amendment from Committee Chairman some companies had the day Friday. Rep. Rick fellow conferees. Sen. John McCain (R- Ariz.) taken advantages of the Boucher (D -Va.), a confer- Conrad Burns (R- Mont.), last week introduced bill's loopholes. ee, plans to attach to the who is working with legislation that would bill an amendment that Boucher on the initiative, House and Senate give companies tax would allow the federal plans to introduce a breaks for selling com- conferees made their government to offer $1.25 stand -alone bill on the munications properties to first real progress last billion in loan guarantees issue next week, said under -represented enti- week toward to any nonprofit organiza- Burns spokesman Ben ties, such as minorities or reconciling a final tion that wants to build a O'Connell. Burns would women who meet certain version of satellite TV satellite system that would prefer to attach the meas- economic criteria. The bill reform. The Senate on put on satellite the signals ure to satellite TV reform, reinstates a modified ver- Thursday offered the of local broadcasters in but is not counting on it, sion of the minority tax House its preferred ver- small and medium mar- O'Connell said. The certificate, which Con- sion of the bill; the House kets. Boucher said he has National Association of gress repealed in 1995 was expected to offer its not heard any opposition Broadcasters last week endorsed the Dueling cameras on supplement Boucher /Burns plan. story The FCC has no way to ABC News got scooped last week on a ny fairly. He conceded that his own past, track regulatory fees story its 20/20 magazine unit is prepar- as a former policeman with a conviction and civil penalties ing on a controversial diet -supplement on drug -dealing charges, should be open paid by broadcasters, company. But it wasn't a rival news to scrutiny by critics and journalists. Ellis cable operators and agency that scooped ABC. It was the said the ABC producers indicated to him other companies supplement maker itself, San Diego - that they would not be balancing expert regulated by the based Metabolife. Fearing a negative opinion between critics and believers in agency, government take from the network, Metabolife ephedrine, because his own company investigators revealed launched an unprecedented pre -emp- could speak for the product. He also last week. Data proce- tive strike against the as- yet-unsched- believes ABC is relying on the opinions of dures are so misman- uled story by broadcasting on the Inter- doctors who are linked to Slim -Fast. Ellis aged, in fact, that the net the full 70- minute interview 20/20 did said he worried that Diaz, whose Web General Accounting Office with Metabolife founder and Chief Exec- page bears the heading "Schemes, called the FCC's 1998 utive Michael Ellis. Scams & Savin' a Buck," had a bias estimate of a $15 million The diet supplement company also against Metabolife going into the story. balance of the uncollected promoted its streaming of the interview Ellis may also be a bit gun -shy, follow- penalties "unreliable." with a $1.5 million advertising campaign ing a story by WCVB -Tv Boston, which Since Congress ordered purporting to keep the network "fair" in revealed to most of New England Ellis' the FCC to collect regula- its reporting on the company. Metabolife criminal record, and challenged- unfair- tory fees in 1993, the took out full -page ads in major newspa- ly, Metabolife says -the product's safety agency has relied on the pers promoting the lengthy and con- (B &C May 31, 1999). Metabolife has industry to comply volun- frontational interview between ABC's accused both 20/20 and the network tarily. Because the agency Arnold Diaz and its CEO, Ellis. The inter- affiliate of relying on sources with ties to lacks a database for iden- view, at Metabolife's insistence, was Metabolife's rivals. The station has stood tifying delinquent pay- filmed by both 20/20 and Metabolife. by the story. The company and the TV ments, the FCC last year Both the company's product and its station currently are embroiled in litiga- manually tracked down founder -who has been convicted on tion and Metabolife has suggested ABC and obtained nearly charges related to drug dealing -are chose to investigate Metabolife to retali- $600,000 in late 1997 controversial. While some medical ate for its suit against the Hearst-Argyle- fees and penalties from research finds ephedrine effective for owned ABC affiliate. more than 800 broadcast calorie- burning, other doctors have Network officials dismissed that notion stations. GAO urged the warned of high blood pressure -, stroke - as absurd. "If they were making these agency to develop proce- and heart - related risks. arguments after they'd seen the piece, dures for identifying all ABC objects to Metabolife's making that would be different," said ABC unpaid fees and confirm- part of its reporting process public before spokeswoman Eileen Murphy, who dis- ing that charges have the story is finished. It also said the story puted Metabolife's assertions regarding been paid before licenses will be fair, regardless of Metabolife's ABC's reporting. "They don't know who and other applications are efforts "to influence the process." we're relying on. We've asked them a approved and to audit Last week, Ellis told B &C that he decid- series of questions. That's part of the financial records to root ed on the strategy because he believed process. But this is [only] one piece of out errors. FCC Managing ABC would not treat him and his compa- what we're doing." -Dan Trigoboff Director Andrew Fishel challenged GAO's harsh

108 BROADCASTING & CABLE / OCTOBER 11, 1999

www.americanradiohistory.com IN BRIEF assessment. GAO's comments "give no credit" to On the docket: More `Divorce Court' recent improvements, he said in a letter to the Next Monday will be Divorce's big day 1:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the distributor says. watchdog agency. in court. "We couldn't be happier," says Rick Twentieth president -COO, cit- The FCC's Cable In an unusual move, a third daily airing Jacobson, Services Bureau last of the new first run show Divorce Court is ing the contributions of executive produc- week rejected being added in the top two markets in the er Jill Blackstone and Judge Mablean show's suc- demands by RCN country, according to Twentieth Television, Ephriam as reasons for the Telecom and the show's distributor. Fox's New York cess. "It shows you don't need a celebri- Microwave Satellite O &O wNvw(Tv) will begin airing a third run ty, a big name to work in syndication - Technologies for on Monday, Oct. 18, at 5 p.m. Also, Fox's you need compelling shows." access to sports Icrrv(Tv) Los Angeles will begin airing third Jacobson also said that Twentieth's programming delivered runs at 5 p.m. on Oct. 25. sales team in the other markets where to cable systems in KRiv(Tv), Houston's Fox station, is con- Divorce Court airs are pursuing similar the New York metro sidering a similar addition, and the show's upgrades. Divcrce Court is the top -rated area via second airing on Fox's wDAF(Tv) Kansas new first -run show in syndication. Metrochannels, a City, Mo., is receiving an upgrade from - Melissa Grego transmission service owned by Cablevision's for a TV show entitled offering its new Surfview network's international Media Rainbow T.R.A.X. (Trace. set -tops to operators activities. In addition, Metrochan- Holdings. Research. Analyze. who.are WorldGate affili- Wright will lead a team of nels, created in 1998, pro- Exterminate.), directed ates. WorldGate's Internet executives who will vides coverage of "over- and executive produced by Over TV software enables assume responsibility for flow" games when simul- director Renny Harlin cable subscribers to surf business development, taneous sporting events (Deep Blue Sea, Die Hard the Web on their TV sets for including Yudkovitz, Rick are under way. The "pri- 2). Pearson Entertainment less than $10 per month. Cotton, executive vice mary" game is produced and Canada's Muse Enter- president and general and by Rain- Filling the void left by distributed tainment are producing the counsel, and Larry bow's Madison Square the departing Tom show whose storyline fol- Rutkowski, chief financial Garden Network and Fox Rogers, president, lows a group of special officer for international and Net -New York and NBC Cable and Sports investigators tracking business development. via satellite to Business Development, transmitted supernatural occurrences. incumbent cable systems. NBC announced The concept is that of a Rainbow also is required promotions and /or fictional series in a reality Correction FCC access increased by program- format, along the lines of rules to provide the pro- responsibilities for The Blair Witch Project or gramming to overbuilders Marty Yudkovitz, David Cops meets X- Files. If the such as RCN and MST as Zaslav and Bill Bolster. commitment turns into a well. Metrochannels, how- Yudkovitz, president of series, it could show up on ever, distributes programs NBC Interactive Media, the air on Fox this season, via Cablevision's fiber - has been given primary but is more likely to debut optic network rather than responsibility for NBC's during the 2000 -01 sea- by traditional satellite links Internet and digital media son, according to a Fox and is therefore exempt interests, reporting direct- source. from the program- access ly NBC president Bob The online address of rules. FCC staff rejected General Instrument Wright. Zaslav has been Major League Baseball arguments Metrochannel will introduce a $99 promoted to president of was incorrect in the relied on fiber -optic trans- cable set -top box that NBC Cable, continuing to Oct. 4 "Internet" story, mission to illegally evade enables low -cost be responsible for distri- "Baseball in foul mood." program access rules. Internet access with bution of all NBC cable The correct address is software from properties. CNBC Presi- has made a half - (www.majorleague- Fox WorldGate dent Bill Bolster adds hour pilot commitment baseball.com). Communications. GI is responsibilities for the

Printed In the U.S.A. Founded in 1931 as Broadcasting. the News Magazine of the Fifth Estate. Broadcasting -Telecasting' introduced in 1945. Television' acquired in 1961. Cabfecasting introduced in 1972. Broadcast- ing/Cable introduced In 1989. Broadcasting & Cable introduced in 1993. Broadcasting & Cables is a registered trademark of Reed Publishing (Nederland) B.V., used uncer license. Telemedia Week®9 is a registered trademark of Reed Elsevier Inc. 'Reg. U.S. Patent Office. *Cahners. Incorporating TheFifthFstate TELEVISION Broadcasting 0 Broadcasting & Cable (ISSN 0007-2028) (GST 11123397457) is published weekly, except at yeas end when two issues are combined, by Cahners Business Information, 245 West 17th St., New York, NY 10011. Cahners Business Information is a division of Reed Elsevier Inc., 275 Washington St., Newton, MA 02158 -1630; Brian Nairn, Chief Operating Officer; John Poulin, Senior Vice President, Finance; Glen Rogers, Executive Vice President. Broadcasting & Cade copyright 1999 by Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Broadcasting & Cable is a registered trademark of Reed Elsevier Properies Inc., used under license. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. Canada Post International Publications Mail Product (Canada Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 0607533. Postmaster, please send address changes to: Broadcasting & Cable, PO Box 6399, Torrance, CA 90504-0399. Rates for non-qualified subscriptions, including all issues; USA. $139; Canada, $169 (includes GST); Foreign Air, $350; Foreign Surface, $ 199. A reasonable fee shall be assessed to cover handling costs in cancellation of a subscription. Back issues: except for special issues where price changes are indicated, single copies are $7.95 US., $10 foreign. Please address all subscription mail to Broadcasting & Cable, PO Box 6399, Torrance, CA 90504-0399. Microfilm of Broadcasting & Cable is available from University Microfilms, 300 North Zeeb Road, Mn Arbor, MI 48106 (1 -800 -521- 0600). Cahners Business Information does not assume and here- by disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident or any other cause whatsoever.

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www.americanradiohistory.com EDITORIALS COMMITTED TO THE FIRST AMENDMENT AND THE FIFTH ESTATE

map. That doesn't mean that fears about homogenization are Size matters unfounded, only that they are just that, fears. They are the price of allowing broadcasters the freedom to make mistakes. We can remember when the FCC raised the ownership caps If Clear Channel makes a mistake, its review board of 125 - from 14 radio stations to 24 back in the 1980s. It seemed to plus million listeners will not be hesitant to cast their votes. us then a huge jump. But last week Clear Channel was on P.S. It may seem counterintuitive, but the creation of an its way to owning 830 radio stations with its $23.5 billion 830 -station group will likely increase the diversity of radio purchase of AMFM. That was one giant leap for radiokind. voices. The new group will have to spin off around 100 sta- That number sounds astronomical; too big even. It's not. tions, with many of those likely going to minorities, partic- The world with those old station caps was one without a ularly if Congress passes new tax -certificate legislation satellite industry that can deliver radio, without an Internet being introduced by Sen. John McCain. that can deliver radio as well as CD quality music of its own. Even those who wish the old rules still applied cannot pretend that they do. Besides, there are still antitrust laws A little perspective on the books that apply to broadcasting and that the Justice Department is vigorously enforcing. We just wanted to point out that, at the Radio -Television For broadcasters -radio and TV -to survive, they must News Directors Convention in Charlotte, N.C., two weeks be free to create economies that match the new media scale, ago, crisis coverage expert Bob Steele, of The Poynter as well as have the freedom to move with the market. The Institute, called the coverage of the Littleton tragedy "high alternative is to keep broadcasters trapped in an old model quality." An FBI spokesman praised it generally as an and doom them to watch the game from the sidelines. The example of law enforcement and the media working well term free, over-the air broadcasting has become a shibbo- together. The media, he said, had shown proper restraint. It leth and is in danger of descending into self-parody through didn't always seem that way in the wake of the shootings, so frequent use, but its invocation is not simply to protect when the horrific images were still fresh and questions an old order or a bunch of bottom lines, no matter how about that coverage filled the nation's newsrooms. much either wants to be protected. It is to allow the most Self- examination is crucial and raises tough questions. ubiquitous form of mass electronic communication to have And sometimes it yields answers. Responsible news direc- a fighting chance to be competitive in the next century. In tors now recognize that they must be careful about showing such a battle, size does matter. the movements of police or pinpointing the location of civil- We will revisit this position if Clear Channel suddenly ians still in harm's way. But just as often, the answers aren't reprograms all 830 stations with easy listening and controls clear. Some are still second -guessing the dramatic footage of them all through one part-time employee at some Mass police rescuing a boy from the second -floor of Columbine Automation Center in San Antonio. But that is unlikely. High. Of course, news directors will never have all the Broadcasters' edge is localism and tailoring programming to answers in advance. Each crisis demands its own quick deci- individual markets and listeners. The last time we checked, sions. As Angie Kucharski of KCNC-TV Denver put it: "I have Clear Channel had formats, as well as stations, all over the yet to see a newsroom where they all pull out their binders."

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